15 Best Portable Chargers Reviews and Guide
Table of Contents
Why You Need a Good Portable Charger?
Everywhere across the world, smartphones and other electronic gadgets are witnessing a serious boom. It is nearly impossible for lion’s share of the population to live without the convenience offered by such smart gadgets. And the people in hurricanes and other disaster-prone areas usually find it quite difficult to keep up with the frequent power outages and the constant shutting down of their gadgets. It is for such people and others who require a constant supply of power to their mobile gadgets that a portable charger is supposedly made.
A portable charger comes as a blessing when you have gadgets that require safe and stable power to get charged up. It helps you to stay connected and be on point with your work and other commitments despite a power breakage scenario. Being so handy and lightweight and extremely portable, it can fit right into your backpack and can be used anywhere at any time. And the immense scope of it in the market has caused the production of countless models of it and it demands serious scrutiny to pick the best ones out of them.
Quick Summary
We know that it is extremely exhausting and confusing to choose the best and the most ideal portable charger for you with all the choices available in the market. There are several features that we have to ideally look for in a good portable charger and here we have considered it all for you and made a perfect list to help you ease through the process of choosing a great portable charger:
1. Ultra-slim portable charger: Anker Power Bank, USB-C Portable Charger 10000mAh
2. Best and super compact portable charger: iWALK Small Portable Charger 4500mAh Ultra-Compact Power Bank
3. Best safe charging portable charger: 10000mAh Q Portable Charger, Ultra Slim USB C Power Bank
4. Best solar power compatible portable charger: Power Bank Soxono Solar Charger 30000 mAh, Slimmest, and Lightest Portable Charger
5. High-speed portable charger: Anker PowerCore 10000 Portable Charger
6. Best travel-friendly portable charger: Anker PowerCore 26800 Portable Charger, 26800mAh External Battery
7. Best 2 pack portable charger: INIU Portable Charger, Slimmest & Lightest Triple 3A USB C High-Speed 10000mAh Power Bank
8. Best universally compatible portable charger: Portable Charger Power Bank 25800mAh
9. Best iPhone-compatible portable charger: iWALK Small Portable Charger 3350mAh Power Bank
10. Best portable charger with massive cell capacity: Anker PowerCore+ 26800mAh PD 45W with 60W PD Charger
11. Best high-speed power providing portable charger: Anker Portable Charger, PowerCore Essential 20000mAh Power Bank
12. Best portable power station: ECOFLOW RIVER Pro Portable Power Station
13. Best portable power station for camping: Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 1000, 1002Wh Solar Generator
14. Best RV travel portable power station: BLUETTI Portable Power Station AC200P 2000W 2000Wh Solar Generator
15. Best solar generator for outdoor activities: Anker Portable Power Station, Powerhouse II 400
Portable Charger – Detailed Review with Pros and Cons
1. Anker Power Bank, USB-C Portable Charger 10000mAh
This ultra-slim, 20W portable charger from Anker has enough backup power to charge an iPhone 12 twice. It is ideal for travel as it is safeguarded with a multi-layer protection system against fire hazards, temperature fluctuations, etc. It comes with an 18-month warranty.
Its slim and compact design makes it the perfect portable charger now available in the market. It is compatible with almost all phones, tablets, etc. It gets fully recharged in less than 5 hours and retains that battery life for quite a long time. There is a built-in LED display present in it which shows the remaining battery life of the charger.
The only fault associated with it is the unavailability of the pass-through function.
Pros
- Lightweight and ultra-slim design
- High-speed recharging
- Reasonably priced
- Come fully charged and ready to use
- Small enough to fit into pockets and purses
Cons
- Don’t support pass-through function
- Power port efficiency is sub-par
2. iWALK Small Portable Charger 4500mAh Ultra-Compact Power Bank
The compact portable charger from iWALK makes use of a lightning connector. It ensures that no cables or cords are included in the charging process. It has a capacity of 4500mAh despite its small build. It can store enough power to charge an iPhone for a single time, and thus, it is ideal for emergency purposes.
