EcoFlow DELTA mini Portable Power Station Review. Power bank ecoflow

EcoFlow DELTA mini Portable Power Station Review

The EcoFlow DELTA mini is an 882Wh power bank weighing 23.6 lbs / 10.7 kg with three USB-A ports (one quick-charge), one USB-C port, five AC outlets, and one 12V outlet.

It’s large enough to reliably power most larger devices like laptops, powered coolers, televisions, or drones. It can be charged via a wall outlet, a vehicle, or via one of EcoFlow’s many solar panels. I have used the DELTA mini exclusively with the EcoFlow 220W Bifacial Solar Panel (in addition to wall and vehicle charging).

Here’s everything you need to know about the EcoFlow DELTA mini.

Pros and Cons

Three USB-A, one USB-C, five AC outlets Can be recharged via car, wall outlet, or solar Charges 0 to 80% (via outlet) in 1 hour EcoFlow app can be used to monitor/control Handles make transport easy

– Solar panels are large and heavy– Semi-irregular shape because of handles– Only one USB-C port– No discount for buying bundled items

The Specs

The following information reflects the EcoFlow DELTA mini only. The EcoFlow 220W Bifacial Solar Panel specs can be found here.

Weight: 23.6 lbs / 10.7 kg
Dimensions (in): 14.9 × 7.2 × 9.4
Dimensions (cm): 37 × 18.3 × 23.6
USB-C Ports: 1
USB-A Ports: 3
Type B Outlets: 5
Operating Usage Temperature (Discharge):.4-113°F (-20-45°C)
Capacity: 882Wh
Cell Chemistry: NCM Li-ion
Lifecycle: 800 cycles to 80% capacity
Solar Input: 300W
AC Output: Pure Sine Wave, 1400W total (surge 2100W), 120V~ (50Hz/60Hz)
USB-A Output: 5V DC, 2.4A, 12W Max, per port
USB-A Fast Output: 5V, 2.4A / 9V, 2A / 12V, 1.5A, 18W Max
USB-C Output: 5/9/12/15/20V, 5A, 100W Max
Car Charging: 12V/24V, 8A
Recharge Time (Outlet): 1.6 hours
Recharge Time (Car): 9.5 hours
Recharge Time (400W Solar): 3 hours
Country of Origin: China
MSRP: 999.99

The Good

The Charge Time: The EcoFlow DELTA mini has a large battery capacity that can be charged in a surprisingly short amount of time. Using a wall outlet, you can get to 100% in under two hours and up to 80% in just one hour. I have numerous smaller power banks that take much longer to charge – to the point where I assume I won’t have time to charge them fully unless they’re left plugged in overnight. The DELTA mini is a welcome relief with its quick recharge time.

The Ports: The EcoFlow DELTA mini can charge up to 12 devices at once. There are four total USB ports (three USB-A and one USB-C), one 12V car port, and five Type B outlets (i.e. what you call a “regular plug”). I generally use a plug to extend the number of USB-C ports (more on this below), but there’s more than enough to power everything I need while car camping or at a base camp (generally laptop, camera, headlamp, backpacking power bank, drone, GoPro, and string lights – among other things).

The Pass-Through Charging: Good news! The EcoFlow DELTA mini is capable of pass-through charging. This means that you can charge the DELTA mini while also using it to charge other devices. Many power banks either will not allow you to do this or the manufacturers strongly advise against it. EcoFlow only warns against pass-through charging if the DELTA mini’s battery is low to begin with – you don’t want it to run out of battery while both charging it and drawing from it.

The Okay

The Panel Size: The EcoFlow DELTA mini can be used with a variety of solar panels – even third-party solar panels – but the issue with the EcoFlow panels is the size. I use the EcoFlow 220W Bifacial Solar Panel which works great, but it’s a bit cumbersome and in addition to being heavy, it’s incredibly long. The panels work well and charge the DELTA mini relatively quickly (three hours with direct sunlight), but in addition to being fragile, they are a bit cumbersome. You’ll need to be intentional about packing your panel away when it’s not in use.

The USB-C Port: Maybe there’s a good reason for this, but like many power banks on the market right now, the EcoFlow DELTA mini only has one USB-C port. I feel that we’ve gotten to the point where it’s not time we have more USB-C ports than USB-A ports as the majority of devices now have made the move to USB-C. I literally make purchase decisions based on whether a device uses USB-C. It’s good that there’s one USB-C port, but with such a full-featured power bank, I would hope for more.

