Skip to main content
GeneratorChecker

EB3A vs RIVER 2

600W
Running power
300W
268.8 Wh
Battery
256 Wh
10.1 lbs
Weight
7.7 lbs

At a Glance

This comparison targets buyers shopping for an ultra-portable LFP power station under 300 Wh. The EB3A delivers twice the running watts (600W vs 300W) and double the surge capacity at 1,200W, which directly translates to broader device coverage: it powered 21 of 53 tested devices compared to the RIVER 2's 17.

Solar recharging is faster too, topping out at 200W input for a full charge in roughly 2.4 hours versus 3.3 hours on the RIVER 2's 110W max. Battery longevity is close, though the RIVER 2 edges ahead with 3,000 rated cycles to the EB3A's 2,500.

The RIVER 2 also adds a 30 ms UPS function the EB3A lacks and shaves 2.4 lbs off the carry weight at just 7.7 lbs. Picking between them comes down to whether you prioritize raw power headroom or lighter grab-and-go convenience with basic backup switching.

EB3A

Overall Winner

EB3A

Powers 21 of 53 tested devices vs 17 for RIVER 2

Home backup: Tie RV / mobile: RIVER 2 Solar: EB3A

EB3A wins overall, but the best pick depends on your use case.

Choose EB3A if...

  • + You want faster solar recharging
  • + You want broader device compatibility

Choose RIVER 2 if...

  • + Portability matters for your setup
  • + Built-in UPS with 30ms switchover

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.

Capacity

Higher is better | Scale max: 269 Wh | EB3A leads
EB3A 268.8 Wh
RIVER 2 256 Wh

EB3A: +13 Wh (+5.0%).

Running Power

Higher is better | Scale max: 600 W | EB3A leads
EB3A 600 W
RIVER 2 300 W

EB3A: +300 W (+100.0%).

Surge Power

Higher is better | Scale max: 1,200 W | EB3A leads
EB3A 1,200 W
RIVER 2 600 W

EB3A: +600 W (+100.0%).

Weight

Lower is better | Scale best: 7.7 lbs | RIVER 2 leads
EB3A 10.1 lbs (4.6 kg)
RIVER 2 7.7 lbs (3.5 kg)

RIVER 2: -2.4 lbs (23.9% lighter).

Battery Life

Higher is better | Scale max: 3,000 cycles | RIVER 2 leads
EB3A 2,500 cycles
RIVER 2 3,000 cycles

RIVER 2: +500 cycles (+20.0%).

Where Compatibility Actually Differs

Out of 53 devices tested, 4 show a different result between these two stations.

Same result: 92%

Both can run: 17 · Differences: 8% (4/53) · Neither can run: 32

Neither can run · 32 devices

These devices exceed both stations on running power and surge.

RV Rooftop AC (13,500 BTU)

Laser Printer

Sump Pump (1/2 HP)

Desktop PC (Gaming/Workstation)

EV Charger (Level 1, 120V)

Central AC (3-Ton)

Dehumidifier (70 Pint)

Gas Furnace Fan (Blower)

Portable AC (12,000 BTU)

Space Heater (1,500W)

Window AC (8,000 BTU)

Electric Water Heater (50 Gal)

Well Pump (1 HP)

2-Slice Bread Toaster

Coffee Maker

Digital Air Fryer

Electric Skillet

Electric Stove (Single Burner)

Electric Water Kettle

Instant Pot (6 Qt)

Microwave Oven (1000W)

Toaster Oven

Rice Cooker

Electric Clothes Dryer

Dishwasher

Washing Machine

Professional Hair Dryer

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 EB3A RIVER 2
Capacity 268.8 Wh 256 Wh
Running Power 600 W 300 W
Surge Power 1,200 W 600 W
Weight 10.1 lbs (4.6 kg) 7.7 lbs (3.5 kg)
Energy Density 58.4 Wh/kg 73.1 Wh/kg
Portability Tier ultralight ultralight
Chemistry LFP LFP
Cycle Life 2,500 3,000
Expandable No No
UPS No Yes (30 ms)
AC Voltage 120V 120V

Solar Charging

Best-case charging profile using compatible solar panels.

EB3A

Faster
Max solar input 200 W
Connector DC7909
Full charge time ~2.4h
Compatible panels 6/20

MPPT: 12-28V

RIVER 2

Max solar input 110 W
Connector XT60
Full charge time ~3.3h
Compatible panels 12/20

MPPT: 11-30V

Charge speed comparison

~2.4h
~3.3h

Longer bar = faster charge (inverted scale)

Device Compatibility

All tested devices grouped by category. Click a category to expand.

