Finding comfort in mobile or off-grid living has always been about getting the balance just right—enough power to remain comfortable, but small and efficient enough to take wherever life leads. With more folks embracing van life, tiny homes, and remote workstations, the demand for portable, trustworthy climate control is greater than ever. That’s when the EcoFlow Wave 3 comes in—a thin, portable air conditioner and heater that’s gaining the interest of adventurers, road trippers, and tech enthusiasts alike.
What Sets the EcoFlow Wave 3 Apart?
This third-generation unit by EcoFlow isn’t an incremental refresh—it’s an upgrade. The Wave 3 integrates air conditioning, heating, and dehumidification into a single battery-powered device. At 6100 BTUs of cooling and 6800 BTUs of heating, it’s more powerful than the previous models and a serious competitor to other portable models. It’s flexible, too, no matter if you’re attempting to cool a tent in the desert, heat a mountain cabin, or keep an RV habitable on long trips.
A Closer Look at Heating, Cooling, and Power Options
At the heart of Wave 3 is a high-efficiency heat pump. It can lower the temperature in a small room by up to 15 degrees in just 15 minutes, and the heating feature is strong enough to make cold nights a lot more bearable. It draws from regular AC power or EcoFlow’s internal battery system, with the possibility of inserting a 1024Wh LFP battery that provides you with a maximum of 8 hours of battery life in Eco mode. You can even top it off using solar panels—ideal for individuals living completely off the grid.
The Wave 3 features a few preset modes, such as a dehumidifier mode and a “Pet Mode” designed to keep pets cool in cars. That being said, everyone (the manufacturer included) is quick to suggest that Pet Mode is not a substitute for common sense care—this unit by itself is not sufficient to safeguard pets in hot cars or direct sunlight.
How It Performs in the Real World
Paper specs are wonderful, but how does the Wave 3 do in actual usage? Users report it to work well in small, well-insulated rooms, up to around 180 square feet. In tiny houses, for instance, it can keep a warm and cozy indoor environment even when it’s chilly outside. One user even got 13 hours of runtime out of a single battery, switching between Eco and Sleep modes during the night.
But it’s not flawless. In warm conditions with excessive direct sunlight—such as metal and glass vans—it can have difficulty cooling things down. It performs best when utilized in shades or overnight, where it can achieve and maintain its lowest temperature rating.
Battery life also differs according to usage. EcoFlow claims you can have up to 8 hours of wireless operation, but when in Max cooling mode, most users only have about three hours. At least, the Wave 3’s heat pump is efficient, so it sucks much less power than a traditional space heater—about 500 watts of heating and less when cooling.
Design and Ease of Use
Weighing in at around 40 pounds, the Wave 3 is lighter and more portable than previous units, and easier to transport and install. Minor design features weren’t overlooked—users love the fur filter that can be removed (perfect for pet owners) as well as the fitted carry bag that stores all the accessories. The package includes exhaust vent adapters, insulated ducts, and even a cutout template if you plan on installing it in your cabin or van build-out.
Operating the device is easy, too. With Wi-Fi and Bluetooth built in, you can control it remotely via the EcoFlow app—a huge plus for users who are dependent on Starlink or other satellite internet solutions in rural areas.
Price, Competition, and Who It’s For
Let’s discuss the cost. The Wave 3 is not an inexpensive system. Early bird is $849, and the full battery package is $1,399—eventually getting up to $2,198. That’s a lot of money, particularly when you consider comparable window units. Some consumers find the cost difficult to warrant, particularly considering its battery life in heavy usage situations.
But for those of us living on the road, in a cabin, or otherwise off the grid, the Wave 3 has something special to offer. Its combination of heating, cooling, dehumidifying, and solar charging makes it an all-in-one, do-it-all for small space living. It’s not going to be a substitute for a full-on HVAC system, but it doesn’t have to—it’s designed for small spaces and big adventures.
If comfort on the go is your priority, and you’re willing to invest in a powerful, portable climate control unit, the EcoFlow Wave 3 just might be worth the splurge.
