In most cases, people who are going to buy a power bank are faced with the same questions: Which power bank to choose? What to look for?
I will try to give you some tips on how to choose a power bank based on your needs and what to look for.
The first thing to think about is do you really need a power bank? First, imagine situations when you might really need an extra charge on your smartphone or other gadgets that can be charged from USB, and how often you find yourself in such situations in your daily life. And only if you really need it, proceed with the selection of the model that suits you.
So, what to look for when choosing a power bank:
- Compatibility.
- Manufacturer
- Capacity
- Functionality
- Weight and size
- Design
Compatibility.
Be sure to pay attention that the input voltage required to charge your devices matches the output voltage of the selected power bank model. You can view it either on the mains charger that came with your device, or in the instructions attached to it. For most modern gadgets such as smartphones, tablets, action cameras, GPS navigators, etc. the most common voltage will be DC 5V (5V DC), according to USB specifications.
Current requirements are usually less stringent. So, if you connect a device with a current requirement less than what the power bank can provide, nothing terrible will happen, the charge controller simply will not allow the charging current to be exceeded. If, on the contrary, you connect a device that requires more current to a power bank or charger, in the output parameters of which the maximum current is stated below the required one, for example, a tablet that consumes a current of 2A during charging to the output of 1A, then either the charging process will simply take longer , or the device will not charge at all due to lack of power. However, this usually only happens with very specific devices like the iPad. Manufacturer
When choosing a manufacturer, first of all, you need to keep in mind that Power Bank is a high-tech device, which consists not only of lithium-ion batteries, but also has certain protective systems in order not to destroy your gadget, not to burn yourself and delight you with long-term and trouble-free operation.That is why Power Bank is often called not just a battery, but an "autonomous charger".
Often, buyers make the same mistake - they buy chargers from unknown manufacturers, who do not even label their products with logos, tempted by a low price. 
Unfortunately, in such cases, the actual capacity will most often be several times less than the declared one.
So, the first thing you need to do is choose reputable manufacturers. But there is also a downside: the more popular a particular model, the more likely it will be forged. 
Capacity
Next, you need to determine the required capacity of the bank. Think, how many charge cycles of your device should a power bank provide? And multiply this figure by the battery capacity of your device and by a factor of 1.5. Do not believe those tables where the power bank is simply divided by the battery capacity of a smartphone. A 10000mAh power bank will never be able to charge a smartphone with a 3100mAh battery three times. In the best case it will be two and a half times, and in most cases it will be two or a little more than two times.
After all, the voltage of the batteries of the power bank, in most cases, is equal to 3.7V (or close to it), and depending on the current level of battery charge, it may differ upward or downward. And therefore, it must first be raised to 5V, in order to comply with the USB standard, by a special circuit. Then it will flow through the cable to your smartphone, after which the charge controller in the smartphone will again reduce it to that required for direct battery charging. And at each of these stages there will be greater or lesser losses.
Functionality.
Powerbanks
may also differ in functionality. Here is a small list of convenient, but in my opinion, optional functions: - Second USB port. It is convenient if you need to charge two devices at the same time.
- lED flashlight, which can be useful to you, for example, to make it easier to find the charging socket of your smartphone or tablet in the dark.
- digital battery level indicator
, because by it you can more accurately estimate the exact percentage of the charge level of the power bank than by flashing LEDs. Weight and size
The size and weight of a power bank is proportional to its capacity. The larger the capacity of the batteries in the bank, the greater its weight and size. Also, the type of batteries installed in it affects the weight and size of the power bank, a lithium-ion battery (li-ion) will be slightly larger and slightly heavier than a lithium-polymer battery (li-po) battery of similar capacity.The weight will also be affected by the material from which the power bank case is made: the aluminum case of the power bank will be heavier than the plastic one.
You should also take into account the compliance of the declared capacity and weight of the bank. This often makes it easy to identify the majority of power banks with clearly inflated "Chinese optimism»Capacity, because a power bank with a capacity of about 10000mAh will weigh 200-260g. And twice the capacity (20,000mAh), respectively, is about twice as heavy. So if the capacity is indicated clearly not corresponding to the weight, you should not buy such a power bank.
However, the weight does not yet guarantee that there are no batteries with a capacity less than indicated in the characteristics inside, but at least it makes it easy to identify a clear discrepancy in the characteristics.
