EcoFlow River 2
(10 reviews)
The fastest charging portable power station in its class: fully recharged in one hour, the River 2 follows you from campsite to home backup.
Buy at AmazonAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Characteristics
- Capacity: 256 Wh, LFP (LiFePO4) battery
- Power: 300 W, up to 600 W with X-Boost
- Recharge: 0 to 100% in 60 min from the wall
- Weight: 3.5 kg
- Lightning recharge, 3000+ cycles and 5-year warranty
Detailed overview: EcoFlow River 2 portable power station
With the River 2, EcoFlow delivers one of the most affordable and practical portable power stations in its range. This 256 Wh LiFePO4 (LFP) portable battery targets top-up needs: keeping your devices charged while camping, in a van, at the office or during a power cut, without hauling a bulky generator.
Its main asset comes down to a single figure: it recharges from 0 to 100% in just 60 minutes from a wall socket, thanks to X-Stream technology. That is far faster than most rivals, which are often stuck at 3 or 4 hours. You can also recharge in the car (12V/24V socket), over USB-C (60 W) or with a solar panel up to 110 W, for a full charge in around 3 hours in good sunlight.
On the connectivity side, the River 2 covers the essentials:
- AC output: 300 W continuous (pure sine wave), up to 600 W in X-Boost mode
- 2 USB-A ports (12 W) and 1 bidirectional USB-C port (60 W)
- 1 car output at 12.6 V (100 W)
- Backup switchover (EPS) in under 30 ms
The LFP chemistry is the real long-term argument: over 3000 charge cycles before dropping below 80% capacity, close to ten years of regular use, versus roughly 500 cycles for older lithium-ion batteries. It is also more temperature stable and safer. EcoFlow backs it all with a 5-year warranty and TÜV Rheinland certification.
The limits are logical for this format: 256 Wh stays modest (ideal for smartphones, laptops, lighting and small appliances, but not for a heater or a fridge over time), and the capacity is not expandable. At just 3.5 kg and controllable through the EcoFlow app (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth), the River 2 still ranks among the most versatile and best built portable power stations in its price class.
Full specifications
Detailed characteristics (EAN: 4895251619905)
Battery and capacity
| Rated capacity?Total stored energy in watt-hours. The higher the figure, the longer the runtime. | 256 Wh |
|---|---|
| Delivered energy, measured?Energy that actually leaves the battery and reaches the devices. Always below the stored energy, as conversion costs heat. Taken from our in-depth review. | 217 Wh |
| Expandable capacity?Whether capacity can be increased with add-on batteries. | No |
| Removable battery?The main battery can be removed or replaced by the user. | No |
| Battery chemistry?LiFePO4 (LFP) lasts far longer and is safer than NMC. | LFP (LiFePO4) |
| Charge cycles?Number of full charges before capacity drops to the stated threshold. | 3000 cycles (80 %) |
AC output
| Continuous AC power?Power the unit can sustain continuously on its 230 V outlets. | 300 W |
|---|---|
| Surge power?Brief peak tolerated when starting motor or compressor devices. | 600 W |
| Boost-mode power?Extended power via a proprietary mode (X-Boost, AmpUp…) by lowering voltage. | 600 W |
| Inverter type?A pure sine wave is essential for sensitive electronics and motors. | Pure sine wave |
| AC voltage / frequency?Voltage and frequency of the AC output (230 V / 50 Hz in Europe). | 230 V / 50 Hz |
| Number of 230 V AC outlets?Number of mains outlets available on the unit. | 1 |
| RV / TT-30 outlet?Dedicated 30 A outlet for North-American style RVs. | No |
Recharging
| Max AC charging power?Maximum power drawn from a wall socket; higher means faster charging. | 360 W |
|---|---|
| AC charge 0-100%?Stated time for a full charge on mains power. | 60 min |
| Max solar input?Maximum solar power accepted at the input (PV panels). | 110 W |
| Accepted solar voltage?Panel voltage range compatible with the solar input. | 11 to 30 V |
| Max solar current?Maximum current accepted on the solar input. | 8 A |
| MPPT controllers?Number of independent MPPT solar inputs (yield optimisation). | 1 |
| Vehicle charging (12/24 V)?Can be charged from a vehicle's cigarette-lighter socket. | Yes |
| Pass-through charging?The unit can power devices while charging (pass-through). | Yes |
Ports and connectors
| USB-C ports?Number of USB-C ports and the fastest port's power (laptops, phones). | 1 × 60 W |
|---|---|
| USB-A ports?Number of USB-A ports and maximum power (small devices). | 2 × 12 W |
| 12 V output (car socket)?12 V cigarette-lighter output and its power (coolers, pumps…). | Yes (100 W) |
Portability
| Weight?Net weight of the unit, battery included. | 3.5 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (L × W × H)?Overall size of the unit in millimetres. | 245 × 215 × 145 mm |
