Capacity
Higher is better | Scale max: 2,042 Wh | Explorer 2000 v2 leads
RIVER 2 Max 512 Wh
Explorer 2000 v2 2,042 Wh
Explorer 2000 v2: +1,530 Wh (+298.8%).
RIVER 2 Max vs Explorer 2000 v2
VS
500W
Running power
2,200W
512 Wh
Battery
2,042 Wh
13.4 lbs
Weight
39.5 lbs
At a Glance
This comparison targets buyers weighing a lightweight, portable battery against a high-capacity home-backup unit. The RIVER 2 Max delivers 500W of running power from a 512 Wh LFP battery and weighs just 13.4 lbs, making it easy to toss in a car for camping or tailgating.
The Explorer 2000 v2 operates in a different class entirely: 2,200W of running power, 2,042 Wh of capacity, and 4,400W surge capability. In device-compatibility testing across 53 products, the Explorer 2000 v2 powered 45 while the RIVER 2 Max handled 20, giving Jackery's unit roughly 2.25 times the coverage.
The Explorer 2000 v2 also includes UPS functionality with a 20 ms switchover, a feature the RIVER 2 Max lacks. The tradeoff is weight and portability: at 39.5 lbs, the Jackery is nearly three times heavier, so grab-and-go convenience clearly favors the EcoFlow.
Overall Winner
Explorer 2000 v2
Powers 45 of 53 tested devices vs 20 for RIVER 2 Max
Home backup: Explorer 2000 v2 RV / mobile: Tie Solar: Tie
Choose RIVER 2 Max if...
- + Portability matters (13 lbs vs 40)
- + You want faster solar recharging
Choose Explorer 2000 v2 if...
- + Built-in UPS with 20ms switchover
- + You want broader device compatibility
- + You need all-day runtime headroom
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: 2,200 W | Explorer 2000 v2 leads
RIVER 2 Max 500 W
Explorer 2000 v2 2,200 W
Explorer 2000 v2: +1,700 W (+340.0%).
Surge Power
Higher is better | Scale max: 4,400 W | Explorer 2000 v2 leads
RIVER 2 Max 1,000 W
Explorer 2000 v2 4,400 W
Explorer 2000 v2: +3,400 W (+340.0%).
Weight
Lower is better | Scale best: 13.4 lbs | RIVER 2 Max leads
RIVER 2 Max 13.4 lbs (6.1 kg)
Explorer 2000 v2 39.5 lbs (17.9 kg)
RIVER 2 Max: -26.0 lbs (65.9% lighter).
Battery Life
Higher is better | Scale max: 4,000 cycles | Explorer 2000 v2 leads
RIVER 2 Max 3,000 cycles
Explorer 2000 v2 4,000 cycles
Explorer 2000 v2: +1,000 cycles (+33.3%).
Where Compatibility Actually Differs
Out of 53 devices tested, 25 show a different result between these two stations.
Both can run: 20 · Differences: 47% (25/53) · Neither can run: 8
Only Explorer 2000 v2 can run 25
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
Portable AC (12,000 BTU) 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
Corded Drill / Hammer Drill RIVER 2 Max: Running + surge shortfall
Shop Vac (Wet/Dry, 5-6 HP Peak) 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
Laser Printer RIVER 2 Max: Running + surge shortfall
Neither can run · 8 devices
These are 240V or high-voltage devices — neither station supports them.
Central AC (3-Ton)
Electric Clothes Dryer
Circular Saw (Corded)
Electric Chainsaw (14-inch)
Pancake Air Compressor (6-Gallon)
RV Rooftop AC (13,500 BTU)
Electric Water Heater (50 Gal)
Well Pump (1 HP)
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec | RIVER 2 Max | Explorer 2000 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 512 Wh | 2,042 Wh ✓ |
| Running Power | 500 W | 2,200 W ✓ |
| Surge Power | 1,000 W | 4,400 W ✓ |
| Weight | 13.4 lbs (6.1 kg) ✓ | 39.5 lbs (17.9 kg) |
| Energy Density | 83.9 Wh/kg | 114.1 Wh/kg ✓ |
| Portability Tier | ultralight | portable |
| Chemistry | LFP | LFP |
| Cycle Life | 3,000 | 4,000 ✓ |
| Expandable | No | No |
| UPS | No | Yes (20 ms) |
| AC Voltage | 120V | 120V |
Solar Charging
Best-case charging profile using compatible solar panels.
RIVER 2 Max
Faster Max solar input 220 W
Connector XT60i
Full charge time ~3.3h
Compatible panels 17/20
MPPT: 11-50V
Explorer 2000 v2
Max solar input 400 W
Connector DC8020
Full charge time ~14.6h
Compatible panels 19/20
MPPT: 16-60V
Charge speed comparison
Longer bar = faster charge (inverted scale)
Device Compatibility
All tested devices grouped by category. Click a category to expand.
