EcoFlow unveils ultra-compact River Gen 4 power stations

If you are looking for a miniature power station that punches well above its size class, EcoFlow has introduced its new fourth-generation River series, showcased at IFA 2026. The company has integrated class-leading energy density to reduce both weight and physical dimensions, resulting in power stations that are lighter and far more compact than competing models on the market, making them well-suited for overnight camping trips or outdoor field photo shoots.

The fourth-generation lineup consists of two primary models: the River 260 Gen4 equipped with a 256Wh battery capacity, and the larger River 520 Gen4 housing a 512Wh capacity. These units store roughly 2.5 times and 5 times the energy of the largest airline-approved portable power banks, respectively. Furthermore, both power stations are built using durable LFP battery chemistry, which is significantly more stable and less volatile over time.

Regarding output capabilities, the smaller River 260 Gen4 features four USB ports alongside a single AC outlet capable of delivering 300W of max continuous output. Meanwhile, the River 500 Gen4 offers the same USB port selection but includes a pair of AC jacks capable of providing 500W of continuous output, which is powerful enough to keep a standard US refrigerator running for approximately four hours during a blackout.

Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event

Both Gen4 power stations serve double duty as an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for computers, boasting a cutover time of less than 10ms. They also incorporate a state-of-the-art bidirectional 140W USB-C PD3.1 port. This technical addition allows the devices to bypass traditional bulky charging bricks, supporting direct DC charging from a compatible 140W USB-C wall charger you might already own or a portable USB-C solar panel offered by EcoFlow.