In this review, we look at two portable power station brands Bluetti vs EcoFlow, and specifically compare the Bluetti EB3A vs EcoFlow River 2.
We’ll focus on the important aspects that define a portable power station, including storage capacity, power output, battery type, charge cycles, port options, and any bonus features.
- [Tiny but Mighty] – With a 600W AC inverter, 268Wh…
- [Ultra-fast Charging] – No bulky power brick, a single…
- [Harness the Power of Sun] – The built-in MPPT…
- [Reliable UPS] – EB3A instantly provides backup power…
- [What You Get] – BLUETTI solar generator EB3A, AC…
- [Fastest Charging in the Industry] – Fully recharge…
- [Power 80% of Your Appliances] – With an output of up…
- [LFP Long-Life Battery] – Using LFP battery cells, use…
- [Fast Solar Charging] – Use clean, green renewable…
- [Light & Portable] – With a lightweight of only 17.2…
How do Bluetti EB3A vs Ecoflow RIVER 2 Compare?
Here’s a comparison of the Bluetti EB3A vs EcoFlow River 2 portable power stations:
| Feature | Bluetti EB3A | EcoFlow River 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 268Wh | 256Wh |
| Battery Chemistry | LiFePO4 (2,500 cycles to 80%) | LiFePO4 (3,000 cycles to 80%) |
| AC Output | 600W continuous (1,200W surge) | 300W continuous (600W surge) |
| Solar Input | 200W max | 110W max |
| AC Charging Time | 1.2 to 1.5 hours from 0 to 100% with 430W input | 1 hour with X-Stream |
| Solar Charging Time | 3 to 4 hours on a clear day using a 200W solar panel | 3 to 6 hours on a clear day using a 110W solar panel. |
| Outlets / Ports | – 9 outputs (8 device ports, 1 wireless pad) – 2 x AC rated at 600W (surge 1200W) combined – 2 x DC (12V) – 2 x USB-A (5V/3A) – 1 x USB-C 100W PD (100W) – 1 x 12V car port (10A max) – 1 x Wireless Pad (15W) | – 6 outputs – 2x AC – 2x USB-A (12W) – 1x USB-C (60W) – 1x 12V DC (100W) |
| Weight | 6.6 lbs | 7.7 lbs |
| Noise Level | ~46 dB | ~64 dB |
| App Connectivity | Bluetooth only | Bluetooth + WiFi |
| Warranty | 2 years | 5 years |
Storage Capacity
- Both have similar capacity levels, ranging between 268Wh and 256Wh. This means they can store about the same about of energy.
- Both use LiFePO4 lithium batteries, considered safer and less likely to overheat than Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) batteries.
Power Output
- The Bluetti EB3A has more output power, which means it can run bigger, energy-intensive items like a blender, small space heater, or an electric tool up to 600W continuously.
- The EcoFlow RIVER 2 has much less output and can work for small appliances like laptops, fans, or low-power kitchen appliances (toasters, small coffee makers) up to 300W continuously.
Surge Handling
- The Bluetti EB3A can take higher loads up to 1200W for brief bursts, which makes it better for devices with high startup power needs.
- The EcoFlow RIVER 2 can only sustain surges up to 600W.
Inverter Efficiency
- The EB3A’s inverter efficiency is around 85% for most loads, meaning that you get about 215 to 230Wh of usable power from the 268Wh battery.
- The RIVER 2 inverter efficiency is also around 80 to 85%, delivering 225 to 240Wh of usable power from the 256Wh battery.
Idle Power Consumption
- Some testing shows that when the Bluetti EB3A is ON but not being used, it consumes about 5 to 10W of energy.
- On the other side, the EcoFlow RIVER 2 usually consumes 4 to 6W in idle mode, making it a bit more efficient when it’s idle.
What are the differences in the battery types used by Bluetti EB3A and EcoFlow RIVER 2?
Bluetti and EcoFlow both use lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4/LFP) batteries in their portable power station, considered safer and less likely to overheat than Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC).
How does the cycle life of Bluetti EB3A compare to EcoFlow RIVER 2?
The EcoFlow River 2 delivers more charge cycles than the Bluetti EB3A, and potentially longer battery life.
- The EcoFlow River 2 has 3,000+ cycles, while the Bluetti EB3A has 2,500 charge cycles.
How do the port options compare between the Bluetti EB3A and EcoFlow River 2?
The Bluetti EB3A has more outlets and ports than the EcoFlow River 2. You can connect up to 9 devices at the same time, compared to the EcoFlow RIVER 2’s 6 devices.
- The EB3A has a variety of outlets and ports, including AC, USB-A, USB-C, DC, and even wireless charging.
