Ecoflow River PRO review / A Comprehensive Look at the River Series
You’ve got the power to have power! Especially when the power goes out at 3am. Who doesn’t want to have a portable means of charging their devices wherever they go, whether on holiday, in an RV, during an emergency, or backwoods camping? Who doesn’t want to be able to power multiple devices as well as multiple appliances up to 1200 watts? Who doesn’t like having a reliable power source when the power goes out? These are among the myriad attributes that make portable power stations, particularly the EcoFlow RIVER Pro and EcoFlow RIVER series, valuable assets.
What are the Benefits of portable power stations? Are they worth it?
Why buy a portable power station instead of a portable, gas-powered generator? Well, it depends on what you are trying to accomplish. If you’re working in construction and traveling from site to site, a portable gas generator will provide the most power, up to 20,000 watts, for a variety of equipment necessary to get the job done. Likewise, a portable generator makes a great backup supply source for residential uses if you need to operate large appliances, such as refrigerators, washers or dryers, whether you are in a remote location or when the power goes out. One of the best features of a power station is that you can safely run it indoors as it’s clean energy and does NOT emit any fumes. Also, it’s silent. The list of benefits is extensive, but they are substantially more expensive.
Rugged Portable Power Station : EGO Power+ PST3041
Gas-powered generators are not problem free, however, as they produce a substantial amount of noise and emit carbon monoxide, a lethal gas that is the byproduct of combustion and limits them to outdoor use. Also, they require a lot of maintenance, which most people don’t know how to do. If you are looking for a simple power source for a phone, flashlights, a radio or even a laptop, a portable electric charger, also known as a power station, can provide power for all of these devices without the noise and noxious fumes, a valuable asset if you are seeking a portable power source indoors.
More importantly, many of these power stations can also power smaller appliances and potentially, given the battery life, various construction equipment. Most importantly, you don’t have to worry about lugging around a portable generator that isn’t as portable as it might seem as well as the gas necessary to power it. And if you’re camping in the woods, are you really trying to listen to a generator?
Of course portable power stations are not without their drawbacks. Because they are battery operated, they are limited in their charging capacity and you can expect 3 to 9 hours of power depending on the model you are using versus 8 to 13 with a gas-powered generator. Likewise, when the power runs out, the power station itself needs to be recharged, which will require you to have an alternative electrical charging source, such as a car battery, or use solar panels.
Solar is great, but the problem is that solar panels are not always as reliable or expedient as we might hope and require sufficient sunshine for full strength. Given the substantial battery that many power stations have, some models weigh up to 80 pounds, making them not as portable as a smaller, gas-powered generator. Ultimately, reliable models can cost between $500 and $6000 dollars, depending on power, making them a substantial investment versus portable gas-powered generators that cost on average, about $500 for 2,000 watts of power, comparable to the output of high-quality power stations. Everything has its merits and disadvantages, and depending on what you are trying to accomplish, a power station may be insufficient.
VIDEO | Take A Look Inside the EcoFlow Factory
When it comes to indoor electric use, cross-country compatibility or natural harmony, power stations do set a precedent, and EcoFlow has been at the forefront of producing quality power stations for such scenarios. Offering “the world’s fastest charging portable power stations” in the Delta and Delta pro, EcoFlow has set a precedent for reliable, effective and eco-friendly portable power stations with high output and long battery life.
Among the distinguishing attributes of the EcoFlow DELTA is its ability to charge up to 80% of capacity in 1 hour, a 1800W output, the ability to charge multiple appliances such as a microwave, washer, CPAP and television in addition to phones and laptops and even construction equipment for welding and carpentry. All of this power comes in a device that weighs slightly less than 31 pounds and costs around $1400 (depending on if it’s on sale or not) . EcoFlow’s latest power station iterations are the river series that includes the EcoFlow RIVER pro, the EcoFlow RIVER Max and the EcoFlow River. Let’s delve into the details and specifications of this EcoFlow RIVER Pro review that distinguishes this product and the other RIVER Series power stations as the portable power stations powering the future.
EcoFlow RIVER Pro Review
View or download the MANUAL for the EcoRiver PRO
Features :
- 3 x 600W AC OUTLETS AND 720Wh CAPACITY : Can power up to 10 devices simultaneously with multiple outlet options, including 3 pure sine wave AC outlets.
