What Are Portable Power Banks?
Let’s get right to it. If there aren’t any outlets to plug into, what do you rely on for power? How do you charge the device you have and plan on continuing to use? The answer to that question is quite simple and is an increasingly popular industry, Portable Power, more specifically, Portable Power Banks.
If you want to stay powered you must be outfitted with a reliable source of reserve power that comes in a compact and easy to carry package. We are going to go over the most frequently asked questions and explain what portable power banks are.
What Are Portable Power Banks?
If you want to make an informed purchase, the best practice is to understand the basic terminology. A portable power bank is a battery which resides in a special case that has a specific circuit that controls power flow.
Much like a bank account where you deposit you hard earned cash and withdraw it later, a power bank allows you to store electrical energy and then use it later to charge your device. Before we get into what types of power banks there are, let’s understand the power that is stored within these units.
What Does mAh Stand for?
While these units come in all shapes and sizes, they also vary in power capacity, much like the variety of smartphones on the market.
The term you most often seen while researching these units is mAh. It’s an abbreviation for “milliampere hour,” and it’s a way to express the electrical capacity of smaller batteries. The A is capitalized because, under the International System of Units, “ampere” is always represented with a capital A. To put it simply, the mAh rating denotes capacity for power flow over time.
Now that we know what a power bank is and what the power that resides in them is, let’s take a look at what types of power banks there are.
What Types of Power Banks are There?
While there are various styles and brands that cater to a user’s specific needs, you can break down the types of portable power banks into three categories.
Universal Power Banks
These come in many sizes and configurations that cater to you device requirements. Some may feature both an AC outlet and USB ports plus USB-C, while others may only have a single USB option.
Solar-Charged Power Banks
These have photovoltaic panels which can charge the internal battery of the pack when placed in sunlight.
Battery Case (for your phone)
These typically attach to the back of your phone and, while convenient, they have narrow device compatibility. Portable power banks for your phone are typically smaller in power (mAh) and will only recharge your phone a couple of times before requiring a recharge of its own. Here are some of the top portable power banks according to Android Central.
How Many Times Can a Power Bank Charge my Device?
Here’s a question we see frequently and that can be answered with a formula as shown below.
(Labeled capacity of the power bank x 3.7 / output voltage of power bank) x 0.85 / battery capacity of device = Total number of recharges.
Now, that you have the formula all let’s try an example. We can use a 40,200 mAh power supply and an iPhone 8 which has a battery capacity of 1821 mAh.
(40,200 mAh x 3.7 / 5) x 0.85 / 1821 mAH = 13.8 recharges
First we have the labeled capacity for the power bank – 40,200 mAh
Second we multiply that by 3.7. This number is the average voltage you will find in a battery cell. We get this number normally by finding the midpoint between a fully charged cell and an empty cell.
Third step is dividing 148,740 (sum of 40,200 x 3.7) by 5. We divide by 5 because this is the average voltage output of a typical power bank.
We continue on to the fourth step which is multiplying 29,748 (sum of 148,740 / 5) by 0.85, which is the average efficiency of a power bank.
Yes, this means you will never get 100% of the total expected output.
Finally we divide 25,285.8 (the sum of 29,748 x 0.85) by the battery capacity of the desired device you are trying to charge, in this case the iPhone 8 is 1,821 mAh.
The final sum comes out to 13.8 and that is how many times you can recharge an iPhone 8 with a 40,200 mAh portable power supply.
There you have it. You now know what a power bank is, what power (mAh) is stored in a power bank, and how to calculate how many recharges your power bank can supply to whatever device you decide to use. If you have any questions feel free to leave a comment below and reach out for additional support. Keep an eye out for future posts!
The 11 Best Portable Power Bank Chargers for Travel [2023]
We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertiser Disclosure for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.
When you’re miles from anywhere, a portable power bank can quickly become your very best friend.
Giving an extra burst of battery life to your cell phone or iPad can keep you amused for longer, or more importantly, ensure that you’re always able to get in touch with the rest of the world.
