Bluetti AC180 vs EcoFlow River 2 — Side-by-Side Comparison

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The Bluetti AC180 (~$699) and EcoFlow River 2 (~$549) are two of the options Australian campers consider in the portable power stations category. The EcoFlow River 2 costs ~$549 — that's $150 less than the Bluetti AC180 at ~$699. Both provide portable power for camping and overlanding, but they differ in battery capacity, output wattage, and solar charging speed. Below we break down the key differences to help you decide.

Quick Stats at a Glance

Bluetti AC180

~$699

1152Wh · ~16.2kg

8.5/10

EcoFlow River 2

~$549

256Wh · ~3.5kg

8/10

Full Specs Compared

Spec Bluetti AC180 EcoFlow River 2
Price (AUD) ~$699 ~$549
Battery Capacity 1152Wh 256Wh
AC Output 1800W 300W
Solar Input 500W 60W
Weight ~16.2kg ~3.5kg
Rating 8.5/10 8/10
Warranty 5 years 5 years

Bluetti AC180 — Pros & Cons

What We Like 7
  • Large 1152Wh capacity at a competitive price
  • 1800W pure sine wave AC output handles most camping appliances
  • LFP battery rated to 3500+ charge cycles
  • Fast AC wall charging — 0 to 80% in 45 minutes
  • 500W max solar input for fast off-grid charging
  • UPS functionality — seamless switchover for home backup
  • Compact footprint relative to capacity
Watch Out For 4
  • Heavier than competitors at 16.2kg
  • No expansion battery option (unlike EcoFlow Delta 2)
  • Fan noise under heavy load can be noticeable
  • App connectivity is basic compared to EcoFlow

EcoFlow River 2 — Pros & Cons

What We Like 7
  • Compact and lightweight at only 3.5kg — easy to carry anywhere
  • LiFePO4 battery rated to 3000+ charge cycles
  • 1-hour fast charging from AC wall outlet
  • 600W surge handles small appliances and fridges
  • X-Boost technology runs heavy loads up to 600W
  • 5-year warranty — best in class for this size
  • App connectivity for monitoring and control
Watch Out For 4
  • 256Wh capacity is limited — best for overnight or day trips
  • 60W solar input is slow for full recharge off-grid
  • No expandable battery option like the Delta series
  • Only 1 standard AC outlet on the panel

Our Verdict: Bluetti AC180 vs EcoFlow River 2

The Bluetti AC180 (8.5/10) rates higher overall than the EcoFlow River 2 (8/10) and justifies its ~$699 price tag with better build quality and performance. The EcoFlow River 2 at ~$549 remains the smart pick if budget is your priority — it's a capable unit for occasional use.

Rated higher overall: Bluetti AC180 (8.5/10)

Frequently Asked Questions

+ Which is cheaper — Bluetti AC180 or EcoFlow River 2?

The EcoFlow River 2 is cheaper at ~$549 — that's $150 less than the Bluetti AC180 at ~$699.

+ Which has more battery capacity — Bluetti AC180 or EcoFlow River 2?

The Bluetti AC180 has a larger 1152Wh battery vs 256Wh for the EcoFlow River 2. That's 350% more capacity, which translates to longer runtime for your camping appliances.

+ Which has more output power — Bluetti AC180 or EcoFlow River 2?

The Bluetti AC180 delivers 1800W vs 300W for the EcoFlow River 2. The higher output means the Bluetti AC180 can run more demanding appliances like induction cooktops, hair dryers, or power tools.

+ Which is better overall — Bluetti AC180 or EcoFlow River 2?

We rate the Bluetti AC180 higher at 8.5/10 vs 8/10 for the EcoFlow River 2. A strong mid-range contender that punches above its weight on capacity and charging speed. The LFP battery and 1800W output make it a capable camping companion — and the price undercuts the EcoFlow Delta 2 by $500.