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Best Power Banks Reviewed & Compared
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Accuracy
This is not a critical feature because most power banks are practical as a smaller, lower capacity unit for devices like cellular phones and smaller cameras. However, it's an aspect of one that you may not want to overlook. So what happens when you decide to use an adapter and connect your laptop to any low output power bank? You can damage the power bank, but most of the time it will just do nothing.
The typical power bank will only have a 5-volt output. A device like a laptop might need anywhere from 15 to 25 volts. You can see the voltage specifications for your device on its power adapter if it has one, usually on laptops. If not, do a quick search on google for your specific device and find out the volt output you will nee. Then get yourself a power bank with a voltage output a little bit over what's required. If you don't plan on using the power bank to charge a large device like a laptop, you may not need the upgraded power source. Consider what you will use it for most.
Capacity
The charging capacity, or technically known as mAh is more or less the amount of power that the device can push out and/or store. Batteries will have a mAh, even external batteries like power banks. What does this mean? Well, if your phone battery comes in at 3000mAh, you will want a power bank that is at least 3000mAh if you want to be able to fully charge it, but ideally more for charging efficiency.
Battery Life
We're all in a hurry and the less time we have to wait for the power bank to charge up itself or charge a device, the better. Because most power banks only offer the ability to charge via USB port, the process is typically longer as USB is limited in regards to its output. If your external battery offers an alternative method of charging, you may be able to cut the common 40 hour charge time in half. Don't panic. If you choose a quality power bank waiting too long won't be an issue. If you have a large battery nearing the 15 to 20 thousand mAh range, you may be stuck with that long wait time. As always, consider what you will use it for and don't go to the extreme and get a 10 thousand mAh battery if you only need to charge your phone. That's throwing practicality out the window. Grab yourself a smaller, portable power bank and you will have no problem with drawbacks from charging time.
10 Best Power Banks
1. Anker PowerCore 10000
PowerCore is Anker's flagship power bank because they know when they've got a great product, and are confident enough to stand behind it. That's probably why they'll make more appearances later on this list. When you're good at what you do, like really, really good, people will take notice. Just like the millions that turn to the PowerCore series.
Great Size to Capacity Ratio
For a smaller and more compact charger than most of the competition, even for a portable power bank, this baby packs a good punch. It will give you multiple charges for a wide variety of electronic devices, ensuring that you'll never be left powerless.
Tucked Away
Again with the size reference. There's no denying it, size does matter. When that means you can carry extra power anywhere you go with it being bulky or too noticeable, how could you go wrong?
Cost and Value
Aside from the miniscule lipstick-sized models, this is likely to be the best price you'll find for a high-quality power bank. Given it's a very good size to capacity ratio, as this isn't an overly large product either, what you're getting is great value for your money.
2. Anker PowerCore 20100
There's that PowerCore again. Like I said before, they know chargers. This time though, we are not messing around. This is one of the big boys, yes, that does mean it's a little bit bigger, but not enough to make a difference. What does make a real difference is that with more size means an incredible amount of power.
Dual Charging
Since this packs so much juice, you're able to spread that charge over a couple of devices, making your life that much easier, and making your outings that much more entertaining. Also, just because it's giving double the charge, it's not going to slow down.
(Ultra) High Capacity
Let's look at that for a second. A seven-day charge capacity ready to go to power up whatever you throw at it, and several times at that. It's like having a warehouse-size pack of batteries, except more reliable, cheaper, and can fit in your pocket.
Cost and Value
Bigger does mean more expensive, there's no getting around that. In this case, it's worth it though, since you're not actually paying all that much more, but what you're getting is an enormous return in terms of capacity and function. I'd say that's pretty fair.
3. Aibocn 10,000mAh
What is an Aibocn? I don't know either, so I looked it up. What they are is an innovative young company looking to meet the needs of the consumer by providing high-quality power solutions, with a wide variety of products. With this particular offering, I can honestly say they are on the right track.
Automatic Shutdown
There are a few chargers on this list that prevent power surges and the like, but this is the only one I know of that actually shuts off automatically, just to be safe. I like that extra bit of precaution.
Wide Variety
Seriously. The Aibocn power bank supports the included cable, and third party cables, to charge all the most used smartphones, and a big chunk of tablets and laptops too. That versatility is what puts this charger up there with the best.
Cost and Value
You may not have heard of Aibocn before. I know I haven't. That works in our favor actually. Little brand recognition means you're getting this beauty for a fraction of the cost of other similar chargers. What you're getting, is a steal.
4. Anker PowerCore+ Mini
Aww, look at the cute little charger. It's so small! Yes, it is small, that's why they call it a lipstick-sized charger. Luckily, it also packs a good wallop, making it perfect for those quick road trips to grandma's house. Sadly, this will be the last time you'll see an Anker product on this list, though I easily could have made a whole list full of them, they are just that good.
You’ll Forget You Have It
Try not to, mind you. Otherwise what's the point if having it with you? That is just a testament to how convenient and portable the Anker PowerCore+ mini is. Convenient power that doesn't get in your way.
Anybody Can Use It
You wouldn't think being user-friendly is an important feature for a power bank, but there's a lot going on in life, and you just don't have the time or patience to mess around with something so trivial. Good thing Anker thought of that and made an easy to use a product for you.
