How do you choose the best external Power Bank? What functions and features should the right Power Bank have for your needs? Read our guide and make an informed choice. The mobile phone is no longer an option, it is a necessity. More specifically, it is a must to be able to use your mobile device when you are on the road.
Whether you use it to keep in touch with family, take and make important calls, check email, or for entertainment, your phone or tablet is a must-have device, and a dead battery it doesn't have to stand in your way. In the fast pace in which we conduct our activities, we use devices more and more to be more efficient. The problem is that their battery has a limited capacity, and when we don't have the possibility to charge our device, an Power Bank becomes necessary.
This can temporarily solve the problem of imminent discharge of the phone or other device. Read on to find out how to choose the best Power Bank.
Why choose the best Power Bank
The Power Bank can be a purchase that you will use much more than you imagine. With its help you will no longer have the stress of discharging the battery, and you will be able to use the electronic device for any purpose you want. Depending on the performance and capacity of an Power Bank, you will be able to use it several times to recharge the same device. Power Banks can be used to charge your phone as well as your tablet, laptop or smartwatch .
They also come in different shapes and sizes . So you are very likely to find the best Power Bank for you online.
How to choose the Best Power Bank
The offer on the market is very diverse . You can find both Power Banks from established companies, as well as numerous no-name variants. Finding an Power Bank is not difficult at all. Choosing one that meets your needs, however, can be a much more difficult decision. Especially if you're not a tech buff, it's important to make an informed purchase. To choose the best Power Bank, it is necessary to know its power, capacity, lifetime , etc. In order not to make a bad investment, we recommend that you consult this shopping guide .
At the end of this article you will have found out all the criteria you have to consider before buying a Power Bank, as well as what is the best quality/price ratio on the market .
For a successful choice pay special attention to the following aspects.
How to Determine the Volume
Capacity is the first thing you need to decide when choosing a Power Bank. The size of the Power Bank depends on it, as well as which devices can be charged on the road and how many times. The manufacturer usually indicates the capacity in milliamp-hours - mAh.
The declared volume of Power Banks very rarely corresponds to the real one.Let's say a 20,000 mAh battery will give connected devices only 17,000-18,000 mAh, and even then not always. But this is normal: part of the resource is inevitably dissipated in the form of heat, and part is spent on voltage conversion.
Next, I’ll tell you what Power Banks are.
- Compact Power Bank: Models with a capacity of 3000-5000 mAh are convenient to carry with you all the time. They are small and weigh 100-150 grams, but they are only enough for one or two smartphone charges. For a tablet, they are not enough at all. Most low-capacity batteries are inexpensive, so they rarely have useful features like fast charging. But there are specialized models with MagSafe among them, which “stick” to the back of the iPhone 12 or later and charge them wirelessly.
- Standard Power Bank: The most popular format for Power Banks is 10,000-15,000 mAh. Such devices weigh about 200 grams: they are almost not felt in a backpack, but in a pocket or a small purse it is no longer so convenient to carry them. But one battery charge is enough for three full charges of most smartphones. Or for several weeks of periodic replenishment, if not connected for a long time.
- Big Power Bank: For those who do not find it difficult to carry extra 500-700 grams with them, Power Banks of 20,000-30,000 mAh are suitable. They are enough to charge laptops for a long time or not depend on outlets for a week while traveling. Apple laptops and many recent Windows models support Type-C charging. But not all Power Banks are suitable for charging a laptop: you need to choose a model with an output voltage of 15 volts or more on at least one of the connectors.
- Camping Power Bank: For traveling by car, there are Power Banks for sale with conventional 220 V sockets and a capacity of over 100,000 mAh. From this, you can not only charge your tablet and laptop, but also power a stationary PC with a monitor and all peripherals. Or a mini-fridge during a picnic. Such a unit weighs appropriately, three to four kilograms, if not more. You can’t take this far in your hands, but in the trunk it takes up relatively little space and, far from civilization, can be indispensable.
Performances
The performance of the Power Bank will determine the extent to which you will be able to use the battery. Aim to buy an Power Bank that can charge your device at least 2 times full, maybe even more. Also, a good battery will be able to charge both a phone and a larger device like a tablet or laptop battery.
