EcoFlow is a top vendor of solar power stations, and it has on sale the River and Delta series of power stations, the compact and big-size series, respectively. The River line appears in multiple variants: River, River Pro, River Max, and River Mini. In our take on EcoFlow River, River Pro, River Max, and River Mini, we would like to compare the brand’s compact solar power stations.
EcoFlow launched the original River power stations in a successful Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign back in 2020. Since then, they have been the favorite choices of campers and preppers, and the brand has also added more variants to the lineup over the course of time.
We presently have almost a half-dozen of the Rivers. The main differences between the variants are in their modular profiles and storage capacities, though they look almost similar in design and share the same AC output, outlets, and charging options. Other than the Mini, all other variants have 600-watt inverters.
Along with detailed takes on each model of the EcoFlow River series and their comparisons, we would also like to pit them against their nearest rivals from other brands such as Jackery and Bluetti. Ahead of that, you can have a quick glance at the key specs of the best-selling River power stations below.
| EcoFlow River 2 Series Update: EcoFlow has upgraded its River series with the next-gen LiFePO4 variants in October 2022. The new models – River 2, River 2 Max, and River 2 Pro – are to go on sale on 23rd, Oct. ’22. We would also like to compare the new models to their predecessors below. |
THE RIVER AND RIVER 2 SERIES AT A GLANCE
EcoFlow River Vs EcoFlow River 2
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EcoFlow River Max Vs River 2 Max
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EcoFlow River Pro Vs River 2 Pro
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EcoFlow River Mini
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Table of Contents
EcoFlow River, River Pro, River Max, and River Mini
As you see, EcoFlow River and River Max are basically the same machines. The River is the original, while River Max is its modular variant, which you can expand up to 576Wh with an extra battery module.
Meanwhile, the River Pro and River Mini are different products at the top and bottom ends.
The River Pro is a 720Wh powerful machine that you can expand up to 1440Wh using the brand’s external battery module. Unlike River Max, the River Pro has got a standalone extra battery, not a stackable unit.
The River Mini, as you see, is the entry-level variant of the EcoFow River line-up. It comes with a 210Wh battery and a 300-watt inverter. The lite variant of the River series is a fine choice for campers, hikers, and tailgaters to support their small devices.
Moreover, EcoFlow offers two special variants called River Plus and River Max Plus. The original River Plus comes with a 360Wh battery and the Plus variant is expandable up to 720Wh using the brand’s additional battery pack. Both devices feature 600W inverters and solar inputs of up to 200 watts.
In our quick comparison of EcoFlow River, River Pro, River Max, and River Mini, we would like to check out each model in detail below. Stay tuned to find your best companion for the next adventure.
EcoFlow River Portable Power Station
The River is the base variant of the series and it comes with a 288Wh lithium battery.
The best thing is that you can expand it up to a 576Wh power station with the brand’s stackable extra battery module. By the way, it features the same 600W/1200W inverter as all other variants in the series.
However, thanks to the brand’s X-Boost technology, it can even support an appliance up to 1800 watts. But in regular use, it is highly recommended for appliances up to 1200 watts only for ideal results.
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Including three 120V AC outlets, River incorporates 10 charging outlets overall. They include four different USB ports, dual DC sockets, and a regulated carport of 13.6V.
The USB ports of River are a pair of USB-A 2.4A/5V units, one USB-C 28W (max) Fast-Charge port, and one Type-C 100W PD outlet. The two DC barrel ports are 13.6V DC and 3A (max) power.
For charging it, you have a 200W 10-25V DC 12A (max) input for solar charging and a 250-watt AC charging port with its X-Stream quick charging mode, which helps you fully charge it in below two hours.
Connected to a solar array of maximum capacity, you can charge it in under three hours, depending on the intensity of the sun in your location. By the way, the DC charging will take three hours.
EcoFlow River 2 LiFePO4 Power Station
This is the base variant of the new series of River 2 power stations. As you see, the key difference the new River series makes from its predecessor is the LiFePO4 battery that has more shelf life and safety.
The new River 2 replaces the River original with a 256Wh LFP battery pack and fast AC charging speeds with a 360W input, which can fully charge the little device in just 60 minutes.
When it comes to solar charging, the new River 2 features a 110W input and you have it with dual AC sockets and multiple USB and DC charging outlets.
The device has a size of 9.6 x 8.5 x 5.7 inches and it weighs just 7.7 lbs. The new River competes with Bluetti’s EB3A in terms of specs and features.
EcoFlow River Vs Jackery Explorer 300
Jackery’s Explorer 300 is evidently the closest rival to EcoFlow River. We would like to check out how River is different from the little Jackery machine, which is basically a 293Wh power station. And it carries a 300W power inverter under the hood with a surge power of up to 500 watts and two AC outlets.
Clearly, Explorer 300 has a slight edge over River in battery capacity, but it has no option for an expansion. Also, River outplays it with a more reliable 600-watt inverter and a surge of 1200 watts. Plus, it boasts a special inverter booster X-Boost mode for up to 1800 watts.
