PowerBanks How It Works
Powerbanks are becoming popular these days as our gadgets or devices were all getting smarter versatile tools in our daily lives specially for various types of communications such as calls,SMS,emails and other task,and these Smart devices (smartphones tablets) needs more power for them to work and last for a day as they should be. Normally the devices that needs a back up power are the smartphones tablets these days.And most of us individually owns one.But not all people knew how powerbank works literally.And some sellers just don’t explain on how their Powerbank works.And many people just end up buying the wrong specifications of powerbank that suits the need of their devices (such as smartphones tablets).That’s the reason I made this and compiled some facts gathered from different manufacturers and blogs site ,and made it into one instructables that may help some DIY’ers who planned to build their own powerbank or just buy the right one.
Step 1: How It Works? What Type of Powerbank to Choose?
Power Banks are all the rage, they came in various shapes and sizes.,but what are they for? We explore their potential, and how to choose the right one. What is a Power Bank and what can they charge? Portable Power Banks are comprised of a special battery in a special case with a special circuit to control power flow. They allow you to store electrical energy (deposit it in the bank) and then later use it to charge up a mobile device (withdraw it from the bank). Power Banks have become increasingly popular as the battery life of our beloved phones, tablets and portable media players is outstripped by the amount of time we spend using them each day. By keeping a battery backup close by, you can top-up your device(s) while far from a wall outlet. The Power Banks we’re talking about are good for almost any USB-charged devices. Cameras, GoPros, Portable speakers, GPS systems, MP3 players, smartphones and even some tablets can be charged from a Power Bank. practically anything that charges from USB at home can be charged from a Power Bank. you just have to remember to keep your Power Bank charged, too! Power Banks may also be known as Power Stations or Battery Banks, too. What types of Power Banks are there?Three major types of Power Bank found on the market today: 1. Universal Power Bank. They come in many sizes and configurations which can be tailored to your device requirements and to your budget. 2. Solar-Charged Power Bank. They have photovoltaic panels which can trickle-charge the internal battery when placed in sunlight. Solar charging isn’t fast, so they can usually charge via cable as well. 3. The third type of Power Bank is the older-style battery phone case. While they can be handy, this type of Power Bank has very narrow device compatibility, How do I charge a Power Bank? Most commonly, a Power Bank will have a dedicated input socket for receiving power. This power can come from a USB socket on your computer, but may charge faster when using a wall socket adapter. We most often see Power Banks use a Mini or Micro-USB socket for charging, and full-sized USB sockets for discharging. On very rare occasions, Power Banks can use the same socket for input and output, but this is rare and should not be assumed of any Power Bank, as trying to force power into an output can damage the battery. Always check the manual for specific instructions if you’re not able to find a clearly marked input socket. Depending on the capacity of the Power Bank and its current charge level, it can take quite a while to fill up. For example, a 1500mAh rated Power Bank should take about the same time as your typical smartphone to charge. For larger banks, this time can be doubled, tripled or quadrupled. Most Power Banks have both an LED indicator to show when they are at capacity, and a safety cut-off to prevent overcharging and overheating. Whenever possible, remove the Power Bank from charge when it is full, or at least avoid leaving it connected long-term after its full. Ambient temperature and power flow will also affect charge times, so it’s best to keep it topped off regularly. Some Power Banks don’t work well with high-capacity chargers (like the ones that come with iPads). Trying to fast-charge a Power Bank from a 2A charger can result in damage to the internal circuitry. How long does a Power Bank last? This is a bit of a loaded question. There are two important life expectancies to consider: 1. The number of charge/discharge cycles a Power Bank can reliably perform in its lifetime. 2. How long a Power Bank can retain its charge when not in use. The answer to point one can differ between models of Power Bank, their internal components and the quality of their manufacturing. We try not to stock Power Banks which have fewer than 500 charge cycles in them. This would allow you to charge a device from the Power Bank every day for a 1.5 years before it started to lose its ability to hold charge long-term. Better and more expensive Power Banks can last longer, while smaller and cheaper units may fall short depending on their treatment. Power Banks are generally not used daily, so they often last much longer than 18 months in real-world usage patterns. Point two depends on the quality of the controller circuitry and battery cells. A good Power Bank can hold charge for 3 to 6 months with minimal loss. Lower quality Power Banks may struggle to retain a useful charge more than 4 to 6 weeks. In this regard, you get what you pay for, and if you need a long-term emergency power supply consider increasing your budget to ensure you’re not going to be caught short. Most Power Banks will slowly lose charge over time, to a degree influenced by the environment and their treatment. For example, leaving a Power Bank in the car where the temperature can fluctuate greatly over time can shorten its lifespan. Technical Term Glossary What does mAh mean? Batteries common to mobile devices and Power Banks are rated on their ampere-hours, measured in milliamps to create non-decimal numbers. The mAh ratings denote capacity for power flow over time. Li-Ion Li-Polymer Lithium-Ion and Lithium-Polymer batteries are the most common rechargeable cell types found in Power Banks. Lithium-Ion cells are generally cheaper and limited in mAh capacity, while Lithium-Polymer cells can be larger and don’t suffer from a memory effect over time. Efficiency When power is transferred, there is always loss due to resistance. Power Banks are not able to transfer 100% of their actual capacity to a device, so we factor in this loss when calculating how many times an average device can be charged from a fully powered Power Bank of any given size. Efficiency ratings differ between Power Banks based on their cell type, component quality and environment. Ratings between 80% and 90% are the current industry standard. Beware of suspiciously low-cost options claiming efficiency ratings of over 90%. Device Depletion This is the state of the battery in the device you wish to charge. The lower its power, the more a Power Bank has to work to bring it back to life. We consider charging from 20% to 90% a full charge, as the efficiency loss increases beyond these points, leading to wasted charging potential. Going from 5% to 100% can take exponentially more power.
Step 2: Choosing the Right Powerbanks:
1.How do I know which powerbank suits my device? Depending on individual needs and requirements, there are several general criteria to consider when selecting a powerbank: a) Capacity For example if your phone battery is 1500mAh and is 0% now, a powerbank with 2200mAh can charge your phone 1 time. If your phone battery is 3000mAh and is 0% now, a powerbank with 2200mAh will not be able to charge your phone to full because the phone battery capacity is higher than the powerbank. If you require a powerbank that is able to charge your phone several times, you need a powerbank with higher capacity. b) Number of output 1 output to charge 1 device, 2 outputs to charge 2 devices. c) Output specification 1A-1.5A output is generally for smartphones, 1.5A-2.0A output is generally for tablets. 2. How long do I need to charge the powerbank for the first time and subsequent time?/ How many times can a powerbank charge my phone? a) Powerbank is already pre-charged and ready to use. b) Re-charging time depends on the capacity of the powerbank, remaining power in the powerbank and the power supply. Example:.Powerbank: 13000mAh (0% remaining).Power Supply/ Input: 1000mA plug.Calculation: 13000mAh/ 800mA = minimum 16.25 hours (Why 800mA? An estimate of 20% power is consumed during the charging/ discharging process) c) Similar formula applies to calculate number of times a powerbank can charge a phone. Example:.Powerbank: 10000mAh (full at 90%).Phone Battery: 1500mAh.Calculation: (10000mAh x 90% x 80%) / 1500mAh = up to 5 times (Why 90%? Assuming the power bank is well maintained in good working condition and can conserve up to 90% power) (Why 80%? An estimate of 20% power is consumed during the charging/ discharging process) Note that the calculation is based on normal condition whereby the powerbank or device (phone/ tablet) is not in use during charging process. A running device generally consumes power therefore if your device is actively in use during the charging process, the charging performance may not meet the expectation. The above calculations are examples made simple for easy reference. Accuracy may vary.
Images in order1.commercial PB (upgraded from 1200 to 2800 mah)2.commercial PB Kit(modified by adding switch and upgraded 2400 to 4000mah)3.commercial PB under my testing.
