Home Consumer EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus Review: Compact Power Station with 600W Output & UPS Support

EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus Review: Compact Power Station with 600W Output & UPS Support

by Dylan Dougherty

The EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus combines a compact design with expandable capacity, making it ideal for camping, travel, and emergency power needs.

The EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus builds on the compact, portable design of the RIVER 3 series, offering enhanced power, capacity, and features. Designed for users who need a reliable portable power solution for both home and outdoor use, the RIVER 3 Plus delivers a rated output of 600W, twice that of the RIVER 3, and supports X-Boost technology for handling high-demand devices, extending the capability to an impressive 1200W surge output. A significant difference is the ability to expand power capacity by adding extra batteries, providing greater flexibility for extended usage.

EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus

With <10ms UPS functionality, the RIVER 3 Plus offers seamless & faster switchover, preventing interruptions or shutdowns. EcoFlow has placed significant emphasis on UPS capabilities in this unit, incorporating a data communication port for real-time updates and remote management. This ensures reliable performance during power disruptions, making it an ideal solution for power-sensitive equipment like NAS devices, desktop computers, and gaming consoles, with automatic shutdown capabilities to protect your devices.

EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus Specifications

Specification Details
Capacity 286Wh
Dimensions 9.2×9.1×5.8 in
Net Weight 10.4 lb
Battery Chemistry LiFePO4, 3000 cycles to 80% capacity
UPS <10 ms
Noise <30 dB
AC Output 3 outlets, 600W total (Surge 1200W, X-Boost 1200W)
USB-A Output 2 ports, 5V=2.4A, 12W max per port, total 24W
USB-C Output 1 port, 5/9/12/15⎓3A Max, 20V⎓5A Max, 100W Max
Car Output 1 outlet, 12.6V, 10A, 126W max
AC Input 380W, 0-100% in 60 min
Solar Input 220W, 0-100% in as fast as 1.5 hr
Car Input 220W, 11~55V, 0-100% in 3.3 hr
Generator Input 380W, 0-100% in 60 min
Optimal Operating Temperature 68°F-86°F
Charge Temperature 32°F-113°F
Discharge Temperature 14°F-113°F
Storage Temperature 68°F-86°F

RIVER 3 Build And Design

The EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus is built with durability and safety in mind. The unit is constructed from fire-retardant plastic and designed to withstand drops of up to 3 feet, offering solid protection for both indoor and outdoor use. It is also rated with an IP54 water protection level, ensuring resilience against dust and light water splashes. The battery is equipped with X-Guard protection, which features over 40 safety measures to safeguard against risks related to current, voltage, temperature, and circuit malfunctions, providing peace of mind during use. Additionally, a convenient carry handle is located on the rear, making it easy to transport the unit wherever it’s needed.

The front of the RIVER 3 Plus features an upgraded LCD that provides essential information for managing power use and monitoring the unit’s status. It shows the total input power and power source, app connection status, scheduled charging and discharging settings, AC Always-on status, remaining charge/recharge time, and battery percentage. Additionally, the display provides details on fan status, charging speed adjustments, charge/discharge level limits, total output power, output port status, UPS status, and extra battery connection status. Below the LCD, users will find a range of output ports and controls, including a DC output switch, a DC outlet, one USB-C port, two USB-A ports, an AC outlet, an AC output switch, and the main power button. A strip light switch and light are conveniently placed at the end to help see in poorly lit areas.

EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus light

On the rear of the RIVER 3 Plus, you’ll find two AC output ports, an AC input port, a DC car and solar charging port, and a USB-B UPS communication port. Additionally, a carry handle is positioned for easy portability. These ports provide flexible charging and power distribution options for a wide range of devices.

EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus back

On the sides of the RIVER 3 Plus, you’ll find vents that allow the built-in fan to efficiently cool the unit’s internals, ensuring optimal performance during use.

On the bottom of the unit, you’ll find the extra battery connection, protected by a cover when not in use. This connection uses pogo pins for secure and efficient integration with the optional additional batteries, expanding the RIVER 3 Plus’s capacity to 572Wh with the EB300 or 858Wh with the EB600 battery for longer-lasting power.

EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus bottom

Remote Management App

EcoFlow continues to offer an excellent management app for their portable power stations, available for both iOS and Android. With Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, the app allows users to control the unit from their phone, whether they are near the power station or away. It provides a range of customization options, including adjusting charge speeds, reserving battery capacity, scheduling tasks, and managing firmware updates, all from the convenience of your mobile device.

The app’s dashboard provides real-time power usage statistics, charge levels, and remaining battery time. From this central interface, users can easily monitor their unit’s performance and make adjustments as needed. It’s also where the main unit, along with AC and DC power, can be turned on and off, as well as the front light, offering seamless control right from your mobile device.

In the settings tab, users can adjust key configurations such as AC charging speed, DC mode, and car input preferences. For output settings, options like X-Boost and output port memory are available, allowing for further customization and optimization of the power station’s performance based on individual needs.

In this section, EcoFlow recommends setting a 20% discharge limit and an 80% charge limit for optimal battery health. These settings help prevent deep discharges and overcharging, which can degrade the battery over time, promoting longer-lasting performance and reliability.

RIVER 3 Plus Unit Testing

  • Discharge & Recharge test: The EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus has a battery capacity of 286Wh, and during our testing, it demonstrated solid energy efficiency. The unit discharged 0.43kWh, which is slightly more than its rated capacity, reflecting how efficiently it powers devices with minimal energy loss. For recharging, it required 0.56kWh, indicating a moderate energy input for replenishing the battery. These results show the unit’s ability to manage power output and input efficiently ensures minimal wastage while delivering reliable, consistent energy for various devices.
  • UPS Test: Another test we use for portable power stations is a UPS-mode transfer time test. We fully charge the unit with a workstation connected to it and remove incoming power. We then measure the time it takes the unit to switch from line power to inverter power. In the graph below, using our Quarch Mains Power Analysis Module, we measured a transfer time of 9ms. EcoFlow lists the unit as offering a <10ms transfer time, which it easily met.

 

Conclusion

The EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus takes the compact design of the RIVER 3 and enhances it for users who require more power without compromising portability. With a 286Wh battery and a 600W inverter, it offers double the output of the RIVER 3 while also supporting X-Boost technology for high-demand devices, extending to a 1200W surge output.

Like its predecessor, the RIVER 3 Plus features an onboard AC charger for fast recharging, with the added bonus of a <10ms transfer time for seamless UPS functionality. This makes it ideal for keeping essential devices operational during power outages without the need for a bulky unit. The RIVER 3 Plus also boasts additional AC output ports, a UPS communication port, a higher battery capacity, and the ability to add extra batteries for expanded power needs. With a faster UPS switch time and extra battery support, the RIVER 3 Plus offers an even more reliable and flexible solution for those who need portable power for both home and outdoor use.

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