To get the most out of a power bank it must be used in the right way. there are some key tips on how to get the best from your power bank.
Power banks are used by a lot of people and they can be essential for providing extra power whilst on the move for mobile phones and other gadgets.
Power banks are easy to use and their operation is easy to master, but there are some pitfalls that can mean they might not be as effective as they might be and provide all the power you want.
By following a few guidelines when using and keeping the power bank, the top performance can be obtained and its life can be extended so it won’t let you down.
Basic power bank usage
Power banks are generally very easy to use, and typically conform to some simple conventions, especially with respect to the connectors.
Normally power bank connectors have separate functions and the two connectors used for these functions are very different, making it easy to differentiate them.
- Micro USB (sometimes mini-USB): Most commonly a power bank will use a micro-USB for being charged. This enables the standard USB A to micro-USB leads to be used to charge the power bank. Often the same lead used to charge a mobile phone or other device can be used.
- USB Type A connector: The larger type A USB connector is used to enable the power bank to charge other devices. This means that standard charging cables supplied with most phones and other devices can be used. Normal USB chargers have a Type A connector from which the charge is supplied.
When using the power bank, it is normally only necessary to connect a powered USB micro connector to it for it to receive charge.
Depending on the power bank capacity, its charge level, and the charger, the ambient temperature, etc., it can take quite a while to complete its charge.
As an example, a 1500mAh rated power bank should take very roughly about the same time as a typical smartphone to charge. For larger power banks, this time can be considerably increased. it may take two three, four. times as long.
Power banks have electronic battery management and this includes a safety cut-off to prevent overcharging and overheating. However, whenever possible, it is best to remove the power bank from charger when it is full. at least avoid leaving it connected long-term after its full.
However when using the power bank to charge electronic devices, the leads need to be connected, and it is normally necessary to use a button on the power bank to enable the charging. This is required because a sort circuit on the output of the power bank could generate a lot of heat and possibly cause the power bank to catch fire or explode.
This prevents keys in s (if the power bank is carried in a ) and other metallic items causing an accidental short circuit, and the output normally has to be enabled before use.
Often the power bank will have a simple LED indicator showing the level of charge it has when charging is enabled, or when it is being charged. These indicators often turn off after a short while to preserve the power bank charge.
Power bank charge capacity
One of the key aspects, when buying a power bank is to ensure that it has sufficient capacity to provide a charge for the device to be charged.
One of the most common uses for power banks is to charge mobile phones whilst on the move when there are unlikely to be any suitable charge points.
With modern mobile phone internal batteries now being able to store large amounts of charge (some are over 2500mAh), it is necessary that the power bank has in excess of this if it is to give the mobile phone battery a full charge.
It is also necessary to remember that the charging process is not 100% efficient. some of the supplied power is dissipated as heat, etc.
As a result the power bank should have a slightly larger capacity than the phone battery if it is to give it a full charge.
If the power bank has a smaller charge capacity than the phone, it will only be able to give it a partial charge. this may be acceptable in some instances if the power bank is only needed to top-up the main phone battery.
Power bank care: usage hints, tips guidelines
In order to get the best from any power bank there are a few guidelines that will help ensure the performance is gained from the power bank for as long as possible.
- Keep at room temperature: The best performance can be obtained from a power bank if it is kept at around room temperature. While this may not be possible all the time, it is wise to use this as a general guideline. The battery technology used in power banks is lithium ion, and these batteries do not like getting excessively cold, or too warm either. One of the key things to remember is that they should not be left in automobiles. In the summer sun the inside of cars can rise to in excess of 50°C, and in winter the cars have no heating when they are not in use, so the temperatures can fall really low in some places. Either scenario is not good for lithium rechargeables.
- Charge before first use: Manufacturers always recommend giving a new power bank a full charge before use. The internal circuits will cut out the excess charge, but it is always wise to get it into a known state before starting to use it.
- Keep the battery charged: This may sound obvious, but the power bank is no use if it is not charged up. It helps to get used to charging it up as soon as possible after it has been used. In this way it will always be ready for use.