The Shape: The shape of the EcoFlow DELTA mini is mostly good with a little bit of “to be improved”. It has a flat bottom and top which makes it easy to stack and place on flat surfaces; it’s stable. It also has two handles which make for easy transport, although it can be a bit awkward when carried by just one handle. However, the handles extend out from either side which can make tetrising it into your car, shelf, or otherwise cramped space a bit annoying – especially since if you’re pushing it back against something you end up with some dead space between the unit and the wall created by the second handle.

The Bad

The Price: The EcoFlow DELTA mini is expensive with an MSRP of 1000 – and that’s before you consider any taxes, accessories, or solar panels (the solar panels are equally expensive). The good news here is that the power station boasts a cycle life of 800 cycles to 80% capacity. That’s over two years’ worth of daily discharge. If you’re using this casually and not for everyday life, that means your DELTA mini should last you a long time.

Who is it for?

For powering larger electronics or for an extended base camp setting where you want to power speakers, laptops, small devices, and possibly a larger device, the EcoFlow DELTA mini is a great option.

f you’re looking for something to power a refrigerator, blender, or other large electronics to sustain off-grid living, this will be a great addition to your kit but I wouldn’t use it as your primary point of power (especially if you have multiple large electronic devices that you are hoping to power for extended periods).

Wrap Up

The EcoFlow DELTA mini is compact enough to sit behind the seat of your car, on the shelf of your office, or between your legs at a bar (although carrying it in may be strange). It recharges quickly and has enough juice to fulfill most of your off-the-grid needs so long as you don’t have an entire kitchen you’re operating in the backcountry.

It can be used together with one of EcoFlow’s solar panels or a third-party solar panel and will recharge (via solar) in as little as three hours (or under two via an outlet). It’s not compact enough to fit into your backpack and it only has one USB-C port, but there’s not much to complain about other than that. Did I mention you can control it with the EcoFlow app?

Questions, Комментарии и мнения владельцев, or personal experience with the EcoFlow DELTA mini? Leave a comment below or get in touch and let me know!

Check out the EcoFlow DELTA mini here.

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Considering the power this power station is capable of, it’s surprisingly compact.

Android Central Verdict

Bottom line: The EcoFlow DELTA Pro is a wonderfully built piece of hardware with intelligence and power to boot. With 3600Wh of battery capacity and output up to 7200W from a wide range of ports, this is one battery pack that can get you and your home through the storm. That is, if you can physically move it and afford it.

Pros

Impressive power output
Lots of outlet options
Fast recharge time
Massive power capacity
Excellent companion app
Expandable power

Cons

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Keeping an excellent portable charger handy is a relatively normal thing for people these days. Aside from charging phones, USB-C is now a more common way to charge something like the many mobile electronics, so having one of these portable power sources is almost necessary. However, when it comes to powering devices larger than a laptop, such as your home’s essential appliances during a power outage, you’ll need something much more substantial — like the EcoFlow DELTA Pro.

The EcoFlow DELTA Pro isn’t like anything you’ve ever seen before. It wasn’t for me when I first found out about it in June 2021. Things like the Anker Powerhouse II 400 and even the Jackery Explorer 1000 are relatively common products. But for all the excellent uses of these power sources, when it comes to genuinely power-hungry electrical appliances, they can’t help.

I’ve spent the past six months putting the EcoFlow DELTA Pro through a gauntlet of tests, from running my camper during the summer to powering my home during an outage from a storm in addition to many other experiments. The EcoFlow DELTA Pro is an impressive-looking piece of hardware and boasts just as impressive specs. But in the real world, how does it actually hold up?

EcoFlow DELTA Pro: Price and availability

The EcoFlow DELTA Pro was introduced in a crowdfunding campaign through Kickstarted on July 15, 2021, with a goal of 100,000. By the end of the campaign, the total amount raised was 12,179,651. EcoFlow sells the DELTA Pro for 3,599 through its web store and other online retailers such as Lowe’s. Stock is currently limited, and EcoFlow is accepting deposits with shipping to begin at the end of January 2022, according to EcoFlow.

