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Powerbank: which one to choose?

In today’s mobile world, where smartphones, tablets or laptops have become indispensable tools for work and entertainment, a reliable power source, such as a power bank, is essential. A powerbank, or portable power bank, saves us in situations where the battery level in our devices is dangerously close to zero and there is no power outlet nearby. However, choosing the right model, such as a roomy power bank, can be overwhelming due to the huge number of options available. What capacity will be ideal? What technologies should we pay attention to? Definitely a 20,000 mAh battery and maximum charging power. What should you consider when buying so that you don’t regret the money spent?

Understanding Power Bank Capacity: The Key to Happiness

The most important and most frequently emphasized parameter of each power bank is its capacity, expressed in milliampere hours (mAh). It largely defines how many times a powerbank allows you to charge your device. However, the simple mathematical division of the power bank’s capacity by the smartphone’s battery capacity is a trap that many inexperienced users fall into.

Real vs. Declared Capacity: Why is 10,000mAh not always 10,000mAh?

It should be remembered that the energy transfer process is never 100% efficient, so it is worth paying attention to a power bank with a capacity of 20,000 mAh. Energy losses occur as a result of voltage conversion and internal resistance of cells and cables. The standard voltage of lithium-ion or lithium-polymer cells in a power bank is typically 3.7 V, while the USB standard is 5 V. In addition, energy is lost in the form of heat.

In practice, the real efficiency (efficiency) of a good quality power bank ranges from 80-90%. This means that a powerbank with a declared capacity of 10,000 mAh will actually supply your device with about 8000-9000 mAh. Cheaper, non-branded models can have an efficiency of only 60-70%.

How to Choose the Capacity for Your Needs?

To make an informed choice, it is worth dividing power banks into several capacity categories, tailored to different usage scenarios, including high capacity needs.

Up to 5,000 mAh: Emergency Power in Your Pocket, the perfect power bank for your iPhone. Power banks with this capacity are small, lightweight, and perfect to carry in your pocket or small purse. This is a “just in case” solution that will allow you to fully charge most smartphones once or significantly recharge them in a crisis situation. Perfect for short trips to the city or commuting to work.

10,000 mAh: The Golden Mean for Most Users, perfect for everyday use with a USB port. This is the most popular and universal category. A 10,000 mAh power bank is an excellent compromise between size and capabilities. It will allow for about 2-3 full charges of a typical smartphone. It is an ideal choice for all-day trips, weekend trips or for people who use their phone intensively during the day and need a reliable supply of energy.

20,000 mAh: Energy for Longer and for Multiple Devices If you regularly travel, work in the field, or need to charge several devices at the same time (e.g., for mobile devices (smartphone, headphones, and smartwatch), a 20,000 mAh powerbank will be a hit, providing them with the right amperage, making it one of the recommended powerbanks. This capacity will provide energy for several days, allowing you to charge your phone multiple times or power several gadgets at the same time. However, it should be remembered that such models are much larger and heavier.

Above 20,000 mAh: Mobile Power Stations for Special Tasks Powerbanks with a capacity of 30,000 mAh and even 50,000 mAh are real “power plants”. They are designed for the most demanding users – digital nomads, photographers, filmmakers or people camping far from civilization, who often need solar solutions. Such a power bank will easily charge not only smartphones and tablets, but also laptops (if it has enough power and a USB-C Power Delivery port).

Fast charging technologies: because time is money

Capacity alone is not everything. Equally important is the power with which the power bank can charge connected devices. Modern smartphones are equipped with fast charging technologies, and to use them, a powerbank must also be compatible with them.

Power Delivery (PD): The Standard for Modern Devices It is currently the most popular and universal fast charging standard, using the USB-C port. Power Delivery allows you to intelligently adjust the charging power to the connected device, offering power from 18 W (for smartphones) to 100 W and more (enough to power laptops). If you own a modern smartphone (both Android and iPhone) or a laptop that charges via USB-C, choosing a power bank with Power Delivery technology is an absolute must.

Quick Charge (QC): Popular technology from Qualcomm This is a technology developed by Qualcomm, popular in many smartphones with Snapdragon processors. The latest versions, such as Quick Charge 4.0+ or 5.0, are compatible with Power Delivery, making them one of the best power banks on the market. If your phone supports QC, a power bank with this standard will significantly speed up the process of replenishing power.

