Best Portable Solar Power Stations (~500–800Wh)
We compared three portable power stations in the ~500–800 Wh class that actually make sense for overlanding. Our best value pick is the BLUETTI AC70 for its bigger capacity and fast charging (AC & solar) without jumping to a much heavier unit. We stacked it against popular options from Jackery and EcoFlow so you can choose the right mix of capacity, recharge speed, and portability for your rig.
Quick Verdict
- Best Value (Capacity + Charging): BLUETTI AC70 — larger ~768 Wh battery, quick AC & solar charging, strong port layout.
- Fastest Wall Recharge: EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max — ~1-hour 0→100% AC, LFP longevity, great app.
- Lightweight & Simple: Jackery Explorer 500 — easy carry, reliable brand, clean solar bundles.
Quick Compare
| Model | Image | Capacity | Battery | Inverter | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jackery Explorer 500 |  |
518 Wh | NMC Li-ion | 500 W (1,000 W surge) | ~13 lb | See price |
| EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max |  |
~512 Wh | LFP (LiFePO₄) | 500 W (boost higher) | ~13–14 lb | See price |
| BLUETTI AC70 — OGS best value |  |
~768 Wh | LFP (LiFePO₄) | 1,000 W | ~22.5 lb | See price |
Jackery Explorer 500 — lightweight & simple to use
- Capacity: 518 Wh (NMC)
- Output: 500 W pure sine (1,000 W surge)
- Weight: ~13 lb
Why We Like It
- Easy carry for quick weekend trips or tailgate power.
- Trusted brand with clean, plug-and-play solar bundles.
- Straightforward interface for first-time buyers.
Pros
- Lightweight & portable
- Reliable reputation and support
- Simple solar pairing via SolarSaga panels
Cons
- NMC battery (shorter cycle life vs. LFP)
- Slower recharge vs. EcoFlow/BLUETTI peers
- Fewer ports than higher-spec rivals
EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max — fastest wall recharge + LFP longevity
- Capacity: ~512 Wh (LFP)
- Output: 500 W (higher in boost mode)
- Recharge: ~1 hour 0→100% via AC
Why We Like It
- Blazing AC recharge for quick turnarounds between trail days.
- Long-life LFP battery chemistry for heavy users.
- Refined app + accessories ecosystem for power nerds.
Pros
- Class-leading wall charge speed
- LFP cycle life & stability
- Good app + ecosystem integration
Cons
- Solar input isn’t the fastest in class
- Mid-range inverter limits high-draw appliances
- Accessory ecosystem can be spendy
BLUETTI AC70 — best value for capacity & fast charging
- Capacity: ~768 Wh (LFP)
- Output: 1,000 W inverter
- Recharge: Fast AC & strong solar input potential
Why We Like It
- Bigger battery in a still-portable shell — extra runtime for real trips.
- Quick top-ups via AC or solar, so you’re not tied to shore power.
- Higher inverter headroom for hungrier devices at camp.
Pros
- Largest capacity in this roundup
- Fast charging (AC & solar)
- Generous port selection
Cons
- Heavier & bulkier than 500 Wh units
- Best suited to vehicle-based setups
Bottom Line
If you want the most runtime and stronger device headroom without going huge, the BLUETTI AC70 is the sweet spot. Need lightning-fast wall top-ups between legs? Grab the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max. Prefer a lighter, simpler setup with clean bundles? The Jackery Explorer 500 remains a solid pick.