They come at reasonable prices and multiple models. It is mainly compatible with iPhones. It supports pass-through technology and comes with a USB C cable. Although its initial version struggled with thick phone cases, the upgraded version that is now available in the market has improved well in that section.
Pros
- Just have the size of a lipstick
- Sleek and fashionable design
- Pass-through technology is present
- Cord-less charging
Cons
- Struggles to retain battery power
- Have practical difficulties due to some design flaws
- Struggles to work with thick phone cases
3. 10000mAh Q Portable Charger, Ultra Slim USB C Power Bank
Made by Brand Q, this portable charger is compatible with almost all mobile phones. It can be recharged via two ways and have a battery capacity of 10000 mAh. It provides enough power to charge a mobile phone up to 4 times. It is lightweight at just 12.6 ounces and thin and thus, extremely easy to carry around and use.
Its highlight is the Intelligent power management IC, which protects the charger from any external hazards like overheating, overcharging, etc. It has four output ports that provide stable power. It also supports pass-through charging that reduces any waiting time for the user.It has a 4.5 rating out of 5 on Amazon.
Pros
- Universally compatible
- Compact and slim design
- Two-way recharging available
- Comes with a carrying pouch
- Pass-through recharging technology is available
Cons
- Tends to underperform after several uses
- Does not retain the charge in battery like it is said in the advertisement
4. Power Bank Soxono Solar Charger 30000 mAh, Slimmest, and Lightest Portable Charger
This portable charger from the Soxono brand with 3.7 DC voltage and 30000 mAh battery capacity provides enough power to charge your basic gadgets multiple times. It provides outlets to charge two devices at the same time. Its highlight is the in-built solar panel that helps to power up the charger during outdoor activities.
It has quite a longer standby time when compared to the other products of the same price. It also has intact several safeguards to protect the device from excessive current, excessive charging, etc. Its solar panel made of monocrystalline silicon avoids the panel from having any scratches or damages during rough usage.
Pros
- Dual outputs and inputs
- Comes with an in-built solar panel
- Multiple devices can be charged at the same time
- Universally compatible
- Auto shut-off facility is present
- Fast charging
Cons
- Solar charging takes quite a time
- A bit on the heavier side than other similar products
5. Anker PowerCore 10000 Portable Charger
Manufactured by the Anker brand, it is one of the smallest and thinnest portable chargers presently available in the market. Available in multiple colors and price ranges, it has a battery capacity of 10000 mAh. It is mostly compatible with iPhones and a few other models. Its output ports are universally compatible and on a full charge, it can produce enough power to charge a mobile phone thrice, which is one of the highest size-to-cell capacity ratios.
The manufacturers claim it to have 11 safety protection layers to avoid any damage to the connected devices through any of the power fluctuations. It has earned a 4.7-star rating out of 5 on Amazon.
Pros
- High-speed charging
- Compact and small
- Built-in LED lights to indicate the battery level
- Charge retaining capacity of the battery is good
- Comes with an 18-month warranty
Cons
- Does not have the pass-through facility
- Takes quite a long time to get charged
- Life expectancy is low
6. Anker PowerCore 26800 Portable Charger
Anker Power core portable charger provides double-speed recharging for almost all android smartphones and tablets. Its 26800 mAh battery capacity is more than enough to power a smartphone almost 8 times. It has provided the provision of charging three devices at the same time. It is observed that it can charge devices up to two times faster than similar products in the market.
It comes with an 18-month warranty, 2 micro-USB cables, a travel pouch, etc. It enables complete protection for the connected devices from any possible hazards. It is also present with dual input ports which ensures complete recharge in less than 6 hours.
Pros
- High-speed recharging
- Have pass-through charging facility
- Holds charge for a very long time
- Dual MicroUSB charging inputs
- Compatible with solar power
Cons
- Not universally compatible
7. INIU Portable Charger, Slimmest & Lightest Triple 3A USB C High-Speed 10000mAh Power Bank
It would be perfect if you can get two portable chargers for the price of one, right? INIU has created two portable chargers that are sold together. Each of them is compatible with Apple and Samsung individually. They have a USB type C connector and a battery capacity of 10000 mAh. Made using the highest-grade materials, they have a warranty of three years.
