EcoFlow River 3 vs Jackery Explorer 300 Plus (2026) — Which Is Better?

These are the two best sub-$200 portable power stations, and they take different approaches. The EcoFlow River 3 ($169) bets on weather resistance and X-Boost output. The Jackery Explorer 300 Plus ($199) bets on capacity and battery longevity. Both are excellent — the right choice depends on where and how you use it.

Quick answer: Buy the River 3 if you use it outdoors in unpredictable conditions. Buy the Jackery 300 Plus if you want maximum capacity and the longest-lasting battery.

Side-by-Side Specs

Where EcoFlow River 3 Wins

Weather Resistance (IP54)

The River 3 is rated IP54 — it handles splashing water, rain, and dust. The Jackery 300 Plus has no weather rating. If you camp in the Pacific Northwest, work outdoors, or just want peace of mind at a beach day, the River 3 is the safer bet.

X-Boost Output (600W)

The River 3’s X-Boost mode doubles effective output to 600W for resistive loads (small heaters, hair tools, electric kettles). The Jackery tops out at 300W with no boost option. This is the difference between “phone charger” and “can actually run small appliances.”

Price ($30 Less)

At $169 vs $199, the River 3 saves you $30 while adding features (IP54, X-Boost) that the Jackery lacks. Dollar for dollar, the River 3 is the better deal.

Charging Speed

About 1 hour from a wall outlet versus about 2 hours for the Jackery. If you often need a quick top-off before heading out, the River 3 is twice as fast.

Weight (0.5 lbs Lighter)

Minor difference, but the River 3 at 7.8 lbs is slightly lighter than the Jackery at 8.3 lbs.

Where Jackery 300 Plus Wins

Capacity (17% More)

288Wh vs 245Wh. That extra 43Wh translates to one more full phone charge, an extra hour of LED lighting, or 30 more minutes of laptop time. Over a weekend, this adds up.

Battery Longevity (33% More Cycles)

4000 cycles vs 3000 cycles. At daily use, the Jackery lasts 11 years to 80% capacity versus 8 years for the EcoFlow. At weekly use, both will outlive you — but the Jackery technically wins.

Interface Simplicity

Jackery’s one-button interface is famously simple. While EcoFlow’s app is polished, the Jackery works perfectly without any app at all. Press button, use power. For people who don’t want to troubleshoot Bluetooth connections, this matters.

Solar Ecosystem

Jackery’s SolarSaga panel lineup is extensive and affordable. The panels are purpose-built for Jackery stations with optimized connectors. EcoFlow’s solar panels also work well but tend to cost more.

Use Case Recommendations

Camping (rainy/unpredictable weather): EcoFlow River 3 — IP54 protection eliminates weather worry.

Camping (fair weather): Either works. Jackery 300 Plus for longer trips (more capacity). River 3 for shorter trips (lighter).

Car emergency kit: EcoFlow River 3 — weather resistance matters in roadside situations.

Daily device charging: Jackery 300 Plus — more capacity and longer battery life for daily cycling.

Tailgating / outdoor events: EcoFlow River 3 — X-Boost handles blenders and small appliances.

Gift: Jackery 300 Plus — simpler interface, no learning curve, Amazon best-seller status builds confidence.

Pricing

Interestingly, the cost per Wh is identical. The Jackery’s extra capacity is proportional to its extra cost. The cost-per-cycle slightly favors Jackery due to its longer battery life.

Check Price: EcoFlow River 3 on Amazon

Check Price: Jackery Explorer 300 Plus on Amazon

The Verdict

The EcoFlow River 3 is the better buy for most people. At $30 less, it offers weather protection, double the output via X-Boost, and faster charging. The capacity difference (43Wh) is small enough that most users won’t notice.

Choose the Jackery Explorer 300 Plus if battery longevity is your top priority (4000 vs 3000 cycles), if you prefer the simplest possible interface, or if the extra 43Wh of capacity tips a specific use case for you.

Either way, you’re getting an excellent LiFePO4 power station for under $200. There are no bad choices here.

FAQ

Can I use EcoFlow solar panels with Jackery or vice versa? Generally yes, as long as the voltage and connector match. However, both brands optimize their panels for their own stations. For guaranteed compatibility and best performance, stick with matched brands.

Which one is quieter? Both are virtually silent during light use. The Jackery 300 Plus operates at approximately 25dB. The EcoFlow River 3 is similarly quiet. Neither has a noticeable fan during low-draw operation.

Do either work for CPAP machines? Both can power CPAP machines, but runtime is limited. At 30-60W CPAP draw, expect 4-8 hours from the River 3 and 5-9 hours from the Jackery 300 Plus. For full-night CPAP, consider a 600Wh+ model.