Factors to Consider Before Buying
You should consider certain factors before investing in a portable charger. Many power banks last for years. Therefore, you must choose the right device as per your charging requirements.
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1. Size of the Battery
The size of the battery depends on how long you want your portable charger to last on a single charge and the number of devices you will connect to it. Today, power banks with a 5000mAh battery are popular due to their pocket-sized shape. They can fully charge your phones and tablets once.
There are 10000mAh and 20000mAh batteries that can charge flagship phones and tablets multiple times. They will usually feature more than one outlet, letting you charge 2 or 3 devices simultaneously. You can even charge laptops and heavier devices with bigger batteries. However, these power banks are bulky and more expensive.
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2. Fast Charging
A portable charger should be quick enough to charge your device in less time. The measure of total power is calculated in wattage, which is volts times ampere. Manufacturers tweak the voltage or boost amperage to make fast-charging chargers. The most common devices, like the iPhone and Samsung’s Galaxy series, support 27W and 45W charging, respectively.
Today’s devices use proprietary fast charging technologies, such as Qualcomm QuickCharge or USB Power Delivery, that promise a 50% charge in less than 30 minutes. This is very handy if you are in a tight spot and need power in a pinch.
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3. Wireless Support
Wireless charging technology has revolutionized the way we charge our devices. These power banks eliminate the need for a transmission cable and support all compatible devices. Qi (for Android) and MagSafe (for Apple devices) are industry standards that will charge your devices at up to 18W.
Battery makers have built-in Qi or MagSafe-compatible charging pads on their devices, meaning you can leave your wires home. Such power banks are usually more expensive and charge slowly, but they have maneuverability and give you a hassle-free charging experience.
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4. Power Input and Output
Nearly all power banks have three ports. A couple of USB-A ports for the output, where you will connect your USB-A to a Micro USB/ Type C/ Lightning cable and charge your Android or iOS devices. There’s a port to charge the power bank, usually a type C or a micro USB port. Type C’s charge the power bank quickly.
Make sure you match your battery’s output to your phone’s input while choosing a portable charger. For example, if you have an iPhone, buy a battery that supports USB-A or USB-C to lightning charging.
The Best Portable Chargers in 2024
Now that you know the important features let us look at the best portable chargers in 2024 for all types of devices and charging requirements.
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1. Otterbox Fast Charger
Known for its solid phone cases, Otterbox also manufactures reliable power banks with a strong build quality. It has all the features you will need in a portable charger. It has a limited lifetime warranty with 20000mAh batteries, multiple USB ports, and fast charging that is quicker than your traditional chargers. It is perfect for travelers as the device is durable yet lightweight. It comes with different battery capacity options to help you choose the best.
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2. Anker 737 Power Bank
If you have been wondering which portable laptop charger is best, Anker 737 is worth considering. It provides a 140W output, making it perfect for bigger devices like laptops. It effortlessly charges laptops with its 24000mAh battery capacity, which means you’ll never have to worry about a power source for your laptop when you are out for a trip or hitting the road. This charger is relatively expensive and provides fast charging for all flagship models of laptops.
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3. QiSa Solar Charger
The QiSa solar charger uses solar power to charge itself and boasts a massive 38800mAh battery that lasts days. This solar power bank is perfect for camping and long trips where you might be without a power source for longer periods. You can charge multiple devices simultaneously and use the wireless charging feature if your device is compatible. It also has a built-in flashlight and supports 5V and 3.1A high-speed fast charging.
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4. Nimble Champ Series 2
The Nimble Champ is the best, value-for-money portable charger that comes in three sizes- Small (5200mAh), Medium (10000mAh), and Large (20000mAh). At 6.2 ounces, it is lightweight, easy to carry, and can charge phones and laptops effortlessly. It uses a C-to-C fast charging that goes up to 65 watts for the larger models. The USP of the product is its environmentally friendly production. Unlike other manufacturers who use lithium and cobalt, Nimble uses bioplastics and commits to sustainable, plastic-free packaging.
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5. Monoprice 20000mAh Power Bank
You don’t have to spend big to get your hands on a high-capacity battery. The Monoprice’s 20000mAh power bank is the best budget portable charger on the market. Its five ports give you versatile charging options like USB-C, USB-A, and micro USB. Priced at $29.99 (Monoprice Website), it is a powerful charger at that price point, with up to 22.5W charging support. There’s also a wireless charging option at $34.99 with Qt wireless charging (up to 15W). The power bank comes with a small USB C- USB A cable.
The market for portable chargers is very saturated, with numerous manufacturers claiming the best chargers for you. When selecting a charger, focus on your needs and budget rather than being swayed by impressive numbers and higher capacity. Go for a reliable brand and avoid inexpensive power banks that could harm your device.
The portable chargers mentioned in this blog are reputed for their performance and reliability. Use this information as a guide before purchasing and ensure you've considered all factors. Buy wisely!
