Ive had the Bluetti EB55 for 4-5 months and wanted it going into the winter here in Texas. It has been ideal for running my internet router, a few LED lamps, recharging iPads and phones. While I don't have a solar panel, its in the future. When the power went out we used a Champion 4500w propane dual fuel generator attached to our on-property propane tank. We used the generator to recharge the Bluetti for the evening. I've also used the Bluetti EB55 in the field to recharge Mavic Mini/drone batteries and recharge a 4k gimbal camera (Osmo Pocket). The light on the back of the Bluetti is a great addition as it illuminates a part of the house without needing to plug in another lamp. Nice review.
I have both the Bluetti and Jackery 500. One thing that I love about the Jackery over the Bluetti. Is that the Jackery shows the exact watts you have. If you are at 63%, you see 63%. Where as the Bluetti, you only get 20% increments.
I would love it if the Bluetti had that. The last 20% it shows is always hit and miss if I can heat up a cup of tea or drink it cold because it was really at 2%.
I have the jackery and I really like it. It works Perfectly for my application. That being said the Bluettie is probably a better unit for the money. One minor benefit of bluettie is its square shape. The handle on the jackery is cute and makes it easy to carry but it’s akward to store.
Shape makes a difference. You can put stuff on top with the Bluetti but not the Jackery; and in a space constrained camping scenario, it's actually a big benefit since you don't want to put these heavy units on top of stuff.
You covered the differences perfectly ... i must say i was also aware of those before .. And i feel the main footnote was why buy older technology in the lithium ion when you have the lithium phosphate option along with the other stated advantages there are with the bluetti - no brainer
NOPE. Here's a couple of problems with your review of the Jackery 500. FIRST: You kept saying the Jackery has ONE AC outlet - it has TWO. SECOND - the DC output is REGULATED on the Jackery and IS NOT on the Bluetti - that, by itself is a killer for me. THIRD - the fact that I can RECHARGE my Jackery while simultaneously using the DC is absolutely essential in my use-case. My Jackery 500 is the sole power source for my cargo trailer conversion. It supplies DC for lights, fan, USB chargers, etc. - while charging from a solar panel. If I had to turn-off everything to ensure I'm actually getting charged - my entire camper is useless except to run my laptop's AC brick. I have been using the Jackery 500 in that fashion for just shy of three years. Still going strong. Now, on the "500 vs 2500 charge cycles" issue. When they say it'll have 80% capacity at that point - that means that it has 80% capacity. sheesh. They don't "throw them away" that's ridiculous. Also - those charge cycles are FULL DISCHARGE AND RECHARGE cycles. In the three years we've had our Jackery I'd estimate that we've done about 80-100 full discharge cycles. Calculating this out, I'd estimate that we still are around 93-96% full capacity of the battery. ( I don't know if the drop-off in capacity if linear or what ) Now, I certainly wish that Jackery would switch over to lithium-iron-phosphate technology that Bluetti uses. BUT - in order to keep the regulated DC and the simultaneous charging and discharging on the DC side - the Jackery blows-away the Bluetti.
Thank you for taking the time for a response. I can see how for your one specific use the Jackery makes sense. I'm glad you're happy with your choice and I don't think the Bluetti model described here was available 3+ years ago. To your points: 1) Here's a picture of the Jackery on their website. I see one AC plug. Am I missing another? It even stats on their own website, "Large Capacity: The Jackery Explorer 500 has a 518 watt-hour (24Ah, 21.6V) lithium-ion battery pack and a pure sine wave inverter. It features 1* AC outlet (110V 500W 1000W peak), 3*USB-A ports, 2* DC ports, and 1*car port to run low to high power appliances, including a mini-fridge, air pump, and TV." www.jackery.com/products/explorer-500w-portable-power-station Maybe your model is different because it is older? 2) The 12V car plug of the Bluetti is regulated. Look under Specs on their page: www.bluettipower.com/products/bluetti-eb55-537wh-700w-portable-power-station The two smaller ports are not. 3)Ok, it's essential to you. If you discharge to 10% and recharge every day for three years (about 1100 cycles), as an example, while that is not a 'full discharge', the impact it will have on the Jackery battery will be greater than on the Bluetti. The Bluetti will last longer.
@@StuffbyPWC Nope, you are correct - lol - never noticed that it had only one AC plug. But for 500 watts, kinda makes sense. I still think that charging while discharging is a deal killer. Also, I do NOT intend to buy another Jackery until they change their battery chemistry. And, Jackery - I'm in the market, if you're listening.
