The Best Power Banks
What's worse than hitting that dreaded red 1% on your battery right before you have to make a call or reply to an important message? If you're not home and there are no chargers or outlets in sight, you're up the river without a paddle. If you're tired of running out of battery at the worst possible moment, one way to make a change is by investing in a power bank. Power banks are portable charging stations that allow you to keep all of your devices charged no matter where you are. Perfect for people with on-the-go lifestyles, a high-quality power bank can get be the saving grace that breaks you free from your wall outlet dependence. Here, we've compiled all of our research on the best power banks on the market. Read on to discover which one fits best with your lifestyle.
Iniu 10,000 mAh Power Bank
Charge on the Go
Inui’s sleek 10,000 mAh power bank exists right in the sweet spot between compact and heavy-duty. While this device is small enough to fit in a jacket or jean pocket, that doesn’t mean that it can’t get the job done. Featuring two USB outputs and a convenient USB-C input, you can charge two devices at once multiple times before ever having to plug your power bank back into the wall outlet. Not to mention, with lightning-fast 3A high-speed charging, you’ll be able to charge from this device as quickly or quicker than you can from the wall.
Pros:
- USB-C charging input means you can charge the Inui with a MacBook charger
- 3A high-speed charging
- Two USB outputs that allow you to charge two devices at once
Cons:
- 10,000 mAh isn’t the ideal rating for laptops and other more powerful electronic devices
Miady 10,000 mAh Power Bank Two-Pack
Double Up
Nowadays, you can never have enough reliable ways to charge your devices. That’s why this 10,000 mAh two-pack from Miady is such an intelligent investment. Most comparable products on the market cost twice as much as one of these power banks, and the Miady can play ball with any of them in terms of quality. These portable power banks have two USB outputs alongside one USB-C input and one MicroUSB input (for charging the power bank). The two different charging inputs allow for more versatile charging options than most power banks that only feature one. For a budget alternative to higher-priced power banks, this two-pack from Miady is exceedingly impressive.
Pros:
- Two different charging input ports (MicroUSB and USB-C)
- Highly affordable two-pack
- Compact design
Cons:
- Doesn’t provide as many battery charges as other comparable devices
Anker PowerCore 10,000 mAh Power Bank
Your Life, Untethered
Anker is one of the most well-respected and renowned names in charging products, and one mustn’t look much further than the 10,000 mAh PowerCore power bank to figure out why. Many power banks are compact, but this pick from Anker takes the concept to a whole other level. This power bank is so compact that it’s almost definitely even smaller than your smartphone. We’d go so far as to say that you’d be able to fit both your phone and the power bank in one pocket easily. Throw in Anker’s sterling reputation for lightning-fast charging, and you’ve got yourself an excellent power bank.
Pros:
- Compact and effective power bank
- Rapid charging speeds
- Reliable brand name
Cons:
- Doesn’t provide as many smartphone charges as advertised
Romoss 30,000 mAh Power Bank
Charge Like Lightning
If you’re in the market for something a little more heavy-duty than your run-of-the-mill 10,000 mAh power bank, this little beauty from Romoss should be right up your alley. With a 30,000 mAh rating and three USB charging outputs, this thing is an absolute tank. The Romoss power bank can provide you with a whopping 12 full charges to your iPhone before needing to get plugged back into the wall outlet. Compared to more compact, inexpensive choices, the Romoss blows the competition out of the water. We can’t recommend this pick enough to folks looking for a little more juice out of their power bank.
Pros:
- The 30,000 mAh rating provides many more full battery charges than comparable products
- Can gives 12 full charges to newer iPhones
Cons:
- Not as great at charging laptops
Powkey 42,000 mAh Power Bank
Power Up
Powkey’s massive 42,000 mAh power bank is not messing around. If you’re looking for the ideal heavy-duty power bank for long camping trips or an alternative to snaking extension cords for backyard family outings, look no further than this pick from Powkey. This power bank boasts the kind of industrial-grade functionality that you just don’t see on more compact devices. With four USB outputs, two AC outputs, and two 12V outputs, this is hardly different than gas-powered generators (albeit, without all the racket). With this power bank, worrying about dead laptops and cell phones will be a thing of the past. Unfortunately, the asking price is rather steep, but for this type of quality, we think it’s more than worth it.
Pros:
- Powerful, long-lasting 42,000 mAh power banks
- Versatile output board
- Perfect for camping or outdoor functions
Cons:
- Steep asking price
- Clunky
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to charge a power bank?
The answer will depend on what the mAh rating is for your power bank. Products in the higher mAh range (30,000-50,000) will take longer to charge than products in the lower range. On average, power banks have charging times that range from five to eight hours. Ideally, it’s best to plug your power bank into the wall outlet while you’re sleeping and have it fully charged and ready for your day. However, as with all rechargeable batteries, overcharging can result in weakened battery health over time. Be sure to read the recommended charge time for your device and stick within those parameters.
How many charges can I get out of my power bank?
This is dependent on your power bank’s mAh and the kind of device you intend to charge. With power banks in the higher mAh range, you may be able to charge a cell phone up to 10-15 times before needing to recharge your power bank. More portable power banks with lower mAh ratings will die quicker, providing you with fewer than five smartphone charges. Laptops and other more intensive electronic devices will drain your power bank more quickly as well. Again, these products all have different charging speeds, battery lives, and mAh ratings, so be sure to choose the one that best suits your needs.