Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for camping — the RIVER 3 or the RIVER 2 Max?

I’d pick the RIVER 2 Max for most camping trips because the 499Wh battery will keep a mini-fridge running all weekend and still have juice for lights and phones. The RIVER 3 is better if you’re backpacking or car camping with minimal gear, since it weighs only 7.8 lb and takes up less space. For a family camping trip where you want real power, the RIVER 2 Max is the winner.

Is the RIVER 3 worth buying over the RIVER 2 Max for the price difference?

That depends entirely on how much power you need. The RIVER 3 costs less upfront and gives you a smaller, lighter unit with GaN technology that runs quieter under 30 dB. But the RIVER 2 Max gives you more than double the capacity (499Wh vs 245Wh) and triple the output (1000W vs 300W). If you can handle the extra weight and price, the RIVER 2 Max delivers way more value per watt.

Which one charges faster — the RIVER 3 or the RIVER 2 Max?

Both charge from 0 to 100% via AC in about 1 hour, so they’re neck and neck on wall charging. For solar, the RIVER 2 Max is actually faster at 2.3 hours with 220W of solar input, while the RIVER 3 takes 2.6 hours with 110W of solar input. So if you’re relying on solar panels, the RIVER 2 Max is the quicker option.

Can the RIVER 3 run a CPAP machine all night?

It can, but it’s tight — the RIVER 3 has 245Wh of capacity, and most CPAP machines draw between 30W and 60W per hour. That gives you roughly 4 to 8 hours of runtime, which might be enough for one night depending on your machine. The RIVER 2 Max with 499Wh is a much safer bet for CPAP use, giving you 8 to 16 hours of run time.

Which one is quieter — the RIVER 3 or the RIVER 2 Max?

The RIVER 3 is noticeably quieter thanks to its GaN technology, running under 30 dB at a distance of 1.5 feet — that’s barely a whisper. The RIVER 2 Max is still quiet for a power station, but it doesn’t have the same advanced cooling system, so you’ll hear a gentle fan noise when it’s under load. For sleeping in a tent, the RIVER 3 is the better choice.

How many devices can each power station run at once?

The RIVER 3 has 6 total outlets and can handle up to 300W standard (600W with X-Boost), so you can charge a phone, laptop, and a small fan at the same time. The RIVER 2 Max has 11 ports and can output up to 1000W, meaning you can run a mini-fridge, a blender, lights, and multiple USB devices all at once without worrying about overloading it. If you need to power a lot of gear simultaneously, the RIVER 2 Max is the clear winner.