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- EcoFlow’s RIVER Gen4 series keeps you connected when you’re far away
- The company unveiled the RIVER Gen4 at IFA in Berlin
- Both models are smaller than comparable products
Staying connected while camping or away from mains connections has become a lot easier, thanks to EcoFlow‘s two new portable power stations designed to help you use energy on the go.
Unveiled at IFA 2026 in Berlin on 4th September, the RIVER Gen4 portable power station series can keep connected when mains electricity is out.
What is the RIVER Gen4?
EcoFlow says its RIVER Gen4 delivers “practical, dependable energy in a smaller, lighter form”.
It comes in two sizes: the RIVER 260 Gen4 offers 256 Wh of capacity, 300 W of AC output and up to 600 W with X-Boost for selected devices.
What is X-Boost?
X-Boost is a power management function that allows portable power stations to run high-wattage applications that exceed their ordinary AC output. It does this by lowering voltage but maintaining the current. The tradeoff is that appliances run more slowly.
The RIVER 260 Gen4 is about 29.7% smaller and 16.9% lighter than the RIVER 3, the previous model.
The other size, the RIVER 520 Gen4 provides 512 Wh, 500 W of AC output and up to 1,000 W with X-Boost. EcoFlow says both sizes support UPS functionality.
This model is a massive 59.1% smaller and 23.5% lighter than another previous model, the RIVER 2 Max.
However, EcoFlow insists RIVER Gen4’s active idle power is about 30% lower than the industry average. It also optimises power delivery for devices drawing less than 100 W, so more of every watt-hour reaches camping lights, routers, fans, and compact fridges.
EcoFlow also said that when the power display reaches 0%, the Emergency Power Mode safely extends the useable discharge range, which makes it easier to make essential calls, messages and navigation in an emergency.
Another benefit is that it doesn’t drain its energy when not used. If it is left in controlled storage conditions, a fully charged unit will retain about 99% of its charge after a whole year. That means it’s ready to use whenever needed.
Both models can also recharge really quickly. The RIVER 260 Gen4 reaches 80% in 42 minutes and RIVER 520 Gen4 does so in 50 minutes.
Beyond AC charging, one high-power 140 W bidirectional USB-C port provides an all-in-one charging solution for DC wall, solar and car charging through compatible adapters.
Paired with the EcoFlow 60 W Lightweight Portable Solar Panel, RIVER Gen4 Series forms one of the smallest and lightest solar generator setups on the market, making off-grid power is easier to pack and carry.
Ports are not sacrificed to size: RIVER 260 Gen4 carries five outputs and RIVER 520 Gen4 six, with fast charging on every USB-C port, so phones, cameras and laptops can charge together while the AC outlets run lights, a router or a portable fridge.
Refrigerator Runtime Mode adapts power delivery to refrigerator loads to extend cooling time during a home outage, and operating noise stays below 30 dB under a 200 W load – quiet enough for a tent, a desk or a bedside. LFP cells and more than 40+ BMS protection features cover charging, discharging and everyday use.