EcoFlow DELTA Pro: What’s good

I live on a small farmstead in rural Kansas, and aside from a severe lack of broadband options forcing me to look to the sky with Starlink, intermittent power outages are also commonplace. However, this isn’t entirely unique to my living location, and that’s why I was so interested in the opportunity to check out the EcoFlow DELTA Pro. Because if recent weather patterns have taught me anything, it’s been that relying on the traditional power grid for electricity is not a great idea.

Right off the bat, the power capacity of the EcoFlow DELTA Pro caught my eye at 3600Wh — it’s huge — especially when considering that this thing is made to be portable. Now, portable is to be taken with a grain of salt because at 99 pounds, over 2 feet long, and more than 1 foot tall, it isn’t necessarily going to be something you take everywhere like you would with many of the top-notch portable chargers for your phone. But, EcoFlow did a great job building in a solid retractable handle. Think suitcase handle, which makes utilizing the wheels to roll the unit where you need it much more manageable.

DimensionsWeightBatteryDisplayAC OutputAnderson OutputDC5521 OutputCar Charger OutputUSB-A OutputUSB-A Fast Charge OutputUSB-C OutputAC InputSolar Charger InputCar Charger InputEV Station Charging InputMaximum Charging InputProtectionConnectivity

25 x 11.2 x 16.4 inches

Approximately 99lbs

LFP 3600Wh, 48V3500 cycles to 80% capacity

5-inch LCD

5Pure Sine Wave, 3600W total (surge 7200W),120V~ (60Hz)

112.6V 30A, 378W Max

212.6V 3A, 38W Max per port

12.6V 10A, 126W Max

25V 2.4A, 12W Max per port

25V 2.4A 9V 2A 12V 1.5A, 18W Max per port

25/9/12/15/20V 5A, 100W Max per port

120V 1800W Max, 240V 3000W Max100-120V~ 15A, 220-240V~ 12.5A, 50Hz/60Hz

11-150V 15A Max, 1600W Max

Supports 12V/24V Battery, Default 8A

️ (adapter sold separately), 3400W

6500W

Over Voltage ProtectionOverload ProtectionOver Temperature ProtectionShort Circuit ProtectionLow Temperature ProtectionLow Voltage ProtectionOvercurrent Protection

Wi-FiBluetooth

Aside from the sturdy extendable handle that EcoFlow has built into the DELTA Pro, there are an impressive variety of possible power outlet options to take advantage of the impressive capacity in the LFP, lithium iron phosphate batteries stored inside the unit. There are the expected USB-A and USB-C ports along with standard AC ports, of which there is four upfront along with the fantastic display. It was the inclusion of the large outlet that supports up to 30 amps, which is commonly seen in the RV world, that was something of a surprise to me.

I have a cargo trailer that my wife and I have converted to a camper, and to power it, we use a 30 amp plug. While typically, when we camp, we haul a 3500W Predator gas generator for providing off-grid electricity, the idea of forgoing the noisy, smelly generator is a very intriguing one.

To continue with the port options, a 12V 30A Anderson port, 12V car socket, and a DC5521 output port are tucked inside a door on the front corner. Also inside this door, the EcoFlow houses the IoT, pairing, and standby buttons alongside the remote control port. The DELTA Pro is equipped with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth options to monitor its battery level and view and control various unit functions through your phone. For a hard-wired control option, you can purchase the remote separately.

When you have battery capacities like the DELTA Pro and the port options, some serious power output is expected to follow, right? And oh, is there ever power output. This battery pack outperforms my gas-powered choice at 3600W sustained output and a surge output level of 7200W. I’ve run a 1400W portable AC, two mini-fridges, a coffee maker, a microwave, and a water pump, all at the same time without a hiccup.

Smartphones have gotten bigger and bigger batteries over the past few years, and to complement them, charging speeds have had to increase. In the case of the EcoFlow DELTA Pro, that recharge rate has to take a massive leap to power its huge batteries back up in an acceptable amount of time. For a phone, we can all pick up an excellent USB-C fast charger for the DELTA Pro, EcoFlow developed X-Stream that give the ability to charge at up to 6500W!

The EcoFlow DELTA Pro, like any other piece of modern technology, has a variety of accessories to go along with it that helps this large solar generator stand out. While there are, of course, solar panels as an option to recharge the unit — even a new 400W panel, the EcoFlow Solar Tracker that connects to it is really impressive. After mounting the solar panel to the tracker, it will automatically adjust its orientation to the sun to maximize power generation.

