There are a variety of power banks, all with different brands, different capacities, different sizes, and different features. One of the most common questions people ask is what they should be paying for a reliable power bank. The answer heavily depends on the needs of the power bank and the features which are included. There are dozens of different options when they go shopping for a device to charge their mobile or immobile units, and the price they pay for such charging will heavily depend on the size, capacity, and output of the unit.
To be better equipped to shop and make a purchase, you should first know what there is to look for in a power bank and determine how many of these features and components you need or don’t need. Shopping around for a power bank can be a tricky process, but it’s easier if you know what you’re in the market for.
What Features are Necessary?
Having your phone or other device slowly bleed itself dry is a frustrating experience, but there’s a multitude of power banks and portable chargers which can save you from having to experience this situation again and again. They come in many different shapes and sizes and brands, meaning shopping around for a power bank is a tricky and often complicated process.
Many come with LED displays and some even come with the ability to jumpstart cars. With so many to choose from, it can be difficult to know which ones you need. But there are a few things to consider before starting your quest for the perfect power bank.
Size and Capacity
There’s a simple of rule of thumb here; the bigger the power bank you choose to buy, the greater capacity you’ll get and the greater number of ports you’ll have to charge additional and varied other devices. There are several brands of power banks which are designed to fit in a pocket and give your phone one good charge before running out of juice themselves.
These are great if you need a power bank to function as a portable charger but not if you need juice all day. There are larger batteries which have mAh values of over 5,000. These will be great to charge your device throughout the day but most find them large and unwieldy, which makes them great for charging laptops and other larger devices.
Number of Ports
Some people need multiple ports because they need to charge multiple devices at once while others just need one to charge a single device they bring with them when they go out. The price you pay for your power bank or portable charger will be largely determined by how many ports you need. Those with multiple ports will often be larger and have a larger capacity, will be generally tougher to carry around. If all you need is a single port, however, you can buy some extremely affordable and portable chargers without issue. Larger chargers have up to three or four ports for charging all sorts of different devices at once, usually in the form of USB ports.
In days past, it was difficult to find Apple specific charging ports because the charging component was a technology held in propriety by Apple. Now however, power banks are generally made with iOS users in mind as well, meaning they’re easier to find, both online and in physical locations.
A Quick Charge
One of the most important factors you need to consider when shopping around for a charger is how fast you want to charge your device. More expensive chargers will charge your devices incredibly quickly because they have a larger voltage and amperage capability.
These measurements are used to determine both how fast your charger will take a charge itself, and how quickly it will charge your devices. Larger chargers will have greater voltage and amperages on average, so if you want a charge which can charge up your phone or other devices within an hour, you’ll have to pay a reasonable premium.
Thinking About Your Options
There are many options you have to choose from when shopping for a portable charger or power bank. Knowing what you want will greatly help you determine what to buy and how much to spend for your needs. You can go for the most expensive charger you can find but if your needs don’t match the product you’re buying, this is largely a waste of your money. On the other hand, if you need specific essentials from your chargers or go to cheap with what you buy, the charger you end up with won’t meet all of your needs.
The key in buying a portable charger or power bank, like buying many things, is to find a happy medium between what you need and how much money you’re willing to spend. Once you have a good idea of what you want, it’s easier to find a charger which matches your needs, and you can view different brands and price ranges to find one that works for you every time.
Great Portable Chargers to Buy
As discussed above, the portable charger you choose will largely be determined by your needs. There are, however, some great chargers on the market today which have been tested and have a reputation for being among the best in their class. If your needs match these chargers, you’ve saved yourself a good deal of work and shopping around.
The first of these is the Aukey 10000 mAh Power Bank. This is a great charger to quickly charge tablets and phones and take with you to work and out for a day around town. It’s only about thirty dollars on sites like Amazon, making it one of the most affordable and great quality chargers. Secondly is the Aukey 8000 mAh Spring Wireless Charging Power Bank.
This is an interesting charger because it can charge your phone wirelessly. It’s great for a fast charge and affordable as well. Finally, there’s the Belkin Boost Up Charger. This charger comes with multiple ports and is one of the fastest chargers on the market.
The Bottom Line
There are several dozens of chargers to choose from when you’re looking for great power and portability. The charger you end up buying will be determined by your needs, as there’s capacity, portability, and size to consider when shopping for a charger which works for you.
There are plenty of affordable chargers which work well and just because you’re spending a premium for the charger you buy doesn’t mean it’s necessarily the right charger for you. The right charger is one which comes with the features and specifications you want while not breaking the bank. Consider your needs and shop smart when looking for a portable charger or power bank.
