Goal Zero Yeti 500 vs EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max
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
EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max costs $400 less. Whether that gap is worth closing depends on what you need to run.
- EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max holds 3% more energy (512Wh vs 499Wh), so it runs the same load proportionally longer.
- Goal Zero Yeti 500 is 0.3 lb lighter (12.9 lb vs 13.2 lb).
- Goal Zero Yeti 500 is rated for 4,000 cycles vs 3,000 — meaningful if you cycle it daily.
The Goal Zero Yeti 500 is poor value on paper: 0.71 Wh per dollar versus 1.71 for the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max. Only worth it if you specifically need its higher output or 240V capability — otherwise you're paying a large premium per watt-hour.
A rugged, water-resistant unit for people who'll actually beat it up. You pay a premium over similar-capacity rivals for that durability.
Best for: Overlanders and job sites where the unit will get wet, dusty and knocked around.
Where it falls short:
- $699 for 499Wh is expensive per watt-hour
- Only a 2-year warranty vs 5 years from most rivals
- 120W solar input is very low
Double the River 2's capacity and output for $100 more. The sweet spot of EcoFlow's small line for anyone eyeing the occasional small appliance.
Best for: Campers who want headroom over a pure device charger without the size of a 1kWh unit.
Where it falls short:
- Still not enough output for heaters or compressors
- 220W solar input is modest
| Spec | Goal Zero Yeti 500 | EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699 | $299 |
| Capacity | 499 Wh | 512 Wh |
| Continuous output | 500 W | 500 W |
| Surge output | 1000 W | 1000 W |
| Battery | LiFePO4 | LiFePO4 |
| Rated cycles | 4,000 | 3,000 |
| Weight (lighter wins) | 12.9 lb | 13.2 lb |
| Max solar | 120 W | 220 W |
| Recharge time (faster wins) | 1h 25m | 1h |
Runtime head-to-head
| Appliance | Goal Zero Yeti 500 | EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 7.1 hrs | 7.3 hrs |
| Mini fridge | 13.5 hrs | 13.8 hrs |
| Chest freezer | 5.3 hrs | 5.4 hrs |
| CPAP machine | 10.6 hrs | 10.9 hrs |
| Sump pump | ❌ | ❌ |