Juice max power bank
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First Impressions
If you are looking for a lightweight charger for emergencies, then Juice is supposedly a reputable brand. You can easily pick one of these power banks from just about anywhere, from online retailers like Amazon to supermarkets like Tesco. One of my friends once even bought a Juice charger from a vending machine when his phone died whilst trying to order an uber on a night out. It’s this convenience and availability that makes them so popular.
But first impressions were not great for me. I originally ordered a Eco 1, wanting to review the smallest one thinking it would be great for emergencies or to fit into tech pouches. When it arrived it didn’t work, with a full charge being quoted at 8 hours. I spoke to Juice who were happy to replace it and offered the Eco 2 instead, a product from the same range but the next size up in capacity. After waiting a few weeks for this to arrive with delays caused by postal strikes and the Christmas period. I found the Eco 2 didn’t work either, this time only charging Apple devices but being incapable of charging any Android, disappointing as everything I own is Android. So once again it went back to Juice and they upgraded again to the Juice 3. Meaning my review is now being released six weeks later than intended. I can’t fault Juice’s customer service, they were friendly and convenient all the way, however this hasn’t left me with the biggest vote of confidence in their product lineup.
But first impressions were not great for me. I originally ordered a Eco 1, wanting to review the smallest one thinking it would be great for emergencies or to fit into tech pouches. When it arrived it didn’t work, with a full charge being quoted at 8 hours. I spoke to Juice who were happy to replace it and offered the Eco 2 instead, a product from the same range but the next size up in capacity. After waiting a few weeks for this to arrive with delays caused by postal strikes and the Christmas period. I found the Eco 2 didn’t work either, this time only charging Apple devices but being incapable of charging any Android, disappointing as everything I own is Android. So once again it went back to Juice and they upgraded again to the Juice 3. Meaning my review is now being released six weeks later than intended. I can’t fault Juice’s customer service, they were friendly and convenient all the way, however this hasn’t left me with the biggest vote of confidence in their product lineup.
Eco Range
The Eco 2 is one of the smaller entries in Juices line of portable chargers made from recycled plastic. Handily all the models are numbered not by what is the latest model, but by the number of charges they can supply an average smartphone. 1 being the smallest with a single full charge (or less than in the case of my phone) however the largest is the exception to the naming rule with the ECO MAX capable of 7 complete charges when full.
Usage
Juice pride themselves on offering charges that are ready to go out of the box. Perfect for when you are in an emergency and a store is nearby. That certainly is the case with the Eco 3, although not full it was around 75% which is perfect if you’re picking one up in a shop to use immediately. All you have to do is plug in and go. Although there isn’t a cable physically built into the device (a trend that is increasingly becoming amongst portable chargers) it does come supplied with a Micro-USB cable. This cable is so small though, and with Micro-USB usage almost non-existent, it’s pretty much useless. The cable is too small for it to be practical charging up the power bank from a outlet, and it’s also a lot slower charging than USB-C which its capable of doing, so really its inclusion is a bit of a oddity.
Size Design
So certainly this power bank won’t be winning any awards for its looks anytime soon. It is what it is, and its not ashamed about it. They have kept it clean and simple, I do like that they have a range of colours to choose from though it it wins some style points there.
In terms of length and width it’s quite a small charger that my anker series, but then it comes at the cost of it being a thick device. It’s not really a good or bad thing, it honestly just comes to personal preference. I wouldn’t say it’s a huge device as it’s designed to be portable. Personally I prefer longer and slimmer designs of Anker power banks, but I can see the appeal as it may fit into some smaller bags easier.
Capacity
So the Eco 3 has a capacity of 10,000mAh, which I think is a sweet spot when it comes to portable batteries. Certain Airlines have a max capacity on them, but rarely does it exceed 10,000. Any less and it’s really for emergency use only as they are more suited for topping up devices rather than fully charging them. 10,000 gives you potentially a couple of full charges depending on your device, or even a full charge and then more than 50% of a second at least.
Value for Money
At the time of writing Juice are selling the Eco 3 for £19.99. For a 10,000mAh power bank I would say that would be a fair price. They are an established brand, it’s not exactly a bargain but it’s not over the top expensive, it’s around the amount I would expect to spend.
Final Thoughts
This charger is simple, it’s no-frills and it does what it says on the tin (if you get one that works). If you need something that can charge your devices in an emergency, then this is an option. However if you have the time to research and buy online, then due to the quality issues alone I would recommend other brands.
