Buying Guide for the Best Power Banks
Choosing the right power bank is all about understanding how you'll use it, what devices you want to charge, and how portable you need it to be. Power banks are portable chargers that store electricity and let you recharge your devices on the go. When picking one, you should consider how much power you'll need between wall charges, how quickly your devices need to be recharged, and how easy it is to carry the power bank around.Battery Capacity (mAh)Battery capacity, usually measured in milliamp-hours (mAh), tells you how much power the power bank can store. A higher number means you can charge your devices more times before you need to recharge the power bank itself. Small capacities (up to 5,000mAh) are good for just topping up a smartphone once, mid-tier (around 10,000mAh) will charge most phones a couple of times, and high capacities (20,000mAh and above) can handle multiple charges or heavier devices like tablets. If you travel often or need to charge several devices, go for higher capacity. For light, everyday use, a smaller one keeps things light and simple.
Output Power (Amps/Watts)Output power shows how quickly the power bank can charge your devices, often shown as amps (A) or watts (W). Low output (around 1A or 5W) is slow and mainly for small phones or accessories, while higher outputs (2A/10W and above) charge devices much faster and can handle bigger gadgets. Some power banks have multiple outputs with different powers. If you often need quick top-ups or want to charge a tablet or modern smartphone rapidly, look for a higher output. For simple and slow overnight charges, low output will be just fine.
Number and Types of PortsThe number and types of charging ports determine how many and which kinds of devices you can charge at once. Many power banks have one or two standard USB-A ports, but others may include USB-C, Lightning, or micro-USB. USB-C is becoming popular because it allows for faster charging and can even recharge the power bank itself. Think about how many devices you want to charge at once and what charging cables your devices use most. If you have newer devices or multiple gadgets, more ports and a mix of connections make the power bank much more versatile.
Size and WeightSize and weight are important if you'll carry your power bank around a lot. Higher capacity usually means a bigger and heavier power bank, while slimmer models are lighter but hold less power. If you want something pocket-friendly for emergencies, go small. For travel or long days away from outlets, a bigger size may be worth carrying. Match the size to your daily routine and how much extra weight you're comfortable taking with you.
Input Charging SpeedInput charging speed tells you how quickly the power bank itself can be recharged. Faster input means less time plugged in to fill up the battery again. Some power banks support fast charging through particular ports (like USB-C PD), while others only support slower charging. If you want to refill your power bank quickly between uses, prioritise one with higher input speed. If you're fine charging it overnight, input speed matters less.
Extra Features (LED indicators, Wireless Charging, etc.)Many power banks come with useful extras like LED power indicators, built-in cables, wireless charging pads, or even water/dust resistance. LED indicators help you see how much charge is left, while built-in cables mean you don’t have to remember extra wires. Wireless charging means you can top up certain phones just by placing them on the power bank—no cords needed. Think about which features add true convenience for your lifestyle, and pick a power bank that has the extras you’ll actually use rather than just lots of fancy additions.