- Things To Look for in a Power Bank
- The 11 Best Portable Power Banks for Travel
- Pint-sized Perfection for Single-use Charging
- Superstar Power Bank Offering Dual Charging
- A Great Little Charger That Packs a Punch
- A Great All-around Charger for Days Out and Long Journeys
- A Firm Favorite for Those Who Need Power
- One of the Best-loved Power Banks Ever Made
- A Great Choice for Charging Small Laptops on the Go
- Best Value Power Bank for Outdoor Adventures
- 2 Power Banks for all Your Charging Needs
- Great for Gamers on the Go
- Great for Vacations and Overnight Stays
- Things To Look for in a Power Bank
- The 11 Best Portable Power Banks for Travel
- 1. Pint-sized Perfection for Single-use Charging
- 2. Superstar Power Bank Offering Dual Charging
- 3. A Great Little Charger That Packs a Punch
- 4. A Great All-around Charger for Days Out and Long Journeys
- 5. A Firm Favorite for Those Who Need Power
- 6. One of the Best-loved Power Banks Ever Made
- 7. A Great Choice for Charging Small Laptops on the Go
- 8. Best Value Power Bank for Outdoor Adventures
- 9. 2 Power Banks for all Your Charging Needs
- 10. Great for Gamers on the Go
- 11. Great for Vacations and Overnight Stays
Things To Look for in a Power Bank
Size and Weight
Your power bank is designed to be portable, otherwise, what’s the point?! With this in mind, the physical size and weight of it will be major factors in considering which one is right for you.
The charger should be able to fit neatly in the same space as your cell phone; otherwise, you’ll have one in your while carrying the other in your hand — not cool!
Bottom Line: Look for one that will fit neatly in your. purse, or backpack. While power banks should have a sturdy feel about them, they shouldn’t be uncomfortably heavy, so opt for one that’s light enough not to weigh you (or your s) down.
The power capacity that your power bank kicks out is measured in milliamp-hours or “mAh.” The amount of mAh available will define how much charge you can expect to get out of your power bank.
Common capacity ratings range from 2,000mAh to 20,000mAh and in some cases, even as high as 40,000mAh. To give you a rough idea of how the amount of mAh juice in the bank affects what you can charge and how often, consider the following:
- An iPhone 7 can be charged approximately 6 times with a 20,000mAh power bank
- A Samsung Galaxy S8 can be charged approximately 4.5 times with a 20,000mAh power bank
- An iPad mini can be charged approximately 4 times with a 20,000mAh power bank
Think about what devices you need a power bank for and how long you’ll be away from a power outlet. If you just need something to keep your phone topped up a couple of times a day, a 5,000mAh or 10,000mAh will do the job just fine and it will be physically smaller, too.
Hot Tip: Most airlines will cap power banks at 20,000mAh while some will allow larger. Always check with your airline as to what the maximum capacity requirements are.
Inputs (1A, 2A, or 2.4A)
At some point, your power bank will need charging up to ensure it can provide the backup charge power you need. What you want is a nice, quick recharge speed that means you can get back out there without having to be attached to a wall socket for hours on end.
The input charging speed is dependent on the type of wall charger used. A standard wall charger with a 2A output would recharge the power bank twice as fast as one with only a 1A output. For this to happen, your power bank would need to offer a 2A input.
While some do offer this, many still rely on a 1A input which will take longer to reach a full charge.
Hot Tip: Newer power banks can be charged even more quickly with the addition of a 2.4A input option. Look out for these if you want the fastest charge on the market.
The 11 Best Portable Power Banks for Travel
Pint-sized Perfection for Single-use Charging
A fast-charging power bank that is lightweight enough to carry in a purse or easily. Compatible with multiple types of cords to charge devices with multiple different operating systems.
Anker PowerCore, 5000 mAh Ultra-Compact Portable Charger
Capacity: 5,000mAh
Lightweight and super useful, this tiny, compact charger is enough to provide 2 full charges for your iPhone 8 or 1 charge for your iPhone X or Samsung Galaxy S9.
Measuring 4.5 x 1.3 x 1.3 inches and weighing 4.8 ounces, you’ll have no problem fitting this handy charger in your or purse on the go.
With a fairly impressive battery capacity of 5,000mAh, this product is well-made and is an excellent example of an established brand squeezing good-quality components into small packages.
The charger features PowerIQ technology that identifies the type of device it’s charging to optimize efficiency, as well as a VoltageBoost to overcome cable resistance for top-speed charging.
With both a USB and micro USB port and the ability to be fully recharged in as little as 3 to 4 hours, this small battery pack will be with you on every adventure.