@@larryc1616 Quite possibly - ours is more than 3 years old, and an early version. I don't understand why Jackery won't go to Lithium-Iron-Phosphate. Other than that, I love the reliability and simplicity of our current Jackery. But a Bluetti, BougeRV, or EcoFlow is my next choice. I've heard negatives about Bluetti's customer support, however....
@@Jollyprez i think your biggest negative and concern about bluetti was that it doesn't have pass-through charging, but i think that was on the older models. i just checked on Amazon, eb3a, 50s and 70s all have pass-through charging so i don't see any advantage that jackery has other than a bit smaller and lighter due to using older lithium tech. Ecoflow is really good too, but get the lithium-phospate models or wait until they make the conversion for all models.
Good vid. One other consideration, at times you can find the Bluetti PS 54 for under $200. This is an outstanding value for a unit that is functionally identical to the EB55 for roughly half the price. Still not sure how they managed this, but the value math (Wh/$$) is unbeatable. I have had one for 3 months and it has met or exceeded all expectations.
The Jackery I just saw Linus look at in 2020 had three AC outlets. The endurance/cycles would have been the first thing I pointed out... 2,500 is amazing.
The comments on the Amazon site about Bluetti having terrible customer service, the displays not working well, plus the batteries not holding a charge really concern me. I don't see these types of issues with Jackery.
We live van life and this unit caused set backs for us. We purchased a BLUETTI in November and it did not charge up. We charged it all the way down to see if that would be the issue and it just didn’t charge back up. It took us 3 MONTHS to return and refund! Hours of time spent on hold and several phone calls and emails we only got a person on the phone 3 times only to be redirected to email. BLUETTI CUSTOMER SERVICE IS NOT WORTH THE UNIT ITSELF!
The Bluetti also has the fold down handle which allows things to be placed on top or to be stored in smaller areas. I will use this as backup power for a teardrop trailer and a 12V fridge.
Good review! I'll mention that pass thru charging is not good for the battery from what I understand. Keep that in mind as well. Why Jackery still uses the old lithium batteries is beyond me. The newer LiFePo4 that the Bluetti and others use are far safer as well.
Good mention on the pass through charging didn't even think of that The only reason I could think of using the old lithium batteries could be weight or possibly they just have a stockpile 🤔
One reason to use Lion over LiFEPo4 is power density. You get more Watt Hours per pound of battery. Basicly you can have the same power stored in a smaller/lighter battery pack. Downside is fewer cycles of lifetime and a chance of thermal runaway if something goes badly wrong. Its a mater of tradeoffs. If weight is a non issue LiFePo4 all the way, its just better. If weight is an issue you have to decide if you want to cut capacity or use the older tech. Oh and one other issue is temprature. Iron phosphate batteries really dont like being charged in really cold temps. You need either built in heaters or low temp disconnects or risk destroying your battery if you charge while at freezing temps.
Can confirm that you can discharge the DC port while charging with the cigarette lighter port on the car. My car was only charging at 75 watts but I've seen others get 98 watts.
Comment: Wow, this Segway Portable PowerStation Cube Series seems like a game-changer for outdoor enthusiasts like us! The massive capacity, fast recharging, and waterproof technology are definitely appealing. Having uninterrupted power supply and the smart app control feature are great bonuses too. Thanks for sharing this recommendation!
The EB55 has great charging capabilities. I love mine, but it has some warts. * The 200W AC brick is inefficient and very noisy. The fan runs 24x7 whether it is charging or not. Very, very noisy. * That USB C port is not a full two-way PD port. It can push out power, but you can't charge the bluetti via USB C. That's a problem, because high-power USB C power adapters are very efficient and dead silent. 100W charging would be fine with me if it meant being able to scrap that brick, if it could do it. But it can't. * The MPPT drops out at 12V instead of 10.8V so the car adapter won't work with all 12V sockets. Either won't work, or won't be able to charge at anywhere near 120W due to voltage droop. Also for some reason the bluetti over-currents some of my car adapters on startup and refuses to charge, even though the adapters can do 10A. It really needs a current-limited power source instead of a short-protected power source to work properly, and at least 14V to charge at a reasonable speed. * The bluetti tries to pull 200W on the AC adapter. It would be nice if there were options for lower-wattage (quieter, more efficient) adapters. Apart from that, I do like the bluetti quite a bit. The LiFePO4 battery is a winner. -Matt
The inability to charge and discharge at the same time is a killer for me. You should be able have input and output. Some run fridges off these and this would shut down the fridge until you are recharged. Bad design on Bluetti's part.
