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Login or signup to continue reading $ 0 / $ NaN /year All articles from our website & app The digital version of Today's Paper Breaking news alerts direct to your inbox Interactive Crosswords, Sudoku and Trivia All articles from the other regional websites in your area Continue Photo by Shutterstock. There's nothing worse than running out of battery when you really need it. Whether you're working on-the-go to meet an important deadline, meeting a friend or travelling in an unfamiliar place, having a device run on critically low, or even a dead battery, can make stress levels rise - and fast.
That's why many people find it crucial to own a power bank or portable charger for times when it's essential to have one on hand. In this article, we break down the best power banks and portable chargers on the market, and where to find them. Each power bank or portable charger is rated for their efficiency, portability and value for money.
Picks for the best power banks in Australia Cygnett ChargeUp Reserve Gen2 Power Bank - BEST OVERALL Anker 537 Power Bank - BEST FOR FLIGHTS Belkin BoostCharge Power Bank - BEST EVERYDAY Charmast Wireless Power Bank 20000mAh - BEST WIRELESS INIU 10,000 mAh Power Bank - MOST AFFORDABLE VRURC Mini Power Bank 20000mAh - BEST MINI BEST OVERALL Cygnett ChargeUp Reserve Gen 2. Photo supplied by Amazon. Cygnett ChargeUp Reserve Power Bank 20,000 mAh The Cygnett ChargeUp Reserve Gen2 Power Bank is a sleek device with the ability to take your phone from 0-50 percent battery in just 30 minutes.
Airport safe: YES Capacity: 20,000 mAh and 30W Ports: 2 x USB-C and 1 X USB-A Weight: 369 grams Cost: C heck out the latest price on Amazon Why we picked it The Cygnett ChargeUp Reserve Gen2 Power Bank is one of the more stylish power banks on the market and delivers an impressive 30W charging capability for its compact design. With its 20,000mAh capacity, this power bank can provide up to five full phone charges before needing a recharge. However, due to its large capacity, recharging the power bank itself typically takes longer than other standard chargers.
The power bank features a digital display that informs users of the remaining charge percentage, while both USB-C and a USB-A ports gives users the convenience of charging multiple devices like a phone, iPad or Switch all at the same time. Users appreciate the power bank's neat fabric housing and pocket-sized design, making it convenient for carrying in a pocket or handbag on-the-go. Pros: Stylish, portable design Fast charging capabilities Includes USB-C and USB-A ports Cons: High price point compared to other models Heavier than other power banks Requires a longer time to fully recharge the power bank itself BEST FOR FLIGHTS Anker 537 Power Bank.
Photo supplied by Amazon. Anker 537 Power Bank 24,000 mAh The Anker 537 Power Bank is a reliable device that delivers high-speed charging to a maximum of two devices at once. Airport safe: YES Capacity : 24,000 mAh and 65W Ports: 2 x USB-C Weight: 478.
1 grams Cost : Check out the latest price on Amazon Why we picked it Using two USB-C ports, the Anker 537 Power Bank can charge two devices simultaneously, with USB-C port one working at 45W and USB-C port two at 20W respectively. This device also contains a high-speed recharge time of 3.5 hours, which frees up more time to charge other devices like iPads, phones, headphones and tablets.
Ultimately, the 24,000mAh provides enough power for around one MacBook Pro charge and at almost five charges for an iPhone 13 Pro, making it ideal for a weekend getaway. Users like it because it is legal and safe to take on flights, and because of its portable design. However, some report that due to its capacity, it can seem heavier in comparison to other portable chargers.
Pros: 2-in-1 charging ability Great charging capacity Safe to take on flights Cons: High price point compared to other models Heavier than other power banks Only contains USB-C ports BEST EVERYDAY Belkin BoostCharge Power Bank. Photo supplied by Amazon. Belkin BoostCharge Power Bank 10,000 mAh The Belkin BoostCharge Power Bank is an affordable and reputable fast-charging device that comes in a range of colours.
Airport safe: YES Capacity: 10,000 mAh and 15W Ports: 1 x USB and 2 x USB-A Weight : 490 grams Cost: C heck out the latest price on Amazon. Why we picked it The Belkin BoostCharge 20,000 mAh 15W Power Bank lets you simultaneously charge up to three devices with a USB-C port and two USB-A ports, making it perfect for weekend getaways and airport layovers. If you're in a hurry to find a portable charger and happen to stumble across the Belkin BoostCharge , one benefit is that it comes pre-charged and ready to use, with 10,000 mAh of power delivering 40 hours of additional battery life to your smartphone.