Design
The design of the power bank can also play an important role in the choice, because the characteristics are important for someone, but for someone “ he is red!"© therefore, power banks are produced not only in various colors and shades, but also in various forms, up to characters in anime films, for example, a power bank in the form of an anime movie character" My neighbor Totoro» ( My Neighbor Totoro).
Different 
people have different needs, including in power banks: someone needs a small power bank, which they carry with them " just in case", For example as mocreo lavo 2500mAh, thin, light, easy to fit in a purse, and which will easily help out in a situation " i won't get home soon, the phone goes down, and I'm waiting for an important call»And which will easily replenish the charge of your smartphone to a level sufficient for 
in order not to miss an important call. Well, for someone, you need to repeatedly charge your gadgets far from the outlet, for example, during a hike, charge a GPS navigator, walkie-talkies, etc., and here you will need more capacious models, such as Teclast T200E at 20000mAh, or even several. 
Power Bank is a compact autonomous charging station for mobile equipment - smartphones, tablets, etc. In fact, it is a more powerful external lithium-ion (lithium-polymer) battery compared to those energy sources that are used directly in the construction of mobile devices. If necessary, the Power Bank is recharged from another power source via a USB port or through a built-in adapter from a household network. To transfer energy to mobile gadgets, a standard power connector or USB interface is used, located on the case of an external energy storage device - Power Bank.
Energy storage devices - they are also external batteries Power Bank for gadgets
Owners of mobile technology in the modern market are offered a hefty assortment of charging modules. But the customer traditionally wants to buy the best product. Which Power Bank is the best among the variety of these devices? The answer to the question is traditionally contained in ratings based on customer reviews. But the really best capabilities of external energy storage devices are shown by their real technical parameters:
- power value (W / h),
- battery capacity (mA / h),
- discharge rate of the Power Bank in conditions of satellite charging,
- number of USB ports,
- rated value of the output current,
- nominal input current,
- availability of automatic functions,
- the presence of a control indication.
Plus, it is desirable for the consumer to have a complete understanding of the specific purpose of the devices. This is not always mentioned in the ratings.
Many manufacturers, including the best Power Bank firms, produce several types of external chargers for the market:
- for smartphones (output 5-9 V) with a nominal capacity of 5000 - 15000 mAh;
- for tablets (output 9-15 V) with a nominal capacity of 5000 - 20,000 mA / h;
- for laptops (output 12-19 V) with increased capacity 20,000 - 50,000 mAh;
- universal with recharging from solar panels with a capacity of up to 25,000 mA / h.
Rating of Power Bank models with nominal capacity
Inexpensive model Power Bank Xiaomi 5200 for charging phones This category of charging modules contains the devices requested by mobile phone users. The wide range makes it easy to find the best Power Bank for iPhone and other smartphone brands. There are many low price products. You can buy without compromising the budget, for example,Xiaomi PowerBank with a capacity of 5200 mAh ... The Chinese model is not seen in the first ranks of the rating, but it has a certain level of popularity among phone owners.
The first position in the rating is confidently taken by the best Power Bank 2017, which represents another one in this segment. development by Xiaomi for a capacity of 16,000 mAh. With an output / input voltage of 5 volts, the device provides a charging current of up to 2 amperes. You can charge up to 3 mobile gadgets. At the same time, it supports work with two devices at once, thanks to the presence of two USB interfaces.
One position below the Xiaomi product was Ozaki and its development O! Tool D26 2600 mAh... Here the proverb “Small spool, but good” is in place. Hoox Magic Stone and Yoobao Mytour (6000 and 10400 mAh, respectively) followed. Powertraveller products are even lower in the rating, despite the high reliability of these devices. The decline in positions here is most likely due to the high price of these devices.
Small-sized lightweight Power Bank O'Tool from Ozaki Chargers from HyperJuice Micro were in the top ten due not so much to technical capabilities, but because of their attractive design. However, the 7200 mAh HyperJuice Micro, which can be bought for reasonable money, guarantees compliance with the declared parameters (which is not available for all manufacturers ).
