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With outdoor adventures and camping expeditions becoming more popular than ever, demand for reliable, efficient, and compact power solutions has surged. In mid November 2024, EcoFlow responded with the long-awaited River 3 series. A quartet (technically quintuplet if you count the River 3 UPS) of power stations, that are relatively compact, rugged, and super efficient. If you dont need to power the entire universe when off-grid camping, or simply want to power basic devices such as phones, tablets, and laptops, the River 3 is the power station for you.
In this in-depth review, we take a detailed look at how the EcoFlow River 3 stacks up against the River 2 and whether it’s a worthy addition to your gear for UKSN events and beyond.
Rating: ★★★ (3/4)
Key Specifications at a Glance
Battery Capacity: 245Wh
Output: 300W (with a surge capability up to 600W)
Battery Chemistry: LiFePO4, rated for 3000 cycles to 80% capacity
Dimensions: 255 x 212 x 133 mm
Weight: 3.5kg
Recharge Options: AC, Solar, Car, and Generator
Charging Speed: AC Charging (0-100% in 60 minutes), Solar (up to 2.6 hours), Car (2.8 hours)
UPS Speed: 20ms (with the River 3 UPS offering an upgraded 10ms switch time)
Output Ports: 5 total, including 1x AC, 2x USB-A, 1x USB-C, and 1x Car Outlet
Noise: 30dB
Introducing the EcoFlow River 3
EcoFlow has a reputation for delivering high-performance portable power stations, and the River 3 is no exception. The latest model maintains the ideal balance of compactness, power capacity, and charging speed, all of which are essential for outdoor activities in the UK. Whether you’re recharging tech essentials, powering small appliances, or providing a reliable backup during emergencies, the River 3’s specs make it an appealing choice.
With a battery capacity of 245Wh and 300W output (capable of up to 600W surge & X-Boost), this device covers a broad range of power needs. But what makes the River 3 unique is the integration of GaN (Gallium Nitride) technology, which boosts efficiency and reduces size without sacrificing performance.
Efficient Power in a Compact Design
The EcoFlow River 3 features a reimagined form factor, approximately 30% smaller than its predecessor. This streamlined design makes it an excellent choice for UKSN members and outdoor enthusiasts, fitting seamlessly into your gear without adding unnecessary bulk or weight. Whether you’re camping, hiking, or prepping, the River 3 delivers portable power without compromise.
What sets the River 3 apart is its use of GaN (Gallium Nitride) technology, which allows for faster and more efficient charging while maintaining a compact footprint. Not only does this technology enhance performance, but it also keeps the unit cooler, extending its lifespan and ensuring reliable operation over time.
The build quality is as exceptional as you’d expect from EcoFlow. The high-grade plastics feel robust and premium, with minimal flex under pressure. While the River 2 was already well-built, the River 3 raises the bar further. Its solid, well-engineered design makes excellent use of internal space, giving the device a more compact yet robust feel. The new flat-top, complete with a recessed rear handle, improves both functionality and aesthetics. This flatter profile not only looks modern but also allows for easy stacking of multiple units—a thoughtful touch for those looking to expand their setup. The ergonomic handle has also been refined, ensuring a more comfortable grip that won’t dig into your hand during transport.
Finally, the River 3 introduces a fresh, graphite-inspired colour scheme, a stylish upgrade from the dull grey of the River 2. This sleek new look adds a touch of sophistication, making the River 3 as visually appealing as it is practical.
Charging Flexibility for All Adventures
EcoFlow has made the River 3 versatile with four charging options:
AC Charging: Rapid charging from 0-100% in just one hour is one of the fastest in the market. This feature makes the River 3 perfect for quick top-ups before heading out.
Solar Charging: Compatible with 110W solar input, the River 3 can reach a full charge in approximately 2.6 hours. For outdoor enthusiasts committed to sustainable energy, this is a fantastic option, especially on sunny days in open campsites.
Car Charging: If you're driving between campsites, the car charging option can take you from 0-100% in around 2.8 hours at 100W, making it handy for road-based adventures.