Step 3: Homebrewed Powerbanks
Image1-using 8 AA Nimh 2800 mah batteries Image2-using 318650 2200mah Li-ion batteries
ibles can be found on my DIYs
Step 4: Difference Between Li-ion and Li-Po
Lithium-ion batteries use a variety of cathodes and electrolytes. Common combinations use an anode of lithium (Li) ions dissolved in carbon or graphite and a cathode of lithium cobalt-oxide (LiCoO2) or lithium manganese-oxide (LiMn2O4) in an liquid electrolyte of lithium salt. Because they use a liquid electrolyte, lithium-ion batteries are limited in shape to either prismatic (rectangular) or cylindrical. The cylindrical form has a similar construction to other cylindrical rechargeable batteries,Prismatic batteries have the anode and cathode inserted into the rectangular enclosure. The image link at illustrates this construction method. Lithium-Ion-Polymer batteries are the next stage in development and replace the liquid electrolyte with a plastic (or polymer) electrolyte. This allows the batteries to be made in a variety of shapes and sizes. The significant advantages of lithium-ion batteries are size, weight and energy density (the amount of power the battery can provide). Lithium-ion batteries are smaller, lighter and provide more energy than either nickel-cadmium or nickel-metal-hydride batteries. Additionally, lithium-ion batteries operate in a wider temperature range and can be recharged before they are fully discharged without creating a memory problem. As with most new technology, the disadvantage is pricing. Currently, lithium-ion and lithium-ion-polymer batteries are more expensive to manufacture than standard rechargeable batteries. Part of this expense is due to the volatile nature of lithium. Lithium-ion batteries are most commonly used in applications where one or more of the advantages (size, weight or energy) outweigh the additional cost, such as mobile telephones and mobile computing devices. Lithium-ion-polymer batteries are used when the battery needs to be a particular shape. Lithium-Ion Battery Characteristics Type Secondary Chemical Reaction Varies, depending on electrolyte. Operating Temperature 4∫ F to 140∫ F (.20∫ C to 60∫ C) Recommended for Cellular telephones, mobile computing devices. Initial Voltage 3.6 7.2 Capacity Varies (generally up to twice the capacity of a Ni-Cd cellular battery) Discharge Rate Flat Recharge Life 300. 400 cycles Charging Temperature 32∫ F to 140∫ F (0∫ C to 60∫ C) Storage Life Loses less than 0.1% per month. Storage Temperature.4∫ F to 140∫ F (.20∫ C to 60∫ C) ï The chemical construction of this battery limits it to a rectangular shape. ï Lighter than nickel-based secondary batteries with (Ni-Cd and NiMH). Lithium-Ion-Polymer Battery Characteristics Type Secondary Chemical Reaction Varies, depending on electrolyte. Operating Temperature Improved performance at low and high temperatures. Recommended for Cellular telephones, mobile computing devices. Initial Voltage 3.6 7.2 Capacity Varies depending on the battery; superior to standard lithium-ion. Discharge Rate Flat Recharge Life 300. 400 cycles Charging Temperature 32∫ F to 140∫ F (0∫ C to 60∫ C) Storage Life Loses less than 0.1% per month. Storage Temperature.4∫ F to 140∫ F (.20∫ C to 60∫ C) ï Lighter than nickel-based secondary batteries with (Ni-Cd and NiMH). ï Can be made in a variety of shapes.
Step 5: Facts About Lithium Ion:
Is Lithium-ion the Ideal Battery?For many years, nickel-cadmium had been the only suitable battery for portable equipment from wireless communications to mobile computing. Nickel-metal-hydride and lithium-ion emerged In the early 1990s, fighting nose-to-nose to gain customer’s acceptance. Today, lithium-ion is the fastest growing and most promising battery chemistry. The lithium-ion battery Pioneer work with the lithium battery began in 1912 under G.N. Lewis but it was not until the early 1970s when the first non-rechargeable lithium batteries became commercially available. lithium is the lightest of all metals, has the greatest electrochemical potential and provides the largest energy density for weight. Attempts to develop rechargeable lithium batteries failed due to safety problems. Because of the inherent instability of lithium metal, especially during charging, research shifted to a non-metallic lithium battery using lithium ions. Although slightly lower in energy density than lithium metal, lithium-ion is safe, provided certain precautions are met when charging and discharging. In 1991, the Sony Corporation commercialized the first lithium-ion battery. Other manufacturers followed suit. The energy density of lithium-ion is typically twice that of the standard nickel-cadmium. There is potential for higher energy densities. The load characteristics are reasonably good and behave similarly to nickel-cadmium in terms of discharge. The high cell voltage of 3.6 volts allows battery pack designs with only one cell. Most of today’s mobile phones run on a single cell. A nickel-based pack would require three 1.2-volt cells connected in series. Lithium-ion is a low maintenance battery, an advantage that most other chemistries cannot claim. There is no memory and no scheduled cycling is required to prolong the battery’s life. In addition, the self-discharge is less than half compared to nickel-cadmium, making lithium-ion well suited for modern fuel gauge applications. lithium-ion cells cause little harm when disposed. Despite its overall advantages, lithium-ion has its drawbacks. It is fragile and requires a protection circuit to maintain safe operation. Built into each pack, the protection circuit limits the peak voltage of each cell during charge and prevents the cell voltage from dropping too low on discharge. In addition, the cell temperature is monitored to prevent temperature extremes. The maximum charge and discharge current on most packs are is limited to between 1C and 2C. With these precautions in place, the possibility of metallic lithium plating occurring due to overcharge is virtually eliminated. Aging is a concern with most lithium-ion batteries and many manufacturers remain silent about this issue. Some capacity deterioration is noticeable after one year, whether the battery is in use or not. The battery frequently fails after two or three years. It should be noted that other chemistries also have age-related degenerative effects. This is especially true for nickel-metal-hydride if exposed to high ambient temperatures. At the same time, lithium-ion packs are known to have served for five years in some applications. Manufacturers are constantly improving lithium-ion. New and enhanced chemical combinations are introduced every six months or so. With such Rapid progress, it is difficult to assess how well the revised battery will age. Storage in a cool place slows the aging process of lithium-ion (and other chemistries). Manufacturers recommend storage temperatures of 15∞C (59∞F). In addition, the battery should be partially charged during storage. The manufacturer recommends a 40% charge. The most economical lithium-ion battery in terms of cost-to-energy ratio is the cylindrical 18650 (size is 18mm x 65.2mm). This cell is used for mobile computing and other applications that do not demand ultra-thin geometry. If a slim pack is required, the prismatic lithium-ion cell is the best choice. These cells come at a higher cost in terms of stored energy. Advantages ï High energy density. potential for yet higher capacities. ï Does not need prolonged priming when new. One regular charge is all that’s needed. ï Relatively low self-discharge. self-discharge is less than half that of nickel-based batteries. ï Low Maintenance. no periodic discharge is needed; there is no memory. ï Specialty cells can provide very high current to applications such as power tools. Limitations ï Requires protection circuit to maintain voltage and current within safe limits. ï Subject to aging, even if not in use. storage in a cool place at 40% charge reduces the aging effect. ï Transportation restrictions. shipment of larger quantities may be subject to regulatory control. This restriction does not apply to personal carry-on batteries. ï Expensive to manufacture. about 40 percent higher in cost than nickel-cadmium. ï Not fully mature. metals and chemicals are changing on a continuing basis. The lithium polymer battery The lithium-polymer differentiates itself from conventional battery systems in the type of electrolyte used. The original design, dating back to the 1970s, uses a dry solid polymer electrolyte. This electrolyte resembles a plastic-like film that does not conduct electricity but allows ions exchange (electrically charged atoms or groups of atoms). The polymer electrolyte replaces the traditional porous separator, which is soaked with electrolyte. The dry polymer design offers simplifications with respect to fabrication, ruggedness, safety and thin-profile geometry. With a cell thickness measuring as little as one millimeter (0.039 inches), equipment designers are left to their own imagination in terms of form, shape and size. Unfortunately, the dry lithium-polymer suffers from poor conductivity. The internal resistance is too high and cannot deliver the current bursts needed to power modern communication devices and spin up the hard drives of mobile computing equipment. Heating the cell to 60∞C (140∞F) and higher increases the conductivity, a requirement that is unsuitable for portable applications. To compromise, some gelled electrolyte has been added. The commercial cells use a separator/ electrolyte membrane prepared from the same traditional porous polyethylene or polypropylene separator filled with a polymer, which gels upon filling with the liquid electrolyte. Thus the commercial lithium-ion polymer cells are very similar in chemistry and materials to their liquid electrolyte counter parts. Lithium-ion-polymer has not caught on as quickly as some analysts had expected. Its superiority to other systems and low manufacturing costs has not been realized. No improvements in capacity gains are achieved. in fact, the capacity is slightly less than that of the standard lithium-ion battery. Lithium-ion-polymer finds its market niche in wafer-thin geometries, such as batteries for credit cards and other such applications. Advantages ï Very low profile. batteries resembling the profile of a credit card are feasible. ï Flexible form factor. manufacturers are not bound by standard cell formats. With high volume, any reasonable size can be produced economically. ï Lightweight. gelled electrolytes enable simplified packaging by eliminating the metal shell. ï Improved safety. more resistant to overcharge; less chance for electrolyte leakage. Limitations ï Lower energy density and decreased cycle count compared to lithium-ion. ï Expensive to manufacture. ï No standard sizes. Most cells are produced for high volume consumer markets. ï Higher cost-to-energy ratio than lithium-ion
Step 6: Powerbank Accesories
image 1. bundled with commercial Powerbanks.image 2- additional(option only) accesory to extend compatibility to any devices.
