Last fall I reviewed two of the new Ecoflow River 2 series power stations but the largest model the “Pro” wasn’t yet ready for prime time. This product has now hit the virtual retail shelves and it’s time to see, is it any good? Let’s find out!
Features:
For clarification, the River 2 series consists of 3 different products. The base 256wh River 2, the 512wh River 2 Max, and the 768wh River 2 Pro. Since I’ve already reviewed the smallest two models we’re solely focusing on the Pro version today.
Battery Capacity/Tech/Cycles: The River 2 Pro sports a 768wh LiFePO4 battery rated 3000 cycles to 80% capacity
Size/Weight: Approximately 11×10x9 inches @17lb
Design/Display: Has a basic black and white LCD display that shows input/output watts, battery % with icon, and time to charge/discharge
Inverter Size/Type (constant/peak) and #outlets: The Pro sports an 800w pure sine inverter with 4 outlets and offers Ecoflow’s proprietary X-Boost feature that allows you to run some appliances up to twice the rated wattage of the inverter. It does this by dropping the voltage to allow higher amps. It is not recommended to use this feature on appliances that are computerized, run a high draw electric motor, or a compressor. Fortunately, X-Boost can be easy disabled within the app.
Ways To Charge (and times for each): This unit offers 4 ways to charge. AC charging at up to 940w claims to top up the Pro from dead to full in just over an hour. The Pro supports up to 220w of solar from 11-50v and will charge this model under perfect conditions in about 4 hours. 100w max of 12v car charging means zero to full in about 8 hours . Last but not least, you can charge the Pro via 100w USB-C PD charging. This too will take about 8 hours from empty. Note that both the AC charging and 12v car charging maximum speeds are selectable within the app.
12v Output Types: The Pro version offers a 10A vehicle accessory socket along with a pair of 5521 barrel plug outputs rated 3A each with all outputs regulated at 12.6v. The max output for all 3 combined is 126w.
USB Output Types: The Pro sports 3 standard USB ports good for charging up your dinosaurs and a single 100w bidirectional USB-C PD port.
Other Features: All River 2 series supports the EcoFlow app for remote access which allows the user to adjust charge rates, timeouts, and enable or disable the X-Boost feature. I’ve covered this app in detail many times in the past. Here’s a quick peek.
Warranty: Ecoflow offers a class leading 5 year warranty across the board on all River 2 series products.
Testing:
DC Battery Capacity Test (time lapse): This unit scored 670wh/768 for an impressive 87%
AC Battery Capacity Test (time lapse): We were able to pull 640wh/768 for a respectable 83%
So I’m pretty blown away by these numbers because both the River 2 and River 2 max scored quite poorly on both of these tests with results in the low 70th percentile. We’re seeing a 10-15 point increase in the Pro probably due to 6 months of firmware updates. The River 2 and River 2 Max were first production models and I even said in that review there was a possibility that Ecoflow would fix the capacity issue via firmware and it certainly seems they have. Kudos Ecoflow!
Sine wave check under load: 119v/60hz @600w
Inverter capacity test (max): 1000w <5s
Cooling ability test (rated @ 5mins): 830w pass
Inverter fan noise db: 46
Max Charge Rate @ watts/volts: AC 900w, DC 12v 96w, 19v 150w, Max 50v 218w
We’ve seen massive improvements in both battery capacity and fan noise in the current Pro model. Unlike the River 2 Max in my previous review, the Pro model passed the UPS laptop test with flying colors and with a real world measured 15ms switchover time – and to all the haters it was done without the battery being full. It’s much better than the 30ms “EPS” Ecoflow claims. You can legitimately use it as a low latency UPS to keep a computer online regardless of the stability of the grid power coming in.
With the Pro there’s not much to gripe about feature wise except the lack of USB quick charge ports and no wireless charging pad. These are things you’d expect on the top of the range model. They wasted no expense on a SOS flashlight so no flagging down our little buddies upstairs. It is a minor bummer that the Pro fails the amp interference test and doesn’t support any kind of simultaneous charging. I hoped to see improvements there for something they are calling a “Pro version”.
