When you need to charge a smartphone, laptop, fitness bracelet, the outlet is not always at hand. You have to carry a portable charger (external battery, PowerBank, or universal battery) with you, which “holds” electricity, allowing you to revive the device at any time. This article describes what options you should pay attention to when choosing portable charging (not to be confused with the best launchers and chargers for cars), as well as a rating of the best chargers in 2019.
How to choose a portable charger
When choosing a portable charger, you need to understand the conditions in which it will be used. Pay attention to its size, the amount of charge, which is indicated by the indicator "mAh", and other parameters.
Battery capacity
Manufacturers attract customers with capacious batteries for a low price. A person buys a battery for 15,000 mAh hours, but notices that the device charged a regular phone twice, after which it “lost” all the energy. Why it happens?
In the description of the device, capacity means energy storage at a standard voltage of 3.7 Volts in the battery itself. This is not the amount of electricity that the device is able to transfer to other devices. The maximum voltage of the USB cable that will transmit the charge is not taken into account. The cost of maintaining the battery itself is also dropped. We must not forget about the efficiency of the converter, which is 0.9 in lithium-ion and polymer batteries.
As a result, if we take a hypothetical Powerbank at 15,000 mAh, we get the following calculation:
(15,000 x 3.7 / 5) x 0.9 = 9.990 mAh
The battery capacity is enough to charge three Samsung Galaxy S9. On average, a third of the volume declared by the manufacturer can be ignored when choosing a battery.
Weight and size
The heavy and voluminous battery comes in handy when traveling. And which charger can you use comfortably every day? Right, small and light.
If you want to take a capacious, but not heavy battery, you should take a closer look at models based on polymer materials.
Amperage
The current strength for the average person is the charging speed of the mobile device. The current standard for smartphones is 1 Ampere (hereinafter “A”). For laptops - 2 A.
Attention! If you connect a single amp Power bank to the laptop, it will charge very slowly or will not perceive the battery at all.
Number of USB Connectors
Most modern devices are equipped with two USB-connectors. So that the user can charge the phone and, for example, a fitness bracelet. There are models on the market with a large number of connectors.
Indicator availability
The indicator on the case is a useful feature, but not a necessity. He announces a residual charge, sometimes it can replace a weak flashlight. The most convenient indicators have divisions, showing the exact balance of electricity.
Additional functions
Modern batteries get additional features, design improvements and unusual changes that change the principle of using the device. Among them:
- Lantern.
- Built-in USB cable with interchangeable connectors for different models of smartphones / laptops.
- Support fast charge function.
- The presence of a solar panel for charging the battery.
- Display with time, date, charge indication.
- Low current mode.To maintain the charge of the smartphone at the same level.
- Wireless Charging Sensor
Rating of the best external batteries in 2019
The rating is based on user reviews and expert opinions. Devices are listed in random order.
Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 2i 10000 mAh
A thin, stylish device in an aluminum case for 10,000 mAh among the majority of user reviews has earned the title of "Best Portable Charger." He honestly charges two smartphones from 0 to 100% charge. The maximum current is 2.4 A. The minimum is 1.5 A.
Benefits:
- Two USB Type-A sockets, and one microUSB.
- Bright LED indicator.
- Corresponding to the declared battery capacity.
- The presence of low current mode.
- Weight - 222 grams.
Disadvantages:
- Smartphones with USB Type-C need an adapter.
- The case is not scratch resistant.
The price in Russian stores is 1 thousand rubles.
Blitzwolf BW-P6 10000 mAh
The Chinese brand offers a strict matte plastic case, a charge capacity of 10,000 mAh and two USB ports - USB Type-A and microUSB.
Benefits:
- Strict design.
- Light weight - 210 grams.
- High-quality complete cable 55 cm long.
- Support for fast charging Qualcomm QC 2.0 and 3.0.
- Able to charge "apple" devices.
Disadvantages:
- Net capacity is 6506 mAh.
- Marked body.
- Full charge within 3 hours.
The price is 1 thousand rubles.
Xiaomi ZMI Aura QB822 20,000 mAh
The device holds 20,000 mAh, has two ports for USB Type-C. The side surfaces are covered with an elegant diamond-shaped pattern that protects the device from slipping in the hands. On the front panel is an indicator of 35 LEDs, which shows the residual charge as a percentage. A good companion for a long trip or a large company.
Benefits:
- Volume of 20,000 mAh.
- Stylish design.
- Support for Qualcomm’s fast charge function.
- MicroUSB connector and USB Type-C.
Disadvantages:
- Marked plastic case.
- Huge size and weight - 360 grams.
The price in Russia is 3 thousand rubles.
Romoss Sense 8 Plus 30000 mAh
The impressive size of the device for many is the best device in the ratio of capacity-price-capabilities, and comes close to the name "best overall charger" At the same time it has incredible dimensions: 16 cm in length, 8 in width and 3 in thickness. Model weighs 670 grams.
There are two Type-A, two microUSB, two Type-C and Lightning, a proprietary connector for Apple devices. The maximum current is 2.4 A. It also supports the Power Delivery interface, in other words, it is capable of charging ultrabooks. In other words, not portable charging, but a spare power source for everyday needs.
Benefits:
- Honest battery capacity.
- Five working ports.
- Support for Lightning connectors.
- Visible indicator.
Disadvantages:
- The minimum required battery charge time is 9.5 hours.
