Following on from my review of the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max, let’s look at how two of the EcoFlow RIVER 2 models compare with the Anker PowerHouse counterparts.
Anker has had an early advantage over EcoFlow with the launch of their LiFePO4-equipped PowerHouse portable power stations. This superior battery chemistry allows portable power stations to be fully charged 3000 without seeing a significant decrease in battery capacity.
Anker back this up with a worry-free 5-year warranty which should give you some confidence that you will get good value for your money over many years of use.
EcoFlow has been catching up, though, the new DELTA 2 has LiFePO4, and they also back this up with a 5-year warranty, but you need to register the power station to enable this extended warranty.
The EcoFlow RIVER 2 is the latest model to get upgraded to the LiFePO4 battery, and this is another model that gets an impressive 5-year warranty.
These new models will be available to buy from the 9th of November, and they have better overall specifications and a lower price point than the Anker counterparts (not including any discounts which may be available).
EcoFlow RIVER 2 vs Anker 521 & 535 PowerHouse Portable Power Station Specification
| EcoFlow RIVER 2 | Anker 521 PowerHouse | EcoFlow RIVER 2 MAX | Anker 535 PowerHouse | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model Number | EFR600 | Anker 521 PowerHouse | EFR610 | Anker 535 PowerHouse |
| Capacity | 256Wh (20Ah 12.8V) | 256Wh | 512Wh (20Ah 25.6V) | 512Wh |
| AC Output | 1 x 300W total (surge 600W) | 1x 220-240V~, 0,9A Max, 50Hz, 200W; US Model 2x 110V~ 1.82A, 50Hz/60Hz, 200W; |
2x 500W total (surge 1000W) | 2x 220-240V, 50Hz, 500W (surge 750W) US Model: 4x 110V~ 4.54A, 50Hz/60Hz, 500W (surge 750W) |
| Car Charger Output | 1 x 12.6V/8A, 100W Max | 2x Car Output (x1):12.6V/10A/3A/3A, 126W Max DC5521 (x2): 13.6V/3A |
2x Car Output (x1):12.6V/10A/3A/3A, 126W Max DC5521 (x2): 13.6V/3A |
12V⎓10A |
| USB-A Output | 2 x 5V/2.4A, 12W Max per port | 2x 5V⎓3.6A (2.4A Max Per Port); |
3x 5V/2.4A, 12W Max per port (total 24W) | 3x 5V⎓7.2A (2.4A Max Per Port) |
| USB-C Output | 1 x 5V/9V/12V/15V/20V/3A, 60W Max | 1x 5V⎓3A / 9V⎓3A / 15V⎓3A / 20V⎓3A (60W Max) |
1x 5V/9V/12V/15V/20V/5A, 100W Max | 1x 5V⎓3A/ 9V⎓3A/ 15V⎓3A/20V⎓3A (60W Max) |
| AC Input | 220-240V ~ 50Hz/60Hz, 8A Max, 360W | 220-240V ~ 50Hz/60Hz, 10A Max, 660W | ||
| DC Input | 11-30V/110W, 8A Max | 11-28V⎓5.5A (65W Max); | 11-50V/13A, 220W Max | 11-28V⎓ 10A (120W Max) |
| USB-C Input | 5V/9V/12V/15V/20V/3A, 60W Max | 5V⎓3A / 9V⎓3A / 15V⎓3A / 20V⎓3A (60W Max) | 5V/9V/12V/15V/20V/5A, 100W Max | 5V⎓3A/ 9V⎓3A/ 15V⎓3A/20V⎓3A (60W Max) |
| Battery Chemisty | LFP | LFP | LFP | LFP |
| Cycle Life | 80%+ capacity after 3000 cycles | 80%+ capacity after 3000 cycles | 80%+ capacity after 3000 cycles | 80%+ capacity after 3000 cycles |
| Weight | 7.8lbs 3.53KG |
4.34kg / 9.57lbs | 13.4lbs 6.1KG |
16.45lbs 11.48 x 9.88 x 7.4 inches |
| Dimensions | 9.6×8.5×5.7inches | 21.6×21.14×14.4cm / 8.5×8.32×5.67inches | 10.6×10.2×7.7inches | |
| UK Price | £269 | £329 | £549 | £500 |
| US Price | $229 | $249.99 | $449 | $600 |
Main Differences
All the EcoFlow and Anker models are excellent. Anker has grown an enviously good reputation in recent years with many loyal customers (including myself).
However, on paper, you get better value for your money with EcoFlow. The capacities of the models are identical, but the input/output options on EcoFlow are better while also having a lower RRP.
EcoFlow has a higher output for the main plug sockets, including a higher surge power. Ecoflow also has the benefit of the X-Boost technology, which can allow you to run some higher-power devices even when you exceed the maximum output.
EcoFlow can then also charge faster. When charging via mains, you can charge both the RIVER 2 and RIVER 2 MAX fully in just 60 minutes. The USB-C charging is also faster on the MAX model with 100W vs 60W.
Overall
Based on the RRP and from my own personal experience of the RIVER 2 MAX, I’d easily recommend EcoFlow over Anker for both capacity models.
However, Anker is very good at discounts. In the US, you can currently get the Anker 521 PowerHouse with $50 off, taking it down to just $200, which is a bargain and undercuts EcoFlow by 10%.
