Today, mobile phones, laptops and other electronic devices are essential tools for our daily tasks. We constantly need to be connected, whether it is for work, leisure or as part of our social life.
Unfortunately, the batteries in these devices often don’t have as much autonomy as we would like. Who hasn’t seen their mobile turn off at the worst possible time? One remedy for this is to have an external battery that allows us to recharge our devices anytime, anywhere.
Contents
- 1 Key Facts
- 2 Ranking: The best power banks in the market
- 3 Shopping Guide: Everything you should know about power banks
- 3.1 What is a power bank exactly?
- 3.2 What are the advantages and disadvantages of power banks?
- 3.3 Why should I buy a power bank?
- 3.4 How do power banks work?
- 3.5 How do I charge my power bank?
- 3.6 What care does a power bank require?
- 3.7 What types of power banks are available out there?
- 3.8 What capacity does a power bank have?
- 3.9 How many charging cycles can be made with a power bank?
- 3.10 Can I carry my power bank on the plane?
- 4 Shopping Criteria
- 5 Summary
Key Facts
- Also known as external batteries, power banks can recharge mobile phones, tablets and laptops. Their main function is to increase the battery life of electronic devices.
- They are ideal for people who need to be constantly connected or for long trips.
- Their price is usually not excessively high. You won’t need to make a huge financial investment to enjoy all the advantages they have to offer.
Ranking: The best power banks in the market
Below, we offer you our complete ranking of the very best power banks available on the Australian market. This way, you can choose the one that best suits your needs. We have made a varied selection, taking into account the different needs you may have.
No. 1: Xiaomi Power Bank 10,000 mAh
[amazon box=”B079FNYWXH” description_items=”0″]Amazon’s Choice for power banks comes from Xiaomi, and it’s no surprise. The Chinese manufacturer is an up-and-coming force in the electronics industry, offering quality products at affordable prices. This external battery is no different: with 10,000 mAh and up to 93% conversion rate, it is a highly efficient product to charge your devices.
Weighing in at barely 242 grammes, this is also the lightest power bank on this list. Its dual USB output lets you charge two devices at the same time. Another key feature for customers is its quick charging function, which adjusts the power output to each charging device. Available in black or white, this list-topping power bank will give you true bang for your buck.
No. 2: Anker PowerCore 20,000 mAh
[amazon box=”B00X5RV14Y” description_items=”0″]Anker is a global leader in charging technology, and its PowerCore line offers some of the very best power banks available. This powerful external battery allows you to charge mobile phones, tablets and other handheld consoles. Customers praised its high-speed dual-device charging, while the overall quality of the product has made it an Amazon best seller.
So if you need a high quality, fast charging external battery, this is the device you’ve been looking for. It has a colossal capacity of 20,000 mAh. However, you must bear in mind that it is a true top-of-the-line products and its price is therefore quite steep. A small travel pouch and a Micro-USB cable are provided with the PowerCore. An 18-month warranty gives you even more peace of mind on your purchase.
No. 3: Aikove Solar Power Bank 24,000 mAh
[amazon box=”B07B3WB5K3″ description_items=”0″]Aikove’s solar power portable charger is perfect for the lovers of the great Australian outdoors who also want to stay connected at all times. The impressive 24,000 mAh charging capacity means you can be gone for days and never run out of battery. Of course, there are two ways to charge your power bank: via a USB cable or its solar panel.
Along with its 3 output ports, you will find the standard Micro-USB port and a lightning port for quick charging. Customers have particularly enjoyed the sturdiness and massive capacity of this power bank, which make it ideal for travellers. Available in four different colours, this product comes with a 24-months warranty by Aikove.
No. 4: Anker PowerCore 13,000 mAh
[amazon box=”B00Z9QVE4Q” description_items=”0″]This PowerCore power bank by Anker is essentially our no. 2’s little sister, providing the same quality with a lesser capacity for those who just don’t need that much. At almost half the price and 20% lighter than the 20,000 mAh model, this PowerCore truly is a great alternative if your needs and budget are inferior. This charger comes with the same features, accessories and warranty as the PowerCore 20,000 mAh.