As a one-off, emergency charger, this is one of the best in the business. When you need that little bit extra, you can retrieve this from your handbag to allow you to stay charged on the go.
There’s no real downside to this particular power bank, but if you want more power, you’ll need to invest in a model with more capacity. As with all Anker chargers, this model also comes with an 18-month warranty.
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
Superstar Power Bank Offering Dual Charging
A sleek charging bank that has enough power to fully recharge most cell phone batteries up to 7 times. Easy-to-see lights indicate how much power is left in the bank.
Lanluk Portable Charger Power Bank
Capacity: 25,800mAh
This is a popular and very impressive power bank from Lanluk. With 2 incredibly fast USB ports, powerful and efficient lithium-ion batteries, and a highly portable design, this is a great option for anyone who needs to boost their power on the go.
Measuring just 5.9 x 3 x 0.6 inches and weighing 12.3 ounces, the slightly heavy feeling in your is more than made up for by the superfast charging capability it offers.
This power bank has 2 USB ports that can be used to charge multiple devices at the same time — 1 2.1A outport and 1 1A outport. The unit also offers Auto IC technology that very cleverly identifies your device for maximum charge efficiency.
Different devices will vary on how many times they can be charged, but to give you an idea, your iPhone 8 could be charged a whopping 7 times when this power bank is fully charged.
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
A Great Little Charger That Packs a Punch
A charger that’s small, lightweight, and compact but powerful. It has built-in cables to charge most devices at least once completely and is compatible with both Android and iOS phones.
TG90 6000 mAh Portable Charger
Capacity: 6,000mAh
Compact and lightweight, this small power bank is incredibly portable. Weighing in at just 4.3 ounces and measuring only 4.1 x 0.5 x 2.6 inches, complete with cables, it’s one of the smallest 6,000mAh chargers available.
This TG90 power bank can easily fit in your. purse, or day bag for easy charging on the go and its tiny size belies its powerful charging capabilities. Built-in iPhone and Android cables mean you don’t need to remember to bring your cables, and there are 2 additional 2A outputs (USB and Type-C) for charging multiple devices.
When it comes to charging your power bank back up, this can be done in as little as 3 hours without other connections, or you can charge up while charging your portable devices at the same time. If you happen to be short of light, this power bank also has a handy built-in LED flashlight.
This is a great power pack for the price, and should you run into any problems, you can relax knowing that it comes with a 12-month manufacturer’s warranty.
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
A Great All-around Charger for Days Out and Long Journeys
A fast charger that works with both Android and iPhone devices. The power bank recharges quickly, as well, and has 4 lights to easily see how much power is left.
Anker 321 Power Bank
Capacity: 5,200mAh
The Anker 321 Power Bank offers a handy amount of extra capacity for keeping your iPhone, Android phone, iPad, or tablet topped up while you’re away from home.
Measuring just 3.78 x 1.78 x 0.91 inches and weighing 4.5 ounces, you’ll easily be able to take this everywhere with you.
Using Anker’s PowerIQ device-detection technology, charging times will be adjusted to help reduce charging time and increase efficiency, depending on what device you have plugged in.
With a USB-A and USB-C port, you can charge 2 devices at the same time and this compact portable charger has enough power to charge your iPhone 13 once. The bright LED indicators show the power level at a glance.
This is a great portable charger from one of the best brands on the market. Affordable and efficient, this won’t last you for weeks on end, but it will provide you with more than enough power for an extra charge or 2 when you need it the most.
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
A Firm Favorite for Those Who Need Power
This charger has multiple connection types to fit different types of devices. It’s compatible with USB, micro-USB, lightning, and USB-C ports. It guarantees 2 to 3.5 full charges depending on your device.
Anker PowerCore II 10000 Ultra Slim Power Bank
Capacity: 10,000mAh
The upgraded PowerCore II is an impressive power bank that features Anker’s new charging chip.
Being able to squeeze the power into a single chip makes for a lighter and more powerful charger that’s more portable than ever before. Measuring 5.39 x 2.6 x 0.59 inches and weighing just 7.52 ounces, you can easily pop this in your handbag, backpack, or
Kicking out 10,000mAh of power, you’ll be able to charge your iPhone 8/X/XS/XS Max/XR, Android smartphones, tablets, USB-C MacBook, or your iPad anywhere you go. When it comes to recharging the device itself, it can take between 4 and 10 hours, depending on the type of input you’re using.
