With the rise of smartphones and other portable electronic devices, there has been an increased demand for portable battery packs to keep these devices charged while on-the-go. There are so many options out there that it can be overwhelming to decide which one to choose. In this article, we will walk you through the decision process and provide expert insights on how to select the best portable battery for your needs.
Step 1: Determine your charging needs
The first step in selecting a portable battery is to determine your charging needs. How often do you need to charge your device? How many devices do you need to charge at the same time? How quickly do you need your device to be charged?
According to Ryan Daws, an expert in the mobile technology industry and editor at IoT News, “The most important factor to consider when selecting a portable battery is its capacity, measured in mAh (milliampere-hour). This is the amount of power the battery can store and is directly related to how many times you can charge your device before the battery pack needs to be recharged itself.”
Therefore, the more devices you need to charge and the more frequently you need to charge them, the higher capacity battery you will need. Additionally, if you need your device to be charged quickly, look for a battery pack that supports fast charging technology such as Quick Charge or Power Delivery.
Step 2: Consider the size and weight of the battery
The next factor to consider when selecting a portable battery is its size and weight. Do you need a battery that can easily fit in your pocket or one that can charge multiple devices but is heavier and bulkier?
According to Alex Bratton, CEO of Lextech Global Services and mobile technology expert, “Size and weight are important considerations for portable batteries, especially if you plan on carrying the battery with you while traveling. Look for a battery pack that is lightweight and compact but still provides enough power to charge your devices multiple times.”
Step 3: Look for additional features
Many portable batteries on the market offer additional features beyond just charging your devices. For example, some battery packs come with built-in LED lights or a flashlight, making them useful in emergency situations. Other battery packs come with wireless charging capabilities, allowing you to charge your device without the need for a cable.
According to Elizabeth Harper, an experienced tech writer and editor at Gadget Flow, “Additional features like wireless charging or built-in flashlights can be useful, but don’t get too hung up on them if they don’t fit your needs. Always prioritize the charging capacity and size of the battery first.”
Step 4: Determine your budget
Finally, you will need to determine your budget for a portable battery. Battery packs can range in price from under $20 to over $100, depending on their capacity and additional features.
According to Jeff Hwang, a senior editor at Wirecutter, “You don’t need to spend a lot of money to get a good portable battery. There are many affordable options on the market that provide reliable performance.”
Step 5: Select from top models
| Brand | Model | Capacity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anker | PowerCore 10000 | 10,000 mAh | $25.99 |
| RavPower | RP-PB19 | 16,750 mAh | $39.99 |
| Aukey | PB-N36 | 20,000 mAh | $39.99 |
| Mophie | Powerstation Plus XL | 12,000 mAh | $99.95 |
| Jackery | Bolt | 6,000 mAh | $29.99 |
Anker PowerCore 10000:
The Anker PowerCore 10000 is a great portable battery option for those who need a compact and lightweight battery that still provides a decent amount of power. With a capacity of 10,000 mAh, this battery can provide up to 2.5 charges for an iPhone X and up to 1.6 charges for a Samsung Galaxy S9.
According to Digital Trends, “The PowerCore 10000 offers an impressive balance between size and capacity, making it a great option for those who need a portable battery for everyday use.”
RavPower RP-PB19:
The RavPower RP-PB19 is a high-capacity portable battery with a capacity of 16,750 mAh. This battery can charge an iPhone X up to 5.5 times and a Samsung Galaxy S9 up to 3.3 times. Additionally, it supports Quick Charge 3.0 technology, allowing you to charge your devices quickly.
According to CNET, “The RavPower RP-PB19 is a great option for those who need a high-capacity battery with fast charging capabilities.”
Aukey PB-N36:
The Aukey PB-N36 is a budget-friendly option for those who need a portable battery with a high capacity. With a capacity of 20,000 mAh, this battery can charge an iPhone X up to 6 times and a Samsung Galaxy S9 up to 4 times. Additionally, it supports Quick Charge 3.0 technology.
According to PCMag, “The Aukey PB-N36 offers an impressive amount of power for its price, making it a great budget option for those who need a high-capacity portable battery.”
Mophie Powerstation Plus XL:
The Mophie Powerstation Plus XL is a premium portable battery option with a capacity of 12,000 mAh. This battery comes with built-in Lightning and Micro-USB cables, making it easy to charge your devices without the need for additional cables. Additionally, it supports Priority+ Charging, allowing you to charge your device first before the battery pack.
According to TechRadar, “The Mophie Powerstation Plus XL is a well-designed portable battery with a good balance between capacity and convenience.”
Jackery Bolt:
The Jackery Bolt is a compact and affordable portable battery with a capacity of 6,000 mAh. This battery comes with built-in Lightning and Micro-USB cables, as well as a USB-A port for charging additional devices. Additionally, it has a built-in flashlight.
According to Wirecutter, “The Jackery Bolt is a great option for those who need a portable battery that is both compact and affordable.”
Helpful Resources
Here is a list of resources and helpful links related to selecting the best portable battery:
- Wirecutter – The Best USB Battery Packs: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-usb-battery-packs/
- Digital Trends – Best Portable Battery Packs: https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/best-portable-battery-packs/
- CNET – Best portable chargers and power banks for iPhone: https://www.cnet.com/news/best-portable-chargers-and-power-banks-for-iphone/
- PCMag – The Best Portable Chargers and Power Banks for 2021: https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-portable-chargers-and-power-banks
- TechRadar – Best portable chargers: top power banks for smartphones: https://www.techradar.com/news/best-portable-charger-power-bank
- Gadget Flow – Portable Chargers: https://thegadgetflow.com/portfolio/category/portable-chargers/
- Amazon – Portable Chargers: https://www.amazon.com/Portable-Chargers-Power-Banks/b?ie=UTF8&node=7073960011
- Best Buy – Portable Chargers: https://www.bestbuy.com/site/searchpage.jsp?st=portable+charger&_dyncharset=UTF-8&id=pcat17071&type=page&sc=Global&cp=1&nrp=&sp=&qp=&list=n&af=true&iht=y&usc=All+Categories&ks=960&keys=keys
- Tom’s Guide – Best portable chargers and power banks in 2021: https://www.tomsguide.com/us/best-portable-chargers,review-2887.html
These resources provide expert reviews, customer feedback, and a wide range of options to help you make an informed decision when selecting a portable battery.
Let us know in the comments if you have a favorite battery pack!
