EcoFlow RIVER 2 vs RIVER 3: Which Is Better

EcoFlow

You’ve planned a trip. You’ve packed your gear. But what’s powering your journey? Whether you’re driving through the Highlands or charging up for a night in the garden, EcoFlow RIVER 2 and RIVER 3 series provide compact, portable energy that travels as well as you do. With four models on offer—each with different strengths—this comparison helps you match the right power station to your plans, whether you’re staying close to home or going completely off-grid.

Why Portable Power Stations Are Becoming Essential

Think of a portable power station as an upgrade to that tangled extension lead you’ve dragged around for years. It’s neater, safer, and doesn’t require you to be anywhere near a socket. For older homes with limited plugs or outdoor spaces without access to power, it’s a low-fuss solution that works wherever you set it down.

Useful for:

  • Flats with limited sockets

  • Garden or balcony setups

  • DIY or hobby spaces without wiring

  • Short power cuts or blackouts

  • Charging devices during travel or events

No drilling, no noise, no fuel—just power, wherever you are.

Meet the EcoFlow RIVER Series: Compact, Powerful, Reliable

Take a moment to explore the RIVER 2 Series and RIVER 3 Series—our compact power stations made for real-world needs. Each model brings together smart features and practical design to keep you powered anywhere.

EcoFlow RIVER 2 Series

EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max Portable Power Station

Packing a 512Wh LiFePO4 battery and 500W output (with X‑Boost up to 1,000 W), the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max Portable Power Station offers reliable power for most gadgets and small appliances. It recharges fully in just 60 minutes via AC, and takes solar (220W Max), car, or USB‑C inputs.

Key Features:

  • Remote control via EcoFlow app with Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth.

  • Compact at roughly 6 kg, with an ergonomic carry handle.

  • Durable LiFePO₄ battery rated for about 3,000+ cycles.

  • TÜV certified with built-in electrical protections.

EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro Portable Power Station

The EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro Portable Power Station offers a 768Wh LiFePO₄ battery with 800W output (1600W surge via X-Boost), ideal for running most essential devices. It charges from 0–100% in 70 minutes via AC and also supports solar (220W max), car, and USB-C input.

Key Features:

  • Controlled remotely via EcoFlow app using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

  • Weighs only 7.8 kg with a built-in handle for easy carrying.

  • Built with LiFePO4 battery rated for 3,000+ cycles.

  • Includes comprehensive protection system and TÜV certification.

EcoFlow RIVER 3 Series

EcoFlow RIVER 3 Portable Power Station

Featuring a 245 Wh LiFePO₄ battery and a 300 W continuous inverter (surge/X-Boost up to 600 W), the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Portable Power Station keeps smartphones, laptops, lights, and small appliances running smoothly. It fully recharges in as little as 60 minutes via AC—and thanks to its car input (11~30V, 8A, 100W) and solar input (110 W MPPT), you can top it up on the go or harness sunlight when outlets aren’t available.

EcoFlow RIVER 3 Portable Power Station

The EcoFlow RIVER 3 Portable Power Station is a lightweight, portable power station designed for life on the move. Its 245Wh capacity and 300W inverter handle essentials like cameras, laptops and small appliances, while X-Boost lets the unit surge to 600W for gear with a heftier start-up draw. An AC fast-charge brings the battery from empty to full in about an hour, and it accepts solar input up to 110W. At just 3.5 kg and built with durable LFP batteries, it’s easy to slide into a hatchback boot and provides years of reliable backup at home or off-grid.

Key Features:

  • Remote control via EcoFlow app over Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth.

  • Compact size, 3.55 kg light weight, with an easy-grip handle.

  • Durable LiFePO₄ chemistry rated for 3,000 cycles.

  • <20 ms UPS for smooth switching during power cuts.

  • Whisper-quiet (<30 dB) operation and IP54-rated battery pack.

EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus Portable Power Station

EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus Portable Power Station base unit packs a 286 Wh LiFePO₄ battery and delivers 600 W continuous output (1,200 W surge with X‑Boost), ideal for laptops, refrigerators, power tools, and more. Thanks to X‑Stream fast-charging, it refills via AC in just 60 minutes. Solar (up to 220 W MPPT), car input (111~55V, 8A, 220W), and generator ports round out a versatile charging suite—perfect for backup or off‑grid use.

EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus Portable Power Station

286Wh capacity with 600W continuous (1,200W surge via X-Boost) output powers devices from cameras to mini fridges. Fast recharge from 0–100% in just one hour using AC or solar input keeps you going on extended outings. Sub-10 ms UPS switchover ensures seamless protection for sensitive electronics. Integrated LiFePO₄ cells deliver over 3,000 cycles before capacity drops to 80%. Six versatile output ports—including two AC outlets, USB-A, USB-C PD 100 W, and a car socket—allow simultaneous charging of multiple devices.

Key Features:

  • Remote control via EcoFlow app (Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth).

  • Compact at 4.7 kg with a sturdy handle.

  • <10 ms UPS ensures uninterrupted power to sensitive devices.

  • Durable LiFePO₄ battery rated for 3,000 cycles.

  • IP54-rated battery pack; drop/fire-resistant casing.

RIVER 2 vs. RIVER 3 Series: Key Differences That Matter

To help you evaluate the right EcoFlow portable power station for your needs, here’s a detailed comparison of the RIVER 2 Max, RIVER 2 Pro, RIVER 3, and RIVER 3 Plus models based on their power capacity, charging capabilities, weight, and key features:

Feature / Model

RIVER 2 Max

RIVER 2 Pro

RIVER 3

RIVER 3 Plus

Battery Capacity

512 Wh

768 Wh

245 Wh

286 Wh

Battery Type

LiFePO₄ (3,000+ cycles)

LiFePO₄ (3,000+ cycles)

LiFePO₄ (3,000+ cycles)

LiFePO₄ (3,000+ cycles)

AC Output (Continuous)

500 W

800 W

300 W

600 W

X-Boost Output (Surge)

1,000 W

1,600 W

600 W

1,200 W

Recharge Time (AC)

60 minutes

70 minutes

60 minutes

60 minutes

Solar Input

220W

220W

110W

220W

Weight

6.1kg

7.8kg

3.55kg

4.7kg

Control

EcoFlow App (Wi-Fi + Bluetooth)

EcoFlow App (Wi-Fi + Bluetooth)

EcoFlow App (Wi-Fi + Bluetooth)

EcoFlow App (Wi-Fi + Bluetooth)

UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)

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<20 ms UPS

<10 ms UPS

Noise Level

62dB when charging

62dB when charging

<30 dB

<30 dB

Durability & Safety

TÜV certified, electrical protections

TÜV certified, full protection system

IP54, TÜV, drop/fire resistance

IP54, TÜV, drop/fire resistance

Expandability

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Expandable with RIVER 3 Max (572Wh) or Max Plus (858Wh)

What Makes the RIVER 3 Series Worth the Upgrade?

The RIVER 3 Series builds on the strengths of its predecessor with enhancements tailored for greater flexibility, resilience, and off-grid readiness.

With ultra-fast UPS functionality (<20 ms on RIVER 3, <10 ms on RIVER 3 Plus), your sensitive electronics remain uninterrupted during power cuts. IP54-rated protection, combined with a drop- and fire-resistant casing, ensures durability in challenging conditions—whether at home, in the garden, or on the move.

Whisper-quiet operation (<30 dB) makes it suitable for indoor use, and the modular design of RIVER 3 Plus enables expandable capacity—up to 858Wh when paired with Smart Extra Batteries. Whether you're camping, working remotely, or preparing for emergencies, RIVER 3 delivers reliable power with smart control and fast recharging to keep you going.

Which Model Is Best for Your Needs?

Your power needs will shape your choice. The RIVER 2 Series covers the basics, but the RIVER 3 Series adds smarter control, faster UPS, and more adaptability.

For everyday essentials and travel-friendly backup:

The RIVER 3 offers all the key features in a compact design—ideal for powering phones, laptops, lights, and Wi-Fi routers. It’s lightweight, quiet, and ready to go wherever you do.

For more power and long-term flexibility:

Step up to the RIVER 3 Plus. With a 600W output, fast UPS, and durable IP54 protection, it’s perfect for powering workstations, fridges, or weekend off-grid escapes. It also supports Smart Extra Batteries, so you can expand capacity as your power needs grow.

For simple, light-duty needs:

If you’re primarily powering small appliances during short outages or setting up in spaces like balconies, sheds, or studios, the RIVER 2 Max or Pro delivers solid performance at a lower cost. The RIVER 2 Pro, with its larger 768Wh capacity, is especially suited for static, home-based use.

So, is it time to upgrade? If your lifestyle demands portability, UPS-grade reliability, and faster charging, the RIVER 3 Series is the smarter, more future-proof choice. Its compact design, advanced tech, and noise-free operation offer tangible benefits for travelers, RV enthusiasts, and minimalists—making it the standout pick in the portable power stations lineup.