To give an indication of its charging capability, the Belkin BoostCharge can charge an iPhone 15 Pro from 0-50% in 35 minutes or Galaxy S23 Plus from 0-50% in 45 minutes. The casing has also been made out of recycled plastic and contains a built-in LED light that tells you the power bank's status, so you always know when it's time to recharge. Its sleek, slim and pocketable design and range of colour options make it a popular choice among consumers.
Plus, it comes with a 2-year warranty and a $2,500 CEW (Connected Equipment Warranty), so you can enjoy peace of mind and assurance in your purchase. Pros: Affordable price Includes a USB-C port and two USB-A ports Colour options Cons: Lower charging capacity in the USB-C port (only 10W) Relatively heavy and chunky White model is prone to getting dirty BEST WIRELESS Charmast Wireless Power Bank 20000mAh. Photo supplied by Amazon.
Charmast Wireless Power Bank 20,000mAh The Charmast Wireless Power Bank 20,000mAh is a unique device that offers both wireless and traditional charging capabilities through two USB-A and three USB-C ports. Airline safe: YES Capacity: 20,000 mAh and 20W Ports: 2 x USB-A and 3 x USB-C Weight: 430 grams Cost: C heck out the latest price on Amazon Why we picked it The Charmast Wireless Power Bank 20000mAh is a versatile portable charger designed to keep your devices powered on the go. It combines the convenience of wireless charging with multiple wired charging ports, making it suitable for a range of devices including, phones and Apple watches.
This device comes in an understated design that is easy to carry in a bag or pocket, despite being relatively heavy for its size. It offers a large battery capacity of 20,000 mAh, which is sufficient to charge most smartphones multiple times. An LED display offers a clear indication of the remaining power and charging status on the device, making it easier to plan for a recharging break.
However, some users report that this power bank can overheat and that the charging capabilities are sometimes limited. If you are looking for a portable charger to use on a frequent basis, this may not be the most durable option on the market. Pros: Affordable price Wireless charging Multiple ports Cons: Charging speed Heat generation Relatively chunky INIU 10,000 mAh Power Bank.
Photo supplied by Amazon. INIU 10,000 mAh Power Bank The INIU 10,000 mAh Power Bank is a super affordable portable charger that can power a phone from 0 to 65 per cent in 30 minutes. Airline safe: YES Capacity: 10,000 mAh and 22.
5W Ports: 1 x USB-C and 1 x USB-A Weight: 198 grams Cost: C heck out the latest price on Amazon Why we picked it The INIU 10,000 mAh Power Bank is a rapid charging portable device that contains a USB-C and USB-A port so you can charge a range of devices wherever you are. This device is airline safe and features a digital display to determine charging time left on the device. It also contains an emergency flashlight, making it perfect for events such as music festivals or camping trips.
Despite its low price, users report that it has a sleek premium look and feel, while its lightweight nature makes it ultra-portable. To give an indication of its charging capacity, the INIU 22.5W Power Bank can charge an iPhone 13 up to 1.
9 times. If you require a longer-lasting portable charger, the 25,000mAh model might be more suitable, capable of charging an iPhone 13 up to 5.1 times.
Pros: Affordable price Emergency flashlight and LED display Lightweight Cons: Lower charging capacity Limited ports No wireless BEST MINI VRURC Mini. Photo supplied by Amazon. VRURC Mini Power Bank 20,000 mAh The VRURC Mini Power Bank 20,000 mAh is a super portable, lightweight gadget for powering multiple devices using USB-A and USB-C ports.
Airline safe: YES Capacity: 20,000 mAh and 22.5W Ports: 1 x USB-C and 2 x USB-A Weight: 376 grams Cost: C heck out the latest price on Amazon Why we picked it The VRURC Mini Power Bank 20,000 mAh is a powerful portable charger despite what its small size would have you believe. The VRURC Mini Power Bank is a great choice for travellers who need a reliable charger without the bulk.
Yet despite its compact size, it is still relatively heavy due to its high charging capacity. Featuring multiple charging ports, including USB-A and USB-C ports, delivering a total capacity of 20,000 mAh, the VRURC Mini Power Bank can charge a range of devices including smartphones multiple times. Critically, it also includes safety features such as overcharge protection and temperature control to ensure safe and efficient charging.
