A 10-Step Guide to Buying a Portable Battery Charger
Woman using mobile phone
Portable battery chargers, or power banks as they are otherwise known are gaining more and more popularity daily. Almost everyone, even those in third world countries have mobile phones these days. Many more have opted to get a tablet and even an –reader as well.
These portable gadgets consume a lot of power, especially if you have a lot of apps running on them. For some people, they do all their business and computing on their smartphone and/or tablet.
Since the advent of mobile phones, more so with smartphones, one problem that bemoans users is the device’s battery running out of power. That is not a problem if you Are at home or sitting by your desk with a charger handy.
However, what do you do when you are on the move, regularly using and depending on your device, and suddenly find that your battery has gone dead? Well there is an invention that can fix your problem. This device is the portable battery charger, or the power bank.
There are quite a few different models and types of power banks out there in the marketplace. The technology is rapidly developing, and with that brings a lot of choice. We have put together this ten step buying guide to help you choose the right portable battery charger from the widest selection in the marketplace.
1. Uses
It is important to first determine what you are going to use your charger for. Is the device going to be used for an epic international trip through places with limited access to electricity? Or are you just looking for a quick power boost on your way home from the office? Consider where you will be using your charger, and how often you want to recharge it.
Power bank
2. Shape
Portable battery chargers come in a variety of shapes. One of the most common is a flat design, similar to a deck of cards. Some are designed to be the same shape and size of a smartphone. This is useful as it can be easily packed in a purse or handbag while taking up limited space.
Slim power bank
Another popular shape is a narrow tube. This shape also fits nicely in bags, and many units have a clip or loop that can be attached to the outside of a bag or keychain.
3. Size
Along with shape, size is an important factor to consider. While larger sized units offer more capacity and the ability to charge your device for longer, they also take up more space and can be bulky. If you know you can recharge your unit every day, you may be able to use a smaller size that is easier to carry on the go.
Portable chargers
4. Durability / Materials
Chargers are constructed from a wide array of materials, which often come with varying price points. Plastic devices are often a hit for those on a budget, but they are unlikely to last in more demanding environments.
Ultra slim portable power bank charger
On the other end of the spectrum, robust chargers made of metal and rubberized materials offer extreme durability in the harshest conditions, but come at a higher price as well.
5. Capacity
Portable battery charger capacities are measured in milliamp-hours, or ‘mAh’. The larger the number, the more ‘juice’ or capacity the device is able to hold. Consider the capacity of the battery in the devices you want to charge.
Portable power bank charger
For example, an iPhone battery has between a 1600 and 2900 mAh capacity, depending on the model. To charge the iPhone twice without recharging your portable unit, you would need a charger with between a 3200 to 5800 mAh capacity.
6. Output
Different charges offer varying levels of output, which determines how fast they can charge your device. Generally, cheaper units may offer a 1 amp (1A) output, while more expensive ones may offer 2.1A. If you don’t want to keep your devices plugged in for long periods of time, consider a 2.1A or higher unit.
Portable charger external battery
7. Connectors
USB is the general standard for portable chargers, but different units offer different numbers of ports. If you have multiple devices, it may be worth considering a charger with two or more USB ports so you can charge them at the same time.
Connections and ports on a portable battery charger
8. Ready To Go
It is very important that you check if the power bank comes with all cables included. Normally you should have a power cord to charge the power bank (input) and another cable to connect the power bank to your portable device.
Portable charger
In most cases, the same charger that you use to charger your phone is compatible to use to charge your power bank. If you want to travel around with fewer cables, it might be best to get a power bank that uses the same charger (input) your portable device.
9. Additional Features
Beyond charging, portable battery chargers often have additional features. These may include flashlights, Bluetooth speakers or waterproof protection. After considering what situations you will use the device in, think about which of these features may be importance.
Portable Charger for Smartphones & Tablets
10. Solar Charging
A new feature offered on many chargers is the inclusion of a built-in solar panel. This allows the unit to be recharged on the go without needing to be plugged into a wall. For those living in sunny climates or who travel to tropical destinations, this could be a useful feature to extend the life of the charger.
Portable power bank charger and smartphone
Portable battery chargers offer a great convenience for those on the go or with limited access to charging. Whether it be your next adventure around the world, or your commute home, you’re sure to find a charger to suit your needs.
Check out these best selling portable chargers!
