12 best external batteries

Today's smartphones, tablets and laptops, despite their manufacturability and huge functionality, have one serious drawback against the background of all the advantages - a weak battery. And although lately manufacturers have been seriously puzzled by the release of capacious batteries (4500/5000/6000 mAh), on average a modern smartphone lives 1–1.5 days of active use without recharging. The best power banks - external portable batteries - are called upon to eliminate this "dependence" on outlets. What is the difference between different models of power banks and what criteria should you focus on when buying?

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What are the criteria for choosing an external battery?

1. Capacity. The main characteristic of the bank. Indicates the amount of energy that can be accumulated and transferred to other devices. If your smartphone does not have a very capacious battery (up to 4000 mAh), and the external battery will not be used too often, you can save money and purchase a model with a small capacity, but for frequent hikes, trips and an active life in general, you need a power reserve. Also, a more capacious universal battery is needed to charge tablets, laptops or several devices in parallel.
2. Dimensions. This is also an important parameter, considering that external batteries are portable devices. They should be easily portable, easy to transport, which means that you need to pay attention to their size and weight. Ideally, the power bank fits into a pocket or small purse. You just need to understand that capacity and dimensions are mutually exclusive parameters, that is, an increase in capacity actually leads to an increase in the physical dimensions of the "power bank".
3. Connectors. Everything is simple here - the more outputs a powerbank has, the more gadgets it can charge at the same time. The USB input may also differ - instead of the traditional microUSB, some external batteries use an advanced USB Type-C port.
4. Power supply and fast charging. Smartphone batteries use 1A amperage, tablets 2A. And the ability to transfer energy with high electrical power (in watts) will provide accelerated charging of the gadget (if, of course, it supports such a technology).
5. Price. It depends primarily on the capacity of the battery, the quality of materials and brand awareness. If the budget is limited, it is better to make a bargain purchase on AliExpress than to buy frank junk, collected "on the knee".

Best Power Banks for Phones

This category includes inexpensive powerbanks with the necessary headroom for smartphones. For an affordable price, it is quite possible to buy a reliable external battery with the ability to charge your smartphone from 0% to 100% in several cycles.

5 ZMI QB810

Is 10,000 mAh cheaper than 1,000 rubles? Not bad. And the manufacturer is not some kind of "no-name", but a partner of Xiaomi. It is from this company that Xiaomi receives products from production, which it then sells under its own brand. The QB810 is practically the twin brother of the Mi Power Bank 2, but slightly cheaper with plastic material. The situation is more interesting with the operational capabilities.

For example, this battery has got an advanced USB-C input port, displays the fast charging process on the indicator. ZMI, like its counterpart, automatically starts when the cable is connected, supports low-current gadgets, but is still more suitable for working through QC fast charging.

Pros:

• Fast charge on exit and entrance
• Different input connectors
• Light weight and small dimensions
• Ability to disable fast charging
• Low price

Minuses:

• Charging with 5-volt adapters is slow
• No USB Type-C cable included

4 HIPER SP12500

Another compact PowerBank with a nice price. Only here there are already 12,500 mAh, which allows you to charge a smartphone with a not very capacious battery up to 4 times. Users note only a minimal deviation of the actual capacity from the declared one, which, oddly enough, is not typical of most power banks on the market.At the output, the maximum current is 2.1 A, there are two USB-A ports, which means that you can simultaneously charge a smartphone + tablet or 2 smartphones.

The battery does not have fast or wireless charging, due to which it was possible to reduce the cost of the product. The case is plastic, stylized as leather, there is an indicator of the remaining charge. You can buy a black, white or blue version of the body color.

Pros:

• The real capacity is close to the declared
• Simultaneous charging of two devices
• Compact dimensions
• Thick durable case with different colors
• Low price

Minuses:

• Long-term charging of the Powerbank itself
• Lack of mains charger included

3 Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 2 10000

Probably the main Power Bank of our time. The device has gained immense popularity and has become a sales leader due to its excellent price-to-capacity ratio and brand awareness.

The lithium-polymer battery with a capacity of 10 mAh has two USB ports up to 2.4 A (in addition to a smartphone, the model can also charge a tablet), a metal body (weighing only 228 g) and 5 body colors. It is possible to purchase a branded silicone case from Xiaomi. There is an option for accelerated charging using Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0 technology.

The power bank itself is charged in 4 hours. Suitable for a gift for both a man and a girl, because due to its moderate dimensions, the battery can easily fit into a handbag.

