Capacity
Higher is better | Scale max: 1,056 Wh | SOLIX C1000 leads
SOLIX C1000 1,056 Wh
RIVER 2 Max 512 Wh
SOLIX C1000: +544 Wh (+106.3%).
SOLIX C1000 vs RIVER 2 Max
VS
1,800W
Running power
500W
1,056 Wh
Battery
512 Wh
28.4 lbs
Weight
13.4 lbs
At a Glance
This comparison targets buyers choosing between a mid-size home backup unit and a lightweight portable option. The SOLIX C1000 delivers 1800W of running power and 1056 Wh of capacity, powering 38 out of 53 devices in our compatibility tests. The RIVER 2 Max, at 500W and 512 Wh, handled 20 of those same devices.
That gap extends to solar charging: the C1000 accepts up to 600W of solar input and works with 19 compatible panels, while the RIVER 2 Max tops out at 220W across 17 panels. Expansion capability and a 20ms UPS transfer give the Anker unit clear advantages for home backup scenarios. The tradeoff is weight.
At 13.4 lbs, the RIVER 2 Max is less than half the C1000's 28.4 lbs, making it far easier to grab for day trips or car camping.
Overall Winner
SOLIX C1000
Powers 38 of 53 tested devices vs 20 for RIVER 2 Max
Home backup: SOLIX C1000 RV / mobile: RIVER 2 Max Solar: SOLIX C1000
SOLIX C1000 wins overall, but the best pick depends on your use case.
Choose SOLIX C1000 if...
- + You want faster solar recharging
- + Built-in UPS with 20ms switchover
- + You want future battery expansion
- + You want broader device compatibility
- + You need all-day runtime headroom
Choose RIVER 2 Max if...
- + Portability matters (13 lbs vs 28)
Spec Snapshot
Absolute values shown. Bars are scaled within this comparison for readability.
Each metric is independent. Bar lengths are not comparable across different compare pages.
Running Power
Higher is better | Scale max: 1,800 W | SOLIX C1000 leads
SOLIX C1000 1,800 W
RIVER 2 Max 500 W
SOLIX C1000: +1,300 W (+260.0%).
Surge Power
Higher is better | Scale max: 2,400 W | SOLIX C1000 leads
SOLIX C1000 2,400 W
RIVER 2 Max 1,000 W
SOLIX C1000: +1,400 W (+140.0%).
Weight
Lower is better | Scale best: 13.4 lbs | RIVER 2 Max leads
SOLIX C1000 28.4 lbs (12.9 kg)
RIVER 2 Max 13.4 lbs (6.1 kg)
RIVER 2 Max: -15.0 lbs (52.7% lighter).
Battery Life
Higher is better | Scale max: 3,000 cycles | Tie
SOLIX C1000 3,000 cycles
RIVER 2 Max 3,000 cycles
Delta: Tie (0%).
Where Compatibility Actually Differs
Out of 53 devices tested, 18 show a different result between these two stations.
Both can run: 20 · Differences: 34% (18/53) · Neither can run: 15
Only SOLIX C1000 can run 18
2-Slice Bread Toaster RIVER 2 Max: Running + surge shortfall
Coffee Maker RIVER 2 Max: Running + surge shortfall
Digital Air Fryer RIVER 2 Max: Running + surge shortfall
Electric Skillet RIVER 2 Max: Running + surge shortfall
Electric Stove (Single Burner) RIVER 2 Max: Running + surge shortfall
Electric Water Kettle RIVER 2 Max: Running + surge shortfall
Instant Pot (6 Qt) RIVER 2 Max: Running + surge shortfall
Toaster Oven RIVER 2 Max: Running + surge shortfall
Rice Cooker RIVER 2 Max: Running shortfall
Space Heater (1,500W) RIVER 2 Max: Running + surge shortfall
Window AC (8,000 BTU) RIVER 2 Max: Running + surge shortfall
Dishwasher RIVER 2 Max: Running + surge shortfall
Washing Machine RIVER 2 Max: Running + surge shortfall
Desktop PC (Gaming/Workstation) RIVER 2 Max: Running shortfall
EV Charger (Level 1, 120V) RIVER 2 Max: Running + surge shortfall
Portable Ice Maker (Countertop) RIVER 2 Max: Surge shortfall
Professional Hair Dryer RIVER 2 Max: Running + surge shortfall
Laser Printer RIVER 2 Max: Running + surge shortfall
Neither can run · 15 devices
These devices have startup surges that exceed both stations.
Microwave Oven (1000W)
Central AC (3-Ton)
Dehumidifier (70 Pint)
Gas Furnace Fan (Blower)
Portable AC (12,000 BTU)
Electric Clothes Dryer
RV Rooftop AC (13,500 BTU)
Sump Pump (1/2 HP)
Electric Water Heater (50 Gal)
Well Pump (1 HP)
Circular Saw (Corded)
Corded Drill / Hammer Drill
Electric Chainsaw (14-inch)
Pancake Air Compressor (6-Gallon)
Shop Vac (Wet/Dry, 5-6 HP Peak)
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec | SOLIX C1000 | RIVER 2 Max |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 1,056 Wh ✓ | 512 Wh |
| Running Power | 1,800 W ✓ | 500 W |
| Surge Power | 2,400 W ✓ | 1,000 W |
| Weight | 28.4 lbs (12.9 kg) | 13.4 lbs (6.1 kg) ✓ |
| Energy Density | 81.9 Wh/kg | 83.9 Wh/kg ✓ |
| Portability Tier | portable | ultralight |
| Chemistry | LFP | LFP |
| Cycle Life | 3,000 | 3,000 |
| Expandable | Yes | No |
| UPS | Yes (20 ms) | No |
| AC Voltage | 120V | 120V |
Solar Charging
Best-case charging profile using compatible solar panels.
