RIVER 2 Max vs Explorer 300 Plus

EcoFlow

RIVER 2 Max

Check on Amazon Official Site

Jackery

Explorer 300 Plus

Check on Amazon Official Site

500W

Running power

300W

512 Wh

Battery

288 Wh

13.4 lbs

Weight

8.4 lbs

At a Glance

This comparison targets buyers weighing a mid-capacity portable station against a lighter, smaller-capacity alternative for camping, travel, or light home backup. The RIVER 2 Max delivers 500W of running power and 512 Wh of capacity, nearly doubling the Explorer 300 Plus on both counts (300W, 288 Wh).

That extra headroom matters: in our 53-device compatibility test, the RIVER 2 Max powered 20 devices compared to 17 for the Explorer 300 Plus, and every device the Jackery handled, the EcoFlow handled too. Solar recharge is another clear gap.

The RIVER 2 Max accepts up to 220W of solar input and fills from panels in roughly 3.3 hours, while the Explorer 300 Plus tops out at 100W and needs about 4.4 hours. The tradeoff is weight: at 8.4 lbs, the Explorer 300 Plus is five pounds lighter, a real advantage for backpackers and ultralight travelers.

Overall Winner

RIVER 2 Max

Powers 20 of 53 tested devices vs 17 for Explorer 300 Plus

Home backup: RIVER 2 Max RV / mobile: Tie 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 Explorer 300 Plus 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.

Capacity

Higher is better | Scale max: 512 Wh | RIVER 2 Max leads

RIVER 2 Max 512 Wh

Explorer 300 Plus 288 Wh

RIVER 2 Max: +224 Wh (+77.8%).

Running Power

Higher is better | Scale max: 500 W | RIVER 2 Max leads

RIVER 2 Max 500 W

Explorer 300 Plus 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

Explorer 300 Plus 600 W

RIVER 2 Max: +400 W (+66.7%).

Weight

Lower is better | Scale best: 8.4 lbs | Explorer 300 Plus leads

RIVER 2 Max 13.4 lbs (6.1 kg)

Explorer 300 Plus 8.4 lbs (3.8 kg)

Explorer 300 Plus: -5.1 lbs (37.7% lighter).

Battery Life

Higher is better | Scale max: 3,000 cycles | Tie

RIVER 2 Max 3,000 cycles

Explorer 300 Plus 3,000 cycles

Delta: Tie (0%).

Where Compatibility Actually Differs

Out of 53 devices tested, 3 show a different result between these two stations.

Same result: 94%

Both can run: 17 · Differences: 6% (3/53) · Neither can run: 33

Only RIVER 2 Max can run 3

Electric Wheelchair Charger Explorer 300 Plus: Running shortfall

View pairing →

Portable Oxygen Concentrator Explorer 300 Plus: Running shortfall

View pairing →

Laptop Explorer 300 Plus: Running shortfall

View pairing →

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	Explorer 300 Plus
Capacity	512 Wh ✓	288 Wh
Running Power	500 W ✓	300 W
Surge Power	1,000 W ✓	600 W
Weight	13.4 lbs (6.1 kg)	8.4 lbs (3.8 kg) ✓
Energy Density	83.9 Wh/kg ✓	75.8 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

Faster

Max solar input 220 W

Connector XT60i

Full charge time ~3.3h

Compatible panels 17/20

MPPT: 11-50V

Explorer 300 Plus

Max solar input 100 W

Connector Proprietary

Full charge time ~4.4h

Compatible panels 4/20

MPPT: 12-27V

Charge speed comparison

~3.3h

~4.4h

Longer bar = faster charge (inverted scale)

Device Compatibility

All tested devices grouped by category. Click a category to expand.

