It’s not often that a seemingly small feature genuinely gets us excited about a product, but every once in a while, a brand sneaks in something clever that makes us take a step back and applaud. Enter the EcoFlow River 3 Plus Wireless Boost Edition.
At first glance, it might look like the same EcoFlow River 3 Plus we reviewed in the past—and that’s because it pretty much is. You get the same output, same ports, and same compact design that impressed us about the original. However, this updated model comes with a wireless charging pad on top and, in a really cool move from EcoFlow, it also comes with a removable power bank.
Let’s find out why we think that little detail might actually make a big difference for someone looking to pick up a small power station that punches above its weight.
To be clear, this unit is still technically the EcoFlow River 3 Plus, but with a little facelift and a handy extra feature. If you want the full review of the standard model, you can check that review out for yourself. But here’s what’s new in the River 3 Plus Wireless Boost Edition:
The removable power brick features a magnetic MagSafe-style connector, so you can just drop it into the top of your River 3 Plus and it will charge while it’s docked. The power station also has pass-through charging, meaning it will charge the removable power bank as the main unit’s internal battery is charging.
You also have the option to charge this removable power brick with a 30W USB-C cable, which is a nice bit of extra convenience, as it allows you to charge it separate from the River 3 Plus. The power bank also has a handy, fold-out kickstand, so you can charge your phone upright.
We know, this stuff might not sound like too much, but in practice, this is a genuinely useful addition to what was already a handy little power station.
If you’re someone who actually plans to take your power station outdoors, on camping trips, or basically anywhere outside of your home, we think you’ll really appreciate the removable power bank that comes with this version of the River 3 Plus.
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Here’s the thing: when you're out camping, hiking, or just spending the day at the beach, you’re probably going to charge your phone more than anything else. With the standard River 3 Plus, that means plugging your phone into the front of the unit and using the main battery to top it up.
With this new Wireless version? You can just pop the power bank off the top, slap it on your phone (since it magnetically connects), and you’re good to go. The power station itself keeps its juice, and now your phone can charge while you’re hiking, sitting by the fire, or lying in a hammock. In addition to wireless charging, the removeable power bank also has a USB-C cord you can use to charge other devices at 30W.
And since the power bank itself charges while it's attached to the station, it's always ready to go.
Compare that to the Anker magnetic chargers, which are only wireless and don’t include a built-in cable, and this EcoFlow version is starting to feel like a win.
Plus, the Anker MagGo 10,000mAh version goes for around $90, while this removable 5,000mAh unit from EcoFlow is sold separately for about $50. So, it's not like Anker was beating it on price.
Given that this Wireless Boost Edition only adds $50 or so to the River 3 Plus base price, it’s not just a fun extra, it’s practical value. On top of that, if you can get the River 3 Plus Wireless Edition for the same price as the regular version, it becomes an absurd steal!
While it's pretty similar to the original version of this unit, here’s a quick breakdown of the core specs for the EcoFlow River 3 Plus Wireless Boost Edition:
We previously compared the Anker SOLIX C300 to the standard River 3 Plus, and we gave a slight edge to Anker, pretty much entirely because it was cheaper. But the Anker unit was also quieter and smaller, which we felt made it slightly more practical for your typical small power station user.
But this update from EcoFlow definitely closes that gap.
By adding everyday device charging to a power station, and the flexibility to be able to take power with you in your pocket, EcoFlow is clearly trying to compete with Anker head-to-head. Given that wireless charging and portable power banks is where Anker first got its start as a company, it’s almost like EcoFlow is trying to reassert itself as the top dog in the power station game.
And, we have to admit, this removable wireless charger feels like the most creative new feature we’ve seen in a while. In fact, it's probably the coolest power station feature we've seen since the removeable light poles you got with the Anker SOLIX C800X.
The practicality and innovation on show from this unit really impressed us, but of course, pretty much no power station we review is going to be perfect. Here are two small issues to note:
If you’ve already purchased one of EcoFlow’s standalone power banks, either the 5,000mAh RAPID Magnetic Power Bank or the 10,000mAh version, it’s not going to be compatible with the top-mounted charging pad you get on this unit. That’s because those power banks lack the silver charging contacts that pair with this version of the River 3 Plus.
When we first reviewed it, EcoFlow said Costco would be getting the Wireless Boost Edition as an exclusive, and it was not listed directly on their own website.
Since then, they’ve added it to their own online store, but it’s way more expensive than if you buy it through Costco. For those without a Costco membership, or those just wanting to buy direct, it’s a bit weird that it’s so overpriced through EcoFlow (nearly an extra $130 as of right now).
On top of that, it seems like the Costco version is an even better buy, as it comes with TWO of the removable power banks! So, not only is it cheaper, you get even more for your money. Basically, it’s a no-brainer to buy through Costco.
The River 3 Plus Wireless Boost Edition doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it makes a good thing better. If you already liked the River 3 Plus for its portability, fast charging, and dependable performance, this version just gives you more ways to use it.
The wireless charging pad and removable battery bank definitely aren’t gimmicks, they’re practical additions that extend the usability of the power station, especially when you're on the move or just don’t want to run down your main battery charging something like a phone.
If the price remains similar to what you’d pay for the standard River 3 Plus, it’s a no-brainer. If it’s priced much higher, you might be better off buying the standard version and picking up your own pocket-sized power bank.
If you already picked up the regular version of the EcoFlow River 3 Plus, don’t beat yourself up, it’s still a great unit with plenty to offer.
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