Best Power Banks 2024: Buying Guide
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Time to read 8 min
If you're looking to keep your devices charged while travelling, ensure your smartphone is powered throughout a busy day, or have a reliable backup for emergencies, there's likely a suitable power bank available. We have compiled our latest collection of power banks, each chosen for its unique features and capabilities, to help you make a well-informed purchase decision.
Table of content
Our Favourites Best For Low Budget Best All-Rounder Best For High Power Requirements Getting Started with Power Banks Power Banks Overview OtterBox 5000mAh 10W Power Bank with USB-A to Micro-USB / USB-C / Lightning 3-in-1 Cable OtterBox 5000mAh USB-A / USB-C 12W Power Bank - Black Maplin 10000mAh PD 3.0 Quick Charge 18W Portable Power Bank with USB-C & USB-A Ports Maplin 10000mAh Slim Power Bank with Integrated Lightning, USB-C & Micro USB Cables OtterBox 10,000mAh USB-A / USB-C PD 18W / 10W Qi Wireless Power Bank - Black ALOGIC Lift 4-in-1 MagSafe Compatible 10,000mAh Wireless Charging Power Bank OtterBox 15,000mAh USB-A / USB-C PD 18W Power Bank - Black OtterBox 15,000mAh USB-A / USB-C PD 18W / 10W Qi Wireless Power Bank - Black Maplin Dudao 20000mAh Portable Power Bank with Integrated USB-C, Micro USB & Lightning Cables Maplin Dudao 20000mAh 65W PD Quick Charge USB-C / 2x USB-A Laptop Power Bank ALOGIC Ark 27,000mAh Power Bank with 140W USB-C Charging OtterBox 20,000mAh USB-A / USB-C PD 18W Power Bank - Black FAQ
Our Favourites
Best For Low Budget
Maplin 10000mAh PD 3.0 Quick Charge 18W Portable Power Bank with USB-C & USB-A Ports
Price: £19.99
Why we like it: This power bank offers an impressive 10,000mAh capacity with advanced charging technology, including an 18W USB-C Power Delivery (PD) port and a USB-A Quick Charge (QC) 3.0 port. It can charge an iPhone 14 twice, a Samsung S22 1.8 times, and an iPad Mini 6 1.2 times. It's perfect for those on a budget who need reliable and fast charging on the go. The ability to charge two devices simultaneously adds to its versatility.
Best All-Rounder
OtterBox 15,000mAh USB-A / USB-C PD 18W / 10W Qi Wireless Power Bank - Black
Price: £44.99
Why we like it: Combining high capacity, fast charging, and wireless capabilities, this OtterBox power bank is an excellent all-rounder. It features USB-A and USB-C ports, supports 18W Power Delivery fast charging, and offers 10W Qi wireless charging. Ideal for those who need to charge multiple devices, including smartphones and wireless accessories, its durable design and drop protection ensure reliability.
Best For High Power Requirements
ALOGIC Ark 27,000mAh Power Bank with 140W USB-C Charging
Price: £99.99
Why we like it: For those needing substantial power, the ALOGIC Ark is a top choice. With a massive 27,000mAh capacity and 140W USB-C charging, it can keep high-performance laptops and multiple devices powered throughout the day. It's perfect for professionals and gamers who need to maintain productivity and entertainment on long journeys or remote work locations.
Getting Started with Power Banks
Power banks are essential for keeping your devices charged when you're away from a power source. They are particularly useful for travel, outdoor activities, or during power outages. When selecting a power bank, consider the capacity, measured in milliampere-hours (mAh), which indicates how many charges it can provide. Higher mAh ratings mean more charges but usually come with increased size and weight. Additionally, check the wattage to ensure it can charge your device efficiently and the types of connections it offers, such as USB-C or Lightning ports, to match your devices.
Power Banks Overview
OtterBox 5000mAh 10W Power Bank with USB-A to Micro-USB / USB-C / Lightning 3-in-1 Cable
Main features:
- 5000mAh capacity
- 10W output
- Includes 1m USB-A to Micro-USB 3-in-1 cable with USB-C and Lightning adapters
The OtterBox 5000mAh 10W Power Bank is perfect for travel with its ultra-slim design and compatibility with various devices thanks to the included 3-in-1 cable. It's ideal for those who need a compact, durable, and versatile power bank for quick charges on the go.
OtterBox 5000mAh USB-A / USB-C 12W Power Bank - Black
Main features:
- 5000mAh capacity
- USB-A and USB-C ports for multi-device charging
- LED power indicator
This OtterBox power bank offers 5000mAh capacity with both USB-A and USB-C ports, making it great for charging multiple devices. Its slim design and durable construction make it a reliable option for daily use, providing up to 14 hours of additional battery life for your smartphone.
Maplin 10000mAh PD 3.0 Quick Charge 18W Portable Power Bank with USB-C & USB-A Ports
Main features:
- 10,000mAh capacity
- Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 Power Delivery (PD)
- Li-Polymer battery / 18W max
This power bank's high capacity and fast charging capabilities make it perfect for heavy smartphone users and those with multiple devices. It can charge an iPhone 14 twice, a Samsung S22 1.8 times, and an iPad Mini 6 1.2 times. Its lightweight design and dual-port functionality are ideal for busy days and travel.
Maplin 10000mAh Slim Power Bank with Integrated Lightning, USB-C & Micro USB Cables
Main features:
- 10,000mAh capacity
- Integrated output cables: USB-C, Micro USB, Lightning
- Integrated USB-A cable for charging the power bank
Use case: Featuring integrated charging cables and a 10,000mAh capacity, this slim power bank is perfect for those who want convenience and efficiency. It supports fast charging and can charge up to five devices simultaneously, making it great for trips and avoiding the need to carry multiple cables.