Generator Charging: A generator can charge the River 3 fully in one hour, matching the speed of AC charging.
The multiple recharging options mean that whether you’re relying on solar power, using your car’s lighter port, or simply plugging it into an outlet at a campsite, the River 3 has you covered.
Ideal for Camping and Outdoor Use
The River 3 makes an ideal camping companion. With 245Wh capacity, the device can power small electronics such as lights, or fans while simultaneously charging phones and tablets. This is especially helpful for family-oriented outdoor trips where multiple devices may need power throughout the day.
The 12V car outlet port now provides 126W with a 10A output, an upgrade from the 8A output in previous models. This improvement is more than just a spec boost—it means you can potentially run a portable diesel heater, which is ideal for colder nights. I will be putting this to the test in coming months so watch this space!
Exclusive App Features: Control and Insights at Your Fingertips
The EcoFlow River 3 takes app integration to the next level, offering an enhanced suite of features for remote management and real-time insights. For the first time, you can remotely shut down the unit with a simple tap in the app—perfect for conserving energy or ensuring safety when you’re away.
The app delivers real-time power output tracking with detailed graphs, and cumulative usage for all major outputs, including AC, DC, USB-C, and USB-A ports. This feature allows you to monitor energy usage with precision and optimise your power distribution on the go.
Battery health is displayed as an easy-to-read percentage, offering a clear snapshot of your power station’s condition. You can also view a history of any errors that have occurred, giving you transparency and confidence in your system’s performance.
Additional features include time zone settings, scheduled tasks, and a host of other customisation options. The polished, intuitive interface makes the EcoFlow River 3 app a significant step forward, delivering convenience and functionality that surpasses previous generations.
Key Advantages of the EcoFlow River 3
Superior UPS Functionality
For those concerned about power outages, the River 3 (standard) offers an integrated 20ms UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply). This is essential during power cuts, as it enables an automatic switch to battery power, ensuring your devices stay powered.
To confuse things slightly, EcoFlow is also launching the River 3 UPS which can switch even faster in just 10ms! This is ideal for ultra-sensitive electronics such as computers and NAS devices. If this functionality is important, double check the version you are purchasing.
Increased USB-C Output
Unlike its predecessors, the River 3 features a powerful 100W USB-C output, which allows you to charge newer laptops and power-hungry devices more efficiently. This single port can support a wide range of devices, including tablets, cameras, and even drones. However, it’s worth noting that the USB-C port is no longer bidirectional, meaning you won’t be able to recharge the River 3 through USB-C, but this is a minor drawback given the other charging options.
LiFePO4 Battery Chemistry for Longevity
LiFePO4 batteries are renowned for their durability, and the River 3’s battery is rated for up to 3000 cycles. This battery technology supports a longer life span compared to standard lithium-ion batteries, which means you’re investing in a power station that should serve you reliably for years.
IP54 Water-Resistant Battery Pack
The EcoFlow River 3’s battery and Battery Management System (BMS) are IP54-rated, offering water resistance that can protect against splashes or light rain. While it’s not entirely weatherproof, this level of resistance helps prevent short circuits, lowering the risk of fire or explosion in damp conditions and providing a safer experience in outdoor settings. However, it’s recommended to keep the power station sheltered during inclement weather for maximum protection.
500°C Heat-Resistant Design
The River 3's LiFePO4 (LFP) batteries are designed to withstand extreme temperatures between 350°C and 500°C. The entire power station features UL 94V-0-rated housing, which doesn’t melt below 80°C or combust below 125°C. This impressive heat resistance ensures reliable operation in even the hottest of environments. Baking hot tents or cars are no longer an issue for the River 3!
1.5-Metre Drop Resistance
Certified to meet UN38.3 standards, the River 3 Series has undergone extensive testing for shock, impact, and vibration durability. It remains fully operational and undamaged even after a drop from 1.5 metres (4.9 feet), making it a rugged choice for the outdoors. This durability offers peace of mind for campers and adventurers who may encounter rough or unpredictable terrain.