Unfolded dimensionsWeightWeight with caseRated powerEfficiencyConnector TypeShort Circuit CurrentOpen Circuit VoltageCell Type

41.7 x 93.1 x 1 inches	26.8 x 61.8 x 1 inches
27.6lbs	11lbs
34.2lbs	15.4lbs
400W	160W
22.4%	21%
MC4	MC4
11A (Imp 9.8A)	9.6A (Imp 8.8A)
48V (Vmp 41V)	21.4V (Vmp 18.2V)
Monocrystalline silicon	Monocrystalline silicon

If the DELTA Pro’s battery capacity isn’t enough for you, there are expansion batteries that allow you to connect up to two with the DELTA Pro, essentially tripling the capacity. Then there is also the Double Voltage Hub that enables the DELTA Pro to be connected for 7200W output and also power 240V devices like clothes dryers.

Finally, not to leave gas generators completely out, there’s also an EcoFlow Smart Generator you can use to power up and recharge your DELTA Pro batteries automatically. These all work in tandem with the Smart Panel and can be installed at your home to automatically switch its power needs to the battery system in a power outage.

The EcoFlow DELTA Pro packs all of its features into a good-looking case. The entire unit is very solid and has held up very well to all of the admittedly rough paces I have put it through. I have hauled it in the back of my UTV, rolled it along my gravel driveway, used it outside to work on my barn, taken it camping in a lot of places, including the beach, and the DELTA Pro continues to impress me.

EcoFlow DELTA Pro: What’s not good

Let’s be honest, the EcoFlow DELTA Pro isn’t the kind of generator to purchase on a whim when it costs over 3,500. However, it could be a great investment depending on your financial and living situation. But, in the end, even though the DELTA Pro is something many people should own for peace of mind alone, at its current price point, it will be out of reach for many.

Regardless of whether I feel that for everything that EcoFlow has done to make it a great product or not, it is a lot of money. Especially when factoring in the cost of expansion batteries, the Smart Panel, solar panels, and other accessories further utilize the DELTA Pro’s capabilities. There are many ways that this large solar generator can earn its keep should you purchase it, but that initial payout could be a tough pill to swallow.

Then, if you do get one, the EcoFlow DELTA Pro is a dense, heavy unit. Not dumb dense, it’s actually quite Smart, but it is solidly built. Yes, there are wheels and a nice retractable handle to roll it around, but the DELTA Pro will need to be picked up at some point. At 99 pounds, depending on your situation, it could be a daunting task. EcoFlow has padded wraps that go around the solid handles at the top of the unit to make it easier to grip. Just be sure to lift with your legs.

EcoFlow DELTA Pro: Competition

While there are many options for portable chargers for our phones and even larger packs like the ones from Anker and Jackery I mentioned earlier, there are far fewer for big solar generators like the EcoFlow DELTA Pro. EcoFlow itself has a lot of various power stations ranging from smaller power banks which range up to more extensive 720Wh options in its RIVER lineup, to the DELTA series which has several higher output options in it.

Outside of EcoFlow, one company that has a similar lineup is BLUETTI. Unfortunately, the only item it currently has for sale, compared to the DELTA Pro, is the BLUETTI AC200MAX at about 2,100. With an internal capacity of 2048Wh and a sustained 2200W output, both are smaller than the DELTA Pro’s 3600Wh and 3600W; it offers similar port options. The BLUETTI AC200MAX boasts similar port options, including the 30 amp RV outlet, but ups the ante a bit with two 15W wireless charging pads on top of the unit. It also comes with flexible covers for all ports to help keep dust and debris out.

The lower battery capacity also means that the BLUETTI AC200MAX is lighter at just under 62 pounds. While that’s easier to tote around, there are no wheels, so you’ll be carrying it everywhere. Another area the BLUETTI AC200MAX is light in is its recharge rate. When plugged into an AC outlet, the max input is only 500W which can be combined with up to 900W of solar. So be prepared for a slow top-up should you drain the BLUETTI AC200MAX.

BLUETTI and other companies, like Mango Power, are quickly developing high-capacity battery packs that offer big output numbers. There are some battery packs out there that boast large capacities. Still, many are using older lead-acid batteries that are less reliable in various ways than the chemical makeup found in the EcoFlow DELTA Pro. This space will be very interesting in the near future.

EcoFlow DELTA Pro: Should you buy it?