- Up to 720Wh power and it weighs just 15.9lbs
- RECHARGE FROM 0-80% WITHIN 1 HOUR : Patented EcoFlow X-Stream technology enables you to charge the RIVER Pro from 0%-80% within one hour and offers a full charge in just 1.6 hours.
- DOUBLE CAPACITY FROM 720Wh to 1440Wh Add a RIVER Pro Extra Battery to double the capacity from 720Wh to 1440Wh. This is ideal for situations like traveling, camping, or group outdoor activities where you need more power for more devices.
- POWER A WIDE RANGE OF APPLIANCES : Can power some devices up to 1800W with the X-Boost mode on, which lets you power about 80% of essential devices like kitchen appliances and DIY tools. Use devices below 1200W for the best product use.
OVERVIEW —
If you’re looking for a backup power source that is comparable in output to a gas-powered power station, then the Delta is for you. But, if you’re looking for something that is more refined but allows you to power a variety of appliances and electronic devices, with similar charging capabilities but greater portability, then the RIVER series, specifically the EcoFlow RIVER Pro, is the choice for you.
The EcoFlow RIVER Pro is EcoFlow’s answer to making high-output power stations that maximize portability, functionality and flexibility. One of the defining features of EcoFlow’s devices is their ability to accommodate multiple devices simultaneously, a trait absent from many portable power stations. The RIVER Pro is capable of charging up to 10 devices simultaneously, with three 600 Watt AC outlets and 3 pure sine wave AC outlets, the preferred power connection for running appliances such as refrigerators, laptops and sensitive electronics thanks to the clean form of power it provides.
Like the EcoFlow DELTA, the River pro is capable of recharging up to 80% of capacity in 1 hour thanks to the patented Lithium-ion, X-stream technology; a full charge only requires 1.6 hours of wait time. This is a great asset that EcoFlow offers, especially for those who are camping or traveling and who don’t have the time to wait around all day for a device to charge. In addition to its rapid recharge rate, the RIVER Pro offers an additional battery and connection that doubles your recharging time from 720 Wh to 1440 Wh. That means you can charge more devices for longer and won’t have to ration your energy supply while you’re out and about.
What sets the RIVER Pro apart from the DELTA, and other portable power stations, is its power for its size. The RIVER pro measures 11.4 x 7.1 x 9.3 inches and weighs 16.8 pounds, small enough that it can fit in a large backpack and light enough that it won’t add excessive weight in relation to your other gear. This is a huge advantage for those who are doing any back-country exploration or even for back-country emergency personnel who need a reliable power source in remote locations.
Even if you’re not living the adventurous life for work or pleasure, having a compact power source is always a great asset, especially if you’re downsizing or trying to live a minimalist, off-grid lifestyle. Beyond portability, the RIVER Pro is built to work in a variety of extremes, allowing it to charge in temperatures ranging from 32 to 113⁰ F and discharge in temperatures ranging from -4 to 113⁰ F, a valuable asset for those traveling, camping or working in a variety of temperature extremes, whether in a desert, at the beach, in the woods or on a mountain.
Like other EcoFlow models, the RIVER Pro offers flexibility in how it is recharged. Using a standard AC wall outlet, the River Pro can reach full charge in 96 minutes. If you’re using a 12/24 Volt Car adapter, full recharge time will take roughly 6.5 hours. Using two 110 Watt solar panels in direct sunlight, you can achieve full charge in 4.5-9 hours; with one solar panel, it will take approximately 7.5 to 11.5 hours. Charging with solar panels is fairly simple, though it’s advised to use solar panels properly rated for voltage and ampacity so that it does not overload the battery.
Once properly connected, 2 solar panels can be connected in parallel for maximum charging capacities (though the parallel connection cable must be purchased separately). Whether you’re just looking for a power source for a day at the beach, a reliable power supply while you are on the road or a means of powering your devices off-the-grid, the versatile recharging capabilities of the River Pro make it an accommodating power station for a variety of circumstances.
