S5000
- you’ll move it around: 97 lb
- you charge from 240V at 4,500W
- your RV cord is a TT-30
Explorer 5000 Plus
- you need 7,200W at 240V
- you have 4,000W of solar
- you want a NEMA 14-50 and 12V
Prices and stock checked by our price engine on November 5, 2026 at 6:30 AM EST. Each product is rechecked several times a day; the time refreshes when you load the page.
Same five kilowatt-hours. You are choosing between 37.5 lb less and 2,700W more.
The Anker SOLIX S5000 stores 5,024Wh and delivers 4,500W at 120V or 240V, with 240V only from its L14-30R; it takes 3,000W of solar and charges from a 240V outlet at up to 4,500W, at 97 lb. The Jackery Explorer 5000 Plus stores 5,040Wh and delivers 7,200W at 120V and 240V, with a NEMA 14-50, takes 4,000W of solar and weighs 134.5 lb; it charges at 240V only through Jackery’s Smart Transfer Switch. Both grow to about 30kWh. If your loads stay under 4,500W at once, the 5000 Plus’s extra output buys you nothing.
Below: every difference with numbers, a 20-second calculator for your own gear, seven modeled situations, and what published tests found on each.
Same capacity within 16Wh, same 30kWh ceiling. The S5000 weighs 37.5 lb less, takes 240V charging at up to 4,500W without a switch, has a TT-30R and is rated for 6,000 cycles to 80%. The 5000 Plus delivers 7,200W instead of 4,500W, takes 4,000W of solar instead of 3,000W, and adds a NEMA 14-50, a 12V socket and a 0ms Online UPS mode.
- you’ll move it: 97 lb
- you charge from 240V at 4,500W
- you cycle it: 6,000 cycles to 80%
- you run more than 4,500W
- you have 4,000W of solar
- you want the Smart Transfer Switch
The five differences that decide it
Both store about 5kWh, grow to about 30kWh with five extra batteries, deliver 240V from an L14-30R, feed a home transfer switch and run from their brand’s app. These five gaps decide it.
Will it run your setup? Check in 20 seconds
Estimates use 85% usable capacity and 70% of rated solar output. Real results vary with temperature, inverter load, shade and appliance cycling. Fridge and freezer watts are daily averages and do not include compressor startup surges.
Runtime by appliance, one at a time
Simple energy estimates, not measured runtimes. About 4,270Wh usable on the S5000 and 4,284Wh on the 5000 Plus: on one appliance at a time, they run the same.
Practically a tie: the 5000 Plus and the S5000 hold the same energy, within 1%.
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The price gap, in numbers
The Jackery Explorer 5000 Plus costs $999.01 more than the Anker SOLIX S5000 and adds 16Wh: that is $62.44 per extra Wh, against $0.50 per Wh for the S5000.
Prices refresh daily from Anker US and Jackery US.Cycle ratings use different end points: Anker rates the S5000 at 6,000 cycles to 80%, Jackery the 5000 Plus at 4,000 to 70%, so we skip the price-per-cycle card. What each price buys is different: lighter weight and 240V charging on one side, 2,700W more output and 1,000W more solar on the other.
Seven modeled situations, worked out
Same formula as the calculator above, with no expansion battery. The two batteries are 16Wh apart, so runtimes match; the gaps come from output, outlets and charging. The fridge averages 60W, about 525kWh a year, in the range printed on typical EnergyGuide labels; that average does not include compressor startup surges.
24-hour outage, essentials only
A tie: about two days on either. ESS News ran a large fridge plus phones for 61.5 hours on an S5000 during a real PG&E shutoff; Android Authority’s author runs his essentials for three to five days on a 5000 Plus.
Big 240V loads at once
Only the 5000 Plus has the headroom. The S5000 stops at 4,500W, and its guide says it delivers 120V or 240V, not both at once. Under 4,500W, both do the job.
Recharging from 240V
The S5000 takes up to 4,500W at 240V through its AC input, with Anker’s 240V Fast Charging Cable; from a 240V generator while you use the 120V outlets, Anker asks for a generator rated above 4,500W. The 5000 Plus takes 240V only through the Smart Transfer Switch, about 1.7 hours to full; Gear Diary calls this its biggest drawback.