- Charge the power bank when not used for period: Lithium ion and lithium polymer rechargeable batteries do not like being left in a fully discharged state for long periods. As batteries will always lose a little charge with time, it is best to periodically recharge the power banks when they have not been used for some while. This means they are ready for use and the battery is kept in tip op condition. The ideal state for a lithium ion battery is neither fully charged or discharged, so if possible keep it in an approximate mid-charge state if it is to be left for a long period.
- Only use power bank in the intended way: This may sound obvious, but a power bank should only ever be used for charging the type of device for which it is intended. Some devices may have different voltages, although if they have a USB connection this would not be the case. Also large devices may draw too much current from a small power bank and the like.
- Keep away from moisture: Power banks are electronic devices, and therefore they do not like water, or even moisture. One key piece of advice when using power banks is to keep them dry at all times. With the amount of power within the power bank, moisture can cause significant damage.
- Don’t keep in or bag with metal objects: In view of the amount of power held within power banks, and the possibility of short circuit, one very important aspect of using power banks is to make sure they are never shorted. Although power banks normally have a button which needs to be pressed to enable the supply on the output, it is always best to be careful and make sure they are never placed in a position where metal objects could short the output. Putting them in a alongside keys is a definite “No No.”
- Don’t drop it: Power banks incorporate circuit boards as well as the battery. Like any other item of electronic equipment they need to be handled with some care. Dropping them can damage the case, the circuit board, or even the lithium rechargeable battery element itself. Take care when handling them.
Power bank rechargeable batteries are very easy to use. With a few sensible precautions they are really accommodating and provide additional charge when you are on the go and don’t have access to mains power.
One of the main points to remember, is to keep them charged. This is sometimes easier said than done, but there is no use having it if it is not recharged as soon as possible after it has been used.
How to Use a Power Bank: Here’s Everything You Need to Know
You know that anxious feeling when the “low battery” notification pops up on your screen? There’s something about it that can send your mind into a tailspin. Even worse, sometimes you don’t have your charger, and you’re nowhere near an outlet! Luckily, there’s a handy tool out there to keep you fully charged: the power bank. If you’re looking to learn the basics of power banks, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s get right into it!
How to Charge a Power Bank Top
Charging a power bank is pretty straightforward, especially since most of them come with instruction manuals. However, if yours didn’t come with one, you can still charge it without breaking a sweat!
Here is the best way to charge a power bank:
- Attach the cable to the power bank.
- Connect the other side of the cable to your power source.
- Your power bank should begin charging.
- Once charged, unplug the power bank from the wall and your phone.
- Step 1: Attach the Cable Attach the cable that came with your power bank to the device itself. Most of the time, the port that connects to your power bank is a micro USB.
- Step 2: Plug Into Power Source Next, plug in the other side of the cable (usually a standard USB) into your wall plug or your computer. Some wall outlets even have USB ports built in, so if you have one of those nearby, you won’t need a wall adapter!
- Step 3: Start Charging Your power bank should start charging. If it has an indicator light, keep a close eye on it. Once it is fully charged, all the indicator lights will illuminate.
- Step 4: Unplug the Charger Unplug the charger from the wall or your computer once all indicator lights are illuminated.
How Often Should You Charge a Power Bank? Top
A general rule of thumb is that the more you charge your power bank, the shorter the lifespan of the device. You should charge your power bank only as often as is necessary. If you use your power bank sparingly, at least charge it once every 3 months to keep the battery active.
Can I Use My Phone While Charging? Top
There shouldn’t be any harm in using your cell phone while it is charging. You may notice your phone getting a bit warm, but this is expected. It’s worth noting, however, that using your phone while it is charging may not result in a 100% charged battery since you are actively using the power source before the charge is complete. If you want your cell phone to be fully charged, it’s best to leave it alone while it powers up!
Why Do Some Power Banks Take Longer to Charge? Top
Some power banks take longer to charge because larger batteries have a bigger capacity to store energy. For example, a high capacity power bank with 20,000 mAh can take up to 40 hours to charge fully. Smaller power banks with 4,000 mAh may only take a couple hours to charge.