Review: PowerAdd 10,000mAh 3-Port Portable Charger
A power bank is supposed to meet a criterion before it can have a certain amount of charging ports and then that connects to its power capacity.
The power capacity in turn results in the size of the power bank. Then there’s the actual charging speed of each of the Output charging ports that a power bank has.
As you may have already guessed, all of these aspects connect and when they all logically make sense to go together, then that’s when a power bank truly starts to be a great one.
Then there are some portable chargers where not all the facets connect, which makes it unusually mediocre.
This is the PowerAdd 10,000mAh power bank with 3-USB charging ports. If you just read that, then you probably know what doesn’t flow so well with this charger, and we have more to reveal in this Charger Harbor review.
Similar Power Banks:
Power Capacity:
The power capacity starts at 10,000mAh and it’s going to fluctuate quite a bit.
This is not only because the power bank just uses a regular Lithium-Ion battery; but also because of its 3 charging ports.
The usage of 3 charging ports and a Max Output of 2.5 Amps means that it’s going to depend on how you’re using this portable charger to get an idea of how much Output power capacity you’ll be receiving.
With that said, this power bank isn’t that much different than PowerAdd’s other 2-Port 10,000mAh power bank that has a 2.1A Max Output.
So in this case, we’re going to assume that you’re using this 3-port power bank at its limit and that can result in a 7,000mAh Output power capacity, or even lower than that if you’re pushing the charging speed to its limits.
Of course, if you want to charge smartphones multiple times, you can. Most smartphones will be able to charge about 3 to 5 times.
If you want to charge bigger sized devices like tablets with this power bank it’s still possible, it’s just that you’re going to have to charge them alone.
Charging tablets alone makes sense so that the power capacity from the charger is dedicated to the tablet and so power isn’t being separated to elsewhere during charging.
This makes it so you can charge Mini-sized tablets like the iPad Mini 2 and 4 to their full power capacities. As for the full-sized tablet, this power bank can manage to get about 60%-70% of the way through.
Poweradd 10,000mAh 3-Port Portable Charger (Output Power Capacity = 7,000mAh)Phone CapacityPoweradd 10,000mAh Left Over Capacity after One Charge
Output Charging: Per Port: 5V/2.0A Max Output: 2.5 Amps
The Output charging for this portable charger means well and we think that it’s pretty cool that you can charge 3 devices at once.
However, charging 3 devices at once isn’t going to provide the best charging experience. The usage of 3 charging ports is highly unnecessary.
Each of the charging ports can Output 5V/2.0A, so that’s good. It’s the Max Output of the power bank that is the main problem which is at 2.5 Amps.
So this power bank only has a max output of 2.5 Amps and it has 3 charging ports.
Charging 1 device is great, charging 2 devices are good but charging 3 devices at the same time is downright not a good idea at all since the charging speed will be split up and that will result in the 3 devices that are charging together to charge at very slow charging speeds.
This is why we think that 2 charging ports would have sufficed but we’re guessing that PowerAdd wanted to differentiate from their other 2-Port power bank.
With that said, a 3 port power bank with just a low Max Output is going to result in some limited charging speed if you do decide to use all 3 charging ports at the same time.
Although once again, it’s going to depend on what you’re using to charge with it. If you’re using smartphones with this power bank then it’s best to just charge 2 at once, not 3.
If you want to charge tablets, then it’s best to charge only 1 at a time. Not only to take advantage of as much power capacity as you can but also to take advantage of as much charging speed as you can.
If you charge a tablet alone, then it will be able to charge at its max charging speed of 5V/2.4A. Adding another device will offset its max charging.
Input Charging: 5V/2.0A
The PowerAdd power bank can recharge at 5V/2.0A through a Micro-USB input. As long as you’re using a 2 Amp wall charger it will be able to recharge within 5-7 hours.
Size and Weight:
This power bank is rather large for power capacity, and we mean that in the way to say that it’s not that up to the standard of how 10,000mAh power banks are supposed to be sized. Just take a look at the Anker PowerCore 10,000mAh It’s quite small and can even fit into a back
In this case, the PowerAdd power bank isn’t very versatile with its size. It has a length of 6.8 inches, a width of 3.9 inches, and a thickness of 1 inch.
It’s even heavy at a weight of 12.8 ounces. Overall, this can be the kind of portable that you carry around, but most of the time you’re going to want to simply set it down. Placing it into a bag is the best option for on-the-go purposes.
Functional Components:
All the functional parts are on a single side, and more specifically, they’re all on the long side of the charger rather than the usual short side of a side panel.
On the long side is where you’ll find the 3 USB Output charging ports all lined up horizontally next to each other and the Micro-USB Input port. On top of the power bank is where the power button and 4 LED power capacity indicators are. On the short side, the panel is where you’ll find a rather large flashlight.
Charging automatically starts when you plug a device into any of the charging ports. This leaves the power button with the primary function of checking the power capacity by tapping the power button.
Also, the power button is used to turn on the flashlight by tapping the power button twice. The flashlight is a LED one and it’s not too bright and is rather widespread.
It’s best to stick to a real flashlight if you plan on using this power bank as a dedicated flashlight. 1 reason because it’s not that bright and the other one is because it’s going to burn into the power capacity.
Structure and Material:
There’s nothing too special about the physical build of this power bank and that’s mainly because it’s all made of plastic. 4 main pieces hold the power bank together with the top and bottom centerpieces and the 2 side panels; one being the flashlight.
It doesn’t have safety precautions to go on it to save the power bank from a fall and we advise you to take caution in case you were to drop it. The shock of the fall could cause damage.

Tech:
On the tech side, the PowerAdd power bank uses plenty of safety tech features like Over-Charge, Over-Voltage, Short-Circuit protection, as well as Current control.
It’s with these that makes charging 3 devices at once really safe. With that said, we would have liked to have seen them use higher grade batteries like Panasonic or LG ones because that would result in a higher Output power capacity.
Reliability
Reliability with this PowerAdd power bank is unusual.
On one hand, you have quite a good amount of power capacity to utilize but then on the other, there are 3 charging ports with a very low Max Output charging speed.
This makes the power bank very limiting as a 3 Port portable charger. Charging 3 devices at the same time won’t be very reliable with a Max Output of just 2.5 Amps and each of the 3 devices that you do have charging will be charging at very low speeds.
To make the power bank reliable it’s best to keep it at 2 devices charging at the same time only so you’re not splitting the Max Output too much.
With that said, then you’re not using most of what the 3 port power bank has to offer which is to use 3 charging ports.
Overall, we find it a disappointment that they’d create a pretty cool looking power bank with a great concept but ultimately the very limiting charging speed is what makes it highly unreliable to use all the way. 2 Ports should have been the way.
Summary
Power:
The power capacity can go down quite a bit during the conversion when charging is happening but it’s similar to that of PowerAdd’s 2 Port 10,000mAh power bank.
The main let down is the usage of 3 charging ports and what they’re capable of. It’s nice that each charging port can Output 5V/2.0A, but it’s not nice that the power bank is only limited to 2.5 Amps of Overall Output power.
Design:
It’s a large power bank for only having a 10,000mAh of power capacity. There are other power banks with power capacity that is very portable with their size and weight. In this case, it’s best to carry it in a bag if you’re on-the-go and set it down when you’re using it.
Build:
Nothing special about build quality, it has a structurally strong casing and a safety net of safety tech features. There’s no usage of special batteries like Panasonic or LG batteries.
Reliability:
It’s not reliable for what it’s built for. Having 3 charging ports means that the 3 charging ports are supposed to perform very well even when you have 3 devices charging at once.
That’s not the case here, and the power bank provides a highly unreliable charging speed if you’re charging 3 devices at once.
Specs of the Poweradd 10,000mAh 3-Port Portable Charger:
Per Port: 5V/2.0A
Max Output: 2.5 Amps
- Input: 5V/2.0A
- LED Power Indicators: 4 LED Dotted Power Capacity Indicators
- Size: 6.8 x 3.9 x 1 inches
- Weight: 12.8 Ounces
Conclusion:
Some power banks try too hard, they go further than their supposed to, and going ahead of themselves is what downgrades their quality.
In this case, this PowerAdd 3 port power bank thought it could get away by simply having 3 charging ports and not caring about the charging power behind the port.
We’re reminded once again that the many facets of a power bank must click together to make a truly great one.
The Best Power Banks of 2023
We tested power banks from Nitecore, Goal Zero, Anker, and more, to help you find the best model to keep your phone, tablet, laptop, or other gadgets charged.
The BioLite PD power bank in action on a camping trip in Tennessee; (photo/Honey McNaughton)
In 2023, nearly every gadget and gizmo that we use has a battery. Our phones are the primary example, but nearly everything — from headlamps to headphones — has built-in rechargeable batteries.
