Choosing a good power bank is not easy. This is because there really is a multitude of manufacturers on the market: the variety of models, technologies and designs certainly does not help you to make a decision quickly. That is why it is necessary to know what and how to look for it.
Let’s take a look at some tips to make our choice of power bank easier.
Pay attention to storage capacity
The capacity of your new power bank is the first and perhaps the most important question to answer. To understand what capacity you need, you have to consider how often you want to use the power bank. Power bank capacities vary from 2600 mAh, in the case of the smaller models, to more than 20,000 mAh.
Assuming that batteries for smartphones have a capacity of about 1500-2000 mAh, it can be said that the smaller power bank capacities are capable of charging the battery once and the larger ones up to 8-9 times.
There are, of course, big differences in physical size and weight: the compact lithium-polymer models can measure 92 × 62 mm, with a thickness of only 7 mm and a weight of 60 g, and can therefore also fit in a very small pocket or even in a wallet.
The models with the highest capacity generally weigh no more than 0.5 kg and may have very different sizes, but as we have seen, they offer incomparably superior performance.
Here is a good rule of thumb when you are thinking of choosing a power bank: consider the reasons why you are buying it. Whether you need a charger to periodically recharge your mobile phone at university, or on the bus, whenever you forget to do it at home, or whether you are looking for the power bank as a real power reserve that will be able to recharge one or more devices during long journeys without any problems.
Here are some models in the different weight categories:
- Featherweight – pocket energy
- Medium weight
- Maximum weight – XXL Power Bank
The fundamental accessories
Many models, apart from the obvious function of charging other devices, also offer a range of accessories or options that distinguish them from other models and make them unique. Before buying a power bank model then, it can be very useful to check whether it has all the functions we need.
Here is a list of common accessories:
- fast charging port (1.5-2.1) – enables faster charging of connected devices.
- additional charging ports – allows two devices to be charged simultaneously
- LED charging level indicator – informs of charging level via LED lights
- charging level display – indicates the remaining charge through a digital screen
- torch – powerful LED torch with low power consumption
- simultaneous charging of the power bank and the devices connected to it – most power banks do not have this option
Design also plays its part: shape and colour
After assessing how to use it and the performance you expect, you can focus on the style of your own powerbank.
Of course, we cannot give you advice in this area since everyone has their own preferences when it comes to colour and shape. But we are sure of one thing: with the number of models and the variety of power banks available, you are sure to find the right one for you!
Long, square, super-thin, blue, black, golden… or pink?
After these useful tips, it’ll be much easier to choose the right power bank for your needs!