The EcoFlow DELTA Pro Showdown: DELTA Pro vs. DELTA Pro Ultra vs. DELTA Pro 3– Which One Suits You Best?

Aug 26

EcoFlow has been a major player in the power station industry for many years. In that time, they’ve earned a really strong reputation by consistently pushing the envelope with innovative and reliable portable power solutions.

Their DELTA Pro line has led the way, with each iteration offering something new and exciting. Now, with the release of the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3, deciding which of these power stations to choose has become a bit of a headache.

The original DELTA Pro made waves as one of the most crowdfunded tech projects ever, remaining competitive even after nearly four years of market dominance. Then came the DELTA Pro Ultra, a game-changer that redefined versatility, power, and design for portable power stations. The latest DELTA Pro 3, while a logical evolution, brings the question: Which one is truly the best for your specific needs?

Why Compare These Units?

While we could just recommend watching our individual video reviews of the three DELTA Pro units so you can just decide for yourself which is the best option, we wanted to make things easy by directly comparing the original DELTA Pro and its two successors.

After all, here at The Solar Lab, we dig deep into testing and reviewing, so you can spend your hard-earned cash on the right product for your specific needs. Whether it’s comparing different brands, or diving into the nuanced differences of units within the same product lineup, we just want to make sure you have what you need to make a fully informed decision.

So, let’s get down to it!

Understanding the Basics: Watts and Watt-Hours

Before diving into the specifics, it's crucial to grasp the basics of watts and watt-hours. This will help you understand whether any of these units can power your devices.

For instance, to determine if a power station can run your oven, check the sticker on your device for volts and amps. Multiply these numbers to get watts (volts x amps = watts). Then, figure out how long you need to power the device to understand the required watt-hours.

Now that you’ve had that refresher, let’s see what the DELTA Pro, DELTA Pro Ultra, and DELTA Pro 3 offer.

Battery Capacity, Expandability Potential, and Output Power Comparisons

One of the most significant factors in choosing any type of power station is the unit’s battery capacity. Here’s how each of these three takes on the EcoFlow DELTA Pro stacks up:

Original DELTA Pro: Features a 3,600 watt-hour (Wh) battery. This means it could run a 1,000W air conditioner for roughly 3.6 hours.
DELTA Pro 3: Comes with a slightly larger 4,000Wh battery, extending that runtime to 4 hours.
DELTA Pro Ultra: Boasts a massive 6,000Wh battery, capable of running the same air conditioner for 6 hours.

All three units are expandable, but the degree of expandability varies quite a bit:

Original DELTA Pro: Expandable up to 10.8 kilowatt-hours (kWh) with two expansion batteries.
DELTA Pro 3: Expandable up to 12kWh with two expansion batteries.
DELTA Pro Ultra: Can be expanded up to an impressive 30kWh. You even have the potential to expand the system to a truly staggering 90kWh, but you’ll need more than one of the main DELTA Pro Ultra inverter consoles, so that total can be a bit misleading.

When it comes to output power and the size of the built-in inverters, the differences between the units becomes more pronounced:

Original DELTA Pro: 3,600W inverter.
DELTA Pro 3: 4,000W inverter, offering slightly more power.
DELTA Pro Ultra: A powerful 7,200W inverter, greatly outperforming the other two models.

The DELTA Pro 3 and Ultra models support 240V output, while the original DELTA Pro only provides 120V if you pair two of the units together with the EcoFlow Double Voltage Cable, which you need to purchase separately. With this setup, you can achieve 240V, but things start to get a bit bulky and expensive.

So, if you need a 240V output, the other two models might be more appealing.

Charging Capabilities and Solar Input Comparisons

Charging speed and solar input rating are both critical specs for those planning on running off-grid setups with solar power. Here’s how these units compare:

Original DELTA Pro: Accepts up to 600W of solar input.
DELTA Pro 3: Upgraded to a 2,600W solar input.
DELTA Pro Ultra: Tops the chart with a 5,600W solar input.

The Ultra’s solar input nearly matches its battery size, allowing for rapid charging, while the other two models will take longer to charge via solar. With that said, the DELTA Pro 3’s solar input is actually really solid for a unit with a 4,000Wh battery.

Portability and Practicality Comparisons

Portability is another factor to consider, especially if you plan on using your power station on the go. It’s a hugely important consideration for readers planning on investing in a unit for their RV, camper van, trade shows, or any other situation where you need to be able to bring your power station with you.

Here’s how they stack up:

Original DELTA Pro: Comes sturdy wheels and an extendable suitcase-style handle, but it can be pretty cumbersome at nearly 100 lbs, so don’t plan on being able to carry this thing in and out of campsites with ease.
DELTA Pro 3: The DELTA Pro 3 is similar to the original DELTA Pro in design. It has the same sturdy wheels and a handle at the front. It makes it fairly easy to maneuver around, although it’s also a heavyweight at 115 lbs.
Delta Pro Ultra: Comes with a wheelie cart and handle, but at nearly 200 lbs with just one battery and the inverter, it’s not exactly easy to move around. It was definitely designed to be mostly a stationary power station setup.

The DELTA Pro Ultra is ideal for home backup, especially if you need to power an entire house during an emergency. It’s a powerful, expandable unit that can handle multiple large appliances simultaneously. However, it’s best suited for fixed locations, especially given its bulky nature and weight.

The DELTA Pro 3 shines as a more versatile option for light home backup. It’s capable of powering essential appliances like your oven, stove, well pump, and microwave, although the lower output power and surge capacity mean you probably won’t be able to do all of this at the same time. It’s also a great fit for tiny homes, RVs, and campers, thanks largely to its portability and the built-in 30-amp plug.

The original DELTA Pro is still a solid option for those on a budget. While it’s not as powerful as its successors, it’s more than capable of handling basic needs during a power outage or while you're on the road. In fact, we recently put it through a series of tests to see if it still holds up as a practical power station. Spoiler Alert: it still has plenty of life left in it!

Our Conclusions: Which DELTA Pro Should You Choose?

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option that still packs a punch, the original DELTA Pro is still an excellent choice. There’s a reason why it remains one of the best-selling power stations on the market.

For those looking for a bit more power and the latest tech, the DELTA Pro 3 is a worthy upgrade. It’s pretty similar to the original, just with ramped up specs and a few added features.

On the other hand, if you require a real powerhouse that is capable of handling the needs of a high-demand home, or even full-time off-grid living, the DELTA Pro Ultra is your best bet. You can also expand it over time until you can fully run your entire home on it.

Ultimately, the right choice depends on your specific needs. Whether it’s for home backup, off-grid adventures, or something in between, EcoFlow’s iconic DELTA Pro lineup has a solution that’s hard to beat. Don't forget to check out our individual reviews of the three units if you want to dive into some more details about the features they offer.