The Jackery 500 vs Goal Zero 500X are two portable power stations that offer the promise of keeping your gadgets charged and adventures powered, but each does so differently with a unique selection of features.
Understanding exactly how these two portable power stations compare is crucial before making a purchase – so that you make sure you get the best device at the most affordable price.
In this comparison, we’ll dive into what sets the Jackery 500 and Goal Zero Yeti 500X apart, helping you decide which portable power station is the right companion for your next outdoor trip or home backup emergency.
Key Takeaways:
- Battery Type: Both have a lithium-ion NMC battery
- Inverter: Jackery is mentioned to have pure sine wave inverters on all of their portable power stations, while Goal Zero only has pure sine wave inverters on their larger models.
- Capacity: While both have a capacity of about 500 watt-hours.
- Outlets & Ports: The Jackery has 6 ports, while the Goal Zero has 7. Both provide AC, DC and USB-A ports, however the Jackery 500 does not have USB-C ports. Both provide regulated ports.
- Storage Capacity: The Jackery 500 has 518 watt-hours, and the Goal Xero 500x has 495 watt-hours.
- Output Power: The Jackery 500 has more continuous AC output, with 500 watts and 1000-watt peak surge. The Goal Zero 500x has more powerful surge power, with 300 watts output and 1200 watts surge.
- Recharge Times: The Jackery 500 charges in slightly less time, with a 7 – 7.5 hour AC and DC charging time, and 9 hour solar recharge time. The Goal Zero 500x takes 9 hours to charge via an AC wall outlet, 6 hours via solar, and 9 hours using an USB-C PD port.
- App Control / Bluetooth / WiFi: Neither has networking capability.
Portability: Both portable power stations are relatively lightweight and portable, making them ideal for using while camping, or for emergency backup power.
Price: The Jackery 500 is significantly cheaper than the Yeti 500x, with a retail price around $349. In comparison, the Yeti 500x costs around $559.
Jackery 500 vs Goal Zero Yeti 500x
Jackery 500 and Goal Zero Yeti 500x have about the same storage capacity.
The Jackery has 500Wh and the Yeti 500x has 497Wh.
Jackery 500 and Goal Zero have the same type of battery.
Both power stations have an Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) lithium-ion battery.
Jackery 500 has more powerful output.
The Jackery has 500W of continuous AC output, with 1000W of peak surge power. The Yeti 500x has 300W of AC output, and 1200W surge power.
Goal Zero Yeti 500x has more output ports.
The Yeti 500x has 7 outlets and ports, which include:
+ 2x 120V AC
+ 2x USB-A
+ 1x USB-C PD
+ 1x USB-C
+ 1x 12V car port
The Jackery 500 has 6 outputs, and does not provide any USB-C ports:
+ 1 x AC
+ 3 x USB-A (15W)
+ 1 x DC Port
+ 1 x DC Car Port
Jackery 500 charges faster using AC and DC power, while the Goal Zero Yeti 500x charges faster by solar.
The Jackery 500 charges in 7 hours when plugged into an AC outlet, 9 hours using solar and 7.5 hours via DC power. The Yeti 500x charges in 9 hours using an AC wall outlet, 6 hours via solar and 9 hours via USB-C PD port.
The Jackery 500 is more compact, while the Goal Zero Yeti 500x is lighter.
Jackery 500 weighs 13.3 lbs. with dimensions of 11.8″L x 7.6″W x 9.2″H. The Yeti 500x weighs 12.9 lbs. with dimensions of 14.4″L x 12.3″W x 9.1″H.
Jackery 500 is cheaper.
Jackery 500 retails around $349, and the Yeti 500x is priced around $559
Jackery 500 vs Goal Zero 500X Comparison Chart
| Features | Jackery 500 | Goal Zero 500x |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Type | NMC | NMC |
| Capacity | 518Wh | 497Wh |
| AC Output | 500W | 300W |
| Surge | 1000W | 1200W |
| Charge Cycles | 500 | 500 |
| Output Ports | 6 Total: – 1 x AC – 3 x USB-A (15W) – 1 x DC Port – 1 x DC Car Port – 0 x USB-C | 7 Total: +2x 120V AC +2x USB-A +1x USB-C PD +1x USB-C +1x 12V car port |
| AC Recharge Time | 7 hours | 9 hours |
| Solar Recharge Time | 9 hours | 6 hours |
| DC Recharge Time | 7.5 hours | |
| Alternate Recharge Time | 9 hours (USB-C PD) | |
| Dimensions | 11.8″L x 7.6″W x 9.2″H | 7.5 x 11.25 x 5.8 in (19.05 x 28.58 x 14.73 cm) |
| Weight | 13.3 lbs | 12.9 lbs (5.85 kg) |
| Operating / Storage Temperature | 14-104°F (-10-40℃) | 32-104 F (0-40 C) |
| App Control | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| WiFi | No | No |
| Pass Through Charging | Yes | |
| Warranty | 2 years | 180 days |
What are the differences in battery capacity between Jackery Explorer 500 and Goal Zero Yeti 500x?
The Jackery Explorer 500 has slightly more storage, with 518 watt-hours of battery capacity. The Goal Zero Yeti 500x provides 497 watt-hours of storage capacity.
What will a 500 watt Jackery run?
A 500 watt Jackery will power a blender for 50 minutes, mini cooler for 9 hours, and electric blanket for 3.9 hours.
How long will a Jackery 500 run a TV?
A Jackery 500 can run a 50 watt television for about 9 to 10 hours. This time estimate is calculated by dividing the power station’s 500 watt capacity by the 50 watt power consumption of the TV.
How many years does a Jackery 500 last?
The Jackery 500 is designed with a Lithium-Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) battery to provide at least 500 charge cycles to 80%, before the battery starts to degrade. This equates to about 18 to 20 months of daily use, if the power station is fully charged and discharged 100%. Keep in mind that these estimates are based on a power station that’s properly maintained and operated.
