There’s no worse feeling than running out of power on your devices when you’re out and about. Avoid the dreaded dead battery by carrying a power bank with you. If you have decided on buying one, you can follow our tips on how to choose the best power bank for you so that you can stay powered up on the go - anytime, anywhere!
Features to consider when looking for a new power bank
There are many different options when it comes to buying a power bank, so it’s important to understand the different characteristics of each one so that you can be sure to have the perfect power bank for you.
Evaluate the capacity you need for your power bank
The easiest feature to consider is the capacity of the power bank. In short, the higher the mAh number for the power bank, the more power it delivers. The mAh value is an indicator of the type of power bank and its function:
- Up to 7,500 mAh - Small, pocket-friendly power bank that is usually enough to fully charge a smartphone from once until 3 times.
- 7,500- 14,999 mAh - Medium power bank likely to fit in your jacket pocket that is usually enough to fully charge a smartphone 4-5 times.
- More than 15,000 mAh - Large power bank that is usually enough to fully charge a smartphone 5 or more times. Due to their size, these are carried in a bag.
Often, the higher the mAh means the bulkier the power bank, so if you’re looking for a more slimline model you may have to sacrifice some power. Additionally, if you’re planning on using your power bank for traveling, although most power banks can be carried on as hand luggage, it’s worth remembering that any power bank over 27,000mAh cannot be taken on planes at all and can be confiscated at the airport.
Which power banks are allowed on the plane?
If you are going on holiday and you would like to carry with you a power bank, this must not exceed the maximum rating of 100 watt hours (Wh). This can be easily calculated by dividing Milliamp Hours (mAh) by 1000 and multiplying the result by voltage (V). Larger power banks may be carried in consultation with the airline.
Consider the charging speed of the power bank
A power bank charging speed is usually measured in voltage and amperage. Amperage is the amount of electricity transferred from the power bank to the electronic device, while voltage is the amount of potential energy. If we multiply volts by amps, we will get wattage, which is the total power.
Check for the input and output ports
The type of port of a power bank determines the charging speed. Most power banks have a standard USB-A port both for input (charging the power bank) and output (charging your devices). However, power banks may also have a USB-C port as most portable electronic devices such as phones, tablets and laptops are adopting one. A micro USB may also be present to allow the power bank to be charged.
Evaluate pass-through charging function for your power bank
This may be one feature you may not consider as useful knowledge when first looking at power banks, however, a power bank that offers pass-through charging can be incredibly useful for travelling. Pass-through charging means that you can use the power bank whilst charging it from the mains.
Check for a power indicator
A power indicator will help you to keep monitored the charging status of your power bank. This usually comes in the form of small LED lights. This feature is often overlooked, but it is one of the most important ones to consider when looking for a new power bank.
Consider the weight of the power bank
Last but not least, do not forget to take into account the weight of the power bank. The overall design of the product will influence the ease of carrying the power bank.
GP’s range of PowerBanks makes sure that whether you’re an intrepid adventurer or a casual commuter you don’t have to worry about your devices going flat ever again. Discover our assortment here.
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