You’re right, I did fail to speak about solar because I haven’t had a chance to test it. They say it can handle 200W from a panel or panels. It does have an MPPT controller built in which means it can handle a variety of voltages from other manufacturers.
If Bluetti had better customer service the decision between these two units would be easy. Unfortunately there are constant reviews of Bluetti complaining of poor customer service. According to reviews you will not be dealing with Amazon if you have problems with your new unit as they insist you deal with Bluetti.
We live van life and the BLUETTI unit caused some big set backs for us. We purchased a BLUETTI in November and it did not charge up. We charged it all the way down to see if that would be the issue and it just didn’t charge back up. It took us 3 MONTHS to return and refund! Hours of time spent on hold and several phone calls and emails we only got a person on the phone 3 times only to be redirected to email. BLUETTI CUSTOMER SERVICE IS NOT WORTH THE UNIT ITSELF!
The Jackery 500 can run a 120V mini fridge compressor because there is one AC outlet hooked to a 500W inverter. IMO the AC output of Bluetti is only about 350W each or 700W for 2 different and wont run for the same fridge because of the surge.
You might be thinking of another model. This one handles 700 on any one outlet. I use it to boil water for tea and that kettle pulls 600W. It can easily handle 500W.
@@StuffbyPWC Yeah. I have the UK unit but the outlets are in parallel so the load is shared between them. Shame mine is faulty in that it won't actually power the kettle for long and Bluetti won't help me out with a goodwill replacement.
input on the jackery is higher than what you are saying. I get 83 watts on house power, and just got 74 watts out of a 100watt solar panel. Made by solar popo.
The reported wattage input from solar ( in my experience ) will vary depending on how depleted the battery is combined with how much is going out at the same time. It will taper-off as it approaches full charge. Our Jackery, in northern Vermont, easily keeps the Jackery fully charged during winter even at 45 degrees latitude. ( with a good quality panel )
Excellent video I still prefer the Jackery because of one HUGE aspect you IGNORED: SAFETY The Jackery is built tougher and safer, and I choose safety over the other features. Those lithium batteries are NOTHING to joke around with when it comes to safety, and the competitor battery looks like its case is underbuilt. That WORRIES me considering it can fast charge in an hour (it make it sound extra explosive). I will pray for America. Please pray for me. God Bless you.
@@StuffbyPWC ▪ I'm thinking of getting one of these for my dost kope ebike. I'm wondering if I could even go a size smaller from the one you're showing in this video... 🧊
Thank you for a very informative video. What are your thoughts on Anker power banks? I bought an Anker Powerhouse II 400 for working remote with my laptop and also use it in a small camper (for small things). Appreciate your input.
Lisa, The only Anker power units I have used are the smaller power packs for phones and such. They have worked well and I'd be up for trying out their larger power banks if I found one that fit my needs.
True, as they are physically larger (EU ones too). The number of outlets isn't all that important really, as it makes no difference to the total power.
Just to confirm, have the EB55 running in the 4x4 on DC charge and able to run my National Luna 72L Fridge on Passthrough without any issues. Hence the the same whilst connected to a solar panel, the battery is charged and the balance keeps the fridge ice cold in the South African summer. No problem at all!
Can I plug a multiplug outlet into the AC input, so I can plug in my 3 watt guitar amp and maybe a 9 volt guitar pedal ("One Spot") wall wart at the same time? I want to busk on a guitar amp and use a One Spot guitar pedal charge cable (both AC power) at the same time. Can I do this on the Jackery Explorer 500 by using a multiplug adapter to turn the ONE AC outlet into TWO? I will pray for America. Please pray for me. God Bless you.
I might not have explained it perfectly clearly; when you are charing with DC power (solar panel or car charger) you can't use DC outlets (both the ones in the upper right corner and the USB) but you CAN use the AC side of things. So the way you ahem yours hooked up is supposed to work as it does for you. Some people have noted that in the long run, this isn't the best for the batteries (discharge as they charge) but maybe the AC inverter isn't as bad at this?
In short if you are charging this device you can use every one of its output ports.. that's the nice thing about it.. it can run input and output at the same time
@@StuffbyPWC this has been addressed because my EB55 can charge dc and output DC same time. Load was less than incoming charge and increased battery percentage but seemed to take much longer than normal
Skip all of them, if you have a Toyota hybrid like the Prius. Get a 5kw PlugOut Power attached to your Prius. Get more lots more power, and lots-lots more energy capacity. Cost more, but of you camp alot, it is worth it.
