Power Banks: Detailed Buying Guide

Capacity (How much power does it hold?)

Capacity is measured in mAh (milliampere-hours). The higher the number, the more power the power bank can store.

5,000 mAh: Small and ultra-light. It will give you about half to one full charge. Ideal for a night out.
10,000 mAh: The golden mean. Fits in a small bag, not too heavy, and will charge your phone 1 to 1.5 times.
20,000 mAh (and above): Heavy energy "monsters". Perfect for camping, traveling, or if you want to charge a laptop as well.

Ports: The End of Micro-USB

When you look at the ports of the power bank, things are now simple: The key word is USB-C (the oval port found on all modern Android devices and now on the new iPhones as well).

Input: This is the port you use to charge the power bank itself from the wall. It should be USB-C. If you see a Micro-USB port, skip it—it's old technology.
Output: This is the port you use to charge your phone. Ideally, the power bank should have at least one USB-C port and maybe a classic large one (USB-A) for older cables.

Charging Speed (Watts)

No one wants to wait for hours. The speed is measured in Watts (W).

For mobile phones: Look for a power bank that provides at least 20W. This way, a modern phone will go from 0% to 50% in about half an hour.
For Laptops/Tablets: If you want to charge a computer, you will need Power Delivery (PD) technology and numbers from 65W and above.

Wireless and Magnetic Charging

Are you tired of cables getting tangled in your bag?

Magnetic Power Banks (MagSafe / Qi2): If you have an iPhone 12 or later, or a very modern Android device, you can get a magnetic power bank. You simply "stick" it to the back of your phone like a fridge magnet and it starts charging. It's the most convenient way to use your phone while it's charging.

Three "Small" Extras That Make a Difference

When comparing models, check if they have these super useful features:

Pass-Through Charging: Allows you to plug the power bank into the socket at night and connect your phone to it. In the morning, you’ll wake up with both your phone AND the power bank at 100%.
Low-Current Mode: Wireless headphones (bluetooth earbuds) and smartwatches draw very little power. Many basic power banks think the device is fully charged and turn off automatically. This feature ensures your tiny gadgets charge properly.
Built-in Cables: Some power banks have the cable hidden/built into their body. A perfect solution if you’re one of those who always forget their cables at home.

Attention: Are You Traveling by Plane?

If you are preparing for a flight, there is a strict international safety rule:

Never in Checked Luggage! Power banks are not allowed in the large suitcase you check in (in the baggage hold). They are allowed ONLY in the bag or carry-on you take with you into the cabin.
The Limit: You can take power banks with a capacity of up to 100Wh (about 27,000 mAh). Almost all everyday power banks are below this limit, so you won't have a problem. For anything larger, special permission is required.

In summary: What should I buy?

Do you want something simple for everyday use? Get a 10,000mAh with USB-C port at 20W.
Do you have a compatible phone and hate cables? Get a Magnetic Power Bank.
Do you want to charge your laptop as well? Get a 20,000mAh with 65W Power Delivery.

How long does it take for the power bank to charge my phone?

In general, this depends on the capabilities of both the smartphone and the power bank, but nowadays there are two main charging standards. Quick Charge 2.0, which is the older fast charging standard, allows phones to reach 0 to 60% in 30 minutes, while Quick Charge 3.0 offers more efficient and faster charging for compatible devices, allowing them to reach 0 to 80% in 35 minutes.

Why isn’t my power bank charging?

There are many reasons why your power bank may not be charging a device. Let’s look at the most common ones!

Have you checked the cable?

You may have already tried this, but check if the cable is damaged or if the port has dust or dirt. If, after cleaning it, the problem persists, try using a different cable.