JUICEE MAX: 20.000 MAH COMPACT BATTERY
This large-capacity battery is equipped with 2 USB-A ports on the front with 2.1A power each. It allows you to charge 2 devices simultaneously and very quickly. This battery is very fine and can be taken and travel with you in all circumstances.
JUICEE 20.000 mAh emergency battery.
- 2.0A Micro-USB input.
- 2.0A USB-C input.
- Output: USB-A x2 (5.0V/ 2.1A).
- Polymer battery with 20.000 mAh capacity
- Compact and fine design.
- LED charge indicator.
- ON/OFF button on the side.
Width 69mm Height 141mm Depth 28mm Weight 380g Battery 20 000mAh Connection 1Micro-USB (In) 1USB-C (In) 2USB-A (Out)
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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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The best power banks 2022
Choosing a power bank can be a minefield. There are cheap ones, pricey ones, and sometimes you’re paying simply for a name – but there’s a lot more to finding the perfect portable charger than looking at price alone.
Some other things you might consider include speed, both in charging your connected device and recharging the bank when it empties. Capacity is important, too: it needs to be high enough to get your through the day with juice to spare – even share – without weighing down your or bag.
Ports and connections matter, too. What are you charging? A phone, a laptop, a watch? The number and range of ports is important, and if you want to avoid carrying multiple cables then you could look for a version with built-in cables or wireless charging.
While we care about design, it’s actually much lower on our priority list than the things we mention above – unless, of course, we have need for a particularly rugged model or something that supports solar charging because we’re going to be away from mains power for an extended period. That’s not to say we won’t appreciate added extras such as an LCD screen and waterproofing – don’t you want the coolest and most convenient power bank you can get for your money?
These days, it’s even possible to rent power banks as and when you need them (check out ChargedUp). Mind blown. To ensure you get the very best power bank for your needs, whatever that looks like, read on for more detailed buying advice below our chart.
Best power bank reviews
Zendure SuperMini X3 – Best 10000mAh Power Bank
The Zendure SuperMini X3 certainly isn’t the cheapest 10000mAh power bank around, but it makes up for that in specs.
The headline is the 45W USB-C PD charging – for both input and output. That means you can re-charge the power bank itself in just an hour or so, but also that this is fast enough to meet the max charging speeds on most Apple and Samsung phones, and can even keep many laptops running.
The same port also supports the PPS standard at up to 33W speeds.
There are also two USB-A ports, one at 18W and another at 15W, and you can use all three ports simultaneously with 15W speeds from each.
Throw in the small LCD display to report battery life and the light and compact design (in a range of four colours, no less) and it’s easy to see why you might want to spend a little extra for the SuperMini X3.
Charmast 10,400mAh Power Bank – Best Value Power Bank with LCD
There was a time when power banks with LCD displays were rather expensive, but have now come down as the screens filter through to even affordable models like this.
The power bank also has three outputs, which will come in handy if you have multiple devices to charge. There are two full-size USBs, plus a USB-C PD port that can act as both input and output, and all three support 18W Quick Charge – although only one at a time.
On the side is an additional Quick Charge 2.0-compatible Micro-USB, which can also be used for charging the bank. It will charge in about 3.5 hours with a Quick Charge/PD adapter, but about 5.5 hours with a standard 10W charger.
The downside of the design is that it’s a bit bigger than many of the super-slim, similar-capacity models on the market. This Charmast is roughly the same width as a phone, but a little shorter and a fair bit chunkier. It weighs in at 228g, which you may decide is better suited to a bag than your
Charmast supplies a soft mesh carry case and a short USB-A to USB-C cable in the box, a nice touch.
Zendure SuperMini Go
- Interesting camera-inspired design
- Supports 15W wireless charging
- Strong device support
- Available only via IndieGoGo (for now)
- LCD is a little dim and can be difficult to read
The Zendure SuperMini Go is something a little different: a power bank that tries very hard not to look like one.
Zendure’s design is inspired by classic cameras, which is if nothing else a fun way to incorporate the large ring required for wireless charging – which here sits right where a camera lens would be. Instead of a viewfinder, there’s a rear LCD display to show battery percentage – though be warned that this is quite dim and hard to read.
It’s available in silver and black finishes, along with our more out there ‘Sunset Cyan’ gradient.
The SuperMini Go isn’t all about looks though, and it has some solid specs to match. The total capacity is 10,000mAh, and in addition to 15W wireless charging (with a magnet to keep phones steady) there’s 20W USB-C charging and 22.5W USB-A charging.