Think of it like a shot glass versus a tall drinking glass. It’s going to take a lot longer for a drinking glass to fill with water than it will for the shot glass!
How Long Should You Charge a Power Bank? Top
You should only charge your power bank for the amount of time it takes for it to get a full battery. Once the device is fully charged, you should unplug it from the power source. You can check the user manual to find out how your power bank indicates it has been fully charged, but most of them have some sort of light that shows the amount of power left in the battery.
The amount of time it takes for a power bank to reach its full capacity varies depending on the type. A heavy-duty power bank will take longer to charge than a smaller one. Generally speaking, it takes between 1 to 2 hours for a power bank to become fully charged!
Did You Know?
There are super powerful power banks on the market that allow you to power larger devices like televisions, curling irons, and oscillating fans!
Can I Charge My Power Bank Overnight? Top
You should avoid charging your power bank overnight whenever possible. It is unlikely to cause significant damage, but there is still a chance it could reduce the lifespan of your battery over time.
For lower-quality power banks, leaving your power bank plugged in after it is fully charged can cause overheating, especially if they are left to charge in direct sunlight. The safest option is to always unplug your power bank once it has reached full capacity!
How Can You Make Your Phone Charge Faster? Top
If you ever find yourself in need of a quick battery charge for your smartphone, there are a few steps you can take to make your phone charge faster. Always make sure your charging cables are plugged all the way in and your power bank has enough power to charge your phone.
Here are some tips to make your phone charge faster:
- Turn on airplane mode
- Don’t use your phone while charging
- Turn your phone off
- Use a high-capacity power bank
- Don’t use a wireless charger
Turn on Airplane Mode
Putting your phone on airplane mode is a surefire way to reduce charging time. This is because the setting turns off your phone’s Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular capabilities, which are all settings that drain your power! When your device is on airplane mode, it’s consuming less power, which makes for a quicker charge.
Don’t Use Your Phone While Charging
Using your phone while it’s charging is going to increase the amount of time it takes for your battery to be fully powered. It may be difficult to resist the urge to send that text message or check Instagram, but it’s worth the sacrifice if you want your phone to be fully charged!
Turn Your Phone Off
This strategy works similar to airplane mode because it turns off all the components in your phone that would otherwise be using your battery. When your phone is powered off, it’s able to reach a full charge much faster. Keeping your phone on while it’s charging is like trying to sleep while you’re hungry or thirsty—it’s going to be much more difficult!
Use a High-Capacity Power Bank
Some power banks are more powerful than others. The heavy-duty ones are going to make your phone charge much faster than the smaller ones! However, not all phones can handle a high-powered portable charger. It’s best to contact the manufacturer of your cell phone to see what they recommend. Charging your battery with too much power is never a good idea!
Don’t Use a Wireless Charger
Wireless chargers are a genius invention, but they’re not the best option if your goal is to charge your phone quickly. Plugging your phone in directly to a power bank or outlet is the quickest way to bring it back to life because it’s directly connected to the power source!
At the end of the day, any way you can prevent your phone from using battery while charging will ultimately help it charge faster! You might also notice your phone charging slowly with a low-capacity power bank. Be sure that your phone and power bank are compatible for the most efficient charging.
How Long Do Power Banks Last? Top
The amount of time a power bank lasts varies from product to product, but on average, a power bank should last at least a couple hundred charging cycles.
If you use your power bank frequently, you’re going to consume more charging cycles than someone who only uses their power bank occasionally. There are more durable power banks out there than can last upwards of 1,000 charging cycles, but most of the smaller ones on the market have a lifespan of 200 or 300 cycles. The age of the power bank also has a significant impact on how long it lasts. As the batteries inside of the device age, they become less effective.
How to Store a Power Bank Top
Power banks should always be stored in a cool location that isn’t exposed to direct sunlight, such as a desk drawer. According to Battery University, batteries achieve optimum service life if used at 68 degrees Fahrenheit, or slightly below that temperature.
If you store your power bank in direct sunlight or a warm environment like the glove box in your car, it won’t last as long. It’s also best to store your power bank in a pouch or case when not in use. This helps protect the charging ports so they do not accumulate dust or debris!
