How to shop for a external battery pack: The shopping guide
External battery packs are essential for frequent travelers. Numerous options are on the market, making it difficult to choose the best one. Consider key factors to help you find the most suitable external battery for your needs.
Factor in the Capacity (mAh)
The battery's Capacity is measured in Milliampere-hours (mAh). Higher battery capacity means more power and more charges for your devices. A battery pack with 10,000mAh can charge a smartphone 2-3 times. Understanding mAh helps you choose a battery pack suitable for specific needs. Higher mAh provides greater Capacity and charging potential for devices.
Factor in the portability
Battery pack size and weight are important selling points for consumers. Smaller packs, typically around 5,000mAh, are portable but offer fewer charges. In contrast, larger packs with capacities of 20,000mAh or more offer greater power but are bulkier.
Factor in the Output ports
When shopping for a battery pack, checking the number and type of output ports is essential. Most battery packs have the standard USB-A port. Still, the USB-C port is becoming standard and popular due to its fast charging capability and compatibility with many devices that support fast charging.
Factor Charging Speed
Battery packs with fast charging capabilities, such as Quick Charge or Power Delivery (PD), can significantly reduce charging time.
Factor in the build quality and safety.
When choosing an external battery pack, it's essential to prioritize good build quality and safety features such as overcharge protection, short circuit protection, and temperature control. Regardless of the Brand, most battery packs have a compact design that can be easily concealed in a backpack.
Factor the additional features
Some high-end battery packs have additional features, such as built-in cables, LED indicators, or the ability to power up larger devices.
Factor the price and Brand
Price is important when shopping for an external battery pack, but it's also essential to consider the Brand's performance, reputation, and customer reviews. Reliable brands like Anker often provide better performance and safety features, making them a popular choice for consumers.
Here are my recommended Options
The MagGo Power Bank (10k) is recommended for the latest-gen iPhone due to its compact size and fast charging feature. For Android users, the Anker Power Bank 20,000mAh charger is a suitable option with a built-in USB-C cable, 87W fast charging, 2 USB-C ports, and one USB-A. This Anker Power Bank is compatible with the latest iPhone series, Samsung devices, and even the Nintendo Switch. Additionally, it can power up a MacBook or any Windows laptop with a USB-C port. Both power banks offer efficient and versatile charging solutions for various devices.
It's worth noting that I personally own the Anker Power Bank, which functions as advertised. Stay tuned for an upcoming review.
Epilogue
Considering these factors, finding an external battery pack that suits your needs will be more accessible. The suitable pack should have the features to keep devices powered up on the go.