| Form factor?Portable (hand-carried), transportable (heavy), or wheeled. | Portable |
| Wheels?Built-in wheels for moving the unit. | No |
| Telescopic handle?Retractable handle like a wheeled suitcase. | No |
Safety and environment
| Certifications?Standards and approvals obtained (CE, RoHS, UN38.3, UL…). | CE, RoHS, UN38.3, TÜV Rheinland |
|---|---|
| Discharge temperature?Temperature range in which the unit can deliver power. | -10 to 45 °C |
| Charge temperature?Temperature range in which the unit can be recharged. | 0 to 45 °C |
Backup / UPS
| UPS / EPS mode?Automatic switch to battery on a mains outage (backup). | Yes |
|---|---|
| Switchover time (rated)?Delay before switching to battery; under 20 ms suits a PC or router. | 30 ms |
Noise and thermal
| Quiet mode?Setting that limits fan noise, often by capping charge power. | No |
|---|---|
| Self-heating battery?Battery pre-heating to allow charging in cold weather. | No |
Display and connectivity
| Display?Type of screen showing power, runtime and alerts. | LCD |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth?Bluetooth link for nearby control. | Yes |
| Wi-Fi?Wi-Fi connection for remote control and monitoring. | Yes |
| Mobile app?iOS / Android app to control the unit. | Yes |
| Local control (no cloud)?Control possible over Bluetooth without an account or internet. | Yes |
| Solar connector?Connector type of the solar input (XT60, Anderson, MC4…). | XT60i |
Availability and warranty
| Market launch?Date the model first became available on the European market. Useful to place its generation: technology moves fast in this segment, and a device several years old may be at the end of its commercial life. | November 2022 |
|---|---|
| Warranty?Length of the manufacturer's warranty. | 5 years |
User manual / Instructions for use (PDF)
⚡ How long will this power station run a device?
With 256 Wh, the EcoFlow River 2 external battery runs a fridge (50 W) for ~4h20 or an LED TV (90 W) for ~2h25.
| Home | Runtime |
|---|---|
| Mini fridge (45 W) | ~4h50 |
| Refrigerator (50 W) | ~4h20 |
| Freezer (60 W) | ~3h40 |
| American fridge (150 W) | ~1h25 |
| Outdoor & workshop | Runtime |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi router (15 W) | ~15h |
| Electric cooler (45 W) | ~4h50 |
| E-scooter (charging) (100 W) | ~2h10 |
| Oxygen concentrator (300 W) | ~45 min |
Rough estimate: real consumption varies, and very power-hungry appliances (heating elements) must stay below the output power.
What is this power station best for?
-
Camping & Tent Ideal
Ultra-light (3.5 kg) and recharged in just 60 minutes, the River 2 is an ideal camping companion for travelling light: its 256 Wh handle campsite lighting, charging phones, tablets and watches, a small fan and topping up a cooler for a night. Its 300 W output (up to 600 W X-Boost for resistive devices) covers small everyday needs, and its slim format slips into a bag or a corner of the boot. Rechargeable up to 110 W from solar, it tops up at camp in good weather. Its LiFePO4 chemistry (3000 cycles) lasts years of weekends. Ideal for a lean bivouac; hungry cooking appliances remain beyond its 300 W.
-
Remote work Suitable
For a morning of mobile work, the River 2 handles the essentials despite its small format: its 300 W output (600 W X-Boost) runs a laptop and a backup monitor, and its 60 W USB-C recharges a second device in parallel. Its 256 Wh suffice for a few hours of connectivity in a garden, a van or a co-working spot without an outlet, and its UPS function protects the setup from micro-cuts at home. Very light (3.5 kg), it travels without a second thought, and a full recharge in 60 minutes tops it up quickly. Its modest capacity reserves it for light work; for a full day, aim for a larger model.
-
Road trip & Car Suitable
On a road trip, the River 2 recharges fast and slips in anywhere: light (3.5 kg), it keeps a small cooler cold at stops, recharges cameras, drones and phones, and powers a light in the evening, without draining the vehicle’s battery. A full recharge in 60 minutes is a real asset: a short halt on a socket is enough to set off charged. Its 256 Wh fit into the smallest boot. For long successive nights off-grid, its modest capacity will need regular recharging, in the car or via a small solar panel up to 110 W.
-
Photo & Video Suitable
On a photo or video outing, the River 2 is a discreet backup station: its 256 Wh recharge a good set of mirrorless batteries, drone packs and mics between shots, and its 300 W output runs a small LED panel or a fast charger. Its 60 W USB-C simplifies charging phones and audio gear. At 3.5 kg it disappears into the camera bag and follows the photographer scouting or wandering, where a large station would be overkill. Recharged in 60 minutes, it sets off again quickly between sessions.
