Portable chargers and power banks are devices that store electrical energy and can be used to charge other devices, such as phones, iPads, laptops, cameras, etc. They are essential for travelers who want to stay connected, productive, and entertained on the road, without worrying about running out of battery or finding a power outlet.
Some of the benefits of using portable chargers and power banks are:
Convenience: You can charge your devices anytime and anywhere, even when you are on the move, in remote areas, or in transit.
Safety: You can avoid using public or unfamiliar charging stations, which may pose security risks, such as data theft, malware infection, or device damage.
Reliability: You can have a backup source of power in case of emergencies, such as power outages, natural disasters, or travel delays.
Versatility: You can charge multiple devices with different ports, cables, and adapters, and use your chargers and power banks for other purposes, such as lighting, heating, or cooling.
In this blog post, we will help you choose the best portable chargers and power banks for your travel needs, review some of the best products on the market in 2024, and share some tips and tricks for using them while traveling. Let’s get started!
How to Choose the Best Portable Charger and Power Bank for Your Needs
There are many factors that you should consider when choosing a portable charger and power bank for your travel needs, such as:
Capacity:
This is the amount of energy that a charger or power bank can store and deliver, measured in milliampere-hours (mAh). The higher the capacity, the more times you can charge your devices, but also the heavier and bulkier the charger or power bank will be. You should choose a capacity that matches your device’s battery size and your travel duration and frequency.
Size and Weight:
This is the physical dimension and mass of the charger or power bank, measured in inches and ounces. The smaller and lighter the charger or power bank, the easier it will be to carry and pack, but also the lower the capacity and output it will have. You should choose a size and weight that fits your travel style and luggage space.
Output and Input:
This is the amount of power that a charger or power bank can deliver and receive, measured in watts (W) or volts and amperes (V and A). The higher the output and input, the faster you can charge your devices and recharge your charger or power bank, but also the more heat and energy loss it will generate. You should choose an output and input that matches your device’s charging requirements and your available power sources.
Compatibility:
This is the ability of the charger or power bank to work with different devices, ports, cables, and adapters. The more compatible the charger or power bank, the more devices you can charge with it, but also the more accessories you may need to carry. You should choose a charger or power bank that supports the most common and universal standards and formats, such as USB-A, USB-C, micro-USB, Lightning, etc.
Features:
This is the additional functionality and capability that the charger or power bank may offer, such as wireless charging, solar charging, AC charging, multifunctional charging, fast charging, smart charging, pass-through charging, LED display, flashlight, fan, etc. The more features the charger or power bank has, the more convenient and versatile it will be, but also the more expensive and complex it will be. You should choose a charger or power bank that has the features that you need and value the most.
There are also different types of portable chargers and power banks that you can choose from, such as:
Wireless Chargers:
These are chargers that use electromagnetic induction to transfer power to your devices without using cables or ports. They are convenient, safe, and elegant, but also slower, less efficient, and more expensive than wired chargers. They are suitable for travelers who want to avoid the hassle of cables and ports and have compatible devices that support wireless charging.
Solar Chargers:
These are chargers that use photovoltaic cells to convert sunlight into electricity and store it in a battery or directly charge your devices. They are eco-friendly, renewable, and free, but also dependent on weather, location, and time, and less powerful and reliable than other chargers. They are suitable for travelers who want to reduce their environmental impact and have access to abundant and consistent sunlight.
AC Chargers:
These are chargers that use alternating current (AC) to charge your devices or power banks directly from a wall outlet. They are fast, efficient, and stable, but also bulky, heavy, and limited by the availability and compatibility of power outlets. They are suitable for travelers who want to charge their devices or power banks quickly and have access to standard and compatible power outlets.
Multifunctional Chargers:
These are chargers that can perform other functions besides charging, such as lighting, heating, cooling, playing music, etc. They are versatile, useful, and fun, but also more expensive, complex, and prone to malfunction than other chargers. They are suitable for travelers who want to have multiple gadgets in one and enjoy some extra features and benefits.
Each type of portable charger and power bank has its pros and cons, and you should weigh them carefully and choose the one that suits your travel scenarios and preferences the best.
The Best Portable Chargers and Power Banks for Travel in 2024
Based on the criteria and types mentioned above, we have selected some of the best portable chargers and power banks for travel in 2024 and reviewed them for you. Here are our top picks:
Nimble Champ (Series 2):
This is a compact and eco-friendly power bank that supports fast charging and has a built-in flashlight and magnetic cable management. It has a capacity of 10,000 mAh, an output of 18W, and an input of 15W. The power bank has two USB-C ports and one USB-A port, and comes with a USB-C to USB-C cable and a USB-C to Lightning cable. It is made of recycled aluminum and plant-based bioplastics, and has a sleek and durable design. The power bank also has a LED indicator that shows the battery level and charging status, and a flashlight that can be activated by double-tapping the power button. It weighs 8.8 ounces and measures 5.5 x 2.8 x 0.6 inches. It costs $49.99 and is available on Nimble’s website.
