EcoFlow RIVER 2 vs RIVER 3: Plus, Max and which size to buy

EcoFlow's RIVER line is the small, gift-priced end of its range. The names are close, though: RIVER 2, RIVER 2 Max, RIVER 2 Pro, RIVER 3, RIVER 3 Plus and a RIVER 3 Max bundle. Here is how the two generations compare, from EcoFlow's own pages.

We compared these from EcoFlow's published specs; we haven't tested them. Figures were checked on October 30, 2026. EcoFlow's pages and bundles change often, so confirm on the listing. We did not find a current US page for the base RIVER 3, so its column comes from EcoFlow Canada's page.

RIVER 2 vs RIVER 3: the base models

Spec	RIVER 2	RIVER 3
Battery	243 Wh	245 Wh
AC output (continuous)	300 W	300 W
Surge / X-Boost	600 W surge	600 W surge, 600 W X-Boost
AC outlets	Not counted on the page we checked	2
Battery type	LFP	LiFePO4
Cycle rating	3,000 cycles to 80%+	3,000 cycles to 80%
AC charging	360 W max input	320 W, 0-100% in 60 min
Max solar input	110 W	110 W, 0-100% in as fast as 2.6 h
Switchover	Under 30 ms (EPS)	Under 20 ms (UPS)
Noise (maker's figure)	Not listed	Under 30 dB
Weight	7.7 lb	7.8 lb

In plain terms: the two base models are the same size. Same battery, same 300 W output, same cycles, about the same weight. The RIVER 3 lists a faster switchover (under 20 ms against under 30 ms), a quiet-running figure and a USB-C port listed at 100 W. If the two are listed side by side at similar prices, the RIVER 3 is the newer design. We would not pay much extra for it.

EcoFlow's RIVER 2 page at the time we checked carried a "pre-order" notice, so stock may be limited. Retail listings may still be available.

RIVER 3 Plus: the real upgrade

The step up inside the RIVER 3 family is the Plus:

Spec	RIVER 3	RIVER 3 Plus
Battery	245 Wh	286 Wh
AC output	300 W	600 W
Surge / X-Boost	600 W	1,200 W
AC outlets	2	3
AC charging	320 W, 60 min to full	380 W, 60 min to full
Max solar input	110 W, 2.6 h	220 W, 1.5 h
Switchover	Under 20 ms	Under 10 ms
Weight	7.8 lb	10.4 lb
Add-on batteries	Not listed	Extra Battery 300 (286 Wh) or 600 (572 Wh), up to 858 Wh

Twice the output for about 3 lb. The 1,200 W X-Boost mode is for short heating loads like a kettle or hair dryer, not a heater for hours on 286 Wh. It does mean more small appliances can run for a short time. See power station for a Starlink Mini and CPAP all night for the kinds of jobs this size does well.

The "RIVER 3 Max" on EcoFlow's US site is a bundle of a RIVER 3 Plus with an Extra Battery 300, which by our sum is 572 Wh (2 x 286 Wh). Check what is in a listing before you assume it is a different station.

RIVER 2 Max vs RIVER 3 Plus

These two are the mid-size pair people actually weigh up:

Spec	RIVER 2 Max	RIVER 3 Plus
Battery	512 Wh (a 499 Wh "Max 500" listing also exists)	286 Wh (572 Wh with Extra Battery 300)
AC output	500 W	600 W
Surge	1,000 W	1,200 W
Max solar input	220 W	220 W
AC charging	660 W max input	380 W, 60 min to full
Switchover	Under 30 ms (EPS)	Under 10 ms
Weight	About 13.4 lb	10.4 lb
Cycle rating	3,000 to 80%+	3,000 to 80%

The RIVER 2 Max holds nearly twice the energy in a single box, so it runs things longer. The RIVER 3 Plus has more output, a faster switchover and is lighter, but needs an extra battery to reach the RIVER 2 Max's capacity. Hours = Wh x 0.85 / watts: a 40 W load (a CPAP plus router, say) runs about 11 hours on 512 Wh and about 6 hours on 286 Wh.

Which RIVER should you buy?

• Phones, lights, a laptop, a camping fan: the base RIVER 2 or RIVER 3. Pick whichever is listed cheaper. At this size they are equal.
• A router, PC or NAS behind a UPS: the RIVER 3 Plus, with the under-10 ms switchover on EcoFlow's page.
• A CPAP or a small 12 V fridge for a night: the RIVER 2 Max for its 512 Wh, or a RIVER 3 Plus with an extra battery. See best power station for camping.
• A fridge: none of these. Step up to 1,000 Wh or more. See EcoFlow DELTA 2 vs DELTA 3 and can a power station run a refrigerator.

Shopping in the Black Friday and Christmas gift season? Our no-price Black Friday power station guide shows how to compare listings. For brand-level comparisons, see EcoFlow vs Jackery.

Quick buying checklist

1. Match the exact name. RIVER 2, RIVER 2 Max, RIVER 2 Pro, RIVER 3, RIVER 3 Plus and RIVER 3 Max are different products.
2. Check Wh and output against what you plan to run.
3. Check what is in the box. Many gift listings bundle solar panels or extra batteries.
4. Check the warranty length on the listing and whether registration is needed.

Where to buy

• EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus on Amazon
• EcoFlow RIVER 3 on Amazon
• EcoFlow RIVER 2 on Amazon
• EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max on Amazon

Frequently asked questions

Is the EcoFlow RIVER 3 better than the RIVER 2?

At the base size, only slightly: the capacity, output and weight are almost identical, and the RIVER 3 lists a faster switchover. The RIVER 3 Plus is the model with real differences.

Is there a RIVER 3 Max?

EcoFlow's US site uses "RIVER 3 Max" for a bundle of the RIVER 3 Plus with an Extra Battery 300. It is not a separate model.

Can a RIVER 2 or RIVER 3 run a fridge?

Not for long. A modern fridge averages about 41 to 67 W, so 245 Wh lasts only about 3 to 5 hours by our standard method, and the start-up surge is the bigger risk. See can a power station run a refrigerator.

Can a RIVER 2 or RIVER 3 act as a UPS?

EcoFlow lists under 10 ms for the RIVER 3 Plus and under 20 ms for the RIVER 3. The RIVER 2 and RIVER 2 Max list under 30 ms in EPS mode. For a PC or NAS, the Plus is the one EcoFlow positions for it.

How long does a RIVER take to charge?

EcoFlow lists 0-100% in about 60 minutes on AC for the RIVER 3 and RIVER 3 Plus, and 1.5 hours on 220 W of solar for the Plus. See how long a power station takes to charge.

If you recharge a station from a gas generator, run the generator outdoors only, 20+ feet from the house, away from windows and doors. Read our carbon monoxide guide.