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 and the BLUETTI Handsfree 1 are evenly matched, rated 3.7 and 3.7. The EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus leads on AC output, charging speed and features. The BLUETTI Handsfree 1 wins on value and battery life. The BLUETTI Handsfree 1 costs $90 less ($209 vs $299).
BLUETTI Handsfree 1
#9 in SmallFull review
For hikers, photographers and travelers who want to carry laptop and camera power on their back.
Amazon $209 BLUETTI $209$209
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), charging speed (0-100% on AC in 1 h vs 0-100% on AC in 1 h 30 min) and features (UPS (10 ms), expandable, 100 W USB-C, app vs UPS (20 ms), 100 W USB-C, app).
- Choose the BLUETTI Handsfree 1 for value ($0.78 per rated Wh vs $1.05 per rated Wh) and battery life (LiFePO4, 4,000 cycles, 5-year warranty vs LiFePO4, 3,000 cycles, 5-year warranty).
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 | BLUETTI Handsfree 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.7/5 | 3.7/5 |
| Value 25% | 48 $1.05 per rated Wh | 72 $0.78 per rated Wh |
| Tested capacity 15% | 28 76% of rated capacity delivered (1 test) | 50 not yet independently tested (neutral score used) |
| Battery life 15% | 91 LiFePO4, 3,000 cycles, 5-year warranty | 100 LiFePO4, 4,000 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 | 79 0-100% on AC in 1 h 30 min |
| Portability 10% | 28 61 Wh per kg (10.4 lb (4.7 kg)) | 16 54 Wh per kg (11 lb (5 kg)) |
| Solar input 5% | 73 220 W max solar input | 70 200 W max solar input |
| Features 5% | 100 UPS (10 ms), expandable, 100 W USB-C, app | 75 UPS (20 ms), 100 W USB-C, 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. |
BLUETTI Handsfree 1
No independent test published yet.
Specifications
| EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus | BLUETTI Handsfree 1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | ||
| Rated capacity | 286 Wh | 268.8 Wh |
| Tested usable capacity | 218 Wh (76%) | - |
| Chemistry | LiFePO4 | LiFePO4 |
| Cycle life | 3,000 to 80% | 4,000 to 80% |
| Expandable | Yes, up to 858 Wh | No |
| Output | ||
| AC output | 600 W (1,200 W surge) | 300 W |
| Boost mode (resistive loads) | 1,200 W | 450 W |
| AC outlets | 3 total | 1 total |
| 120V 15A outlets (NEMA 5-15R) | 3 | 1 |
| AC waveform | Pure sine wave | Pure sine wave |
| USB-C ports | 1 (100 W) | 2 (up to 100 W each) |
| USB-A ports | 2 | 2 |
| 12 V car outlet | Yes | - |
| DC5521 ports | 0 | 0 |
| UPS / pass-through | Yes (10 ms switchover) | Yes (20 ms switchover) |
| Charging | ||
| AC charging | 380 W | 300 W |
| Full AC charge time | 1 h | 1 h 30 min (0-80% in 45 min in Turbo mode) |
| Max solar input | 220 W | 200 W |
| Solar input voltage | - | 12-28V, 8.2A |
| Car charging | 220 W | 192 W |
| Build | ||
| Weight | 10.4 lb (4.7 kg) | 11 lb (5 kg) |
| Dimensions | 9.2 x 9.1 x 5.8 in | 11.3 x 3.7 x 11 in |
| App | Wi-Fi + Bluetooth | Bluetooth |
| Warranty | 5 years | 5 years |
| Released | 2025-03 | 2024-10 |