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Ecoflow River 3 is the latest entry-level portable power station from the river series of Ecoflow. It provides a compact design, fast charging and app integration using Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. River 3 is an ideal travel-friendly power solution for 3 campers, digital nomads, emergency backup needs and moving electricity.
Unlike Best Portable Power Station I have tested, Ecoflow River 3 provides a compact form with all output ports of the unit for advanced GAN technology and an integrated handle, standard IEC cable charging, and ease of use. A digital screen also shows important information that is beautifully pairing with the fellow app.
Ecoflow River 3: Price and Availability
The base value of Ecoflow River 3 is $ 239 (currently discounts up to $ 179 at the time of review) and are available in a couple of bundle options. You can catch only power station or river 3 with a 45W solar panel for $ 219. When you can find the Ecoflow River 3 on the Ecoflow website, you can also find it on major retailers like Walmart, BestBu, HeroicHome depot, and more.
Ecoflow River 3: Unboxing and First Impression
Ecoflow River 3 is not my first ecoflow power station. I have reviewed ecoflo for years. I just reviewed all my favorite power stations with ecoflow, Delta 3 plusHowever, what is incredible about river line-up is portability, lightweight design and charging speed.
Even in the first unboxing, I was surprised at how light this power station is, especially while it still has 245Wh and a solid port offer. The river is 3 10 x 8.3 x 4.4 inches and below 8 pounds. With your comfortable integrated handle and luxurious shape, it is easy to roam and work with this power station. It is so easy and comfortable to move around; My 5-year-old son helped some of my tests and moved it around. In addition, the river 3 is also IP54-rated dust and water-resistant; It has a fire-retardant cover and drop resistance of up to 1.5 m.
The box has 3 portable power stations, an AC power cable, a car charger cable and user guide. I opted for the basic unit without a solar panel bundle, although you can add those people quickly.
Ecoflow River 3: Design and Construction Quality
Glasses
Capacity: 245Wh
Battery: LIFEPO4 (LFP), 3000+ cycle up to 80%
Output:
AC: 300W (600W X-Boost)
USB: 2 x USB-A (12W), 1 x USB-C (100W)
DC: 12V car port (126W maximum)
Charging Options:
AC (320W): 0-100% in 60 minutes
Solar (110W): 3 hours in full sun
Car (100W): 2.8 hours full fee
UPS Mode: <20ms switch time
As mentioned, the Ecoflow River 3 is highly compact and portable, especially compared to rated and specified power stations. Ecoflow claims that the unit is 30% smaller than the industry average and has focused a lot on ensuring that it is very easy to move around, so that they created an easy carry handle.
To see how compact this unit is, I tested some spots where I could put it. It fits the back tray behind my jeep Cherokee, it fits the bottom of a standard backpack, it fits into the cabinet of my storage space, it can fit in a storage space in a boat, in a four-wheeler carrier, or even in a portable tech carts like I am currently more on it.
River 3 has an LED display, two AC outlets (one-three-pong, one—ong), a USB-C 100W PD charging, two USB-A ports and one DC car port. Two power-in ports are on the right.
Ecoflow River 3: In Uses
As I mentioned, I have tried to exclude this power station with some use cases. While this has been very good in many areas, the case of use that I have come to rely at this power station, is in a portable work cart that I use several days a week. One of the many roles that are filled in my week are in the large church as a system director. In this role, I need a pile of gear when on the site, and when I am on the site, I can be at any place throughout the campus. Therefore, to solve this issue, I made a car with all cables, gear, adapters and materials, which I could need for any project. The final missing piece was a way to give it strength, allowing me to charge my everyday carry gear in my backpack (I am quite fit in my nomatic backpack), while working in the entire building, while all are able to provide electricity to any number of computers or other techniques, which I may need to plug at any time. I solved all these issues with Ecoflow River 3.
The 100W USB-C power output has been fantastic to charge any of my gears (especially since I take everything daily, to start with the USB-C). I have connected two power strips to two AC ports, when I need to be able to plug whatever gear I need to be able to plug a ton port for the port. In addition, since there is an internal battery with River 3, I can run this setup without the need to plug at all times, and then when the battery decreases, I can plug it quickly and recharge it rapidly, even when there is a load on the battery, if I am putting a ton tension on the battery with a ton gear, it will be a little longer). So far, I have noticed that the battery within the river 3 will run for about three recharge for my MacBook Pro, while a portable display from Sotsu (soon upcoming review) will carry forward.
When I do not use a solar or car input, I could see this power station in a moment if we had a power outage or if I was camping only to use this power station to be portable and comfortable to use this power station. I also know that the case of my use for this power station is unique, but I hope it shows how versatile it is.
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Property |
Note |
Rating |
|---|---|---|
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design |
Great design |
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ease of use |
easy to use |
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|
Practicality |
Practical for most |
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price |
Fair price |
Ecoflo River 3: Final decision
Ecoflow River 3 is an ultra-portable power station for the use of light-duty with 3 fast charging, UPS support and a compact design, which makes it an ideal choice for travel, provides strength to a small device, emergency preparation, or a portable workstation at home. It will not run a high-wattage device, nor will it charge a Tesla or keep my house operated for hours. However, its efficiency, reliability and portability make it a power station worth keeping it in its orbit and standing outside.
