EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro Review

EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro is a portable power station that offers a range of power options to keep your cameras, computers and lighting running on location when access to mains power isn’t available. This is far more than a simple power bank that you use to charge your phone with both AC and DC socket options. That means many devices that usually require mains power will run directly; just plug in and go. The RIVER 2 Pro features a mid-range 768Wh capacity and an 800W output, meaning it can easily power devices such as the Canon EOS R5 C for nearly 60 hours, shooting 4K HEVC or if you’re lighting a scene with the Rotolight ANOVA Pro 2. The RIVER 2 Pro can keep two lights running for five hours. Uniquely, this power station recharges from 0-100% in just 70 minutes, providing a quick power turnaround between shoots and a perfect excuse to stop off for lunch at the local pub for an hour.

The EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro’s solid construction immediately gives you a sense of reassurance for your £749 worth of investment. The overall build quality is excellent, and all ports and sockets feel robust, tolerating constant use without a hint of fragility. Inside, the unit’s internal battery tech takes another step forward with a stated life of up to a decade, depending on use and how well you look after the thing. One of the standout design features is the ergonomically designed handle, making the RIVER 2 Pro easy to transport despite its size. Actually, its size is relatively small compared with much of the competition for this capacity. However, it’s still quite heavy. While the handle works well, other units with a retractable handle provide a more streamlined shape.

The RIVER 2 Pro’s AC and DC power ports are all standards compliant, ensuring seamless connectivity with all photographic and video kits. But remember, its power output has a ceiling – attempting to run high-drain appliances like iron will cause it to trip. The RIVER 2 Pro, whilst offering an impressive maximum output of 800W and being surge-protected up to 1600W, won’t take kindly to a standard iron which will happily draw some 3000w, if not more, during the heating process.

The layout of the RIVER 2Pro is practical and user-friendly. Its plugs are conveniently placed at the front, spaciously arranged to accommodate larger power adapters with enough height to comfortably give space to the awkward design of the MacPro power adapter. The addition of a companion app is also a great feature, enabling you to monitor the power status remotely and even power down equipment from a distance – an especially useful function during filming breaks.

The three AC outputs and rapid 70-minute full charge time are two of the unit’s most useful points. In real-world testing, even a lunch break at a plugin-friendly pub provided ample time for a complete recharge, ensuring the RIVER 2 Pro was always ready for the next part of the shoot. The benefit of these features cannot be overstated, providing a versatile, reliable power solution that can keep up with the demands of a relatively busy shoot.

The EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro offers an impressive array of features aimed at power-intensive tasks. Still, it is equally perfectly suited to jobbing photographers and videographers who need on-site power for their productions. At the heart of the unit is advanced LiFePO4 battery chemistry that, on paper, at least promises longevity and efficient power usage; I’ll update the review if anything happens in the longer term. Still, the EcoFlow state will enable you to charge and drain the RIVER 2 Pro over 3000 times. EcoFlow highlights that this use equates to nearly a decade of daily use; in this review, I’ve utilised the RIVER 2 Pro and another unit as my main power source for over a month.

The RIVER 2 Pro is also the first portable power station to earn the TÜV Rheinland certification for safety. This certification assures you of its high safety standards and reliable performance, even under heavy usage.

An interesting feature worth a mention is the RIVER 2 Pro’s X-Boost feature, which enables you to boost the AC output to 1600W. This means the RIVER 2 Pro can power up to 80% of high-wattage appliances, with heaters, irons and vacuums being the only things I’ve tested that tripped the unit. This feature might not enable photographers and videographers to get on with household chores, but it will enable you to power all your essential kit through the AC and DC outputs.

The feature that has once again impressed me is the ultra-fast 70-minute fast charging capability. This rapid recharge time means that the RIVER 2 Pro often needs a quick top-up which can be done quickly when you stop at a pub or cafe, with the owner’s permission, of course.

The design is also relatively lightweight at only 7.8 kg, so carrying the RIVER 2 Pro for outdoor shoots isn’t too bad. The inclusion of a smart app control that works over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth is also a nice touch. This allows you to monitor and control the RIVER 2 Pro from a distance.

The EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro Portable Power Station is a real workhorse, demonstrating great performance in various demanding environments, including intensive photography and videography setups. Its robustness, reliability, and efficiency stand out in particular.

For example, in a field test with the Canon EOS R5 C – a notably power-hungry camera renowned for its high-quality 4K HEVC output – the RIVER 2 Pro excelled by powering continuous shooting for what would equate to an astonishing 60 hours. This sort of endurance is valuable where traditional power sources may be inaccessible, especially when you add the power demands on lighting and other devices.

The performance with lighting equipment was equally impressive. The RIVER 2 Pro managed to keep the Rotolight ANOVA Pro II lights running for an estimated 10 hours off a single charge or two lights for a solid 5 hours.

Additionally, in a real-world scenario involving a MacBook Pro 16-inch M1, the RIVER 2 Pro really showed its mettle. With a combination of the RIVER 2 Pro’s charge and the internal batteries of the MacBook and camera, I could keep all devices running for an entire day on a single charge, which is an enormous benefit for on-location work where electricity is scarce.

Despite its sizeable power capacity, the RIVER 2 Pro doesn’t keep you waiting long to repower. The fast-charging feature allows a leap from 0 to 100% in just 70 minutes, a significant time-saver if you’re on a tight schedule. You can bring your power station back to full capacity during a quick break.

The EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro Portable Power Station is a significant asset for photographers and videographers who regularly work in outdoor or off-grid locations. Its strong build quality, impressive power capacity, and rapid recharge speed deliver exceptional performance and convenience.

The portable power station managed to run power-hungry devices like the Canon EOS R5 C camera and the Rotolight ANOVA Pro II lights for extended periods, proving its ability to support professional-grade equipment effectively. Furthermore, it effortlessly kept a MacBook Pro 16-inch M1 running for an entire day on a single charge, showcasing its adaptability and reliability for various needs.

Notably, the RIVER 2 Pro also features multiple AC power sockets, which is unusual for a power station of this size, adding to its utility. The unit’s fast recharge time – a full recharge in just 70 minutes – is a significant USP and a blessing for professionals working against time constraints.

Despite its numerous features, the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro remains user-friendly and easy to handle, further boosted by the convenient EcoFlow app for remote monitoring and control. The design ensures all controls and ports are easily accessible and conform to standard formats, making it straightforward to plug in and operate various equipment.

While there’s no denying that the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro is a substantial investment, its unique blend of features, durability, and performance makes it a worthwhile purchase for those needing reliable, portable power solutions. For photographers and videographers looking to power their workflow off-site, the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro Portable Power Station is a game-changer.