I want to start experimenting with batteries and solar panels. The top 3 brands of portable batteries are Ecoflow, Bluetti, and Jackery. I'm focusing on their entry-level offerings, around £250.
I need to familiarise myself with those brands. So first, let's look at their online presence and see what people think of them.
All three websites are bad, with aggressive marketing tactics and annoying pop-ups. It shows the company's mindset. Bluetti's site is the best of the lot, but still not impressive.
After checking reviews and customer service feedback, Bluetti and Ecoflow have mixed reviews, while people seem happy with Jackery.
| Name | Warranty | Reddit Community | Google Hits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ecoflow | 5 | 3k | 14M |
| Bluetti | 2 | 2.4k | 8M |
| Jackery | 3 | 828 | 22M |
Jackery uses Lithium-ion batteries, which is outdated tech. Ecoflow and Bluetti use Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO), which performs better and lasts much longer.
| Name | Capacity | Output | Outlets | USB-C | USB-A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ecoflow RIVER 2 | 256Wh | 300W | 1 | 1@60W | 2x2.4A |
| Bluetti EB3A | 268Wh | 600W | 1 | 1@100W | 2x3A |
| Jackery Explorer 240 | 240Wh | 400W | 1 | 0 | 2x2.4A |
| Name | AC | Car | Solar |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ecoflow RIVER 2 | 360W | 8A | 110W |
| Bluetti EB3A | 350W (430W) | 8.5A | 200W |
| Jackery Explorer 240 | NA | 10A | 100W |
Note: The Bluetti can go up to 430W AC charging with an extra external adapter (£130). I can't find the AC charging power from Jackery's website.
| Name | Ecoflow | Bluetti | Jackery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 110W | 120W | 100W |
| Price | £250 | £270 | £220 |
| Bundle Price | £520 | £520 | £480 |
Bluetti also offers a 200W solar panel for £400 (£130 extra).
Jackery needs to catch up with its outdated Lithium-ion battery and lack of USB-C. Bluetti provides better value for money but comes with a shorter warranty of 2 years, compared to Ecoflow's 5 years. However, poor customer service online reviews for both make the warranty length questionable anyway.
The Bluetti can charge almost twice as fast with a 200W panel compared to the Ecoflow RIVER 2's 110W limit. It also has a 100W USB-C port, which will come in handy to charge our laptops.
On rainy days, I can charge it to 80% from an outlet in 40 minutes.