The super-high-speed capacity means you can quickly and efficiently charge an iPhone X over 2.4 times, a Galaxy S9 2.2 times or an iPhone 8 over 3.6 times before the power bank’s battery is empty.
The PowerCore II looks as good as it functions, too, with a soft silicone surface that cushions your smartphone and helps to prevent scuffs and scratches, as well as a slim design that can rest perfectly next to your cell phone.
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
One of the Best-loved Power Banks Ever Made
This is a durable power bank that has multiple ports, making it compatible with an array of devices. Sleek and heavy-duty, it’s perfect for traveling and comes with a warranty.
Anker PowerCore 13000
Capacity: 13,000mAh
This ultra-portable, 2-point power bank is robust enough to go anywhere with you while offering the capacity to keep your cell phone or devices topped up on the go.
Measuring 3.8 x 3.1 x 0.9 inches and weighing just 8.47 ounces, this lightweight charger is small enough to fit in your. purse, or wallet alongside your cell phone.
With enough oomph to charge an iPhone 8 almost 5 times, an iPhone X or Samsung Galaxy S8 3 times, or an iPad Air 2 1 time, this is useful for anyone on the move.
The patented PowerIQ technology ensures intelligent high-speed charging for all your devices, while the VoltageBoost prevents cable resistance from slowing your charging speeds.
With simultaneous dual-port charging, you can be off on your adventures again in no time. As some of the most popular and best-selling portable chargers in the world, the PowerCore range is fast to charge up. You can have a fully charged power bank in 4 to 10 hours, depending on the cable speed.
30% lighter than other comparable power banks and just the right size to take anywhere, this is a solid option for anyone looking for more power away from home.
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
A Great Choice for Charging Small Laptops on the Go
With a 31,200 mAh capacity, this provides enough power to charge a 12-inch MacBook 1.8 times. Multiple connection outlets, including USB and type-C, provide options to charge an array of devices.
Sikon AC Outlet Portable Laptop Power Bank
Capacity: 31,200mAh
This is a veritable beast of a power bank that provides a whopping 31,200mAh, an AC outlet, and 3 additional USB outputs (5V/2A, and Type-C output and input 5V/3A,) all wrapped up in a thin, highly portable power bank.
Weighing in at 2.4 pounds and measuring 2.8 x 2.8 x 8.6 inches, it’s too big to fit in your but should fit just fine in a large purse or laptop case. If you want to work on your laptop on the go and keep it powered up, this is a reasonably compact choice, given the amount of power it can provide you with.
While the Sikon Power Bank is compatible with numerous devices, its primary function is to keep your laptop operational no matter where you are.
It works best in association with smaller laptops such as MacBooks, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Microsoft Surface Pro, Dell XPS, HP TPN-C116, and THINKPAD E430, as well as some others that operate at no more than 85 watts.
It provides fast and effective charging capabilities, although 1.8 full charges of your laptop will drain the power bank entirely, meaning you’ll need to plug it into a wall socket somewhere before you head out again.
It will also charge your phone, GoPro, iPad, and even gaming gadgets, so while it works well with laptops, it’s not limited to just their use.
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
Best Value Power Bank for Outdoor Adventures
A durable charger that can be used with a cable or via contact for wireless charging. It has a compass and solar technology to regain power without being plugged in.
Qi Solar Power Bank
Capacity: 10,000mAh
Great for outdoor explorers, this 10,000mAh portable power bank comes complete with a built-in torch and complimentary compass to help you stay connected and on track wherever you are.
Measuring in at just 3.9 x 3.9 x 0.7 inches and weighing only 4.6 ounces, this is a great choice for anyone needing extra power on the go.
This power bank also doubles as a Qi wireless charging device. It’s compatible with iPhone XR/XR Max/XS/X/8/8 Plus, Samsung Galaxy S9/S9/S8/S8, and all other Qi-enabled devices.
This power bank has a choice of micro USB and Type-C input ports. It can efficiently charge most cell phones between 2 and 2.5 times on 1 full charge, and when it’s on empty it should only take around 6 hours to fully recharge again.
While it does offer solar power capabilities, it’s advised that this function is used as backup and that the power bank is fully charged before you set off on your next adventure.
