Power banks – Large, Mini and wireless

How to find the right power bank for you

Which power bank suits you best depends on your needs and the problem in your life you want it to solve. Are you perhaps someone who just wants a bit of extra charge in your pocket for a night out, or do you need to be able to charge the whole family’s phones on holiday? Do you want a magnetic power bank that attaches to the back of your phone, or something sturdy enough to handle a camping holiday?

To make it as easy as possible for you to make the right decision, we’ve summarised the most important aspects and features below.

Capacity – how many charges the power bank holds

The capacity of a power bank – that is, how much energy (and therefore how many charges) it holds – is measured in milliampere-hours (mAh). Both in our range and on the market in general, there are many models and options with different mAh ratings, and below you can find a brief explanation of what the various figures mean.

• 5,000 mAh: This is relatively small and has the standard capacity for a mini power bank intended for everyday use. 5,000 mAh is roughly enough to charge a standard smartphone, such as an iPhone or Samsung Galaxy, once.
• 10,000 mAh: Consequently, a 10,000 mAh power bank can be used to charge a standard smartphone two or three times, a smartwatch 20 to 30 times, and a tablet once.
• 20,000 mAh: This is one of the more powerful models that is still sufficiently portable. A 20,000 mAh power bank can be used on longer journeys or when you frequently need to charge several devices at the same time.
• 20,000 mAh and above: It is at this size that the term ‘portable battery’ starts to become a bit vague. Power banks of this size are perfect for camping trips, the car, or if you need to charge something larger, such as a laptop.

Number of USB ports – charge multiple devices at the same time

Do you have a large family, or do you simply need to be able to charge several different devices at the same time? With a power bank featuring multiple USB ports, you can easily charge your mobile, tablet, headphones or laptop whilst on the move. Just bear in mind that the more devices you charge, the higher the mAh capacity you’ll need to ensure the charge lasts.

→ When considering how many USB ports you need, don’t forget to also bear in mind the type of ports you require. Some power banks have USB-C ports, others USB-A, and many a mix of both. If you need to invest in a new cable, you’ll find our full range of USB cables here.

Wireless power bank – Qi and MagSafe

If you want to do away with cables and wires altogether, a power bank that offers magnetic wireless charging is a great option. These power banks attach to the back of your phone, allowing you to charge the battery whilst you’re using it and carrying it in your hand.

→ Remember to double-check that your device – whether it’s a phone or a tablet – supports wireless charging before investing in one of these options.

Frequently asked questions and answers

Are power banks allowed on flights?

Yes and no. You’re allowed to take a power bank on a flight, but only in your hand luggage. Power banks aren’t permitted in checked-in luggage, and in most cases, power banks in hand luggage must not exceed 27,000 mAh.

Can you use a power bank with both iPhones and Android phones?

Yes! You can use a power bank regardless of your mobile’s brand or operating system. The only thing you need to bear in mind is that you have the right type of cable for your device, or that it’s compatible with wireless charging if you want to use a wireless power bank.

Can you charge anything other than your phone with a power bank?

Yes, a power bank can be thought of as an extra battery that can charge most small gadgets you’d otherwise plug into a wall socket. They’re most commonly used to keep portable devices charged, whether they’re mobiles, smartwatches, tablets or headphones.

How big a power bank do I need?

It depends on your needs and what you want to charge. A smaller power bank with a lower capacity that can charge your phone once or twice is handy, smart and fits easily in your bag or jacket pocket. A larger power bank offers multiple charges and can usually keep the battery charged in larger devices, but is also bulkier. As a rule of thumb, remember that a higher mAh capacity provides more charges but is also usually physically larger.