Capacity
Higher is better | Scale max: 2,048 Wh | AC200L leads
AC200L 2,048 Wh
RIVER 2 Max 512 Wh
AC200L: +1,536 Wh (+300.0%).
AC200L vs RIVER 2 Max
2,400W
Running power
500W
2,048 Wh
Battery
512 Wh
62.4 lbs
Weight
13.4 lbs
At a Glance
This comparison targets buyers deciding between a high-capacity home backup unit and a lightweight portable charger. The AC200L delivers 2,400W of running power and 2,048 Wh of battery capacity, while the RIVER 2 Max tops out at 500W and 512 Wh. That four-to-one capacity gap shows up in real-world device coverage: the AC200L powered 43 out of 53 tested devices compared to just 20 for the RIVER 2 Max.
Both units use LFP chemistry rated for 3,000 cycles, and neither offers UPS functionality. Solar input reinforces the divide, with the AC200L accepting up to 1,200W versus 220W on the RIVER 2 Max. The tradeoff is portability.
At 13.4 lbs, the RIVER 2 Max is easy to grab for day trips or car camping, while the 62.4 lb AC200L is a stationary-first unit that also supports battery expansion.
Overall Winner
AC200L
Powers 43 of 53 tested devices vs 20 for RIVER 2 Max
Home backup: AC200L RV / mobile: RIVER 2 Max Solar: AC200L
AC200L wins overall, but the best pick depends on your use case.
Choose AC200L if...
- + 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 62)
- + You want faster solar recharging
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: 2,400 W | AC200L leads
AC200L 2,400 W
RIVER 2 Max 500 W
AC200L: +1,900 W (+380.0%).
Surge Power
Higher is better | Scale max: 3,600 W | AC200L leads
AC200L 3,600 W
RIVER 2 Max 1,000 W
AC200L: +2,600 W (+260.0%).
Weight
Lower is better | Scale best: 13.4 lbs | RIVER 2 Max leads
AC200L 62.4 lbs (28.3 kg)
RIVER 2 Max 13.4 lbs (6.1 kg)
RIVER 2 Max: -48.9 lbs (78.4% lighter).
Battery Life
Higher is better | Scale max: 3,000 cycles | Tie
AC200L 3,000 cycles
RIVER 2 Max 3,000 cycles
Delta: Tie (0%).
Where Compatibility Actually Differs
Out of 53 devices tested, 23 show a different result between these two stations.
Both can run: 20 · Differences: 43% (23/53) · Neither can run: 10
Only AC200L can run 23
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
Microwave Oven (1000W) RIVER 2 Max: Running + surge shortfall
Toaster Oven RIVER 2 Max: Running + surge shortfall
Rice Cooker RIVER 2 Max: Running shortfall
Dehumidifier (70 Pint) RIVER 2 Max: Running + surge shortfall
Gas Furnace Fan (Blower) RIVER 2 Max: Running + surge 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
Sump Pump (1/2 HP) 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
Corded Drill / Hammer Drill RIVER 2 Max: Running + surge shortfall
Laser Printer RIVER 2 Max: Running + surge shortfall
Neither can run · 10 devices
These devices have startup surges that exceed both stations.
Central AC (3-Ton)
Portable AC (12,000 BTU)
Electric Clothes Dryer
RV Rooftop AC (13,500 BTU)
Circular Saw (Corded)
Electric Chainsaw (14-inch)
Pancake Air Compressor (6-Gallon)
Shop Vac (Wet/Dry, 5-6 HP Peak)
Electric Water Heater (50 Gal)
Well Pump (1 HP)
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec | AC200L | RIVER 2 Max |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 2,048 Wh ✓ | 512 Wh |
| Running Power | 2,400 W ✓ | 500 W |
| Surge Power | 3,600 W ✓ | 1,000 W |
| Weight | 62.4 lbs (28.3 kg) | 13.4 lbs (6.1 kg) ✓ |
| Energy Density | 72.4 Wh/kg | 83.9 Wh/kg ✓ |
| Portability Tier | heavy | ultralight |
| Chemistry | LFP | LFP |
| Cycle Life | 3,000 | 3,000 |
| Expandable | Yes | No |
| UPS | No | No |
| AC Voltage | 120V | 120V |
Solar Charging
Best-case charging profile using compatible solar panels.