Eco-Friendly Solution
EcoFlow’s commitment to sustainable energy aligns well with UKSN’s values of self-sufficiency and environmental responsibility. Solar compatibility, low standby energy loss, and efficient power management all contribute to a smaller environmental footprint, which is a huge plus for eco-conscious campers and adventurers.
Significantly Quieter Operation
The EcoFlow River 3 operates at a remarkably low 30dB, making it much quieter than the River 2, which runs at around 45dB. This 15dB reduction makes a noticeable difference, especially in quiet environments. When using passthrough charging in the office, the difference was incredible. In fact, unlike the River 2, the fans didn't kick in at all. In addition to this, there is also no noticeable electrical crackling like you get on many River 2 units. Absolute bliss! When it comes to noise, I really cant get over the stark difference between the two power stations.
River 3 vs River 2: Key Differences at a Glance
For those already familiar with the EcoFlow River 2, the River 3 offers notable upgrades, including more efficient charging, a higher output on the 12V car port, faster EPS/UPS and a compact yet powerful design.
Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide which model best suits your needs.
Feature | EcoFlow River 2 | EcoFlow River 3 |
Battery Capacity | 256Wh | 245Wh |
Output Power | 300W (600W X-Boost) | 300W (600W X-Boost) |
Battery Chemistry | LiFePO4, 3000 cycles | LiFePO4, 3000 cycles |
Dimensions | 245 x 214 x 142 mm | 255 x 212 x 133 mm |
Weight | 3.5kg | 3.5kg |
Charging Speed (AC) | 320W, 0-100% in 60 minutes | 360W, 0-100% in 60 minutes |
Solar Charging | 110W, approx. 2.6 hours | 110W, approx. 2.9 hours |
Car Charging | 100W, approx. 2.8 hours | 100W, approx. 3 hours |
Generator Charging | 300W, 0-100% in 60 mins | 300W, 0-100% in 60 mins |
USB-C Port | 100W bidirectional | 100W output only (non-bidirectional) |
12V Car Port Output | 8A, 96W | 10A, 126W |
UPS (Switch Time) | 30ms | 20ms (10ms on River 3 Plus) |
Noise | 45dB | 30dB |
App Control | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
Testing the RIVER 3’s Enhanced Runtime with GaN Technology
High AC Load Test (300W)
To push the RIVER 3 to its limits, we connected a small 300W AC heater and achieved a runtime of 38.13 minutes. During the test, the heater consumed approximately 190.65Wh of energy. With the RIVER 3 rated at 245Wh, this results in an energy loss of 54.35Wh and an efficiency loss of 22.18%. While this slightly exceeds the typical range of 10–20%, it is expected for high-demand appliances like heaters, as losses from the AC inverter and power conversion are more significant under heavy loads.
The same test with the RIVER 2 achieved a much shorter runtime of 29.32 minutes, with a substantial efficiency loss of 42.74%. This highlights the RIVER 3’s clear advantage, offering a 30.06% longer runtime than its predecessor when operating under high AC loads.
Low AC Load Test (55W)
To test low-load performance, we set up a mix of modern energy-efficient office equipment, including an iPad Pro, MacBook Air, 27-inch 4K monitor, StreamDeck, USB hub, Amazon Alexa, and LED lighting. Both the iPad and MacBook Air were fully charged, meaning they only drew minimal power to stay topped up.
With a 43–65W load (averaging 55W), the RIVER 3 estimated a runtime of 5 hours. However, it actually ran for 4 hours and 7 minutes. While this falls short of the estimate, it represents an energy loss of just 18.4Wh and an efficiency loss of 7.51%. This is an excellent result for an AC load.
Under the same parameters, the RIVER 2 managed a runtime of 3 hours and 24 minutes, with an energy loss of 68Wh and an efficiency loss of 26.86%. This shows the RIVER 3 provided a 22.08% longer runtime, further solidifying its efficiency improvements over the previous generation.