No. 5: Romoss Power Bank 10,000 mAh
[amazon box=”B07B8XHFNB” description_items=”0″]Last but not least, Chinese company Romoss delivers this tiny, no-frills power bank that will satisfy your basic needs at a great price. While it is the cheapest product on our list, it still presents two output charging ports and a lightning input for quick charging of your power bank. This product also comes with a great 18-month warranty, truly making it a bang-for-your-buck external charger.
Shopping Guide: Everything you should know about power banks
In order to buy an external battery, it is recommended that you take into account a series of aspects that can help you choosing the best option, or rather the one that best suits your needs. This is why we now address a series of questions that should shed some light on the main doubts you may have.
Power banks are ideal for people who travel often or are constantly on the move. (Source: Jedzura: 60077651/ 123rf.com)
What is a power bank exactly?
A power bank is an electronic device that allows you to recharge other electronic equipment without having to connect them to the electricity. It is the ideal accessory for a mobile phone, laptop or tablet when you are on the road. External batteries are light, compact and easily transportable.
With these devices, you won’t have to worry about your battery running out in the middle of a work call.Your phone won’t be turning off just as you are waiting for an important message. You won’t be abandoned by your device while playing your favourite video game.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of power banks?
Power banks allow you to use your mobile phone, laptop or tablet anytime, anywhere. In addition, they are portable, easy to use, take up little space and are compatible with virtually any electronic device.
It is actually quite difficult to find them any particularly important disadvantage. We just want to recommend that you avoid buying a very poor quality product. There have been cases of low quality batteries exploding as a result of a serious manufacturing defect.
Certain power banks allow you to charge several devices at once. (Source: Tormayeb: 104973365)
Why should I buy a power bank?
Simply because it will allow you to have your electronic equipment charged at all times and to stay connected whenever needed. Power banks are the ideal accessory for people who travel frequently. They are also suited for those who constantly need to use their mobile phone.
Advantages
Disadvantages
How do power banks work?
They consist of a lithium battery and a printed circuit board (PCB) that serves as the brain of the device. In addition, they have USB ports through which they can charge other devices. Similarly, they have a micro USB port through which they can themselves be charged.
When a device is connected to the power bank, it recognises it and supplies it with the electric current it requires for charging.
This process will take more or less time depending on the type of battery used and the type of device connected. The power banks, in turn, are charged by plugging them into a power source.
How do I charge my power bank?
The power banks are charged through a micro USB port that is connected to the electricity through a USB charger. They can also be charged using a computer or another external battery. If you want to have the best charging speed, it is recommended that you use fast chargers.
What care does a power bank require?
The most important is to keep it away from high temperatures. Exposure to very high temperatures can irreversibly damage it. It is an electronic equipment and should therefore not get wet. If it accidentally falls into water, you should not use it again.
When charging a device with a power bank, avoid putting one on top of the other. This can increase the temperature of both of them, causing damage from overheating. Beyond that, it is recommended to use them with the appropriate chargers. Make sure that these are compatible with your battery.
What types of power banks are available out there?
There are different types of power banks, each tailored for specific needs. Pocket batteries are very small in size and are designed for mobile phones. The ultra slim models are similar to pocket batteries, but with an ultra slim design. You can also find power banks with much larger capacities.
On the other hand, multi-purpose models have been designed for those who regularly practice outdoor activities. There are also external batteries that can be charged with solar energy. You can find specific designs for the hotel and catering industry, with which they can offer a mobile phone charging service to customers of their establishment.
What capacity does a power bank have?
Currently, the power banks on the market have capacities that vary depending on the main purpose for which they are designed. The capacity of an external battery is measured in milliampere-hour (mAh). Logically, a higher capacity means a heavier weight, a bigger size, a longer charging time and a higher price.
As a reference, let’s assume that a small power bank has a capacity of around 5,000 mAh. In contrast, a high-capacity battery can exceed 30,000 mAh. To give you an idea, the full charge of an iPhone X from 0 to 100% requires exactly 2,716 mAh.
How many charging cycles can be made with a power bank?
