EcoFlow RIVER 2 vs Jackery Explorer 240
Side-by-side on the specs that decide it — surge, capacity, runtime and price.
Both models' specs verified against manufacturer listings · Last updated
The short answer
These two cost the same, so the decision comes down to what you're powering.
- EcoFlow RIVER 2 holds 7% more energy (256Wh vs 240Wh), so it runs the same load proportionally longer.
- EcoFlow RIVER 2 has 200W more surge headroom (600W vs 400W) — that decides whether a fridge, pump or AC compressor will actually start.
- Jackery Explorer 240 is 1.1 lb lighter (6.6 lb vs 7.7 lb).
- EcoFlow RIVER 2 uses LiFePO4 while the other uses NMC — roughly double the usable cycle life.
- EcoFlow RIVER 2 is rated for 3,000 cycles vs 500 — meaningful if you cycle it daily.
If you plan to cycle the battery daily, think twice about the Jackery Explorer 240. Its NMC cells are rated for 500 cycles against the LiFePO4 rival's longer life — over years of regular use that's the more expensive unit, whatever the sticker says.
The cheapest way into LiFePO4. 256Wh is a device charger, but at under $200 with a 60-minute recharge it's hard to argue with.
Best for: Budget campers who just need to keep phones, cameras and a laptop alive.
Where it falls short:
- 300W output runs devices only
- 256Wh is a single evening of real use
A very old, very small unit still sold on price alone. The LiFePO4 Explorer 240 v2 beats it on cycles and charging for similar money.
Best for: Only if it’s markedly cheaper than the 240 v2.
Where it falls short:
- ~500 Li-ion cycles
- 200W output, no USB-C PD
| Spec | EcoFlow RIVER 2 | Jackery Explorer 240 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199 | $199 |
| Capacity | 256 Wh | 240 Wh |
| Continuous output | 300 W | 200 W |
| Surge output | 600 W | 400 W |
| Battery | LiFePO4 | NMC |
| Rated cycles | 3,000 | 500 |
| Weight (lighter wins) | 7.7 lb | 6.6 lb |
| Max solar | 110 W | 65 W |
| Recharge time (faster wins) | 1h | 5h |
Runtime head-to-head
| Appliance | EcoFlow RIVER 2 | Jackery Explorer 240 |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | ❌ | ❌ |
| Mini fridge | 6.9 hrs | 6.5 hrs |
| Chest freezer | ❌ | ❌ |
| CPAP machine | 5.4 hrs | 5.1 hrs |
| Sump pump | ❌ | ❌ |