As a result of our rechargeable world, portable power banks have become a standard part of everyday life. When traveling, power banks offer convenient on-the-go charging that eliminates the need to hunt down an outlet. For outdoor enthusiasts, compact power banks go along on every camping trip, thru-hike, and bike-packing journey.
In recent years, power banks have improved exponentially. As we all grow increasingly reliant on our electronic devices, power banks have become smaller, lighter, and more capable than ever before.
To compile this list of the best power banks, we combed the market for the most popular, innovative, and well-regarded models — and then conducted extensive testing at home and in the field to determine the best model for every need and budget. We charged phones, cameras, laptops, and even other power banks. We dropped and lightly abused over a dozen models to determine durability and longevity. In the end, we were left with a clear understanding of which models are worth their weight and price tag. These are the best power banks on the market today.
To learn more about what to look for when purchasing a power bank and our rigorous testing process, check out our comprehensive Buyer’s Guide, Comparison Chart, and FAQ sections below.
Nitecore NB10000 Gen II
Pros
- Impact-resistant and generally durable
- Lightweight with a thin profile
- Charges quickly
- Low-power setting for sensitive devices
Cons
Now in its second generation, the Nitecore NB100000 (60) is a lightweight, no-frills power bank that seriously impressed during testing. This minuscule unit is one of the smallest 10,000 mAh banks on the market. It fits easily in any. and it weighs just over 5 ounces — excellent stats for a power bank that fully charged an iPhone 13 to 100% two and a half times — exactly as the brand claims.
The NB10000 isn’t the most heavy-duty or luxurious power bank on the market, but it simply performs well in every category without any major flaws or weaknesses. Sure, the battery power indicator light isn’t the most precise, but that’s a nit-picky criticism in a compact power bank. Ultimately, the NB10000 provides reliable portable power for charging small devices.
Our 2-foot drop test didn’t leave a scratch on the Nitecore’s carbon fiber exterior, so we especially recommend this power bank for outdoor use. It’s light and packable enough for ultralight thru-hiking, and it contains enough power to keep a phone charged for quite a long time — depending on phone use, of course.
Compared to the first generation of the NB10000, the second generation offers increased USB-C output for faster charging. It also has a “low current mode,” which is useful for sensitive devices with small batteries such as Smart watches and Bluetooth earbuds.
If you need to charge two devices at once — the NB10000 has you covered. Additionally, it has “pass-through charging,” which allows users to tap into the NB10000’s outputs while it is plugged into a wall outlet.
Charmast 10400 mAh Power Bank
Specs
- Capacity 10,000 mAh
- Weight 6.6 oz
- Size 3.56 x 2.44 x 0.87
- Outputs USB-A (2x), USB-C (1x)
- Inputs Micro USB, USB-C
- Included cables USB-A to USC-C, USB-A to micro USB
Pros
- Versatile charging configuration
- Good value
- Compact
- The power bank itself recharges quickly
Cons
For 23, this.sized Charmast power bank is an excellent affordable option for recharging small devices around the house and during weekend getaways. Sure, there are less expensive power banks of this size on the internet, but this one actually works and has great quality for the price.
With two USB-A outputs plus an in/out USB-C and a micro USB output, this Charmast works with all sorts of cables. It can theoretically charge up to three devices at a time, though it will drain very quickly under that kind of strain. During our testing, it delivered power to headphones, smartphones, and smartwatches in a timely fashion. It pumped an iPhone 13 from 0 to 100% and again from 0 to 92% in a single full charge. Compared to similarly-sized power banks, the Charmast reloads quickly when plugged into a wall outlet with its included cable.
Though this unit is a bit bulkier and heavier than our top overall pick, it still fits easily into a without fuss. The plastic casing doesn’t boast any listed waterproofing stats, but it held up perfectly well to our drop test with only minor scuffing.
Goal Zero Sherpa 100PD
Specs
- Capacity 25,600 mAh
- Weight 1.5 lbs.
- Size 7.7 x 3.81 x 1
- Outputs Wireless, USB-C (1x)
- Inputs USB-A (2x), USB-C (1x)
- Included cables 39 USC-C to USB-C cable
Pros
- Powerful enough for charging laptops and tablets
- Durable casing
- Wireless charging
Cons
During our testing for this roundup, we focused primarily on compact.sized power banks in the 10-20k mAH range. Though these small devices are great for charging small devices on the go, they aren’t suitable for larger devices like laptops.
The Goal Zero Sherpa 100PD (199) is larger than most power banks on this list. It weighs 1.5 pounds, and it won’t fit in a That said, it’s still relatively compact, and it’s the perfect choice for airline travel or car camping, especially when a charged-up laptop is essential.
Compared to the smaller banks we tested, the Sherpa boasts several significant upgrades. First, it offers wireless charging. Just set a compatible smartphone or another device on the charging pad and it’ll power up sans cable.
A small display screen keeps the user informed on outgoing wattage, remaining battery life, and more. It’s far more informative than the standard series of indicator lights that most small power banks have.
The Sherpa charged an iPhone 13 from dead to 100% a whopping seven times using a USB-C to USB-C cord. The brand advertised eight full charges, but this figure depends on many variable factors. In any case, the Sherpa is about four times more powerful than most 10k mAh power banks in this regard. Using the wireless charging surface, the phone fully charged in about 100 minutes.
The Sherpa fully charged a MacBook Air over two times before it ran out of steam — more than enough for a weekend of off-grid computing.
Dark Energy Poseidon Pro 10200
Specs
- Capacity 10,000 mAh
- Weight 9.6 oz.
- Size 6 x 3.25 x 0.63
- Outputs USB-C (1x), USB-A (1x)
- Inputs USB-C (1x)
- Included cables 3′ USB-C to USB-C cable
Pros
- Extremely durable
- Built for extreme conditions
- Waterproof and fully submersible
Cons
In terms of durability, the Dark Energy Poseidon Pro (120) is miles ahead of nearly every other power bank. According to the brand, it can be fully submerged in water for up to 45 minutes, frozen for four weeks, and dropped from 75 feet in the air. Though we didn’t test these bold claims exactly, we used and abused the Poseidon Pro for several weeks, dropping it in the snow, tossing it loose into a backpack, and making no attempt to protect it from harm. It continues to look and perform like new.
This power bank’s bulletproof nature does come with a slight weight increase. It’s about 3 ounces heavier than other power banks with comparable capacity. Still, that’s a small price to pay for reliable power in extreme conditions. If you’re heading to the ends of the earth, this is the right power bank to pack.
All power inputs and outputs on the Pro are hidden beneath a rugged mini door. A small LED flashlight sits next to the USB-A and USB-C ports. Four battery indicator lights relay the key information that users need.
We managed to squeeze two full charges out of the Pro with an iPhone 13 — competitive stats in the 10k mAh category.
Goal Zero Flip 24
Cons
This Goal Zero Flip 24 (30) is one degree smaller than the common 10k mAh power bank size class. It’s about the same size as a 15-pack of gum, and it charged an iPhone 13 twice (almost, 81% on the second charge). It’s great value for 30, and it adds valuable peace of mind on long hikes and bike rides.
Unlike most power banks on this list, the Flip 24 only has USB-A input and output. It’s not surprising for such a small bank, but it might be annoying for folks without a compatible cable. Plus, USB-C charging tends to be faster than USB-A. The Flip 24 will charge your phone slower than most other options on this list.
On the plus side, the Flip 24’s built-in USB-A stick is quite convenient. It plugs directly into compatible ports and charges right up without a cord. The battery indicator lights light up when the user pressed the USB stick, which doubles as a button — product design panache.
For phones, earbuds, and smartwatches, the Flip 24 is a nifty little backup battery. If you need to charge larger devices, go with a power bank with greater capacity.
Anker PowerCore III Elite
Specs
- Capacity 25,600 mAh
- Weight 1.3 lbs
- Size 7.22 x 3.24 x 0.94
- Outputs USB-A (2x), USB-C (1x)
- Inputs USB-A (1x), USB-C (1x)
- Included cables USB-C to USB-C
Pros
- Lots of power capacity in a small package
- Simple design
- Intuitive single-button interface
Cons
Anker has a solid reputation for simple, long-lasting, and fast-charging power banks. The PowerCore III Elite (160) boasts an impressive 25,600 mAh of capacity — an excellent figure for a power bank that’s only about seven inches long.
Most power bank users can get by with 10k mAH — a perfectly suitable capacity for a weekend’s worth of phone and earbud charging. The PowerCore III Elite is a major step up — it contains more than double the capacity of most of the power banks on this list. It’s potent enough to charge laptops and tablets, and it still manages to fit into most pants s.
Of course, the extra capacity has to come from somewhere. The PowerCore III weighs 1.3 pounds. That’s a bit heavy for backpacking. Still, compared to similar capacity power banks like the Goal Zero Sherpa 100PD, the PowerCore is relatively svelte.
