Whether you’re trekking in the wilds or strolling between coffee shops, a power bank can make the difference between staying connected or going silent. Here is a selection of great power banks to keep your devices charged up when you’re away from a power outlet.
Dimensions: 4.9 x 2.9 x 1.8 inches (124mm x 74.5mm x 45.5mm) Weight: 20.5oz / 580g Capacity: 26,800mAh Cells: 8 Samsung high-density electric-vehicle battery cells Flight safe: Yes (rated at 96.48 watt-hours) Total DC Output: 138W Display: OLED Screen Material: Aluminum shell with ABS & polycarbonate midframe
This is my favorite power bank of all time. It’s been with me in a number of off-grid situations, and to various countries, and it has never let me down. It’s got enough capacity to keep my devices topped up between proper recharges, and enough power to charge up everything from my earbuds to laptop. And it’s still small enough to fit into cargo pants pocket (although you better have a belt!). If you want a big power bank with plenty of power and the ability to charge four devices simultaneously, the Zendure SuperTank Pro is the power bank for you. Connectivity:
Pros:
Lots of powerFlight safeFour USB-C portsEnough power to recharge a MacBook Pro
Cons:
HeavyExpensiveNo USB-A (except using an adapter)
Battery: Cell Type: 18650 Li-ion battery | Capacity: 20,000 mAh, 72Wh ±5%AC/HVDC Outlet: Output: 100W (120V/60Hz US model, 230V/50Hz EU model)Wireless charging: Output: 10W maxWeight: 1.4 lbsDimension: 5.0" x 4.8" x 0.91" Flight safe: Yes
Everything about the Omni Omni 20+ is designed around power and ruggedness. The exterior ABS/rubberized shell is capable of taking a pounding, the ports are well-designed, and the screen offers everything from at-a-glance information, to a deep dive into what’s going on. Think of this as less a power bank and more a recharging computer. This is a great choice when I want an AC outlet when away from civilization but don’t want to take a big power station. Connectivity: Pros:
Input: 45W maxOutput: 60W max
Lots of powerPlenty of outputsOLED display packed with informationRugged
Cons:
ExpensiveBig and heavy
Dimensions: 4.5 x 2.8 x 1 inches (114mm x 71.1mm x 25.4mm) Weight: 10.8oz / 306g Capacity: 15,000mAh Flight safe: Yes (rated at 54 watt-hours) Total DC Output: 48W Material: ABS & polycarbonate
A portable, everyday power bank, more than enough to keep your smartphone and tablet going for an extra day or so. Nice and slim and packed with ports, this is perfect for recharging multiple devices simultaneously. This is the power bank I take with me when I know that my phone or tablet will need a top up, but I want to keep things lightweight and portable. All I need are the appropriate cables and I’m good to go! Connectivity: Pros:
CompactReasonably pricedRobust
Cons:
Not enough power to recharge a laptop
Dimensions: 4.72 x 3.23 x 1.39 inches Capacity: 10,000mAh Flight safe: Yes Total DC Output: 5V/3A Material: Polycarbonate
Is it a power bank or a wall charger? It’s both! You can keep it plugged in and use it as a charger, and pop it out when you want to use it as a power bank. I have one of these next to my bed. It charges my smartphone at night, and is always ready in case of a power cut or I need a power bank in a hurry. Pros:
Always charged up if you keep it plugged inRecharges quicklyUSB-A and USB-C outputsSpace saver when traveling (takes over from a separate charger and power bank)
Cons:
Bit bulky
Capacity: 25000mAh / 92.5Wh Magnetic Wireless Charger Output: 15W Fast Charge (10W for Android and non iPhone 12 devices) Apple Watch Wireless Output: 5W Maximum Power Output: 190WBatteries: 5 x 21700 Panasonic Lithium Polymer Graphene Composite Battery Cells Time to full charge from empty: 1 hr 10 min (with 100W input)Dimensions: 15.85 x 8.7 x 2.85 (6.24" x 3.4" x 1.12")Weight: 583.5g (1.28lb)
The Flash Pro Plus is a chunky pack of aircraft-grade anodized aluminum and batteries that weighs a reassuring 1.2 pounds. It’s big, but again one of those power banks that has been with me in a lot of places where isn’t easy access to a power outlet. In the age of small, thin, and lightweight devices thing is a monster! It’s also incredibly rugged, having survived a number of falls. It’s a big power bank housing five 21700 Panasonic lithium polymer graphene composite cells holding 25,000mAh of power. And the power bank can push that power out of four ports and two wireless charger pads. Yes, that’s right, ports and wireless. This isn’t the largest capacity power bank here by far – in fact, given its size, it’s capacity is actually very low – but the fact recharge capability of this power bank makes it a great choice for those people who are in a hurry. Connectivity: Pros:
Large capacityLots of charging optionsEasy to read display
Cons:
Big, bulky, and angularPricy
Here are some of the criteria that I look for:
That the capacity is as statedThat the power bank outputs the power that is stated in the specification sheetThat the product is durable and withstands prolonged use
