From weekend getaways to work in the field, this portable unit makes it easy to keep all my devices charged
EcoFlow River 2: Two-minute review
The River 2 has been out for a couple of years now, but I think it’s a great buy due to the solid spec and increasingly cheap price. The unit tested here has been with me since launch and I have taken it on dozens of adventures without it skipping a beat.
Are you after the latest model instead? Take a read of our EcoFlow River 3 review and see if the updated version is better suited to your needs.
The River 2 is the smallest in EcoFlow’s ultraportable River 2 power station series and it has a 256Wh capacity. Note that I tested the Australian spec model, but aside from a different AC plug depending on the country it’s sold in, the underlying capabilities are the same.
The River 2 is basically a big battery bank combined with a 230V/120V inverter, high power USB and 12V outputs, and a range of charging ports. The River 2 can handle 300W AC appliances, with a surge capacity up to 600W.
The River 2 series is designed to be very portable, and is great for any charging or power needs when out and about. Not just for recreation either – it’s well suited for professionals who need to run equipment in the field – especially since it can be combined with solar for charging anywhere. The River 2 can also be used like a UPS, to automatically keep your modem or other critical devices powered on through a blackout.
Importantly, the River 2 series uses lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cells, which allows for a large amount of full cycles. The River 2 is rated at 3,000 cycles (100% to 0%) before capacity drops to 80% of the original. That means you could recharge it almost every day and it would take 10 years to drop to 80% of original capacity. Even then, with 80% capacity being around 200Wh, that’s still a heap of juice.
On the front, the River 2 has a single 230V/120V AC power socket, a 12V/8A car-style DC accessory socket, dual USB-A ports (5V/2.4A) and a 60W USB-C PD input/output that can charge a laptop, or charge the power station itself. When plugged into the wall, the River 2 charges at up to 360W. That’s fast, and means it can go from dead flat to full in just an hour – an incredibly handy feature when you need to recharge in a hurry. It also has a DC input port on the back that can accept 11-30V, and charge the battery at 110W. This means the power station can be quickly charged in the car (or 24V in a truck), or with a solar panel or other DC power source.
The River 2 has a screen that shows remaining charge, time until flat at current usage, and input/output wattage. That’s all that most users will likely need, but you can also connect to the power station using a slick app from EcoFlow. This provides all sorts of deeper functionality, like setting maximum charge and discharge levels, setting specific charge rates, updating the firmware and more.
I have really enjoyed my time with River 2, but of course there are some minor niggles. At higher loads, the River 2 does need a fan to keep internal temperatures down. It’s not especially noisy and doesn’t run all the time, but is potentially a way for dust to build up (and require occasional cleaning) over time. Otherwise most of the things I wish for (like a 100W USB-C output) are options on the larger capacity models.
The River 2 did command a somewhat premium price at launch but has been getting much more affordable over time and has had some great discounts lately. All in all, it offers an excellent mix of features that is well worth it for those who need reliable portable power on the go.
Do you need something smaller, for charging a phone or laptop? Then check out the TechRadar guide to the best power banks.EcoFlow River 2 review: price and availability
How much does it cost? Launch RRP of $239 / £269 / AU$649
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? Available in most major markets including the US, UK and Australia
The River 2 has been out for a couple of years now and is easily available for much less than the launch RRP. The easiest place to find it is generally direct from EcoFlow, though it’s also stocked on Amazon and at a large number of third-party retailers.
Generally speaking the River 2 is solid value, considering the focus on portability, unique features and long warranty. It also has fairly frequent sales that can bring it down to less than half price.