OtterBox 10,000mAh USB-A / USB-C PD 18W / 10W Qi Wireless Power Bank - Black
Main features:
- 10,000mAh capacity
- USB-A and USB-C ports
- 10W Qi wireless charging
This versatile power bank offers both wired and wireless charging options with a 10,000mAh capacity. Its 18W fast charging and 10W Qi wireless output make it suitable for a wide range of devices, perfect for those who value flexibility and need to keep multiple gadgets charged.
ALOGIC Lift 4-in-1 MagSafe Compatible 10,000mAh Wireless Charging Power Bank
Main features:
- 10,000mAh capacity
- 4-in-1 design: USB-A, USB-C, MagSafe Wireless, Apple Watch charger
- Up to 18W USB-A and USB-C charging
With its 4-in-1 design, the ALOGIC Lift power bank is ideal for Apple users and those with multiple wireless charging devices. It offers 10,000mAh capacity, MagSafe compatibility, and can charge an iPhone, Apple Watch, and other accessories simultaneously, making it perfect for tech enthusiasts and frequent travelers.
OtterBox 15,000mAh USB-A / USB-C PD 18W Power Bank - Black
Main features:
- 15,000mAh capacity
- USB-A and USB-C ports
- Supports USB Power Delivery fast charging
The 15,000mAh capacity of this OtterBox power bank ensures long-lasting power for multiple devices. Its fast charging technology and durable design make it suitable for heavy users who need reliable power throughout the day, whether for work or play.
OtterBox 15,000mAh USB-A / USB-C PD 18W / 10W Qi Wireless Power Bank - Black
Main features:
- 15,000mAh capacity
- USB-A and USB-C ports
- 10W Qi wireless charging
Offering both wired and wireless charging, this 15,000mAh power bank is perfect for users who require high capacity and versatility. Its robust construction and fast charging features make it ideal for those who need a dependable power source for multiple devices on the go.
Maplin Dudao 20000mAh Portable Power Bank with Integrated USB-C, Micro USB & Lightning Cables
Main features:
- 20,000mAh capacity
- Integrated output cables: USB-C, Micro USB, Lightning
- Over Charge Protection
This high-capacity power bank with 20,000mAh and integrated cables is great for users who need to charge multiple devices without carrying extra cables. Its versatile design and comprehensive safety features make it a reliable choice for long trips and busy schedules.
Maplin Dudao 20000mAh 65W PD Quick Charge USB-C / 2x USB-A Laptop Power Bank
Main features:
- 20,000mAh capacity
- 65W USB-C Power Delivery (PD) Quick Charge
- USB-A Quick Charge (QC) at 3A
Designed for power-hungry devices, this 20,000mAh power bank with 65W PD Quick Charge is perfect for laptops, tablets, and phones. Its high output and ability to charge three devices simultaneously make it ideal for professionals and students who need to stay productive on the go.
ALOGIC Ark 27,000mAh Power Bank with 140W USB-C Charging
Main features:
- 27,000mAh capacity
- 140W fast-charging
- 1x USB-A / 2x USB-C ports
With an enormous 27,000mAh capacity and 140W fast charging, the ALOGIC Ark power bank is ideal for high-performance laptops and multiple devices. It's perfect for long trips, remote work, and anyone needing substantial power without being tethered to an outlet.
OtterBox 20,000mAh USB-A / USB-C PD 18W Power Bank - Black
Main features:
- 20,000mAh capacity
- USB-A and USB-C ports
- Supports USB Power Delivery fast charging
This high-capacity power bank offers 20,000mAh and fast charging capabilities, making it perfect for those who need to keep multiple devices powered throughout the day. Its durable design and versatile ports ensure reliable performance in any situation.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the best power banks available at Maplin, tailored to different needs and budgets, with detailed descriptions and potential use cases to help you make an informed choice.
FAQ
How do I choose the right power bank capacity for my needs?
When selecting a power bank, consider the battery capacity measured in milliampere-hours (mAh). For light users who need to charge their phone once or twice, a power bank with a capacity of 5,000mAh to 10,000mAh, like the OtterBox 5000mAh models, is sufficient. Heavy users or those with multiple devices, such as tablets and laptops, should opt for power banks with higher capacities, such as the 20,000mAh or even 27,000mAh models like the ALOGIC Ark. Assess your device's battery size and how frequently you need to recharge to determine the ideal capacity.
What is Power Delivery (PD) and Quick Charge (QC) technology, and why are they important?
Power Delivery (PD) and Quick Charge (QC) are fast charging technologies that significantly reduce the time it takes to charge your devices. PD is a universal standard that works with USB-C ports, offering higher power output for fast charging larger devices like laptops. Quick Charge is typically associated with Qualcomm processors and provides faster charging for compatible devices through USB-A ports. Power banks like the Maplin 10000mAh PD 3.0 and the OtterBox 15,000mAh PD 18W models feature these technologies, ensuring you can quickly recharge your devices when needed.
Can I charge multiple devices simultaneously with a power bank?
Yes, many modern power banks are designed to charge multiple devices at the same time. Models like the Maplin 10000mAh Slim Power Bank and the Maplin Dudao 20000mAh Portable Power Bank come with multiple ports and integrated cables, allowing you to charge several devices simultaneously. This feature is particularly useful for users who carry multiple gadgets or for sharing power with friends and family.
What safety features should I look for in a power bank?
Safety is crucial when using power banks to protect both the power bank and your devices. Look for power banks with built-in safety features such as overcharge protection, short circuit protection, overcurrent protection, and temperature control. Models like the Maplin Dudao 20000mAh Portable Power Bank and the ALOGIC Ark 27,000mAh Power Bank incorporate these safety systems, ensuring reliable and secure charging without the risk of damage or overheating.