Portable Charger Anker PowerCore 20100mAh - Ultra High Capacity Power Bank with...
- The Anker Advantage: Join the 50 million+ powered by our technology.
- Ultra-High Capacity: Weighs as little as a can of soup (12.5 oz) yet charges the iPhone 8 almost seven times, the Galaxy S8 five times or the iPad mini 4 twice.
- The Anker Advantage: Join the 50 million+ powered by our technology.
- Ultra-High Capacity: Weighs as little as a can of soup (12.5 oz) yet charges the iPhone 8 almost seven times, the Galaxy S8 five times or the iPad mini 4 twice.
- Certified Safe: Anker’s MultiProtect safety system and high-quality battery cells ensure complete protection for you and your devices.
- What You Get: Anker PowerCore 20100 Portable Charger, Micro USB cable, welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service; USB-C cable (to charge the power bank) and Lightning cable for iPhone / iPad sold separately.
Wireless Portable Charger Power Bank 10,000 mAH, 3 Outputs: USB-C, USB-A, and...
- Has a unique elevated rubberized wireless charging surface to keep your phone in place, and at a lower temperature while charging.
- Designed for comfort, portability, and quick charge times.
- Charge up to 3 devices at once using the Usb Type-C, Usb Type-A, and Wireless charging pad simultaneously.
- Has a unique elevated rubberized wireless charging surface to keep your phone in place, and at a lower temperature while charging.
- Designed for comfort, portability, and quick charge times.
- Charge up to 3 devices at once using the Usb Type-C, Usb Type-A, and Wireless charging pad simultaneously.
- Has an intelligent control circuit that protects your devices from over-charging, over-current, over-voltage, short circuit and more, which ensures you always have safe and stable charging. This device is certificated by FCC, CE, Rohs, and UL.
20000mAh Portable Power Bank 2 USB Ports Mobile Charger External Battery with...
- SIKER High Capacity 20000mAh USB power bank, powerful with long operation time;
- Double USB(2.1A+1.0A) power bank for two devices charged at the same time
- Built in LED Flashlight - The power bank has a built in LED flashlight which is bright enough to help in emergency situations
- SIKER High Capacity 20000mAh USB power bank, powerful with long operation time;
- Double USB(2.1A+1.0A) power bank for two devices charged at the same time
- Built in LED Flashlight - The power bank has a built in LED flashlight which is bright enough to help in emergency situations
- Safe to Charge: Intelligent power manage IC, protect your devices against excessive current, overheating.
- 100% customer satisfaction, 30 days worry-free money back with One Year limited warranty. Package includes: 1* 20000mAh Portable Charger, 1* Micro-Usb Cable
INIU Portable Charger, 10000mAh Power Bank, 4.8A High-Speed 2 USB Ports with...
- ✅【From INIU--the SAFE Fast Charge Pro】Experience the safest charging with over 38 million global users. At INIU, we use only the highest-grade materials, so we do have the confidence to provide an industry-leading 3 years warranty.
- ✅【From INIU--the SAFE Fast Charge Pro】Experience the safest charging with over 38 million global users. At INIU, we use only the highest-grade materials, so we do have the confidence to provide an industry-leading 3 years warranty.
- ✅【Market's Thinnest 10000mAh】 The market’s one and only 0.5-inch power bank that breaks the limit of 10000mAh, easily slipped into any travel lover's pockets or bag. Enjoy the days’ worth of charging capacity, enough to top up iPhone 8 3.6 times, Samsung S22 1.8 times, or AirPods Pro 13.2 times.
- ✅【Only 5% Got USB-C IN&OUT】INIU is the only 5% of power banks got a USB-C IN&OUT port. Unlike others only recharge via USB-C port, INIU can charge all devices with your USB-C cables directly.
- ✅【3A High-Speed Charging】3A fast charging fuels iPhone up to 78% in just one hour. INIU's AutoFit identifies and meets your device's ideal speed, charging double than 2.1A chargers.
- ✅【15-Layer SAFE Charging】INIU's unique 15-Layer SmartProtect system shrugs off any unusual charging at the start. Take overheating risk and battery damage away from your devices.
- ✅【What You Get】INIU 10000mAh portable charger*1, 0.3M/1ft USB-A to USB-C Cable*1, travel pouch*1, user manual*1, 30 days money-back guarantee, INIU industry-leading 3-year warranty and lifetime technical support.