Should You Buy a Power Bank? Top
If you’re always on the go or find yourself with a low battery, you should buy a power bank! They come in handy during vacations, trade shows, plane rides, or any time you are using your phone away from an outlet. The type of power bank you’ll need depends on your lifestyle and how many devices you need to charge.
There’s no reason to not invest in a power bank. They’re like an extra insurance policy for your phone’s battery! Having one with you just in case is always a good idea.
The Bottom Line
Power banks make our lives a bit easier by ensuring we never run out of juice. By using them properly, you’re not only protecting the power bank, but you’re also getting the most out of your investment! A properly cared-for power bank will get you through those long meetings and plane rides. Just think of all the adventures you’ll go on while still having peace of mind!
Discharging at High and Low Temperatures. (n.d.). Retrieved March 25, 2020, from https://batteryuniversity.com/index.php/learn/article/discharging_at_high_and_low_temperatures
Summerson, C. (2017, December 4). Is Wireless Charging Slower Than Wired Charging? Retrieved March 27, 2020, from https://www.howtogeek.com/326094/is-wireless-charging-slower-than-wired-charging/
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Cons
Nearly every charging electronic requires a charging cable, or rather, EVERY charging electronic needs a charging cable.
Whether it’s a USB wall charger, car charger, or even a wireless charger, they all need charging cables to be utilized.
With that said, a power bank is one of the charging electronics that needs a charging cable while you’re on the go. Leaving your house with your power bank is great, but not so great when you forgot to unplug your charging cable from your USB wall charger that’s in your room.
As a result, you’re stuck with a useless source of power.
This is why power banks with built-in charging cables exist because now you’ll always have a charging cable or two with your power bank. That is what this LAX 4,000mAh Power banks accomplish.
Similar Power Banks with Built-in Cables:
Power Capacity:
For having a 2 built-in charging cable that gives the ability to charge two devices at once, this power bank has quite a low power capacity of 4,000mAh.
However, the Max Output of 2.0 Amps evens it out because then you manage to lose less power capacity during charging.
As a result, the conversion rate of the LAX power bank is about 75%, which is going to leave you with 3,000mAh of useable power.
Mostly Meant for Smartphones
It’s a small power capacity, and this is mainly because this is a mini power bank. So you’re going to be able to get about 1 or 2 full charges for most smartphones.
You can charge tablets with the power bank, but the power capacity isn’t enough to be worthwhile for tablets in the first place.
DevicesLAX 4,000mAh Power Bank with Lightning and Micro-USB (Output Capacity = 3,000mAh)Phone CapacityLAX 4,000mAh Power Bank Left Over Capacity after One Charge
Output Charging:
There are two convenient charging options available.
A Lightning cable on one side and a Micro-USB cable on the other side. The Max Output power that is available is 5V/2.0A at once.
This is disappointing at first, because if you’re charging two devices at once with this power bank, then each cable will have approximately 1 Amp of speed to use.
This is why even though it’s great to have two built-in cables, it’s best to charge a device at a single time for power capacity and charging speed benefits; as you’ll have 2 Amps of speed when you charge a device alone.
It’s already a mini power bank, and the fact that it has two cables is already impressive, it’s not surprising that it has powerful capabilities to match the Mini size.
Input Charging:
Recharging is done through a Micro-USB Input and the max charging speed for recharging the power bank is 5V/1.0A.
As long as you’re using a 1 Amp wall charger or higher to recharge the power bank, then it’ll be able to recharge to full power within 2-3 hours.
Size and Weight:
It’s a very small and lightweight power bank that is going to be very portable.
It has a length of 4.6 inches, a width of 2.4 inches, and a thickness of 0.4 inches. The weight of the power bank is 4 ounces.
So it’s the size of an iPhone 5, which means that you can easily carry this power bank in your hand while you charge your smartphone; or you can place it in your
Functional Components:
The two Built-in charging cables are to the side of the power banks and each of them is 5 inches long.