Coming to the charging options, besides the two AC sockets, Explorer integrates a Type-C 60W PD port, one USB-A Quick-Charge port, and a regular USB port apart from a 12V car charger. That means River enjoys a visible upper hand over the Jackery with more efficient USB and DC ports.
For charging from a solar source, Explorer has only an input port of 12V-30V 90W (max), which will take it over five hours for a full charge with a 100W solar panel. Meanwhile, River, as said above, highlights a 200W input that will require only two hours for a full charge with the maximum solar output.
Finally, let us check out the size and weight. Fine, Explorer 300 has only a size of 9.1 x 5.2 x 7.8 in and a weight of 7.1 lbs. It is the only area where River falls short of its Jackery competitor as it is slightly larger and bulkier at 11 lbs. Both the devices come with durable and easy-carrying handles, however.
EcoFlow River Max Portable Power Station Review
River Max is exactly the same as the original River, except that it has got double storage capacity as it comes up with the brand’s stackable extra battery module. In other words, River Max is a specially branded River with the brand’s extra battery in the bundle. So you don’t need to buy an extra battery separately for a better storage capacity.
Thus, you get a total power of 576Wh and two times faster AC charging speeds of 500 watts. All the other specs and the charging outlets are also the same. It packs up the same 600W AC inverter with a surge of 1200 watts. The X-Boost mode can enable it to pull out up to 1800 watts.
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Of course, you can detach the extra battery when you want to make the power station rather portable for travels and adventures. And keep the extra battery in your vehicle or somewhere else as a backup.
In short, as said above, with River Max, you get an exclusively branded device apart from the one with an optional extra battery pack. It brings you a lovely discount of nearly $70 when you buy a River Max instead of the original River and Extra Module separately.
EcoFlow River 2 Max LiFePO4 Power Station
The new River 2 Max is going to replace an expanded version of the River Max original. Thus, the new device has got a 512Wh LFP power pack and a 500W inverter that can surge at 1000 watts.
It has got an AC charging speed of 660W and a solar input of 220W. With the AC input alone, you can charge it completely in just 60 seconds like its younger sibling River 2.
The power station features four AC outlets and multiple USB and DC ports and it has a size of 106 x 10.2 x 7.7 inches and a weight of 13.2 lbs.
Bluetti’s EB55 will be the key competitor of River 2 Max in the market.
EcoFlow River Max Vs Jackery Explorer 500 Comparison
River Max is the right alternative to Jackery’s compact Explorer 500. Here, we would like to compare the specs of the Jackery 500 against its EcoFlow alternative. Explorer 500 is, in fact, a 518Wh power station with a 500W pure sine wave inverter that can surge at 1000 watts.
River Max turns out to be a serious threat to the Jackery with its more reliable 576Wh battery, including the detachable extra module. Plus, it has got a 600W inverter with a surge of 1200W and an additional X-Boost power of up to 1800 watts.
Coming to the charging options, River Max has a clear dominance over its Jackery rival. It has got three AC outlets, while the Jackery has only a single AC socket. Moreover, it misses out on fast-charging USB ports like USB-C, USB 3.0, and more. Order your unit of Explorer 500 on the link below.
For solar charging, the Explorer has a 12V-30V (100W max) input, while River Max can support up to 200 watts of solar power. With a 100W solar panel, it will take over five hours for a full charge, while River gets charged up in below three hours.
When it comes to size, they nearly have the same dimensions, but you can reduce the size of River Max by detaching its extra battery pack for better portability. Meanwhile, River Max is a little weightier at 17 lbs, while Explorer 500 is just 13.31 lbs.
But, one thing to remember is that this variant of Jackery is a bit old, which hit the stores long before the EcoFlow River series, and even its own younger variant, Explorer 300. That is why it lacks some fresh and modern features. Jackery may soon come up with an upgrade for it.
EcoFlow River Pro Portable Power Station Review
Next, we have EcoFlow River Pro. Yes, this is the top-end variant of the series with a battery pack of 720Wh. You can expand it up to 1440Wh using the brand’s extra battery pack, which is an external module with the same design as the power station.
Except for the battery and a higher 660W AC charger, it has everything the same as its lower siblings. It features the same 600W inverter with all its attributes like 1200W surge power and 1800W X-Boost power. The same three AC charging outlets are also there.
River Pro is the right choice for those who need even more power for long-haul adventures, and off-the-grid and emergency life. Increased storage capacity makes you run multiple devices for a pretty long time. When it comes to the charging options, it has got everything its young variants have.
Thus, you can see a regulated carport, dual DC outlets, and multiple USB sockets, including USB-A, Type-C, and USB 3.0 Fast-Charge ports.
Meanwhile, it has got a faster 660W AC adapter for charging from your home wall socket. But the solar charging input is the same 200W one, so you can only juice it up from a solar array of up to 200 watts.
With a more powerful battery, is a little bit heavier and larger, however. Thus, it has a size of 11.4 x 7.1 x 9.3 in and a weight of 16.8 lbs, which makes it as handy and portable as its small variants.
EcoFlow River 2 Pro LiFePO4 Power Station
This is the pro variant of the next generation of River solar power stations. Called River 2 Pro, it simply replaces the River Pro original with a 768Wh LFP battery pack.