Anker PowerCore 10000, One of The Smallest and Lightest 10000mAh External Batteries,...
- The Anker Advantage: Join the 50 million+ powered by our leading technology.
- Remarkably Compact: One of the smallest and lightest 10,000mAh portable chargers. Provides almost three-and-a-half iPhone 8 charges or two-and-a-half Galaxy S8 charges.
- The Anker Advantage: Join the 50 million+ powered by our leading technology.
- Remarkably Compact: One of the smallest and lightest 10,000mAh portable chargers. Provides almost three-and-a-half iPhone 8 charges or two-and-a-half Galaxy S8 charges.
- High-Speed Charging: Anker’s exclusive PowerIQ and VoltageBoost combine to deliver the fastest possible charge for any device. Qualcomm Quick Charge not supported.
- Certified Safe: Anker’s MultiProtect safety system ensures complete protection for you and your devices.
- What You Get: Anker PowerCore 10000 portable charger, Micro USB cable, welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty and friendly customer service. USB-C and Lightning cable for iPhone / iPad sold separately
Anker PowerCore 26800 Portable Charger, 26800mAh External Battery with Dual Input Port...
- Colossal Cell Capacity: 26,800mAh of power charges most phones over 6 times, tablets at least 2 times, and any other USB device multiple times.
- Charge 3 Devices at Once: 3 USB output ports together with Anker's PowerIQ and Voltage Boost technology ensure charging for three devices simultaneously (not compatible with Qualcomm Quick Charge).
- Colossal Cell Capacity: 26,800mAh of power charges most phones over 6 times, tablets at least 2 times, and any other USB device multiple times.
- Charge 3 Devices at Once: 3 USB output ports together with Anker's PowerIQ and Voltage Boost technology ensure charging for three devices simultaneously (not compatible with Qualcomm Quick Charge).
- Recharge with Dual 20W Micro USB: A full recharge of the power bank takes just over 6 hours while using both input ports (wall charger not included).
- What You Get: Anker 337 Power Bank (PowerCore 26K), 2× Micro USB cable, welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month, friendly customer service. (USB-C cable and Lightning cable for iPhone/ iPad sold separately).
RAVPower Portable Charger 20000mAh PD 3.0 Power Bank QC 3.0 18W USB...
- Power for Days: Step into the upper echelon of battery capacity with a muscled 20,000mAh, fully capable of recharging your phone or tablet several times over.
- The LED indicator displays the available power level of battery pack and charging status intelligently. Know before you go.
- Power for Days: Step into the upper echelon of battery capacity with a muscled 20,000mAh, fully capable of recharging your phone or tablet several times over.
- The LED indicator displays the available power level of battery pack and charging status intelligently. Know before you go.
- One for All: Compatibility at its finest, not only ready to charge almost all USB powered devices including laptops, tablets, smartphones and more, but also portable charger can charged by all the cables.
- Stay Protected: All ports feature complete charging protections alongside RAVPower's comprehensive iSmart technology. Built in UL certified battery cell and complete charging protections make you and your device safer.
- 2.5x Faster Charging: Powerful 18W PD and QC output for exhilarating charging speeds, do you a great favor in an emergency. Especially bring your new iPhone back to 50 percentage in as quickly as 30 minutes.
- Latest Blazing Fast Recharge technology: Multiple effective ways to recharge your power bank, easy to achieve peak performance with an 18W PD charging adapter to fully recharge in 5 and a half hours.
Portable Charger 30000mAh, (Ultra High Capacity)(Flashlight)(Outdoor) BONAI 5.6A 4-Port Output External Battery...
- [30000mAh Portable Charger Power Bank]- This high capacity power bank really suitable for road trip, RV travel, self-driving tour, camping, fishing, hunting, mountain climbing or just put it in your bed or sofa for daily use.
- [30000mAh Portable Charger Power Bank]- This high capacity power bank really suitable for road trip, RV travel, self-driving tour, camping, fishing, hunting, mountain climbing or just put it in your bed or sofa for daily use.
- [Four Outputs & Dual Inputs]- Four 5V 2.4A fast output charging ports can charge up to four devices simultaneously. Dual 8-pin cables included for quicker charging speed, the current up to 5V 4A and half the time needed than using ONLY one cable, about 10 hours can be fully charged.