Cost and Value
One of the best features of a lipstick-sized power bank is the cost. It will never break the bank but usually doesn't offer much more than low price. Except that this mini has all the power you'll ever need for shorter excursions.
5. iMuto 30000mAh
For all the great features included here, this charger's best one is peace of mind, hands down. Everything about the design seems to be geared towards making sure the consumer can rest easy knowing they bought a well built, absolutely reliable piece of equipment.
Well Protected
In this case, I don't mean the charger itself, though this one is very sturdy and durable. I'm talking about your devices. There are built-in safeguards that prevent over-charging and power surges.
Always Know Where You Stand
That's always a good thing, and the iMuto 30000mAh Portable Charger makes it possible with a built-in digital screen, so you'll never be kept guessing as to how much charge is left, or when it's time to plug it in.
Cost and Value
The cost falls right in line with the majority of power banks in its class. So it's a reasonably priced item for the quality, especially considering all the bells and whistles thrown in for the sake of functionality.
6. Apple Lightning Portable
Okay, this is an easy one. Everybody knows Apple and tends to hate them or swear by them. Whichever side you fall on, one thing is indisputable: Apple makes very high quality stuff, and any third party product needs to be up to those standards, and this one succeeds. If you're already a fan, great, I don't need to sell you on it. If you aren't, give them a try. You may just be pleasantly surprised.
Auto-Detect
This portable power bank will detect your device, and know exactly how much power it needs at just the right speed, ensuring it gets the perfect charge, safely, every time.
Great Capacity
Apple products hold a charge very well. It's part of what they are known for. So imagine what happens if you pair this charger with your phone. The charger will fill up your phone four times. You'll be covered virtually forever.
Cost and Value
Top notch quality does come at a top-notch price. This power bank will definitely cost you a few dollars, but in return, you get a product that you can count on and trust.
7. PRAVPower 22000
It looks like a cell phone. Not one of those new gaudy too-big phones, but more like one circa 2013. Nice and compact with sleek lines and a clean aesthetic. Slap in some reliable high capacity lithium batteries, and you've got yourself one the best purchases you can make for your energy needs.
Triple Threat
With a high capacity, what do you do with all that power? Charge three devices at one time, of course. If you actually need to have all that technology with you, bring it with confidence.
Speaking of Power
That high capacity I mentioned? It's right here. Charge your phone up to nine times, or your tablet three times. Or both at once a bunch of times. This thing is a beast.
Cost and Value
You'll find this charger on the more affordable side of the market, which is always welcome. What's more, is everything packed into its compact form puts it in a higher class quality wise.
8. RAVPower 26800
Wait, not another Anker product? What is going on? Don't worry, they will be back in a bit. In the meantime, RavPower will take care of your needs quite nicely. They packed solid capacity and great build quality into a sleek little unit and bundled it all together with an exceptionally fair price. So if for some reason you're looking for different options that are equally as trustworthy, look no further.
Light and Airy
That's an odd descriptor, isn't it? Well no, not in this case, because it's absolutely fitting. Compact is one thing, which this charger definitely is, but it's something else entirely when you have something that you'll generally carry around a lot, that isn't obtrusive in any way. That's just good design.
Choose your Hue
It's not something you'd think of when choosing a portable power bank, but RavPower has provided the option to customize your product a little bit, so why wouldn't you? You could build your outfit around it.
Cost and Value
It holds its own with all the other big boys out there, offering comparable capacity and durability, with the added perk of picking from several color options, which is always a nice little bonus.
9. IXCC Mini 3400mAh
Look, another lipstick charger. Well yeah, I wasn't going to leave you with just one after all the talk about variety. This is another solid selection, worthy of your time, and just a few dollars. This super compatible charger has the same capacity of other more well-known brands, with a long lifespan and durable housing. Just headed to the beach for the day, this is perfect.
Trusted by Millions
Not so much feature as a testimonial, when five million people use your product, it must be pretty special. Or really cheap. This one covers both bases perfectly well. No wonder it's so popular.
Charges Quick
You just got called out of town for a meeting, and you know the trip is going to be "sooo boring". Great, your power bank is dead and you leave in a few hours. Good thing IXCC made a mini portable power bank that goes from zero percent to fully charged in just four hours. Now I bet you can't wait to get on the road.
Cost and Value
Just enough power, and just enough money. This won't set you back at all and is totally justifiable for a take anywhere device that you can forget about until you need it.
10. Puridea 10000mah
Puridea made a charger good looking enough to show off, and versatile enough to use it anywhere from business and travel to leisure and outdoors. It's a jack of all trades that is perfectly suited for a busy lifestyle.
It's Blue
Pretty lame feature right? I know, but when you spend hours looking at a bunch of power banks that, while great products, tend to be a bit on the boring side with the same matte black appearance. So then this one just jumped right out at me with its neat color scheme. It screams confidence.
High Capacity, Again
Another charger that states high capacity. Don't get me wrong, this is one of the better ones to make that claim, letting you charge a bunch of stuff a bunch of times. Since that is essentially its purpose, good work.
Cost and Value
High capacity, a choice of colors, sleek design. What if I were to say that it's built for looks and therefore expensive. I'd be wrong, That's what. It's built for performance and very not expensive, so it's a great value.