You should buy this if.

You want high capacity and high output, portable power.
You want to have some independence from the traditional power grid.
You have an RV or camper trailer.
Your home experienced intermittent power outages.

You shouldn’t buy this if.

The EcoFlow DELTA Pro is a product for everyone, while at the same time, not. It can be a lifeline for people with health problems and those who need assurance that if the power ever does go out, they will be able to run their medical equipment for extended periods. It’s the same sentiment for anyone who wants to ensure that their home’s power will be just fine and they can keep essential appliances going. The DELTA Pro is for campers and outdoor folks who work on projects using power tools. But the cost and weight of the DELTA Pro are going to be a barrier to entry that can hold some people back.

Portable power for nearly anything

To say that having the EcoFlow DELTA Pro has been life-changing for me would be going a bit too far. But, I can say that it has given me peace of mind and has given me some freedom. I no longer have to restrict what tools I use based on the work I need to do because of a lack of electricity. While I have a gas generator, ditching the noise, fuel, and exhaust is fantastic.

The ability to power nearly anything the average person has from any of the best Chromebooks to a full-sized refrigerator without being tethered to a traditional power source opens up many possibilities. It offers opportunities for fun, health, travel, and preparedness for power outages. The EcoFlow DELTA Pro and its set of accessories that will expand the core products utility have huge potential. While the physical weight of the battery pack is something to be considered, so is the cost to get into the large solar generator world. But if you can make that investment, the DELTA Pro is a great place to start.

EcoFlow River 2 Max review | Best 500W portable power station?

In the box you get the power station itself, a mains charging cable, a car charging cable, a DC5521 cable and a quick start guide.

The River 2 Max has a 512Wh LiFePO4 or LFP battery which supports 3000 complete charge cycles compared to the 500 cycles of the River Max’s standard Li-ion battery. This is the smallest unit I’ve reviewed so far that comes with this more desirable battery chemistry.

It has a clean design but doesn’t feel quite as premium as other EcoFlow units I’ve tested. It’s made mostly from a hard plastic, but there is some movement and flex in some of its component parts. It is lighter than the original River Max though at 6.2kg – even more impressive considering it now has the LFP battery, and I much prefer its more useful flat top even it there’s a missed opportunity for a wireless charging pad or two. You can see its dimensions above, but although a little shorter than the River Max it’s a fair bit deeper, even before taking into consideration its rear carry handle. And it no longer has the removable battery of the original River Max.

The front of the unit has the now standard EcoFlow LCD screen but with just a single colour white display – not EcoFlow’s typical blue secondary colour.

Beside the display are 3 bog standard 2.4A USB-A ports – surprisingly none of these ports support any fast charging standards like Qualcomm Quick Charge. But there is a single two way USB-C 100W port both to fast charge your tech and also to charge the unit itself. On the other side of the display is the 12V 10A car charger outlet with a protective rubber flap and 2 3A DC5521 ports.

Below this UK version has two 500W AC outlets that can surge to 1000W. These outlets are well spaced and can accommodate even oversized plugs. The US version has 4 outlets – two 3 prong grounded and two 2 prong ungrounded outlets.

Press the power button to turn the unit on which also enables the USB ports. The DC and AC ports have their own power button.

Around the back of the unit is the mains charging port and the XT60 DC charging port for connecting to a car outlet or solar panels. There’s no flap covering these two ports which is unusual, but then like every power station I’ve tested the River 2 Max doesn’t come with any weatherproof rating, so you’ll need to take care using it outside anyway.

Charging

You can charge the unit with the mains cable, from a car outlet with the supplied car charging cable, via solar with optional solar panels and it supports charging at up to 100W using the two way USB-C port. It’s the first EcoFlow unit I’ve tested with this feature which can be very useful when there’s no mains or solar available.

Using the supplied standard 10A IEC mains cable – often called a kettle lead in the UK, the unit can charge at up to an impressive 660W. I didn’t quite see 660W, but charging at 600W I charged the unit’s 512Wh battery from completely flat to 80% charge in just over 40 minutes and a full charge took just under 1 hour and 3 minutes. EcoFlow quotes 1 hour for a full charge – so that’s close enough.