For a compact and exceptionally portable power station, the RIVER Pro packs a punch. Beyond its 600 Watt charging capacity, the RIVER Pro has the capability of providing up to 1200 Watts of power thanks to its proprietary X-Boost technology. This can allow you to power high-wattage devices like hairdryers, vacuum cleaners, electric frying pans and rice cookers that would normally exceed the power station’s output. When fully charged, the RIVER pro is capable of storing its charge for up to 1 year, a solid option for those who are seeking a back-up power supply in case of infrequent power outages.
Like other EcoFlow models, the RIVER Pro is durable and made to last, with a cycle life of 800 cycles at 80% capacity; when the battery finally expires, you can bring it to a designated recycling facility and keep the eco-friendly life cycle going. Even with this reliability, EcoFlow offers a 24 month warranty to cover any manufacturer defects. Given that it is tested and certified according to CE, FCC, RoHS, RCM and UL standards, that shouldn’t be much of an issue when using this environmentally and health-conscious product.
The RIVER Pro is made to be safe and reliable. Its management system includes over voltage protection, overload protection, over temperature protection in addition to short circuit and over-current protection. These capacities allow it to perform optimally and safely when charging a variety of devices simultaneously. In addition to its AC charging capacities, the River Pro offers a nice range of outlets, including :
- Car Charger / 12Vdc 8A Max
- AC Output (x3) / 600W (Surge 1200W) total, 120Vac ( 50Hz/60Hz)
- USB-A Output (x2) / 5Vdc, 2.4A, 12W Max per port
- USB-A Fast Charge (x1) / 5Vdc, 9Vdc, 12Vdc, 2.4A, 28W Max
- USB-C Output (x1) / 5Vdc, 9Vdc, 12Vdc, 15Vdc, 20Vdc, 5A, 100W Max
- Car Power Output (x1) / 136W, 13.6Vdc, 10A Max
- DC5521 Output (x2) / 13.6Vdc, 3A Max per port
This compatibility allows you to charge a variety of devices including Macbook, GoPro, Switch and Drones up to 60Wh. It even allows you to use the RIVER Pro as an entry-level uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for data servers and workstations, though you should test compatibility before launching your woods-based remote workcenter as the RIVER Pro is not intended for high UPS demands and will require proper grounding to meet all safety requirements. Your adventure shouldn’t have to stop because you ran out of power, and the RIVER Pro is the device that makes sure that won’t happen.
Ultimately, the RIVER Pro is made to be user friendly and simple to use. It’s LCD screen displays remaining battery life as well as recharging time while signalling which devices are connected via its various outputs and any environmental or usage indicators that may affect performance, including high and low temperature indicators, fan indicators and overload warning displays. You can even control the RIVER Pro remotely once you connect to the EcoFlow app and turn on the device’s wifi connection.
If you happen to get the RIVER Pro dirty while off-roading, you can just clean it with a dry, non-abrasive cloth (NOTE: as durable and adventurous as the RIVER Pro is, it is not a waterproof electrical device, and you should avoid water or excessive moisture to ensure that it operates safely and effectively). Your RIVER Pro kit will come with an EcoFlow RIVER Pro power station, AC input charging cable, car input charge cable, a solar charge cable and DC5521-DC5525 charge cable as well as a user manual and warranty card.
Additional batteries and solar panels must be purchased separately, though the RIVER Pro is compatible with third party solar panels that are also rated as 10-25Vdc, 12 Amp max, if you choose not to make this an entirely EcoFlow operation. With all of these components in the RIVER Pro package, it costs around $650 (when not on sale!), a substantial savings compared to other power station models. Ultimately, if you’re looking for a portable, reliable and adaptable power station to power a variety of appliances and devices simultaneously, the EcoFlow RIVER Pro is for you.
EcoFlow RIVER Series : RIVER Max and RIVER
Review : EcoFlow RIVER MAX
Features :
- RECHARGE FROM 0-80% WITHIN 1 HOUR: EcoFlow X-Stream Charge technology recharges the power station from 0-80% within one hour, which is one of the fastest recharging rates on the market. Quiet Charging can be enabled from the EcoFlow app.
- POWER UP TO 10 DEVICES SIMULTANEOUSLY: Can power some devices up to 1800W with the X-Boost mode on, which lets you power about 80% of essential devices like kitchen appliances and DIY tools. Use devices below 1200W for the best product use.