Anker 737 Power Bank:
This is a powerful and versatile power bank that can charge laptops and other devices with its 140W output and integrated AC port. It has a capacity of 25,600 mAh, an output of 140W, and an input of 45W. The power bank has one AC port, one USB-C port, and two USB-A ports, and comes with a USB-C to USB-C cable and a wall charger. It is made of high-quality materials and has a sturdy and elegant design. It also has a LED display that shows the battery level and output mode, and a fan that cools down the device when using the AC port. The power bank weighs 33.6 ounces and measures 7.1 x 5.3 x 1.6 inches. It costs $149.99 and is available on Amazon.
Monoprice 20,000 mAh Power Bank:
This is a budget-friendly and reliable power bank that offers dual USB-A and USB-C ports and pass-through support. It has a capacity of 20,000 mAh, an output of 18W, and an input of 18W. It has two USB-A ports and one USB-C port, and comes with a USB-C to USB-C cable. The power bank made of plastic and has a simple and solid design. It also has a LED indicator that shows the battery level and charging status, and a button that switches between the output modes. The power bank weighs 14.1 ounces and measures 6.3 x 3.1 x 0.9 inches. It costs $29.99 and is available on Monoprice’s website.
INIU 10000mAh Portable Charger:
This is a slim and lightweight power bank that features smart LED display, dual USB-A ports, and adaptive charging technology. It has a capacity of 10,000 mAh, an output of 15W, and an input of 10W. The portable charger has two USB-A ports and one micro-USB port, and comes with a micro-USB to USB-A cable. It is made of fire-resistant materials and has a smooth and ergonomic design. The charger also has a LED display that shows the exact battery percentage and charging mode, and a flashlight that can be activated by long-pressing the power button.
Tips and Tricks for Using Portable Chargers and Power Banks While Traveling
Using portable chargers and power banks while traveling can make your trip more enjoyable and hassle-free, but there are also some tips and tricks that you should know to optimize your experience, such as:
Optimize the battery life and performance of your devices and chargers:
To extend the battery life and performance of your devices and chargers, you should follow some best practices, such as:
Turn off or reduce the brightness, volume, and vibration of your devices when not in use.
Turn off or disable the unnecessary apps, features, and functions of your devices, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, etc.
Use the power-saving or low-power mode of your devices and chargers when possible.
Avoid exposing your devices and chargers to extreme temperatures, humidity, or sunlight, which can damage the battery and reduce its capacity.
Use the original or compatible cables, ports, and adapters for your devices and chargers, and avoid using damaged or faulty ones, which can affect the charging efficiency and safety.
Keep your devices and chargers clean and dry, and avoid contact with water, dust, or dirt, which can cause corrosion or short-circuit.
Avoid common problems and issues:
To prevent or solve some of the common problems and issues that may occur when using portable chargers and power banks, you should be aware of some possible causes and solutions, such as:
Overheating:
This is when your devices or chargers become too hot to touch or use, which can be caused by overcharging, fast charging, high output, high temperature, or poor ventilation. To avoid or reduce overheating, you should stop charging, unplug the cables, move the devices or chargers to a cooler place, and let them cool down before resuming charging.
Overcharging:
Overcharging occurs when your devices or chargers exceed their full capacity. Leaving them plugged in for too long, using incompatible or faulty cables, ports, or adapters, or having a defective battery can cause overcharging. To prevent overcharging, monitor the battery level and charging status of your devices and chargers, unplug them when they reach full charge, and use smart or automatic charging features that stop the charging when the battery is full.
Short-circuiting:
Water, dust, or dirt entering the devices or chargers, using damaged or faulty cables, ports, or adapters, or having a defective battery can cause a short-circuit. This happens when the electrical current flows through an unintended path. To prevent short-circuiting, keep your devices and chargers clean and dry, avoid contact with water, dust, or dirt, use the original or compatible cables, ports, and adapters, and replace the battery if it is damaged or swollen.
Compatibility errors:
This is when your devices or chargers are not able to communicate or work with each other, which can be caused by using different or incompatible standards, formats, or protocols, such as USB-A, USB-C, micro-USB, Lightning, wireless, solar, AC, etc. To avoid or fix compatibility errors, you should check the specifications and requirements of your devices and chargers, use the original or compatible cables, ports, and adapters, and use converters or adapters if necessary.
Pack and carry your chargers and power banks safely and securely:
To protect your chargers and power banks from damage, loss, or theft, you should follow some packing and carrying tips, such as:
Use a protective case or pouch for your chargers and power banks, and wrap the cables neatly and securely.