The best external batteries for tablets
- Gmini
- Xiaomi
GP's GL301 product was ranked # 1 due to the extended warranty. The firm guarantees 12 months of perfect work. Judging by the lack of critical records on this topic in the reviews, the reliability of Power Bank GP is really high. The high-quality assembly of the device also played a role in the rise in popularity. The design supports charging two satellites at the same time, there is an indication of the accumulated energy, a flashlight.
External battery for the tablet - Power Bank with a flashlight Gmini's mPower Pro, labeled the MPB1041 series, was ranked # 2 for two reasons. First, the design features fast charging times. Second, the circuit design excludes the possibility of input and output overloads. In addition to interesting circuit solutions, this external battery has a low market value. The only miscalculation of the company - there is no adapter for connecting Lenovo tablets in the kit.
The honorable third place in the ranking was taken by the Xiaomi Tablet Power Bank. The Mi Power Bank 10400 model successfully combines the average capacity parameter (10 400 mA / h), the reliability of the circuit, and an easy-to-use design. In all technical specifications, this external charging module could rise higher. However, its operational capabilities are limited to only one USB interface.
Power Bank models with increased capacity
To recharge autonomously such mobile devices as laptops and tablets, Power Bank modules of increased capacity are intended. How do users see the best external Power Bank for laptops in the rating?
- PowerPlant
- Rombica
According to many users, the best Power Bank in the rating of charging modules with increased capacity so far represents power Plant... Their K2 50,000 mAh design is capable of providing up to 10 recharges for a mid-range laptop. The external charger has a three-stage automatic protection circuit. The module comes with a rich set of adapters, which allows you to connect a computer to it from almost any manufacturer.
The most powerful Power Bank for notebooks from Power Plant The list of TOP best Power Banks is continued by Rombica. The company has released the NEO PRO280 charging module with a capacity of 106 W / h for notebook computers. Output voltage 15-19 volts at a current of 1.8 A and a capacity of 18,000 mA / h - these parameters provide multiple charging of the mobile device. The package includes two adapter cables for connecting Apple MacBook and a cable with a micro USB connector.
EXEQ is the third in the external chargers rating with the PHL24000 model. True, this model in practice does not give the declared capacity of 24,000 mA / h (actually not more than 18,000), but due to the existing function of switching modes of rated power, this deficiency is compensated. The kit includes ten adapters for different laptop models. It attracts with an affordable price and reliable work, judging by the reviews.
The best Power Bank 2017, regardless of the fourth position in the rating, claims model MP-S23000 from DBK . Autonomous charging module designed to work with laptops that require a supply voltage of 12-16 volts. The device circuitry supports simultaneous charging of two devices. There is an automatic overload protection, a charge indicator, an automatic voltage level switch.
Popular charging module DBK MP-S23000 among the best models The HP charging module, marked as model N9F71AA, is slightly below the lower capacity limit for devices with increased power. The capacity parameter for this device is declared at 72 W / h (19200 mA / h). Nevertheless, the design confidently takes the fifth place in the rating of powerful Power Banks, despite the high cost. The 19 V output and the maximum output current of 2.1 A facilitate fast recharging of two satellites simultaneously.
In terms of battery life, today's smartphones, which are used by most consumers, noticeably outperform the first touchscreen models. Almost any of them work without problems at least daylight hours, allowing you not to worry about the fact that you will be left without connection. However, there are various situations when the device may suddenly be discharged, and there is no outlet or suitable charger nearby.
Sometimes you have to go to the countryside or go out into the countryside for a few days, in such cases the problem of working time can become even more acute. What to do in such situations? For example, you can experiment with the settings, ditch some features, and get a few extra hours of work. Another option is to buy a spare battery, only it will have to be charged somehow, and to replace it you need to remove the cover every time. In the end, you will have to buy a separate battery for each smartphone, and many modern models generally have non-separable cases - replacing the battery in them is impossible without visiting a service center.
Fortunately, there is a pretty neat, relatively inexpensive, versatile, and feature-rich solution to this problem. It is called Power Bank or simply an external battery. In this article we will get acquainted with this type of device and consider the main criteria for their selection.
What is Power Bank?
A Power Bank, external battery, or universal battery is an array of batteries (batteries) packed in a case with a universal output (for example, a USB connector).
How many times can I charge my smartphone or tablet?
