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DELTA (Gen 1) vs RIVER 2 Max

1,800W
Running power
500W
1,260 Wh
Battery
512 Wh
30.9 lbs
Weight
13.4 lbs

At a Glance

This comparison targets buyers choosing between two EcoFlow portables that sit far apart in power class. The DELTA (Gen 1) delivers 1800W of running output with 3300W surge capacity and a 1260 Wh battery, powering 40 out of 53 devices in our compatibility tests. The RIVER 2 Max manages 500W continuous and 1000W surge from a 512 Wh pack, covering 20 of those same 53 devices.

Every device the RIVER 2 Max can run, the DELTA can also handle, but the DELTA adds 20 more appliances to the list. Solar input differs significantly too: the DELTA accepts up to 400W and pairs with 19 compatible panels, while the RIVER 2 Max tops out at 220W across 17 panels. The key tradeoff is weight and longevity.

At 13.4 lbs, the RIVER 2 Max is less than half the DELTA's 30.9 lbs, and its LFP chemistry delivers 3000 charge cycles versus 800 for the DELTA's NMC cells.

DELTA (Gen 1)

Overall Winner

DELTA (Gen 1)

Powers 40 of 53 tested devices vs 20 for RIVER 2 Max

Home backup: DELTA (Gen 1) RV / mobile: RIVER 2 Max Solar: Tie

DELTA (Gen 1) wins overall, but the best pick depends on your use case.

Choose DELTA (Gen 1) if...

  • + You want broader device compatibility
  • + You need all-day runtime headroom

Choose RIVER 2 Max if...

  • + Portability matters (13 lbs vs 31)
  • + You value battery longevity (LFP, 3,000 cycles)
  • + 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.

Capacity

Higher is better | Scale max: 1,260 Wh | DELTA (Gen 1) leads
DELTA (Gen 1) 1,260 Wh
RIVER 2 Max 512 Wh

DELTA (Gen 1): +748 Wh (+146.1%).

Running Power

Higher is better | Scale max: 1,800 W | DELTA (Gen 1) leads
DELTA (Gen 1) 1,800 W
RIVER 2 Max 500 W

DELTA (Gen 1): +1,300 W (+260.0%).

Surge Power

Higher is better | Scale max: 3,300 W | DELTA (Gen 1) leads
DELTA (Gen 1) 3,300 W
RIVER 2 Max 1,000 W

DELTA (Gen 1): +2,300 W (+230.0%).

Weight

Lower is better | Scale best: 13.4 lbs | RIVER 2 Max leads
DELTA (Gen 1) 30.9 lbs (14.0 kg)
RIVER 2 Max 13.4 lbs (6.1 kg)

RIVER 2 Max: -17.4 lbs (56.4% lighter).

Battery Life

Higher is better | Scale max: 3,000 cycles | RIVER 2 Max leads
DELTA (Gen 1) 800 cycles
RIVER 2 Max 3,000 cycles

RIVER 2 Max: +2,200 cycles (+275.0%).

Where Compatibility Actually Differs

Out of 53 devices tested, 20 show a different result between these two stations.

Same result: 62%

Both can run: 20 · Differences: 38% (20/53) · Neither can run: 13

Only DELTA (Gen 1) can run 20

2-Slice Bread Toaster RIVER 2 Max: Running + surge shortfall

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Coffee Maker RIVER 2 Max: Running + surge shortfall

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Digital Air Fryer RIVER 2 Max: Running + surge shortfall

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Electric Skillet RIVER 2 Max: Running + surge shortfall

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Electric Stove (Single Burner) RIVER 2 Max: Running + surge shortfall

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Electric Water Kettle RIVER 2 Max: Running + surge shortfall

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Instant Pot (6 Qt) RIVER 2 Max: Running + surge shortfall

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Toaster Oven RIVER 2 Max: Running + surge shortfall

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Rice Cooker RIVER 2 Max: Running shortfall

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Gas Furnace Fan (Blower) RIVER 2 Max: Running + surge shortfall