The PowerCore III fully charged an iPhone 13 just over six times. Anker claims it can charge three devices simultaneously. During testing, it easily charged two smartphones at the same time.
The PowerCore dented easily during our 2-foot drop test, but it went on working without issue. It’s a great compact choice for photographers or remote workers on the go.
Hinovo Magnetic Charger
Specs
- Capacity 5,000 or 10000 mAh
- Weight 4.5 oz. (5,000 mAh version)
- Size 4.09 x 2.75 x 0.35
- Output Wireless charging via magnetic connection
- Input USB-C (1x)
- Water resistance Unknown
- Included cables USB-C to USB-C (1)
Cons
This compact power bank magnetically adheres to the back of compatible smartphones to deliver power on the go. Instead of waiting while your phone remains plugged into a cable, the Hinovo magnetic power bank (39) goes where you go. It’s fully mobile, and highly convenient.
Our Editor-in-Chief has been living with the Hinovo for months, and he appreciates its ease of use and straightforward design. The slim 5,000 mAh version immediately doubles a smartphone’s battery life without much-added bulk. The major downside of the Hinovo is that it’s only compatible with certain phones that are MagSafe compatible.
If you’re in for a long phone-intensive workday or cross-country Wi-Fi enabled flight, the Hinovo provides reliable assurance that your phone will survive the trip.
Otterbox Fast Charge
Cons
The Otterbox Fast Charge (35) is available in three sizes: 10k, 15k, and 20k mAh. We tested the 10k version, though all three models have the same design and two-port layout. With just one in/out USB-C and one USB-A put out, it’s a simple and effective power bank that works best with smartphones and small devices.
The “Fast Charge” Moniker sets up high expectations. This power bank fully charged an iPhone 13 from dead to 100% in just over 90 minutes. While this stat is competitive for a small power bank, it’s about the same as several other top performers on this list. This Otterbox is a reasonably fast-charging product, but it’s on par with its peers on this list, not necessarily superior.
Compared to the more durable options we tested, the Fast Charge has an all-plastic casing that feels a bit delicate and cheap to the touch. It survived our drop test and continued to function, but it just doesn’t have the feel of excellent build quality. Still, it’s a perfectly usable power bank.
The 15k version (45) is a nice middle ground between common power bank sizes. We expect it could charge a newer iPhone three or four times, a meaningful improvement over the 10k version.
BioLite Charge 80 PD Powerbank
Cons
- Battery indicator is not super precise
- Battery indicator doesn’t turn off while charging
This unassuming powerhouse came to be one of our tester’s favorite power banks by accident. After getting his sleek, lightweight Anker charger stolen on a recent climbing trip, the BioLite Charge 80 PD (80) — his backup bank — found its way into his backpack on several ultralight treks and long road trip adventures.
It takes a lot for a power bank weighing over a pound to end up in a backpacking kit, but for super remote excursions where energy efficiency was a must, this thing was a lifesaver for our tester. Despite its 16.4-ounce weight, it can charge a smartphone over 5 times (tested with an iPhone 11), a tablet twice (tested with an iPad Pro), and even a computer once (tested with a MacBook Pro).
While you don’t need all these devices on a backpacking trip, this is a welcome power source for road trips, wilderness photo/video shoots, or international travel. And, for those backpacking jaunts that have you off the grid for five days or more, it’s hard to beat the power-to-weight ratio that this delivers.
The two USB-A Quick Charge and single USB-C PD ports offer exceptionally fast charging. The bank also only takes 4.5-5 hours to soak up a full charge, which is better than some other models with similar capacity we’ve tried. Its durable plastic shell gives this an indestructible feel, and we haven’t noticed a scratch on it after many miles of rough use.
With a 20k mAh capacity, it has the inherent cons of being quite heavy and comparatively large, but is on par with other banks in its category. We do find the battery indicator to be somewhat lacking. It is a bit hard to gauge exactly how much power is left, and we don’t like that the light remains on while charging. Some energy could be saved by having it switch off after it’s been plugged in for a second, and it can get annoying at night if it’s not covered up.
These slight gripes aside, we think that the BioLite Charge 80 PD delivers reliable power in a packable, durable design. If pure ultralight minimalism is what you’re after, there are better options out there. But, for the adventurer in need of a bit more juice on their excursions for multiple devices, this would be a solid pick.
OKZU C10002Y
Cons
This ultra-slim 10k power bank (26) is marketed as a power source for electrically heated outerwear, but it also works perfectly well for all sorts of small electronics. It charged an iPhone 13 to the brims three times before needing a recharge itself — a great showing for a bank that weighs just 6.8 ounces.
We found that the C10002Y gets warm to the touch when plugged into the wall, but this is likely just a result of the thin plastic casing — not a major concern. Speaking of the casing, this definitely isn’t the most rugged power bank on our list. It feels like one significant chest-height drop onto a hard surface would be the end of it. We held our breath during the 2-foot drop test, and though it did survive, it sustained minor visible damage.
Four indicator lights convert battery levels — including one light that turns green when “fast mode” is engaged. Interestingly, this light turned green while charging an iPhone via the USB-C port, but not when charging earbuds via a USB-A port. It seems there is some kind of sensor in the OKZU that engaged fast charging mode when the receiving device has a compatible battery. Neat.
Generally, this is yet another sweet little power bank. It’s mega thin, and hardly detectable when sitting snugly in a Plus, it’s affordably priced at just 26.
Lion Trek Portable Solar Generator
Specs
- Capcity 27,000 mAh
- Weight 2.1 lbs
- Size 8.54 x 5.47 x 1.57
- Outputs USB-A (2x), USB-C (1x), 12V AC (1x)
- Inputs USB-C (1x)
- Included cables Wall outlet to USB-C
Pros
- Features an AC outlet for charging larger devices
- Durable casing
- Easy-to-read display
Cons
In both size and capacity, the Lion Trek Power Bank (229) is the largest power bank on this list. At 2.1 pounds and 8.5 inches long, it takes some liberties with its self-described “portable” nature. Still, this power bank justifies its size with a massive 27,000 mAh of capacity and a handy AC power outlet. Unlike most of the options on this list, the Lion Trek packs enough power for laptops, tablets, and small appliances like lamps, TVs, and coffee grinders. It’s the perfect size for a long-term solo road trip — especially when paired with a compatible solar panel.
We’ve been testing the Lion Trek for several months. Though it’s a bit too big and inconvenient for airline travel, it’s been our go-to power bank for car camping. On a single full charge, the Lion Trek recharged an iPhone 13 nine times. It kept a MacBook Air alive for three days of frequent use. According to its display, the Lion Trek only used 5% of its total battery life to fully charge a pair wireless earbuds.
For some folks on the go, an AC outlet is a must-have. The Lion Trek is one of the smallest banks to include one. Additionally, the unit houses two USB-A outputs and one in/out USB-C port. For mobile remote workers, the Lion Trek can function as an ultra-compact solution for the solar-powered off-grid lifestyle.
Power Bank Comparison Chart
Power Bank | Price | Capacity | Weight | Size | |
Nitecore NB10000 Gen II | 60 | 10,000 mAh | 5.3 oz. | 4.8″ x 2.3″ x 0.4″ | 1x USB-A, 1x USB-C |
Charmast 10400 | 23 | 10,000 mAh | 6.6 oz. | 3.6″ x 2.4″ x 0.9“ | USB-A (2x), USB-C (1x) |
Goal Zero Sherpa 100PD | 68 | 25,600 mAh | 24.0 oz. | 7.7″ x 3.8″ x 1.0″ | Wireless charging pad, USB-C (1x) |
Dark Energy Poseidon Pro 10200 | 120 | 10,000 mAh | 9.6 oz. | 6.0″ x 3.3″ x 0.6″ | USB-C (1x), USB-A (1x) |
Goal Zero Flip 24 | 30 | 6,700 mAh | 4.6 oz. | 3.7″ x 1.6″ x 0.8″ | USB-A |
Anker PowerCore III Elite | 160 | 25,600 mAh | 20.8 oz. | 7.2″ x 3.2″ x 0.9″ | USB-A (2x), USB-C (1x) |
Hinovo Magnetic Charger | 40 | 5,000 mAh | 4.5 oz. | 4.1″ x 2.8“ x 0.4″ | Wireless charging |
Otterbox Fast Charge | 35 | 10,000 mAh | 8.1 oz. | 5.6″ x 2.9″ x 0.6″ | USB-C (1x), USB-A (1x) |
BioLite Charge 80 PD | 80 | 20,000 mAh | 16.4 oz. | 6.7″ x 3.2″ x 1.0″ | USB-C (1x), USB-A (2x) |
OKZU C10002Y | 26 | 10,000 mAh | 6.8 oz. | 5.3″ x 2.7″ x 0.6“ | USB-C (1x), USB-A (2x) |
LionTrek Portable Power Unit | 229 | 27,000 mAh | 33.6 oz. | 8.5″ x 5.5″ x 1.5“ | USB-A (2x), USB-C (1x), 12V AC (1x) |
Why You Should Trust Us
Every power bank on this list has earned its place through rigorous hands-on testing in the same real-world scenarios you’re likely to face. In the winter of 2023, author Austin Beck-Doss didn’t plug his phone or laptop into a single wall outlet for several months. Instead, he charged his devices exclusively via power bank. Through daily use and a series of standardized tests at home and in the field, Austin assessed the durability, performance, and capacity of innumerable brands and models. The recommended products on this list are the very best money can buy.