Designed to last, this sturdy charger is IPX4 splashproof, dustproof, and shockproof, making it a durable outdoor addition to your camping, hiking, or trekking equipment to ensure that you can reliably keep in touch with the rest of the world when you head off the grid.
The only downside to this particular model is that the solar panel seems like a bit of a gimmick, but if that doesn’t worry you, it’s still a useful little charger for using away from home.
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
2 Power Banks for all Your Charging Needs
This is a multi-pack that comes with 2 power banks. Each has multiple ports to charge different types of devices quickly. It comes with 2 traditional USB cables as well.
2-Pack Miady 10000mAh Dual USB Portable Charger
Capacity: 10,000mAh each
This 2-pack of Miady power banks will ensure that your devices never run out of juice. While not in the same leagues as the more expensive, bigger brand power bars and banks on the market, the Miady portable charger is a nifty bank that will see you right for an extra charge when you need it most.
Keep both chargers for yourself or gift the second to your partner or friend. You can choose between a set of black and white power banks or a couple of other brightly colored combinations.
This power bank can charge cell phones and small devices quickly and offers 10,000mAh capability. There are 2 USB outputs on both devices, both rated at 2.4A, and a micro USB port rated at 2A.
4 LEDs light up to indicate the percentage of power remaining (each light represents 25%) and the power bank automatically powers off if no device has been connected for 30 seconds.
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
Great for Gamers on the Go
This power bank can charge phones, tablets, or a Nintendo Switch by a cable or wireless connection. It even comes with a 30-day trial period and a 6-month return policy.
Antank Power Bank For Nintendo Switch
Capacity: 10,000mAh
With enough power to charge up your Nintendo Switch even while you play it, this is a medium-sized charger that measures 6.1 x 3.2 x 1.9 inches and weighs 8.8 ounces. It was the first power bank to neatly attach directly to the back of a Switch, so there’s no need to hold it awkwardly while you play.
This nifty power bank will give you between 8.5 and 12 hours of total charge playing some of your favorite Nintendo Switch games.
While this power bank has a built-in Type-C cable to connect to your Switch, there’s also a Type-C port and a USB (3A) to charge up your iPhone and other devices.
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
Great for Vacations and Overnight Stays
A charger capable of powering cell phones, tablets, and even MacBooks. When completely dead, you can recharge the battery in just a few hours to then power most devices multiple times.
VimPower Portable Charger 22000mAh Battery Pack
Capacity: 22,000mAh
Made from 2 high-density, lithium polymer batteries, this multi-device charging power bank is an effective and affordable way to keep your cell phone, iPhone, or iPad fully charged on the go.
Weighing just 1.1 pounds and measuring 7.5 x 4 x 1.3 inches, this clever pack will easily fit in your purse, backpack, or laptop bag.
This power bank features 2 USB A ports, 1 Type-C port, and 2 micro USB ports, which can charge multiple devices at the same time, and it comes with a couple of charging cables, too. The highly efficient 22,000mAh capacity battery can charge most phones over 5 times, and most tablets over 4 times, meaning you can keep entertained and in touch wherever you go.
The 15W and 30W ports supply super-quick charge times that are 2 to 3 times faster than traditional power banks, and to give you an idea of this speed — an iPhone XS Max can be charged to 50% in just 30 minutes.
For its size and capability, this power bank is to back to full charge in as little as 7 hours, and should you experience problems, it does come with a full 3-year warranty from the manufacturer.
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
Final Thoughts
There are plenty of reasons why you should invest in a portable power bank and there are just as many types and variations for you to choose from.
Before you commit, look for a model that can charge your devices quickly and efficiently and that doesn’t take days on end to charge itself.
An efficient power bank will completely transform the way you use our portable devices when you’re away from home. Choose wisely, and you will be able to extend the battery life of your cell phone, tablet, laptop, and even small gaming consoles, literally anywhere in the world.
Love streamlining your travel tech? Don’t miss out on these other product reviews:
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring a power bank on a plane?
Power banks can only be transported on a plane in a carry-on and cannot be in your checked luggage.
Airlines usually allow a 100Wh power bank with a 5V output, which equates to 20,000mAh.
Some airlines will allow 160Wh power banks if you declare it beforehand. Always check with your airline before you fly.
What is the best portable power bank?