Pros:

• Demand and reputation
• Two modes - low and high power
• Fast charging
• Metal
• Design and variety of colors
• Thickness 14 mm

Minuses:

• The case quickly becomes covered with scratches

2 Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 2S (2i) 10000

The main contender for the title of the best "ten-thousander" among the so-called "power banks". Like its predecessor, it has 10,000 mAh (37 Wh), a solid metal case, reasonable dimensions and lithium-polymer technology. There is a possibility of parallel charging of two devices, as well as fast charging. The limiting current strength is 2A. The portable battery is able to recover 100% of its energy in about 5 - 6.5 hours.

Protection against overheating, short circuits and overloads is provided. The package contains a USB / micro USB cable.

Pros:

• Stylish design
• High production quality
• Convenient sizes
• Fast charging
• Adequate price

Minuses:

• Slippery, easily soiled, scratched body
• Takes a long time to charge

1 Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 2C 20000

The best power bank for a phone in 2020 is Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 2C 20000. Xiaomi's "monopoly" in our rating is explained by the great demand for the company's products and many positive reviews. The combination of quality workmanship, stylish appearance and loyal price leaves little chance for products of other brands.

This particular model has one more additional advantage - a large capacity of 20,000 mAh. This allows you to charge a smartphone with a 4000 mAh battery for 4 full cycles. The lithium-ion battery has a power of 74 Wh and a voltage of 3.7 V. The current limit for each USB connector (there are 2 of them here) is 2.4 A. The third version of the Quick Charge fast charging standard is supported.

The body is made of shockproof plastic. Inside, there are protection circuits against overloads, overheating and short circuits.

Pros:

• Capacity
• Stylish look
• Accepts and delivers a charge over Quick Charge
• Parallel charging of two devices
• Low power mode

Minuses:

• Weight - 358 g

The best universal external batteries

But what if, in addition to a smartphone and a tablet, a laptop (or something else) needs to be recharged when there is no outlet nearby? Choose the optimal universal battery model for yourself and use the equipment not whenever possible, but at any time you need it.

5 TopON TOP-T80, 18000 mAh

On the fifth line is a relatively expensive power bank capable of charging laptops, but due to its small size and ease of portability, it is excellent for smartphones. Numerous accolades and an almost complete lack of criticism on the Web spur interest in the purchase.

The device compares favorably with analogs by the presence of an informative LED-screen, which shows the power consumption and the level of the remaining charge.This will allow, for example, to prevent a sudden disconnection at the wrong moment or the use of poor quality wire. In addition, the bank is protected from overloads, short circuits, overheating and voltage surges. In production, it undergoes various tests for strength and indestructibility.

Pros:

• Large capacity (18000 mAh)
• Compactness and versatility
• Three different cables included
• High quality durable case
• Compatible with Samsung Adaptive Fast Charging

Minuses:

• Price
• Many customized reviews on the net

4 ROBITON Power Bank LP-24-Solar

The solar panel of this power bank can produce a scanty 300 mAh (and this is the maximum), but sometimes this particular supply of energy may not be enough on a long hike or travel. There is fast charging, however, only for external devices, the battery itself is charging rather slowly. There are 2 different types of input ports that can work in parallel.

24,000 milliamperes / hour is a serious indicator, especially at a price of 3.5K rubles. It's bad that there is no USB Power Delivery protocol, but there is an IP67 dust and moisture protection standard, which, again, is the best for travelers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Pros:

• Large capacity for the price
• Lantern
• Impact resistance of the case
• IP67 protection

Minuses:

• The benefits of a solar panel are minimal
• No USB Power Delivery

3 Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 3 Pro 20000 (PLM07ZM)

The best power bank for 20,000 is Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 3 Pro. Low-cost external batteries often do not provide the ability to simultaneously charge multiple devices using accelerated charging technology. As soon as an additional consumer of energy is connected, the voltage at all "outputs" drops to 5 V. Favorably differs against their background another model of Xiaomi in the rating, which boasts not only a large capacity, but also separate circuits for two ports USB-A and USB- C (work in parallel at full speed, power output is shared only when two USB-A are connected).

The power bank supports working with laptops using USB PD technology, the maximum power output is 45 watts. Charging of low-current devices is allowed. Another advantageous difference from analogs is the not so long process of charging the "bank" itself.

Pros:

• Quick Charge simultaneously for 2 outputs
• Charge up to 3 devices at the same time
• Fast charging of the powerbank from the laptop adapter
• Optimal balance of size, capacity and cost
• Demand and reputation

Minuses:

• OTG mode can block USB-C charging
• Soiled plastic

2 INTERSTEP PST-150PD

The device is fundamentally different from the models featured in the rating above. This "multi-socket" has a capacity of 40,000 mAh and a power of 150 W, therefore it is suitable for various household needs. This battery powers TVs, pumps, small refrigerators and other household appliances with moderate energy consumption.