Both the chargers have a thin and compact design and they fit into small spaces like pockets perfectly. The USB C that works as both input and output port, ensures high-speed charging and recharging. It has the in-built technology to auto-adjust to the devices that are connected and thus provides safe and secure charging.
Pros
- Safe charging
- Three-years warranty
- Two chargers for the price of one
- Can connect three devices at once
- Airline approved
- Built-in flashlight
Cons
- Reported faulty power indicators
8. Portable Charger Power Bank 25800mAh
Made by the brand called Ekrist, this portable charger has an intelligent controlling IC as its unique selling point. It is compatible with numerous phone models and has a 25800 mAh battery capacity. It is universally compatible and can even be used to power up your Bluetooth devices. It provides the option to charge two devices at the same time.
A built-in LED light is present that shows the remaining battery power of the charger. It has multiple layered protection systems and a smart battery system which provides ample safety. They come with a two-year warranty too. It also has the approval to be taken onto flights.
Pros
- Intelligent controlling IC
- Fast recharge
- Long-lasting battery life
- Built-in LED lights as power indicators
- Two-year support services
- Widely compatible
Cons
- Complaints are there about its lithium battery being illegal to be in airplanes
- Tends to get charged slowly over some time
9. iWALK Small Portable Charger 3350mAh Power Bank
Available in various price ranges and various colors, iWALK portable chargers are mostly compatible with Apple phones. It has a battery capacity of 3350 mAh. The built-in lightning charger technology enables the user to charge the devices without connecting any extra cables. It is convenient, compact, and extremely travel-friendly due to its small size.
It provides the pass-through function, that enables the user to charge a device even when the charger is put to recharge. Its longer plug can be used to charge phones that have thick cases. It has earned a 4.3-star rating out of 5 on Amazon. The only major fault with the device is that it can get drained off the battery power quite easily.
Pros
- Lightning connector
- Cord-less charging
- Compact design
- Pass-through charging facility is present
- Available in multiple capacities and colors
- Auto power-off function is present
Cons
- Not universally compatible
- Battery life is not retained well
10. Anker PowerCore+ 26800mAh PD 45W with 60W PD Charger
Labeled as Amazon’s choice with a rating of 4.7 out of 5, Anker Power core, with its 26800 mAh battery capacity, is undoubtedly a great portable charger. It carries enough charge to completely power up a laptop. It comes with a wall charger and it enables faster recharge for the charger. It takes almost three and a half hours for the charger to get completely recharged. It delivers power through USB-C ports. It comes with an 18-month warranty.
It is universally compatible in nature. It is equipped with the trickle-charging method which enables the charger to optimize the power output according to the device connected to prevent the device from having any damages due to power fluctuations.
Pros
- Fast recharge
- Wall charger included
- Solar charging compatible
- Optimized charging
- Can be taken through TSA onto a flight
Cons
- Fluctuations in performance depending on temperature and other external elements
- Despite the universal compatible claim, it does not work on devices like HP Elite book, Think Pad, etc.
11. Anker Portable Charger, PowerCore Essential 20000mAh Power Bank
This 4.8 stars rated portable charger is sold by Anker. It has got a battery capacity of 20000 mAh. It ensures fast charging through technologies like voltage boost, power IQ, and trickle-charging mode. It has two output ports that enable the charger to charge two devices at a time. Though it takes at least 10 hours or more to get fully recharged, there is more than one method to recharge it.
This slim and sleek charger is ideal for airplanes also. Its unique Anker protect safety system ensures a safe operation with safe and clean power being provided. It is compatible with most Apple and Android devices and other smart gadgets. A built-in LED indicator shows the remaining battery power.