Other Standards (e.g. Samsung AFC, Huawei SCP are examples of technologies that can be found in modern power banks. Some manufacturers, such as Samsung (Adaptive Fast Charging) or Huawei (SuperCharge Protocol), use their proprietary fast charging technologies. If you care about the maximum charging speed of a phone of a particular brand, it is worth looking for a power bank that is officially compatible with a given standard.

Which power to choose?

• 18W-25W: Standard for fast charging of most smartphones.
• 45W-65W: Enough power to charge ultrabooks and smaller laptops, making them an ideal choice among recommended power banks.
• 100W and more: power bank ranking 2023 – top shows that such models are becoming more and more popular. For demanding gaming laptops and professional workstations.

Ports and Connectors: What to Look For?

The number and type of ports on a power bank determine its functionality and versatility.

• USB-A: A classic, still popular port, compatible with most standard cables.
• USB-C: A modern, universal port allows you to easily connect various mobile devices. In power banks, it can have a dual function – both to charge devices (output) and to charge the power bank itself (input). A power bank with a USB-C port with Power Delivery is the most future-proof choice today.
• Micro USB: An older standard, less and less often used as an output port, but still found in cheaper models as a port for charging the powerbank itself.

A good power bank should have at least two output ports, including at least one USB-C, which allows you to charge several mobile devices at the same time.

Additional functions and features that matter

In addition to the charging capacity and speed, there are a few additional features, such as a USB port, that can affect the comfort of use, especially in the case of a capacious power bank.

• Charge indicator: an important feature that allows you to control the battery status of the power bank, which is crucial for efficient battery charge management. A must-have feature. It can be in the form of LEDs or, in more advanced models, a small LCD display showing the exact percentage of charge.
• Inductive (Qi) charging is a modern option to consider when you want to buy a power bank. If your smartphone or headphones support wireless charging, a power bank with a Qi coil will allow you to conveniently replenish energy without cables. Especially useful for owners of iPhones with MagSafe technology.
• Pass-Through Function: It allows you to charge the power bank and the devices connected to it at the same time. Very useful when traveling when we only have access to one socket.
• The quality of workmanship and safety are crucial, so it is worth paying attention to safety certificates. Choose power banks from reputable manufacturers (e.g. Anker, Baseus, Green Cell, Xiaomi, Samsung are brands that offer a wide range of power banks, including high-capacity models. This guarantees the use of high-quality cells and the use of a number of protections: against overcharging, over-discharging, overvoltage, overheating and short circuit, which makes them the best power banks on the market.
• Powerbank on the plane: Airlines have strict regulations regarding the carriage of power banks. They can only be taken in hand luggage. The capacity limit is typically 100 Wh (watt-hours), which equates to about 27,000 mAh. To transport power banks with a capacity of 100-160 Wh (up to approx. 43,000 mAh), the carrier’s approval is often required. Devices over 160 Wh are usually prohibited.

Summary: How to Choose the Perfect Power Bank Step by Step?

1. Determine your needs to find out which power bank will be best for you. Think about what and how often you’ll be charging. Do you need emergency power for your smartphone or a mobile workstation for a week-long trip?
2. Choose the right capacity:
   • For the city/everyday life: the best power bank is a key element for mobile users. 5,000 – 10,000 mAh
   • For the weekend/for the demanding: A 20,000 mAh power bank is an excellent choice for those who need a lot of power.
   • For special tasks/laptop charging, consider a high-capacity power bank to provide sufficient current. 20,000 mAh and more
3. Check out fast charging technologies to get a better idea of which power bank to choose and what to look out for. Make sure that the power bank complies with the standards of your devices (Power Delivery, Quick Charge). This is the key to saving time.
4. Pay attention to the ports: Select the model with the appropriate number and type of ports. USB-C with PD is the most universal solution.
5. Consider additional features such as a damage-resistant case and a built-in charge indicator. Do you need wireless charging, an LCD display, Pass-Through functionality, or maybe a cheap power bank?
6. Bet on quality and safety by choosing a power bank that supports the latest standards. Invest in products from proven brands that guarantee real capacity and safe use.
7. Be aware of aviation regulations: If you fly frequently, choose a model with a capacity of up to 100 Wh (approx. 27,000 mAh) to avoid problems at the airport.

Choosing the perfect power bank is an investment in comfort and independence. By analyzing the tips above, you can make an informed purchase that is perfectly suited to your lifestyle and the devices you own, giving you peace of mind and a full battery wherever you go.