Portable battery packs and power banks provide convenient charging on-the-go for your smartphones, tablets, and other USB-powered gadgets when you don‘t have access to an AC outlet. With so many options on the market sporting different features and price points, it can get confusing to figure out which power bank best fits your needs.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about choosing the right portable charger, from key specs to consider, top recommendations in different categories, what to look for when making a purchase, and what it‘s like to use a power bank daily. Whether you need an affordable battery pack for everyday use, a high-capacity charger for travel, or a rugged option for the outdoors, we’ve got you covered.
How Do Portable Chargers and Power Banks Work?
A portable battery pack, power bank, or external battery charger contains special battery cells, a voltage regulator, control circuitry, and input/output ports in a handy carrying case. You charge the battery through an AC adapter or USB charging cable that comes included. Then when you connect your portable devices to the battery pack, it pushes power into your phone/tablet/etc. to recharge it on-the-go.
Higher capacity batteries can hold more charge, allowing you to repower more devices or charge a device multiple times before needing to be plugged in again yourself. More advanced power banks offer faster recharging speeds through technologies like Qualcomm QuickCharge, USB Power Delivery, etc. And rugged designs add protection from drops, dust, water, etc.
Key Features to Consider When Buying a Portable Charger
Battery Capacity
The battery capacity, measured in mAh (milliamp hours) indicates how much charge the power bank can hold before it needs to be recharged. More mAh = more full phone/tablet charges. A 10,000 mAh portable charger for example, could fully recharge most modern smartphones 3+ times per charge.
Size & Weight
Generally, higher capacity power banks weigh more due to larger batteries required. There’s always a tradeoff between capacity and portability. Lower mAh chargers around 5,000 – 10,000 mAh can slip into your pocket easily while still providing 1+ full charges. High capacity 20,000+ mAh models hold enough juice for multiple device charges, but weigh close to a pound and need a bag to carry.
Charging Speed & Ports
Faster recharging needs compatible tech between the power bank and your particular phone/tablet. Qualcomm QuickCharge, USB Power Delivery, and proprietary fast charging standards offer highest charging speeds, assuming your device supports them. Also consider connections like USB-C for charging newer phones/laptops. More ports allow simultaneous charging of multiple gadgets.
Durability & Ruggedness
For outdoor adventures, get an impact resistant, durable shell and look for an IPX7 waterproof rating allowing immersion for 30 mins up to 1 meter deep. Rugged designs often carry a bit more weight however. For everyday carry, a standard portable charger likely provides enough protection.
Price
While higher-capacity batteries with advanced fast charging can cost over $100, there are solid budget-friendly options in the $20-$50 range. Avoid the cheapest no-name power banks however, which often sacrifice safety and quality. Established brands tend to be worth the small premium.
Best Portable Battery Packs: Our Top Picks
Here are our top recommendations across various usage scenarios:
| Product | Key Specs | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall: Mophie Powerstation XXL | 20,000 mAh capacity, 18W USB-PD, 2x USB-A ports | High capacity keeps multiple devices charged for days. Fast charging output and clever design. |
| Lightest Weight: Anker PowerCore 13000 | Compact 13,000 mAh capacity, 8.7 oz weight, 2x USB-A ports | Super portable with enough juice for multiple charges. Great value. |
| Highest Capacity: MaxOak K2 50000 | Massive 50,000 mAh capacity, DC laptop outlets, 4x USB ports | Charge high-drain devices like laptops and DSLR cameras. |
| Most Portable: INIU PowerPaw 10000 | Only 5 inches long! 10,000 mAh capacity, built-in flashlight | Fits in your pocket with enough power for 2+ phone charges |
| Best Affordable: Nimble CHAMP Lite | 5,200 mAh capacity | Capable little charger that‘s easy on your wallet. |
| Rugged Outdoor: Goal Zero Venture 75 | Water/dustproof,19,200 mAh capacity | Take it camping, hiking without worry |
Best Overall: Mophie Powerstation XXL
The Mophie Powerstation XXL hits a sweet spot of high capacity and portability with smart features. 20,000 mAh batter allows charging a smartphone over 4 times and other gadgets. Dual USB-A ports allow simultaneous charging of two devices while an 18W USB-C PD port enables high-speed charging for phones/tablets/laptops that support it.
The textured fabric finish resists scratches in bags. Integrated LEDs display remaining charge. Includes a USB-C to USB-C cable. Highly recommended portable charger for keeping travel bags and backpacks powered up.
Price: $59.99
Lightest Weight: Anker PowerCore 13000
If you want an ultra-portable battery pack that slips into any pocket or purse, check out the Anker PowerCore 13000. It packs an impressive 13,000 mAh capacity and dual USB-A ports into a compact 3.8 x 3.1 x 0.9 inch chassis.
The bundled MicroUSB cable handles recharging in 10 hours. Handy features like pass-through charging, current overload protection and voltage surge defense provide peace of mind. PowerIQ detects and adapts to your connected device‘s needs for optimized charging speed up to 2.4A.
While it misses out on advanced fast charging standards, the PowerCore 13000‘s blend of portability, capacity, and price is hard to beat.
