Hey there travel enthusiasts and welcome to my post where we check out three best power banks for travel to keep your electronics charged with this year. When we travel, a smart phone, tablet or e-reader etc. can be your best friend – especially if on a long flight, bus trip or on the train.
The trouble is, that after a while these things can go flat, making a portable power bank another essential accessory should you find yourself in a remote location or without a charging port. So for those of you about to take a trip and worried about how you are going to keep your favorite device charged, I have had a look around and come up with three decent options below.
Let’s check them out…
My Three Recommended Power Banks for Travel
I will review these in more detail below however if you want to get moving without all the carry-on, my recommended products are listed here for your convenience:
What are Power Banks for Travel?
A power bank is a portable electrical device that can supply power to devices such as smart phones, tablets and e-readers etc. when a traditional power source is not available. Typically, a USB-A or USB-C connector is used for this however, wireless charging is also becoming more prevalent.
Power banks are primarily used to recharge portable electronics with USB connections however they may also be used to recharge a number of USB-powered accessories such as camera batteries, Bluetooth speakers, lights, and fans as well.
Check out these: Best Power Adapters for International Travel
What Should You Be Looking For?
The following factors should be considered as you look around for the best power bank for travel:
- Size and weight
- Inputs
- Milliamp (mAh)
- Types of ports
- Safety
- Additions
Size and weight
As with everything to do with travel, a power bank is not really effective if it isn’t portable? With this in mind, the physical size and weight of it will be critical variables in choosing which one is suitable for you. Choose a streamlined power bank that is small enough to fit in your travel backpack, purse, or pants pocket.
Just be aware however that a smaller charger can have a lower power output.
Inputs
Your power bank will eventually need to be recharged to continue offering you the required backup power. You need a decent, rapid recharge rate to hit the road again without being tethered to a wall socket for hours.
The type of wall charger being utilized affects the input charging speed. For example, a power bank can be recharged twice as quickly using a conventional wall charger with a 2A input as it could with a 1A input. Check the recharge capabilities of your power bank to make sure it will charge at a speed you need.
Milliamp (mAh)
The number of milliamp-hours, or “mAh,” available will determine how much charge you may get from your power bank. mAh stands for milliamp-hours. In general, this describes the energy charge that a power pack holds and how long a device will run before it needs recharging.
The typical capacity ratings are between 2,000mAh and 20,000mAh, and sometimes even up to 40,000mAh. Consider the following to get a general understanding of how what you can charge and how frequently it depends on the quantity of mAh juice in the bank:
- A power bank with 20,000 mAh can charge an iPhone 7 approximately six times.
- A power bank with 20,000 mAh can charge an iPad mini approximately four times.
- A power bank with 20,000 mAh can charge a Samsung Galaxy S23 approximately four and a half times.
Practically speaking, consider the devices you need a power bank for and the duration of your power outage before purchasing a power bank for travel. A 5,000mAh or 10,000mAh battery will work perfectly for topping off your phone a few times each day and will also be physically smaller.
Also, whilst some accept bigger power banks, many airlines will restrict these items to 20,000mAh so always ask your airline what the criteria are for maximum capacity.
Types of Ports
Power banks come with a variety of ports, so be sure the one you buy is right for your gadgets (or be prepared to purchase a separate adapter). And whilst most smartphones and tablets have either micro USBA, Apple or USB-C connectors, it is where it connects to the power bank that is the critical element.
In short, you need to match the connector at the non-phone end of the cable to the power bank. If your cable has a USB-C at both ends, then you will need a USB-C connector in the bank. If USB-A, then obviously you will need that.
To be safe, choose a bank that have more than one port and more than one type if you can.
Safety
Lithium-Polymer batteries, which are balanced components, are found in most power banks. In addition, good power banks include integrated smart circuits that guard against short circuits, overheating and/or overcharging.
Note: power banks in general can not be placed in your check-in luggage.
Additions
Other potential additions include:
- LED indicator: This feature informs you how much battery is left or how much is being charged.
- Built in cables: These items allow you to connect your device to the power bank without the need to bring your own.
- Carry bag: good to protect the bank when not in use.
FAQs
Are power banks suitable for all types of smartphones and laptops?
Yes, in general, power banks are designed to be versatile and should be compatible with most modern smartphones and laptops. They come with multiple output ports and are equipped with fast charging technology, which makes them ideal for a wide range of electronic devices. However, it is always advisable to check the specifications of the power bank and ensure it meets the charging requirements of your particular device.
Can I carry power banks in my carry-on luggage during flights?
Generally, most airlines allow power banks in carry-on luggage, but they must typically have a capacity of less than 100Wh. In fact, many will not allow them in checked luggage where anything with a lithium battery is generally rejected. However, aviation regulations may vary from one country to another, and sometimes even among airlines. It’s best to check the specific guidelines of the airline you are flying with to avoid any inconvenience.
My three recommendations broken down
So based on the information above and my own experience, I recommend the following options:
1. Miisso 6000mah Ultra Slim Built in Cables Power Bank
This first power bank is highly portable and one of the tiniest 6,000mAh chargers on the market, weighing under 5 ounces and measuring just 4.13 x 2.6 x 0.51 inches. It also has cables built in too. See its specifications below:
- Brand: Miisso
- Battery capacity: 6000 mAh
- Connector type: USB-C and Apple
- Dimensions: 4.13 x 2.6 x 0.51 inches
- Weight: 5 ounces
Other inclusions:
- Micro USB cable
- User guide
Why have I chosen it?
The miisso power bank 6000mah could be among the brand’s smallest and slimmest portable chargers and it comes with all the necessary cords needed for most modern smartphones. It’s compact enough to fit in your handbag or pocket or can be carried with ease due to its lightweight construction.
The three built-in cables on this external battery pack allow it to operate with whatever phone you are carrying and can charge two phones at once.
2. TG90° Portable Built in Cable 10000mah Power Bank
This is another option with three integrated plug types and a USB-A connection, so you can charge a lot of gadgets at once without having to pay extra or deal with carrying extra wires. See its specifications below:
- Brand: TG90°
- Battery capacity: 10,000 mAh
- Connector type: USB Type C, micro USB
- Dimensions: 5.4 x 2.83 x 0.58 inches
- Weight: 7.1 ounces
Other inclusions:
- Slim body construction
- Indicator lights
- Power button
Why have I chosen it?
This brand is nice and small with enough connectors to charge multiple phones at once. It comes with a 10000mAh Li-polymer battery for great longevity and a 2A adapter for a quick turnaround as well.
3. Anker 747 Power Bank
My last item listed here comes from a brand recognized for producing top-notch power banks for travel. It is equipped with a generous battery capacity, allowing charging of your usual electronic gadgets – up four devices at once- and can even handle a laptop as well. See its specifications below:
- Brand: Anker
- Battery capacity: 25,600 mAh
- Connector type: USB Type C, micro USB
- Dimensions: 7.87 x 3.66 x 2.48 inches
- Weight: 20.8 ounces
Other inclusions it has:
- Rapid recharge system
- Trickle-charging mode
- 18-month warranty
Why have I chosen this?
This model enables you to set up anywhere and keep your other devices charged while working all in a product that is kept cooled and controlled by sophisticated graphene thermal management and a three-point safety system.
The internal battery can be fully recharged using a 65W wall charger in about 2.5 hours for quick movement and fully charged devices at all time.
Conclusion
There you have it; my three best power bank for international travel options. I would be pleased to know how this article helped you, and as usual, let me know of your experiences with them.
Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, or corrections or would like me to check anything else out for you.
Until next time.
Have fun
Paul