Some of the best portable power banks that we recommend are:
- Anker 321 Power Bank
- Anker PowerCore 1300
- Anker PowerCore 5000 mAh Ultra-Compact Portable Charger
- Anker PowerCore II 10000 Ultra Slim Power Bank
- Antank Power Bank For Nintendo Switch
- Sikon AC Outlet Portable Laptop Power Bank
- Lanluk Portable Charger Power Bank
- Qi Solar Power Bank
- TG90 6000 mAh Portable Charger
- VimPower Portable Charger 22000mAh Battery Pack
Is 20,000mAh good for a portable charger?
20,000mAh is a fairly common capacity for many portable chargers, which equates to around 6 full charges of an iPhone 7.
How many mAh is good for a portable charger?
Think about what devices you need a power bank for and how long you’ll be away from a power outlet. If you just need something to keep your phone topped up a couple of times a day, a 5,000mAh or 10,000mAh will do the job just fine and it will be physically smaller, too.
How do I choose a portable charger?
The important things to consider when choosing a portable charger are:
- The size and weight, so it’s not too bulky for your needs
- The power capacity that the power bank kicks out (measured in milliamp-hours or “mAh”)
- The input charging speed
Your feedback has been sent. Thank you!
We take your Комментарии и мнения владельцев very seriously as they really help us to improve the site.
If you’d like to add a comment to this article and share your valuable feedback and opinions, please click here to leave your comment.
We really appreciate it! Alex Erin
An error occurred please try again later
About Amar Hussain
Amar was born and raised in England and sadly didn’t catch his bout of wanderlust until his early twenties. Playing catch up, Amar embarked on an 11-country round-the-world gap year after graduation and then became well and truly hooked. The first gap year inspired a second which ended up being a 23-country down-the-world trip from Canada to Antarctica. Since then Amar has endeavored to turn his gap year into a gap life and has spent the last 13 years traveling the 7 continents. He has also lived in places such as Australia, Colombia, Costa Rica, and Mexico.
Disclaimer: Any Комментарии и мнения владельцев listed below are not from the bank advertiser, nor have they been reviewed or approved by them. No responsibility will be taken by the bank advertiser for these Комментарии и мнения владельцев.
comment
I have just purchased the Travelpro Platinum Elite 21″ carry on. Where does the power back go and how does it get to the external port on the back if it’s supposed to be carried in the small front
Top Partner Offers
Disclaimer: Upgraded Points, LLC and its website, UpgradedPoints.com, provides information on credit cards, reward programs, travel information and ancillary information concerning travel and credit cards. The information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax or legal advice.
Upgraded Points, LLC uses reasonable efforts to maintain accurate information on the site — and p rior to applying for any credit card offers found on UpgradedPoints.com, all visitors should review other features of such credit cards including but not limited to interest rates, annual fees and transaction fees, and should determine the suitability of such credit cards considering their own individual financial position.
Advertiser Disclosure: Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. For more information on our advertisers and how we make money, see our advertising policy here. In addition, as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Editorial Disclosure: The content featured on UpgradedPoints.com has not been influenced, provided, or reviewed by the credit card companies mentioned. Any and all options, reviews, Комментарии и мнения владельцев and analyses are the responsibility of the author(s) and not any Advertiser or credit card issuer.
This bonus value is an estimated valuation calculated by UP after analyzing redemption options, transfer partners, award availability and how much UP would pay to buy these points.
Advertiser Disclosure
Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our credit card rating methodology.
Gear Review: Enercell Universal Portable Power Bank
If your family is like mine, you’re regularly traveling with several handheld electronic devices. For us, typically, that’s 3 Smart phones, 1 cell phone, 1 iPod Touch, 1 Kindle, at least 2 cameras, 1 GoPro and sometimes 1 Nintendo DS. (Don’t judge.) Inevitably something needs charging along the way, when we’re in a plane or car — usually it’s a phone or an iPod Touch.
While we, of course, always travel with our car charges and wall chargers, I love the idea behind a portable unit that can be used in instances when a) we can’t find a coveted wall outlet at an airport or b) we’re on a long plane ride.
Enter the Enercell High-Capacity Universal Portable Power Bank. This handy item, combined with the Duracell Instant Charger we already own, keeps us charged when we’re on the go.
It’s a handy little product that is great for those instances when you need emergency power. (And I’d call an iPod Touch going dark on a six-hour transpacific flight an emergency; I’m looking forward to bringing our Enercell with us on our long plane trip to the Big Island this spring!)