Let’s get something straight. Ecoflow isn’t an entry level brand. You can find models around this size all day long on Amazon, for hundreds less from fly by night brands you can’t pronounce. However, there is serious bang for the buck here since the Pro offers a 10 year battery that charges crazy fast with a 5 year warranty at a reasonable price. Ecoflow also seems to have the least complaints of the “big three” when it comes to customer service.
Pricing and competition
Product Price with current discounts:
The retail price for the 800w River 2 Pro is $599 but of course I have an exclusive discount code that will knock off a chunk of change for viewers of the channel. The link and code are below.
Who’s It Aimed At? (market focus):
These small sogens are meant mostly for portable power while camping or to supply power to small devices like laptops or televisions during a blackout or at a location without power. These are not meant to run residential refrigerators, air conditioners, or heaters although the Pro can handle those for a limited time if they are smaller appliances. The Pro should have no problem handling most personal computers, TV’s, and other midrange appliances under 800w. Certain appliances over 800w such as coffee machines and hot plates can also be run if you activate the X-Boost feature, but use it at your own risk.
Recommended Solar Panel Type/Size:
The Pro supports up to 220w of solar. Your best bet since these are portable products is to get the appropriate Ecoflow folding solar panel to match. The 220w bi-facial is a fantastic, if pricey, choice. You can use 3rd party panels but be aware that none of the River 2 series includes a MC4 to XT60 adapter. I do have those available on hobotech.tv/amazon under solar adapters. If you want to check out other less expensive options for solar panels you can click on “solar kits” on the same site to see what I have there.
If you’re interested, use this link and code EFHOBOTECH8 at checkout for the best price online!
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A homeless loving doughnut wielding beat cop is killed in the line of duty but comes back as a crazed solar power wielding cyborg bent on “helping” some familiar friends without power.
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In May of ‘22 I reviewed the all new Jackery 2000 Pro and it turned some heads with its new folding handle design and built in charger with UPS feature. A few months later I reviewed its little brother the 1000 Pro. Fast forward to today and Jackery launches it’s biggest power station to date – the new 3000 Pro. With 3000 watts of power, 1400w of solar support, and debuting a brand new mobile APP for remote access, we have to ask … is it any good? Let’s find out!
Features:
Battery Capacity/Tech/Cycles: 3024wh NMC lithium ion battery rated 2000 cycles to 70% in battery saver mode
Size/Weight: approx 19x14x15 inches and weighs 63 lbs
Design/Display: As with the other Jackery Pro models the 3000
Inverter Size/Type (constant/peak) and #outlets: 3000w pure sine inverter with 4x20A outlets and a TT30R 30A RV outlet.
Ways To Charge (and times for each): The Jackery has 3 ways to charge. It offers AC wall charging at 1800w in 2.4 hours, dual MPPT 1400w solar charging in 3-4 hours, and finally 12v vehicle charging in 35 hours.
12v Output Types: This Jackery sports a single 13.2v regulated 12v outlet good for 10A
USB Output Types: As for USB it has a pair of USB-A QC ports and a pair of 100w USB-C PD outputs. Note these are output only and the Jackery can not be charged with USB.
Other Features: Jackery has finally decided to join the remote access club and now offers a bluetooth App for this product that also supports WiFi. So, yes you can control the 3000 Pro with your mobile device remotely.
Warranty: Jackery does offer a 5 year warranty on this product when registered on their site.
Testing
DC Battery Capacity Test (time lapse): On the DC test this Jackery scored 2618wh out of 3024 for 87% usable capacity.
AC Battery Capacity Test (time lapse): As for AC it faired 2540wh out of 3024 or 84%. These numbers are average to slightly above average for the industry. Previous pro models scored a touch higher on the AC test but this one scored a bit lower due to it’s massive 3000w inverter. The larger the inverter the more wasteful it’s going to be.
