Compare Power Banks
Need a power bank? Even the largest battery runs out of power sometimes, and that often happens at the worst possible moment. That’s exactly why power banks were invented: to let you charge your smartphone or tablet on the go. Below, you can compare the models side by side, along with the prices charged by each participating store. We conduct independent comparisons: we don’t earn more from one power bank than from another.
A power bank is a battery with a USB port. The sole purpose of a power bank is to charge another device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or wireless earbuds. Power banks come in all sorts of sizes, from large to small. Here, we’ll explain what to look for when buying one.
Choose the Right Capacity
Generally speaking, the larger the power bank, the larger the battery inside it. Battery capacity is measured in mAh: milliampere-hours. The higher this number, the more power the power bank can hold. Keep in mind, however, that in practice you’ll end up with roughly two-thirds of that number, because some capacity is lost during voltage conversion. Use this rule of thumb:
- Up to 5,000 mAh: partially charge your phone
- Up to 10,000 mAh: about one full charge
- Up to 20,000 mAh: two to three charges, or a tablet
- 25,000 mAh and up: multiple devices or several days
Of course, you don’t want to be tethered to a charger for too long, even if it’s portable. That’s why you should choose a power bank that’s compatible with your smartphone. If your smartphone uses one of the following fast-charging technologies, it’s advisable to buy a power bank that supports it:
- USB Power Delivery (via USB-C)
- Qualcomm Quick Charge
- Samsung Adaptive Fast Charge
- Oppo/OnePlus SuperVOOC
Keep in mind that these types of fast-charging technologies require a compatible USB cable. This is due to the higher power output, which imposes certain requirements on the cable.
Tips for Choosing a Power Bank
Do you want to be able to charge multiple devices at the same time? Then choose a power bank with at least two USB ports. Do you also want to be able to charge older devices? Make sure your power bank has a USB-A port, as older cables fit better there. Otherwise, opt for USB-C.
Want to be even more mobile? Then look for power banks with wireless charging. You simply place your phone on the power bank to charge it. That saves you from having to use cables. However, this only works if your phone supports wireless charging.
