Even though phones have experienced leaps and bounds in the longevity and construction of their batteries, not to mention the software implications like power-saving and deep sleep modes, we’ve been able to experience devices that can last upward of 20 hours. That doesn’t mean that we aren’t caught off guard sometimes or struck by a tragedy like a wireless charger dying overnight. Best answer to that? A power bank. You might be able to save your device from getting that dreaded low-battery notification or save someone else’s day.

What to Keep in Mind when Looking at Power Banks

Even the simplest of power banks feature the same things, an internal battery, an input port, and an output port. Most (I would hope) will have some kind of indicator as to their % of power left. Back when power banks were first created, they were simply just a circuit of two AA batteries. Now, you can find them in many shapes and sizes, from flashlights to speakers, and featuring a multitude of features.

Understanding Powerbank Sizes

Powerbanks, as well as mobile device batteries, are measured in mAh, or milliamp hours. This is the most common method of measuring battery sizes in everyday devices. If you look up your phone, you will probably see a number between 3,000 and 5,000 mAh. Keep that number in mind as you are researching power banks so you can see how many charges of your phone you might get out of a power bank.

In my case, I daily drive a Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, I also carry an Anker PowerCore 10000 and an Anker PowerCore Slim PD 10000 as my backup power banks. Since the S22 Ultra features a 5,000 mAh battery and both of my power banks add up to 20,000 mAh. I should theoretically get 4 full 0% to 100% charges.

Ports and Power Delivery

The most common port type of course will be a USB-A, most power banks will have 2 to 4 of these ports, and are the main way they deliver power to other devices. Depending on how up-to-date your power bank is, it may feature USB-C ports for input and output, increasing the overall speed of power delivery. The Anker PowerCore Slim packs in a USB-C port with up to 18W power delivery, allowing an iPhone to charge from 0% to 50% in around 30 minutes.

Extra ports allow you to charge multiple devices at one time in case you’re traveling and your devices need a quick top-off. Those higher throughput ports also let you keep up with more intensive tasks as well, like powering a GoPro during a timelapse.

While the majority of power banks will charge your devices through a cabled connection, newer power banks like the PowerCore III will offer the ability to wirelessly charge your phone. Making the experience that much easier.

Other Features

While I consider things like faster ports and wireless charging to be more utilitarian and expected features, I have seen and used power banks in the past with things like built-in cables, ones that were flashlights, and ones that had interchangeable 18650 batteries inside.

Top Five techL1F3 Recommended Powerbanks

Utility and Compact: Anker PowerCore 10000

One of the smallest and lightest 10,000mAh power banks
Output: USB-A – Input: Micro USB
Combination of 11 safety technologies to protect your battery and devices.

I’ve always had one of these with me. Even though it may not provide the fastest charge, it has always been reliable and compact enough to throw in a pocket or lend to someone. 10,000mAh has always served me well too, with a balance of size and usefulness. The single USB-A port means you can only charge one device at a time and it charges through a Micro USB connection. Powerful in a compact layout.

Fast Delivery: Anker PowerCore Slim 10000 PD

18W output from the USB-C port. 12W output from the USB-A port
Charge 2 Devices at once since the USB-C port acts both as an input and output
Trickle charging technology once a device has been topped off.

Since this power bank is about the same thickness as my phone, It’s always been easy to slip this in my back pocket with my phone. Add in the fact of 18W output and I have to keep it in my pocket for way less time than other power banks. That’s a win-win in the category of power banks and the PowerCore Slim 10000 PD, in my opinion, is the best EDC power bank you could purchase at this time.

DIY: 4x 18650 Battery Case

4 slots for 18560 rechargeable battery slots
1x USB-C, 1x Micro USB, 2x USB-A
Features a flashlight and digital screen to show the total charge of batteries.

This is a pretty cool concept and definitely wins points for its screen. Great for travel as it can both charge your 18650 batteries and charge other devices. It’ll even detect if there is a bad battery or if it’s been inserted wrong. This is effectively a forever power bank as the moment your internal batteries degrade, you can just replace them with higher capacity 18650s. Batteries aren’t included, but that opens you up to using different capacity 18650s.

Top of Class: Anker 737 24,000mAh

Up to 140W output
2-year warranty
Charge up the average iPhone almost 5 times from 0% to 100%

When you need plenty of charges and you need it fast. This beast might come in a larger form factor but it’s well worth it. Since this device can output at such a high rate, the Anker 737 can work as a portable laptop charger. You can charge up to three devices at one time, making this your one-stop item for portable power delivery.

Best Outdoors: Anker PowerCore Solar 20000

Ultra Robust construction, made for the outdoors
True peace of mind with its ability to solar charge
20,000mAh capacity – multiple full charges for the average phone

Now, this is true peace of mind and my favorite on camping trips. Water-resistant with a built-in flashlight, this battery pack has the field in mind. One of the fastest solar chargers built into a battery pack on the market means that you don’t have to worry about running low on charge for long.

It’s a Tie

As I always say, there is no silver bullet for your situation. In the case of power banks though, those munitions may be the Anker PowerCore 10000 and the Anker PowerCore 10000 Slim PD. These are always safe choices, boasting plenty of mAh and backed by an extremely reputable company. I’ve been running them both for a long time and have yet to notice any battery degradation and never had them fail yet. Give them a try, you never know when you might need a bit more juice. Plus, they’re both currently really affordable, less than $35 each.