In determining the performance of an Power Bank you will need to take into account two indices: the capacity of the battery (mAh) and the intensity of the output current A. Battery capacity is expressed in milliamps . The higher it is, the more times you will be able to charge your device.
For example, a battery with a capacity of 7000 mAh will be able to charge a smart phone 2-3 times. But what you need to check to be able to make a good choice is the battery capacity of your own device. Choose an Power Bank with double or even triple capacity . Thus, if your phone has a battery with a capacity of 1500 mAh , you will need an Power Bank with a capacity of at least 2500-3000mAh .
Of course, if you are looking for an Power Bank for your tablet or laptop, the values will have to be much higher. In the case of a laptop for example, you will need a battery of at least 20,000m Ah to be able to charge the battery at least twice.
The intensity of the output current is expressed in amperes (A). This aspect will be of particular interest to you if you want to charge both your phone and tablet with the same Power Bank. It's basically an index that tells you how fast the device's battery will charge, and whether it will be able to charge while you're using it.
There are batteries that can have 1A, 2A or 5A , some even more. In general, a tablet will charge with a 2A battery , including when you use it. If you try to use a 1A battery to charge the tablet, however, and you want to use it at the same time, it will not charge, but will only consume energy from the Power Bank.
Charging Mode
To be able to use the Power Bank several times, it is necessary to recharge it. On the market you will find Power Banks with at least four ways of charging: via USB/micro USB, plug-in, built-in plug, or solar energy.
- USB/ micro USB – It is one of the easiest ways to charge. Charging will be done by inserting a cable into the computer. Although it is a fairly simple method, it has the disadvantage that the battery will charge quite slowly.
- Charging at the socket – It is one of the fastest ways. You'll basically charge the Power Bank the same way you normally charge your phone or tablet. In fact, you can use the same charger you use to charge your tablet or phone. You just have to be careful that the value of amperage and voltage correspond to the corresponding values of the outlet. This way you will eliminate the danger of overloading.
- Plug – Some Power Banks have a built in plug so all you have to do is plug them into an outlet. They have the advantage of not needing other parts such as a USB cable. Also, charging will be done the fastest through this method.
- Solar Power – Solar charging is very practical when you spend more time in an environment without electricity. For example, if you are in the mountains for several days, such a battery can prove to be what you need. To be able to charge in this way, it must be equipped with a photovoltaic panel. However, keep in mind that the battery will charge at a very slow rate and will never be able to charge 100%.
Connectivity
The method of connection with the device is also important. This is most often done via a cable. Although in the case of Android devices you won't have much difficulty because they use a universal cable, in the case of Apple devices you won't be able to use any cable, probably not even the one included in the battery delivery package.
If you own an iPhone it is necessary to use the cable that came in the phone package that has a special plug. Otherwise you will not be able to use the Power Bank. Some Power Banks can also provide power wirelessly. You can use them if your phone supports inductive charging and they are practical when you are not at home and do not have the charging cable with you. However, the upload speed and quality will be much lower.
Compatibility
Slightly related to the connectivity part, you need to make sure that the Power Bank you buy is compatible with your device. This is the aspect you need to know before you start looking for the best Power Bank. This way you will narrow your search area and your choice will be much easier.
If you want to charge several devices with the same Power Bank, the most economical option in all respects is to purchase a universal Power Bank. Also, if you use Apple devices , there are Power Banks that can charge several such devices, as well as Power Banks specially designed for iPhones.
Portability
Portability is an important aspect since most of the times you will need to use the Power Bank you will be on the go. The problem is that you will need to make a trade-off between portability and battery performance. There are models on the market that weigh even less than 100 grams or exceed 200 grams. However, you must be aware that the smaller and lighter a battery will be, the lower its charging capacity will be.
If you intend to use a Power Bank only for your phone, knowing that you won't be able to keep it charged until you get home, a compact charger that guarantees you a single charge may be a suitable option for you. A Power Bank that can charge a tablet or even a laptop while traveling will be a bit larger and a bit heavier. Thus, you will most likely have to carry it in your luggage. However, you will be able to enjoy a Power Bank that does its job well.
What features should the best Power Bank have
- Multiple Connectors: the best Power Banks come with multiple connectors that allow you to charge multiple devices at the same time.