Charging at full speed the cooling fans turn on and are fairly noisy – I measured 46db with a sound level meter one metre away – that was around 10db louder than background noise in my office. But you can configure the charging speed from the full 660W down to 100W in 50W increments in the accompanying EcoFlow app. It will depend on the ambient temperature but generally the fans come on less at lower charging speeds, but they still run at the same speed and aren’t any quieter.

It is probably a little better for the battery charging at lower speeds, if you’re not in any rush.

I did check the River 2 Max’s temperatures when fast charging with a Flir thermal imaging camera and the design of the unit and the fans did a good job of keeping it cool as you can see.

The LCD display on the River 2 Max is bright and clear, and shows information on remaining charge time when it’s charging and remaining run time when it’s powering your devices.

This estimate is adjusted in real time depending on input or output power. There’s also the battery capacity displayed graphically and as a percentage and icons that illuminate to show which ports are in use. This information is also available in the app which can monitor the power station even away from home on a cellular connection if you connect to the device over Wi-Fi.

There is also an option to connect directly to the power station over Bluetooth when there’s no Wi-Fi – just tap on “use without Internet” when you’re asked to select your Wi-Fi network. I’ve already covered adjusting AC charging speed under Settings in the app, and will mention other relevant options as I proceed through the review. I’d recommend making sure the firmware is up to date – there’s already been several updates to the firmware just whilst I’ve been testing the power station. The display is very clear indoors but a little harder to see outdoors in bright sunlight.

The unit charges at just under 100W with the supplied cable via a 12V car outlet. So a full charge would take around 6 hours. You also charge faster if your car has a 24V output, which I confirmed with my bench power supply charging the unit at just under 190W.

You are limited to 8A as you can see even with the bench supply set at 10A – this is set in the app and can’t be increased, only lowered. You need to manually select Car Recharging in DC mode in the app to get this to work.

If you manually select Solar Recharging in the app the unit will accept a voltage from 11V to 50V with a maximum or 13A but this can’t exceed 220W so the current starts dropping as the voltage exceeds 17V.

Like all the power stations I’ve tested the River 2 Max has a built-in MPPT controller for more efficient solar charging.

I tested solar charging with EcoFlow’s 220W bifacial solar panel which I discussed in my review of the more powerful EcoFlow Delta 2. It’s a good match for the River 2 Max’s maximum 220W solar input although it is quite pricey. But you can use pretty much any solar panel with the River 2 Max.

It’s winter here in the UK but I did manage to get one day in the last month of testing where the sun came out for enough time to test solar charging. You’ll need a MC4 to XT60 cable which isn’t supplied but is fairly easy to come by. Midday towards the end of January I got a maximum of 190W off the 220W panel which is pretty good. With the generous 11-50V input range of the power station, you could connect two panels in series and easily achieve the 220W maximum input even if you had a couple of smaller panels. As I’ve shown in previous power station reviews, it’s very easy to connect panels in series. These 220W panels are 21.8V – so two in series would be 43.6V which is still comfortably within the maximum 50V input of the River 2 Max.

Even at 180-190W the River 2 Max could be fully charged in a minimum of 3 hours.

Finally I tested the USB-C charging using the 100W output from my EcoFlow Delta 2. You do need to make sure you use a 100W rated cable with an E-marker chip, which isn’t supplied. I did get the full 100W, which will fully charge the power station in around 6 hours.

Performance

This UK version has two 500W AC outlets that can surge briefly to 1000W. I confirmed their sine wave output, which is important for sensitive electronics, with a graphical multimeter.

You can use EcoFlow’s X-Boost technology to continuously power devices rated at up to 1000W by lowering their voltage. So I can run this heater in its low 1000W mode – double the true rated output of the River 2 Max. But the voltage drops from around 240V UK mains voltage to under 170V.

The heater goes from drawing just over 1000W to just over 500W and this runs continuously, albeit for less than an hour. But at this lower voltage and output it’s barely generating any heat so isn’t particularly useful. X-Boost can be useful, but some devices may be sensitive to their voltage requirements and I’d recommend turning this feature off in the app and only enabling it for certain devices, like those with heating elements, when you’ve no other options. I’d like to see an X-Boost button on the unit itself to easily switch this feature on and off.

500W is still plenty to charge portable speakers, drones and laptops and run TVs, mini fridges, slow cookers and even some smaller power tools. To test it at its limits I tried running a few handheld power tools. This Festool 310W sander briefly draws over 800W at start-up but still didn’t trip the power station. And this slightly more powerful 400W Festool Rotex sander hovered comfortably around 500W.

