Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for a beginner — the RIVER 2 or the RIVER 2 Max?

I’d say the RIVER 2 Max is better for most beginners unless you’re absolutely sure you only need to charge phones and laptops. The RIVER 2’s 256Wh capacity runs out fast, while the RIVER 2 Max’s 499Wh gives you enough juice for a mini-fridge or CPAP machine overnight. The Max also jumps from 600W to 1000W output, which means you can run more things at once without worrying about overloading it.

Is the RIVER 3 Plus worth the extra money over the RIVER 2?

It depends on whether you value expandability. The RIVER 3 Plus starts at 286Wh (slightly bigger than the RIVER 2’s 256Wh) but can expand to 858Wh with an extra battery — the RIVER 2 can’t grow at all. The RIVER 3 Plus also runs quieter at under 30 dB and includes a 110W solar panel in the bundle I tested. If you plan to add capacity later, the RIVER 3 Plus makes sense, but if you just want a simple, lightweight unit, the RIVER 2 is still a great deal.

Can the RIVER 2 Max power a refrigerator?

Yes, for short periods. The RIVER 2 Max has 499Wh capacity and 1000W output, which is enough to run a small 12V mini-fridge for about 6-10 hours depending on the model. Full-size kitchen refrigerators draw more power and will drain it in a few hours. I’d only recommend it for compact camping fridges or as emergency backup to keep a fridge running for a couple hours, not all day.

How long does it take to charge each of these from a wall outlet?

All three charge in roughly the same time — about 1 hour using a standard AC outlet thanks to EcoFlow’s X-Stream fast charging technology. The RIVER 2 and RIVER 2 Max both hit full in 1 hour, and the RIVER 3 Plus also advertises 1-hour fast AC charging. That’s a big selling point across all three models and makes them way more convenient than older power stations that took 4-6 hours.

Which one is the quietest for camping?

The RIVER 3 Plus is the quietest at under 30 dB, which is basically a whisper — you can sleep right next to it without hearing a thing. The RIVER 2 and RIVER 2 Max are also very quiet since they’re battery-powered, not gas generators, but the RIVER 3 Plus specifically advertises that ultra-low noise level. For camping, any of these three will work, but the RIVER 3 Plus wins if silence matters to you.

Can I use solar panels with all three models?

Yes, all three support solar charging, but the speeds and included gear differ. The RIVER 2 takes 110W solar input and charges in as fast as 2.3 hours. The RIVER 2 Max takes 220W solar input and also charges in about 2.3 hours. The RIVER 3 Plus comes bundled with a 110W solar panel in the kit I tested and charges fully in 3 hours from that panel. Just note that the RIVER 2 doesn’t include a solar charging cable — you’ll need to buy one separately.