Our team's recommendations based on the model's capacity, output power and weight.
Compatible solar panels
A selection of photovoltaic panels that suit this station's solar input (up to 30V / 110W), best match first.
Comparison
Around the 250 pound mark, the EcoFlow River 2 takes on the most sought-after compact portable power stations in its range, through searches like "EcoFlow River 2 vs Bluetti EB3A" or "River 2 vs Anker SOLIX C300". Here is how it stacks up against three direct alternatives: the Bluetti EB3A, known for its peak power, the Anker SOLIX C300, especially light, and the Jackery Explorer 300 Plus, its closest rival on capacity.
| Criterion | EcoFlow River 2 | Bluetti EB3A | Anker SOLIX C300 | Jackery Explorer 300 Plus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 256 Wh | 268 Wh | 288 Wh | 288 Wh |
| Continuous / peak power | 300 W / 600 W | 600 W / 1200 W | 300 W / 600 W | 300 W / 600 W |
| Battery chemistry | LFP (LiFePO4) | LFP (LiFePO4) | LFP (LiFePO4) | LFP (LiFePO4) |
| Mains recharge | 60 min (0-100%) | ≈ 1 h 10 (0-80% in 30 min) | ≈ 1 h | ≈ 2 h |
| Weight | 3.5 kg | ≈ 4.6 kg | ≈ 4.1 kg | ≈ 3.75 kg |
| Observed price | £256 | ≈ £256 (often £171-£214 on sale) | ≈ £256 | ≈ £256 |
In short, the EcoFlow River 2 remains the most versatile option: it combines the fastest full recharge (60 min), the EcoFlow app and solar ecosystem and a featherweight design. The Bluetti EB3A wins on peak power (1200 W) and express partial charging, the Anker SOLIX C300 appeals mainly through its light weight, and the Jackery Explorer 300 Plus offers slightly more capacity but recharges more slowly. For nomadic use and light home backup, the River 2 strikes the best overall balance.
Related video
Video: Portable Power Station | EcoFlow River 2 - Most Detailed Review - Published on 07/11/2025
Our tester's review: Christophe Delpuech
After several weeks with the River 2, the first thing that stands out is how fast it recharges: plug it in while you pack your bag and it is full before you even leave. On a camping weekend it easily handled two smartphones, an LED lamp and a few laptop top-ups, with room to spare. Controlling it from the app is handy for capping the charge speed and protecting the battery, and the screen shows remaining runtime at a glance. We also liked charging on the move via the car socket, which tops it up during drives. Two honest downsides: the fan is audible when you draw a lot of power or during fast charging, and 256 Wh drains quickly as soon as you plug in a hungry device such as a kettle or a heater. Nothing to worry about at this price. For nomadic backup power or a light home safety net, it is an excellent entry point, reliable and long lasting thanks to its LFP battery.
Frequently asked questions: EcoFlow River 2 portable power station
With its 256 Wh, the EcoFlow River 2 recharges a smartphone about 15 to 20 times depending on the model, or a laptop 3 to 4 times. That is enough for a camping weekend with several devices.
From a wall socket it goes from 0 to 100% in just 60 minutes thanks to X-Stream technology. Expect around 3 hours with a 110 W solar panel in good sunlight conditions.
Yes for a small fridge or an electric cooler, but not for long: with 256 Wh, expect around 3 to 4 hours for a 60 W mini fridge. For extended use, look at a River 2 Max or a Delta instead.
Yes. Its EPS switch flips to battery in under 30 ms, fast enough for an internet box, a router or a light medical device such as a CPAP, which keep running with no visible interruption.
The River 2 offers 256 Wh and 300 W; the River 2 Max doubles the capacity to 512 Wh and rises to 500 W, for a weight of 6 kg versus 3.5 kg. The Max suits you if you need to power more devices or for longer.
Need help choosing?
Other products in the "Compact power stations" category
Allpowers R600
See price (7)
Affordable and backed by a 6-year warranty, the Allpowers R600 delivers 299 Wh, 600 W and a one-hour recharge, plus a built-in wireless charger.
Allpowers S300 Plus
See price (5)
Compact and clever, the Allpowers S300 Plus (288 Wh) combines USB-C 100 W, a wireless charger, an LED light and app control.
Allpowers Volix P300
See price (3)
256Wh and 300W in an ultra-compact format: the little station that powers a laptop, cameras and small appliances camping or in remote work.
Anker Solix C300
See price (22)
288Wh, two mains sockets and a 140W USB-C port in an ultra-compact, quiet body (25 dB): the small station that even recharges a laptop.
Published on 08/07/2026, updated on 14/08/2026