The Enercell — smaller than a deck of cards — gets its power when you swing the USB plug out to connect with a USB port (say, in your laptop; we also have a USB port that plugs into a wall outlet). You’ll know its done charging when you press a little button and all four LEDs turn green.
When you need to charge your handheld device, simply connect to it from the Enercell Portable Power Bank using the included USB cable (and micro USB adapter if necessary).
If it’s an Apple product you need to charge, a USB cable is included for that, as well (or use the one that came with your iPhone or iPod Touch. Voila! Your device is charging and/or ready to use.
Marketing materials say the Enercell Portable Power Bank can provide up to 8 hours of “extra talk time.” I haven’t quite put my devices to the test, but I do know that when I plugged in my Droid phone (when its power had been depleted to 10 percent), the Enercell Portable Power Bank charged it full of power in just over one hour (and the Enercell was depleted of juice, so I had to charge that up again).
I have a small, zippered cosmetic case in which I store the Enercell and the two cables (and mini USB adapter) for travel. Otherwise, those cables would go missing in a heartbeat!
For future versions made by Enercell, I’d recommend selling a small pouch to store the product and cables — then again, an additional piece would jack up the price a bit. I suppose I don’t mind supplying my own travel case.
The Enercell Portable Power Bank retails is sold at Radio Shack.
I received a complimentary product for purposes of review.
8 Комментарии и мнения владельцев on Gear Review: Enercell Universal Portable Power Bank
I’m sure the Enercell pack is nice, but you can do MUCH better at that price – the New Trent IMP70D (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002D4IHYM) has 3 times the capacity and can charge two devices simultaneously. I’ve had one for a few months and it works great! Perfect when travelling with the family and several iDevices that need charging on the road. I can hook up my Asus WL-330N3G travel router to this (it’s USB-powered) and share Go-Go inflight with the other devices if needed, for instance
I just got one, love the idea is great. But 8 hours? No way. From full power on charger if im activley using the phone, it will keep it from dropping any further for about an hour. Rip off for the price (got mine in sale for 39.99. Dear enercell, 1 hour is NOT 8 Hours.
We are the manufacture of power bank with independent RD.JL2 is one of our products with the capacity of 7000mAh,JL9 is product for iphone4/4s,and other good products.so can you tell me what you want ,then send an email to me,maybe we can satisfy you !
The enercell products are nice in an emergency if you need a quick bump to get your GPS back online for a little bit, but for the price its a rip off. A quick search on amazon will show chargers for the same price with more then double the capicity. I used this unit for the first time today with my iPhone and got around 45 minutes of use. The iTorch is able to keep an iPhone 4s running for over 24 hours while streaming movies the entire time. Not sure where they got off selling this at such a high price, but by far the bottom of the list when it comes to these devices!
I bought one year’s ago and can’t remember how to re-charge it. Can someone tell me Igor needs to-be on or off to recharge it?
Power banks are used for providing portable power to charge battery powered items like mobile phones and other similar items that have a USB interface: they can charge via USB, etc or wirelessly.
Power banks are commonplace and with our increasing use of battery powered equipment: everything from mobile phones to battery powered headphones, portable speakers, MP3 players can be charged via a power bank. They are effectively a portable charger. All they need is a USB charging interface.
Power banks come in a variety of shapes and sizes and to suit many different people and their needs.
In recent years, the use of power banks has risen significantly as they provide a very convenient and easy method of charging smartphones and other devices when away from mains power. Wireless charging power banks have also been introduced for those devices that can be charged wirelessly.
Power bank definition
Power banks, sometimes speed as powerbanks, can be defined as portable batteries that use circuitry to control any power in and power out. They can charged up using a USB charger when power is available, and then used to charge battery powered items like mobile phones and a host of other devices that would normally use a USB charger.
The name power bank can be likened to a financial bank where funds can be deposited, stored, and withdrawn when needed. These items are also often referred to as portable chargers, as they can charge items like mobile phones without the need to be connected to the mains during charging, although they will need to be charged, and this normally requires a mains charger.
Power bank types
There are a few different types of power bank portable charger that can be bought. Obviously the size is one of the main criteria, but there are some other categories that can be considered.