Compatibility is impressive too – not only will this work with both iOS and Android devices, but the ‘X-Charge’ mode is capable of topping up lower power devices like wearables and headphones, which not all power banks support.
The SuperMini Go is available now for backers on IndieGoGo with discounted launch pricing from 44 (down from an official price of 69), but with Zendure’s track record it’s very likely this will be in stores including Amazon before long.
JIGA 30,000mAh Power Bank – Most Versatile Power Bank
JIGA is a new name to us in terms of power bank tech, but its 30,000mAh power bank is interesting for a number of reasons – and not least the huge capacity, which will be some comfort on trips away from mains power.
While it’s something of a throwback to power banks from a couple of years back, with its built-in LED flash (certainly useful for camping trips) and durable but plasticky design, it also takes us back to the days where you didn’t have to sacrifice ports for portability.
It’s surprisingly small for such a high-capacity bank, but it’s more bag- rather than.friendly.
The JIGA has USB-C, Micro-USB and Lightning inputs, allowing you to fill its battery using whatever cable you have to hand. It’s a shame that the USB-C port doesn’t also work as an output, but there are three full-size USB-A outputs, each rated at 10.5W.
This isn’t the Power Delivery speeds we’re becoming increasingly familiar with today, but it’s plenty fast for charging a phone (or multiple phones).
If all you need is a healthy stream of power to keep topped up a number of mobile devices, this JIGA power bank will be a very handy device to have around.
Anker PowerCore Essential 20,000 PD – Best 20,000mAh Power Bank
Hailing from Anker, a respected brand in the power bank market, this 20,000mAh portable charger represents very good value at this capacity.
The 345.5G Essential is a black plastic brick, though relatively compact for the amount of power it can hold. It has a textured top surface that improves grip in the hand, as well as the overall appearance.
We’re pleased to find support for Power Delivery, but do note that it’s only up to 18W, and therefore not likely to be sufficient to charge a USB-C laptop. Still, for quick-charging a phone or tablet, this is a useful device.
A full-size USB output that uses Anker’s PowerIQ smarter charging algorithm is joined by a USB-C port that is both input and output. On top is a power button with four integrated LEDs that reveal remaining capacity, and you can use this to enter a trickle-charging mode suitable for smartwatches and earbuds.
A USB-C to USB-C cable and soft mesh carry case are provided in the box, which is a nice touch.
Anker PowerCore III 10K Wireless – Best Wireless Power Bank
The Anker PowerCore III 10K Wireless is a Qi wireless charger with a special feature: you can use it as a portable power bank, too, which can be super handy.
You can use it at home or work plugged in, and carry it around with you for wired or wireless charging when you are away from a power socket. Because it’s wireless, there’s no need to carry a cable around with you.
As the name suggests, the PowerCore III 10K has a decent sized 10,000mAh battery, which should offer at least three charges from the power bank before it needs recharging itself.
The wireless charger is rated at 10W. Place your device on the centre of the circle. We didn’t find the placement too sensitive, as some wireless chargers can be. It’s not auto-start, though – as a power bank it requires you to push the button first.
You can also charge from the two USB-A ports at one end – at a total of 18W, so charging two or three (one wireless, two wired) devices will split that power output.
Anker PowerCore Magnetic 5K – Best MagSafe Power Bank
This portable wireless charger is one of the best accessories you can get for your iPhone.
In essence, it’s a 5,000mAh palm-sized power bank that will charge your compatible iPhone simply by snapping it onto the back with MagSafe.
It works through some cases, charges over USB-C, comes in a range of colours and, even if you don’t have MagSafe, can be used to charge almost anything via cable.
A handy set of LEDs indicates how much charge the PowerCore has remaining.
Moshi IonGo 5K Duo – Best Design
It’s expensive, but you’ll pay out for the IonGo 5K Duo from Moshi if style is as important to you as is functionality.
Almost identical in design to the IonGo 5K before it, but here with both USB-C and Lightning cables built-in (hence the name Duo), the Moshi is an undeniably cool-looking power bank that comes tucked away inside a vegan-friendly soft leather case with a magnetic clasp and an anodised aluminium faceplate.
The additional cable means it’s now suited to Android as well as iPhone users, although as before this is Made For iPhone-certified.