Price: $39.99
Highest Capacity: MaxOak K2 50000
Serious power users should consider the mammoth MaxOak K2 50000 and its humongous 50,000 mAh capacity. That‘s enough juice to recharge an iPhone 14 over 20 times! DC output can even run small printers, mini-fridges and laptops in a pinch.
Housed in a durable aluminum frame, an LED display tracks remaining battery percentage. Fan cooling manages heat. 5 output ports allow simultaneously charging of a MacBook (16′′ & smaller), DSLR camera, tablet, Nintendo Switch and smartphone from a single battery pack! Just don‘t expect light weight at 2.77 lbs. But for off-grid power needs, the MaxOak K2 is hard to beat.
Price: $129.99
Most Portable: INIU PowerPaw 10000
If max portability is priority #1, check out the impressively compact INIU PowerPaw 10000. At just 5.2 x 2.7 x 0.5 inches and 6.7 ounces, it slips easily into any pocket or purse. Don‘t let the small size fool you – 10,000 mAh capacity keeps most modern phones charged over 2 times.
Dual USB-A ports and a USB-C port provide flexible charging options up to 3A speeds, automatically adjusting output to accomodate what‘s plugged in. The built-in LED flashlight comes in handy too!
Price: $19.99
Best Affordable: Nimble CHAMP Lite
You don‘t have to spend a lot to get a decent portable charger nowadays. Case in point – the value-packed Nimble CHAMP Lite.
It delivers 5,200 mAh battery capacity plus a USB-C port with Power Delivery and standard USB-A port starting under just 30 bucks. Pass-through charging support allows simultaneously rejuicing your phone and the power bank itself from one wall charger.
While no battery life indicator and cheaper plastic housing bring the cost down, the impressive charging versatility punches above its weight. Eco-conscious buyers appreciate Nimble‘s sustainability commitments too using plant-based materials and offsets.
Price: $29.95
Rugged Outdoor: Goal Zero Venture 75
With an adventure-ready IP67 rating for waterproofing and dust resistance, the Goal Zero Venture 75 ensures muddy hikes and kayaking trips won‘t faze it. The beefy 19,200 mAh battery keeps phones, tablets and small gadgets humming for days off-grid while explorers gaze at stunning vistas instead of worrying about dying batteries.
Its 60W USB-C Power Delivery port and dual 15W USB-A ports juice up devices reasonably quickly, while an integrated 50-lumen flashlight comes in handy when rummaging through dark tents or hiking trails at night. Toss in drop protection, a standby feature to conserve power, and 2-year warranty – adventure seekers, this one‘s for you!
Price: $119.95
What To Consider Before Buying a Portable Charger
Besides the key factors above like capacity and ports, keep these tips in mind while power bank shopping:
-
Recharging time: The faster a power bank can recharge, the sooner it‘s ready to juice up your gear again. This varies widely across models from less than 2 hours to 12+ hours.
-
Cables included: Some chargers include cables like USB-C to USB-C, MicroUSB etc. so you don‘t have to supply your own. Helpful when traveling light.
-
Size vs Capacity: Typically more compact sizes come with reduced charging capacity. Choose based on your runtime needs per charge.
-
Brand reputation: Stick with reputable brand names like Anker, RAVPower and Zendure who use quality components. No-name batteries can be risky.
-
Safety features: Look for UL safety certification and protections like short circuit prevention, temperature control, voltage surge/fluctuation guards etc. This protects your devices.
-
Warranties: Lengthier 1, 2 or 3 year warranties provide more coverage should issues emerge over time.
What It‘s Like Using a Portable Charger Daily
In day-to-day usage, portable battery packs make keeping devices powered on the go a breeze! I typically top off my 10,000 mAh power bank overnight so it‘s ready to use all next day. Tossing it in my backpack or suitcase when heading out provides peace of mind for phone charging needs.
When my phone battery gets low, I simply pull out the charger, connect my phone‘s USB-C cable into it and can get ~2 full phone charges from the power bank. Very handy when I don‘t have an outlet access like waiting at the airport, hiking outdoors, coffee shops or lounging on the couch binge-watching shows!
Charging time is reasonable at about 1 hour 45 mins for a full iPhone 14 charge assuming the power bank had full juice itself. Not the fastest compared to wall charging directly but very convenient. The higher capacity compared to my older 5,000 mAh charger means fewer worries about running out of power myself after just a single phone charge.
Portable chargers aren‘t equal however. I tried my sister‘s off-brand battery pack once. It stopped working suddenly after just few months despite barely using it. And newer high-wattage charging needs qualified compatibility between the charger, cable and phone to work properly and max speed. So it pays to get a quality reliable power bank rather than cheapest option.
Handy tips: Check the LED power indicator before leaving home to ensure your battery bank has ample charge. Keep your charging cable with the battery, not your phone which is easily forgotten. And consider a portable charger with built-in charging cable for light travel.
Key Takeaways on Choosing the Best Portable Charger
- More battery capacity = more device recharges per charge
- Compact sizes still offer 1+ phone full charges
- Advanced fast charging requires compatible tech on both ends
- Rugged, waterproof designs critical for outdoor use
- Reputable brands ensure better safety and quality
- Integrated charging cables handy for travel convenience
We hope our power bank buying guide above helps you select the best portable charger to keep your devices charged when outlets are scarce. Let us know if you have any other questions in the comments section!