Pros
- Ideal for both high-power and low-power accessories
- Multiple recharging options
- Comes with a travel pouch
- Airplane safe
- Dual output
- Sleek and premium looking
Cons
- Despite the advertisement, lightning cable, USB-C cable, etc. are not provided
- Does not support laptop charging
12. ECOFLOW RIVER Pro Portable Power Station
Manufactured by EF EcoFlow, this one of the best EcoFlow portable power stations highlight is its fast recharging. It can recharge from 0% to 80% in less than an hour. It has got enough power outlets to charge 10 devices at the same time. At a weight of almost 16 lbs, it is a fairly portable power station that is ideal for camping generators and all other purposes.
It has also got a built-in inverter of 600W. It is advisable to use devices that are less than 1200W for best performance. It comes with a two-year warranty. It is also compatible with solar panel recharging and it comes with a solar charging cable too. RIVER Pro is one of the top-rated EcoFlow solar generators as well. It is one of the excellent portable battery chargers.
Pros
- Can power up to 10 devices
- Fast recharging
- Comes with a two-year warranty
- Easy control with Eco Flow app
- Three-way recharging
- Pass-through facility is available
Cons
- Not ideal to use in a humid environment
- Inverter efficiency is not good
RELATED: EcoFlow RIVER Pro Portable Power Station Reviews
13. Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 1000, 1002Wh Solar Generator
Considered as one of the best camping solar-powered generators, this portable power station made by Jackery comes with 1000 watts and 110 volts. It can be further added with a solar panel for recharging. It can charge 6 devices at the same time. It also supports pass-through charging and saves significant waiting time.
Despite its powerful nature and built, it produces less to zero noise during its operation. It is made of materials that ensure durability for the generator if at all put for rough use. With the Battery Management System intact, the generator comes up with only a minimum level of battery damage over time. Check our full reviews about Jackery portable power station and Jackery solar generators.
Pros
- Solar compatibility
- Higher endurance
- Supports pass-through charging
- Produces zero noise
- Three-way recharging available
Cons
- Can only power up devices up to 1000 watt
- Quite big in size
14. BLUETTI Portable Power Station AC200P 2000W 2000Wh Solar Generator
This 2000-watt portable power station created by Bluetti is available in two models with different price points and different accessories. It has a built-in inverter of 2000W capacity. It is equipped with a Battery Management System that ensures an efficient and optimized flow of power through all its outlets. It can also be used as a compact RV generator.
It has a faster recharging rate when compared to other similar products. It can get fully recharged in less than three hours. It also comes with a two-year warranty. Check out our details reviews about the full Bluetii portable power stations and Bluetii solar generators.
Pros
- Recharging rate is quite efficient
- 17 outlets are available
- Comes with a two-year warranty
- Durable design
- Built-in MPPT controller
Cons
- Solar panel is not included
- Heavy
15. Anker Portable Power Station, Powerhouse II 400
This portable power station built by Anker is ideal as a portable power source due to its manageable weight of 10 pounds. It has 300 watts and 110 volts. It has the provision to charge 8 devices at the same time. It is equipped with fast charging and most of the devices that are connected to it can have full charge within one hour or less.
As it has a built-in AC supplying port, stable power can be provided for sensitive gadgets like mobile phones. It also comes with an 18-month warranty. Read more about our full review of Anker portable power station product line.
Pros
- Multiple appliances can be charged at once
- Fast charging
- Consistent and stable power supply
- Compact and portable design and built
- Built-in LED display to find all relevant information
Cons
- Consume power even if it is simply turned on
- Can’t support devices that are rated over 300W
What Is a Portable Charger?
Portable chargers, as the name itself, suggests, are chargers that are small enough to be carried around by the user. They are also known as power banks in layman’s terms. They have come into popular use in recent decades. They are convenient, practical, and ideal to take alongside travel or trip as the perfect backup power source to charge your cellular phones, laptops, and other mobile devices.
Portable chargers came into existence back in 2001. These compact battery packs rose to popularity soon after the launch due to their unique selling point, which is their portable size. Although the initial models of portable chargers were a bit bulkier and weren’t holding their battery life, they soon got evolved into superior designs, compact models, and high battery life. Comfort is the biggest pro factor when it comes to the popularity of a portable charger. They can fit even into a purse, and they are ready to be used right out of the box, both of which make them an attractive option for people who are busy and are always on the go. They carry enough charge to power a few mobile devices and as most of them come with additional bonus features, buying one would never be a bad move.
