Key Takeaways:
- You want a power bank with a capacity at least a bit higher than that of your device.
- A lightweight and compact power bank is ideal for carrying it everywhere.
- Check the charging ports, USB-C inputs are becoming popular due to their ability to charge faster.
- Features like fast charging or safeguard features are important things to consider.
- A strong and durable material will ensure the best long term value of your powerbank.
Introduction
Power banks are increasing in popularity and for a good reason, people are carrying more electrical devices on them now more than ever. This means that people also need a portable power supply in order to ensure these devices stay charged. Power banks can do just that, some better than others. It’s important to pick a decent bank because you need them to be reliable and you don’t want to keep spending money to buy another one. Here are 6 things that we believe you should consider when buying a power bank.
1. Capacity
Capacity is very important because it in a sense determines the power of your power bank. Of course, much like other things in life, the more the merrier. But if you’re a logical person who makes decisions based on needs, then you don’t need an outrageous capacity number like 5 million.
In order to determine how much capacity you actually need, you should consider the batteries and devices you are planning to charge. What are their capacities? For example, is it your cell phone, laptop, or flashlight? The iPhone 12 has a battery capacity of 3687 mAh while a Macbook Pro has a capacity of 8000 mAh, and flashlight batteries can range from anywhere between 500 mAh to over 6000 mAh in capacity. So first you should look into your device's capacity.
You want to choose a power bank that has at the least a capacity that matches that of your device. This is so you know that you’ll get at least one complete charge with the power bank. I do recommend getting a powerbank with a capacity of at least double your device’s capacity, that way you can get two complete charges or charge multiple devices/batteries if needed.
2. Size & Weight
Size and weight are not as important as capacity but they are pretty important considering when and where you plan to use the power banks. If you plan on using them at home, then you probably don’t actually need a power bank and so the size and weight have little impact on your decision. But like most people, they use their power banks when they are on the go, whether that be for traveling, camping, working or etc. This means that you probably need something that's not a hassle to carry around.
3. Input/Output Charging Ports
What charging ports does it support, Micro-USB, USB-C, etc? Of course, you could get whatever cord to connect it to your device for output, but for its input and charging, the cord is important. USB Type C cords are increasing in popularity and are being acknowledged for being superior when it comes to charging speeds. So ideally, you want your power bank to charge up as fast as possible, a USB-C input would be a better choice as opposed to a micro-USB.
4. Charging Speed
Does it have fast charging abilities? Fast charging, as implied by the name, allows you to charge your devices faster than a regular charging cord and power brick would allow you to do so. Obviously, this is important because if you are on the go and using a power bank, then ideally you want your device to charge as fast as possible. So be sure to check if the power bank has fast charging capabilities.
5. Safety Features
Does it have multiple protection safeguards that ensure your device and your power bank’s safety at all times? Some of these protections would include common ones like overcharge protection, which helps prevent the power bank from pumping energy into your device after it's fully charged and damaging it. Or maybe short circuit protection which helps prevent excessive currents beyond the device's accepted current ratings. There are plenty of other safeguards and it's important to consider them and ensure your devices' safety.
6. Material
Just like everything you buy, you probably want it to stand the test of time and to withstand a potential beating. A power bank should be no different, you don’t want to have to buy a new one every few months or every time you drop one. It is great to be mindful of the material that the power bank is made from. A metal or carbon fiber would be more durable than a plastic one. Although some plastic power banks are made from a durable plastic material so checking out the reviews would be a good idea.
This insightful post offers valuable tips for maximizing the efficiency of portable chargers. The author’s expertise shines through, providing practical advice for ensuring optimal performance from Power Banks. Thank you for sharing such useful insights!