I could just run this Ryobi 750W SDS drill if I ramped it up to full speed slowly, but this Bosch 720W angle grinder without any soft start instantly tripped the power station.

You should have some idea of what you’re plugging into the power station, but if you do exceed its 500W limit, overload protection kicks in and you’ll need to unplug the device and wait a few seconds before turning the AC subsystem on again.

The cooling fans will kick in intermittently at the same noise levels as when charging, depending on what you have plugged in.

It’s worth remembering to turn off the AC when you’re not using it. I measured between a 2-3% drop in capacity per hour just having the AC turned on with nothing plugged in. You can adjust the AC timeout in the app from 30 minutes to 24 hours or you can turn off the timeout completely. But unless you’re topping the unit up with solar you may well come back to an empty power station in a day or two.

I tested the DC outputs starting with the 12V car outlet which has up to 10A output at 12.6V or 126W, which I confirmed with a load tester. Ramping this up to 12A set off the current overload protection.

Using the same load tester I confirmed the 3A maximum output of the 12.6V DC5521 ports. You can’t set a timeout for the DC outputs in the app, but even if you leave them on they consume barely any power. These DC outlets are useful for camping accessories amongst other things. All these DC outputs are regulated.

There are 3 standard 5V 2.4A USB-A ports. It’s surprising these ports don’t support any fast charging standards but I confirmed their rated output with a USB load tester. There’s a far more useful 100W USB-C output.

The portable jump starter above can charge at the full 100W.

But more typically it’ll fast charge most laptops that support charging over USB power delivery, like most MacBooks and the Lenovo Chromebook in the photo above.

There’s no power button for the USB ports – it comes on with the unit which I prefer. And you can set the unit time out in the app to “never” to keep the USB ports on even when supplying tiny amounts of power, just like a mains wall charger.

The River 2 Max also has a UPS or uninterruptible power supply function. When the power station is charging off mains, any mains devices you plug in will bypass the power station and run directly off mains until there’s a power cut, when they’ll switch across to the power station’s battery. EcoFlow quotes a 30 ms switchover which I found good enough for a desktop computer for example, but they warn against using this feature for data servers that might require 0 ms switching. I’ve used this function before for running a 3D printer. It’s reassuring knowing that even a brief power outage won’t ruin a long print.

All ports support passthrough charging and can be used whilst the unit is charging. And all the ports can be used simultaneously.

Finally I measured the usable capacity of the 512Wh built-in battery. I ran two 100W incandescent bulbs at just under 200W until the power station turned off. They ran for 2 hours 19 minutes and consumed 439Wh according to the energy monitoring plug. Power stations like this will always have conversion losses and anything over 80% is pretty good. The EcoFlow works out at 439 Wh / 512 Wh which is around 86% and a good result. I did initially run this test at just under 500W and got 391Wh or just 76% efficiency. So the inverter does lose some efficiency as you run it closer to its maximum output probably due to heat loss.

I did a similar test using the DC output with a 10A electronic load attached. I measured 431 Wh which is a respectable 84% efficiency. But the DC output is more efficient running something like a camping fridge which turns on and off regularly, since there’ll be very little parasitic draw from the DC subsystem itself.

Conclusions

I’ve tested several EcoFlow units and they all offer a good feature set and performance at a fair price. At £550 or 500 the River 2 Max is not cheap, but with its LFP battery, super fast charging and 5 year guarantee it should definitely be on your shortlist if you’re after a 500W power station. Whilst you don’t need an app for a power station, remote control and monitoring via the EcoFlow app is surprisingly useful and also makes firmware updates, which often include new features, very easy. I like the USB-C charging option too and the unit is pretty light considering its long-life, usually heavier, LFP battery chemistry.

The build isn’t quite as good as EcoFlow’s more expensive units or the 1st generation River Max for that matter, and I would have liked all the USB ports to support fast charging.

The River 2 Max also loses the removable battery option the older River Max had. But that did make the River Max quite heavy even with its standard Li-ion battery and the internal battery still wasn’t replaceable.

I will be taking a look at the EcoFlow Power Kit soon to add power to my campervan. This system is entirely modular, but a fair bit more expensive. There’ll be a link on screen if that video is already out. I’m looking forward to taking a look at that system, but it’d be nice to see something modular at this price point with replaceable and upgradable batteries and other power station components like the inverter for example.