But still, like any other device, it is extremely important to know the positives and negatives of a portable charger before proceeding to decide on buying one. Also, proper research is inevitable as there are countless options of portable chargers available in the market, and the popular one may or may not be suitable for your need. So it is better to educate ourselves about the features, pros, and cons of a portable charger and then look for the best one for you in the market.
How Does Portable Charger Work?
Power banks or portable chargers are of different types. The functioning, charging, and recharging differ in each of them. The three major or commonly used portable chargers are traditional power banks, solar-powered portable chargers, and universal portable chargers. These are all different in terms of size, method of recharging, and battery capacity.
Generally, a portable charger works on simple working principles, using a few components. Some of the major components are:
1. Input Socket
Input sockets are unavoidable in a portable charger. They are supposed to be the receivers of power in the charger. It is through those outlets that the charger gets recharged. Usually, micro-USB or mini-USB sockets are given for recharging a portable charger.
2. Battery system
Depending upon the battery used, there are two main battery systems available in a portable charger. The first one is the Lithium-ion battery system, which makes use of low-cost lithium-ion batteries. This battery system can offer high-intensity power for connecting devices.
The second one is the Lithium polymer battery system, which is noted for its long-lasting battery capacity, low weight, and flexibility for any size or shape.
3. Safety Features
Every portable charger includes safety features or facilities intact and some of them are the input voltage regulator, temperature sensors, battery protection system, quality connectors, etc. These ensure the safety of both the charger and the devices connected.
What Are the Benefits of Portable Charger?
Portable chargers have been one of the frontrunners among backup power sources for a very long time and this high popularity does point to several crowd-pulling features that they come with. It is important to be completely aware of all the positives that a portable charger can offer before buying one. Following are some of the major benefits that you can avail yourself of a portable charger:
1. Portable
Portable chargers are extremely mobile in nature. Theor lightweight built and compact design makes them ideal for anyone to carry around. There are many new models of power banks available in the market which can even be put inside a clothing pocket.
2. Available in multiple capacities
Portable chargers are available in various battery capacities and thus, provide a larger choice for the buyers. People can choose according to their power needs from options like 3000mAh to 20000 mAh, and even more.
3. Low cost
Portable chargers are hands down the least expensive among the backup powers sources. You can always choose a suitably sized charger that suits your needs from the available options and as the power requirement goes down, lowers the price of the charger too.
It also does not demand any initial installation cost or maintenance cost. It can be simply used out of the box and thus saves the user from spending any money on installation or initiation.
4. No fuel requirement
Portable chargers make use of any electrical sources to charge up. They store the charge inside for further use and thus, it’s working, and the charging process does not involve any fuel, not like a fuel generator. This makes them a dependable power source during emergencies. You need not find a fuel source to begin with. If kept fully recharged, they can be used right away during an emergency.
5. Environment-friendly
As there is no burning of fossil fuels involved in the working process, portable chargers are one of the most environment-friendly power sources available presently. They don’t cause any air or noise pollution and are thus ideal for the outdoors. There are even solar versions for portable chargers which even adds to the environment-friendly nature of a portable charger.
Another environment-friendly aspect of the portable charger is its reusability. It need not be replaced for quite a long time, and thus, it does not cause the creation of e-waste.
6. Ideal to use on travels and trips
The lightweight and compact design is the best reason why a portable charger is ideal for travels and trips. Another one is that they are suitable to be carried along in a carry-on bag during air trips, provided that they are rated under 27000 mAh battery capacity.
7. High battery capacity
A portable charger is enough to charge a mobile device at least 4 times without completely losing the charger’s power. Most of the latest versions are equipped with fast-charging technology which enables the charger to provide ample charging power for multiple devices for a reasonable time.