This is a truly premium device with a colossal 10-year warranty going a long way to account for its higher asking price. It’s also possibly the dinkiest 5,000mAh power bank we’ve seen, suggesting there are some serious high-tech components inside.
At this capacity, expect a full charge for any Android phone, and potentially two for iPhone. Moshi claims the bank will also retain that power for up to 27 months when left unused.
Charging is up to 15W over USB-C and 12W over Lightning. Use Lightning and USB-C together and you’ll see slightly slower charging speeds, with a max total output of 3.4A (17W).
You can also use the USB-C cable for recharging the bank, again up to 15W. Better still, the Moshi supports passthrough charging, allowing you to charge both it and a connected device at once, but given that there’s no separate input here that’s going to work only with iPhone.
The Duo is currently out of stock at Amazon, but you can still pick up the iPhone model.
Chargeasap Flash Pro / Flash Pro Plus – Fastest Charging Power Bank
- Unbeatable recharging speed
- High-capacity (25,000mAh)
- Range of outputs
- 5-year lifespan
- Expensive
- Bulky and heavy
- Attracts fingerprints
- No charger or cable supplied
These graphene-composite power banks are able to charge cooler than ordinary lithium-polymer batteries, and thus can do significantly faster: you’ll get to 80% of these 25,000mAh batteries in just 45 minutes.
In addition to this there is a healthy smattering of ports, with three USB-Cs running at 100W, 60W and 20W, a 50W USB-A that supports Quick Charge 3.0 and SVOOC, plus wireless charging. You get a 15W MagSafe pad and a 5W Apple Watch charger in the Flash Pro Plus, and a 15W Qi charger in the Flash Pro.
Down sides include an expensive price tag, and a bulky, heavy design, but for sheer performance and functionality the Chargeasap banks are among the most capable we’ve ever tested.
FAQ
What capacity power bank do I need?
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking a 3,000mAh power bank will give your 3,000mAh battery smartphone a full charge, and that a 9,000mAh power bank will charge it three times. No portable charger runs at 100% efficiency. In truth, most average between 60- and 70%, with the best-performing models able to reach 80- or 90%. Wireless charging models may be less efficient still.
To work out what capacity bank you need, first check the spec of the device you want to charge to find out its battery capacity, then decide how many times you want to be able to charge it. For a rough estimate, calculate Connected device battery capacity x Number of recharges x 1.6 = Minimum power bank capacity you should look to buy.
As a rule of thumb, a 5,000mAh bank is a single-charge device, 10,000mAh hits the sweet spot between capacity and portability, and you want to look for closer to 20,000mAh for a laptop. We’ve got some of those high-capacity power banks here – just don’t try to stuff any of them in your !
How long does it take to recharge a power bank?
The time required to recharge a power bank will depend on its capacity, what you are using to recharge its battery and whether or not it’s empty.
For the fastest charging you should look to the new breed of power banks that support graphene technology and charge over a DC input (such as the Chargeasap Flash Pro – a 25,000mAh bank that can get to 80% in 45 mins and 100% in 70 mins), but these tend to be pricey.
For mainstream power banks, the fastest you’ll find is a USB-C inout/output that supports Power Delivery. This standard now goes up to a maximum of 240W, but in portable chargers you should expect to find an 18W port. Using such a port, the average 10,000mAh power bank might recharge in 2-3 hours from empty.
The cheapest models still tend to charge over Micro-USB, usually at around 10-12W. Avoid 5W power banks like the plague unless they are very low in capacity or you’re not in a rush.
What is passthrough charging?
Passthrough charging allows you to simultaneously charge devices connected to a power bank and the power bank itself. It’s a very handy solution if you are short on mains power outlets and need to get multiple devices charged up overnight, for example. However, not all power banks support it, so be sure to check the spec of your portable charger before you buy.
How do I know how much power is left in my power bank?
Assuming you know how much capacity it had when full, you can work out how much power remains either through a series of LEDs on the casing (usually activated by plugging in a device to charge or pressing a button on the side), or via the LCD if your power bank supports one. LCDs are preferrable, because they give a more accurate readout, particularly when it comes to higher-capacity power banks.
What are GaN power banks?
GaN is short for gallium nitride. It requires fewer components than traditional silicone chargers, which means power banks that use the technology can be less bulky and more efficient. If portability is your primary concern, then as well as considering the power bank’s capacity you should also look for one that uses GaN.
What charging speed should I look for in a power bank?
