While slightly bigger and heavier than the other power banks we recommend, its flat shape and rounded edges make it easy to slip into a pocketeven when its charging a phoneand its exterior has a more comfortable, grippy texture compared with that of other models weve tested. How-To Geek's product recommendations come from the same team of experts that have helped people fix their gadgets over one billion times. Learn more. This sleek portable charger offers a 5,000mAh battery and magnetically mounts on the back of your phone for fast, wireless charging. The Goal Zero Nomad 7 Portable Charger is a smart option for the outdoors, where you are often without access to power outlets. Read more Max Buondonno is a technology enthusiast and writer whos been covering the future of computing since 2015. When youre traveling in an unfamiliar placerelying on your phone to guide you and to potentially call for helpa power bank offers added peace of mind. Power banks are made primarily of plastic, metal, and other nonrenewable materials that take decades to decompose. Using triple 3A outputs, it can charge up to three devices at the same time. 20,000mAh cell is big enough for plenty of recharges. However, we dont think an extra (and slower-charging) input option offers a significant benefit for most people, and we prefer the look and feel of our picks. We never accept payment to endorse or review a product. We also love the fact the Iniu Portable Charger is super slim. And unlike most other models weve tested, the companys logo is barely visible; rather than printed on the unit, its lightly embossed on one side. What Is a PEM File and How Do You Use It? Max Buondonno is a technology enthusiast and writer whos been covering the future of computing since 2015. The TravelCard is straightforward to use: You charge it via the built-in USB-A cable and then charge your device using the built-in Lightning, USB-C, or Micro-USB output cable, depending on which model you get. For the price point, this portable charger offers a nice combination of capacity, size, and triple 3A outputs for multi-device charging. We sought out power banks weighing 8 ounces (half a pound) or less, making them easy to carry around in a wallet, pocket, or bag. Its efficiency is on point, with 10,000 mAh good to charge an iPhone 12 two times. When youre ready to stow it away again, the cables fit snugly and seamlessly back into the grooves on either side. TheClutch V2 (Lightning) and Clutch V2 (USB-C) are the same size as the TravelCard Charger, despite weighing nearly an ounce more. However, it offers significantly less capacity (6,700 mAh) than our SuperMini and HyperJuice picks, which are just a few ounces heavier. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing to save people time, energy and money when making buying decisions. We preferred power banks rated for between 1,000 and 10,000 mAh capacity, which tells you roughly how much battery life they hold. Weve also been using this particular model on a near-daily basis for more than a year without issue. It measures only 2.64 by 4.41 by 0.49 inches with a gunmetal aluminum texture, with all buttons and ports strategically placed on the bottom. It also has a sophisticated look and a comfortable, dimpled texture that makes it easy to grip. As such, one of the most sustainable things you can do with a power bank is to avoid replacing it for as long as possible. The company has a well-established web presence, and weve had good experiences with its customer support over the years. In terms of input, we measured 16.9 W over USB-C PD and a measly 4 W over Micro-USB. Plus, unlike the Anker PowerCore Slim 10000, the Iniu Portable Charger comes with a power indicator. What is SSH Agent Forwarding and How Do You Use It? If you want the convenience of a power bank that has built-in charging cables and looks slightly more sophisticated, you should get the HyperJuice 18W USB-C + Lightning Battery Pack (10000mAh). It offers a large 20,000mAh cell thats suitable for at least five full charges of most modern Android phones (and more for iPhone users), and it comes with three outputs, including an 18W USB-C Power Delivery port. Since extreme temperatures can permanently damage batteries, you should also try to store your power bank in a cool, dry place (preferably at about a 40% charge). Compared to most other fabric-covered gadgets weve tested, this one uses a more stylish and sophisticated-looking textilea soft, tightly woven, marled-gray twill. Rated capacity: 10,000 mAh (36 Wh)Weight: 6.4 ouncesTested input: 19.3 watts (USB-C PD port)Tested output: 18.6 watts (USB-C PD port) and 16.6 watts (USB-A port). We searched for power banks with enough wattage to ensure the fastest possible charging and recharging speeds. Its also available in six colors: carbon grey, silver, black, red, indigo, and blue. The best portable chargers charge all of your essential devices. Samsungs Insane New TV Remote Charges via Wi-Fi, Keep Your Tech Safe at the Beach With These Tips. Each of the Fusion 5Ks two USB-A output ports can send plenty of power to your devices, charging them faster than any other USB-A port we tested: We measured 13.5 watts when it was plugged into a wall outlet and 12.5 watts when unpluggedeither way, it can charge your phone a lot faster than Apples standard 5-watt charging brick. Theyre rated for twice the capacity of the TravelCard but lack its built-in USB-A cable (so you need a separate Micro-USB cable on hand), and their output cables are much thinner and flimsier. Plus, it has a more angular shape thats not as comfortable to hold or as easy to slip into a pocket. It has a Micro-USB input port, a USB-A output port, and built-in USB-C and Lightning cables, and comes in a variety of colors. Small 5,000 mAh chargers are typically suitable for two full smartphone charges, whereas a 20,000 mAh portable charger can charge devices with larger batteries, like laptops, several