BLUETTI and EcoFlow both sell a 600W LiFePO4 power station that weighs about 10 pounds, and on paper the two look almost identical. BLUETTI lists the Elite 30 V2 at 288Wh with a 1,500W “lifting” mode, while EcoFlow rates the RIVER 3 Plus at 286Wh with 1,200W X-Boost and an optional battery that takes it to 858Wh, according to each company’s spec pages and user manuals. The real differences are in charging, ports, expansion and size, and they matter more than the near-matching capacity numbers.
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I own the Elite 30 V2 and have used it to run a Starlink Mini off a 60W panel, so this comparison leans on that hands-on time plus the published specs for both units. Every number below comes from BLUETTI’s and EcoFlow’s own documentation unless it is marked as an estimate.
The short answer
Pick the Elite 30 V2 if you charge laptops and phones more than anything else, want the lightest box, and like the idea of a 140W USB-C port. Pick the RIVER 3 Plus if you want more AC outlets, a wider solar voltage window, or the option to triple the capacity later with a snap-on battery.
Spec sheet, side by side
| Spec | BLUETTI Elite 30 V2 | EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 288Wh (LiFePO4) | 286Wh (LiFePO4) |
| Expansion | None (works with B80 in power-bank mode) | Up to 858Wh with Extra Battery |
| Continuous AC | 600W | 600W |
| High-wattage mode | 1,500W lifting (resistive loads) | 1,200W X-Boost |
| Fastest AC charge | 380W Turbo, 80% in 45 min | About 1 hour, 0–100% |
| Solar input | 200W, 12–28V, 10A | 220W, 11–55V, 13A |
| USB-C | 1 × 140W + 1 × 100W | 1 × 100W |
| USB-A | 2 × 15W | 2 × 12W |
| Car outlet | 12V/10A | 12.6V/10A (126W) |
| UPS switchover | ≤10 ms | <10 ms |
| Weight | 9.48 lb (4.3 kg) | 10.4 lb (4.7 kg) |
| Size | 9.8 × 7 × 6.6 in | 9.2 × 9.1 × 5.75 in |
| Rated cycles | 3,000+ to 80% | 3,000 to 80% |
| Warranty | 5 years | 5 years |
Sources: BLUETTI Elite 30 V2 US user manual and product page; EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus US product page and user manual.
Capacity: a 2Wh tie, until you add a battery
A 2Wh gap is a rounding error. Both units will run the same small loads for roughly the same time. Where they split is growth. EcoFlow designed the RIVER 3 Plus to clip onto its Extra Battery with no cables, which takes total storage to 858Wh. BLUETTI does not offer a stackable battery for the Elite 30 V2, so 288Wh is what you get. If you think you may want a weekend of fridge power later, that one design choice may decide the comparison for you.
Worked example: router and modem backup (estimate)
EcoFlow says the RIVER 3 Plus can run a 3W Wi-Fi router for up to 35 hours. To sanity-check that for your own gear, use usable energy divided by load. Assuming roughly 85% of the rated capacity reaches the outlet after inverter and DC conversion losses, a 15W router plus modem works out like this:
- Elite 30 V2: 288Wh × 0.85 ÷ 15W ≈ 16 hours (estimate)
- RIVER 3 Plus: 286Wh × 0.85 ÷ 15W ≈ 16 hours (estimate)
- RIVER 3 Plus with Extra Battery: 858Wh × 0.85 ÷ 15W ≈ 48 hours (estimate)
Running the router from a DC or USB-C port instead of the AC inverter usually stretches that further, because you skip the conversion to 120V and back.
Output: same 600W, different tricks
Both inverters deliver 600W continuous pure sine wave. Each also has a mode for heating appliances that would normally trip a 600W unit. BLUETTI calls its version “lifting power” and allows resistive loads up to 1,500W; its manual is clear that actual output is still held to 600W, so a 1,200W kettle will run, just more slowly. EcoFlow’s X-Boost works the same way at up to 1,200W.
Neither mode helps motors. A fridge compressor, blender or power tool needs real surge, and both units are rated at 600W for that work. BLUETTI’s manual specifically warns that some motor loads draw several times their rated power at start-up.
Port layout
The Elite 30 V2 is built around USB. Its 140W USB-C port supports PD 3.1, which BLUETTI says is enough to fast-charge a MacBook Pro, and there is a second 100W USB-C port beside it. The RIVER 3 Plus has a single 100W USB-C but gives you three AC outlets, which helps if you are running a lamp, a fan and a CPAP from one box.