The Micro-USB Input port to recharge the power bank is on the short side. Lastly, on top of the power bank is where there are the power button and a LED power capacity indicator.
The power button isn’t a button, more of a sensitive touch area that you have to press down on to begin charging. Also, there aren’t multiple LED lights to show power capacity. Instead, there’s just one Blue LED light that blinks to show the amount of power capacity that’s left.
4 Blinks = 100%
3 Blinks = 75%
2 Blinks = 50%
1 Blinks = 25%
This kind of method to measure power capacity is highly unusual and rather difficult to check the power. It would be better to have multiple lights to check the power.
Structure and Material:
The entire power bank is made of plastic, and it has a very strong build.
Tech:
On the tech side, the power bank has lots of safety tech features to make sure that charging is stable when you’re charging 1 or 2 devices at once.
Reliability
The main reason that you’re getting this power bank is that you have both Micro-USB and Lightning chargeable devices.
Once you get this power bank you’ll have a chance of charging those devices at all times with the power bank because the power bank has those cables built-in. So the reliability is really good because you’ll always have the necessary cables to use the power bank.
With that said, the power capacity is small and will only be able to charge most smartphones 1 or 2 times at most. It’s a Mini power bank that has 2 Built-in charging cables.
Summary:
Power:
It only has 3,000mAh worth of usable power capacity. Also, the Max Output of power is 2 Amps at once.
It might seem rather bad, but the powering capabilities of the power bank go right in line with what the power bank is. Which is a Mini power bank, that has two built-in charging cables.
Design:
It’s as small as an iPhone 5, and that means you can hold it in a single hand or place it into your Portability is not an issue. However, the way of telling the power capacity could be better.
Build:
The entirety of the power bank is made of plastic. Not a rugged power bank but it holds its own.
Reliability:
If you have both Micro-USB and Lightning devices, then this power bank is going to be useful as you’ll always have a way to recharge both of those kinds of devices.
Conclusion:
The LAX power bank is a very capable portable charger that might seem underpowered, because, well it is.
But with the two built-in cables, the power bank is better than most mini power bank because it can charge two devices at once with cables that will always make it useful.
RS Recommends: The Best Small Power Banks For Travel
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Popular on Rolling Stone
If you still leave home without a small power bank or portable charger — you’re packing your everyday carry wrong.
There is no move more cringe-inducing than stretching your whole body across the bar, phone on three-percent battery in hand, and saying to the bartender, “Excuse me, can you plug this in behind you?” In the very best-case scenario, the bartender does have a charger and keeps your phone in phone-purgatory behind the bar and you have to get their attention every time you want to check your emails. Worst case, they direct you to the cash-operated phone charging station in the corner.
You need a small power bank. And not just for dead phones.
The best portable chargers and power banks can boost a wide range of electronics including your laptop or tablet. They come in handy if you’re out of range of a wall outlet, if you’re camping in the great outdoors, or if you’re working remotely from a library or cafe. They’re also great for road trips or plane rides, where you may not be able to plug in to charge your devices.
What Are The Best Small Power Banks?
Capacity: First and foremost, make sure the portable charger you use has the capacity to fully charge your device in one go. So take into consideration what devices you’re going to need the charger for, and for how long you’re going to be away from an outlet and will need it. Check the power bank for mAh (milliamp hours), and compare it to what you really need, whether that’s a small 3,000 mAh battery (great for phones), or a robust 20,000 mAh model (powerful enough for laptops).
Size: The idea behind the portable charger is that it should be, you know, portable. So don’t forget to think about the size and weight of the power bank when shopping around. Are you carrying a bag or do you want something to slip in your back ?
Compatibility: Keeping in mind what kind of device you need to charge, and how many devices you’ll want to charge at once, which will make a difference when shopping. All of our chargers work with both iPhones and Androids, though be sure to note the type of cable you’ll need to connect to your device.
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Keep in mind the power bank itself will need to be charged up after it juices your devices. The best power banks can dispense enough charge to power up a phone 2-3 times, or fully charge a laptop once. After that, they will need to be plugged in to recharge, a cycle that could take a few hours.