Power bank brands make lots of lofty claims about capacity, durability, and performance. Instead of simply trusting the statistics written on the side of the packaging, Austin put manufacturer claims to the test. Every power bank was fully charged to determine exactly how many times it could fully charge an iPhone 13 before depleting. Austin also measured the total time that each depleted power bank took to fully recharge once plugged into a wall outlet.
Our durability test involved prolonged regular use indoors and out, and a standardized drop test. Every bank was dropped exactly 2 feet onto a hard concrete surface to simulate the classic electronics fumble that we all experience from time to time. Some power banks ceased to function after a single drop. Of course, none of those models made the list.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Power Bank
For better or worse, most folks today feel a wave of concern when their smartphone battery drops below 20%. Phones, tablets, laptops, and other portable electronics pack a lot of utility — and we’ve grown reliant on them to conduct our everyday affairs.
Power banks are physical stop gaps that prevent dreaded cases of DPS (dead phone syndrome). Whether you forgot to plug in overnight, or you’ve been traveling all day without access to an outlet, power banks are a lifeline for you and your portable electronics.
These days, power banks come in all shapes and sizes — from mini units that can dangle from a keychain to 25-pound behemoths. On this list, we focused on the most popular category: personal-use portable power banks. Portable is a subjective term. For this list, we only considered products that weigh about 2 pounds or less and fit easily into any backpack.
In this comprehensive buyer’s guide, we break down everything you need to know about power banks; capacity, charge times, inputs, outputs, solar capability, you name it. Our hope is that by using this guide, you’ll be able to hone in on the perfect portable power bank to suit your everyday needs.
What Is a Power Bank?
A power bank is a rechargeable battery that can transfer power to other electronic devices. Power banks are like wall outlets that you can take with you. Simply plug in your phone or laptop via a standard USB-A or USB-C cable, and boom, you have instant portable power. People carry power banks for the same reason remote freight drivers carry extra cans of gasoline: If the main supply runs out, there’s extra fuel on board.
Size and Capacity
Powerbanks are available in many sizes. The smallest power banks are small enough to fit on a key chain and typically will only deliver a quick hit of power per charge. The largest power banks in existence can charge EVs — but those aren’t exactly portable.
Generally, power bank capacity is measured in milliamps per hour — mAh. This unit indicates how many milliamps of electric current a given power bank can deliver per hour.
All smartphone manufacturers utilize different batteries and charging systems. The working capacity of any power bank entirely depends on the device it is charging. Most fully charged smartphones contain 3,000 to 4,000 mAh, That means, on paper, a 10,000 mAh power bank can recharge a smartphone about three times.
Most of the power banks on this list hold around 10,000 mAh — a standard size for recharging small devices like smartphones, Bluetooth headphones, and smartwatches. Though brands often claim their 10,000 mAh power banks can recharge smartphones five, six, or seven times — they rarely live up to those claims.
Smartphone batteries are becoming larger and more efficient. In our experience, 10,000 mAh power banks will charge a modern smartphone between two and three times. On this list, the Nitecore NB10000 is the most impressive 10k mAh power bank that we tested. It fully charged an iPhone 13 two and a half times.
If you are looking for a power bank for something like a long backpacking trip, it’s important to find an appropriate weight-to-capacity ratio for your adventure. You’ll also want one that fits comfortably in your backpacking backpack, and doesn’t add too much bulk to your kit.
Compact 10k power banks are rightfully popular. They fit easily into most s, and they have plenty of capacity to keep a small device or two alive for a few days.
Though 20k power banks are a bit cumbersome for everyday carry, they offer much more utility. Most banks of this size can fully recharge a smartphone six or more times. Plus, many 20k power banks can charge multiple devices at the same time. If you’re looking for a power bank to charge multiple personal devices over the course of a multi-day backpacking trip, 20k is your best bet.
Power banks above 20k mAh start to get fairly heavy and less portable, but they’re great for folks looking to charge a larger device such as a laptop on the go. If you’re searching for a bank that can handle the demands of laptop charging, around 20k mAh is the bare minimum capacity you should consider. On this list, the Goal Zero Sherpa has an impressive capacity of 25,600 mAh. The Lion Trek is another excellent high-capacity power bank — and it even sports a standard three-prong AC outlet.
Charge Times and ‘Fast Charging’
The best power banks are quick to store power and equally quick to dispense it. Combined with the appropriate modern charging cable, all of the power banks on this list perform well in this aspect.
These days, many devices including phones, power banks, tablets, and cables claim to support “fast charging.” In reality, there is no universal standard for what “fast charging” really means. Each individual device has specifications that determine how much wattage delivery it can handle. Every element in the charging system — phone, power bank, and cable — plays a role in the rate of power delivery.
All batteries operate with a specific amount of voltage and can input and output a maximum amount of current. Fast-charging power banks have the ability to quickly pump more power into the receiving device.
For example, early iPhones came with a 5W power adaptor in the box. Those 5W adaptors took over two hours to charge standard smartphones. On this list, the speedy OtterBox Fast Charge delivers 18W power — it can fully charge an iPhone 13 in just over 90 minutes.
In general, any charging source that can deliver around 15w or more could be considered “fast charging.”
While fast charging is highly sought after, it can also be a detriment to your long-term battery health. Certain small devices such as headphones and fitness watches have relatively low maximum tolerable power delivery.
If you charge a pair of earbuds with a superpowered fast-charging wall port or power bank, it can cause irreversible damage to the battery life of those headphones. Many modern power banks — such as the OKZU C10002Y and the OtterBox Fast Charge — can decrease their output to meet the needs of a small device or fragile battery.
To choose the perfect power bank for your personal devices, check the device’s USB PD (power delivery) Power Range. For example, if a device’s USB PD Power range is 15-27W, pick a bank that delivers power within that range.
Types of In/Out Ports
Nearly all small electronic devices including smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, earbuds, headphones, and laptops charge via one of three standard input ports: Micro USB, USB-A, and USB-C.
Micro-USB ports are growing obsolete, but they’re still relatively common on power banks today. USB-A ports are typically used as outputs, though some small power banks such as the Goal Zero Flip 24 do have USB-A inputs, which eliminate the need for a charging cable.
The most common kind of input port is USB-C — the same port found on all modern iPhones. USB-C ports are easy-to-use, efficient, and durable.
Power banks only need a single input charging port, but it’s handy to have multiple types of output ports. On this list, the Lion Trek Power Bank has an impressive variety of outputs including USB-A, USB-C, and an AC outlet. Though it’s great to have plenty of output options, power bank users will mostly use USB-C ports.
Wireless Charging and Magnetic Power Banks
Some larger power banks are equipped with wireless charging capability. On this list, the Goal Zero Sherpa 100 PD comes with a wireless charging pad that can deliver up to 15w of power to compatible devices. In general, wireless charging from a power bank will be slower than using a cable, but it’s highly convenient in certain situations.
Some power banks attach directly to smartphones via magnetic connection. These power banks are compact units that typically pack just enough power to recharge a compatible smartphone a single time. On this list, the Hinovo Magnetic Charger is a highly functional and convenient option. It essentially doubles your phone’s battery — no cable required. Of course, only some smartphones are magnetic charging enabled.
Pass-Through Charging
If a power bank has “pass-through charging,” it is able to take in and distribute power at the same time. Pass-through equipped power banks can charge devices while plugged into a wall charger — a handy feature when you’re in a hurry. Many power banks on this list have pass-through charging, including our top pick the Nitecore NB10000.
Durability and Waterproofing
Depending on your needs, durability and waterproofing may be top priorities. If you plan to use your power bank for outdoor applications such as hunting, backpacking, and off-roading, we recommend that you pick one that’s built to withstand more rugged use. On this list, the Dark Energy Poseidon Pro 10200 is a rugged standout. It is waterproof, drop resistant, and immune to extreme temperatures.
Unlike the Poseidon Pro, most power banks aren’t built to withstand harsh treatment or exposure to the elements. For longevity’s sake, we recommend keeping your power bank relatively warm and fully dry. To preserve the integrity of the battery, power banks should be plugged in and charged once every few months.
FAQ
If treated properly, the power banks on this list should perform reliably for several years. All batteries degrade with time and regular use. Most modern power banks can be fully charged and discharged about 1,000 times before they no longer function. For most users, this equates to 3-5 years’ worth of use.
