EcoFlow has revealed its fourth-generation River series of portable power stations, shrinking the size and weight of its compact batteries while increasing their energy capacity. The new lineup includes the River 260 Gen4 with a 256Wh battery and the River 520 Gen4 with a 512Wh battery, which the company says holds about 2.5 times and 5 times the energy of the largest airline-approved power banks, respectively. Both models use lithium iron phosphate chemistry, which the company describes as longer-lasting and less volatile than other battery types. The units are designed for US consumers who need portable power for day trips, overnight camping, or field work like photo shoots.
The smaller River 260 Gen4 offers 300W of maximum continuous output through a single AC outlet and includes four USB ports. The larger River 520 Gen4 provides 500W of continuous output through two AC outlets and has the same four USB ports. EcoFlow states that the 520 Gen4 can keep a standard US refrigerator running for roughly four hours during a power outage. Both models can also function as an uninterruptible power supply for a computer, with a switchover time of less than 10 milliseconds.
Each unit features a single 140W USB-C PD3.1 port that is bidirectional, allowing users to charge the power station directly from a 140W USB-C wall charger or a compatible portable USB-C solar panel without needing a separate charging brick. The company says this design reduces the need for extra accessories. EcoFlow also addressed a common failure point in power stations, which can die if left idle for long periods by minimizing the energy lost when converting stored DC power to AC output. That efficiency leaves more watt-hours available to charge devices such as drones, bike computers, phones, a Starlink Mini, or a compact fridge.
The company highlighted the energy density of the Gen4 models as a key advantage over similarly specced competitors, with the reduced physical footprint being a primary selling point. No specific weight or dimensional figures were provided in the announcement, but EcoFlow emphasized that the units are lighter and more compact than comparable products on the market. The River 260 Gen4 targets users needing a small backup for personal electronics, while the River 520 Gen4 aims at those requiring enough power for small appliances.
EcoFlow plans to release the River 260 Gen4 in Europe starting in the fourth quarter of 2026, with the River 520 Gen4 to follow in the first quarter of 2027. Pricing for both models has not yet been announced and will be shared closer to their global release dates. The products were showcased as part of the IFA 2026 trade show coverage, though US availability specifics were not detailed in the source material.
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