EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max Portable Power Station Review – Upgraded with LiFePO4 battery for a 6-fold increase in longevity

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EcoFlow is updating its product range. EcoFlow launched the DELTA 2 last month. This month it launches the RIVER 2

The portable power station is also upgraded to LiFePO4 technology, which dramatically increases its lifespan by approximately sixfold.

Since the beginning of the week, both DELTA 2 AND RIVER 2 have been my go-to devices. The DELTA 2 is larger than I prefer, but the RIVER 2’s smaller size makes it easier to use in many situations.

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EcoFlow RIVER 2, Models, Capacity and Price

EcoFlow 2 MAX Vs EcoFlow 3 MAX Specification

The EcoFlow River 2 Max was given to me and I have made comparisons with the previous model.

The EcoFlow River 2 series has many improvements over the original. However, not all of them have improved.

Although the RIVER 2 Max has a smaller capacity, this is a minor trade off to get the LFP battery chemistry. This improves six-fold the durability. The charging speed has been improved and should be fully charged in an hour, rather than an hour and half. It is also possible to charge your device via 100W PD USB C. Although this is not something that you’ll use often, it does offer some flexibility and can be useful if you lose or forget your kettle leads.

Not only has the capacity been decreased, but so is output. Output has decreased from 600W down to 500W, and the surge from 1200W up to 1000W. This won’t make any difference to me, but it could mean you may struggle to power certain high-power appliances.

It seems that the USB output situation has been slightly rearranged. There are now three USB-A ports that can output a maximum of 12W each port, and a total of 24-watts. An older model only had one USB Fast Charge port, capable of charging at 18W plus the normal USB A ports.

Although the weight of the RIVER 2 MAX has decreased by quite a lot (with a saving of 1.6kg), overall dimensions have slightly increased. The RIVER 2 Max is 9.27% larger, if my calculations are right.

Design has changed as well. The charging port is now located at the rear. The flat top allows you to place other power station on it. It has carry handles that protrude slightly from the back.

EcoFlow RIVER2 MAX vs DELTA2

Although these aren’t like-for-like models, the DELTA 2 was the last one I reviewed and there are interesting comparisons.

The DELTA 2 has a significantly higher price and more capacity than the RIVER models. However, it’s likely many buyers will be weighing portability against capacity and price.

The DELTA 2 Pro has 33% more power than the RIVER 2 Pro. It also doubles the MAX’s capacity. UK pricing places the DELTA 2, at 47% above the Pro and 100% above the MAX.

The DELTA weighs 50% more than the Pro. 73% is less than the MAX.

DELTA 2 excels in both output and input. It can carry 1800W (Surge 2770W) from its four outlets as well as 2400W using X-Boost.

AC charging is 1200W, though the RIVER 2 Pro isn’t far behind with 940W, and a full charge of the DELTA 2 is slower than a full charge of any of the RIVER 2 models at 80mins vs 60-70mins (due to its capacity).

With a maximum input of 500W, solar input can be greatly increased. You may also be able to increase your battery’s storage capacity with add-on batteries.

The DELTA 2’s price is easily justified compared to that of the RIVER 2 series. It is small and light, which I don’t mind at all. However, it takes up a lot of space in my car boot. Because it is more mobile, I imagine I’ll be using the RIVER2 MAX more frequently for trips.

Design

I like the design of the RIVER 2 more than the earlier model. Everything is on the front panel which makes it much easier for me to find. The universal socket was available for the UK and EU on my original RIVER. The EU socket model was provided to me for this review. I’m not sure if there is a universal version. The adaptors can be expensive, but the universal design will make it easier to travel overseas.

Fans are located still on the sides, while mains and ports for XT60 are at the rear.

App

After I had loaded the EcoFlow app I was asked if the RIVER 2 Max would be added to my app. However, the app didn’t seem to register any information or provide any way for me to control the until. It confirms it’s the RIVER 2 Max. I believe the Play Store has not yet enabled the function. I use this app before it officially launched.

Performance

It is quite simple to evaluate the performance. It does precisely what it’s supposed to. I was in the UK and had to purchase some EU adaptors. However, once these were purchased, my plug sockets functioned as they should.

A 100W USB C output is sufficient to charge my Huawei Matebook 13, which needs a 65W input.

It was able to keep my beer fridge (car) running while I drove down to London. Also, it ran my desktop computer setup which had two monitors and the PC. It was within its limits, with the power draw staying below 300W.

There are three types of charging: USB, Mains and Solar.

The 400W EcoFlow and the 220W bifocal solar panels were tested for solar charging. The maximum output of both panels was 220W on a sunny day. That is the maximum that a portable power station can get from a single solar panel.

It took approximately one hour for the battery to charge with an input power of about 220W and 48% as a start-up charge.

Although I love the idea of USB C power delivery charging I don’t know how often I will use it. However, I do have many USB-C plugs. It is a must that I have one when I travel so that I can charge it.

With USB-C, the charge speed will be limited by the cable if it doesn’t support the current speed. It seemed like 100W+ rating cables might have been more advertising than the actual cables. The first cables that I tried were limited to charging at 55W. The 200W Ugreen Cable cable, which is 200W in weight, allowed me to charge almost 100W. With the Ugreen 140W Nexode charging at 95W, it took 4 hours for it to charge from its 33% battery.

The fans kick in at 110W when the fan is charged, but they will not turn on at 55W.

Prices and other options

As previously stated, the RIVER 2 MAX is priced at £549 in the UK. Although it is disappointing to see the US price being so much lower than in the UK, there are not many things we can do.

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Although the Anker 535 PowerHouse seems like the best alternative, I think it’s not as good. It matches the batter capacity and LiFePO4 chemistry as well as longevity. The AC output is identical, however the surge power is lower at 750W. The USB-C output is limited to 60W input and output. Anker offers a 5-year warranty on the Anker, but I’m still waiting for information about the RIVER 2 series warranty.

Bluetti has the EB55 for £569. Although this is another LiFePO4, they claim only 2,500+ cycles and a 80% life cycle. This unit has superior power with 2x AC that can deliver 700W total and 1400W boost. There are also 1x100W USB C (which is not capable of charging input) and 4x USB A 5V/3A. The AC charging process is slow. It takes 200W to charge the device. For a quick charge, combine 200W AC with 200W Solar for an average of 1.82.3 hours. The battery is 7.5 kg heavier and comes with a 2-year warranty.

In general

EcoFlow has always made the RIVER2MAX a fantastic portable power station.

Looking at the three main LiFePO4-equipped power stations at this capacity, I would say this is the best current option based on the overall specification and price (I haven’t used the other two, so I can’t comment on real-world usage).

Depending on your usage scenario, I’d still highly recommend the original EcoFlow RIVER. While the Li NCM battery will still last many years, it is much cheaper and has the same capacity.