Jackery Explorer 500 v2 vs EcoFlow RIVER 3 Max
The two best small power stations in the UK, separated by 60Wh, 100W, a kilogram — and one feature that decides it for most homes. Here’s the honest head-to-head.
Head to head
| Explorer 500 v2 | RIVER 3 Max | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 512Wh | 572Wh |
| Continuous output | 500W | 600W |
| Surge / boost | 1,000W surge | 1,200W X-Boost |
| Chemistry | LiFePO4 (~3,000 cycles) | LiFePO4 (~3,000 cycles) |
| Weight | 6.4kg | 7.2kg |
| Mains recharge | ~65 min | ~60 min |
| Max solar input | 200W | 220W |
| UPS / pass-through | Standby swap | 10ms auto-switchover |
| Warranty | 5 years | 5 years |
| App control | Yes | Yes |
Where the RIVER 3 Max pulls ahead
The extra 60Wh is nice; the extra 100W of continuous output is nicer — 600W plus X-Boost covers travel kettles and hairdryers the Jackery has to refuse. But the killer feature for power-cut duty is the 10ms UPS switchover: leave your router plugged through it permanently and a power cut never drops the wifi. The Jackery has no equivalent — it waits on standby and you swap plugs when the lights go out. For the always-on setup in our router backup guide, that’s the deciding line.
Where the Explorer 500 v2 answers back
It’s nearly a kilo lighter, noticeably more compact, and usually cheaper — tap both buttons and compare today’s prices, because the gap moves with Amazon’s promotions. For camping trips where the battery mostly charges phones, runs lights and tops up a laptop, the Jackery does everything the EcoFlow does while being easier to carry and cheaper to buy. Its 500W ceiling only matters if you plan to run mains appliances.
Our verdict
Buying primarily for power cuts at home: the RIVER 3 Max — the UPS pass-through turns it from a big battery into genuine backup infrastructure. Buying primarily for camping and travel: the Explorer 500 v2 — lighter, cheaper, and its limits won’t show in a tent. If the price gap on the day is under £50, we lean RIVER 3 Max for most UK homes.
Frequently asked questions
Is the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Max worth more than the Jackery Explorer 500 v2?
For home power-cut backup, usually yes — the 10ms UPS switchover means your router and wifi never even blink when the power fails, something the Jackery can't do. For camping, the cheaper and lighter Jackery is the better buy.
Can both run a wifi router through a power cut?
Yes — both will run a typical router and full-fibre ONT (15–20W combined) for around 22–26 hours. The difference is how: the RIVER 3 Max can sit inline permanently as a UPS, while the Jackery is best kept on standby and swapped in when a cut starts.
Which lasts longer, Jackery or EcoFlow batteries?
It's a tie — both use LiFePO4 cells rated around 3,000 charge cycles to 80% capacity, and both carry 5-year warranties. Either will comfortably outlive a decade of normal use.
Can either run a kettle?
The RIVER 3 Max can run many travel kettles via X-Boost (up to 1,200W). The Explorer 500 v2's 500W continuous limit rules out kettles and most heating appliances — it's built for electronics, not elements.
Related guides
- Best portable power stations UK — the full roundup
- Jackery vs EcoFlow — the brand-level comparison
- Wh vs watts sizing guide · When power stations go on sale
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