People are working from offices, homes, coffee shops, and vacation sites these days, made possible by remote work opportunities and widely available internet. You may be working with your colleagues or alongside your kids at home. One need rings true no matter where you are: your electronic devices need power.
Smartphone, tablet, and laptop power needs can be met by portable power banks. Many good options exist in the market today but not all power banks are created equally. They vary in shape, size, weight, power level, number of ports, special features, and price. If you look at all the power bank devices available, the number to review can be overwhelming. Here, we’ll feature five of the best portable power banks on the market, offer information for your evaluation, and make our top pick.
Power Bank Top Contenders
Anker PowerCore 20100 Power Bank
Anker PowerCore products are well-rated and popular. The 20,100mAh battery capacity of the Anker PowerCore 20100 can charge several devices or the same device multiple times on a single charge. You can even charge two devices at once using the two 2.4 AMP USB Ports.
Portability for the Anker PowerCore 20100 comes in its slim package. Surprisingly, though, it’s heavy for its power level at nearly 12.5 oz. For some people, that’s an issue.
With a battery size this big, the PowerCore 20100 charges fast. You can use the PowerIQ or Voltage Boost for high speed charging, although this version doesn’t work with the Qualcomm Quick Charge. For all that the Anker PowerCore 20100 offers, it has a fair price of around $50.
RAVPower Portable charger 20000mAh PD 3.0 Power Bank
Sleek, thin, and powerful, the RAVPower Portable Charger 20000mAh boasts 3 ports for charging several items simultaneously: USB C, USB 3.0, and USB 2.0. It’s a very handy feature when you’re on the road. The large battery capacity enables the charger to have a long battery life, good for several charges of your devices.
The RAVPower Portable Charger 20000mAh weighs in a 15.6, too much for some folks. It’s a trade-off for what it offers to users. While still priced reasonably, this device costs more than many other comparable power banks at around $40.
MAXOAK 50,000mAh Power Bank
The MAXOAK 50000mAh Power Bank is the big guy on this list in terms of, well, everything. It has more power, more ports, a bigger size and a higher price to match. Whether you’re going on a business trip, attending a meeting, or taking a family vacation, its ports accommodate six devices with plenty of power for phones, tablets, and laptops, as long as you’re not using a MacBook because it lacks compatibility.
If you don’t mind paying over $130 and carrying this device approaching 3 pounds in weight, you’ll have a great device that serves up a lot of power. In other words, you get what you pay for.
Anker PowerCore Fusion 5000
Moving in the opposite direction in size and power, the Anker PowerCore Fusion 5000 is both a 5,000mAh power bank and a charging adapter. It’s a slower charging adapter than its more powerful cousins but it’s less expensive, smaller, and lighter. Sometimes, that’s what’s needed.
The Fusion has three ports including two USB-A ports and a Micro USB slot to charge up to three devices. You can plug it into the wall outlet and it will charge itself as it charges your devices. For a smaller price around $25, this device offers what many lighter device users need.
Mophie Powerstation Plus XL
iPhone and iPad users gave three cheers when the Mophie Powerstation Plus XL was introduced. While Android users can make use of an available USB-A port, the Mophie features a built-in Lightning cable that stays attached, making looking for a charging cable a thing of the past. It also charges on a Qi charger, adding more convenience.
Many people like the finish of the product, made of fabric rather than plastic. Inside, the Mophie Powerstation Plus XL holds 10,000mAh of power, enough for a few charges of your smartphone. Other models offer different power levels, and a wireless version is available. This model weighs just over 5.5 oz. and is expensive for many people at around $50.
Choosing the Best Power Bank
With many good power banks and portable chargers on the market, these five rise to the top for various reasons. Overall, it’s hard to go wrong with Anker PowerCore, and its 20100 model offers enough power and charging ports to meet the needs of most people on the go. While it’s not the lightest or least expensive model overall, it’s a dependable device with enough power to charge most smartphones and tablets and some laptops. The cost is around the $50 mark, making it affordable for many consumers.
That said, review the available power banks to find what works best for you. If you need the most power and ports or want to charge laptops, then the MAXOAK 50000aMh is for you. iPhone and iPad users will want to take a serious look at the Mophie Powerstation Plus models, wired and wireless. If you have a certain maximum weight you want to carry, look at the weight on all your options. Of course, buy something that’s within your budget.
Meeting Your Needs for Power
Hopefully, this evaluation of top power banks on the market provided enough information to get you started on your search for one that meets your needs. You can’t go wrong with one of the models discussed as we provided devices with varying power levels, weights and prices to suit various needs. Remember to check that the power banks you research will work with the devices you want to charge on a regular basis. You’ll find the right power bank for your lifestyle and work situation, no matter if you’re working in a cubicle, your kitchen or a balcony overlooking the beach.
