One of my favorite portable power stations is $50 off ahead of Black Friday

What’s the deal?

The EcoFlow River 2 has received a $50 discount on Amazon and is currently selling for $168.

Why this deal is ZDNET-recommended

Power banks have given way to power stations. 

And while I really like the colossal capacity offered by behemoths such as the new Zendure SuperBase V, sometimes I want something I can grab quickly to take with me on a job or in an emergency.

Also: I tested one of the cheapest portable power stations and it made road-tripping a breeze

The EcoFlow River 2 fits the bill.

EcoFlow River 2 specs

• Capacity: 256Wh
• Net Weight: Approximately 7.7lbs
• Dimensions: 9.6 x 8.5 x 5.7inches
• AC Input: 100-120V 50Hz/60Hz, 360W Max
• Solar Input: 8A Max,11-30V 110W
• Car Input: 12V/24V, 8A, 100W Max
• USB-C Input/Output: 5/9/12/15/20V 3A, 60W Max
• AC Output: 120V 50Hz/60Hz, 300W (Surge 600W)
• DC Output: 12.6V 8A, 100W Max
• USB-A Output: 5V 2.4A 12W Max
• Cell Chemistry: Lithium iron phosphate
• Cycle Life: 80%+ capacity after 3000 cycles
• App Control: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
• Discharge Temperature: -10°C to 45°C (14°F to 113°F)
• Charge Temperature: 0°C to 45°C (32°F to 113°F)
• Optimal Operating Temperature: 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F)
• Storage Temperature: -10°C to 45°C (20°C to 30°C is best)/14°F to 113°F (68°F to 86°F is best)

The striking thing about the River 2 is how light it is — 7.7 pounds feels like nothing after some of the power stations I’ve handled lately. On top of that, the handle is ergonomic and comfortable.

I could see this being a power station that I’d be happy to carry for a few miles if I needed that sort of power for drones, or cameras if I was on a shoot.

With a capacity of 256Wh, this is small enough to allow the River 2 to be portable, but powerful enough to run a 100W load for close to 2.5 hours. The AC output can handle a sustained output of 300W (which would drain the River 2 in under an hour) and surge loads up to 600W.

Also: This Anker USB-C power bank solved my biggest problem with portable chargers

The River 2 can use four methods for recharging: AC, solar, 12V in-car, and USB-C. Using AC, the unit can go from zero to 100% in an hour, which means less time waiting for it to be ready.

Using portable solar panels (also currently 45% off right now), you could have the River 2 charged up in about 3 hours, which is very respectable.

Worried all that charging and discharging is going to wear out the River 2? Don’t be.

If you were to completely charge and discharge the River 2 six times a week, EcoFlow claims the lithium iron phosphate batteries would last for 9.6 years before their capacity drops to 80%.

Also: The 5 best portable power stations

The unit features a built-in fan to keep things cool when charging and discharging at high wattages. This fan reaches 62db, which is the sort of sound level you’d get from a household dishwasher.

The River 2 also can be used as a backup device when the power goes out. It can detect that the power has gone out and switch over to the battery in 30ms, so devices will keep running as if nothing had happened. For example, a typical Wi-Fi router draws about 10W, which means this unit can keep the router going for almost eight hours.

The unit is rugged and well-built and shrugs off the inevitable knocks and bumps of regular use.

Currently available for $168 during Amazon’s 4th of July sale, this is a very competitively priced power station, and I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a truly portable power solution.