- In comparison, the River 2’s outlets and ports include AC, USB-A, USB-C and DC.
- The EB3A also has two grounded AC outlets, while the EcoFlow River 2 has one grounded AC outlet, and one 2 prong outlet.
Charging Time
- AC Charging: The Ecoflow RIVER 2 has a slight advantage in AC charging, reaching full charge in just 1 hour, whereas the Bluetti EB3A takes slightly longer at 1 to 1.5 hours.
- DC (Car) Charging: Both power stations offer similar car charging times (around 3-5 hours), though real-world reports suggest that the Ecoflow RIVER 2 may take a bit longer on some vehicles, especially at 12V.
- Solar Charging: The Bluetti EB3A has a clear advantage with faster solar charging times due to its higher solar input capacity (200W vs. 110W). The EcoFlow RIVER 2, with its lower 110W input, tends to charge slower under solar conditions, making it less efficient for solar charging in off-grid scenarios.
Connectivity
- EcoFlow RIVER 2 has Bluetooth and WiFi, while Bluetti EB3A just has Bluetooth.
- This means that you have to be in close range of the EB3A to operate it remotely – the Bluetooth connection will drop once you leave the immediate vicinity of the power station.
Portability
- The Bluetti EB3A is a bit lighter and more portable, weighing around 6.6 lbs, compared to the EcoFlow RIVER 2, which weighs around 7.7 lbs.
Noise Level
- The Bluetti EB3A is quieter than the EcoFlow River 2. The EB3A has an estimated noise level of 46 decibels, while EcoFlow River 2 has 64 decibels.
Warranty
- EcoFlow RIVER 2 has 5-year warranty coverage, while Bluetti EB3A has a 2-year warranty.
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FAQs Related to Bluetti EB3A vs EcoFlow River 2
What are the similarities between Bluetti EB3A and EcoFlow River 2?
The Bluetti EB3A and EcoFlow River 2 have LiFePO4 batteries, similar storage capacity, Bluetooth capability, remote App control, and quick recharge within 1 to 2 hours.
Which portable power station has a longer battery life?
The EcoFlow River 2 has longer battery life with 3,000 charge cycles, compared to 2,500 charge cycles for the Bluetti EB3A.
What is the noise level of Bluetti EB3A and EcoFlow River 2?
The Bluetti EB3A noise level is estimated to be 46 decibels, compared to an estimated 64 decibels for the EcoFlow River 2. Thus, the Bluetti EB3A runs more quietly than the EcoFlow River 2.
How does the Bluetti EB3A perform in extreme temperatures?
The Bluetti EB3A runs hot in temperatures over 35 degrees Celsius. It’s operating temperature range is between -4°F to 104°F (-20°C to 40°C). In real world tests, the EB3A is reported to reach temperatures up to 38°C (100 degrees Fahrenheit). The power station has cooling fans that should activate at this temp, however users in the Bluetti community report that the software interferes with turning them on. Also, the fan doesn’t come on when the battery is in UPS mode.
What are the real-world charging times for the Bluetti EB3A using different methods?
The Bluetti EB3A charges the fastest with AC charging (1-1.5 hours), followed by solar charging (3-4 hours under ideal conditions), while car charging is the slowest, especially at 12V (6-7 hours).
How effective is the Bluetti EB3A at powering larger appliances like refrigerators?
The Bluetti EB3A has a 600W pure sine wave inverter with a 1200W surge capacity. The EB3A can run a mini fridge that draws 60-watts for about 3.6 hours according to Bluetti’s estimates. However, its capacity and inverter limit won’t work for large household refrigerators. In these cases, you’ll need a higher capacity power station.
Bluetti EB3A
The Bluetti EB3A Portable Power Station provides 268Wh battery capacity, a LiFePO4 lithium battery and 600W of output power, with 1200W peak surge power.
Product Brand: Bluetti
4.8
Pros
- Delivers more power, with 600W continuous AC output and 1200W peak surge
- Provides 9 outlets and ports, including AC, USB-A, USB-C, DC, and even a wireless charging pad
- Accepts up to 200W solar input
Cons
- Does not have WiFi capability
- 2 year warranty period is shorter than some competitors
- 2,500 charge cycles is less than some competitors
EcoFlow River 2
The EcoFlow River 2 portable power station has 256Wh of battery capacity, LiFePO4 battery technology, 300W output and 600W of peak surge power.
Product Brand: EcoFlow
4.5
Pros
- Recharges to 80% within 1 hour
- Lightweight and easy to carry, weighing only 7.7 lbs.
- WiFi capability
- 5 year warranty coverage for extra protection
Cons
- Provides less outlets and ports than some competitors
- At 64 decibels, the power station has noisier operation