RIVER 2 MaxExplorer 2000 v2
Emergency(2)
1/22/2
1/2
2/2
Entertainment(2)
1/22/2
1/2
2/2
EV & Transportation(2)
1/22/2
1/2
2/2
Heating & Cooling(7)
1/76/7
1/7
6/7
| Device | RIVER 2 Max | Runtime | Explorer 2000 v2 | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Box Fan (20-inch) | Safe | 4.3h | Safe | 17.2h |
| Central AC (3-Ton) | Voltage Fail | N/A | Voltage Fail | N/A |
| Dehumidifier (70 Pint) | Fail | N/A | Safe | 1.7h |
| Gas Furnace Fan (Blower) | Fail | N/A | Safe | 1.4h |
| Portable AC (12,000 BTU) | Fail | N/A | Tight | 1.1h |
| Space Heater (1,500W) | Fail | N/A | Safe | 1h |
| Window AC (8,000 BTU) | Fail | N/A | Safe | 2h |
Home Infrastructure(3)
1/31/3
1/3
1/3
| Device | RIVER 2 Max | Runtime | Explorer 2000 v2 | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric Water Heater (50 Gal) | Voltage Fail | N/A | Voltage Fail | N/A |
| Garage Door Opener (Residential) | Safe | 2h | Safe | 7.9h |
| Well Pump (1 HP) | Voltage Fail | N/A | Voltage Fail | N/A |
Kitchen Appliances(11)
1/1111/11
1/11
11/11
| Device | RIVER 2 Max | Runtime | Explorer 2000 v2 | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Slice Bread Toaster | Fail | N/A | Safe | 1h |
| Coffee Maker | Fail | N/A | Safe | 0.9h |
| Digital Air Fryer | Fail | N/A | Safe | 0.8h |
| Electric Skillet | Fail | N/A | Safe | 1h |
| Electric Stove (Single Burner) | Fail | N/A | Safe | 0.8h |
| Electric Water Kettle | Fail | N/A | Safe | 1h |
| Instant Pot (6 Qt) | Fail | N/A | Safe | 1h |
| Microwave Oven (1000W) | Fail | N/A | Safe | 0.7h |
| Rice Cooker | Fail | N/A | Safe | 1.5h |
| Slow Cooker | Safe | 1.2h | Safe | 4.8h |
| Toaster Oven | Fail | N/A | Safe | 0.8h |
Large Appliances(4)
1/43/4
1/4
3/4
| Device | RIVER 2 Max | Runtime | Explorer 2000 v2 | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dishwasher | Fail | N/A | Safe | 0.8h |
| Electric Clothes Dryer | Voltage Fail | N/A | Voltage Fail | N/A |
| French Door Refrigerator | Safe | 1.7h | Safe | 6.9h |
| Washing Machine | Fail | N/A | Safe | 1.1h |
Medical(4)
4/44/4
4/4
4/4
Outdoor & RV(6)
4/65/6
4/6
5/6
Personal Care(2)
1/22/2
1/2
2/2
Power Tools(5)
0/52/5
0/5
2/5
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The Bottom Line
Pick the RIVER 2 Max if you need a sub-14 lb station for light loads like phones, laptops, and LED lights on the go. Choose the Explorer 2000 v2 if you need to run full-size appliances, want broad device compatibility (45 of 53 tested), or require UPS backup at home. With an overall score of 88 versus 40, the Explorer 2000 v2 is the stronger buy for most users who can handle its size.
RIVER 2 Max vs Explorer 2000 v2 FAQ
Q Which is better for home backup, RIVER 2 Max or Explorer 2000 v2?
Explorer 2000 v2 is the stronger overall choice in this matchup based on weighted compatibility across 53 tested devices.
Q Which has longer runtime, RIVER 2 Max or Explorer 2000 v2?
Explorer 2000 v2 has higher battery capacity (2,042 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, RIVER 2 Max or Explorer 2000 v2?
RIVER 2 Max is lighter at 13.4 lbs vs 39.5 lbs. RIVER 2 Max is rated ultralight for portability.
Q How many devices can each power station run?
Explorer 2000 v2 powers 45 of 53 tested devices, compared to 20 for RIVER 2 Max.
Q Does RIVER 2 Max or Explorer 2000 v2 have UPS mode for power outages?
Only Explorer 2000 v2 has UPS (uninterruptible power supply) mode with a 20ms switchover time, which keeps connected devices running during a power outage without interruption.