The Anker SOLIX C1000 and the Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 are two of the most popular 1 kWh power stations, and they’re close enough on paper that the choice isn’t obvious. Both use LiFePO4 batteries, both weigh around 24 lb, and both can recharge from the wall in under an hour with their fast modes.
Here’s how they actually differ, spec by spec, and which one fits which use.
How we compared: we used the specs published on Anker SOLIX’s and Jackery’s official US websites. We have not tested these units ourselves. Prices change constantly, so check the current price through the links.
Side by side
| Anker SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 | Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 1,024 Wh | 1,070 Wh (US version) |
| Battery | LFP, 4,000 cycles to 80% | LiFePO4, 4,000 cycles to 70% |
| AC output | 2,000 W (3,000 W peak) | 1,500 W (3,000 W surge) |
| AC outlets | 3 | 3 |
| USB-C | 2 × 140 W max (plus a shared 20 W port) | 1 × 100 W, 1 × 30 W |
| Car port | 12V / 10A | 12V / 10A |
| Fast wall charge | 49 min (UltraFast, 1,600 W, app) | ~50 min (Emergency Super Charge, app) |
| Standard wall charge | 1,200 W | 1.58 h |
| Solar input | 600 W max, up to 60 V (XT60i) | 400 W max combined (2 × DC8020) |
| AC + solar together | Yes | Not stated |
| UPS switchover | 10 ms | <20 ms |
| Expandable | No | Not listed |
| Weight | 24.9 lb | ~23.8 lb |
| Dimensions | 15.12 × 8.19 × 9.61 in | 12.87 × 8.82 × 9.72 in |
| Noise (quoted) | 20 dB under 200 W | 30 dB |
| Warranty | See Anker’s warranty policy | 3 + 2 years |
Capacity and runtime: basically a tie
The Jackery’s 1,070 Wh is about 4% more than the Anker’s 1,024 Wh. With roughly 85% usable through the inverter, that’s about 910 Wh vs 870 Wh. In practice:
| Load (average) | Anker C1000 Gen 2 | Jackery 1000 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| CPAP, no humidifier (40 W) | ~22 hours | ~23 hours |
| Efficient fridge (60 W) | ~14.5 hours | ~15 hours |
| 500 W load (e.g. small space heater on low) | ~1.7 hours | ~1.8 hours |
Want your own numbers for a CPAP? Use our CPAP battery calculator.
One note on Jackery’s capacity: Jackery’s US page lists both 1,070 Wh (the 120V version’s spec block) and 1,024 Wh (which appears to be the international version). US retailers list 1,070 Wh. Check the listing you buy from.
Cycle life isn’t comparable on paper either: Anker rates 4,000 cycles to 80% capacity, Jackery 4,000 cycles to 70%. Anker’s rating is the stricter one.
Output: Anker runs bigger loads
The Anker’s 2,000 W continuous output (3,000 W peak) handles things the Jackery’s 1,500 W can’t run at full power, like a 1,800 W kettle or some microwaves. If you mainly power a fridge, CPAP, laptop, TV or lights, both are plenty.
Charging: both fast, Anker better on solar
Both recharge from the wall in about 50 minutes with their fast modes, which you switch on in each brand’s app. Anker’s team has said that ultra-fast charging every time can shorten battery life, so the standard speed is better for daily use.
Solar is where they differ. The Anker accepts up to 600 W of panels, the Jackery about 400 W across its two inputs. In full sun, at 75% of max input:
- Anker C1000 Gen 2: about 2.3 hours to full with 600 W of panels
- Jackery 1000 v2: about 3.6 hours to full with 400 W of panels
If you’ll charge mostly from solar, at a cabin or on a long camping trip, that’s a real advantage for Anker. The Anker can also charge from AC and solar at the same time.
UPS for backup
Both can sit plugged into the wall and take over if the grid goes down. Anker quotes a 10 ms switchover, Jackery under 20 ms. For most electronics either is fine, but sensitive gear like desktop PCs prefers the faster switch. Note Jackery’s manual says the unit doesn’t support 0 ms switching, so it isn’t a true online UPS.
Portability
The Jackery is about 1 lb lighter and noticeably shorter (12.87 in vs 15.12 in long). Neither is expandable, so the battery you buy is the battery you keep.