An RV with a 30A inlet
The S5000’s TT-30R takes a 30A RV cord directly, at up to 3,600W; ground the unit first, since Anker says it has a floating neutral. The 5000 Plus has no TT-30; its 14-50 suits a 50A cord. Only the 5000 Plus has a 12V socket for 12V gear.
Charging an EV at 240V
The 5000 Plus’s NEMA 14-50 takes most mobile EV chargers directly, at up to 30A. The S5000 has no 14-50: its 240V comes only from the L14-30R, within 4,500W. About 5kWh adds a short top-up, not a full charge.
Refill from solar, each at its maximum
The 5000 Plus refills faster at its maximum, with 1,000W more input. Its high-voltage input needs 135 to 450V; the S5000’s takes 16 to 165V, so shorter strings work. ESS News saw 680W from two 400W panels on the S5000 on a sunny October day.
Home office through an outage
Both carry about two workdays. The S5000 switches in 10ms, and Bob Vila’s desktop PC kept running when it was unplugged from the wall. The 5000 Plus switches in under 20ms by default and offers 0ms in Online UPS mode on its four 5-20 outlets, up to 3,600W.
Nine more differences, the spec sheet and the box
Smaller gaps that rarely decide the purchase, then the full specifications and what ships in the box.
S5000 and Explorer 5000 Plus weight, dimensions and full specifications
Weight: 97 lb for the Anker SOLIX S5000 and 134.5 lb for the Jackery Explorer 5000 Plus. Dimensions: 10.6 × 22.0 × 15.2 in and 16.5 × 15.5 × 25 in. Everything else is in the sheet below.
Anker SOLIX S5000 and Jackery Explorer 5000 Plus full specifications
Every published figure for both units, grouped. Green marks the better value.
What’s in the box
S5000
- S5000 power station5,024Wh, 97 lb
- AC charging cable
- User guide
- Solar cables sold separately
5000 Plus
- Explorer 5000 Plus5,040Wh, 134.5 lb
- AC charging cable
- MC4 wrench
- Smart Transfer Switch sold separately
S5000: user guide and Anker US page; the 240V Fast Charging Cable comes in a separate bundle. 5000 Plus: Jackery US page, basic kit.
06 · ChargingHow fast each one refills
Shorter bar, faster refill. Each row is scaled to its slower unit.
S5000: each BP5000 adds 3,200W of charging, up to 12,000W; ESS News saw 1.79kW for 2 h 49 at 120V5000 Plus: Quiet charging at about 1,400W, per Gear Diary
Our solar times divide capacity by 70% of the panel rating; real charging slows near full.
Every port, side by side
S5000
5000 Plus
Practical consequence: both feed a transfer switch from an L14-30R. The S5000’s TT-30R takes a 30A RV cord directly; the 5000 Plus’s NEMA 14-50 takes EV chargers and 50A RV cords, and it adds a 12V car socket and more USB.
08 · NoiseNoise: S5000 vs 5000 Plus
Both are rated around a whisper at low output: Anker gives the Anker SOLIX S5000 under 30dB at 2,000W, and Jackery the Jackery Explorer 5000 Plus 30dB in Quiet Mode. Jackery also publishes 51.7dB at full load; Anker gives no full-load figure.
All figures are brand ratings at 1 m; we found no independent dB measurement of either.Every figure we found, with its source
What reviewers heard: Charging was very quiet, even quieter than the smaller S2000 (ESS News); nearly silent running a portable AC, but the fans hum noticeably as the load rises (Bob Vila).
What reviewers heard: Quiet charging, at about 1,400W, noticeably cuts fan noise (Gear Diary).
Measured by a tester Brand figure
- Lower the charging power in the app if the unit sits near a bedroom.
Cold and heat: S5000 vs 5000 Plus
For a cold garage, the Anker SOLIX S5000 keeps running down to −4°F; the Jackery Explorer 5000 Plus stops at 5°F and is limited to 3,600W below 14°F. For heat, the 5000 Plus is rated to 113°F against 104°F. Neither charges below freezing.
Figures from the S5000 user guide (AS510) and the Jackery US 5000 Plus page and manual.5000 Plus: output limited to 3,600W below 14°F.
