How to Buy the Best Power Bank

Find the right match for your devices and personal needs.

Today, almost everyone explores the world through their devices. Communication with family, friends and social media followers happen via cell phones. People attend school and get work done on laptops and tablets. Health and fitness regimens take on added dimensions with wearable technology. Devices are a fixture of everyone's lives, but connection to the world only comes to people's fingertips if their devices have enough power.

Power banks are portable batteries designed to recharge one or more of your devices. They're usually discreet enough to fit into a small bag or pocket. Power banks keep battery indicators out of the red to keep you connected. Here are some tips to help you find out which power bank is best for your specific needs.

Determine your needs.

Take a quick peek at your lifestyle. The right power bank depends on your recharging requirements. Think about how often your device requires a recharge. An equally important question: How many devices do you have? Consider whether you use your devices for personal interaction or professional communication, or both. Do you need portable power for travel? How much time you need between charges also matters.

Your choice of power bank could depend on if you use your device primarily for work or play. Perhaps both are equally important and need the help of a fully charged device.

You may be happy with your traditional phone charger. But if a low battery notification raises your anxiety, look at these options for pocket-sized power.

Explore portable power.

Which power bank is better, one with a 10,000 milliamp-hours (mAh) capacity or one with 20,000mAh? How long does a 20,000mAh power bank last? How many times can a 20,000mAh power bank charge your device? These questions are easier to deal with when you're armed with a little information.

A quick power primer.

Power banks function as external batteries for your devices. The measurement of a battery's capacity is in milliamp-hours. In terms of a new smartphone, every 10,000mAh represents roughly 1.5 full charges. So, a 5,000mAh power bank will give a phone almost a full charge, whereas one with a 20,000mAh capacity can charge a state-of-the-art phone three complete times. Tablets have a slightly larger battery requirement, while those of smartwatches are considerably less.

Output measurement is in watts (W). A power bank's wattage will determine how quickly it charges itself and how fast it can charge your devices. For example, an 18W output will charge almost twice as quickly as a 10W will. Do you need to power up in a hurry? Some power banks feature quick-charge capability.

Making withdrawals from a power bank

Compatibility should be a factor when choosing a power bank. If you are a loyal consumer to a certain brand, then you need only make sure the power bank supports your devices. If you have multiple devices from a variety of brands or if you intend to share your power with colleagues, family or friends, then look for something with universal compatibility.

Is it time to cut the cord?

Wireless power banks charge a compatible device without a cord that needs to be plugged into an outlet. This means that a lost or damaged cord won't stand between you and a full charge. Plus, if you're on the move, you won’t be tethered to a cord, impeding your daily goals. Although, a phone connected to a wired power bank can bounce around inside a bag or pocket and still pull a charge, while a wireless power bank must maintain contact with the device to deliver power.

Wireless chargers have made up plenty of ground in the speed department but wired power banks keep the edge in delivering energy.

A connected alternative

By now, you've come to grips with the need for fully charged devices. Modern phones and tablets need connectivity to get things done. Consider a mobile hotspot if maintaining a consistent and secure internet connection is as important as keeping your devices charged.

A mobile hotspot can connect multiple devices to the internet and double as a functional power bank. They may not have the capacity of a top-notch power bank, but they will work in a pinch.

On-demand power

Some people need to travel great distances for their job while others live in areas that are susceptible to extreme weather. No matter what your lifestyle, you need to remember to charge whatever backup power you rely on.

If outlets aren't an option for juicing up your power bank, portable power generators can provide the charge you need. These are also great for outdoor enthusiasts and campers. These solar panel generators have the versatility to handle both work and play and prove indispensable in emergencies.

Versatile power sources

Portable power banks keep mobile devices charged. It's also important to ensure power for other essentials. These power sources can save your devices from dropping those important connections when you need them most.

Motorists understand the benefit of vehicle jump starters. Gone are the days of heavy, awkward starters. Recent versions feature slim, lightweight designs. Many now have USB ports to keep your devices running as well as your engine, which can be doubly helpful in the event of car trouble.

You can equip your personal computer with a battery backup. These power sources prove a computer's lifesaver in the event of a power failure and can keep your devices running temporarily.

Size up your mobile power needs and explore the possibilities to find the right power bank to keep you plugged into your world.