RIVER 3 AC Load Conclusions
The AC load tests clearly demonstrate the RIVER 3’s strengths and limitations. While it outperforms the RIVER 2 significantly in both high and low-load scenarios, its efficiency loss of 22.18% at 300W reflects the challenges of maintaining high efficiency with demanding AC appliances.
At lower AC loads, the RIVER 3 excelled, achieving an efficiency loss of just 7.51%, a stark contrast to the RIVER 2’s 26.86%.
In conclusion, the RIVER 3 surpasses its predecessor by delivering a 30.06% longer runtime for high AC loads and a 22.08% longer runtime for low AC loads. These improvements make it an outstanding upgrade for users seeking reliable, efficient power for AC appliances that operate below 300W.
DC Loads
The major improvement to the EcoFlow River 3 comes with DC loads, thanks to the newly integrated GaN technology. EcoFlow claims that this new tech “revolutionises energy efficiency, delivering double the runtime for appliances under 100W.” To test this, we hooked up our 5V USB string lights. The RIVER 3 estimated the lights would run for 85 hours, while the RIVER 2 predicted only 42 hours. This is a significant difference, and if the RIVER 3 does indeed run for the stated time, it would be remarkable—especially considering the RIVER 2 has an 11Wh larger capacity, yet only runs for half the time.
This information does seem to initially corroborate EcoFlow’s claim! With that said, I will update the article once I have further data.
Disclaimer
Please note that these results are based on my River 2, which is just over a year old. This may have a minor impact on performance. Without a brand-new unit for direct comparison, please consider these findings as indicative rather than absolute.
Downsides to Consider
While the River 3 shines in many areas, there are a few limitations worth noting:
USB-C Charging Limitation: The lack of bidirectional charging via USB-C might be an inconvenience for some, as previous models allowed this flexibility. However, this has been compensated with a robust 100W USB-C output.
Still an EPS, Not True UPS on the Standard Model: The 20ms switch time is good, but not fast enough for very sensitive electronics that require instantaneous switching. This means it’s more of an Emergency Power Supply (EPS) than a true UPS. Thankfully the River 3 UPS model, takes this to the next level unlocking a 10ms switch time which is just incredible.
Topsy Turvy AC: Yet again, the AC socket is upside down! This is a minor annoyance for most UK customers. If you are reading Mr EcoFlow, we cant wait for you to spin the socket just 90 degrees like on the River 2 Max.
Side Mounted Charge Ports: One of the changes with the River 3 that I’m not entirely fond of is the repositioning of the XT60 and AC charge ports to the side, compared to the rear-mounted ports on the River 2 (which I personally loved). This design shift makes cable management a bit trickier, as the AC cord tends to get in the way, making for a cluttered setup. Additionally, the new side-mounted design means the River 3 no longer fits comfortably into a standard IKEA KALLAX Series shelf insert which is going to cause me to rethink my desk setup. For those who prefer a more organised and accessible setup, the River 3 Plus may be a better option, as its ports are conveniently located on the rear, solving this issue altogether.
The AC and XT60 Cover: The flap that covers the AC and XT60 inputs feels very flimsy compared to the rest of the unit. It doesn’t quite match the solid, premium feel of the rest of the build and might not offer the same level of durability over time. Personally, I think EcoFlow could have done without this flap altogether.
Despite these minor points, the River 3 still holds strong advantages that outweigh these limitations for most users, especially in an outdoor environment. For small spaces such as home offices, and tents, the noise reduction alone is a massive selling point. I still cant get over how quiet it is.
Should You Upgrade to the River 3 If You Already Own the River 2?
If you’re already using the EcoFlow River 2, the decision to upgrade to the River 3 depends on your specific power needs and how you use your current device. While the River 3 offers valuable enhancements like improved 12V car port output, almost silent operation, some cheeky app upgrades, GaN technology, and a more compact design, these differences might not justify an immediate upgrade for most users.
The most significant change, the slightly faster 20ms (10ms on the River 3 UPS) uninterruptible power supply (compared to the River 2’s 30ms), is a nice improvement but wont be noticeable for everyday outdoor or camping use. Additionally, while the River 3 boasts a higher 126W 12V output (10A instead of 8A), this feature only benefits users running high-powered 12V devices, like diesel heaters.
