Compare power banks
Need a power bank? Even the biggest battery runs out of power sometimes, and that often happens at the worst possible moment. That’s exactly why power banks were invented: so you can top up your smartphone or tablet whilst you’re out and about. Below, you can compare the different models side by side, along with the prices charged by each participating retailer. We carry out independent comparisons: we don’t earn any 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, a tablet or wireless earbuds. Power banks come in all sorts of sizes, from large to small. Here, we explain what to look out for if you’re thinking of buying one.
Choose the right capacity
Generally speaking, the larger the power bank, the larger the battery inside it. We express the size of a battery in mAh: milliampere-hours. The higher this number, the more power the power bank can hold. Bear in mind, however, that in practice you’ll end up with roughly two-thirds of that figure, as some capacity is lost during voltage conversion. Use this rule of thumb:
- Up to 5000 mAh: a partial charge for your phone
- Up to 10000 mAh: approximately one full charge
- Up to 20,000 mAh: two to three charges, or a tablet
- From 25,000 mAh: 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. So 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
Please note that these types of fast-charging technologies require the use of a suitable USB cable. This is due to the higher power outputs, which mean the cable must meet certain specifications.
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 well, as older cables fit these better. Otherwise, opt for USB-C.
Do you want to be even more mobile? Then have a look at power banks with wireless charging. You simply place your phone on the power bank to charge it. That saves on cables. However, this only works if your phone supports wireless charging.