A big mistake is often made when calculating the number of charging cycles that a power bank can provide. Many people think that their capacity can simply be divided by that of the device they want to charge. This leads them to believe that they have been deceived by the effective capacity of the battery.
Unfortunately, no power transfer process has 100% efficiency. In the specific case of power banks, their current performance is estimated at around 60 to 70%. Here is a formula that can help you count how many charging cycles your external battery can offer you.
Number of charging cycles = Capacity of the power bank (mAh) x Output / Battery capacity of the device to be charged (mAh)
Can I carry my power bank on the plane?
You can rest assured: power banks can be carried on airplanes. Aviation law allows them to travel as hand luggage. What is not allowed, however, is to check them in. For security reasons, their nominal capacity should never exceed 100 Wh.
Shopping Criteria
We will now analyse a series of important criteria you should take into account when buying a power bank. This will make it easier for you to choose the external battery that best suits your needs, so you can truly make the most of it. These are the key aspects:
- Price
- Capacity (mAh)
- Size
- Ease of transport
- Quality
- Charging time of the power bank
- Smart charging
- Additional options
Price
Generally speaking, the price of a power bank is linked to different aspects. The most common are: the quality of the battery, the manufacturer, the size and the materials used to manufacture it. It is currently possible to find good quality external batteries for a price between 20 and 30 dollars on the market.
If you want to purchase a high-capacity battery, you will naturally have to make a much higher investment.
Capacity (mAh)
Currently, the capacity of power banks ranges from 2,600 mAh to 30,000 mAh. As a reference, most mobile battery capacities are between 1,500 mAh and 5,000 mAh. The tablets, on the other hand, usually have between 8,000 mAh and 12,000 mAh of capacity.
Our recommendation is that you buy a power bank that has at least twice the capacity required by the device you want to charge. Don’t forget that part of the accumulated energy is lost during the charging process. So remember that it’s always better to have too much than not enough.
Size
The size of the power bank is often linked to its charging capacity. However, a larger battery is also likely to be more uncomfortable to carry around. It is best to choose according to your top priority: a higher capacity or more comfort and ease of transport.
Ease of transport
Power banks must be practical and easy to transport. Don’t forget that their main function is to charge your devices when you are away from home or on a trip. It is important to make sure you buy one that you can easily take with you anywhere.
Quality
In general, a higher quality tends to go hand in hand with a higher price. But you can also find good external batteries at affordable prices. However, it is recommended to avoid unknown brands. We advise you to choose a reputable brand that offers a warranty of at least one year.
Charging time of the power bank
The charging time basically depends on two factors: the capacity of the external battery (mAh) and the intensity of the input current (mA). We recommend you to check what is the maximum input current that the battery can withstand, since this aspect can limit your charging speed.
These data should generally appear in your power bank’s specs, which should be clearly indicated in the user manual.
If the manufacturer doesn’t specify them, the following formula can help you get an estimation of the charging time: Charging time (h) = Capacity (mAh) / Input current (mA).
Smart charging
The smart charging system lets the power bank identify the amperage of your connected device and optimises the charging process. Please note that this system is not integrated in all external batteries. However, more and more brands manufacture models with smart charging.
Additional options
There are other additional options you should consider when buying your power bank. It is always useful to have more than one USB port. This allows you to charge more than one device at a time. Other extras to think about include USB cables, protective cases and instruction manuals.
Manufacturers generally don’t sell their power banks with a charger. The fact that a charger is included is a big plus when deciding on your purchase. Likewise, products that offer an extra edge such as carrying bags, instruction manuals or USB cables should be prioritised.
Summary
Power banks are the perfect companion for your mobile devices. They give you the possibility to use them during your travels or long periods away from home or the office. They are also practical, comfortable and very easy to use. And they certainly are not too expensive either.
If you are considering buying a power bank, a number of factors will help you make the perfect purchase. As always, price is a key aspect, just like size, charging time and charge capacity. We also recommend you to opt for a model with smart charging.
If you found this guide useful, please don’t hesitate to leave us a comment and share it with your friends and family!
(Source of featured image: Vegh: 39030724/ 123rf.com)
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