How to Choose the Best Power Bank?
The Power bank (portable charger) has become one of the most in-demand and necessary pieces of technology in recent times.
Hundreds of models are presented on the market, in various sizes, capacities, and price ranges; consequently, making the right choice is difficult. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the important details you need to know about Power banks.
What is a Power Bank and How Does It Work?
A portable charger, or power bank, is a compact, reusable battery with a special circuit that allows you to store electrical energy and then use it to charge your devices.
Today, portable chargers are equipped with modern technologies: fast charging function, wireless charging, multi-port systems, and improved safety mechanisms. These small devices can already charge not only smartphones, but also laptops,wireless headphones and even small household appliances.
What capacity should a power bank have?
Capacity is the most important parameter. Just like in the case of a mobile phone, power bank capacity is measured in milliampere-hours (mAh). The higher this figure is, the more times you will be able to charge your device.
Modern smartphones usually have a battery from 3000 to 5000 mAh. For example, an average smartphone with a battery capacity of 4000 mAh needs about the same amount of energy from a power bank to fully charge. However, there is one important detail here - about 20-30% of energy is lost during the charging process, so a 10000 mAh power bank actually transfers about 7000-8000 mAh of energy to your phone.
5000-10000 mAh - Compact and small power banks that allow you to charge a smartphone once or twice.
10000-20000 mAh - Medium capacity models that charge a smartphone 3-5 times.
20000 mAh+ - High capacity power banks that can charge several devices simultaneously.
Recently, compact 40000 mAh models have also appeared on the market, which can charge two laptops simultaneously with 240W power.
How to know how many times a power bank will charge a phone?
There is a simple formula for this: multiply the power bank capacity by 0.7, and then divide the result by your phone's battery capacity.
For example, if you have a 20000 mAh power bank and a smartphone with a 4000 mAh battery: 20000 × 0.7 = 14000 mAh; 14000 ÷ 4000 = charges about 3.5 times
Charging speed
Charging speed is measured in Amperes (A) and Watts (W).
1A charging is quite slow. Today most power banks offer 2A or more power. However, in reality, charging speed is determined by the following three factors:
Power bank power - modern models offer power from 18W to 240W.
Device - if your phone has 25W fast charging, and the power bank has 100W, the phone will still only charge at 25W. The latest Samsung models support 45W charging, Apple iPhones - 25W, and some Motorola models - even up to 68W.
USB cable quality - a damaged or low-quality cable significantly slows down this process.
What ports should a power bank have?
Modern power banks have different types of ports:
USB-A - a traditional port that is still widely used. Good for older devices.
USB-C - a new standard that offers faster charging.
Lightning port - specifically for Apple devices, although it is already less relevant since new iPhone models have switched to USB-C.
It is recommended to choose a power bank with at least two ports - USB-C and USB-A, so that you can charge several devices simultaneously. Premium models have 3-4 ports, which allows you to charge a phone, tablet, wireless headphones, and smart watch simultaneously.
Power banks with wireless charging function
In recent years, the wireless charging function has become quite popular. The advantages are obvious: you don't need to carry cables, and charging is simple and comfortable. However, it also has one significant drawback: it charges much slower. Standard Qi wireless charging usually works at 5W-10W power, while improved MagSafe (Apple's technology) already reaches 15W.
Safety functions
A high-quality power bank should be equipped with protective systems:
- Overcharge Protection - automatically stops charging when the battery is fully charged.
- Short Circuit Protection - protects the device from damage.
- Temperature Control - automatically stops charging if the device gets too hot.
Definitely pay attention to safety certificates - CE, FCC, RoHS. This guarantees that the product passes international standards and is safe to use.
Additional features you should pay attention to
Built-in cables - some models have built-in USB-C, Lightning, and Micro-USB cables.
LED indicator or digital screen - shows you what percentage the battery is at. This is much more convenient than a 4 LED light system.
(Pass-Through Charging) - allows you to charge both the power bank and the smartphone simultaneously.
Water resistance - power banks protected by IP67 or IP68 standards are ideal for outdoor activities, for use at the beach or in rainy weather.
Smart technologies - some models have an AI-based energy management system that automatically distributes charging power according to the connected devices.
Which is the best power bank manufacturer?
There are several leading brands on the market that are distinguished by quality and reliability:
- Anker - undoubtedly one of the best manufacturers, known for innovative technologies and durability. Their PowerCore series has been a market leader for years. Anker's 2025 models, such as the MagGo Power Bank (10000 mAh) or Prime Power Bank, offer very fast charging and premium design.
- Choetech - a global brand distinguished by quality and reliability. They have 20,000mAh models with 45W power, as well as very powerful 50,000mAh options that can even charge a laptop.
- Ttec - a Turkish brand that offers high-quality products at an affordable price.
- Canyon - a European brand. Canyon models are simple, lightweight, and an ideal choice for students, travelers, and regular daily use.
- Trust - a Dutch brand that pays great attention to ecology. Their Primo series is made from recycled materials and offers 20,000mAh capacity with a fast charging function.
- Aukey - a technologically strong brand that is often compared to Anker. Aukey's products are distinguished by fast charging functions (Quick Charge, Power Delivery) and durability.
- Apple - a well-known premium brand that is ideal for iPhone users.
How to Use a Power Bank Correctly?
Lithium-ion and lithium-polymer batteries used in power banks usually withstand 300-500 full charging cycles, after which their capacity slowly decreases.
We share a few tips:
- Do not "drain" the battery to 0% - it is better to charge it when it is at 20-30%.
- Do not leave it constantly plugged into power - watch carefully, when it is fully charged, unplug it; otherwise, it will be damaged soon.
- Control extreme temperatures - in strong heat (40°C+) or cold (-10°C-), the battery deteriorates quickly.
- Use an original charger - a quality charger and cable offer stable and safe charging.
If you follow these simple rules, your power bank will work without problems for at least 2-3 years. Premium brand models will last you even 4-5 years.
Buy a Power bank cheaply and on installment at Kontakt.ge and make your everyday life more comfortable!