- MODULAR DESIGN: Adjust the power and portability of the EcoFlow RIVER Max within seconds. The Extra Battery doubles the capacity from 288Wh to 576Wh during situations when you need more power. You can also detach the Extra Battery easily for more portability during traveling, outdoor adventures, or any application where you need to power devices on the go.
- 3 x 600W AC OUTLETS AND 576Wh CAPACITY: The EcoFlow RIVER Max has 3 AC outlets and a capacity of 576Wh, providing multiple users with incredible power for all of your favorite devices.
OVERVIEW —
Like the EcoFlow RIVER Pro, the RIVER Max is a portable, versatile charging station that also has the capacity for dual battery charging. Notable similarities include the EcoFlow signature recharging time of 1 hour to reach 80% charging capacity, with the feature of quiet charging available with connection through the EcoFlow app, the ability to charge 10 devices simultaneously, including some devices up to 1200 W, 3 600 W AC outlets and a weight of 17 pounds.
You can power the same devices as the RIVER Pro, including refrigerators up to 150 W, televisions up to 110 W as well as phones, Macbook’s, GoPro’s and drones. This charging capacity is due to the similar output configuration, as the RIVER Max contains the same USB, AC, and DC outputs, with the exception of the sine wave output as mentioned. You can also enjoy similar charging capabilities and recharging times as the RIVER Pro since the RIVER Max is compatible with AC outlets, car adapter outlets and MC4/ XT60 solar panels.
There are some key distinctions between the two models. The RIVER Max lacks the pure sine wave AC outlets, which may create slightly variable output with higher wattage devices such as refrigerators and televisions. The main battery output is 288 Watt hours, with the extra battery doubling output; removing the battery and relying on a single battery reduces the weight from 17 pounds to 11.5 pounds, an advantage for backpackers or anyone seeking an ultra-lightweight but ultra-reliable power source.
At the same time, given the decreased battery storage capacity, you have reduced charge storage as well as cycle life. For comparison, the RIVER Pro can power a 10 watt light for 64 hours using DC or 22 hours using AC, whereas the RIVER Max will power a 10 W light for 50 hours using DC and 17 using AC. Likewise, the cycle life is shorter, as the RIVER Max’s battery will last 500 cycles at 80% charge. This is the trade-off if you are seeking a more adaptable and portable power station but one that cannot provide as much juice for your tools and toys.
This being noted, the RIVER Max does offer the same shelf life of 1 year once fully charged, the same testing and certifications, the same management systems and the same warranty. You can use it similarly as an entry-level UPS, with the same safety and functionality considerations, as well as to power devices up to 1200 W with the X-boost functionality, though some appliances, such as air compressors, may not be compatible given their strict voltage requirements. As with the RIVER Pro, the AC X-Boost mode is enabled by default and is only available for one appliance at a time with a power rating between 600-1200W. Despite its decreased battery storage capacity, the RIVER Max offers similar power performance to the RIVER Pro.
Ultimately, when you compare the RIVER Pro to the RIVER Max, you are getting virtually the same device with slight modifications regarding output capabilities and battery life. This is reflected in the price, with the RIVER Max costing $599, a slight reduction for those looking for a slightly more economical power station.
Review : EcoFlow RIVER / Indoor Generator
Features :
- Double the Capacity from 288Wh to 576Wh : The RIVER Extra Battery is designed to integrate with RIVER to increase the energy capacity of the unit. You can easily double the capacity of the RIVER from 288Wh to 576Wh by attaching the RIVER Extra Battery to the main model. The RIVER Extra Battery CANNOT be used alone. You will need to install the module on RIVER to use.
- RIVER + Extra Battery = RIVER Bundle: After integrating the Extra Battery to RIVER, you will get the RIVER Bundle which is monitored and managed as a whole by the BMS of the main model. It provides a cost-effective solution to upgrade your RIVER in terms of storage. With a capacity of 576Wh, the RIVER Bundle provides enough juice to run essential devices for hours, depending on the actual output.
- RECHARGE FROM 0% TO 80% WITHIN 1 HOUR : With the EcoFlow patented X-Stream Technology, the smart inverter enables a fast rechargeability that takes less than 1 hour to charge from 0%-80%, and it gets fully charged in 1.6 hours. You can switch to a quieter charging condition by turning on the “Quiet Charging” status on the APP.
