EcoFlow WAVE 3 Review: Next-Gen Off-Grid Cooling & Heating

When I reviewed the original EcoFlow WAVE in 2022, it felt like the start of something special – and it was.

Finally, a powerful portable air conditioner that could actually keep up with hot van days, off-grid living, and our California road trips with Kepler in the back. But while that first-gen unit was impressive, it had room to grow.

The new EcoFlow WAVE 3 is that next step. Developed over two years of real user feedback, it’s more powerful, more versatile, and smarter in every way.

It doesn’t just cool any more, it now heats, dehumidifies, and even protects your dog when you’re away from the van with automatic temperature control.

I’ve been testing it across a bunch of real-world scenarios; working in our garage on crazy hot days, using it during a brief power outage, and this unit has nailed every use case I threw at it.

If you need a relatively quiet, efficient, off-grid-capable cooling and heating solution that just works without the usual RV install hassles, the WAVE 3 is absolutely worth your attention.

Key specifications

• Price: Early bird pricing for WAVE 3 + Extra Battery: $1,299 at ecoflow.com
• Dimensions: 20.4 x 11.7 x 13.2 in (unit only)
• Weight: 33.7 lbs (unit), 21.4 lbs (battery)
• Cooling capacity: 6,100 BTU (1800W) / Heating capacity: 6,800 BTU (2000W)
• Airflow: 330 m³/h / Coverage: 118–183 sq. ft.
• Cooling speed: Drops temperature by 15°F in 15 minutes / Heating speed: Raises temperature by 17°F
• Noise level: 44–58 dB
• Refrigerant: R290 (eco-friendlier, more efficient than R32)
• Charging time: 2 hours via wall outlet (700W input)
• Charging methods: AC wall outlet, solar (up to 400W), car outlet (200W), EcoFlow Alternator Charger
• Smart modes: Auto Mode, Eco Mode, Pet Care Mode, Dehumidifier Mode
• Ingress protection: IPX4 (unit), IP65 (battery)

Performance review

This is where the WAVE 3 really earns its keep.

Cooling power and efficiency

The jump from 4000 BTUs in the original WAVE to 6100 BTUs here makes an instant difference.

As an example, fastest cooling can be achieved within 15 minutes for spaces ranging from 118-183 sq ft.

That’s quicker than any portable AC I’ve tested before, and it held that temp steadily without surging or needing constant adjustments.

Eco Mode intelligently toggles the compressor and fan to maximize runtime. With the 1024Wh battery, I get roughly 7 hours of runtime using Eco Mode.

Heating performance

The built-in 2000W heat pump is a huge addition especially if you camp out somewhere that get very cold at night.

During early spring mornings, I tested it at just under 50°F ambient temp and had our garage warmed to a cozy 67°F in less than 15 minutes. This makes the WAVE 3 useful year-round, not just for cooling off in the summer.

You’ll notice there’s a nice colored light strip under the vents that tell you which mode the WAVE 3 is currently operating in.

Smart climate control

EcoFlow’s app is awesome too.

You can now switch modes, monitor battery life, and even set custom triggers like Pet Care Mode, which automatically cools the interior if temps rise above 77°F and notifies you. That’s a big deal for those of us traveling with dogs.

The Auto Mode is also super intuitive, it seamlessly switches between heating and cooling to maintain your desired temp, hands-free.

Dehumidification and drainage

In humid conditions, the WAVE 3 switches into Dehumidification Mode, helping reduce moisture buildup in enclosed spaces like tents or RVs.

During my own personal tests, there has been no manual drainage needed so far, the internal system efficiently self-evaporated moisture under normal use.

Noise and airflow

Fan noise is surprisingly subtle, compared to the original WAVE, and other units I have tested, at least.

On low it’s not that noticeable, and even on high it maxes out around 58 dB. The airflow itself feels clean and powerful, and I like how the new duct design is easier to position.

It would still be nice to have more horizontal air control, but overall, airflow direction is improved over the original.

Battery and portability

At roughly 55 lbs with the battery attached, the WAVE 3 is manageable for one person to lift and easy to move using the dual handles.

However, I do wish there were some little wheels on it because some people are going to find this too heavy to shift around.

The LFP battery is rated for 4,000+ cycles, and unlike a gas generator, this unit is clean, silent, and usable indoors or in national parks where generators aren’t allowed.

It also has a USB-C and USB-A socket, so you can use it like a portable power station – handy!

Solar and off-grid use

EcoFlow’s ecosystem really shines when you use the WAVE 3 with solar and the use of the XT60 port. You can connect it to two 100W flexible EcoFlow solar panels and top off the battery in about 7 hours of good sun.

If you combine AC with Solar charging it can theoretically be fully charged in 75 minutes.

That means you could run the unit overnight and recharge it during the day—no generator needed. For full-timers, that’s gold.

My verdict

EcoFlow has taken all the feedback from the original WAVE and WAVE 2 2 and built something that’s genuinely in a different league.

The WAVE 3 offers real off-grid freedom with both heating and cooling, smarter app controls, longer battery life, and a more refined user experience.

The peace of mind it brings (especially when traveling / camping with a child or dog) is worth every penny – and I love how the battery can be used to charge your devices, even if the heating and cooling isn’t required all the time.

If you spend time off-grid, travel in a camper van, or just want reliable portable comfort without relying on shore power or wall outlets, the WAVE 3 is easily one of the most capable portable climate solutions out there.

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Pricing and availability

🛒 Available from April 25, 2025 at ecoflow.com.

• WAVE 3: $1,299
• Extra Battery: $899
• WAVE 3 + Extra Battery Bundle: $2,198

Early-bird prices (April 25 – May 25)

• WAVE 3: $749 (HUGE saving)
• Extra Battery: $599
• WAVE 3 + Extra Battery: $1,299

If you’re planning to buy, I’d recommend jumping on the early pricing—it’s a significant discount.