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Space Heater (1,500W) RIVER 2 Max: Running + surge shortfall

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Window AC (8,000 BTU) RIVER 2 Max: Running + surge shortfall

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Dishwasher RIVER 2 Max: Running + surge shortfall

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Washing Machine RIVER 2 Max: Running + surge shortfall

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Desktop PC (Gaming/Workstation) RIVER 2 Max: Running shortfall

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EV Charger (Level 1, 120V) RIVER 2 Max: Running + surge shortfall

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Portable Ice Maker (Countertop) RIVER 2 Max: Surge shortfall

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Professional Hair Dryer RIVER 2 Max: Running + surge shortfall

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Corded Drill / Hammer Drill RIVER 2 Max: Running + surge shortfall

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Laser Printer RIVER 2 Max: Running + surge shortfall

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Neither can run · 13 devices

These devices have startup surges that exceed both stations.

Microwave Oven (1000W)

Central AC (3-Ton)

Dehumidifier (70 Pint)

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)

Sump Pump (1/2 HP)

Electric Water Heater (50 Gal)

Well Pump (1 HP)

Full Specs Comparison

Spec DELTA (Gen 1) RIVER 2 Max
Capacity 1,260 Wh 512 Wh
Running Power 1,800 W 500 W
Surge Power 3,300 W 1,000 W
Weight 30.9 lbs (14.0 kg) 13.4 lbs (6.1 kg)
Energy Density 90.0 Wh/kg 83.9 Wh/kg
Portability Tier portable ultralight
Chemistry NMC LFP
Cycle Life 800 3,000
Expandable No No
UPS No No
AC Voltage 120V 120V

Solar Charging

Best-case charging profile using compatible solar panels.

DELTA (Gen 1)

Max solar input 400 W
Connector XT60
Full charge time ~4.5h
Compatible panels 19/20

MPPT: 10-65V

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

~4.5h
~3.3h

Longer bar = faster charge (inverted scale)

Device Compatibility

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

DELTA (Gen 1)RIVER 2 Max

Emergency(2)

1/2
1/2
DeviceDELTA (Gen 1)RuntimeRIVER 2 MaxRuntime
Full-Size Freezer (15-17 Cu. Ft.)Safe5.5hSafe2.2h
Sump Pump (1/2 HP)Soft Start0.8hFailN/A

Entertainment(2)

2/2
1/2
DeviceDELTA (Gen 1)RuntimeRIVER 2 MaxRuntime
Desktop PC (Gaming/Workstation)Safe0.9hFailN/A
TelevisionSafe5.2hSafe2.1h

EV & Transportation(2)

2/2
1/2
DeviceDELTA (Gen 1)RuntimeRIVER 2 MaxRuntime
E-Bike Battery ChargerSafe4.4hSafe1.8h
EV Charger (Level 1, 120V)Safe0.6hFailN/A

Heating & Cooling(7)

4/7
1/7
DeviceDELTA (Gen 1)RuntimeRIVER 2 MaxRuntime
Box Fan (20-inch)Safe10.6hSafe4.3h
Central AC (3-Ton)Voltage FailN/AVoltage FailN/A
Dehumidifier (70 Pint)Soft Start1hFailN/A
Gas Furnace Fan (Blower)Safe0.8hFailN/A
Portable AC (12,000 BTU)Soft Start0.6hFailN/A
Space Heater (1,500W)Safe0.6hFailN/A
Window AC (8,000 BTU)Safe1.2hFailN/A

Home Infrastructure(3)

1/3
1/3
DeviceDELTA (Gen 1)RuntimeRIVER 2 MaxRuntime
Electric Water Heater (50 Gal)Voltage FailN/AVoltage FailN/A
Garage Door Opener (Residential)Safe4.9hSafe2h
Well Pump (1 HP)Voltage FailN/AVoltage FailN/A

Kitchen Appliances(11)

