EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus
#8 in SmallFull review
A compact LiFePO4 station for camping, laptop work and router/modem UPS duty, with the option to add capacity later.
Amazon $299$299
The EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus is the better portable power station overall, rated 3.7 to 3.1. The EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus leads on AC output, features and solar input. The Anker 521 PowerHouse wins on portability. The Anker 521 PowerHouse costs $39.01 less ($259.99 vs $299).
Anker 521 PowerHouse
#25 in SmallFull review
For campers and travelers who want a small, long-lived LiFePO4 battery for phones, laptops, lights and CPAP. Larger or faster-charging stations give more for the money if you need to run appliances.
Amazon $259.99 Anker SOLIX $259.99$259.99
Prices were last checked October 24, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus for AC output (600 W continuous AC vs 300 W continuous AC), features (UPS (10 ms), expandable, 100 W USB-C, app vs no UPS, expansion or app) and solar input (220 W max solar input vs 65 W max solar input).
- Choose the Anker 521 PowerHouse for portability (69 Wh per kg (8.2 lb (3.7 kg)) vs 61 Wh per kg (10.4 lb (4.7 kg))).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every small portable power station; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus | Anker 521 PowerHouse |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.7/5 | 3.1/5 |
| Value 25% | 48 $1.05 per rated Wh | 51 $1.02 per rated Wh |
| Tested capacity 15% | 28 76% of rated capacity delivered (1 test) | 23 75% of rated capacity delivered (1 test) |
| Battery life 15% | 91 LiFePO4, 3,000 cycles, 5-year warranty | 91 LiFePO4, 3,000 cycles, 5-year warranty |
| AC output 15% | 83 600 W continuous AC | 41 300 W continuous AC |
| Charging speed 10% | 95 0-100% on AC in 1 h | 50 full AC charge time not published (neutral score used) |
| Portability 10% | 28 61 Wh per kg (10.4 lb (4.7 kg)) | 44 69 Wh per kg (8.2 lb (3.7 kg)) |
| Solar input 5% | 73 220 W max solar input | 12 65 W max solar input |
| Features 5% | 100 UPS (10 ms), expandable, 100 W USB-C, app | 0 no UPS, expansion or app |
Independent capacity tests
EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus
| Tested by | Usable AC energy | Of rated | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| CNET | 218 Wh | 76.2% | 480W load logged with HOBOware; round-trip efficiency 72.41%; recharge from empty 1 h 12 min. |
Anker 521 PowerHouse
| Tested by | Usable AC energy | Of rated | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| OutdoorGearLab | 192 Wh | 75% | AC output test; load not stated. Measured charging speed 62 Wh/hr (about 4.1 hr full recharge). |
Specifications
| EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus | Anker 521 PowerHouse | |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | ||
| Rated capacity | 286 Wh | 256 Wh |
| Tested usable capacity | 218 Wh (76%) | 192 Wh (75%) |
| Chemistry | LiFePO4 | LiFePO4 |
| Cycle life | 3,000 to 80% | 3,000 to 80% |
| Expandable | Yes, up to 858 Wh | No |
| Output | ||
| AC output | 600 W (1,200 W surge) | 300 W (600 W surge) |
| Boost mode (resistive loads) | 1,200 W | - |
| AC outlets | 3 total | 2 total |
| 120V 15A outlets (NEMA 5-15R) | 3 | - |
| 120V 2-prong outlets (NEMA 1-15R) | - | 2 |
| AC waveform | Pure sine wave | - |
| USB-C ports | 1 (100 W) | 1 (60 W) |
| USB-A ports | 2 | 2 |
| 12 V car outlet | Yes | Yes |
| DC5521 ports | 0 | - |
| UPS / pass-through | Yes (10 ms switchover) | - |
| Charging | ||
| AC charging | 380 W | 125 W |
| Full AC charge time | 1 h | - |
| Max solar input | 220 W | 65 W |
| Solar input voltage | - | 11-28V, 5.5A |
| Car charging | 220 W | 65 W |
| Build | ||
| Weight | 10.4 lb (4.7 kg) | 8.2 lb (3.7 kg) |
| Dimensions | 9.2 x 9.1 x 5.8 in | 8.5 x 8.3 x 5.7 in |
| App | Wi-Fi + Bluetooth | - |
| Warranty | 5 years | 5 years |
| Released | 2025-03 | 2021-12 |