EB3ARIVER 2

Emergency(2)

1/2
1/2
DeviceEB3ARuntimeRIVER 2Runtime
Full-Size Freezer (15-17 Cu. Ft.)Safe1.2hSafe1.1h
Sump Pump (1/2 HP)FailN/AFailN/A

Entertainment(2)

1/2
1/2
DeviceEB3ARuntimeRIVER 2Runtime
Desktop PC (Gaming/Workstation)FailN/AFailN/A
TelevisionSafe1.1hSafe1.1h

EV & Transportation(2)

1/2
1/2
DeviceEB3ARuntimeRIVER 2Runtime
E-Bike Battery ChargerSafe0.9hSafe0.9h
EV Charger (Level 1, 120V)FailN/AFailN/A

Heating & Cooling(7)

1/7
1/7
DeviceEB3ARuntimeRIVER 2Runtime
Box Fan (20-inch)Safe2.3hSafe2.2h
Central AC (3-Ton)Voltage FailN/AVoltage FailN/A
Dehumidifier (70 Pint)FailN/AFailN/A
Gas Furnace Fan (Blower)FailN/AFailN/A
Portable AC (12,000 BTU)FailN/AFailN/A
Space Heater (1,500W)FailN/AFailN/A
Window AC (8,000 BTU)FailN/AFailN/A

Home Infrastructure(3)

1/3
1/3
DeviceEB3ARuntimeRIVER 2Runtime
Electric Water Heater (50 Gal)Voltage FailN/AVoltage FailN/A
Garage Door Opener (Residential)Safe1hSafe1h
Well Pump (1 HP)Voltage FailN/AVoltage FailN/A

Kitchen Appliances(11)

1/11
1/11
DeviceEB3ARuntimeRIVER 2Runtime
2-Slice Bread ToasterFailN/AFailN/A
Coffee MakerFailN/AFailN/A
Digital Air FryerFailN/AFailN/A
Electric SkilletFailN/AFailN/A
Electric Stove (Single Burner)FailN/AFailN/A
Electric Water KettleFailN/AFailN/A
Instant Pot (6 Qt)FailN/AFailN/A
Microwave Oven (1000W)FailN/AFailN/A
Rice CookerFailN/AFailN/A
Slow CookerSafe0.6hTight0.6h
Toaster OvenFailN/AFailN/A

Large Appliances(4)

1/4
1/4
DeviceEB3ARuntimeRIVER 2Runtime
DishwasherFailN/AFailN/A
Electric Clothes DryerVoltage FailN/AVoltage FailN/A
French Door RefrigeratorSafe0.9hSafe0.9h
Washing MachineFailN/AFailN/A

Medical(4)

4/4
2/4
DeviceEB3ARuntimeRIVER 2Runtime
CPAP MachineSafe3.4hSafe3.2h
Electric Wheelchair ChargerSafe0.6hFailN/A
Medical Nebulizer MachineSafe1.7hSafe1.6h
Portable Oxygen ConcentratorSafe0.5hFailN/A

Outdoor & RV(6)

5/6
4/6
DeviceEB3ARuntimeRIVER 2Runtime
Pellet GrillSafe2hSafe1.9h
Portable Electric CoolerSafe3.1hSafe3h
Portable FanSafe3.1hSafe2.9h
Portable Ice Maker (Countertop)Tight0.5hFailN/A
Portable ProjectorSafe0.9hSafe0.9h
RV Rooftop AC (13,500 BTU)FailN/AFailN/A

Personal Care(2)

1/2
1/2
DeviceEB3ARuntimeRIVER 2Runtime
Electric BlanketSafe1hSafe1h
Professional Hair DryerFailN/AFailN/A

Power Tools(5)

0/5
0/5
DeviceEB3ARuntimeRIVER 2Runtime
Circular Saw (Corded)FailN/AFailN/A
Corded Drill / Hammer DrillFailN/AFailN/A
Electric Chainsaw (14-inch)FailN/AFailN/A
Pancake Air Compressor (6-Gallon)FailN/AFailN/A
Shop Vac (Wet/Dry, 5-6 HP Peak)FailN/AFailN/A

Work from Home(5)

4/5
3/5
DeviceEB3ARuntimeRIVER 2Runtime
LaptopSafe0.5hFailN/A
Laser PrinterFailN/AFailN/A
Monitor (27-inch LCD)Safe3.4hSafe3.3h
Starlink SystemSafe1.9hSafe1.8h
WiFi RouterSafe2.5hSafe2.4h

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Our methodology

The Bottom Line

Buyers who need to run higher-draw devices and want faster solar input should go with the EB3A; its 600W output and 1,200W surge handle loads the RIVER 2 simply cannot. The RIVER 2 suits travelers and minimalists who value a lighter pack and want that 30 ms UPS switchover for a modem or small NAS. Overall, the EB3A earns the win here, scoring 41 to the RIVER 2's 33 and covering more devices across our 53-item test list.

EB3A vs RIVER 2 FAQ

Q Which is better for home backup, EB3A or RIVER 2?

EB3A is the stronger overall choice in this matchup based on weighted compatibility across 53 tested devices.

Q Which has longer runtime, EB3A or RIVER 2?

EB3A has higher battery capacity (268.8 Wh), which generally supports longer runtime on the same load.

Q Which charges faster with solar panels?

EB3A has the faster best-case solar recharge profile in our panel compatibility test set.

Q Which is more portable, EB3A or RIVER 2?

RIVER 2 is lighter at 7.7 lbs vs 10.1 lbs. RIVER 2 is rated ultralight for portability.

Q How many devices can each power station run?

EB3A powers 21 of 53 tested devices, compared to 17 for RIVER 2.

Q Does EB3A or RIVER 2 have UPS mode for power outages?

Only RIVER 2 has UPS (uninterruptible power supply) mode with a 30ms switchover time, which keeps connected devices running during a power outage without interruption.