An LED display also shows the remaining battery percentage for easy monitoring. Users may also appreciate the range of calming pastel colours that this product is available in. Pros: Super portable Colour options High powered Cons: Weight No wireless Photo by Shutterstock.
Criteria we used for choosing the best power bank 1- Charging capacity The charging capacity of a power bank is measured in milliampere-hour (mAh). It indicates how much charge the power bank can hold and, consequently, how many times it can recharge your devices. A higher mAh rating means more capacity, which is ideal for users who need to charge their devices multiple times before recharging the power bank itself.
For example, a 20,000 mAh power bank can charge a standard smartphone approximately 4-5 times. 2- Charging speed The output power of a power bank, measured in watts (w), determines how quickly it can charge your devices. Some power banks feature higher wattages for faster charging times.
Higher output power is particularly beneficial for quickly recharging smartphones, tablets, switches and even small laptops. 3- Size and weight Portability is a crucial factor, especially for users who need a power bank for travel or daily commuting. While high-capacity power banks offer more charges, they are often bulkier and heavier.
Balancing capacity with portability is essential to ensure the power bank is convenient to carry for times when you want to pack light. 4- Number of ports The number of available ports on a power bank dictates how many devices you can charge simultaneously. Common configurations include USB-A and USB-C ports.
Some power banks even contain wireless charging abilities for devices like smartphones and Apple watches. A power bank with multiple ports allows for greater convenience and versatility of use, especially for individuals who need to charge several devices at once. 5- Safety features Safety features are critical to prevent overcharging, overheating, and short circuits, which can damage both the power bank and the connected devices.
They can also pose a fire risk. Look for power banks with built-in safety mechanisms such as overcharge protection, temperature control, and short-circuit prevention. 6- Extras Extras like LED displays, emergency lights and customisable colours can greatly enhance user experience and enjoyment.
If the appearance and experience of the power bank is important to you, consider devices from brands like Cygnett , INIU and VRURC . Photo by Shutterstock. Checklist for people buying power banks Determine capacity needs: Check the mAh rating to ensure it meets your charging requirements (e.
g. 10,000 mAh for light use, 20,000 mAh for heavy use. Verify charging speed: Look for fast charging support.
Ensure the output power matches the devices requirements. Check port options: Ensure the power bank has enough ports to charge multiple devices simultaneously if this is of interest to you. Verify the types of ports available (e.
g. USB-C and USB-A ports) and see that they match the needs of your device. Consider size and weight: Evaluate the portability of the power bank based on size and weight.
Decide whether capacity or convenience is more important to you and select a device dependent on your needs. Assess build quality and safety features: Look for robust build quality and durable materials. Check for safety features like overcharge protection, temperature control, and short-circuit prevention.
Research brand reputation and reviews: Purchase from reputable brands with good track records. Read user reviews and expert recommendations to gauge reliability and performance. Balance price and quality: Avoid choosing the cheapest option without considering quality.
Look for good value for money, balancing features, warranty and brand reliability. Understand the warranty : Check the warranty period and what it covers. Ensure there is reliable customer support for any issues that may arise.
FAQs What is a power bank? A power bank is a portable device that stores electrical energy and can charge electronic devices such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets. How does a power bank work? A power bank contains rechargeable batteries that store energy. When you connect a device to a power bank, the power bank discharges its stored energy to charge the device's battery.
What are the different types of power banks? Power banks come in various shapes, sizes, and capacities. They can have different features such as multiple charging ports, wireless charging, and fast charging capabilities. How do I choose the right power bank for my needs? Consider the following factors: the capacity (measured in milliamp-hours or mAh), the number of devices you want to charge simultaneously, and the charging speed you require.
Can I use a power bank to charge any device? Yes, most power banks are compatible with a wide range of devices. However, you should always check the specifications of both the power bank and the device to ensure compatibility. What are some tips for using a power bank safely? Charge the power bank fully before use, only use compatible devices, avoid overcharging, and store the power bank in a cool, dry place.
How often should I charge my power bank? You should charge your power bank when it runs low on power. It's recommended to charge it fully before each use to maximise its capacity. Can I carry a power bank on a plane? Yes, most airlines allow passengers to carry power banks in their carry-on luggage.
However, there may be restrictions on the capacity of the power bank. Check with your airline for specific regulations. Share Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Email Copy Miranda Aitken Digital Commercial Journalist More from Canberra ACT govt should buy Thoroughbred Park and turn it into 5000 homes 5m ago No comment s Returning to offices is not just about CBD business.
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