Sine wave check under load:120v 60hz
Inverter capacity test (max): 3500w 5s
Cooling ability test (rated @ 5mins): 3000w max
Inverter fan noise db:51
Max Charge Rate @ watts/volts: AC 1730w, DC @60v*2 1200w
Charging fan noise db: solar fast 50, solar slow 42, AC 46
Simultaneous charging ability: 2200w solar priority
Pass thru / UPS: UPS passes laptop test
DC Output(s) Max Rate: 10A
12v output(s) regulated: 13.2v
USB output rate check: 100w*2 pass
Amp interference test: pass
APP test: pass
What do I think about it?(main pro/con):
What do I think about the most powerful Jackery to date? The lack of LFP tech and battery expandability are Debbie downers. However, it’s actually a gosh darn solid offering. It has everything short of a wireless charging pad and a lamp that I think most folks would want. With the RV output you can power your entire RV (up to about 25A) including the air conditioner. With the dual PD outputs you can charge two high end laptops and a pair of modern cell phones at the same time.
It’s super easy to use, in fact maybe the easiest Jackery to date since it has less buttons and less clutter up front. I like that the inputs are on the back. It’s easy to carry and wheel around and in all honestly can pretty much now run with the big boys.
Finally with a remote app you can control the Jackery without ever needing to touch it which is important if it’s sitting on the ground or in a cubby in your RV. The inverter output is clean enough to power your band, and the UPS/EPS “bypass” feature switches fast enough to keep computers and routers going in a blackout. They are even launching at a reasonable and competitive price. I can say that this has to be the “best Jackery yet” and it will be a rock solid purchase for many folks looking for something lighter and more portable than what the other kids in the playground offer.
Pricing and competition
Product Price with current discounts:
The 3000 Pro retails for $2799 which, being under a buck a watt, is the lowest price per watt Jackery has offered on any of their recent products. For example, both the 1000 Pro and 2000 Pro currently go for over a dollar per watt. Now as a HOBOTECH viewer you’re not going to pay $2799 for the 3000 Pro, because I nabbed an exclusive, limited time discount code that will knock a few hundred bucks off the price of both the 3000 Pro by itself and the “solar generator” bundle with 400w of solar panels. I’m not sure exactly how much, but if you want to find out, click the link below in the description and add the discount code provided at checkout to see the final cost.
Main Competitor:
Now this Jackery being 3000w is a direct competitor against the 3000w Bluetti AC300 and 3600w Ecoflow Delta Pro. The two major differences are that the Jackery is using NMC batteries where the others are using LiFePO4, and that the Jackery offers no battery expansion options. However, both the Delta Pro and Bluetti weigh over a 100lbs whereas the Jackery is only 63lbs. That’s what Jackery is all about… portability. They offer both heavy duty handles and a luggage style pull handle with wheels to make it as easy as possible to move that 60 plus pounds around. By cubic inches it’s also quite a bit smaller than the 3000w competition. It’s really your personal choice which one to go with depending on your needs.
Who’s It Aimed At? (market focus):
This Jackery, without expandable batteries, really isn’t a whole house backup solution so it can’t be treated as such. Jackery as a brand is more about power on the go, be it camping, having a cookout on the beach, tailgating, or running stuff in a boat, RV, or cabin. This one can obviously be used in the home as well to power things like refrigerators, microwaves, TV’s, fans, air conditioners, heaters and the like. It should even have enough power to start a furnace during a blackout so it could keep the heat on.
Recommended Solar Panel Type/Size:
Jackery uses a proprietary solar panel setup so they “strongly encourage” you to use their solar panels in bundle packages they call “solar generators”. Because of the difficulty in using 3rd party panels, I’d suggest if you don’t have panels already that you just get a bundle with theirs as they are high quality and high output but do so at a premium.
If you want a more permanent and low cost solution, I’d recommend the BougeRV 200w or the Renogy 320w panels that can be found on hobotech.tv/amazon under “solar kits”. You’re also going to need a pair of MC4 to 8mm adapters under the “solar adapters” section (links are below).
Jackery does provide a pair of 7909 to 8020 or what I call “thin pin to thick pin” adapters in the box. Jackery solar inputs are all 8020 “thick pin” and without the adapter, a standard 8mm adapter from Amazon won’t work. With both the MC4 to 8mm and 8020 adapter you can use any 3rd party solar panels in series up to 60v into each of the solar inputs. Remember that each input on the Jackery maxes out at around 800w of solar.
HOBOTECH is viewer supported. When you buy through these links we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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