The main types of USB power banks include the following:
- Universal or standard power bank: These are the normal power bank portable chargers which are available in the stores and online. They are charged from the normal USB sources like USB chargers. These power banks are normally charged from a standard USB charger and there is some indication on the power bank as to its state of charge. This may be a row of small LED lamps or a simple alphanumeric display that indicates the charge level as a percentage of full charge. Typically a micro USB connector is used as the power in connection. Once fully charged the power bank can be used to charge other devices. There may be one of more Type A USB sockets (dependent upon the particular power bank) that can deliver charge to the devices needing charging.
- Solar power bank: As the name indicates, these solar power banks can use sunlight to charge up. To do this they have photovoltaic panels. These are really only able to trickle-charge the internal battery when placed in sunlight because the solar cells are relatively small, but nevertheless this can be a very useful function, but really only in very sunny or bright conditions. As the solar charging is slow, they can also be charged from a USB charger as well. The solar charging is a useful back-up, especially if you are travelling away from mains power. To ensure that the maximum amount of solar energy can be converted, some of the more advanced solar power banks have solar panels that fold out to present a larger area to the Sun. Even so, it can take over 24 hours to charge some, and as there obviously isn’t bright sun at night, or even all day, it can take a considerable while to charge. As charge times, capacities, etc vary considerably, it is always best to take a close look at the figures, if there is a possibility of buying one. Like the standard wired power bank, these solar powered ones have standard Type A USB connectors for the output or outputs and a micro USB for the input from a USB charger.
- Wireless power bank: With many gadgets like phones, ear-pods and the like now having the capability to be charged wirelessly, this concept has been adopted by the power bank industry. It is possible to obtain powerbanks that are themselves charged from a standard USB source, but they are able to charge phones and other wireless charging compatible electronic devices wirelessly. These powerbanks use the Qi standard that has been adopted by virtually all electronic devices that can be charged wirelessly. The electronic device to be changed is placed on the power bank. orientation is often important, so check with the instructions, a button typically has to be pressed to turn on the wireless charging capability, and then it all proceeds until the device is charged. It is best to turn off the wireless charging power bank once the charging is complete and then the wireless charging circuitry is disabled and the powe rbank will not be discharged unnecessarily.
Power bank lifetime
There are two main forms of lifetime that are associated with power banks.
- Charge discharge cycles: Any rechargeable battery will gradually wear out. Normally the lifetime of a battery is quoted in terms of the number of charge discharge cycles it can undergo before its performance falls by a given degree. Some cheaper power banks may only have a life of 500 or so charge discharge cycles, but better ones will have lifetimes of many more charge discharge cycles.
- Self discharge time: All battery cells, whether rechargeable or primary have a certain level of self discharge. For rechargeable batteries these days with their own control circuitry, a small amount of power is required to keep these circuits alive. As a result there is only a finite time that a battery will remain charged.
Power bank charge current capabilities
The level of charge that can be stored in power banks has risen as the need has grown. Smartphones are one of the chief items to be charged by them, and n recent years the battery capacities have increased significantly to provide longer times between charge.
Older power banks had capacities of possibly 1000mA hours, where as some of the latest ones available can offer huge capacities of 25000 mA hours.
Also the current that can be delivered by them is large as well. Often they can deliver 2.5A, enabling them to provide a fast charge for many electronic devices.
Power bank battery technology
All power banks use rechargeable batteries based around lithium technology. Lithium-Ion and Lithium-Polymer batteries are most commonly used for power banks but don’t be surprised if other types start to hit the market before long. Battery technology is key to many new developments: everything from mobile phones to electric vehicles, and as a result it is quite likely there will be some spin-offs into power banks.
The two technologies that are currently used have slightly different properties:
- Lithium-ion: Lithium-Ion batteries have a higher energy density, i.e. they can store more electrical charge in a given size or volume, and are cheaper to manufacture, but they can have issues with ageing.
- Lithium-polymer : Lithium-polymer power banks do not suffer from ageing to the same extent so are a better choice. However they are more costly to manufacture and as a result they may not suit all budgets. Sometimes it may be that it is best to spend less, especially if they are likely to be accidentally lost.
Both forms of power bank work well, but it is a balance between cost and performance.
Power bank portable chargers are particularly useful as they enable battery powered items to be charged on the go. As it is not always possible to reach a mains power point every time a mobile phone or other battery powered item needs charging, these power banks are have now become an established product and they are very useful, especially when travelling.