Moshi IonGo 5K Duo Review: Lightning and USB-C in a stylish package [Video]
There’s no denying that when you’re out on-the-go and using your mobile device, having a portable battery to keep it charged can be essential. Some portable batteries require additional cables, but there are some great options that have cables attached so you don’t forget one. The Jackery Bolt that we’ve reviewed in the past is a great option at a good price point, but if you want something with USB-C, Lightning, and a little extra style, the 74.95 Moshi IonGo 5K Duo is well worth a look. Check out the video below to see it in action.
Design
With its sleek colorway and vegan leather-wrapped design, the IonGo 5K Duo is very stylish compared to competitors like the Jackery Bolt. Of course, this does come at a higher price. Measuring just 3.5- x 2- x 1.1-inches, the 5K Duo should be able to easily fit in s and bags.
There is a single button on the front of the IonGo 5K Duo. When pressed, the small LED light gives a status indicator for the battery level. Green means the battery is between 80-100%, orange is 20-80% and red is 0-20%.
To keep the cables easily accessible, they both clip into the side of the 5K Duo and are protected by the magnetic vegan leather cover to keep them in place. The USB-C cable measures just over 3.5-inches and the Lightning cable comes in at just over 4-inches. At these lengths, if you want to use the device while it is connected to the 5K Duo, the charger will have to be held with the device. But because of its small design and soft-touch, I didn’t have any issue with this.
While the 5K Duo has only one color option with the Fossil Grey vegan leather, the IonGo 5K that uses USB-A instead of USB-C has two different color options. All of the colorways have a very pleasing modern design, but the fossil grey on the 5K Duo is my favorite with its light grey cover and light-colored stitching.
Features
Having built-in cables makes a portable battery even more convenient. You never have to worry about packing the right cable or forgetting one. In this model, the 5K Duo, there are both Lightning and USB-C cables. The USB-C is used for both charging devices and re-charging the portable battery. If you don’t need USB-C and want to save a bit of money, the other version of the IonGo forgoes the USB-C for USB-A to recharge and comes in at 69.95.
Charge and recharge
With a 5,000mAh battery, the IonGo 5K Duo should give most mobile devices an extra full charge. The 5K Duo also charges devices pretty quickly with 15W through USB-C and 12W output with Lightning. Compared to a standard 5W charge, 12W will charge an iPhone at least twice as fast.
If you’re near a power outlet when you need to refuel, the IonGo 5K Duo can also pass-through charge. In this setup, both the portable battery and iPhone are recharged at the same time to make sure both are topped up.
Wrapping up
Overall, if you’re looking for USB-C, Lightning, and modern, stylish design, then the IonGo 5K Duo is a great option. It’s capable of quickly charging modern devices and is more pleasing than other black box chargers. But, if you’re looking for the best budget pick, the Jackery Bolt offers built-in Lightning and USB-micro connectors for 33, or Anker has some affordable options like the slim 40 PowerCore III with Lightning, 10,000mAh PowerCore Metro, or PowerCore 10,000 with a built-in USB-C cable. But if you want a small, stylish, and versatile portable battery, the Moshi IonGo 5K Duo is a great option. It would also make a great gift as a premium portable battery that people might not buy for themselves.
Buy Moshi IonGo 5K Duo
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Moshi IonGo 5K Duo Review: Lightning and USB-C in a stylish package [Video]
There’s no denying that when you’re out on-the-go and using your mobile device, having a portable battery to keep it charged can be essential. Some portable batteries require additional cables, but there are some great options that have cables attached so you don’t forget one. The Jackery Bolt that we’ve reviewed in the past is a great option at a good price point, but if you want something with USB-C, Lightning, and a little extra style, the 74.95 Moshi IonGo 5K Duo is well worth a look. Check out the video below to see it in action.
Design
With its sleek colorway and vegan leather-wrapped design, the IonGo 5K Duo is very stylish compared to competitors like the Jackery Bolt. Of course, this does come at a higher price. Measuring just 3.5- x 2- x 1.1-inches, the 5K Duo should be able to easily fit in s and bags.
There is a single button on the front of the IonGo 5K Duo. When pressed, the small LED light gives a status indicator for the battery level. Green means the battery is between 80-100%, orange is 20-80% and red is 0-20%.
While the 5K Duo has only one color option with the Fossil Grey vegan leather, the IonGo 5K that uses USB-A instead of USB-C has two different color options. All of the colorways have a very pleasing modern design, but the fossil grey on the 5K Duo is my favorite with its light grey cover and light-colored stitching.
Features
Having built-in cables makes a portable battery even more convenient. You never have to worry about packing the right cable or forgetting one. In this model, the 5K Duo, there are both Lightning and USB-C cables. The USB-C is used for both charging devices and re-charging the portable battery. If you don’t need USB-C and want to save a bit of money, the other version of the IonGo forgoes the USB-C for USB-A to recharge and comes in at 69.95.
Charge and recharge
With a 5,000mAh battery, the IonGo 5K Duo should give most mobile devices an extra full charge. The 5K Duo also charges devices pretty quickly with 15W through USB-C and 12W output with Lightning. Compared to a standard 5W charge, 12W will charge an iPhone at least twice as fast.
