In short
The Jackery Explorer 5000 Plus comes out ahead on 4 of six outage scenarios. The real difference is what they can start: window ac, 12,000 btu (Explorer 5000 Plus only), central ac, 2 ton (Explorer 5000 Plus only), heat pump (Explorer 5000 Plus only).
We may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. It never changes a result. Specs from each maker, prices checked October 28, 2026; we haven't tested these units.
Anker SOLIX
6,000 W at 240 V runs a well pump and most circuits through a transfer switch; six expansion batteries per unit.
$2,399.99after on-site coupon, October 28, 2026
Check price
Jackery
The strongest starting power we list (14.4 kW): central AC and well pumps start where smaller units trip. Grows to about 30 kWh with five Battery Pack 5000 Plus; solar figure is the low-voltage input.
$3,149unit alone, without panels or extra battery, October 28, 2026
Check priceEach starts at 6 p.m., battery only. Extra batteries are added when the maker sells them and the outage needs them.
| Scenario | F3800 Plus | Explorer 5000 Plus | Better pick |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fridge, Wi-Fi & lights24 h | 24 h+ | 24 h+ | Tie |
| Storm night + sump pump48 h | 2.0 days+ (+2 batt.) | 2.0 days+ (+1 batt.) | Explorer 5000 Plus |
| CPAP + fridge24 h | 24 h+ | 24 h+ | Tie |
| Rural: well pump & freezer72 h | 3.0 days+ (+3 batt.) | 3.0 days+ (+2 batt.) | Explorer 5000 Plus |
| Winter: gas furnace72 h | 46 h (+6 batt.) | 2.2 days (+5 batt.) | Explorer 5000 Plus |
| Hurricane week168 h | Can't start your biggest motor | 22 h (+5 batt.) | Explorer 5000 Plus |
| Spec | Anker SOLIX F3800 Plus | Jackery Explorer 5000 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 3.8 kWh LFP | 5.0 kWh LFP |
| Expandable to | 27 kWh | 30 kWh |
| Continuous output | 6.0 kW | 7.2 kW |
| Start-up surge | not published | 14 kW |
| 240 V | Yes | Yes |
| Solar input | 3.2 kW | 1.2 kW |
| Weight | 136.7 lb | 134.5 lb |
| Warranty | 5 years | 5 years |
| Panel connection | Home Power Panel or manual 10-circuit transfer switch | Jackery Smart Transfer Switch |
| Price | $2,399.99 | $3,149 |
Appliances only one of them can start on its own: Window AC, 12,000 BTU (Explorer 5000 Plus), Central AC, 2 ton (Explorer 5000 Plus), Heat pump (Explorer 5000 Plus), Electric dryer (Explorer 5000 Plus).
The Jackery Explorer 5000 Plus comes out ahead on 4 of six outage scenarios. Scenario by scenario results are in the table on this page; they come from published specs, not hands-on tests.
The Anker SOLIX F3800 Plus can, for about 3.2 days on one charge. The Jackery Explorer 5000 Plus can, for about 4.2 days on one charge.