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 $308.99 EcoFlow $329$308.99
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, portability and charging speed. The Goal Zero Yeti 500 wins on battery life and features. The EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max 500 costs $190.96 less ($308.99 vs $499.95).
Goal Zero Yeti 500
#7 in SmallFull review
For outdoor use where weather resistance matters, with enough capacity for a weekend of lights, devices and a small fridge; buyers after value per watt-hour can do better elsewhere.
Amazon Goal Zero $499.95$499.95
Prices were last checked October 20, 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 ($0.62 per rated Wh vs $1.00 per rated Wh), portability (83 Wh per kg (13.2 lb (6 kg)) vs 68 Wh per kg (16.1 lb (7.3 kg))) and charging speed (0-100% on AC in 1 h vs 0-100% on AC in 1 h 24 min).
- Choose the Goal Zero Yeti 500 for battery life (LiFePO4, 4,000 cycles, 5-year warranty vs LiFePO4, 3,000 cycles) and features (UPS (20 ms), 100 W USB-C, app vs 100 W USB-C, app).
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 | Goal Zero Yeti 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.0/5 | 3.7/5 |
| Value 25% | 85 $0.62 per rated Wh | 52 $1.00 per rated Wh |
| Tested capacity 15% | 50 not yet independently tested (neutral score used) | 50 not yet independently tested (neutral score used) |
| Battery life 15% | 76 LiFePO4, 3,000 cycles | 100 LiFePO4, 4,000 cycles, 5-year warranty |
| AC output 15% | 72 500 W continuous AC | 72 500 W continuous AC |
| Charging speed 10% | 95 0-100% on AC in 1 h | 82 0-100% on AC in 1 h 24 min |
| Portability 10% | 70 83 Wh per kg (13.2 lb (6 kg)) | 43 68 Wh per kg (16.1 lb (7.3 kg)) |
| Solar input 5% | 34 220 W max solar input | 29 200 W max solar input |
| Features 5% | 40 100 W USB-C, app | 75 UPS (20 ms), 100 W USB-C, app |
Specifications
| EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max 500 | Goal Zero Yeti 500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | ||
| Rated capacity | 499 Wh | 499.2 Wh |
| Chemistry | LiFePO4 | LiFePO4 |
| Cycle life | 3,000 to 80% | 4,000 to 80% |
| Expandable | No | No |
| Output | ||
| AC output | 500 W (1,000 W surge) | 500 W (1,000 W surge) |
| Boost mode (resistive loads) | 1,000 W | - |
| AC outlets | 4 total | 2 total |
| 120V 15A outlets (NEMA 5-15R) | 2 | 2 |
| 120V 2-prong outlets (NEMA 1-15R) | 2 | - |
| AC waveform | - | Pure sine wave |
| USB-C ports | - | 2 (up to 100 W each) |
| USB-A ports | - | 2 |
| 12 V car outlet | Yes | Yes |
| UPS / pass-through | - | Yes (20 ms switchover) |
| Charging | ||
| AC charging | 660 W | 500 W |
| Full AC charge time | 1 h | 1 h 24 min (1.4 h in fast mode, 500W (manufacturer spec table; product copy says 90 min); ships in 240W low mode, about 3 h) |
| Max solar input | 220 W | 200 W |
| Solar input voltage | 11-50V, 13A | 8mm 12.3-28V, up to 10A |
| Car charging | 100 W | - |
| Build | ||
| Weight | 13.2 lb (6 kg) | 16.1 lb (7.3 kg) |
| Dimensions | 10.6 x 10.2 x 7.7 in | 11.32 x 7.82 x 7.8 in |
| App | EcoFlow app (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth) | Goal Zero Power app |
| Warranty | - | 5 years |