It features an AC charging rate of 940 watts, which can charge the device in 70 minutes to the full. The AC charging input of the device is the same 220W as its younger sibling River 2 Max.
The AC inverter under the hood of River 2 Pro is an 800W unit that can peak at 1600 watts. Like River 2 Max, it integrates four AC sockets and several USB and DC ports.
The River 2 variant has a size of 10.6 x 10.2 x 8.9 inches and it weighs 17.2 lbs. It will be taking on Bluetti EB70S in the market of compact solar power stations.
EcoFlow River Mini Portable Power Station Review
Here comes the mini variant of the EcoFlow River solar power stations. As you see, it is a very handy and ultra-portable power station. Called EcoFlow River Mini, this is a 210Wh device with a 300W inverter that can surge at 600 watts. You can easily handle River Mini in various outdoor and off-grid situations.
With multiple AC and other outlets, River Mini is an ideal portable power station for your off-grid and emergency needs. Though a smaller device, it touts all the special features EcoFlow has on its bigger and premium models, including X-Stream charging and X-Boost inverter mode.
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Thanks to the X-Stream charging technology, you can recharge River Mini in 1.5 hours from 0% to 100% from an AC socket. Meanwhile, it has 100W DC and solar inputs, and it can be charged from a 100W solar panel in below four hours under optimal conditions.
River Mini integrates a variety of charging options, including two AC sockets. The other options include a DC car outlet, three USB-A ports, one USB-C outlet, and a 15-watt wireless charging pad. Altogether, it can support up to eight devices of you at a time.
The little EcoFlow device has a size of 14.41 x 8.35 x 7.2 in and it weighs just 6.16 lbs.
Special Features
We have already explored the specs and features of the entire EcoFlow River power stations. As you see, all the models share a lot of things in common, except for battery capacity and modular options.
Here, we would like to have a look at the special features of the River series. Obviously, all the models in the line feature X-Boost inverter technology, X-Stream AC charging mode, unique modular features, and more. We have detailed notes on each of the special features of the power stations below.
1. Innovative X-Boost Mode
An X-Boost output of 1800 watts is the most exciting thing with the River power stations. Basically, you get the EcoFlow power stations with 600W pure sine wave inverters and a surge power of 1200 watts.
EcoFlow X-Boost is indeed a game-changing technology.
You can quickly turn on the mode to make the machine run high-wattage appliances under 1800 watts. So, you can comfortably run appliances like power tools, hairdryers, vacuum cleaners, and more.
2. Fast X-Stream Technology
X-Stream is a patented technology for fast charging from an AC wall socket. All the EcoFlow solar power stations, including its famous mid-range model EcoFlow Delta, come with this feature.
It will enable your device to charge from zero to 80% in one hour and to the full in 1.6 hours. X-Stream has indeed been one of the much-excited special features of the entire EcoFlow power stations.
4. EcoFlow Mobile App
You have the new EcoFlow power stations with a full-fledged EcoFlow mobile app. It helps you remotely monitor all the basic details, including battery output, charging status, and other system information. You can connect your power stations to your phone over Wi-Fi connectivity.
5. Faster Solar Charging
All the EcoFlow River devices are compatible with any solar panels up to 200 watts. They feature a DC input of up to 200 watts maximum and highly efficient MPPT charge controllers. As per the brand, the patented solar charge controller makes the Rivers charge two times faster than the industry standards.
EcoFlow itself offers suitable solar charges for the devices. They are available in 60W, 110W, and 160W options. You can buy the required number of panels to reach the maximum input capacity and charge the devices in three to four hours fully under a bright sun.
The River Power Stations – What to Buy
The EcoFlow River is basically a series of 600W power stations with an X-boost mode for higher surge capacity. Other than the Mini variant, all the models have the same inverters, surge capacity, charging outlets, solar and AC input, and more.
The Mini is an entry-level 300W power station with 600W surge power.
The River variants have their main difference in storage capacities, as said above. Some models are modular devices, which you can expand up to a better storage capacity with either the included or separately bought extra battery modules.
Overall, spanning from a 210Wh Mini variant to a 1440Wh River Pro, you get a wide choice to buy from the River series. It is now up to decide on buying which model meets your backup requirements.
All the models are indeed high-quality products with the amazing build quality, portability, and stable performance under various climatic conditions. With an optimal solar input, you can use your solar array to charge any of the River power stations.
Final Thoughts
That has been our take on EcoFlow River, River Pro, River Max, and River Mini solar power stations. We have covered all the variants of the River series in detail. They are indeed some of the best-seller models in the entry-level and compact segments of the power stations.
After their launches on Kickstarter, the brand renamed the products from their original names of River 600, River 600 Max, and River 600 Pro to River, River Max, and River Pro respectively.
Vahid Vee is a full-time blogger who is highly passionate about portable and off-grid power backup systems. As a keen observer of the global portable power market, he is really excited to share with you the latest trends, new products, and other developments in the market. #Contact Email @ veevahid@gmail.com – LinkedIn – Full blog profile.