I’ ‘ve already reviewed power stations from Jackery, Bluetti and Allpowers that all come with similar outputs. Although those power stations all use standard Li-ion batteries with their associated shorter life.

I’ve got many more power station reviews in the works, so don’t forget to take a look at my YouTube video at the top of the page, and subscribe to my YouTube channel where I’m releasing videos every week on the latest technology and how to get the most out of it. If you tap the bell icon when you subscribe you’ll get a notification as soon as I release a video, and there’ll be a link to my site here for the written article. YouTube is also the best place to leave a comment. I read all of them and respond to as many as I can!

Purchase directly from EcoFlow: https://uk.ecoflow.com/products/river-2-max-portable-power-station(Using the above link costs you nothing and helps keep this website and my YouTube channel going – thank you!)

As an Amazon affiliate, I get a small commission from purchases made via any of the international Amazon links below:

Power bank ecoflow

4 Great reasons to buy from us:

EcoFlow RIVER mini Portable Power Station

SMALLEST RIVER EcoFlow RIVER mini gives you power at hand. Throw 210Wh of portable power in your backpack and be at ease knowing you’ve got power anywhere.

Take Outlets Anywhere: RIVER mini sports AC wall outlets, USB outlets more. With it, you’ve got more ports than a power bank in a battery that fits in your hand. ing condition by turning on the “Quiet Charging” status on the app.

Fast Charging:Charge to 80% in 1 hour flat thanks to EcoFlow’s X-Stream charging technology.

Power Multiple Devices: With RIVER mini, you can power up to 8 devices at once. Ideal for the outdoors.

Lightweight: RIVER mini is built for portability. Hold it in your hand or throw it in a backpack to take power anywhere.

Note: This item is only available for sale in the contiguous United States.

Key Features

Take wall outlets anywhere. Power the big stuff with the RIVER mini’s AC wall outlets. With a 300W output (600W surge), RIVER mini is ideal for 99% of your devices. Laptops, lights, TVs. It’s all good.
Charging is a chore, so we made it faster. RIVER mini charges to 80% in 1 hour flat. That’s way faster than your powerbank, all in a battery that has about 6 times the capacity. Not near a wall? Charge with solar or via your car for when you’re on-the-go.
All the ports. RIVER mini has all the ports outlets you’d ever need. 2 AC wall outlets, 1 DC car outlet, 3 USB-A ports and a USB-C fast-charge port. It even has a wireless charging pad up top. With all that, you can power up to 8 devices at once.
It fits in your hand too. All that in a power station that fits in your hand. Grab RIVER mini, throw it in your backpack and you’re good to go.
Safety first. Not only is the RIVER mini made to last with a tough, one-piece build. It sports an advanced BMS for voltage, current, and temperature protection too.

What’s In The Box

EcoFlow RIVER mini
DC5521-DC5525 Cable
1.5m MC4 to XT60 Solar Charging Cable
1.5m AC Charging Cable
1.5m Car Charging Cable
User Manual

Specifications

General Info:

Net Weight: Approximately 6.3lbs
Dimension: 9.8 x 5.5 x 5.2inches
Warranty: 24 months

Battery Info:

Capacity: 210Wh
Cell Chemistry: NCM-ion
Shelf Life: 1 year (after fully charged)
Cycle Life: 500 Cycles (80%)
Certifications: cTUVus FCC Telec
AC Input Power: 100-120V~ 50Hz/60Hz, 6.0A Max
DC Output :12.6V 10A
USB-A Output: 5V 2.4A
USB-C Output (x1): 100W, 5A MAX
Discharge Temperature:.20°C to 45°C
Optimal Operating Temperature: 20°C to 30°C
Charge Temperature: 0°C to 45°C
Storage Temperature:.20°C to 45°C

Warranty Returns

This product comes with a 2 year manufacture defect limited warranty. For return and warranty service contact our Support Team at support@ecostoredirect.com. From there we will determine how to proceed. We will give you a Return Material Authorization (RMA) number and provide you with a prepaid return shipping label along with instructions on how to properly package the product to return it safely. Do not ship the product until you have received the proper safety directions on how to ship the product. Finally, we will process your return or warranty.

For Returns: We will notify you once your items have been received and your refund has been processed.

For Warranty: We will notify you once your item has been received and replacement has been shipped.