In Brief
Both units cost around £599 and use LiFePO4 chemistry with equal 5-year warranties. Jackery leads on noise; Anker leads on output power, charging speed, and retail availability. Neither offers UPS.
| Feature | Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 | Anker Solix C1000 Gen2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price (approx.) | £599 | £599 |
| Capacity | 1,070Wh | 1,056Wh |
| AC Output | 1,500W | 2,000W Winner |
| Mains Charge Time | ~1.8 hrs | ~49 min Winner |
| Solar Input (max) | 400W | 400W |
| Weight | 11 kg | 11.3 kg |
| Noise Level | Sub-22dB Winner | Not rated |
| Battery Chemistry | LiFePO4 | LiFePO4 |
| UPS Mode | No | No |
| Warranty | 5 years | 5 years |
| UK High-Street Retail | Limited | Argos, Currys, Costco, Machine Mart Winner |
Who Should Choose Each?
Choose the Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 if…
You camp, go caravanning, or use your power station indoors and noise is a concern. The sub-22dB rating is industry-leading at this price. The 5-year warranty also makes it the lower-risk buy if you plan to use it regularly over several years. At 11 kg it is reasonably portable without being heavy. Best for: tent camping, motorhome touring, quiet working from home during a power cut, and off-grid photography or video setups where fan noise spoils recordings.
Choose the Anker Solix C1000 Gen2 if…
You need to run high-draw appliances like a 2,000W kettle, a microwave, or a hair dryer. The 2,000W continuous output gives you 33% more headroom than Jackery's 1,500W. The 49-minute HyperFlash charge is also a standout if you have short windows to top up. Wide availability at Argos, Currys, Costco, and Machine Mart means you can buy or return locally without waiting for a courier. Best for: van conversions, site power, outdoor events, and anyone who wants the fastest charge time in class.
Full Specification Comparison
| Spec | Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 | Anker Solix C1000 Gen2 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 1,070Wh | 1,056Wh |
| Battery Chemistry | LiFePO4 | LiFePO4 |
| AC Output (continuous) | 1,500W | 2,000W |
| AC Outlets (UK) | 2 × UK 3-pin | 2 × UK 3-pin |
| USB-A Ports | 2 | 2 |
| USB-C Ports | 2 (100W each) | 2 (100W each) |
| 12V DC Output | Yes (car port + DC5521) | Yes (car port) |
| Max Mains Charge Input | ~1,000W | ~2,400W (HyperFlash) |
| Mains Charge Time | ~1.8 hrs (~108 min) | ~49 min |
| Solar Input (max) | 400W | 400W |
| Car Charge Input | Yes (12V/24V) | Yes |
| Weight | 11 kg | 11.3 kg |
| Noise Level | Sub-22dB | Not rated |
| UPS Pass-through | No | No |
| App Control | Yes (Jackery app) | Yes (Anker app) |
| Warranty (UK) | 5 years | 5 years |
| UK Price (approx.) | £599 | £599 |
Charging Speed
This is one of the biggest practical differences between the two units.
How fast does the Anker Solix C1000 Gen2 charge?
The Anker Solix C1000 Gen2 supports HyperFlash charging, which allows it to accept a much higher input wattage from the mains (~2,400W). The result is a full charge in approximately 49 minutes from empty — fast enough to top up during a lunch break, a shopping trip, or a short hotel stay. This is one of the fastest charging times available in the 1kWh portable power station segment as of 2026.
How fast does the Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 charge?
The Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 charges from mains in around 1.8 hours (roughly 108 minutes). That is competitive for a 1kWh unit but noticeably slower than Anker. Both units support up to 400W solar input, so solar recharge times are roughly comparable when panel output is equal.
Output Power — Can It Run a Kettle?
A common question for UK buyers is whether a portable power station can run everyday appliances.
Can the Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 run a kettle?
Not reliably. Most UK kettles draw between 2,000W and 3,000W at full power. The Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 has a 1,500W continuous AC output, meaning the majority of standard kettles will trip the unit's overload protection. Some lower-wattage travel kettles rated at 1,000W to 1,200W would work, but a standard kitchen kettle almost certainly will not.
Can the Anker Solix C1000 Gen2 run a kettle?
The Anker Solix C1000 Gen2 offers 2,000W continuous AC output. A 2,000W kettle sits right at the limit — in practice some 2,000W kettles will run, though anything rated higher will still trip the overload protection. This is a meaningful real-world advantage for van life, site use, or anyone wanting to make a hot drink from a portable unit.
What else can each unit power?
With around 1,060Wh capacity, either unit can power: a laptop for around 10–12 hours; a CPAP machine for 1–2 nights; a small portable fridge for 12–20 hours (depending on ambient temperature); LED lighting for 20 or more hours; a phone charged approximately 70–80 times.
Important: Neither unit offers UPS (uninterruptible power supply) mode. For seamless power-cut protection for routers, NAS drives, or medical devices, consider the EcoFlow Delta 2 or EcoFlow Delta 3.
Noise and Portability
Portable power stations generate noise from internal cooling fans, which can be intrusive in quiet settings.
How quiet is the Jackery Explorer 1000 v2?