- LED: the LED indicator is useful to indicate the charge level of the battery when it is charged. Also, some models allow you to check how low the battery is, so you can recharge it in time. Some manufacturers have also included an index on the duration of the charging process. However, this is illusory most of the time.
- Flashlight: the smallest models include a flashlight that can prove very practical in various situations.
What connectors and cables are needed
Most often, there are three types of connectors on the case of Power Banks:
- USB Type-A.
- Micro-USB.
- USB Type-С.
But not all ports are designed to charge gadgets. For example, for many models, the Type-C connector is one- sided, that is, with its help it will be possible to charge only the power bank itself, but not external devices. Models with double-sided Type-C also exist, but are less common. Some Power Banks have a Lightning port, which works only for input, to charge the power bank. It will come in handy for those who have all the charges at home only from iPhones - so as not to rearrange the wires when it's time to charge the battery.
Before buying, check which cable comes with the power bank. Usually this is Micro-USB or Type-C, but sometimes the manufacturer does not put anything in the box at all. Perhaps, especially for a power bank, you will need to purchase one or two cables for your devices in order to store them in one place.
What Features and Functions are useful
- Fast Charging: A high-capacity power bank can be charged in six to seven hours, and with the fast charge function, this time can be cut in half. But it is much more important to be able to quickly “refuel” the gadget on the road and not walk for half a day with a cable sticking out of a backpack. At the same time, there are several types of fast charging in the world, so it is important to choose a power bank that is compatible with your smartphone.
- Charge indication: Shows how much charge is left. In simpler models, a light indicator is used, and in more expensive power banks they place a small screen showing the charge of the Power Bank in percent.
- Wireless Charger: Some power banks have an induction coil built into them. This allows you to charge smartphones that support Qi wireless charging by simply placing the gadget on a specially marked area. Energy is spent less efficiently, and the smartphone charges more slowly, but you can do without a wire.
- Simultaneous Connection of Several Devices: A power bank with two to three output ports can charge multiple smartphones, watches, headphones or other accessories at the same time. Usually, when parallel charging, the speed drops noticeably to avoid overheating the battery.
- Through Charging: Not all power banks can simultaneously charge themselves and give energy to another device. But sometimes it is useful: for example, so as not to occupy several outlets at once.
- Overload Protection: Powerbank will last much longer if the manufacturer has taken care of protecting the batteries inside from overheating, short circuit and deep discharge. Not all stores indicate such details, but this information is available on the manufacturer's website and in the reviews. All modern power banks of well-known brands have all types of protection by default.
- Microcurrent Charging: Wireless headphones and fitness bracelets are not recommended to be charged with a high current, this has a bad effect on their batteries. Most quality power banks are able to recognize such devices and supply power appropriately.
- Design and Materials: The color and pattern on the case does not affect performance in any way. But the shape matters: a metal case with sharp edges can one day wipe a bag pocket or damage other items in a backpack.
Key Points About Fast Charging Standards
Charging speed is determined by how much electric power in watts the battery of the device can receive, and the charger can give. Standard slow charging has a power of 5-10 watts, and fast charging has a power in the range of 18-100 watts. Smartphones, tablets and laptops from different manufacturers use different fast charging technologies.A quality Power Bank will not damage the device if their charging standards are not the same.It will just charge slowly. Before buying a power bank, make sure that it supports standards compatible with your gadgets.
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Fast Charging Formats: The most popular and common are USB Power Delivery, or PD, and Qualcomm Quick Charge, or QC. Xiaomi, Samsung, Huawei, and the BBK brands Oppo, Realme, OnePlus, Vivo have their own standards, but usually their phones also support at least one of the "main" ones. iPhones, iPads and Macbooks use the Power Delivery standard.
Wireless Charger: Some power banks support the Qi wireless standard. Usually, such a charge has low power, so the smartphone will charge much longer than by wire. But if you forget your cable at home, it's better than nothing. Some flagship smartphones support fast wireless charging, but this is almost never found in power banks.
MagSafe: There is a separate category of power banks that support MagSafe, the Apple standard that combines wireless charging and magnets. Usually these are small accessories that are attached directly to the back of the smartphone. At the moment, only iPhones 12 or 13 series support MagSafe.
The exact list of supported charging standards can be found on the website of the power bank manufacturer, since not all stores and marketplaces indicate detailed specifications.