If you’re near a power outlet when you need to refuel, the IonGo 5K Duo can also pass-through charge. In this setup, both the portable battery and iPhone are recharged at the same time to make sure both are topped up.
Wrapping up
Overall, if you’re looking for USB-C, Lightning, and modern, stylish design, then the IonGo 5K Duo is a great option. It’s capable of quickly charging modern devices and is more pleasing than other black box chargers. But, if you’re looking for the best budget pick, the Jackery Bolt offers built-in Lightning and USB-micro connectors for 33, or Anker has some affordable options like the slim 40 PowerCore III with Lightning, 10,000mAh PowerCore Metro, or PowerCore 10,000 with a built-in USB-C cable. But if you want a small, stylish, and versatile portable battery, the Moshi IonGo 5K Duo is a great option. It would also make a great gift as a premium portable battery that people might not buy for themselves.
Buy Moshi IonGo 5K Duo
FTC: 9to5Toys is reader supported, we may earn income on affiliate links
Review: Moshi iongo 5K duo is the best portable charger for a night out
Moshi’s iongo 5K duo debuted at CES 2020 and is now hitting the market as an exceptional portable charging system for iPhone.- complete with integrated USB-C and Lightning cable.
Moshi iongo 5K duo Fast Charging an iPhone
A new portable battery
Portable batteries seem to be a necessity these days. Rather than opting for a cold, metal box, Moshi is trying to bring some life back to the everyday accessory.
The iongo 5K duo is a small, palm-sized device that integrates a capable 5,000mAh battery, an MFi-certified Lightning cable, and a USB-C cable.
A USB-C and Lightning cable sit behind a vegan leather covering which is secured via magnets
Read from AppleInsider
It doesn’t look much like your normal battery. It is slightly tapered and slightly beige in color, with soft, vegan leather wrapping the entire thing, making it feel warm and personal to the touch.
That cover is magnetic and opens up to reveal the two integrated cables that are tucked within. The magnet is sufficiently strong, keeping the sturdy exterior in place.
The exterior faux leather has a soft but smooth finish while the interior is more suede-like.
Moshi logo and power button on the iongo 5K duo
An anodized aluminum bar sits on the front and bears the Moshi logo. It also houses the sole button which can be pressed to turn the battery on as well as check if there is a remaining charge still stored.
Powerful charging
Though this battery is small, it is powerful. Internally, it houses a 5,000mAh battery which is a bit on the small size if you are hoping to make it through a weekend, though it’s more suited for a night out where it can nestle in your without adding bulk.
As far as speeds, the iongo 5K duo can output up to 15W of power at once and supports Fast Charge on more recent iPhones. That means it can do a 50% charge in only 15 minutes.
If you have two devices.- or you want to help top off a friend’s device.- the iongo 5K duo can charge both devices at once. One device charges over Lightning while the other does so over USB-C. That USB-C port also is used to recharge the iongo 5K duo between uses.
When the USB-C is plugged into power and the Lightning into your iPhone, it will bypass the internal battery to Fast Charge your iPhone first, then top off the battery itself.
The Moshi warranty
Moshi stands behind its products, and those aren’t just words. Each Moshi product comes with a two-year warranty standard, but register the product and Moshi extends that to a ten-year global warranty.
The company guarantees a reply to warranty requests within two days and warranty replacements in two to three weeks.
Say this battery breaks down after eight years and you go to Moshi for service. If the device has long been discontinued, Moshi will repair, replace with a comparable product, or issue store credit (in that order) to make it right.
This really is unparalleled in the industry and such a good sign for the longevity of Moshi’s products.
Should you buy the Moshi iongo 5K duo?
If you need a smaller battery pack that you can easily take with, Moshi’s iongo 5K duo is an excellent option. It is very compact, has the cabled entirely integrated, and enough juice for sufficient power.
Moshi iongo 5k Duo is an incredible portable battery
It is vegan-friendly with soft, protective faux leather, aluminum exterior, and is backed up by a ten-year warranty.
Our only concern is that should the cables break they can’t easily be replaced, but with Moshi’s warranty, we don’t have to worry about this issue.
- Simple, humanistic style
- Wrapped in soft vegan leather
- Integrated USB-C and MFi-certified Lightning cable
- 15W Apple Fast Charge support
- 5K mAh capacity
- Can charge two devices at once
- Industry-leading ten-year warranty
- Cable can’t be swapped
- Apple users may not have many small USB-C devices to charge
- 5K mAh isn’t enough for multiple charges
- Cable can be short when charging from the wall
Where to buy
Pick up the Moshi Iongo 5K Duo 5000mAh battery with integrated Lightning and USB-C cables from Amazon for 74.95.
Review: The Moshi Porto Q 5K wireless charge bank is nice but way too pricey [Video]
The Moshi Porto Q is not a cheap power bank. At over 80, it does throw up the question: how much are you willing to pay for a battery bank? That’s for you to decide. Besides that, it makes for a genuinely great travel companion and is one of the best multi-use power banks I’ve personally had the pleasure of using for a number of reasons.
