EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max 500
#2 in SmallFull review
A 500Wh LiFePO4 station for camping, CPAP and short power outages. A good middle step between the small RIVER models and the DELTA line.
Amazon $329$329
The EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max 500 is the better portable power station overall, rated 4.0 to 3.7. The EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max 500 leads on value and portability. The EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus wins on features, battery life and solar input. The EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus costs $30 less ($299 vs $329).
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
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 2 Max 500 for value ($0.66 per rated Wh vs $1.05 per rated Wh) and portability (83 Wh per kg (13.2 lb (6 kg)) vs 61 Wh per kg (10.4 lb (4.7 kg))).
- Choose the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus for features (UPS (10 ms), expandable, 100 W USB-C, app vs 100 W USB-C, app), battery life (LiFePO4, 3,000 cycles, 5-year warranty vs LiFePO4, 3,000 cycles) and solar input (220 W max solar input vs 220 W max solar input).
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 2 Max 500 | EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.0/5 | 3.7/5 |
| Value 25% | 82 $0.66 per rated Wh | 48 $1.05 per rated Wh |
| Tested capacity 15% | 50 not yet independently tested (neutral score used) | 28 76% of rated capacity delivered (1 test) |
| Battery life 15% | 76 LiFePO4, 3,000 cycles | 91 LiFePO4, 3,000 cycles, 5-year warranty |
| AC output 15% | 72 500 W continuous AC | 83 600 W continuous AC |
| Charging speed 10% | 95 0-100% on AC in 1 h | 95 0-100% on AC in 1 h |
| Portability 10% | 70 83 Wh per kg (13.2 lb (6 kg)) | 28 61 Wh per kg (10.4 lb (4.7 kg)) |
| Solar input 5% | 34 220 W max solar input | 73 220 W max solar input |
| Features 5% | 40 100 W USB-C, app | 100 UPS (10 ms), expandable, 100 W USB-C, app |
Independent capacity tests
EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max 500
No independent test published yet.
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. |
Specifications
| EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max 500 | EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | ||
| Rated capacity | 499 Wh | 286 Wh |
| Tested usable capacity | - | 218 Wh (76%) |
| Chemistry | LiFePO4 | LiFePO4 |
| Cycle life | 3,000 to 80% | 3,000 to 80% |
| Expandable | No | Yes, up to 858 Wh |
| Output | ||
| AC output | 500 W (1,000 W surge) | 600 W (1,200 W surge) |
| Boost mode (resistive loads) | 1,000 W | 1,200 W |
| AC outlets | 4 total | 3 total |
| 120V 15A outlets (NEMA 5-15R) | 2 | 3 |
| 120V 2-prong outlets (NEMA 1-15R) | 2 | - |
| AC waveform | Pure sine wave | Pure sine wave |
| USB-C ports | - | 1 (100 W) |
| USB-A ports | - | 2 |
| 12 V car outlet | Yes | Yes |
| DC5521 ports | - | 0 |
| UPS / pass-through | - | Yes (10 ms switchover) |
| Charging | ||
| AC charging | 660 W | 380 W |
| Full AC charge time | 1 h | 1 h |
| Max solar input | 220 W | 220 W |
| Solar input voltage | 11-50V, 13A | - |
| Car charging | 100 W | 220 W |
| Build | ||
| Weight | 13.2 lb (6 kg) | 10.4 lb (4.7 kg) |
| Dimensions | 10.6 x 10.2 x 7.7 in | 9.2 x 9.1 x 5.8 in |
| App | EcoFlow app (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth) | Wi-Fi + Bluetooth |
| Warranty | - | 5 years |
| Released | 2022-11 | 2025-03 |