Anker PowerCore Fusion 10000
If you only need something to quickly power up your phone while you’re out and about or in an emergency,we like Anker’s PowerCore Fusion.
The 5,000mAh battery can fully recharge an iPhone 12 Pro once, and its ultra-fast USB-C power can charge it from 0 to 50% in about 30 minutes. The PowerCore Fusion also has a USB-A port, so you can charge two devices at the same time.
We like Anker’s PowerCore Fusion because it has a power plug built into it, so you don’t have to carry around a separate power adapter to charge its battery. You can also use this model to charge your devices while it’s connected.
It may not have the highest battery capacity, but the PowerCore Fusion’s convenience more than makes up for that.
Mophie Power Boost Mini
At four inches long Mophie’s Power Boost Mini is the smallest battery pack we’re recommending, and a great pick if size is your main concern.
The Power Boost Mini has a capacity of 2,600mAh, so you should expect it to extend the life of a typical smartphone by three or four hours. This is a battery pack to keep in your during a night out, not an international flight.
The Power Boost Mini has a single USB-A port, so you can plug in a phone or tablet, and a MicroUSB port for charging. Four LEDs on the side of the battery pack indicate how much juice it has left, so you can know when to charge it.
It may not have as much power as the other battery packs we’re recommending, but its small size makes it the best choice if you don’t want to feel weighed down by your tech.
Nimble Champ Portable Charger
Nimble’s Champ Portable Charger is the smallest battery pack we’ve ever tried but doesn’t skimp on any features.
The 10,000mAh battery can fully charge an iPhone and has two USB ports, so you can top up two gadgets at once. The battery supports Quick Charge 4.0 technology, which it says can charge devices up to three times faster than normal.
We’re recommending Nimble’s Champ because of its performance, but it’s also the most eco-friendly pick in our guide. The power bank’s case is made out of 72.5% post-consumer plastic, and its packaging is completely plastic-free.
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If you want a fast-charging battery pack you can feel good about getting, Nimble’s Champ is the clear choice.
AUKEY 20000mAh USB-C Power Bank
AUEKY’s USB-C Power Bank is the most fully-featured small battery pack we recommend, and is basically the Swiss Army Knife of on-the-go charging.
At 6.26-inches long it’s the largest battery pack we’re recommending, but it’s still small enough to fit comfortably in the front of a backpack, or inside a purse. It has a 20,000mAh capacity, which AUKEY says can fully recharge an iPhone XS over five times. It has a USB-A port and a USB-C PD (power delivery) port, which can output up to 18W (Watts) of power.
The USB-C PD port allows you to fast charge an iPhone or Android Phone, or extend the battery life of a larger gadget like the Nintendo Switch. You can use both ports to charge two devices simultaneously.
Besides being a traditional battery pack AUKEY’s USB-C Power Bank is also a portable wireless charger. You can set your device on top of the battery to use it as a charging pad, or prop the battery up using its built-in kickstand to use it as a wireless charging stand. It can output up to 10W of power as a wireless charging pad, which means it can charge an iPhone or Android phone at full speed. You can use this battery pack’s wireless charging feature while your phone is in a case, but it will slow the charging speed down.
I’ve tested this power bank for myself, and all of these features work very well. It’s rare to find a single charging gadget that supports wireless charging, fast charging, and multi-device charging, but AUKEY’s USB-C Power Bank manages to nail all three with no obvious downsides. It may be a little bigger than the other battery packs on this list, but its features more than make up for it.
I NIU Portable Charger
If you’re looking for a budget pick that doesn’t compromise on power or features, go with the I NIU Portable Charger.
It’s extremely thin and light, weighing just seven ounces, meaning you can carry it with you while you travel or when you’re commuting for work. It’s also got a 10000mAh power capacity, putting it on par with some of the pricier power banks on this list. This is enough capacity to fully charge up an iPad Air at least once, according to the brand.
You’ve also got both a USB-C input and output, allowing you to easily charge up any devices that may require that. There are also two other USB ports built-in, allowing you to charge up to three devices at once. You’ll even get a travel pouch as well as a USB-C cable to help you charge on the go.