RIVER 2 MaxExplorer 300 Plus

Emergency(2)

1/2

Device	RIVER 2 Max	Runtime	Explorer 300 Plus	Runtime
Full-Size Freezer (15-17 Cu. Ft.)	Safe	2.2h	Safe	1.3h
Sump Pump (1/2 HP)	Fail	N/A	Fail	N/A

Entertainment(2)

1/2

Device	RIVER 2 Max	Runtime	Explorer 300 Plus	Runtime
Desktop PC (Gaming/Workstation)	Fail	N/A	Fail	N/A
Television	Safe	2.1h	Safe	1.2h

EV & Transportation(2)

1/2

Device	RIVER 2 Max	Runtime	Explorer 300 Plus	Runtime
E-Bike Battery Charger	Safe	1.8h	Safe	1h
EV Charger (Level 1, 120V)	Fail	N/A	Fail	N/A

Heating & Cooling(7)

1/7

Device	RIVER 2 Max	Runtime	Explorer 300 Plus	Runtime
Box Fan (20-inch)	Safe	4.3h	Safe	2.4h
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)

1/3

Device	RIVER 2 Max	Runtime	Explorer 300 Plus	Runtime
Electric Water Heater (50 Gal)	Voltage Fail	N/A	Voltage Fail	N/A
Garage Door Opener (Residential)	Safe	2h	Safe	1.1h
Well Pump (1 HP)	Voltage Fail	N/A	Voltage Fail	N/A

Kitchen Appliances(11)

1/11

Device	RIVER 2 Max	Runtime	Explorer 300 Plus	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	0.7h
Toaster Oven	Fail	N/A	Fail	N/A

Large Appliances(4)

1/4

Device	RIVER 2 Max	Runtime	Explorer 300 Plus	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	1h
Washing Machine	Fail	N/A	Fail	N/A

Medical(4)

4/4

2/4

Device	RIVER 2 Max	Runtime	Explorer 300 Plus	Runtime
CPAP Machine	Safe	6.4h	Safe	3.6h
Electric Wheelchair Charger	Safe	1.1h	Fail	N/A
Medical Nebulizer Machine	Safe	3.3h	Safe	1.8h
Portable Oxygen Concentrator	Safe	1h	Fail	N/A

Outdoor & RV(6)

4/6

Device	RIVER 2 Max	Runtime	Explorer 300 Plus	Runtime
Pellet Grill	Safe	3.7h	Safe	2.1h
Portable Electric Cooler	Safe	6h	Safe	3.4h
Portable Fan	Safe	5.9h	Safe	3.3h
Portable Ice Maker (Countertop)	Fail	N/A	Fail	N/A
Portable Projector	Safe	1.8h	Safe	1h
RV Rooftop AC (13,500 BTU)	Fail	N/A	Fail	N/A

Personal Care(2)

1/2

Device	RIVER 2 Max	Runtime	Explorer 300 Plus	Runtime
Electric Blanket	Safe	2h	Safe	1.1h
Professional Hair Dryer	Fail	N/A	Fail	N/A

Power Tools(5)

0/5

Device	RIVER 2 Max	Runtime	Explorer 300 Plus	Runtime
Circular Saw (Corded)	Fail	N/A	Fail	N/A
Corded Drill / Hammer Drill	Fail	N/A	Fail	N/A
Electric Chainsaw (14-inch)	Fail	N/A	Fail	N/A
Pancake Air Compressor (6-Gallon)	Fail	N/A	Fail	N/A
Shop Vac (Wet/Dry, 5-6 HP Peak)	Fail	N/A	Fail	N/A

Work from Home(5)

4/5

3/5

Device	RIVER 2 Max	Runtime	Explorer 300 Plus	Runtime
Laptop	Safe	1h	Fail	N/A
Laser Printer	Fail	N/A	Fail	N/A
Monitor (27-inch LCD)	Safe	6.5h	Safe	3.7h
Starlink System	Safe	3.6h	Safe	2h
WiFi Router	Safe	4.8h	Safe	2.7h

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The Bottom Line

Choose the RIVER 2 Max if you need to run higher-draw appliances, want faster solar charging, or simply prefer broader device coverage. The Explorer 300 Plus makes sense for buyers who prioritize portability above all else and only need to power phones, lights, laptops, and other low-draw gear. Overall, the RIVER 2 Max earns the win with a compatibility score of 40 versus 33, stronger output, and superior solar performance.

RIVER 2 Max vs Explorer 300 Plus FAQ

Q Which is better for home backup, RIVER 2 Max or Explorer 300 Plus?

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 Explorer 300 Plus?

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 2 Max has the faster best-case solar recharge profile in our panel compatibility test set.

Q Which is more portable, RIVER 2 Max or Explorer 300 Plus?

Explorer 300 Plus is lighter at 8.4 lbs vs 13.4 lbs. Explorer 300 Plus 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 Explorer 300 Plus.