times over. Unlike most of the power banks weve tested that have built-in cableswhich tend to be fiddly to slide in and out of their holsters, or flimsily attached to the body of the unitthe HyperJuices cables are sturdy and well constructed. This ultraslim power bank fits in a wallet or pocket, can charge most phones to at least a third full, and is available in Lightning, Micro-USB, and USB-C versions. Four LED power indicators on the Slim 2 Portable Chargers base also let you know the amount of power left. Given the Fusion 5Ks rated capacity, that means it should take a little more than 90 minutes to charge itself over AC, or just an hour over USB-C PD. Its cheaper and smaller but just as powerful and reliable. This is the smallest and lightest 10,000 mAh power bank weve tested. The TravelCards 1,500 mAh capacity rating is the lowest of any model weve considered. If youre looking for more power than what the picks in this guide supply, we think youd be better off with one of our favoritepower banks for laptopswhich weigh more but provide more power, offer more port options, and have much higher capacity ratingsinstead of this model. If you want a power bank that doubles as a wall charger and has twice the capacity of the Anker PowerCore III Fusion 5Kand you dont mind spending a bit more on a bulkier modelget the Anker PowerCore Fusion 10000. Larger capacity portable batteries weigh more but charge faster and hold additional USB ports to charge two or more devices simultaneously. Unrecycled e-waste usually ends up in a landfill, where it can leach heavy metals and other harmful chemicals into local soil and water systems. Whether it's finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we'll help you get it right (the first time). It costs the same as our top pick (at this writing), but it has just one port (an input-only USB-C) to the Zendures two. While the SuperMini weighs 6.4 ounces, the Redux weighs 6.8 ounces and the Slim weighs 7.4 ounces. Most people could use a USB power bank (also called an external battery pack, backup battery, or portable charger) to keep phones and other devices charged while on the go. Some might need only a small battery to give their phone a boost at the end of the day, while those who travel a lot may be looking to power multiple devices over the course of several days. For a budget charger, Iniu offers 10,000 mAh and triple 3A outputs to charge three devices at the same time. *At the time of publishing, the price was $30. Like the SuperMini, both models have a USB-C PD port capable of charging a smartphone or other handheld device (and recharging themselves) at top speed, as well as a USB-A output port. It even comes with a built-in LED flashlight with High Torch, Low, Strobe, and SOS settings. Both models are rated for the same capacity as the SuperMini (10,000 mAh) and theyre about as pocketable, though ever-so-slightly larger. With tons of brands and models to choose from, we checked out major retailers like Amazon, Home Depot, and Targetas well as trusted editorial sources such as CNET, PCMag, PCWorld, and TechRadarto find the most well-known makers of widely available USB power banks. Before that, she worked as a science writer and fact checker for numerous publications, and she studied journalism at the University of Wisconsin. They come in all shapes and sizes, from small, 2,000 mAh (milliamp hours) charging sticks to high-capacity power banks packing more than 30,000 mAh of pure electricity. It comes with IP66 certification which helps to protect it against water and dirt, and its rubberized construction makes it robust enough to toss in a backpack while on the go. It contains a 5,000mAh battery, which is good enough to charge an iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro from 0 to 100 almost two times. When wall outlets are scarce, a portable laptop charger can be a handy backup for travelers, remote workers, and others. The RAVPower 10000mAh Power Bank (RP-PB186) isnearly identical to the Anker Redux, except for the rough ridges at each of its seams that make it less comfortable to hold. It weighs 6.4 ouncesabout as much as a hockey puck, which is lighter than any other 10,000 mAh power bank we tested. Most people could use a USB power bank. Rather than always having to track down a wall outlet wherever you go, owning a USB power bank allows you to enjoy a conveniently portable (albeit limited) power supply. When you purchase through our links we may earn a commission. Our only downside with the Anker PowerCore Slim 10000 is that it can only charge a single device at a time. They also add some extra grippiness compared with other models weve tested that have completely smooth exteriors. The Kenu BingeBank can wirelessly charge most phones up to three times, and its grippy surface is the best weve seen at keeping a charging phone in place. Plus, its easy to use: Flip open the AC plug and stick it in a wall outlet; wait for the four little battery-status lights on the front to light up, indicating that its fully charged; and then take it with you for hours of on-the-go power. And unlike our other picks, which can recharge via built-in cables or plugs, the SuperMini needs a separate cable (one is included in the box) to recharge itself. But the built-in USB-C cables are especially tricky to get back into their slots, which we think would drive most people up the wall. The ZMI comes with a USB-C charging cable and a cloth bag (the SuperMini, Redux, and Slim do, too), and adds a handy two-in one cable (a Micro-USB cable with a USB-C adapter attached to the end by a short tether). We only recommend the best products based on our research and expertise. Ray Prince is a freelance writer with more than four years of experience covering automobiles and technology, writing for publications such as Gadget Review, Hybrid Cars, Auto Guide, and Vehicle History. If you want a power bank that doubles as a wall charger, this