A low-battery alert on your phone can easily cause a panic attack when you’re far away from a wall outlet or another USB device.
An easy way to steer clear from terror is by keeping a power bank at hand. However, there are dozens to pick from, with each varying in features and quality.
Our top pick: Anker Portable Charger Powercore 20100
From all the power banks on the market, the Anker Portable Charger Powercore 20100 is the one we like best.
It impresses with an ultra-high capacity packed in a truly compact device. It also holds sufficient power to charge an iPhone 7 almost seven times or a Galaxy S6 almost five times.
Its high-speed charging and certified multi-protect safety are other features we like, and that truly boost the unit’s value.
PROS
- Optimised charging for almost all devices
- Simultaneous charging of two devices
- Sleek, compact design
CONS
- Despite its small dimension, the power bank could be heavier than anticipated
Xiaomi Mi Power Bank
The Xiaomi Mi Power Bank comes as a great alternative to our top pick if you don’t want to break the bank. It’s an ultra-compact unit that fits even in the tiniest handbags and delivers optimised charging for most devices.
The high-density lithium-polymer battery ensures high-speed two-way charging which intelligently adjusts the power output for each device. The power bank is compatible with most Apple and Android devices.
PROS
- Ultra-sleek, easy-to-carry design
- High-capacity power storage
- Lightweight enough for travel
CONS
- Depending on the device you have, charging could be slow
Aikove Portable Charger Power Bank
The Aikove Portable Charger Power Bank is ideal for travel; it’s designed to either stash energy from a wall outlet or use solar power in case of emergency. It boasts a fast charging output and can handle up to three devices at once.
It’s perfect to use while camping, on road trips, or on long haul flights, and the best part is that all these features come at a more than accessible price.
PROS
- Solar charger function lets you use solar energy in case of emergency
- Fast charging output for three devices simultaneously
- You can recharge it with either Android or iPhone cord
CONS
- Solar recharging may be rather slow
Belkin Pocket Power Bank
The Belkin Pocket Power Bank is another affordable power bank that qualifies as a best-in-class. Like the unit above, it boasts fast charge capabilities, and it can handle two devices at once.
Lightweight and compact, this unit is perfect for keeping in your bag, and it’s compatible with a wide range of devices including smartphones and tablets.
PROS
- Fast-charging USB ports support all devices up to 2.4-amp output
- It comes with a 6-inch micro USB cable
- Thin, compact, and lightweight design ensures enhanced portability
CONS
- This power bank is a bit less powerful than other units in its class
Cygnett USB-C Power Bank
If you don’t mind dropping some more cash and want something superlative, check out the Cygnett USB-C Power Bank. It holds up to 20,000mAh of power and can recharge your smartphone up to ten times.
The quick-charge capabilities enhance its value for money, while the safety surge protection ensures your precious phone will stay safe at all times.
PROS
- Outstanding capacity
- Quick charge and power delivery functions
- Safety surge protection keeps your devices secure
CONS
- This power bank is quite expensive vs other options
Features To Look For In A Power Bank
Choosing a power bank isn’t rocket science, but there are still a few things you should check before buying.
- Capacity: The capacity of a power bank tells you how many times you can use it to boost up another device’s battery on a single charge. As you could guess, the higher the capacity, the better, but keep in mind that a higher capacity also means more weight and a higher price. If you need more capacity than offered by the products on our list, consider a battery portable power station.
- Size: The overall size of the power bank can make it more or less suitable to carry with you day by day. Luckily, most power banks these days are around the size of a smartphone, so finding a suitable one shouldn’t be hard.
- Weight: Just because a power bank is small in size, it doesn’t mean it’s also lightweight. Some models are incredibly heavy, and they could easily be a burden to carry in a purse or bag. Our advice is to avoid anything that weighs over 350 grams.
- Devices supported: If you want to charge two or more device simultaneously, it could be a good idea to get a power bank that comes with two or three USB outlets.
- Recharging: Also check how much it takes for the power bank to get from drained to full. Most of them have longer charging times, which can sometimes exceed 10 hours. A solar power bank could be an alternative on those moments when you can’t have access to a wall outlet for a long period of time.