10/11
1/11
DeviceDELTA (Gen 1)RuntimeRIVER 2 MaxRuntime
2-Slice Bread ToasterSafe0.6hFailN/A
Coffee MakerSafe0.6hFailN/A
Digital Air FryerTight0.5hFailN/A
Electric SkilletSafe0.6hFailN/A
Electric Stove (Single Burner)Tight0.5hFailN/A
Electric Water KettleSafe0.6hFailN/A
Instant Pot (6 Qt)Safe0.6hFailN/A
Microwave Oven (1000W)FailN/AFailN/A
Rice CookerSafe0.9hFailN/A
Slow CookerSafe2.9hSafe1.2h
Toaster OvenTight0.5hFailN/A

Large Appliances(4)

3/4
1/4
DeviceDELTA (Gen 1)RuntimeRIVER 2 MaxRuntime
DishwasherTight0.5hFailN/A
Electric Clothes DryerVoltage FailN/AVoltage FailN/A
French Door RefrigeratorSafe4.3hSafe1.7h
Washing MachineSafe0.7hFailN/A

Medical(4)

4/4
4/4
DeviceDELTA (Gen 1)RuntimeRIVER 2 MaxRuntime
CPAP MachineSafe15.7hSafe6.4h
Electric Wheelchair ChargerSafe2.6hSafe1.1h
Medical Nebulizer MachineSafe8hSafe3.3h
Portable Oxygen ConcentratorSafe2.5hSafe1h

Outdoor & RV(6)

5/6
4/6
DeviceDELTA (Gen 1)RuntimeRIVER 2 MaxRuntime
Pellet GrillSafe9.2hSafe3.7h
Portable Electric CoolerSafe14.7hSafe6h
Portable FanSafe14.5hSafe5.9h
Portable Ice Maker (Countertop)Safe2.5hFailN/A
Portable ProjectorSafe4.4hSafe1.8h
RV Rooftop AC (13,500 BTU)FailN/AFailN/A

Personal Care(2)

2/2
1/2
DeviceDELTA (Gen 1)RuntimeRIVER 2 MaxRuntime
Electric BlanketSafe4.9hSafe2h
Professional Hair DryerTight0.5hFailN/A

Power Tools(5)

1/5
0/5
DeviceDELTA (Gen 1)RuntimeRIVER 2 MaxRuntime
Circular Saw (Corded)FailN/AFailN/A
Corded Drill / Hammer DrillTight0.8hFailN/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)

5/5
4/5
DeviceDELTA (Gen 1)RuntimeRIVER 2 MaxRuntime
LaptopSafe2.5hSafe1h
Laser PrinterSafe1.2hFailN/A
Monitor (27-inch LCD)Safe16hSafe6.5h
Starlink SystemSafe8.8hSafe3.6h
WiFi RouterSafe11.8hSafe4.8h

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The Bottom Line

The DELTA (Gen 1) is the pick for home backup users and anyone who needs to run higher-draw appliances; its 1260 Wh capacity and 1800W output handle loads the RIVER 2 Max simply cannot reach. The RIVER 2 Max suits campers and day-trippers who prioritize a light, long-lasting battery for phones, laptops, and small electronics. With a compatibility score of 75.5 versus 40, the DELTA (Gen 1) wins this matchup decisively on device coverage and raw capability.

DELTA (Gen 1) vs RIVER 2 Max FAQ

Q Which is better for home backup, DELTA (Gen 1) or RIVER 2 Max?

DELTA (Gen 1) is the stronger overall choice in this matchup based on weighted compatibility across 53 tested devices.

Q Which has longer runtime, DELTA (Gen 1) or RIVER 2 Max?

DELTA (Gen 1) has higher battery capacity (1,260 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, DELTA (Gen 1) or RIVER 2 Max?

RIVER 2 Max is lighter at 13.4 lbs vs 30.9 lbs. RIVER 2 Max is rated ultralight for portability.

Q How many devices can each power station run?

DELTA (Gen 1) powers 40 of 53 tested devices, compared to 20 for RIVER 2 Max.