For those already invested in the River 2, waiting for the EcoFlow River 3 Plus might be a better option. The River 3 Plus promises:
286Wh capacity (With the ability to connect additional batteries)
600W inverter (1200W X-Boost)
3x AC outlets (1 front, 2 rear)
10ms UPS
Built in LED lighting (Something I have been requesting for ages!)
Improved colour screen
220W solar charging
Is the EcoFlow River 3 Right for UKSN Members?
The EcoFlow River 3 power station strikes a great balance between power, portability, and price, making it an excellent choice for UKSN members. From family camps to prepping for unexpected power outages, the River 3 provides dependable power in a compact, efficient package. The improvements in port variety, battery durability, and faster UPS switching time offer real value, especially for a community dedicated to outdoor resilience and self-sufficiency.
EcoFlow River 3 Final Verdict
For UKSN members seeking a practical, eco-conscious, and versatile power station, the EcoFlow River 3 is a highly competitive option. With its lightweight design, flexible charging options, Longer lasting battery (under low loads), and increased DC output, it’s tailor-made for the UK’s unpredictable outdoor scenarios. While the lack of bidirectional USB-C charging and the limitations on UPS functionality may give some tech enthusiasts pause, the advantages make this a worthwhile investment for both casual campers and serious adventurers alike.
As EcoFlow continues to push the boundaries of portable power, the River 3 is poised to become a favourite for outdoor excursions. Given its long battery life, robust construction, 'silent' operation, and efficient charging options, this device is built to support the demands of the UKSN community and beyond. For a reliable, eco-friendly power solution that aligns with the values of the UKSN, the EcoFlow River 3 deserves a spot in your kit.
While the River 3 brings some solid upgrades, they’re not as extensive as some might expect. The upside down AC socket still, to this day.... upsets my OCD. Nevertheless, despite these small niggles, the River 3 is still an incredible power station earning our Gold Tried and Tested Award.
Get Hands-On with the River 3 at UKSN Camps and Events
If you're eager to experience the EcoFlow River 3 for yourself, you're in luck! The River 3 will be available at all officially organised UKSN camps and events. This gives you the perfect opportunity to get hands-on with the power station, test its capabilities, and see how it performs in real outdoor conditions. Whether you're charging devices, powering appliances, or just curious about its functionality, UKSN events will offer the chance to explore its features up close, all while enjoying the camaraderie of fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Don’t miss the chance to try out this game-changing power station in action!
Join the New EcoFlow UK Owners Group on Facebook!
Looking for advice, tips, and exclusive deals on EcoFlow products? Whether you’re into camping, van life, off-grid living, or preparing for power cuts, the EcoFlow UK Owners Group is the ultimate destination for enthusiasts.
• Get expert advice and troubleshooting help.
• Share and discover creative ways to use EcoFlow gear.
• Buy or sell pre-loved EcoFlow products.
• Stay updated with carefully curated offers and discounts.
Join today and connect with a community of passionate EcoFlow users in the UK!
Exclusive Gift Package Including 10% Off
Have you signed up to the EcoFlow community yet? Use our link to unlock an exclusive gift package containing:
- 10% discount voucher (via email)
- £500 benefits package (via email)
- 1000 EcoCredits which can be exchanged for vouchers or physical merchandise*
- Automatically entered into the EcoFlow monthly raffle!
Grab an extra 5% off using our affiliate link and discount code at checkout.
Get 5% Off EcoFlow Products
Looking to make a cheeky saving? Of course you are! Grab an extra 5% off, plus support UKSN in the process using our affiliate code! Simply use our code at checkout to save 5%!
Discount Code: EFUKGS5
Want to Learn More About EcoFlow or Portable Energy Solutions?
Looking for a power station but unsure which to choose? Maybe you want to learn about optimising your solar panel setup? Whatever the reason for you exploring EcoFlow products, we have you covered with our dedicated EcoFlow hub.
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