- COMPATIBLE WITH 80% HOME APPLIANCES : The X-Boost Technology’s advanced built-in algorithm enables most heavy-duty kitchen appliances and tools (up to 1800W) to operate. With X-Boost, RIVER Max can power 80% of essential home appliances and devices, especially those within 1200W for better using experience. The discharging rates and X-Boost mode can be monitored and controlled through the EcoFlow APP.
OVERVIEW —
If portability and price are your goals but you still want similar power output, the EcoFlow RIVER is the power station for you. It is slightly more compact than the RIVER Pro and RIVER Max, measuring 11.3 x 7.3 x 7.7 inches (as big as a toaster!) while weighing 11 pounds. Despite its rather petite dimensions, it will give you the power you need on your journeys. As with the other EcoFlow models, you can power up to 10 devices at once and can be recharged up to 80% of its battery capacity in 1 hour; given its smaller size, you can actually achieve faster recharge times than the other RIVER models, with full recharge taking 3 hours with a 12/24 Volt Car adapter, 1.6-3 hours using two 110 Watt solar panels and 2.4-5 hours with 1 solar panel.
Similar to the other RIVER models, you can use appliances up to 1800 Watts, though for best product use maximum wattage should be limited to between 600-1200 Watts for single appliances within that range. As with the other models, the RIVER is compatible with an additional battery that extends its power output from 288 Watt hours to 576 Watt hours; the additional battery needs to be purchased separately, though. While on the smaller side, the RIVER still allows you to charge appliances including a refrigerator up to 150 W and television up to 110 W, in addition to a 1000 watt rice cooker, as well as your portable devices such as a phone, Macbook and GoPro.
Obviously, compared to the RIVER Max and RIVER Pro which have greater power output, you will not be able to charge your devices for as long, as the power output powers a 10W lightbulb for 25 hours of DC connection, 8.5 hours of AC connection. That being said, you still get an exceptional amount of power output for, as EcoFlow claims, you can charge your phone 21 times, charge your drone 3 times or make 12 cups of coffee with a 1000 Watt coffee maker. Not bad for a power station that weighs slightly more than your average baby.
As with the other RIVER models, the RIVER is capable of being charged via AC wall outlet, car adapter and solar panels, with all of the respective charging cables coming included with your purchase. You can get the same remote control through the EcoFlow app, the same UPS capacity, the same operating conditions and the same power output capacities regarding USB, Car power output, AC and DC output. One distinction is that the RIVER allows 250 Watts of maximum AC input, but with a 500 cycle lifespan, similar to the RIVER Max, the RIVER provides the same high-quality durability you would expect from other EcoFLow products. With a 2 year warranty, and testing from all prominent product advisory panels, the EcoFlow RIVER offers another version of a reliable, portable and powerful power station. With a price of around $350, the EcoFlow RIVER makes eco-friendly power as economical as can be.
EcoFlow RIVER series: Powerful, Portable & Expandable
Whether your goal is to maximize portability with the EcoFlow RIVER, enable adaptability with the EcoFlow RIVER MAX or maximize power output with the EcoFlow RIVER Pro, the EcoFlow RIVER power station series provides exceptional performance, durability and versatility for the price and size of these power stations. You won’t have to worry anymore about which devices you can charge with the ability to accommodate 10 devices simultaneously and provide reliable power up to 1200 Watts, with the potential for 1800 Watts of power.
You can enjoy considerable battery life with patented recharging capacities that will allow you to spend more time using your devices than recharging them. You can enjoy the convenience of multiple recharging options that extends to these device’s synchronization with the EcoFlow app. You can rest assured that your device is designed for safe and effective operation, with multiple features to guide you through proper usage, to prevent electrical overloads and over-currents and to keep your power station optimally charged. It’s hard to beat the value of power stations that provide this much power performance.
If you’ve been looking for a reliable power station that will give you a wide range of performance features and consistent battery life without weighing you down, the EcoFlow RIVER Pro and the other models in the EcoFlow RIVER series can help you get where you’re going. Whether you’re going off-road or off-grid, the EcoFlow RIVER series gives you eco-friendly, economical power to get you where you’re going.
Visit the EcoFlow website to learn more about all of their fantastic line of products.