Even though the weight of the model is an impressive 1.7 kilograms, the carrying handle serves in favor of ergonomics. There is a built-in 5W flashlight.

The battery itself can be fully charged in 7 hours at 45 V charging power and in 30 hours at 10 V. Fast charging is provided, but it works only if one consumer device is connected.

Pros:

• Large supply of energy
• Convenient and relatively fast charging of the battery itself
• Wide functionality and scope
• Built-in 220V socket
• Bright flashlight
• 2 USB-A and 1 USB-C

Minuses:

• No 45W Type-C adapter included
• The weight

1 Rombica NEO PRO 440C

The best power banks for a laptop are Rombica NEO PRO 440C. An impressive capacity reserve, an adequate price, moderate weight (1150 g) and a huge number of adapters in the product package are serious reasons to think about buying such a battery. However, it is not suitable for everyone, but first of all it was created for those who need frequent charging of a large amount of equipment or are often away from the outlet.

This model is one of the few that is suitable for the Microsoft Surface tablet, with a round universal connector. One of the 3 USB ports is advanced Type-C. Parallel charging of several devices is of course possible.Supports fast charging technology Quick Charge 3.0. The only bad thing is that with a battery of this capacity, you will not be allowed on the plane due to the established restrictions on this indicator.

Pros:

• 44000 mAh
• 28 adapters for different equipment
• There is support for MacBook
• Robust and stylish metal body
• Multiple charging standards, including fast charging (QC)
• Moisture protection

Minuses:

• Not very convenient to transport

Best Power Banks for iPhone

Since Apple equipment is manufactured with a proprietary Lightning connector, we will consider models of external batteries that have a Lightning adapter in the kit.

2 ZMI QB805

Small, compact, beautiful, reliable. The product from Xiaomi's partner - ZMI company - turned out to be very successful and in demand in the market, despite its modest capacity. The declared energy reserve is 5000 mAh, the real capacity will be 30% lower, so a fully charged battery will certainly be able to fully charge your iPhone from 0 to 100%. The set includes a special adapter for Apple devices.

With a thickness of 8.72 millimeters, it easily fits into a bag, clutch or pocket, and the weight of 113 grams is practically not felt. Despite its low price, this Power Bank supports fast charging technology.

Pros:

• Efficient polymer battery
• Minimum weight and thickness
• Fast charging support (version 2.0)
• 9 degrees of protection
• Stylish design to match iPhone devices
• Low price

Minuses:

• Small capacity

1 HIPER MP15000

The best external battery for iPhone according to user reviews is HIPER MP15000. Powerbank for 15,000 mAh of British production with a corporate design. On visual inspection, the convenient indication of the remaining energy immediately attracts attention. In addition, the Power Bank has received such useful additions as a card reader and a flashlight, although many users consider this to be unnecessary functionality.

The HIPER MP15000 deserves the title of the world's most versatile smartphone charger. The package includes adapters for mini USB, Apple 30 pin, Lightning, and even for old Nokia phones, which eliminates the need to purchase appropriate cables. Also, users speak positively about the reliability and ease of use.

Pros:

• Capacity-price ratio
• Convenient power bank indicator
• Numerous adapters
• Strong body, metal
• 2 outputs with the possibility of parallel charging

Minuses:

• Long battery charging
• Weight - 365 g

What is the best power bank to buy in 2020?

Be sure to take into account that powerbank manufacturers almost never specify in the specifications the actual capacity that will be transferred to consumer devices. The fact is that during the transfer of energy, approximately 30% of the current is lost. Thus, the declared battery capacity of 15,000 mAh does not mean at all that you can fully charge a smartphone with a 5,000 mAh battery 3 times, but 2 times with one small recharge is quite.

How often and what devices will you charge with the Power Bank? By answering this question to yourself, you will be able to understand what capacity is required and what outputs the product should have. Think, maybe you badly need the latest fast charger or waterproof case?

Then decide on the dimensions, body materials and price. Someone does not want to carry an oversized device weighing even under 300 g, others do not mind carrying kilogram "bricks" with them, just not to have a deficit in energy for their equipment. Some people prefer cheap and lightweight plastic, while others prefer a more solid metal case. And, finally, do not be tempted by cheap Chinese crafts with transcendental characteristics - often such consumer goods break down in the second week. We hope you were able to decide which external battery is better to buy for your phone and laptop.