is the best option weve found. This solar-powered portable charger uses a folding 7-watt solar panel and kickstand to charge your phone. Ive been a science writer for more than seven years, covering a wide variety of topics from particle physics to satellite remote sensing. The best power strip for travel in North America is the inexpensive Accell Home or Away Surge Protector (aka Tripp Lite Protect It 3-Outlet Surge Protector). His blog, Matridox, serves as a creative outlet for him where he can share thoughts on the latest technology news, gadgets he reviews, and more. Other chargers offer faster speed, and theres no fancy solar-powered recharge feature or wireless charging, but this power pack will certainly get the job done for anyone who needs extra power on the go. Plus, we noticed that the G-Lites textured finish (while cool-looking and grippy) collected dust and crumbs in its crevices. Regardless of which version you get, the TravelCard Charger is impressively powerful for its size (not much bigger or thicker than a credit card) and weight (under 2 ounces). A sharp LCD shows remaining power, and a soft touch rubber construction helps absorb shock and provides grip in tight quarters. Despite a low 5,000 mAh capacity, it is suitable for almost two full iPhone 13 recharges, more than enough for lighter-duty users. Due to the unfortunate fact that battery technology has failed to keep up with the processing power of modern devices, USB power banks have become an increasingly popular way to help phones and tablets get through the day. The built-in cable, which is easy to pop into and out of its slot, frees up space youd otherwise have to devote to a separate charging cable. The question is, which one best fits into your habits? It has the lowest capacity of any power bank weve testedits able to charge most phones from empty to around only 30% to 50% fullbut its unmatched in weight (under 2 ounces) and size. Mophie's sleek portable charger offers a 5,000mAh battery and magnetically mounts on the back of your phone for fast, wireless charging. Control All Your Smart Home Devices in One App. How-To Geek is where you turn when you want experts to explain technology. Ankers Powerhouse 100 is our favorite. Its also relatively sturdy and well built. Consider the devices you plan on charging, your devices capacity, the number of devices to charge, and how frequently you have to access a wall charger. However, considering its weight (11.5 ounces) and price ($80 at this writing), we think youd be better off getting one of our favorite power banks for laptops with USB-C charging. Read more Elizabeth Henges is the Commerce Editor for How-To Geek. Like its smaller sibling, the HyperJuice 18W 15000mAh Battery Pack hasbuilt-in USB-C and Lightning cables, a USB-C input port, pleasantly round edges, and a dimpled texture for easy gripping. Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. Like the Zendure, it can fully charge most smartphones up to three times (or top off larger devices, such as a tablet or Nintendo Switch). However, we think what the TravelCard Charger lacks in power it makes up for in portability, and these drawbacks are a small price to pay for the ability to fit both a power bank and charging cable in your wallet. Sporting a sleek, metallic exterior, the TravelCard even looks like a credit card. In addition, portable chargers come in different sizes and weights. We tested 12 solar phone chargers and found that the BigBlue 28W USB Solar Charger is the best option for USB charging in the great outdoors. What Is mAh, and How Does It Affect Batteries and Chargers? For example, its about as wide as an iPhone SE wrapped in an ultrathin case, and about inch taller and inch thicker. This power bank has a USB-C input port, with built-in USB-C and Lightning charging cables on either side. Ray Prince is a freelance writer with more than four years of experience covering automobiles and technology, writing for publications such as Gadget Review, Hybrid Cars, Auto Guide, and Vehicle History. The Fusion 5K recharges quickly via its USB-C PD port or fold-out AC plugmost models we tested have just one or the otherand it offers fairly fast charging for two devices at a time on the USB-C PD and USB-A ports. His blog, Matridox, serves as a creative outlet for him where he can share thoughts on the latest technology news, gadgets he reviews, and more. Highlight a Row Using Conditional Formatting, How to Add a Word or Phrase to Android's Auto, Hide or Password Protect a Folder in Windows, Access Your Router If You Forget the Password, Access Your Linux Partitions From Windows, How to Connect to Localhost Within a Docker Container. It has a built-in USB-A cable for you to charge it up and a built-in output cable (either Lightning, Micro-USB, or USB-C, depending on which version you get) to top off your phone or another handheld device with a little boost of power. overcharge and short circuit protection), in addition to fireproof casing and temperature controls. If you need a portable charger that can handle every adventure, Techsmarter has the power bank you're looking for. In our testing, we measured a maximum output of 18 W from the USB-C cable, enough power to charge most USB-C and Lightning-compatible devices at top speed. However, it has no USB-A output ports, and at 10 ounces, its bigger and heavier than those models. It also comes with pass-through charging, converting it into a universal power adapter that charges itself while charging other devices. Its charging and recharging rates are slow, toopower flows out and in at around 6 watts. Lastly, charging time is important. 4 Ways Youre Damaging Your Laptops Battery, 2022 LifeSavvy Media. And considering that it comes with a 60 W PD wall charger and a USB-C cablewe estimate a $20 value, though we havent tested them fullythe price is on a par with that of the SuperMini. 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