SOLIX C1000
Max solar input 600 W
Connector XT60
Full charge time ~3.8h
Compatible panels 19/20
MPPT: 11-60V
RIVER 2 Max
Faster Max solar input 220 W
Connector XT60i
Full charge time ~3.3h
Compatible panels 17/20
MPPT: 11-50V
Charge speed comparison
Longer bar = faster charge (inverted scale)
Device Compatibility
All tested devices grouped by category. Click a category to expand.
SOLIX C1000RIVER 2 Max
Emergency(2)
1/21/2
1/2
1/2
| Device | SOLIX C1000 | Runtime | RIVER 2 Max | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Size Freezer (15-17 Cu. Ft.) | Safe | 4.6h | Safe | 2.2h |
| Sump Pump (1/2 HP) | Soft Start | 0.7h | Fail | N/A |
Entertainment(2)
2/21/2
2/2
1/2
EV & Transportation(2)
2/21/2
2/2
1/2
Heating & Cooling(7)
3/71/7
3/7
1/7
| Device | SOLIX C1000 | Runtime | RIVER 2 Max | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Box Fan (20-inch) | Safe | 8.9h | Safe | 4.3h |
| Central AC (3-Ton) | Voltage Fail | N/A | Voltage Fail | N/A |
| Dehumidifier (70 Pint) | Soft Start | 0.9h | Fail | N/A |
| Gas Furnace Fan (Blower) | Soft Start | 0.7h | Fail | N/A |
| Portable AC (12,000 BTU) | Soft Start | 0.5h | Fail | N/A |
| Space Heater (1,500W) | Safe | 0.5h | Fail | N/A |
| Window AC (8,000 BTU) | Tight | 1h | Fail | N/A |
Home Infrastructure(3)
1/31/3
1/3
1/3
| Device | SOLIX C1000 | Runtime | RIVER 2 Max | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric Water Heater (50 Gal) | Voltage Fail | N/A | Voltage Fail | N/A |
| Garage Door Opener (Residential) | Safe | 4.1h | Safe | 2h |
| Well Pump (1 HP) | Voltage Fail | N/A | Voltage Fail | N/A |
Kitchen Appliances(11)
10/111/11
10/11
1/11
| Device | SOLIX C1000 | Runtime | RIVER 2 Max | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Slice Bread Toaster | Safe | 0.5h | Fail | N/A |
| Coffee Maker | Safe | 0.5h | Fail | N/A |
| Digital Air Fryer | Tight | 0.4h | Fail | N/A |
| Electric Skillet | Safe | 0.5h | Fail | N/A |
| Electric Stove (Single Burner) | Tight | 0.4h | Fail | N/A |
| Electric Water Kettle | Safe | 0.5h | Fail | N/A |
| Instant Pot (6 Qt) | Safe | 0.5h | Fail | N/A |
| Microwave Oven (1000W) | Fail | N/A | Fail | N/A |
| Rice Cooker | Safe | 0.8h | Fail | N/A |
| Slow Cooker | Safe | 2.5h | Safe | 1.2h |
| Toaster Oven | Tight | 0.4h | Fail | N/A |
Large Appliances(4)
3/41/4
3/4
1/4
| Device | SOLIX C1000 | Runtime | RIVER 2 Max | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dishwasher | Tight | 0.4h | Fail | N/A |
| Electric Clothes Dryer | Voltage Fail | N/A | Voltage Fail | N/A |
| French Door Refrigerator | Safe | 3.6h | Safe | 1.7h |
| Washing Machine | Safe | 0.6h | Fail | N/A |
Medical(4)
4/44/4
4/4
4/4
Outdoor & RV(6)
5/64/6
5/6
4/6
Personal Care(2)
2/21/2
2/2
1/2
Power Tools(5)
0/50/5
0/5
0/5
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The Bottom Line
The SOLIX C1000 is the right pick for anyone who needs serious device coverage, expandable storage, or reliable home backup with UPS functionality. The RIVER 2 Max fits buyers who prioritize portability and only need to run lower-draw electronics like phones, laptops, and small appliances. With a compatibility score of 72 versus 40, the SOLIX C1000 wins this matchup and should be the default choice unless low weight is your top priority.
SOLIX C1000 vs RIVER 2 Max FAQ
Q Which is better for home backup, SOLIX C1000 or RIVER 2 Max?
SOLIX C1000 is the stronger overall choice in this matchup based on weighted compatibility across 53 tested devices.
Q Which has longer runtime, SOLIX C1000 or RIVER 2 Max?
SOLIX C1000 has higher battery capacity (1,056 Wh), which generally supports longer runtime on the same load.
Q Which charges faster with solar panels?
RIVER 2 Max has the faster best-case solar recharge profile in our panel compatibility test set.
Q Which is more portable, SOLIX C1000 or RIVER 2 Max?
RIVER 2 Max is lighter at 13.4 lbs vs 28.4 lbs. RIVER 2 Max is rated ultralight for portability.
Q How many devices can each power station run?
SOLIX C1000 powers 38 of 53 tested devices, compared to 20 for RIVER 2 Max.
Q Can you expand the battery capacity of SOLIX C1000 or RIVER 2 Max?
Only SOLIX C1000 supports expansion batteries for additional capacity. RIVER 2 Max is limited to its built-in 512 Wh.
Q Does SOLIX C1000 or RIVER 2 Max have UPS mode for power outages?
Only SOLIX C1000 has UPS (uninterruptible power supply) mode with a 20ms switchover time, which keeps connected devices running during a power outage without interruption.