- [Built in LED Flashlight]- This portable phone charger has a built in LED flashlight which is bright enough to help in emergency situations. Built-in Li-polymer ensures definitely safe, metal body prevents from dust, knocking, dropping and more.
- [Advance Safety Functions]- BONAI battery pack charger portable is designed to protect your device. The smart circuitry ensures protection against overcharging, short-circuiting, voltage instabilities, and even over discharging.
- [What You Get]- 1*30000mAh Power Bank, 2*Lightning Cables, 1*User Manual, 30 days worry-free money back with One Year limited warranty. ★★ [NOTE] Please give it a full charged before first use. Once running out of battery, please charge the power bank right away. Store this portable charger in a Cool and Dry environment, in case it gets damp. ★★
Bextoo Portable Charger Power Bank 30000mAh,Huge Capacity External Battery 2 USB Output...
- 【Ultra-High Capacity 30000mAh】Powerful Power Bank-charges the Galaxy S8 7.5 times . Best for travel and no worry about out of battery anymore.
- 【Portable Charger with Dual Input & Dual Output】The power bank can recharge with an cord either micro USB or Type-C about 13 hours; Dual outputs which allows charge 2 smartphones or tablets at once.Enjoy sharing the battery with your friends.
- 【Ultra-High Capacity 30000mAh】Powerful Power Bank-charges the Galaxy S8 7.5 times . Best for travel and no worry about out of battery anymore.
- 【Portable Charger with Dual Input & Dual Output】The power bank can recharge with an cord either micro USB or Type-C about 13 hours; Dual outputs which allows charge 2 smartphones or tablets at once.Enjoy sharing the battery with your friends.
- 【Polished LCD Surface & Smart LED Digital Display】 The newest fashionable polished surface design with digital display, accurately keep track of remaining power, mirror LCD display makes it more fashion and cool.
- 【Safer for Longer】Built in three high quality Li-Polymer batteries and safeguards, longer standby time and protect your devices against excessive current, overheating,and overcharging, safe and reliable.
- 【What you get】LIFETIME friendly customer service (If the Amazon return window is closed, please contact our customer service directly). PACKAGE: 1*Bextoo 30000mAh Portable Charger, 1*Micro USB charging cable, 1*User Guide.
Portable Charger USB C RAVPower Power Bank with AC Outlet 80W 20000mAh...
- Massive AC Output: Portable Charger with AC output reaches up to 80W (100W Max) to fully charge your MacBook Pro, iPhone, Nintendo Switch, Go Pro, camera battery, desk lamp, small fan, etc. Great for camping /traveling / vacation or as an emergency backup power source (Press and hold the power button for 3 seconds to activate the AC power outlet)
- Massive AC Output: Portable Charger with AC output reaches up to 80W (100W Max) to fully charge your MacBook Pro, iPhone, Nintendo Switch, Go Pro, camera battery, desk lamp, small fan, etc. Great for camping /traveling / vacation or as an emergency backup power source (Press and hold the power button for 3 seconds to activate the AC power outlet)
- Faster PD Charging: 30W PD3.0 USB-C port delivers sprinting power to charge your iPhone up to 50% in 30 minutes, and Quick Charge 3.0 Port charges USB-A devices up to 18W *When recharging the power bank, the AC output will stop working (No effect on the USB-A port)
- Colossal 20000mAh Capacity: Portable charger packed with enough power to keep you going for days, charges iPhone 12 Pro 4.3 times, Galaxy S10 4 times, iPad Pro 1.5 times and give a 1 full charge to a 13'' MacBook(20000mAh internal battery capacity)
- 2.5X Rapid Recharging: The USB-C Power Bank support 30W PD input, recommend to use a PD 30W wall charger (Not included) to full recharge this 20000mah portable charger in only 3 hours
- Compact Design: Space-saving & lightweight portable charger perfectly fits on your desk and easily slides into your bag, great energy solution for your devices – no matter where you go
- Universal Portable Charger: This external battery pack includes one AC outlet, USB-C PD3.0 Port and USB-A QC3.0 Port, which means this charger can power your iPhone, iPad Pro and Macbook Pro at the same time.
- What You Get: 1 x RAVPower USB C Power Bank with AC Outlet, 1 x USB-C to USB-C Charging Cable, 1 x Carrying Pouch, 1x Storage Box, 1 x User Guide (Wall Charger is Not Included)
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