When choosing an external battery, most are guided by a simple formula - they divide the capacity of a universal battery by the capacity of the battery of their device and believe that this is how many times they can charge their device. In fact, this is not the case, no 9000 mAh Power Bank will charge a smartphone with a 3000 mAh battery three times, at best it will be two and a half charges, and in most cases a little more than two.
Why? There are several reasons. There is always a minimum self-discharge of the battery, and over time, its performance gradually deteriorates. The voltage of the batteries used in external batteries is 3.7 V, depending on the level of their charge at the moment it changes both upward and downward. The standard output voltage of USB, chargers and, accordingly, Power Bank is 5 V, so there is a special circuit inside the device that increases the voltage to the required one. It has its own efficiency (coefficient of performance), which can vary greatly for different battery models. A similar, but already lowering circuit is installed in a charged device. It turns out that at each stage some part of the energy is lost, therefore no external battery is able to provide one hundred percent return of its capacity, you should always choose "with a margin" of 20-30%.
For all occasions
It may seem that only the most capacious models deserve attention, but this is not always the case. Of course, such a battery will charge all your gadgets without any problems, and you can also help your friends, but you only have to carry it in a bag or in an external pocket of outerwear.
Today, most wearable gadgets use the universal microUSB connector for charging, but the corresponding cable does not always lie in the box with the external battery, and if there is, it may be too short. Users with a large number of older devices can pay attention to the models that come with a set of universal adapters. Typically, they allow you to charge older Nokia and other once popular devices with proprietary (own) connectors. The type of the adapter itself may differ - a fan cable to which all possible adapters are connected at the same time or a cable with a universal plug, to which the currently required connector is connected.
Trust Urban Revolt - compact external batteries are charged via the connectormicroUSB and have a laconic design
In the end, do not forget to pay attention to the method of charging the Power Bank itself. Many simple "Chinese" models are charged from an outlet, through their own connector. It is much more convenient if a regular microUSB is used for charging - the same as in a smartphone or tablet, then you can charge the battery from a regular network charger or from a computer. Do not forget about the charging current of the battery itself (more is better), this is especially critical for capacious models. After all, if a 10,000 mAh battery has a charging current of only 500 mAh, then it will take 20 hours to charge it.
PowerPlant MP-S3000B - classic all-in-one kit: medium-capacity battery, solar panel and adapter kit
There are also universal batteries with solar cells. A small panel on the lid of the device can compensate for the effect of self-discharge, but such features should not be given much importance. It is more useful to pay attention to the way the battery charging is indicated. Most models use a series of LEDs for this, but there are also advanced ones, in which the exact remaining percentage of the charge is shown on the display.
Ozaki O!tool Battery T52 - capacious external battery with clear indication of the remaining charge level
The power bank for your phone allows you to charge your phone and other devices without even having a power outlet at hand.
The compact Power Bank is an innovative gadget that can recharge all user's phones on the go.
Batteries differ in three main criteria:
- By its capacity;
- By the type of outgoing current;
- By the type of the battery itself.
Basically, all external chargers are made of plastic. More expensive options are made from metal and a waterproof surface.
However, these batteries are more for outdoor use than for everyday use. A plastic Power Bank will be enough for an ordinary user.
There are also external chargers for selected smartphone models. They are attached to the phone case.
The disadvantage of such batteries is that they are not universal, and their cost is several times higher than the cost of a good Power Bank, which is able to recharge several user's phones at once.
In most cases, batteries must be selected based on such a parameter as capacity. A good external battery for a smartphone should have a capacity of at least 2500 mAh.
For a tablet, the external battery must have a capacity of 5000 mAh. These minimum capacity requirements will allow the gadget to be fully charged at least once.
The amount of current supplied by the smartphone also affects the choice of battery. Basically, all smartphones transmit a current of 1 or 2 amperes.
On the charger that comes with the smartphone, you can read the required voltage that the charging should have.
How do I charge my smartphone? To do this, simply connect your phone to an external charger using the USB cable.
The charging process will start automatically. The Power Bank itself needs to be recharged periodically. It is charged from an outlet.
Let's take a closer look at individual models of external batteries for smartphones.
By the way, you may be interested in more articles:
- How to charge and maintain a lithium-ion battery: 6 simple rules
# 1. Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 16000
Xiaomi is one of the most popular companies that manufactures external chargers and other types of electronics.
The package contains two micro USB adapters. Other types of cords must be purchased separately.