What about the original Anker C1000 (and C1000X)?
The first-generation C1000 is still sold and differs in several ways:
| C1000 (Gen 1) | C1000 Gen 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 1,056 Wh, expandable to 2,112 Wh | 1,024 Wh, not expandable |
| AC output | 1,800 W (SurgePad 2,400 W) | 2,000 W (3,000 W peak) |
| AC outlets | 6 | 3 |
| Fast charge | 58 min (1,300 W) | 49 min (1,600 W) |
| AC + solar together | No | Yes |
| UPS | <20 ms | 10 ms |
| Weight | 28.44 lb | 24.9 lb |
| Cycles | 3,000 to 80% | 4,000 to 80% |
| Warranty | 5 years | See Anker’s warranty policy |
Choose the Gen 1 if you want more outlets or the option to add a battery later; choose the Gen 2 for lighter weight, faster UPS and more output.
Which one should you buy?
Choose the Anker SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 if:
- you’ll charge from solar a lot (600 W vs 400 W)
- you want it as an always-plugged-in backup (10 ms UPS)
- you need to run loads near 2,000 W
Choose the Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 if:
- you’ll carry it often and want the smaller, lighter box
- you want the slightly bigger battery
- you like Jackery’s SolarSaga panels, which plug straight in
See Anker SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 See Jackery Explorer 1000 v2
What owners say
We read owner discussions about both models:
- The Gen 2 earns praise for reliability, with small gripes. An owner of two C1000 Gen 2 units and a larger Anker called them very reliable; another member disliked having to switch the AC on manually and its idle inverter draw of about 5 W. (MacRumors Forums)
- Some C1000 units click. A new owner heard constant relay clicking with AC on; Anker support first suggested a reset, then said the clicking was normal. (Anker Community)
- The Jackery’s limited solar input is its main complaint. Owners using the Explorer 1000 v2 as a computer or fridge backup were happy overall, but one called the two limited solar inputs its biggest drawback. (Slickdeals)
- UPS works by leaving it plugged in. In a community Q&A, Anker explained the UPS function works with the unit plugged into the wall and AC on, and that the default charge speed is better for battery life than ultra-fast charging every time. (Anker Community)
The bottom line
The Anker SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 is the better all-rounder: more output, more solar input, faster UPS and a stricter cycle rating. The Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 is the better grab-and-go unit: lighter, smaller and with a touch more capacity. For home backup and solar charging, pick the Anker; for camping and carrying, the Jackery is hard to beat.
Using it for a CPAP? See the best portable power station for CPAP and how long a power station will run a CPAP.
Sources
- MacRumors Forums: Anker SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 review discussion
- Anker Community: Anker SOLIX C1000 clicking noise
- Slickdeals: Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 owner discussion
- Anker Community: SOLIX C1000 Q&A with product managers
Frequently asked questions
- Which is better, the Anker SOLIX C1000 or the Jackery Explorer 1000 v2?
- The Anker C1000 Gen 2 has more AC output (2,000 W vs 1,500 W), more solar input (600 W vs 400 W) and a faster 10 ms UPS switchover. The Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 has slightly more capacity in its US version (1,070 Wh vs 1,024 Wh) and is about 1 lb lighter.
- How long does the Anker C1000 Gen 2 take to charge?
- Anker quotes 49 minutes from 0 to 100% with UltraFast charging (1,600 W) turned on in the app, and a standard 1,200 W charging mode. Anker's team has said frequent ultra-fast charging can shorten battery life, so the default speed is better for everyday use.
- Can either one be expanded with an extra battery?
- Not the C1000 Gen 2; Anker lists it as not expandable. Jackery doesn't list an expansion battery for the Explorer 1000 v2. The original Anker C1000 could be expanded to 2,112 Wh.
- What's the difference between the Anker C1000 and C1000 Gen 2?
- The Gen 2 is lighter (24.9 lb vs 28.44 lb), outputs more (2,000 W vs 1,800 W), has a faster UPS (10 ms vs under 20 ms) and can charge from AC and solar at the same time. The original has more capacity (1,056 Wh), six AC outlets and an expansion battery option.