8. Supports pass-through charging
Unlike many other backup power sources, portable chargers support pass-through charging, which is the feature that let the connected devices be charged even when the charger is put for recharging its battery. This saves valuable time and this is one of the features that make them stand out from the other emergency power sources.
How to Choose a Portable Charger?
Choosing a portable charger requires an understanding of the important features that constitute a good charger. Some of the important features that you should be looking at in a portable charger before buying it are as follows:
1. Battery size
It is extremely important to buy a portable charger with a battery size at least the same as the device that you are planning to charge it with. If only the battery size is at least the same only the charger can provide a minimum of a single full charge to a device. So make sure to buy a charger that is at least of the same battery size as your device. Having said that, it is recommended to buy a charger of a size bigger than your device as it can enable the device with multiple charges. You can just go for the highest mAh portable charger available in your budget.
2. Output voltage
Just like the battery size, the output voltage of a portable charger should at least be equal to the device to be connected, if not higher than that. You have to go through your device’s specifications in the settings option to know more about such details and to buy an appropriate charger.
3. Number of output ports
It is another important criterion to choose a good portable charger as the more the number of devices it can charge, the more convenient it would be. In this fast-moving world, no one would possibly like to wait for one device to get fully charged so that he/she can proceed to the next one. It is ideal for a charger to have more than 2 output ports that are universally compatible.
4. Safety features
Always look for the safety features and specifications provided along with the charger to avoid any possible accidents. You can look for chargers that have installed an automatic power-cut option in case any power or temperature fluctuations are found present. Chargers that can provide optimized power are the safe ones as most mobile devices like cellular phones are sensitive in nature and require clean power, unlike other devices.
5. Buy a reasonably-priced one
It is true that portable chargers are available at extremely low rates. But make sure that you are not compromising on the quality of the product when focused on the price too much. It is advisable to spend a reasonable amount on a portable charger as a good quality one can last for a very long time and be worthy of the money spend on it. Also, a reasonably priced one will have much more safety options and features than an extremely low-priced one. There is no wrong in choosing the least-priced one, but make sure that you are looking for all the other important features in it before proceeding to buy it.
6. Portability
Although power banks are extremely portable in nature, there are several models which are a bit too heavy to carry around as they provide high power. So, when you go for chargers of high battery power and capacity, be mindful of the size and portability of the charger too. There is no point in buying a portable charger heavily built if your need was to have something that is travel-friendly.
7. Fast charging
Look for chargers that can both charge and recharge in a quick manner. Try to buy chargers with high amperes of output and input, as such chargers will charge the connected devices and the charger itself respectively in the fastest way possible.
8. Charging cables and wireless chargers
When you are looking for a charger to purchase, make sure it comes with an adequate number of charging cables. It is observed that there are many manufacturers who do not provide any charging cable with the charger making it impossible for the user to use it right after buying it. Buying charging cables is going to cost extra money also. So look for the specifications well in the advertisement and make sure the product is coming with at least one charging cable.
A wireless charger is a recent addition to the list of portable chargers and they are extremely convenient. So, try to look for a charger with efficient wireless charging technology if possible.
9. LED Indicator and other extras
There are multiple models of portable chargers available in the market that come with many add-on features. Look for such features, especially an LED indicator to make the most out of your money spend on it. An LED battery indicator will make it easier for the user to identify the remaining power in a portable charger and to provide them with a charge accordingly.
10. Battery system
There are two types of battery systems available for portable chargers: lithium-ion and lithium polymer. Each of them has its share of positives and negatives. Lithium-ion batteries are less expensive than lithium polymer ones whereas the latter is flexible and lightweight. If you are looking for a long life of batteries and a more robust option, the lithium polymer system will be ideal for you. Make sure you research well about them and decide on the right one for you.
11. Design
Although the design may not be a factor for many, it is a relevant one as it can affect the convenience and user-friendliness of the charger. Always keep an eye on the sleek ones than the traditional rectangular and thick ones. There are even designs that come in cylindrical, cuboidal, and many more shapes. Pick a design that could make the use of the charger convenient and comfortable.