Charging speed
BLUETTI gives the Elite 30 V2 three AC modes in its manual: Standard at 200W (about 2 hours), Turbo at 380W (80% in 45 minutes) and Silent at 200W (about 3 hours). EcoFlow says the RIVER 3 Plus goes from empty to full on AC in about an hour.
Solar is where the RIVER pulls ahead. Its 11–55V input window means you can wire two typical 100W panels in series without exceeding the limit, and EcoFlow quotes a full charge in as little as 1.5 hours at 220W. The Elite 30 V2 accepts 12–28V at 10A, up to 200W, so panels generally need to go in parallel, and BLUETTI quotes about 2.2 hours at 200W.
Worked example: one 100W panel (estimate)
In my own test of the Elite 30 V2 with a 100W panel, real output came in below the panel’s label, which is normal. A common planning rule is to expect around 70% of a panel’s rating in good sun. At 70W:
- Elite 30 V2: 288Wh ÷ 70W ≈ 4.1 hours of strong sun (estimate)
- RIVER 3 Plus: 286Wh ÷ 70W ≈ 4.1 hours of strong sun (estimate)
With a single panel the two are even. The RIVER’s advantage only shows when you add a second panel in series.
UPS use at a desk
Both makers rate switchover at 10 ms or less, which covers most desktop PCs, monitors and networking gear. BLUETTI adds a 980W AC bypass on the Elite 30 V2, so the wall can feed a larger load through the unit while it charges. EcoFlow ships the RIVER 3 Plus with a USB-B to USB-A cable for UPS communication, which lets a connected computer see the battery status and shut down cleanly.
EcoFlow’s own figure is at least 21 minutes for a 600W computer. For a typical 150W home-office setup, the estimate looks like this: 286Wh × 0.85 ÷ 150W ≈ 1.6 hours. The Elite 30 V2 lands in the same place.
Size, weight and noise
The Elite 30 V2 is the lighter of the two at 9.48 lb, and its footprint is narrower, about 7 inches deep. The RIVER 3 Plus is lower and squarer at 5.75 inches tall, which makes it easier to slide under a car seat. Both companies quote under 30 dB in quiet charging modes.
Apps and smart features
BLUETTI’s flyer lists Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for the Elite 30 V2 through the BLUETTI app, with charging-mode selection and port control. The RIVER 3 Plus pairs with the EcoFlow app for charge limits, AC charging rate and status. Both apps let you set charge limits, which is useful if the unit lives plugged in as a UPS.
Who each one suits
Choose the BLUETTI Elite 30 V2 if…
- You mostly charge laptops, cameras, drones and phones.
- You want the 140W USB-C port and a second 100W port.
- You value the lightest carry and Turbo charging to 80% in 45 minutes.
- You power a Starlink Mini, which runs happily from USB-C PD.
Choose the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus if…
- You need several AC outlets at once.
- You plan to expand to 858Wh later.
- You want to wire panels in series for faster solar charging.
- You want a computer-aware UPS link out of the box.
Where to buy
The BLUETTI Elite 30 V2 is on Amazon. EcoFlow sells the RIVER 3 Plus on its US store.
Related reading
- BLUETTI Elite 30 V2 and 60W Solar Panel: Powering Starlink Mini
- BLUETTI Elite 30 V2 Solar Input Test With a 100W Panel
- Anker SOLIX C200 DC Review
FAQ
Which has more capacity, the Elite 30 V2 or RIVER 3 Plus?
The Elite 30 V2 is rated at 288Wh and the RIVER 3 Plus at 286Wh. Only the RIVER can be expanded, up to 858Wh with EcoFlow’s Extra Battery.
Can either run a 1,000W kettle?
Yes, through BLUETTI’s lifting mode or EcoFlow’s X-Boost. Both hold real output near 600W, so the kettle heats more slowly than on a wall outlet.
Which charges faster from the wall?
The RIVER 3 Plus reaches full in about an hour, per EcoFlow. The Elite 30 V2 reaches 80% in 45 minutes in Turbo mode, per BLUETTI’s manual.
Which is better for solar?
The RIVER 3 Plus, because its 11–55V, 220W input accepts two panels in series. The Elite 30 V2 tops out at 28V and 200W.
Can both work as a UPS?
Yes. Both quote a switchover of 10 ms or less. The RIVER 3 Plus also includes a UPS communication cable for a computer.
Are both LiFePO4?
Yes. Both use lithium iron phosphate cells rated for around 3,000 cycles to 80% capacity, and both carry a five-year warranty.