The first power banks on to the market ran at 5W, which is the same speed as the original iPhone chargers (aka slllllloooooowwwww). We wouldn’t recommend anything below 10W these days. This speed is known as ‘fast charging’, and it’s still rather common in cheaper models, but it’s not really the fast charging we’ve become accustomed to today. So many of the latest smartphones now support super-fast wired charging, and it seems crazy not to buy a portable charger that supports that top speed if possible.
The standard your phone uses to achieve its top charging speeds is important here. Some have proprietary technologies that work only with accessories manufactured and sold by that company. Some offer fast charging through Quick Charge or Power Delivery. Some support neither Quick Charge nor Power Delivery, but do support protocols such as PPS (Programmable Power Supply) or SCP (Super Charge Protocol). Make sure the portable charger you buy matches the fast charging standard supported by your phone.
The term Power Delivery does not in itself denote a performance rating. It could be capable of delivering anything between 18W and 240W. This is particularly important if you’re looking to charge a USB-C laptop – anything under 30W won’t cut it, many laptops will refuse to play ball below 45W or even 60W, and some larger laptops might require 90W. You will need to check the spec of your laptop to know what speed it requires.
At the other end of the scale, if you need to charge a low-power device such as a smartwatch or a pair of wireless earbuds, look out for a power bank that is certified for low-power devices. Many of those that are not will simply cut out when you try to charge these devices, because they aren’t able to detect a significant drain on the battery.
Power bank manufacturers rarely provide the speed of their outputs in watts. Instead you’ll see a rating in amps, which you multiply by the voltage rating (usually five) to get the rating in watts. So 2A x 5V = 10W.
What is Power Delivery?
USB-C and USB PD are often confused, but the important thing to remember is that USB-C is a reversible connection type, while USB PD is a power delivery specification, overseen by the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) and often expressed simply as ‘PD’. With version 3.1 of the specification, Power Delivery is able to carry up to 240W of power plus data over USB-C (previously limited to 100W), but devices that support Power Delivery can range from 18W right up to 240W.
What is Quick Charge?
Quick Charge is a Qualcomm fast-charging protocol that runs on the Snapdragon processors we see inside many smartphones, hence it has become commonplace in the mobile market.
The latest version is Quick Charge 5, which operates at up to 100W and supports USB PD PPS. However, while they are often seen together, Quick Charge and Power Delivery are not the same thing.
Quick Charge 5 is a massive jump up from Quick Charge 4/4, more efficient and able to run cooler and safer, and Qualcomm says it can get a device to 50% in just 5 mins. It is backwards-compatible with earlier versions of the protocol, including 18W Quick Charge 2/3, which are still very common in power banks.
Which outputs should I look for in a power bank?
The type and number of outputs you will need on a power bank depends entirely on what device or devices you want to charge. Pretty much all power banks have a full-size USB output that you can use to plug in your own cable, but it’s not always going to be the fastest way to deliver a charge to your device. You’ll also find USB-C and Lightning outputs, magnetic wireless charging pads and AC outlets if you shop around. Some power banks even have built-in cables to stop you needing to carry around your own, though you will still need one handy to recharge the power bank itself.
Why is the maximum output of a power bank important?
Some power banks have multiple outputs for charging your connected devices, but few power banks are able to simultaneously support all of them at the top advertised speed. Watch out for those that have a lower maximum output than the sum of all ports together. Also be wary of those that have multiple outputs but a very low capacity – these aren’t really designed for plugging in multiple devices, only to be versatile.
What happens when my power bank is more powerful than my connected device?
There is no need to worry about plugging devices into ports that are capable of delivering more power than the device is able to accept, since USB devices will draw only the power they need. Many power banks include technology that is able to intelligently dole out this power among ports more appropriately, depending on what devices you are attempting to charge (often known as Power IQ or similar).
Can I take a power bank on a plane?
Yes, but it must be in your hand luggage, and if it is higher in capacity than 27,000mAh (100Wh) you will need to check with the airline before flying. Make sure you take it out your bag as you pass through security. If a power bank is damaged then it will not be allowed on the plane as it could become a safety hazard. You should also ensure the specifications are clearly printed on the side of its case, as is the norm.
We’ve put together a range of articles to help you choose the best charging tech for the mobile devices you carry everywhere. You’ll also like:
- For charging away from home:Power banks for laptops | Travel adaptors
- Best Wall Desktop Chargers:For phones tablets | For laptops
- For convenience:Best wireless chargers
- Best charging cables:Micro-USB | USB-C | Lightning