All of the power banks on this list are relatively small and portable. The majority of power bank users pick 10,000 mAh power banks, a good choice for recharging a personal smartphone. Compact 10,000 mAh power banks like the Nitecore NB 10000 offer a nice balance between utility and portability. They fit in a pant. and they pack enough power to keep a smartphone alive for several days without a wall outlet.
If you plan to charge larger devices like a tablet or laptop, we recommend sizing up to the 20,000 mAh range. These power banks typically weigh 1-2 pounds, and they’re still compact enough for hiking, traveling, etc. On this list, the Anker PowerCore III Elite has a strong battery that easily recharges a laptop — or multiple small devices at once.
Most small portable power banks can be carried onto an airplane. According to TSA, power banks cannot be kept in checked luggage. Certain airports don’t allow passengers to travel with more than 27,000 mAh in total battery storage.
The Top 10 Best 5v 2a Power Bank For Heated Vest: User Testimonials
With the winter season quickly approaching, many of us are looking for ways to keep warm. One of the best ways to do this is with a heated vest. A heated vest is a great way to keep your core warm without having to layer on extra clothing. But to make sure your heated vest works properly, you need the right power bank.
That’s why we’ve taken the time to review the 10 best 5V 2A power banks for heated vests. We’ve looked at their features, battery life, and overall performance to make sure you get the best product for your needs. We’ve also included a buyer’s guide to help you make the right decision. So whether you’re looking for a power bank to keep your heated vest running or just want to keep your devices charged, you’re sure to find the perfect product for you.
Comparison Chart for best 5v 2a power bank for heated vest
AWTOK Portable Charger Power Bank Apply for Heated Vest with USB DC Input Port, Portable Battery for Mobile Phone (5.0v 2.0A 10000mAh Power Bank)
Vida IT Slim 5V 2A Power Bank for Heated Vest Rechargeable Heated Jacket Battery Pack Size Thin 5000mAh Portable USB Charger for Heated Clothing, Scarf, Coat, Pants, Cell Phone USB-C Power Pack
Kofarrten Heated Vest Battery Pack, 5V 2A 10000 mAh Power Bank for Heated Vest Heated Jacket, Dual USB Heated Vest Battery Charger, Battery Phone Charger for iPhone, Android
Reading about each product before making a buying decision is important to ensure that you are getting the best 5v 2a power bank for heated vest. It allows you to compare features, prices, and customer reviews to determine which product is best suited for your needs. It also allows you to educate yourself on the different types of power banks available, so you can make an informed decision. Reading about each product also helps you to identify any potential safety issues that may be associated with a particular power bank.
Product Details
OKZU 5V 2A Power Bank for Heated Vest, Rechargeable Heated Jacket Battery Pack, 10000mAh Packet Size LED Display Portable Charge for Heated Clothing, Coat, Pants
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- 【Notice】It doesn’t work with 7.4V or 12V DC input heated vest, heated jacket.
- 【Designed for 5V USB Heated Clothing】It is compatible with 5V/2A input heated Vest, Heated Jacket and other heated Clothing. The professional customized chip provides continuous and stable output for the heating Clothing, which is safe and reliable. 10000mAh capacity can provide up to 7 Hours for your heating Clothing, and the compact body is conducive to putting it in the
- 【Massive Power. Mini Size】One of the Smallest 10000mAh external Battery easily slip into your or bag to keep you going all day.
- 【Accurate LED Power Digital Display】The USB power bank built-in advanced Smart digital display technology, power display accuracy is up to 100% which ensures you know the remaining power clearly and never missing recharging in time.
- 【Intelligent Safety Protection】 High quality Li-polymer cell with multi-protect system microchips. Supports over-charged, over-discharged, over-voltage, over-current and short circuit protection;
- 【What You Get】1 x 10000mAh Portable Charger, 1 x USB C Cable, 1 x User Manual.
Whsahans 5V 2A Rechargeable Battery Pack for Heated Vest 10000mah Heated Jacket Battery Power Bank for Heated Vests Heated Jackets Heated Hoodies for Men Women(No DC Port, Not Suit for 7.4v)
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- 【5V2A Battery Pack Special for Heated Vests】Small size and large capacity, compatible with most heated devices (heated jackets for men, heating vests, and pants) on the market, and suitable for charging Smart phones. Note: This is 5v 2a heated vest battery pack. No DC output, not suit for 7.4v heated clothing.
- 【Multiple safety protection 】We adopt the latest version of the intelligent chip and high-quality Li-polymer. Its conversion rate is 30% higher than its predecessor and it can protect your devices against overvoltage, excessive current, overcharging, and short circuit, so as to ensure your safety in use.
- 【Plug in for Automatic Starting up 】It was specially designed for heated clothing. When you wear heated clothing, it is inconvenient to replace the battery. With our products, you do not need to press the switch button because it will be power on as soon as the battery was connected. It will sleep automatically when it is not working.
- 【Small Size, Large Capacity】With a higher conversion rate, it can continuously heat vests for 3-10 hours (3 hours high temperature, 6 hours medium hours, and 10 hours low temperature ). It can charge iPhone 13 2-3 times, iPad Mini 1-2 times. It’s portable and weighs just as much as a mobile phone.
- 【Perfect Spare Battery for Heated Clothing】Compatible with most heated devices (heated jackets, vests, and pants) on the market. with seamless battery replacement, it can be taken as an additional battery pack, which enables you to enjoy more time outdoors and keeps you warm at any time. WUZITUA
OKZU 5V 2A Power Bank for Heated Vest, Heated Jacket Battery Pack, 10000mAh Packet Size Fast Charging Portable Charge for Heated Clothing, Coat
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- 【NOTICE】It doesn’t work with 7.4V or 12V DC input heated vest, heated jacket.
- 【Designed for 5V USB Heated Clothing】It is compatible with 5V/2A input heated Vest, heated Jacket and other heated Clothing. The professional customized chip provides continuous and stable output for the heating Clothing, which is safe and reliable. 10000mAh capacity can provide up to 7 Hours for your heating Clothing, and the slim body is conducive to putting it in the
- 【Lightspeed Recharge】Power up your power bank in just 3 hours with a USB-C Fast wall charger (not included). Double faster than 5V/2A input power bank.
- 【Ultra Slim Design】The capacity of 10000mAh is stored in an incredibly slim body that is 30% thinner, 17% smaller, 25% lighter than its kinds. You can easily take it anywhere without feeling bulky and heavy.
- 【Certified Safe】Built-in Multi Protect safety system protect your devices against excessive current, overheating, and overcharging etc. And the built-in Li-Polymer batteries adhere to the highest safety and quality standards to ensure complete safety for you and your devices.
- 【What You Get】10000mAh portable charger1, USB C cable1, user manual1, 30 days money back guarantee, 1 years warranty and life-time technical support.
AWTOK Portable Charger Power Bank Apply for Heated Vest with USB DC Input Port, Portable Battery for Mobile Phone (5.0v 2.0A 10000mAh Power Bank)
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- The small portable charger with dual inputs and dual outputs. It includes one type-C input port, one Micro input and two USB DC output port. The capacity is 10000aMh. It has safety certifications with CE, FCC, and ROSH.
- The portable power bank is minimum and lightweight, the size is 3.752.50.95 inch and the weight are 0.40 lbs.
- The portable charger is specially designed for heated vest and heated jacket with USB DC input port.
- The power bank can be used as mobile phone fast charge, it can charge your phone in a short time, it can be using for most mobile phone with 5V/2.0A input.
- You will get: 1 x 10000mAh power bank, 1 x 3 in one USB- Phone/Type C/Micro Charging Cable.
MRBIU 5v 2a Heated Vest Battery Pack,Micro Power Bank 10000mah for Heated Jacket,Dual USB LCD Display Portable Charger,External Battery for iPhone, Android etc.
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- ⚡【Small Size,Big Power】Full capacity (10000mAh) can charge iPhone X up to 2.6 charges,Galaxy S10 up to 2.2 charges,and heated vest/heated jacket for 4-6 hours. It very portable, the weight is only close to one iPhone X.
- ⚡【Dual output Power Bank】There are Type-C and Micro dual input (5V/2.1A), and 2 USB output Ports that can charge two devices at the same time which you can share them with friends. A USB Micro cord is included, it is strongly recommended to use a 5V 2.1A wall charger to charge the power bank, that can save more charging time.
- ⚡【LCD Display】It accurately displays 1% to 100% of the remaining power. It is a hidden display which will light up when the device is connected or turned on, and automatically sleeps after 35s at non-working state.
- ⚡【Li-Polymer cells】 This product uses Li-Polymer cells. Inside, there is built-in intelligent-voltage-regulator-safety-protection chip. Multiple protection programs are to avoid short circuit and overcharge of your equipment, balance the working temperature, safe and not hot.
