The Ecoflow River 2 is a 256Wh power station can be used as a small in-home portable backup during outages or a source of off-grid power to power your mobile electronics during your outdoor adventures It has two AC outlets capable of 300W each (600W surge), two USB Type-A ports, and one USB Type-C port. The River 2 can be recharged using traditional AC and it will only take about one hour. Alternatively, you can recharge it using solar panels with a 110W max input.

The 256Whr battery isn't big enough to replace a generator, but it can still power mobile elecronics (including your laptop) for several hours to days. The River 2 uses the newer LiFePO4 cells instead of the traditional NCM sells you find in the original River. LiFePO4 cells have inherently safer chemistry and have a much higher cycle lifespan than NCM cells. They also have lower calendar aging. The River 2 also weighs only 7 pounds so you won't think twice about lugging it out.

Although the River 2 isn't intended to act as a UPS for your electronics, it does have an EPS function that will automatically swap to battery power when there is a power outage. The shutoff delay is less than 30ms, which is small enough for even sensitive electronics like PCs to remain on the entire time. However you will have to manually switch it back to AC power when the power returns. A dedicated UPS with a replaceable battery is better, but the River 2 will work in a pinch.

The River 2 also features smart functionality with wireless connectivity. You can connect your phone to the power station via a mobile app, which will allow you to check on its status, download updates, and even power on or off outlets remotely. Ecoflow generally has good product support and consistently rolls out new firmware and software updates.

Eric Song is the IGN commerce manager in charge of finding the best gaming and tech deals every day. When Eric isn't hunting for deals for other people at work, he's hunting for deals for himself during his free time.