@@StuffbyPWC I will share one the bluetti's charger. It's loud fan, it runs and runs and runs. If it is charging or not or even if it is not connected to the battery. It would be an easy fix for bluetti to make it so the fan only comes on then it is charging.
@@donsullivan6199 If you're electrically-savvy it's easy to modify the charger to stop the fan when there is no power being drawn (when the LED goes green), without needing any additional components. This also gives a useful indication that the device is charged. I have a feeling they intended to do that but change their minds as the charger does still consume about 3W when idle, and this could result in overheating in very hot environments.
I would be very interested to hear what other problems you have faced. Mine won't operate a 600W load for very long before declaring the battery's flat when it isn't, and declares it's overloaded when powering a freezer which consumes about 75W (of course with a large startup current, but the Bluetti claims to be able to supply 1kW surge).
Seriously? Bluetti sent me a non working power bank, no available customer service person, just a voicemail. Only email will get a response and then you have to send a video before you can get a merchant return authorization……I returned it finally and promptly had a solar system on my van with a lithium battery. The solar panels blow over in the wind. Now I do nothing and have all the power I need. You decide.
It does seem their customer service is lacking by some accounts. But yes, seriously. It works for me, quite well. I don't completely understand "I returned it finally and promptly had a solar system on my van with a lithium battery. The solar panels blow over in the wind. Now I do nothing and have all the power I need. " The solar panels blew over and are not working now?
If you want customer support and honesty avoid Bluetti. I made the mistake of dealing with them. Won`t happen again. Bluetti hates their customers and have zero concern about your safety. I was basically robbed by them.
That's a spot kind of in-between the sizes Bluetti offers, so it will matter if you want more or less power. That Jackery will last longer than the EB55 just because it has more juice.
Yes. You can use any panel with the correct connector (XT60). It will handle up to 200W. Bluetti makes their own panels as well. Some websites offer an option to buy the power station and panels as a bundle.
if it doesn't charge while being used then it is nowhere as useful as Jackery. On a sunny day your fridge will be cooling more often and therefore dragging power. Perfect condition for topping up your Jackery 500 while being used . Bluetti, not so much. You will either need to unplug your fridge and top up your bluetti or have your fridge running and possibly draining your Bluetti unit. Not good enough in my opinion.
That is true. If is a DC fridge, it won’t be powered while you charge from solar panels. I’m hopeful the next version of this unit takes care of that weakness.
@@StuffbyPWC Charging and discharging are completely independent: you can charge it at any rate within its charge capacity while it's discharging at any rate within its discharge capacity.
Somebody reply to my comment, Soon, Please. I just want to get a portable-battery, To keep my 2 pb-100 speakers powered, Longer than an hour. What is the most-reasonable portable-battery, l can buy?
Hmmmmm so this wouldn't be the best choice for a 12 Volt fridge ? If it can't be charged while being used I would have to unplug my fridge ??? That's no gonna work lol
@@StuffbyPWC as in 2/500 GBP... The jackery 240 is currently £220 and there's nothing of this quality close. For under 500 I could get the jackery 240 and the solar panel which would be perfect for me when camping. And the eb55 is 50 more expensive than the jackery 500 even. You can get the jackery with solar panel for 790 right now whereas bluetti with solar panel which is 110 more
@@StuffbyPWC the Bluetti's charger has a small noisy fan. The unit itself has two larger fans, but these don't come on except at high loads. They don't come on while charging from the mains charger.
We have used the ru-vid.comUgkxOTeIs0vv4_9B5hsmnLsk9r930uDQLu_Y for probably 30 hours with our camper and it’s been great! The noise level is really only noticeable when running the AC and other appliances like the microwave, hair dryer, or coffee pot. It’s not huge like other ones and it has wheels so even at 90lbs, I can move it!
I do like that it has two PD100 USB-C ports but I have really been liking having four USB-A ports. The extra capacity is certainly nice and 800W on the AC side is almost perfect.
Not a car battery as there are very few Lithium Ion car batteries. Charge and discharge profile is different as is gas production for some car batteries.
@@StuffbyPWC Is it possible it's not on "eco" mode? That powers down all the outlets after 4 hours of low/no load. Any sections that are switched on will consume standby power, especially the AC inverter (about 20W). If not on eco mode, you need to remember to switch them all off.
Technically, yes, but they advise against it. It will constantly drain and charge the battery and that is not optimal. A true UPS that bypasses the battery until needed is a lot better, and cheaper.
