EcoFlow RIVER Max vs Goal Zero Yeti 500
Two mid-size power stations, number by number. Neither is ranked above the other. Every spec comes from each maker's manual or product page; tap a station for the source.
- Bigger battery: EcoFlow RIVER Max, 576 Wh vs 499 Wh.
- More AC output: EcoFlow RIVER Max, 600 W vs 500 W.
- Higher surge: EcoFlow RIVER Max, 1,200 W vs 1,000 W.
- More solar input: about the same (200 W vs 200 W).
- Higher solar voltage limit: Goal Zero Yeti 500, 28 V vs 25 V.
- Lighter: Goal Zero Yeti 500, 16.1 lb vs 17 lb.
- Lower brand-store price: EcoFlow RIVER Max, $449 vs $500.
RIVER Max and Yeti 500 are the same size class: within 77 Wh of each other. Yeti 500 is the lightest at 16.1 lb. RIVER Max and Yeti 500 take the most solar at 200 W, so they refill fastest. RIVER Max is the cheapest at $449.
How long they run common devices
| Device | EcoFlow RIVER Max | Goal Zero Yeti 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Fridge (60 W) | 8 hours | 7 hours |
| CPAP (40 W) | 12 hours | 11 hours |
| Starlink (100 W) | 5 hours | 4 hours |
| Laptop (60 W) | 8 hours | 7 hours |
On a full charge, assuming 85% of the battery is usable. Real devices vary; check the label on yours.
Every spec side by side
| Spec |  EcoFlow |  Goal Zero |
|---|---|---|
Battery Wh, size | 576 Wh fridge about 8 hours | 499 Wh fridge about 7 hours |
AC output W, continuous | 600 W Fridge, CPAP, laptops, lights | 500 W Fridge, CPAP, laptops, lights |
Surge W, a second or two | 1,200 W motor start-ups | 1,000 W motor start-ups |
Solar input W, max | 200 W full in about 4 hours | 200 W full in about 3.5 hours |
Solar voltage range V, panels must fit | 10 to 25 V 1 panel, or 2 in parallel | 12.3 to 28 V 1 panel, or 2 in parallel |
Solar inputs count | 1 input Solar input | 1 input 8mm |
Weight lb | 17 lb one hand | 16.1 lb one hand |
Wh per pound battery for the weight | 34 Wh/lb higher is denser | 31 Wh/lb higher is denser |
Price brand store | $449 0.78 $/Wh | $500 1.00 $/Wh |
Price per Wh what you pay for storage | $0.78 lower is better value | $1.00 lower is better value |
| Buy | $449 · Details Brand store, Oct 29, 2026 | $500 · Details Brand store, Oct 29, 2026 |
Which solar panels work with each
Our checker at 20°F, using each maker's voltage and current rules. Tap a verdict for the wiring and cables.
Where to buy
Out of stock at the EcoFlow store when we checked
$500 at the Goal Zero store, checked Oct 29, 2026
We may earn a commission if you buy through these links. It never changes a verdict.