Label your chargers and power banks with your name, phone number, and email address, in case they get lost or misplaced.
Keep your chargers and power banks in your carry-on luggage or personal bag, and avoid putting them in your checked luggage or leaving them unattended.
Distribute your chargers and power banks among your travel companions or bags, so that you have backups in case one of them gets lost, stolen, or damaged.
Charge your chargers and power banks before your trip, and top them up whenever you have access to a power outlet or a power source.
Comply with the airline regulations and security measures:
To avoid any trouble or inconvenience when flying with your chargers and power banks, you should follow the airline regulations and security measures, such as:
Check the size, weight, and capacity limits of your chargers and power banks, and make sure they do not exceed the allowed thresholds. Generally, the capacity limit is 100 Wh or 27,000 mAh for lithium-ion batteries, and the size and weight limits vary depending on the airline and the class of travel.
Declare your chargers and power banks to the airline staff and security personnel, and show them the labels or markings that indicate the type, size, weight, and capacity of your chargers and power banks.
Remove your chargers and power banks from your luggage or bag, and place them in a separate tray or bin for screening and inspection.
Follow the instructions and directions of the airline staff and security personnel, and cooperate with them if they have any questions or concerns about your chargers and power banks.
By following these tips and tricks, you can make the most of your portable chargers and power banks while traveling, and enjoy a smooth and satisfying trip.
Conclusion
Portable chargers and power banks are the ultimate gadgets for travelers who want to keep their devices charged and ready to use at all times. They offer convenience, safety, reliability, and versatility, and can enhance your travel experience.
In this blog post, we have helped you choose the best portable chargers and power banks for your travel needs, reviewed some of the best products on the market in 2024, and shared some tips and tricks for using them while traveling.
We hope you have found this blog post useful and informative, and that you have learned something new and valuable. If you have any feedback, questions, or experiences with portable chargers and power banks, please feel free to share them with us in the comments section below, or contact us through our website or social media channels. We would love to hear from you and help you with your travel needs.
Thank you for reading, and happy traveling!
Q&A Section
Q: What is the difference between a portable charger and a power bank?
A: A portable charger is a device that plugs into a power source, such as a wall outlet or a car charger, and provides power to another device, such as a phone or a tablet. A power bank is a device that stores power in a battery and can be used to charge another device without a power source.
Q: How do I know how much capacity I need for my power bank?
A: The capacity of a power bank is measured in milliampere-hours (mAh), which indicates how much energy it can store and deliver. The capacity you need depends on the battery size and usage of your devices. A simple way to estimate the capacity you need is to divide the battery size of your device (in mAh) by the output of your power bank (in A) and multiply by 100. For example, if your phone has a 3000 mAh battery and your power bank has a 2A output, you need at least a 7500 mAh power bank to fully charge your phone once.
Q: What are the advantages and disadvantages of wireless, solar, AC, and multifunctional chargers?
A: Wireless chargers are convenient, safe, and elegant, but also slower, less efficient, and more expensive than wired chargers. Solar chargers are eco-friendly, renewable, and free, but also dependent on weather, location, and time, and less powerful and reliable than other chargers. AC chargers are fast, efficient, and stable, but also bulky, heavy, and limited by the availability and compatibility of power outlets. Multifunctional chargers are versatile, useful, and fun, but also more expensive, complex, and prone to malfunction than other chargers.
More Q&As
Q: What are some of the features and technologies that I should look for in a power bank?
A: Some of the features and technologies that can enhance the performance and functionality of a power bank are:
Fast charging: This is a technology that allows a power bank to deliver a higher output and charge a device faster than a standard charger. Some of the common fast charging standards are Power Delivery (PD), Quick Charge (QC), and SuperCharge (SC).
Smart charging: This is a technology that allows a power bank to detect and adjust the optimal output and input for each device and prevent overcharging, overheating, or short-circuiting. Some of the common smart charging features are PowerIQ, VoltageBoost, and TempGuard.
Pass-through charging: This is a feature that allows a power bank to charge itself and another device at the same time, using a single power source. This can save time and space, but also reduce the battery life and efficiency of the power bank.
Q: How do I use a power bank safely and securely while traveling?
A: To use a power bank safely and securely while traveling, you should follow some tips, such as:
Use a protective case or pouch for your power bank and wrap the cables neatly and securely.
Label your power bank with your name, phone number, and email address, in case it gets lost or misplaced.
Keep your power bank in your carry-on luggage or personal bag, and avoid putting it in your checked luggage or leaving it unattended.
Distribute your power bank among your travel companions or bags, so that you have backups in case one of them gets lost, stolen, or damaged.
