EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max vs Goal Zero Yeti 500
Two of the small portable power stations (under 700 wh) in our best small portable power stations under 700wh comparison, lined up spec by spec. Every figure comes from the manufacturer pages linked below, and the scores use the same published formula as the full ranking.
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Best for: Roughly double the RIVER 2 for weekend camping
Check price at AmazonBest for: A 500 Wh Yeti with a 12 V aux port for fridges
Check price at AmazonSpec-by-spec comparison
Green marks the better published figure. "Not listed" means the manufacturer doesn't publish it.
| Spec | EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max | Goal Zero Yeti 500 | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery capacityUsable runtime scales with watt-hours. A 1,000 Wh station runs a 100 W load for roughly 8–9 hours once inverter losses are counted. | 499 Wh | 499 Wh | 25% |
| Continuous AC outputThe rated (continuous) inverter output decides which appliances you can plug in. We use the rated figure, not surge or 'boost' modes. | 500 W | 500 W | 20% |
| Max solar inputHigher solar input means faster recharging off-grid, if you have enough panels to use it. | 220 W | 200 W | 15% |
| WeightLighter is easier to carry to a campsite or between rooms. | 6 kg | 7.3 kg | 15% |
| Max AC charging powerMore AC input watts means a faster wall recharge before a trip or storm. | 660 W | 500 W | 10% |
| Rated cycle lifeHow many full cycles the maker rates the battery for. Thresholds differ (70% vs 80% remaining capacity), so read the note under each product. | 3000 cycles | 4000 cycles | 10% |
| Surge / peak outputShort bursts for motor start-up (fridges, pumps). Skipped when the maker doesn't publish a surge figure. | 1000 W | 1000 W | 5% |
| Listed as | RIVER 2 Max 500 on EcoFlow US | Not listed | info |
| Chemistry | LFP | LiFePO4 | info |
| Cycle rating | 80%+ capacity after 3,000 cycles | 4,000 to 80% | info |
| AC output | 120 V, 500 W (surge 1,000 W) | 500 W continuous, 1,000 W surge | info |
| USB-C | 100 W in/out | Not listed | info |
| Weight | 13.2 lb | 16.1 lb (7.3 kg) | info |
| Dimensions | 10.6 × 10.2 × 7.7 in | Not listed | info |
| SKU | Not listed | 37000 | info |
| Capacity | Not listed | 499.2 Wh (25.6 V, 20 Ah) | info |
| 12 V | Not listed | Aux port 162 W, 6 mm port 135 W | info |
| Solar input | Not listed | 200 W max (8 mm) | info |
| Warranty | Not listed | 5 years | info |
| VoltPick score | 4.7/10 | 4.0/10 | 100% |
Where each one comes out ahead
EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max
Better published figure on: Max solar input, Weight, Max AC charging power.
What we like
- 499 Wh in 13.2 lb
- 220 W solar input
- 100 W USB-C in and out
Watch out for
- 500 W inverter won't run a kettle or hair dryer
Goal Zero Yeti 500
Better published figure on: Rated cycle life.
What we like
- 4,000-cycle rating to 80%
- Strong 12 V outputs for portable fridges
- 5-year warranty
Watch out for
- 200 W solar input is modest for 499 Wh
Verdict
Same 500 W / 1,000 W surge class. EcoFlow is lighter (13.2 vs 16.1 lb) with more solar input; Goal Zero has a higher cycle rating and stronger 12 V outputs.
- EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max: EcoFlow: RIVER 2 Max 500 specs
- Goal Zero Yeti 500: Goal Zero: Yeti 500 specifications