12. Look for reviews
As a portable charger is an electronic device, you can learn a lot of its drawbacks from its previous users. So if you are buying from an online platform, scroll through the review section and find the concerns associated with the product of your liking. Make up your mind not to buy a product if it has got repeated complaints from the buyers.
Portable Charger FAQs
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How to charge a portable charger?
Usually, the charger comes with a cable to recharge it once it is purchased. Many brands offer fully recharged chargers at the time of sale and there are others who do not charge them prior to the sale. In both instances, it is imperative for the buyer to know how to charge it efficiently for further use. You can simply connect the provided charging cable to the concerned slot in your charger. Most of the time, the provided cable will be a micro-USB cable. Insert the cable appropriately first.
The other end of the cable should be plugged into a wall outlet or any other power source to start charging the charger. There are manufacturers who may provide an adapter to the provided cable, but there are several others who do not provide any such extra pieces of equipment. You can simply plug it into the power source and the device starts to get recharged. Check the indicator lights to monitor the charging status. Once fully charged, remove the charger from the charging slot to avoid overcharging.
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How long does a portable charger last?
A portable charger could last longer or shorter than other similar ones based on several factors like quality of the battery, charging procedure, the environment in which it is used, etc. But generally, it is observed that most of the portable chargers average for a minimum of one year and a maximum of four years. In other words, it can last up to 1000 charges maximum if maintained well. If a charger is made of high-quality materials like lithium-polymer, it is observed to last longer than its counterparts.
It is also important to use the charging cable that comes with the charger for long life, as, other chargers might not perform well with a particular model of the charger and thus, can corrupt the longevity of the charger. You can always increase the lifespan of a portable charger by discretionary use, avoiding extreme and harsh conditions, providing charge for the chargers at appropriate intervals, choosing the right devices to pair with it to avoid overload, etc.
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How long does a portable charger take to charge?
Usually, it takes at least one hour for any portable charger to get fully charge any device and it could take more than four hours maximum too. There are multiple manufacturers who offer the fast-charging feature for their chargers. With this technology, it may take as less as one single hour for the charger to completely power up any other devices.
The type of charger is another factor that plays a great role in the charging speed of a charger. If the charger is a battery one, it is observed to be charging faster than many of its counterparts. But when it comes to chargers that make use of renewable energy like solar power, it tends to take more hours to finish 100% charging to the connected devices.
The size of the charger is another important criterion that decides the charging speed of any charger. Portable chargers are available in multiple sizes and powers and small chargers generally seem to be taking longer to charge a device when compared to a much larger, powerful counterpart.
So, choosing the right charger from the right manufacturer could provide you with a fast-charging portable charger.
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How to use a portable charger?
Using a portable charger is quite simple, as it comes in a ready-to-use form that needs little to no assembly. It usually comes with a charging cable and user. Charge it accordingly prior to your first use. After charging, you can check the manual to find the compatible devices for the charger. As it is possible for the charger to get damaged if constantly put to operate overload, it is extremely necessary to understand the power limit up to which it can charge devices.
You can simply plug the charging cable of the devices into the portable charger and then monitor the charging status in the respective devices. It should be remembered that charging any device above 80% of its battery capacity could fetch extra volts from the charger and could ultimately affect the charging and battery capacity of the charger.
So, it is advisable to charge the connected devices up to 80% using a charger for the longevity of the charger. When the chargers are found to be running out of power, make sure to provide them with enough power by plugging them into a power source. It is not ideal to leave a charger at 0% for a long time.
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Portable charger vs Portable power station
Portable chargers, as the name itself suggests, are portable or mobile charging devices that can power up any other devices or power sources according to their capacity and compatibility. Portable power chargers are popular for their compact and convenient design, lightweight built, and easy to use nature. It does not require any kind of assembling, and thus, can be used right out of the box that it comes in. One of the flaws of a portable charger is that, as it is a small and portable device, it tends to run out of power after a while. It cannot be depended on to power up a device for long hours.
