Capacity
Higher is better | Scale max: 512 Wh | RIVER 2 Max leads
RIVER 2 Max 512 Wh
RIVER 3 245 Wh
RIVER 2 Max: +267 Wh (+109.0%).
RIVER 2 Max vs RIVER 3
500W
Running power
300W
512 Wh
Battery
245 Wh
13.4 lbs
Weight
7.7 lbs
At a Glance
This comparison targets buyers weighing a mid-size portable station against a compact one, both from EcoFlow's lineup. The RIVER 2 Max delivers 500W of running power and 512 Wh of capacity, roughly double the RIVER 3's 300W output and 245 Wh reserve.
That extra headroom matters for device coverage: the RIVER 2 Max powered 20 out of 53 tested devices, while the RIVER 3 handled 17. Solar charging scales accordingly, with the RIVER 2 Max accepting up to 220W of panel input versus 110W on the RIVER 3.
Both use LFP cells rated for 3,000 cycles, so longevity is a wash. The tradeoff is weight: the RIVER 3 comes in at 7.7 lbs, nearly 6 lbs lighter than the 13.4 lb RIVER 2 Max, making it noticeably easier to toss in a daypack or carry on a trail.
Overall Winner
RIVER 2 Max
Powers 20 of 53 tested devices vs 17 for RIVER 3
Home backup: RIVER 2 Max RV / mobile: RIVER 2 Max Solar: RIVER 2 Max
Choose RIVER 2 Max if...
- + You want faster solar recharging
- + You want broader device compatibility
- + You need all-day runtime headroom
Choose RIVER 3 if...
- + Portability matters for your setup
Spec Snapshot
Absolute values shown. Bars are scaled within this comparison for readability.
Each metric is independent. Bar lengths are not comparable across different compare pages.
Running Power
Higher is better | Scale max: 500 W | RIVER 2 Max leads
RIVER 2 Max 500 W
RIVER 3 300 W
RIVER 2 Max: +200 W (+66.7%).
Surge Power
Higher is better | Scale max: 1,000 W | RIVER 2 Max leads
RIVER 2 Max 1,000 W
RIVER 3 600 W
RIVER 2 Max: +400 W (+66.7%).
Weight
Lower is better | Scale best: 7.7 lbs | RIVER 3 leads
RIVER 2 Max 13.4 lbs (6.1 kg)
RIVER 3 7.7 lbs (3.5 kg)
RIVER 3: -5.7 lbs (42.6% lighter).
Battery Life
Higher is better | Scale max: 3,000 cycles | Tie
RIVER 2 Max 3,000 cycles
RIVER 3 3,000 cycles
Delta: Tie (0%).
Where Compatibility Actually Differs
Out of 53 devices tested, 3 show a different result between these two stations.
Both can run: 17 · Differences: 6% (3/53) · Neither can run: 33
Neither can run · 33 devices
These devices exceed both stations on running power and surge.
Laser Printer
Sump Pump (1/2 HP)
Desktop PC (Gaming/Workstation)
EV Charger (Level 1, 120V)
Central AC (3-Ton)
Dehumidifier (70 Pint)
Gas Furnace Fan (Blower)
Portable AC (12,000 BTU)
Space Heater (1,500W)
Window AC (8,000 BTU)
Electric Water Heater (50 Gal)
Well Pump (1 HP)
2-Slice Bread Toaster
Coffee Maker
Digital Air Fryer
Electric Skillet
Electric Stove (Single Burner)
Electric Water Kettle
Instant Pot (6 Qt)
Microwave Oven (1000W)
Toaster Oven
Rice Cooker
Electric Clothes Dryer
Dishwasher
Washing Machine
RV Rooftop AC (13,500 BTU)
Portable Ice Maker (Countertop)
Professional Hair Dryer
Circular Saw (Corded)
Corded Drill / Hammer Drill
Electric Chainsaw (14-inch)
Pancake Air Compressor (6-Gallon)
Shop Vac (Wet/Dry, 5-6 HP Peak)
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec | RIVER 2 Max | RIVER 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 512 Wh ✓ | 245 Wh |
| Running Power | 500 W ✓ | 300 W |
| Surge Power | 1,000 W ✓ | 600 W |
| Weight | 13.4 lbs (6.1 kg) | 7.7 lbs (3.5 kg) ✓ |
| Energy Density | 83.9 Wh/kg ✓ | 70.0 Wh/kg |
| Portability Tier | ultralight | ultralight |
| Chemistry | LFP | LFP |
| Cycle Life | 3,000 | 3,000 |
| Expandable | No | No |
| UPS | No | No |
| AC Voltage | 120V | 120V |
Solar Charging
Best-case charging profile using compatible solar panels.