- Charge either one indoors in winter: neither charges below 32°F.
- Keep the 5000 Plus indoors: Jackery says it is for indoor use only.
App, UPS and smart features
The Anker SOLIX S5000 has more automation: Storm Guard, Smart Generator 5500 auto start and SurgePad for heaters. The Jackery Explorer 5000 Plus answers with a 0ms Online UPS mode and its own Smart Transfer Switch.
Both apps schedule charging and run over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.Green zone: a switch under about 16ms, which most desktop PCs ride through without restarting.
Can it start a generator by itself? The Anker SOLIX S5000’s user guide lists automatic start and stop of Anker’s Smart Generator 5500 at set battery levels; Jackery lists no such feature for the Jackery Explorer 5000 Plus.
Does it prepare for storms? The Anker SOLIX S5000’s Storm Guard uses local weather alerts to recharge at full speed before severe weather, ignoring preset limits; Jackery lists no storm mode for the Jackery Explorer 5000 Plus.
Can it run a heater or kettle above its rating? The Anker SOLIX S5000’s SurgePad runs heating loads up to 6,000W, not in bypass mode; the Jackery Explorer 5000 Plus has no such mode listed, but its normal output is already 7,200W.
Does it work as a UPS? The Anker SOLIX S5000 switches to battery in 10ms; Bob Vila’s PC kept running on it. The Jackery Explorer 5000 Plus switches in under 20ms by default and offers 0ms in Online UPS mode on its four 5-20 outlets, up to 3,600W; Gear Diary reports losing roughly 15 to 25% of the energy in UPS mode.
Does it connect to a home panel? The Jackery Explorer 5000 Plus pairs with Jackery’s Smart Transfer Switch, up to 12 circuits at 120V or 6 at 240V. The Anker SOLIX S5000 feeds a compatible transfer switch or power inlet box from its L14-30R, but not Anker’s Home Power Panel or the E10 system.
Can it charge off-peak? Both schedule charging by time of day: the Anker SOLIX S5000 handles on-peak, mid-peak, off-peak and super off-peak periods; the Jackery app sets charging and discharging times on the Jackery Explorer 5000 Plus.
Can you add a battery later? Both grow to about 30kWh: up to five BP5000 on the Anker SOLIX S5000 (30.1kWh), up to five Battery Pack 5000 Plus on the Jackery Explorer 5000 Plus, or 60kWh with two units through the switch.
Warranty and support
Both carry 5 years. Anker lists the Anker SOLIX S5000 at 5 years, included; Jackery gives the Jackery Explorer 5000 Plus 5 years standard and sells a 2-year extension as a paid option.
Jackery’s manual accepts authorized dealers; its product page says the 5 years are exclusive to Jackery.com.Subject to each brand’s warranty terms and eligibility.
Anker rates the S5000 at 6,000 cycles to 80% (10,000 to 60%), about 16 years at one full cycle a day. Jackery rates the 5000 Plus at 4,000 cycles to 70%, about 11 years. The end points differ, and calendar aging and heat also reduce capacity.
- If you choose the 5000 Plus, buy it from Jackery.com to be safe, keep the receipt, and charge it fully within 7 days of purchase and at least every 6 months: otherwise the cell isn’t covered. The warranty is not transferable.
- The S5000 needs no step we could find: Anker states no S5000-specific registration condition.
What reviewers report
We have not lab-tested these two units. Independent hands-on reviews of both are scarce: we found two we could verify on each, ESS News and Bob Vila on the S5000, Gear Diary and an Android Authority roundup entry based on the author’s own use on the 5000 Plus. Most figures therefore come from Anker and Jackery US documentation. Each point gives the source, author and date.