What You Shouldn't Pay For
- Moisture Protection: Such power banks often have a more massive body and weigh more than usual, so they are not so convenient to take with you. And recharging electronics near water is a dubious idea anyway.
- Solar Battery: In practice, an almost useless option: the housing area is not enough to store a lot of solar energy. Perhaps this will save the power bank from self-discharge during downtime, and that's not a fact.
- Aluminum: The metal looks good in the window, but with use it quickly becomes covered with scratches and small chips. High-quality plastic is lighter, wear marks are not so noticeable on it. You should not refuse a good power bank in an aluminum case, but it is better to immediately look for a case for it.
- Flashlight: Some models are equipped with LEDs. It can be useful for hiker and hunter. Or for those whose homes constantly turn off the electricity. But you most likely won’t get the power bank from the bottom of the backpack to illuminate the keyhole or quickly find the earphone that has fallen on the lawn.
Best Power Banks Brands
We recommend that you consider the manufacturer when purchasing a Power Bank. That's because a company that has made a good reputation for producing devices of this kind is much more likely to maintain high quality standards. A Power Bank from a no-name company is very likely to disappoint you and make you realize that you made an unfortunate investment. Among the companies we have noticed producing high quality products are: Samsung, Anker, Asus and Shargeek.
Now you have all the information to make the best choice. We recommend you to order the best Power Bank online . This way you will find what you are looking for much easier, and the prices are much better than in a traditional store. Also, don't forget to check the opinion of other users before buying anything online. You can check their opinion. If it matches the product description and they were satisfied, you will most likely be satisfied too and find that you bought the best Power Bank for you.
The Best Power Bank: Recommendations
Taking into account the tips above, analyzing the opinions of buyers and the existing offer, we still recommend some Power Banks that offer an excellent quality / price ratio.
Shargeek Power Bank
offers a completely new charging experience unlike any other power bank. The Cyberpunk-style transparent case design marks a revolutionary design era to create groundbreaking products. Shargeek 130 offers a completely new charging experience unlike any other power bank. The Cyberpunk-style transparent case design marks a revolutionary design era to create groundbreaking products.
However, Shargeek 130 has been reduced by nearly 50% in size compared to its predecessor, Shargeek 100. It helps to increase the portability and compactness of this power bank significantly. Shargeek 130 owns an outstanding design with Cyberpunk style. The design allows you to easily see the delicate circuit boards inside. The contrast between electronic components and a perfect virtual world inspires within.
Smart Display
Shargeek 130 has a pretty intuitive and smart display. From this screen, all parameters can be easily observed such as battery life, charge cycle, output current, charging speed in the most clear and intuitive way. You can easily control and access information items quickly.
For all You Need
Shargeek 130 is equipped with 1 USB-C port with a maximum capacity of up to 100W, 1 USB-A port with a maximum capacity of up to 30W. With support for large capacity charging, Shargeek 130 allows you to quickly charge all your mobile devices from iPhone/iPad to Macbook. This power bank has a battery capacity of 20,000mAh, supports fast charging and can be fully charged in just 1.5 hours, supports different charging protocols (QC / PD / PPS) so it can meet most of your charging needs. Combined with the Storm 2 power panel it will provide almost limitless power no matter where you are!
20,000mAh Capacity
The Shargeek 130 has a 20,000mAh battery capacity that easily meets the needs of digital and travel enthusiasts. While most power banks on the market have low battery capacity or do not offer portability, the Shargeek 130 is a compact solution that meets those requirements and also the stringent regulations of the industry. Airlines.
High-Class Components
Shargeek 130 uses an aluminum alloy frame for better heat dissipation, while ensuring product durability. Its V0 Flame Retardant Polycarbonate Shell is also a guarantee of your safety. With the new silver-white finish, Shargeek 130 will bring you a whole new experience.
The Shargeek 130 is powered by four 21,700 batteries, the same type found on TESLA products, for your safety. With Shargeek 130, you will have a better user experience and reduce the risk of fire and explosion.
Safe
Safety is the top priority of using power banks. Shargeek 130 has a complete protection system and is packed with intelligent features, which include voltage protectors, short circuit protection and temperature protection. In addition, the Shargeek 100 is equipped with the safest lithium battery pack approved by Tesla and has achieved a V0 classification for fire protection with flame retardant materials for its chassis.
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