A portable power station is a rechargeable portable generator that has a power production process similar to that of a portable charger. Its advantage is that it mostly comes in a bigger size than a charger and thus, is more powerful in nature. It can have multiple output ports that can be used to charge multiple devices simultaneously. It can run for long hours also without draining off the battery power. Though it is better to serve the power requirement during camping and other outdoor activities, some of them are not ideal for sensitive, small devices like mobile phones, laptops, etc. Also, it may sometimes require expert help to assemble it properly.
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Portable charger vs Solar powered generator
Portable chargers store electricity in the cells present in them for later requirements, whereas a solar generator makes use of renewable solar energy to produce or generate electrical energy. It uses solar panels of varied sizes and capacities to fetch maximum solar energy for energy production. They both differ in multiple aspects and ultimately it is the requirement of the buyer that matters.
When we compare the price of a solar-powered generator and a portable charger, the charger fits a humble budget. Also, the solar generators may demand professional help to install and function initially whereas the charger can be used right out of the box that it comes in.
Portability is another factor in which the charger scores more. They are handy and thus can be carried alongside anyone in a backpack, whereas the solar generators offer minimum portability.
Solar generator kits overshadow the charger in the fact that they can provide endless energy as long as there is a supply of sunlight, unlike a charger that may drain out of its battery capacity after a while. Solar generators also produce clean and environment-friendly power which need not be pre-charged for usage.
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Portable charger vs Gas powered generator
A portable charger and a gas-powered generator are different in many essential features. The first and foremost one is that they make use of different resources to generate power. A portable charger uses electric power itself to charge itself and store the energy for further use, whereas a gas-powered generator uses gasoline as a fuel.
An electric portable charger is comparatively smaller in size than a gas-powered generator. Thus, it is more portable too. But as the size is smaller, it can get drained off of power after several hours whereas a gas-powered generator can function for a long time as long as the fuel is supplied into it.
A portable charger is noiseless and produces no emissions. But a gas-powered generator makes a good amount of noise while operating and it also emits carbon monoxide fumes which is harmful to both humans and the rest of the environment.
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Portable charger vs home backup battery
Power banks or portable chargers are a popular option due to multiple reasons. The first one is that they are quite portable. It can be carried around conveniently. They are reusable, affordable, and take less time to charge a mobile device completely. It provides stable power that is ideal for sensitive devices. But it can only be used for a particular period as it tends to run out of power after several hours of functioning.
Battery backups also run-on electricity. It provides clean and much more powerful energy for long hours without any interruption. Also, it requires professional help to get installed, it is just a one-time cost and can remain intact for quite a while. They are better for high-power needs.
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Portable charger vs Inverter generator
Portable chargers are handy and compact and don’t require any professional help to start using. But portable inverter generators or dual fuel inverter generators generally come in larger sizes and make use of much-complicated technology and thus, demand professional assistance for installation.
Portable chargers cost less when compared to an inverter generator. But as the inverter generator has got a bigger capacity, it is ideal for high power requirements. Both of them produce clean and noiseless power.
Conclusion
Most of the portable chargers available in the market possess similar qualities and features. They only differ in mild aspects and it is totally up to you to choose which charger out of the numerous options available. It’s always best to calculate your power needs and consider your lifestyle and choose a portable charger accordingly. Following is a handpicked shortlist of several portable chargers and their best feature is also included alongside:
- Best cable-less portable charger: iWALK Small Portable Charger 3350mAh Power Bank
- Best priced portable charger: Anker Power Bank, USB-C Portable Charger 10000mAh
- Best space-saving portable charger: iWALK Small Portable Charger 4500mAh Ultra-Compact Power Bank
- Best solar compatible portable charger: Power Bank Soxono Solar Charger 30000 mAh, Slimmest, and Lightest Portable Charger
- Best seller portable charger: Anker Portable Charger, PowerCore Essential 20000mAh Power Bank
All the portable chargers mentioned in the major list are the cream of the best ones available in the market. With the right maintenance and care, all of them would turn out to be an asset during emergencies. Make sure that the above information is used appropriately to identify your power needs and to find the perfect portable charger for you.
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