AC200L
Max solar input 1,200 W
Connector Proprietary
Full charge time ~7.3h
Compatible panels 20/20
MPPT: 12-145V
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.
AC200LRIVER 2 Max
Emergency(2)
2/21/2
2/2
1/2
Entertainment(2)
2/21/2
2/2
1/2
EV & Transportation(2)
2/21/2
2/2
1/2
Heating & Cooling(7)
5/71/7
5/7
1/7
| Device | AC200L | Runtime | RIVER 2 Max | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Box Fan (20-inch) | Safe | 17.3h | Safe | 4.3h |
| Central AC (3-Ton) | Voltage Fail | N/A | Voltage Fail | N/A |
| Dehumidifier (70 Pint) | Tight | 1.7h | Fail | N/A |
| Gas Furnace Fan (Blower) | Safe | 1.4h | Fail | N/A |
| Portable AC (12,000 BTU) | Soft Start | 1.1h | Fail | N/A |
| Space Heater (1,500W) | Safe | 1h | Fail | N/A |
| Window AC (8,000 BTU) | Safe | 2h | Fail | N/A |
Home Infrastructure(3)
1/31/3
1/3
1/3
| Device | AC200L | Runtime | RIVER 2 Max | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric Water Heater (50 Gal) | Voltage Fail | N/A | Voltage Fail | N/A |
| Garage Door Opener (Residential) | Safe | 8h | Safe | 2h |
| Well Pump (1 HP) | Voltage Fail | N/A | Voltage Fail | N/A |
Kitchen Appliances(11)
11/111/11
11/11
1/11
| Device | AC200L | Runtime | RIVER 2 Max | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Slice Bread Toaster | Safe | 1h | Fail | N/A |
| Coffee Maker | Safe | 0.9h | Fail | N/A |
| Digital Air Fryer | Safe | 0.8h | Fail | N/A |
| Electric Skillet | Safe | 1h | Fail | N/A |
| Electric Stove (Single Burner) | Safe | 0.8h | Fail | N/A |
| Electric Water Kettle | Safe | 1h | Fail | N/A |
| Instant Pot (6 Qt) | Safe | 1h | Fail | N/A |
| Microwave Oven (1000W) | Safe | 0.7h | Fail | N/A |
| Rice Cooker | Safe | 1.5h | Fail | N/A |
| Slow Cooker | Safe | 4.8h | Safe | 1.2h |
| Toaster Oven | Safe | 0.8h | Fail | N/A |
Large Appliances(4)
3/41/4
3/4
1/4
| Device | AC200L | Runtime | RIVER 2 Max | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dishwasher | Safe | 0.8h | Fail | N/A |
| Electric Clothes Dryer | Voltage Fail | N/A | Voltage Fail | N/A |
| French Door Refrigerator | Safe | 6.9h | Safe | 1.7h |
| Washing Machine | Safe | 1.1h | 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)
1/50/5
1/5
0/5
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The Bottom Line
Buyers who need serious home backup power, broad device compatibility, or high solar input should pick the AC200L. The RIVER 2 Max suits anyone prioritizing a grab-and-go station for phones, laptops, and small appliances under 500W.
With an overall score of 83.5 versus 40, the AC200L is the clear winner of this matchup for most use cases beyond ultralight portability. In our 53-device benchmark, AC200L powers 43 devices and RIVER 2 Max powers 20.
AC200L vs RIVER 2 Max FAQ
Q Which is better for home backup, AC200L or RIVER 2 Max?
AC200L is the stronger overall choice in this matchup based on weighted compatibility across 53 tested devices.
Q Which has longer runtime, AC200L or RIVER 2 Max?
AC200L has higher battery capacity (2,048 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, AC200L or RIVER 2 Max?
RIVER 2 Max is lighter at 13.4 lbs vs 62.4 lbs. RIVER 2 Max is rated ultralight for portability.
Q How many devices can each power station run?
AC200L powers 43 of 53 tested devices, compared to 20 for RIVER 2 Max.
Q Can you expand the battery capacity of AC200L or RIVER 2 Max?
Only AC200L supports expansion batteries for additional capacity. RIVER 2 Max is limited to its built-in 512 Wh.