- Difficult to find in Russian stores.
- Does not fit in your pocket.
The price is 2 thousand rubles.
Essager Mini Power Bank 10000mAh
The maximum current is 2.1 A. Support for two Type-C connectors. Protection against short circuit, overload and overheating, as well as a percentage LED.
Advantage:
- Compact design.
- Weight - 193 grams.
- Led indicator.
- The battery capacity corresponds to the declared - 10,000 mAh.
Disadvantages:
- Cheap plastic.
- Build quality.
The cost varies within 900 rubles.
Xiaomi Flashlight Power Bank 3350
The rescue flashlight has a miniature size and fits in a bunch of keys. This is a lithium-ion battery with a maximum current output of 1 A. It weighs 103 grams and has a touching design, and therefore it becomes a frequent gift on February 14 and March 8.
Benefits:
- Compact.
- Convenient strap included.
- Charges quickly from the mains.
- There is a flashlight.
Disadvantages:
- A small capacity is enough for one incomplete charge of the phone.
- Charges tablets very slowly.
The average cost in Russia is 1000 rubles.
TopON TOP-MAX2
The capacity of the model is 30,000 mAh. Three USB 2.0 connectors, one USB Type-C. It supports fast delivery technology Power Delivery, and therefore is often used as a backup battery for a laptop.
The lithium polymer battery provides a relatively small size and weight of the universal battery:
- Length: 18.5 cm.
- Width: 13.5 cm.
- Thickness: 1.4 cm.
- Weight: 546 grams.
Benefits:
- An impressive volume of 30,000 mAh.
- The maximum current is 2.4 A.
- Multiple USB ports.
- Support for fast charging laptops.
- There is a charge indicator.
Disadvantages:
- Fragile plastic case.
- Hard to call a portable device.
- Inadequate cost.
The price in Russia is an average of 7 thousand rubles.
ZMI QB810 10,000 mAh
The model weighs 173 grams and has a relatively compact size. Only 13 cm long and 7 wide. Users enjoy the support of the fast charging function, praise the maximum current of up to 2.4 A. The only complaint is the lack of a Lightning connector.
Benefits:
- The volume of 10,000 mAh.
- Ribbed surface.
- MicroUSB and USB Type-C connectors.
- Support fast charge.
Disadvantages:
- The lack of a Lightning connector.
- Short USB cable included.
The average cost is 1.5 thousand rubles.
Hoco B32-8000 Energetic
The only device with built-in wireless charging function. Smartphones of all models are charged from it, regardless of the manufacturer. Confuses only a small capacity of 8000 mAh and the presence of only one microUSB.
Benefits:
- The only battery with built-in wireless charging.
- Indicator light.
- Supports all smartphones with a wireless charging chip.
Disadvantages:
- Only one microUSB port.
- Small capacity of 8,000 mAh.
The price of the device is 1.5 thousand rubles.
TopON TOP-T72
One of the record holders for the number of positive reviews. A large, roomy 18,000 mAh battery is in most cases used as a spare laptop battery. It comes with a set of removable connectors for different types of charging ports. The model is bought for laptops and worn in large bags, backpacks.
Benefits:
- Car adapter, set of connectors included.
- Display instead of the usual indicator.
- The presence of two microUSB and a universal connector.
- Built-in Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0 chip.
Disadvantages:
- Dimensions: 78x174x21.5 mm
- Weight - 420 grams.
- Not compatible with all laptops.
The price in Russia varies within 3.5 thousand rubles.
The best batteries for smartphones
The devices for charging the phone should be compact, capacious, have several USB ports for different models and support for fast charging technology. The following models are suitable for such a description:
- Blitzwolf BW-P6 10000 mAh.
- Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 2i 10000 mAh.
- Hoco B32-8000 Energetic, due to the wireless charging function.
For laptops
Such models require huge capacity, a high maximum output current, as well as the presence of adapters for various laptop models. Of these models stand out:
- TopON TOP-T72.
- TopON TOP-MAX2.
- Romoss Sense 8 Plus 30000 mAh.
Best Solar Powered Bank
Solar panels charge the battery too slowly to abandon the home network. Such models are popular with travelers, as well as people who spend a lot of time in nature. Today, the following models fall under the described parameters:
ROBITON Power Bank LP-24-Solar
The best portable charger in this category. For 3.5 thousand rubles, the buyer receives a battery of dense plastic at 24000 mAh, with a maximum current of 3 A. He is able to charge laptops, supports the wireless charging function. The design provides a flashlight, microUSB and USB Type-C connectors.
On a clear day, the Powerbank from the solar panel will be charged at half its capacity, which in Spartan conditions is enough to maintain life in a smartphone and other portable devices.
Benefits:
- The maximum current is 3 A.
- Volume 24,000 mAh.
- Moisture protection.
- Lantern.
- Several ports for input and output.
Disadvantages:
- Charging slowly from the sun.
- There are no complete adapters for laptops.
G-Power STX6000II + Solar Panel 12000 mAh
Solar panel on the side and a capacity of up to 12,000 mAh. Two USB outputs 1 and 2A. Its advantage is the low price of 1.5 thousand rubles.
Benefits:
- 12,000 mAh capacity
- Two USB sockets.
- Affordable price.
Disadvantages:
- Cheap plastic will break in 2 years.
- There is no moisture protection.
- The battery is slowly charging from the sun.