S5000: ESS News (pv magazine group) (October 2026), Bob Vila (October 2026)5000 Plus: Gear Diary (September 2026), Android Authority (September 2025 (updated January 2026))
Usable capacity
- S5000Reviewer On a full discharge the app reported 4.87kWh delivered, about 97% of the 5,024Wh nameplate; output was not independently metered. ESS News (pv magazine group), Andrew Riha, October 2026
- S5000Reviewer During a real PG&E shutoff it ran a large fridge plus phones for 61.5 hours, from 100% down to 18%. ESS News (pv magazine group), Andrew Riha, October 2026
- S5000Reviewer Running a home refrigerator until the battery was empty, it lasted around 86 hours, matching Anker’s claim. Bob Vila, Paul Rankin, October 2026
- 5000 PlusReviewer Running a 1.5 hp well pump, the display showed under two hours of runtime at 90% charge and about 2,400W. Gear Diary, M Thorne, September 2026
- 5000 PlusReviewer In the author’s own home, it ran all his essential appliances for about three to five days. Android Authority, Edgar Cervantes, September 2025 (updated January 2026)
Charging
- S5000Reviewer Charging at the 1,800W setting from 120V, wall draw held near 1.79kW for 2 h 49 min, then dropped to about 1.43kW for the last 50 minutes. ESS News (pv magazine group), Andrew Riha, October 2026
- S5000Reviewer A full charge pulled 6.24kWh from the wall, giving roughly a 78% round trip based on the app’s discharge reading. ESS News (pv magazine group), Andrew Riha, October 2026
- S5000Reviewer At the 1,000W setting the charge took 65% longer but used only 1.7% less wall energy. ESS News (pv magazine group), Andrew Riha, October 2026
- 5000 PlusReviewer Quiet charging mode runs at about 1,400W and noticeably cuts cooling fan noise. Gear Diary, M Thorne, September 2026
- 5000 PlusReviewer The reviewer’s biggest complaint: no standard 240V AC charging input, so a 240V portable generator cannot refill it directly. Gear Diary, M Thorne, September 2026
Noise and heat
- S5000Reviewer Charging was very quiet, even quieter than the smaller S2000; the reviewer did not measure decibels. ESS News (pv magazine group), Andrew Riha, October 2026
- S5000Reviewer Nearly silent running a portable AC, but the cooling fans hum noticeably as the load rises. Bob Vila, Paul Rankin, October 2026
UPS and output
- S5000Reviewer A portable air conditioner ran for more than four hours at about 1kW with no problem. ESS News (pv magazine group), Andrew Riha, October 2026
- S5000Reviewer There is no 12V DC output, which RV and van setups often expect. ESS News (pv magazine group), Andrew Riha, October 2026
- S5000Reviewer Unplugging the S5000 from the wall while it powered a desktop PC caused no interruption. Bob Vila, Paul Rankin, October 2026
- 5000 PlusReviewer With the Smart Transfer Switch in UPS mode, the relay transfer takes around 20ms. Gear Diary, M Thorne, September 2026
- 5000 PlusReviewer If the switch is charging the battery when the grid drops, the delay grows to about one second. Gear Diary, M Thorne, September 2026
- 5000 PlusReviewer With UPS mode off, the Smart Transfer Switch takes about five seconds to switch to battery. Gear Diary, M Thorne, September 2026
Daily use and issues
- S5000Reviewer With 120V output on and nothing plugged in, it lost 5% charge in 24 hours, about 10W, in line with Anker’s 8.8W idle rating. ESS News (pv magazine group), Andrew Riha, October 2026
- S5000Reviewer Plugged in and full, it kept drawing about 7W from the wall, roughly 60kWh a year. ESS News (pv magazine group), Andrew Riha, October 2026
- S5000Reviewer The E10 Smart Generator cable would not fully seat in this pre-release unit, so generator charging was not tested. ESS News (pv magazine group), Andrew Riha, October 2026
- 5000 PlusReviewer Running the circuits through the battery in UPS mode loses roughly 15 to 25% of the energy. Gear Diary, M Thorne, September 2026
- 5000 PlusReviewer The unit’s Wi-Fi does not reconnect on its own; it needs a full power cycle to turn networking back on. Gear Diary, M Thorne, September 2026
- 5000 PlusReviewer At 134.5 lb it is hard to move and usually takes two people to carry. Android Authority, Edgar Cervantes, September 2025 (updated January 2026)
Practical limits before you buy
- The S5000 has no 12V output. RV and van setups need a converter.
- The S5000 delivers 120V or 240V, not both at once, per its user guide; its 240V comes only from the L14-30R.
- The S5000’s 4,500W is a ceiling for all its 120V outlets together; each NEMA 5-20R takes 2,400W, the TT-30R 3,600W.