I personally tend to buy a cheap power bank and then after a few months end up regretting the purchase as the battery fails or stops charging my smartphone and accessories. Even saying that, I need to say that I am firmly in the camp of getting four or five cheap power banks for the price of one ‘premium’ option.
Now for some contradiction: when I saw the Moshi Porto Q portable wireless charger I was intrigued by a) that 85 entry price and b) just how good it looked compared to the cheaper plastic models I am usually used to buying (and then sending to a landfill — sorry planet!).
Moshi clearly doesn’t aim this product at the ‘average’ smartphone owner, instead, they are targetting those who place a high value on aesthetics and form but still want function, too.
Design Build
Straight away, you can see that the Moshi Porto Q is clearly not made in the same vein as those from one of the numerous online sellers on Amazon that peddle cheap, mainly disposable accessories for your smartphone. Instead, the small plate shape is covered on one side with a soft touch grey fabric that instantly reminds me of the Google Home Mini — albeit a little on the darker grey scale.
Layered on top is a rubber ring and Moshi logo that act to stabilize your smartphone when placed (carefully) on the surface. This combination of fabric and rubber is great for a few reasons in my opinion. Firstly, if you don’t rock a case on your smartphone, then the fabric layer won’t scuff the back of your phone when placed on top.
The rubberized ring and logo stop your phone from slipping and sliding around on that fabric too, which is especially important when notification vibrations can rattle your phone and cause it to slide around.
Honestly, this is a really good looking power bank. There is a small LED at the front which breathes when the Porto Q is charging a device either via cable or wirelessly on the pad.
The sleek aesthetic means very little (not that you need them anyway) buttons and ports. I had to really search for the small power button and charge level LEDs that are around the side as with my poor eyesight, I didn’t notice them when first opening the Porto Q 5K.
I still don’t get the power level LED thing on power banks, as until you get used to the levels through trial and error, one light being on means almost nothing. Admittedly, almost all power packs use this method but it’s still one of the core frustration— for me at least — with power banks in general.
Overall, even with a smooth plastic bottom portion it feels well put together and has a heft that belies its small form factor. I would say the extra weight is almost reassuring when you hold the Porto Q 5K.
On the back portion, you’ll find the only input ports. You get one USB-A port for power output and a USB-C port that is used to charge the battery pack itself. I tried the Pixel 3 charge cable going from the USB-C port out to my Pixel and it seemed to take charge away from the device — my advice is just don’t do this!
The USB-A port is capable of up to 12W charge speeds, which unfortunately is a little short of the Rapid charging for Pixel devices.
Usage Features
In practice, the Moshi Porto Q 5K works like any other power bank and it takes around two and a half hours on average to fully wirelessly charge my Pixel 3 XL from around 10% battery. One thing I did notice is that sometimes if you take your phone off the wireless charge pad for a little while and then place it back on, it won’t begin charging again until you press side button.
That is great for stopping the power bank from unnecessarily wasting power constantly discharging. I like this feature but I am sure some will be less forgiving with a power bank that is not all too far away from 100!
I did find myself using the Porto Q as a dual charger too. With a tiny bit of work charge two devices at once via the USB-A port and the wireless pad on top but that is just something to note rather than actually try for yourself.
I did stick my mobile on the top of the Qi-plate when charging the power pack via USB-C though, so it effectively works as a standard wireless charger whilst simultaneously getting topped up too, so that is neat.
Another thing I noticed was that whilst the top portion is not so slippery, the bottom plastic half is what might cause slippages. On a completely flat surface, this wasn’t a problem. That’s because the weight of a device on top and the Porto Q was enough to stop major slides. I can imagine this could be more of an issue if placed on an uneven surface though.
The foreign object detection is something I personally haven’t seen before on a wireless power bank, so it was welcome but not something I would worry about in day-to-day usage. The LED light will flash to tell you something is on the Qi pad. I tried it with coins and it did detect them every single time.
Should you buy one?
Moshi is known for making some of the highest quality accessories that do genuinely justify the high price tags. The idea is that not only are you getting a device or accessory that works well, but it also looks aesthetically pleasing and feels premium.
One of my biggest gripes is with the overall capacity, 5,000mAh is around one full charge of my Pixel 3 XL with a little left over to give me a quick top up at another time. When some wireless charge banks cost around the same price and can offer nearly 32,000mAh of power and quick charge. You really have to make the decision based upon whether form factor is really the key selling point.
I can’t deny that it is a nice looking power bank and one that does appeal to my own aesthetic tastes. That said, honestly, I think there might be better options for most people out there who don’t care about the look of something that essentially just charges your phone or tech.
The charge speed isn’t exactly lightning, which is a real shame and one of the core reasons I wouldn’t recommend just anyone buy the Moshi Porto Q 5K unless having something that looks good on your desk or mobile office setup is extremely important to you. It’s most definitely my favorite power bank for looks alone, it just isn’t the outright best option for its core purpose — providing portable power at a low cost.