- ⚡【NOTICE】This battery pack is designed for Heated Vest,provided that the output must be USB(NOT DC output). Please note that before ordering.
Vida IT 2-Pack Ultra Compact Power Bank Battery Pack for Heated Vest Gilet Jacket Blanket Coat, 5000mAh USB Power Pack Portable Charger for iPhone Samsung Android Phone, Lightweight and Small 2A 5V
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- [Twin Pack] Always have an extra portable charger for your devices. The vPow compact battery pack is perfect for people who need a size charger always at hand. Double USB ports to recharge all devices.
- [Power for everything] The vPow powerbank works with all devices which support charging from USB. Compatible with iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Android Phones, Heated Vest, Jacket, Gilet, Body Warmer, portable speakers, tablet PC etc.
- [Ultra Mini Design] Super small portable charger ideal for travel. Weighing only 99grams, it’s light small, easy to carry in your. bag, handbag, or backpack. Powered USB bank for festivals, camping, fishing, travelling, or general use.
- [High-Quality Cell] Our power banks use grade A lithium cells, which last on average 2-3x longer than other brands after 1 year of recharge cycles. This ensures you can keep on powering your devices long into the future.
- [Dual USB Ports] The vPow has twin USB port output which allows you to recharge two devices at the same time. It has 4 x LED display for power indicator so you’ll know when to recharge. Its 5000mAh can recharge most phones 1-2x times.
- [Specifications] 5000mAh UN 38.3 Battery, Super compact design, 2 x USB port Output 2A/5V, Micro USB Input port 2A/5V, Power Button, 4 x LED power display, 99grams, 91 x 62 x 12mm, 12 Month Manufacturer Warranty, Long Lasting Life Cycle.
CHHID 5V 2A Heated Vest Battery Pack,PD 22.5W Fast Charging 10000mAh Power Bank,LCD Display Portable Charger with USB-C Fast Charging Cord,Battery Phone Charger for iPhone,Android etc.
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- CHHID battery pack (5V 2A/3A) designed for heated vest/ heated jacket. size (only 6.7 ounces≈iphone13 ) and big power(can charge the heated vest/ heated jacket for about 5-6 hours).
- PD 22.5W Fast Charging only takes 30 minutes to get the phone charged to 60%; In addition, we provide an cable with Type-C fast charging for free which you don’t need to spend extra money or time on getting one elsewhere.
- CHHID portable charger uses lithium polymer batteries, compared with other batteries, it has a long service life, is not hot, and has high safety performance.
- Ordinary Phone Charger display power through four indicator lights, while CHHID Phone Charger has an LCD display that can accurately display the remaining power through percentage numbers.
- 【NOTICE】CHHID battery pack is designed for heated vest/ heated jacket.Provided than the output must be USB(NOT DC output),please note that before ordering.
Vida IT Slim 5V 2A Power Bank for Heated Vest Rechargeable Heated Jacket Battery Pack Size Thin 5000mAh Portable USB Charger for Heated Clothing, Scarf, Coat, Pants, Cell Phone USB-C Power Pack
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- [Slim Design for Heated Clothing] Compatible with USB 5V/2A heated clothing, UN3480 Grade A battery cell to provide stable reliable power. Unlike block battery packs, the V502 is slim and unnoticeable in your The high-quality cell gives 2-3x more rechargeable cycles than others.
- [Power when you need it] The Vida IT V506 portable battery pack is ideal when you need that recharge on the go. Its slim and lightweight design makes it ideal for travel or general use. Easily fits inside your or bag.
- [The thinnest portable charger] Easily one of the most slender USB chargers on the market, this battery pack is super easy to store, you’ll barely notice it in your
- [Cells that last longer] At Vida IT we use high-quality grade A lithium cells UN 38.3. What does that mean? It means that our power banks last far longer after multiple recharge cycles and retain their capacity into the future.
- [Works with every USB/USB-C] This V506 portable phone charger works with all devices, compatible with iPhone and Android phones. It features both dual USB output ports plus a USB-C input/output port.
- [Mobile Charging] The V506 is ideal for all occasions, and safe for taking on a flight when travelling, camping trips, festivals and concerts. Don’t get left without power again when you need it the most.
Size Power Bank 10000mah for Heated Vest,5V 2A Heated Jacket Battery Pack,LED Display Portable Charger with Dual USB,External Battery Phone Chager for iPhone,Android etc.
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- CHHID battery pack (5V/2.1A) designed for heated vest/ heated jacket. size (only 6.6 ounces≈iphoneX ) and big power(can charge the heated vest/ heated jacket for about 5-6 hours).
- CHHID Battery Pack has dual output ports, which can simultaneously charge two devices at the same time and maintain a stable output. Allows you to share power with your family/friends.
- CHHID portable charger uses lithium polymer batteries, compared with other batteries, it has a long service life, is not hot, and has high safety performance.
- Ordinary Phone Charger display power through four indicator lights, while CHHID Phone Charger has an LCD display that can accurately display the remaining power through percentage numbers.
- 【NOTICE】CHHID battery pack is designed for heated vest/ heated jacket.Provided than the output must be USB(NOT DC output),please note that before ordering.
Kofarrten Heated Vest Battery Pack, 5V 2A 10000 mAh Power Bank for Heated Vest Heated Jacket, Dual USB Heated Vest Battery Charger, Battery Phone Charger for iPhone, Android
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- 【Professional Heated Vest Battery Pack】 Kofarrten 10000mAh battery pack is specially designed for heated vest/ heated jacket. It is portable and size, the weight is only 6.7 ounces close to one iphone14 but it has big power, which can charge the heated vest/ heated jacket for about 3.5-7 hours.
- 【Intelligent Safety Protection】This heated jacket battery pack uses premium UL certified Li-Polymer cells, with built-in intelligent-voltage-regulator-safety-protection chip. Multiple protection programs are to avoid short circuit and overcharge of your equipment, balance the working temperature, safe and not hot. Compared with other batteries, it has a longer service life and has higher safety performance.
- 【Dual 5V/2.4A Output Power Bank】There are Type-C and Micro Dual input (5V/2.1A), and Dual 5V/2.4A USB output Ports that can charge two devices at the same time which you can share them with friends. A USB Micro cord is included, it is strongly recommended to use a 5V 2.1A wall charger to charge the power bank, that can save more charging time.
- 【Clear Remianing Power LED Indicator】Our Heated Vest Battery Charger with easy-to-access power button and clear LED lights on the front make checking the remaining battery life easy. Charge your phone simultaneously with the USB port while enjoying the warmth.
- 【NOTICE】This heated vest power bank is designed for Heated Vest or heated Jacket, please make sure that the heated clothing output must be USB(NOT DC output). Please note that before ordering.
Buying Guide for Best 5V 2A Power Bank for Heated Vest
A heated vest is a great way to stay warm in the cold winter months. However, in order to get the most out of your heated vest, you need to have a reliable power bank to power it. A 5V 2A power bank is the ideal choice for powering a heated vest, as it provides the right amount of power to keep the vest warm without draining the battery too quickly.
When shopping for a 5V 2A power bank for your heated vest, there are a few things you should consider. First, you should make sure that the power bank is compatible with your heated vest. This means that it should have the right type of connectors and the right output voltage. Second, you should make sure that the power bank is durable and reliable, as you don’t want it to break down in the middle of a cold winter day. Third, you should consider the size of the power bank, as you don’t want it to be too bulky or heavy. Finally, you should make sure that the power bank has enough capacity to last you through the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best 5V 2A power bank for heated vest? A: The best 5V 2A power bank for heated vest depends on your specific needs. There are many different power banks available, so it’s important to consider all of the features and specifications before making a purchase.
Q: How much power does a 5V 2A power bank provide? A: A 5V 2A power bank provides 5 volts of power at 2 amperes. This is the ideal amount of power for powering a heated vest.
Q: How long does a 5V 2A power bank last? A: The amount of time a 5V 2A power bank will last depends on the capacity of the power bank and the amount of power it is providing. Generally, a 5V 2A power bank with a capacity of 10,000 mAh will last for several hours.
Q: What type of connectors does a 5V 2A power bank have? A: Most 5V 2A power banks come with USB-A and USB-C connectors. However, some power banks may also come with other types of connectors, such as Micro USB.
Q: Is a 5V 2A power bank safe to use? A: Yes, a 5V 2A power bank is safe to use. However, it is important to make sure that you are using the power bank correctly and that you are not overcharging it.
When shopping for a 5V 2A power bank for your heated vest, it is important to consider all of the features and specifications before making a purchase. Make sure that the power bank is compatible with your heated vest, is durable and reliable, is the right size, and has enough capacity to last you through the day. Additionally, make sure that the power bank has the right type of connectors and is safe to use. With the right power bank, you can stay warm and comfortable all winter long.