- The S5000 slows to 12A on a 120V outlet after about three hours; full speed needs 240V.
- Its 240V charging uses Anker’s 240V Fast Charging Cable. On November 1, 2026, Anker’s page listed that cable in a separate S5000 bundle; the basic kit lists the AC charging cable.
- The S5000 doesn’t work with Anker’s Home Power Panel or the E10 system; use a compatible transfer switch or inlet box.
- The 5000 Plus can’t charge from a 240V outlet or generator on its own. 240V goes through the Smart Transfer Switch; while connected to it, its 120V AC input can’t charge the unit.
- Neither has the other’s big outlet. The S5000 has no NEMA 14-50; the 5000 Plus has no TT-30.
- The 5000 Plus is for indoor use only, per Jackery; keep at least 200 mm between it and a battery pack.
- Both are heavy. 97 lb and 134.5 lb: ESS News found the S5000 prone to tipping on grass, and Android Authority’s author says the 5000 Plus usually takes two people to carry.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Anker S5000 and the Jackery 5000 Plus?
Both store about 5kWh and grow to about 30kWh. The S5000 delivers 4,500W at 120V or 240V, takes 3,000W of solar, charges from 240V at up to 4,500W and weighs 97 lb. The 5000 Plus delivers 7,200W at 120V and 240V, takes 4,000W of solar, has a NEMA 14-50 and a 12V socket, and weighs 134.5 lb.
Which is cheaper?
The Anker SOLIX S5000 costs $999.01 less today: $2,499.99, against $3,499 for the Jackery Explorer 5000 Plus. Prices refresh daily; the price section above has the full breakdown.
Which has more power?
The 5000 Plus: 7,200W and a 14,400W surge, against 4,500W and 8,000W for one second on the S5000.
Which lasts longer in an outage?
Neither, in practice: 5,024Wh and 5,040Wh give about 47 hours each on our essentials preset.
Which charges from a 240V outlet or generator?
The S5000, directly through its AC input at up to 4,500W, full in 99 minutes per Anker. The 5000 Plus takes 240V only through Jackery’s Smart Transfer Switch.
Which is better for an RV?
For a 30A cord, the S5000 with its TT-30R. For a 50A cord or 12V gear, the 5000 Plus, with its NEMA 14-50 and 12V car socket.
Can both back up a home panel?
Yes. The S5000 feeds a compatible transfer switch or power inlet box from its L14-30R, but not Anker’s Home Power Panel. The 5000 Plus pairs with Jackery’s Smart Transfer Switch, up to 12 circuits at 120V or 6 at 240V.
How far do they expand?
About 30kWh on both: five BP5000 take the S5000 to 30.1kWh, five Battery Pack 5000 Plus take the 5000 Plus to about 30kWh, or 60kWh with two units through the switch.
How much do they weigh?
97 lb for the S5000 and 134.5 lb for the 5000 Plus.
Related comparisons and reviews
How we compared and sources
Research-based comparison. We have not physically tested these two units. Specs come from Anker US and Jackery US documentation and their user guides; usage observations are attributed to named reviewers. Prices and availability are checked by our price engine; specs were read on October 30 and November 1, 2026.
- Specs: Anker US, S5000 with its user guide (AS510), and Jackery US, Explorer 5000 Plus with its US user manual, read on October 30 and November 1, 2026.
- S5000 outlet count: ESS News; Anker doesn’t state the number of NEMA 5-20R outlets. Jackery’s page headline promises 0ms UPS; its spec table and manual give under 20ms by default and 0ms only in Online UPS mode, so we use those.
- Reviewer reports on the S5000: ESS News (pv magazine group), Andrew Riha, October 2026, Bob Vila, Paul Rankin, October 2026; on the 5000 Plus: Gear Diary, M Thorne, September 2026, Android Authority, Edgar Cervantes, September 2025 (updated January 2026).
- Runtime = capacity × 0.85 ÷ watts. Solar harvest = min(panel watts, max input) × sun hours × 0.70.
Both store about 5kWh. The S5000 weighs 97 lb and charges at 240V on its own; the 5000 Plus delivers 7,200W, takes 4,000W of solar and has a 14-50.
Prices checked November 5, 2026 at 6:30 AM EST
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Originally published: November 5, 2026