Jackery rates the Explorer 1000 v2 at sub-22dB during normal operation. At that level, the unit is barely audible in a quiet room — comparable to a whisper at distance. This makes it well suited for indoor use during a power cut, tent or awning camping, and recording environments. It is one of the quietest portable power stations at this price in the UK market.
How quiet is the Anker Solix C1000 Gen2?
Anker has not published a specific dB rating for the Solix C1000 Gen2. User reports suggest it is reasonably quiet at low loads but audible under higher draw, particularly when charging at HyperFlash speeds. Without an official figure it cannot match Jackery's sub-22dB claim.
Which is easier to carry?
The Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 weighs 11 kg with a single carry handle — manageable for short distances. The Anker Solix C1000 Gen2 weighs 11.3 kg, essentially the same. At 1kWh capacity, any unit in this class will feel substantial over longer carries, so a trolley or wheel-in carry bag is worth considering for either.
Warranty and Value
Warranty cover is worth factoring in at the point of purchase, particularly for a device you may depend on during a power cut or off-grid trip.
- Sub-22dB — genuinely the quietest in class
- 5-year UK warranty
- 11 kg — manageable carry weight
- 400W solar input
- DC5521 barrel port in addition to car port
- Slightly larger capacity (1,070Wh vs 1,056Wh)
- 1,500W AC output — cannot run 2,000W+ appliances
- ~1.8 hr mains charge time
- Limited high-street UK retail presence
- No UPS mode
- 2,000W AC output — can run many UK kettles
- 49-minute HyperFlash mains charge
- Stocked at Argos, Currys, Costco, Machine Mart
- 5-year UK warranty
- LiFePO4 chemistry
- No published noise rating
- No UPS mode
- Slightly heavier (11.3 kg)
- Slightly smaller capacity (1,056Wh)
UK Retail Availability
Where can I buy the Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 in the UK?
The Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 is sold primarily through Jackery's own website, Amazon UK, and selected specialist camping and outdoor retailers. High-street coverage is more limited than Anker. Returns and after-sales support are typically handled online or via post.
Where can I buy the Anker Solix C1000 Gen2 in the UK?
The Anker Solix C1000 Gen2 has broad high-street distribution in the UK. It is stocked at Argos, Currys, Costco, and Machine Mart in addition to Amazon UK and Anker's own site. This makes it easier to view in person before buying, to collect same-day, and to return locally if there is a problem.
Overall Verdict
Which should most UK buyers choose?
At the same £599 price point, neither unit is a clear winner across the board. The right choice depends on what you need the unit to do.
When Jackery is the better buy
Choose the Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 if low noise is your priority. For camping, caravanning, or quiet indoor use during a power cut, sub-22dB fan noise is a genuinely useful attribute. Both carry equal 5-year warranties, so the noise advantage is the main differentiator for Jackery.
When Anker is the better buy
Choose the Anker Solix C1000 Gen2 if you want to run higher-wattage appliances or need fast top-up charging. The 2,000W output handles more household devices including many kettles, and a 49-minute charge means downtime is minimal. Wide high-street availability is also a bonus if you want to try before you buy.
A note on UPS
Both units lack a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) mode. If you need seamless power-cut protection for a router, NAS drive, or medical device, look at the EcoFlow Delta 2 or EcoFlow Delta 3, both of which support fast UPS switching.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 is rated at sub-22dB, which Jackery markets as the quietest in its class. The Anker Solix C1000 Gen2 does not publish a comparable noise rating. For camping, caravanning, or indoor use where silence matters, Jackery has the clear edge.
No. The Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 has a 1,500W continuous AC output. A standard UK kettle draws up to 2,000W to 3,000W, so most kettles will exceed that limit. The Anker Solix C1000 Gen2 offers 2,000W continuous output and can run many 2,000W kettles — giving Anker a practical advantage for full-power kitchen use.
The Anker Solix C1000 Gen2 charges in approximately 49 minutes using HyperFlash technology, which is outstanding. The Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 takes around 1.8 hours (roughly 108 minutes) from mains. If you need to top up fast between uses, Anker wins by a wide margin.
No. Neither the Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 nor the Anker Solix C1000 Gen2 offers a UPS pass-through mode. If you need UPS capability for sensitive equipment during a power cut, look at alternatives such as the EcoFlow Delta 2 or EcoFlow Delta 3, both of which support UPS switching.
The Anker Solix C1000 Gen2 is available at several major UK high-street and warehouse retailers including Argos, Currys, Costco, and Machine Mart, as well as online through Amazon UK and Anker's own site. This broad availability makes it easy to buy in person or return locally if needed.
Both the Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 and the Anker Solix C1000 Gen2 carry a 5-year warranty in the UK in 2026. Warranty cover is equal between these two brands — choose based on noise, charging speed, and output rather than warranty length.
Both are capable caravan and motorhome companions with equal 5-year warranties. The Jackery Explorer 1000 v2's quieter operation (sub-22dB) makes it preferable for extended touring where noise matters. The Anker Solix C1000 Gen2 is better if you need to run high-wattage appliances, want faster top-up charging (49 min), or prefer local high-street purchase and returns.
Yes. Both use lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery chemistry, which offers better thermal stability and a longer cycle life compared with standard NMC lithium-ion cells. LiFePO4 is well-suited to portable power stations that may be used regularly over several years.