Jackery Explorer 100 Plus Review: Pocket-Sized Power for Travel

The Jackery Explorer 100 Plus blurs the line between power bank and power station. At just 2.1 lbs with dual USB-C PD ports, it’s the smallest and lightest unit we cover — and it fills a real niche.

Key Specs at a Glance

• Capacity: 99Wh
• Output: 128W (USB-C PD)
• Weight: 2.1 lbs
• Charge Time: ~1.8 hours (wall outlet)
• Battery Type: LiFePO4 (2,000+ cycles)

Who Is It For?

Digital nomads, hikers, and travelers who need to keep laptops and phones charged. If you fly frequently, the under-100Wh capacity means it’s airline-approved. It’s also a good option paired with Jackery’s 40W solar panel for ultralight solar charging.

No AC Outlets — And That’s OK

Let’s address the elephant in the room: the Explorer 100 Plus has zero AC outlets. This is purely a USB charging device. That limits its appeal compared to units like the EcoFlow RIVER 3, but it also means it’s half the weight and fits in a bag pocket.

If you primarily charge phones, tablets, earbuds, and USB-C laptops, you don’t need an AC outlet at all.

100W USB-C PD

The dual USB-C ports deliver up to 100W of Power Delivery output. That’s enough to charge a MacBook Air at full speed or charge two phones simultaneously. It’s essentially a very high-capacity laptop charger that also happens to have a solar input.

Solar Bundle Option

Jackery sells the Explorer 100 Plus with a 40W SolarSaga panel for around $169. It’s the lowest-cost entry point into solar charging and great for teaching the basics of off-grid power. Full solar charge takes about 4 hours in direct sunlight.

What You Can Charge

Based on the 99Wh capacity:

• Charge an iPhone 15 about 5-6 times
• Charge a MacBook Air once
• Charge an iPad twice
• Keep earbuds charged for weeks

What Could Be Better

The 99Wh capacity is minimal — it’s a power bank, not a power station. No AC outlets rules out running any household devices. The 128W max output means even USB-C charging speed is capped. And at $149, you’re paying a premium for the LiFePO4 chemistry and Jackery brand.

The Bottom Line

The Jackery Explorer 100 Plus is perfect if you know exactly what you need: lightweight, airline-approved USB charging with solar capability. It’s not for everyone, but for travelers and ultralight campers, it’s a solid choice. If you need AC outlets, step up to the EcoFlow RIVER 3 or Bluetti AC70.