Battery appearance Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 16000
The capacity of this external charger is 16,000mAh.
This is enough for several flagship charges and 4-5 full charges of standard smartphones with average technical characteristics.
The external battery has two connectors. One supplies 1A of current, the other - 2A. There are also other battery options from this manufacturer: 2500 mAh, 5000 mAh and 20,000 mAh.
Average cost:2500 rubles.
# 2. ASUS ZenPower ABTU005
The capacity of this external charger is 10,050mAh. The charger was created by Asus as an accessory for Zen Phone smart devices.
Despite this, it can be used in compatibility with other smartphones, tablets and iPods.
Battery ASUS ZenPower ABTU005
The case has only one port for charging devices. There is also a port for charging the battery itself from the network. The port types are USB and micro USB, respectively.
The dimensions allow it to fit into a pocket - its width and height do not exceed the size of a bank card.
The thickness is also small (1.8 cm) when compared to external chargers with the same capacity. The charging port supplies 1A of current.
Estimated cost:2,000 rubles.
No. 3. Canyon CNE-CPB100
This battery is available in two colors - black and white. Its capacity is 10,000 mAh. There are three spotlights on the case, which indicate the remaining battery charge.
Also, two USB ports are built into the case for charging user devices. The first one supplies a current of 1A, the other - 2A.
This allows you to set up efficient charging for smartphones and tablets that require different amounts of current.
average price - 1250 rubles.
No. 4. TP-LINK TL-PB10400
This external battery will cost the consumer 2,900 rubles.
Main characteristics:
- Capacity - 10400 mAh;
- Color - white with blue;
- The presence of two ports for recharging (1A and 2A);
- Weight - 241 grams.
The main feature of the device is an LED flashlight mounted in the body. When the external battery is fully charged, the flashlight will last for 6-7 hours.
No. 5. Samsung EB-PN915B
Samsung has also released a universal accessory in the form of an external charger.
Main technical characteristics:
- One port (1A);
- The color scheme consists of white, silver and blue;
- One micro USB cable included;
- Weight - 265 grams;
- Capacity - 11 300 mAh
Estimated cost of the device - 2,500 rubles.
No. 6. Canyon CNE-CSPB26
The approximate cost of such a battery in stores is 650 rubles. It is quite simple and has rather modest characteristics.
This explains such a low cost of the device:
- Battery capacity is 2600mAh;
- Available colors: white, black and red;
- Weight - 75 grams;
- One port for charging devices (at 1A).
No. 7. Remax Proda 30000 mAh
This external battery is the best of its kind and has a very large capacity - 30,000 mAh.
Today it is one of the most powerful battery models on the world electronics market.
2 USB ports (1A, 2A) are built into the case. Also on the case there is a small display-indicator that shows the remaining battery charge.
The built-in flashlight can shine without interruption for 15 hours (review from the manufacturer).
Device cost: 3 400 rubles.
The Power Bank battery is a portable charger compatible with all currently popular gadgets that have a USB connector - smartphones, players, tablets. Basically, it is a renewable, removable battery that connects with a wire when needed. The device replenishes its internal reserve through a cable connected to a laptop, computer, or a network adapter.
Having decided to buy a Power Bank battery, you should pay attention to a number of characteristics that will help you choose the right model. First of all, this is the capacity of the device, that is, an indicator of how much charge it can hold and for how many connection cycles it is designed for. It can be a device for both fast one-time and multiple energy replenishment. Power Bank external batteries use traditional lithium-ion batteries or more recently developed lithium-polymer batteries. The latter are characterized by a larger capacity and small size, but the price is higher.
Depending on how many devices you plan to use with Power Bank charging, you can choose a model with one, two or more USB ports. A combination of several ports is more convenient, as it allows you to simultaneously recharge your smartphone and tablet. In this case, you should not worry about the fact that some of the devices will receive insufficient energy. Battery controllers regulate voltage and amperage at each output. The assortment of PowerBank chargers from different manufacturers also includes models with additional options.
The remaining reserve can be indicated by a light indicator. The display, in addition to displaying the battery level, can show the exact number in percent, the charging process for each connector, and the air temperature. Some external Power Bank batteries are equipped with a bright flashlight.
We constantly monitor the level of service and product quality. We will be grateful if you leave a review about the purchased product in the Power bank section.