RIVER 2 Max
Max solar input 220 W
Connector XT60i
Full charge time ~3.3h
Compatible panels 17/20
MPPT: 11-50V
RIVER 3
Faster Max solar input 110 W
Connector XT60i
Full charge time ~3.2h
Compatible panels 12/20
MPPT: 11-30V
Charge speed comparison
Longer bar = faster charge (inverted scale)
Device Compatibility
All tested devices grouped by category. Click a category to expand.
RIVER 2 MaxRIVER 3
Emergency(2)
1/21/2
1/2
1/2
Entertainment(2)
1/21/2
1/2
1/2
EV & Transportation(2)
1/21/2
1/2
1/2
Heating & Cooling(7)
1/71/7
1/7
1/7
| Device | RIVER 2 Max | Runtime | RIVER 3 | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Box Fan (20-inch) | Safe | 4.3h | Safe | 2.1h |
| Central AC (3-Ton) | Voltage Fail | N/A | Voltage Fail | N/A |
| Dehumidifier (70 Pint) | Fail | N/A | Fail | N/A |
| Gas Furnace Fan (Blower) | Fail | N/A | Fail | N/A |
| Portable AC (12,000 BTU) | Fail | N/A | Fail | N/A |
| Space Heater (1,500W) | Fail | N/A | Fail | N/A |
| Window AC (8,000 BTU) | Fail | N/A | Fail | N/A |
Home Infrastructure(3)
1/31/3
1/3
1/3
| Device | RIVER 2 Max | Runtime | RIVER 3 | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric Water Heater (50 Gal) | Voltage Fail | N/A | Voltage Fail | N/A |
| Garage Door Opener (Residential) | Safe | 2h | Safe | 1h |
| Well Pump (1 HP) | Voltage Fail | N/A | Voltage Fail | N/A |
Kitchen Appliances(11)
1/111/11
1/11
1/11
| Device | RIVER 2 Max | Runtime | RIVER 3 | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Slice Bread Toaster | Fail | N/A | Fail | N/A |
| Coffee Maker | Fail | N/A | Fail | N/A |
| Digital Air Fryer | Fail | N/A | Fail | N/A |
| Electric Skillet | Fail | N/A | Fail | N/A |
| Electric Stove (Single Burner) | Fail | N/A | Fail | N/A |
| Electric Water Kettle | Fail | N/A | Fail | N/A |
| Instant Pot (6 Qt) | Fail | N/A | Fail | N/A |
| Microwave Oven (1000W) | Fail | N/A | Fail | N/A |
| Rice Cooker | Fail | N/A | Fail | N/A |
| Slow Cooker | Safe | 1.2h | Tight | 0.6h |
| Toaster Oven | Fail | N/A | Fail | N/A |
Large Appliances(4)
1/41/4
1/4
1/4
| Device | RIVER 2 Max | Runtime | RIVER 3 | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dishwasher | Fail | N/A | Fail | N/A |
| Electric Clothes Dryer | Voltage Fail | N/A | Voltage Fail | N/A |
| French Door Refrigerator | Safe | 1.7h | Safe | 0.8h |
| Washing Machine | Fail | N/A | Fail | N/A |
Medical(4)
4/42/4
4/4
2/4
Outdoor & RV(6)
4/64/6
4/6
4/6
Personal Care(2)
1/21/2
1/2
1/2
Power Tools(5)
0/50/5
0/5
0/5
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The Bottom Line
Pick the RIVER 2 Max if you need to run higher-draw appliances or want more stored energy for overnight home backup and car camping. The RIVER 3 is the better fit for hikers, day-trippers, or anyone who prioritizes a light, grab-and-go kit over raw capacity. With a higher compatibility score of 40 to 33 and twice the usable watt-hours, the RIVER 2 Max is the stronger overall choice for most buyers.
RIVER 2 Max vs RIVER 3 FAQ
Q Which is better for home backup, RIVER 2 Max or RIVER 3?
RIVER 2 Max is the stronger overall choice in this matchup based on weighted compatibility across 53 tested devices.
Q Which has longer runtime, RIVER 2 Max or RIVER 3?
RIVER 2 Max has higher battery capacity (512 Wh), which generally supports longer runtime on the same load.
Q Which charges faster with solar panels?
RIVER 3 has the faster best-case solar recharge profile in our panel compatibility test set.
Q Which is more portable, RIVER 2 Max or RIVER 3?
RIVER 3 is lighter at 7.7 lbs vs 13.4 lbs. RIVER 3 is rated ultralight for portability.
Q How many devices can each power station run?
RIVER 2 Max powers 20 of 53 tested devices, compared to 17 for RIVER 3.