Surely everyone has come across a situation where the phone or smartphone is completely discharged, but you need to make a very important call or wait for a message. If there is an outlet nearby, then it’s good, but if there is no access to electricity, then the situation becomes truly critical. However, there is a way out of it — use an external battery.
By and large, this is about the same lithium-ion battery as in a tablet or smartphone, only it has a larger capacity. In the past few years, digital equipment stores have a significant selection of such products. Devices differ greatly from each other in terms of various characteristics, cost, and so on. In general, it is very easy to get confused in the existing diversity. We decided to the best of our ability to help you resolve this issue and rank the best external batteries. In it, we will consider in detail the useful qualities of the most popular models among users, as well as give some useful tips regarding the choice of these products.
How should you choose an external battery?
The main parameter of this device is energy consumption. With this quality, everything is extremely simple: the larger the capacity, the more energy the device is able to store. On sale you can find portable chargers, the capacity of which ranges from several hundred to several tens of thousands of milliamp-hours. Often, portable batteries are equipped not with lithium-ion, but with lithium-polymer batteries. The latter are considered to be of higher quality, have a long service life, and are able to charge the connected device much faster.
In addition, the charge rate is affected by the current strength. The higher the amperage of the gadget, the sooner the battery of the smartphone or tablet will be charged. It is better to choose products with a current of at least 1 A, but the best option is 3-5 A. It is necessary to take into account such a feature of the device as its self-discharge. For example, external batteries with a full charge per week are discharged by about 2-3%. This will have to be taken into account if the product will not be used for a long time.
It is desirable that the device has several connectors at once — this will allow you to connect several devices at once. This option will be very useful, for example, during hiking trips. Often, the external battery itself is recharged through solar panels — this is very convenient, as it allows you to use the device even where there is no electricity at all.
When we chose devices to include in our ranking of the best external batteries, all of the above points were taken into account. In addition, the ratio of price and quality, as well as user reviews, were taken into account. We tried to include not the most expensive devices in the review, so that each of our readers could choose the most optimal product for themselves.
Ten of the best external batteries in 2022
10+. HIPER MP10000
The products of this brand are well-deservedly popular with many owners of mobile gadgets. Compared to models from other manufacturers, this device is characterized by an increased level of casing strength and versatility. There is a significant number of various connectors that allow you to connect several mobile gadgets at once. The body is made of thick-walled aluminum sheet, thanks to which this device is able to withstand significant physical exertion, including strong impacts, falls from great heights, and so on.
The overall dimensions are not too large, so this battery can still be carried in your pocket. The battery capacity is quite decent, so it will be enough to repeatedly charge various devices. A large set of conductors is supplied with the device. On the body you can find a slot for memory cards format microSD, which allows you to use the battery as a card reader, there is also a built-in flashlight.
Advantages:
- Very strong case;
- Large battery capacity;
- Many different conductors;
- LED indication of the remaining charge;
- Memory card slot;
- Powerful flashlight.
Flaws:
- Slightly protruding flashlight button.
HIPER MP10000
10. Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 3 Pro 20000
Despite the fact that the electronic component of this device does not allow fast charging of several devices at the same time, we have a very high-quality and durable product, which also has a fairly compact overall dimensions. However, it should be borne in mind that literally when a second load is connected, absolutely at all output connectors of this battery, the voltage will drop to quite familiar 5 V. Against this background, this model looks quite universal, because it is equipped with independent control circuits for Type A and Type C ports, which line up on different controllers.
The device contains a pair of lithium polymer batteries, each with a capacity of 10,000 mAh. They are integrated into a common system using a special microchip that provides integration and voltage equalization.
Advantages:
- The maximum output power of the device is 45 W;
- Ideal for charging low-current devices;
- The battery itself charges very quickly.
Flaws:
- The fast charge function does not work when two or more devices are connected to the battery;
- At the time of the start of sales, the hardware filling was somewhat damp.
Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 3 Pro 20000
9. Sititek Sun-Battery SC-09
It is not for nothing that the manufacturer calls this device an autonomous power supply system in the advertising booklet. The battery can be charged in one of three ways. The traditional one is considered the fastest — with the help of a network adapter, the device is connected to a household electrical outlet, the device will charge a little slower via the USB port when connected to a personal computer or laptop. It also has high efficiency solar panels. They are made from monocrystalline silicon, so the battery will charge pretty quickly.
An important distinguishing quality of this device is that it is capable of delivering maximum output current. If most similar devices are equipped with one-ampere ports, then such a battery can also charge consumers who need more energy.
Advantages:
- The maximum value of the output current is 2 A;
- The most common adapters are included;
- The solar panel is made on the basis of monocrystalline modules.
Flaws:
- The case is made of flimsy plastic.
Sititek Sun-Battery SC-09
8. Robiton Power Bank LP-24-Solar
This is another model that is equipped with a solar battery system, however, they are much weaker than the previous battery. However, even that 300 mAh that a solar panel can deliver at its maximum can turn into a very important resource in conditions where there is no access to electricity at all, for example, on a long hike. For daily use, this battery is not very well suited, since it is characterized by a significant mass, moreover, even through the network it is unlikely that it will be possible to quickly charge it.
The device is equipped with two different types of input ports that can function simultaneously, there is a quick charge function for Quick Charge gadgets. The developer initially designed this model for long-term use in the wild, so he reliably protected the internal filling from dust and moisture ingress according to the IP67 standard.
Advantages:
- Quite a large capacity of the built-in battery;
- Supports fast charging function;
- Reliably protected from dust and moisture.
Flaws:
- It cannot charge itself quickly;
- Significant mass of the device.
Robiton Power Bank LP-24-Solar
7. Canyon CNE-CPB130 battery
Sufficiently capacious external battery, which is perfect for such equipment as smartphones, mp3 players, tablets, smart bracelets and so on. It has a very original design. It has a beautiful, but not too conspicuous LED indication, there are several USB connectors with support for fast charging. Two output connectors are designed for different currents, so they can be used for gadgets running on Android and iOS operating systems.
In general, the manufacturer initially focused on the fact that the battery could charge very powerful smartphones and tablets. The model turned out to be quite simple, but very effective.
Advantages:
- Pretty original appearance of the device;
- The battery capacity is enough to charge very powerful gadgets.
Flaws:
- The battery charge indicator is hard to see in the sun.
Battery Canyon CNE-CPB130
6. INTERSTEP 10DQi
This device will not only save you from having to look for an outlet in case you need to quickly charge your gadget, but will also make the process much easier if the smartphone supports the Quick Charge function. This power bank is equipped with such an interesting feature as a docking station, which turns it into a very convenient and ergonomic smartphone stand. In addition, with its help it will be possible to block standard ports and eliminate the possibility of overloading the device.
It turns out that in the normal state of the end-to-end mode with the connection of several users is not provided. The input power here is not too much — only 18 watts, so it is best to charge only one device from this battery. It provides support for all available fast charging technologies, including work with weak currents.
Advantages:
- Can be used for wireless charging, its power is 10 and 7.5 W;
- Works with all types of fast charging;
- The kit comes with a functional and convenient docking station.
Flaws:
- High price;
- Poor equipment — no power adapter and connectors.
INTERSTEP 10DQi
5. ZMI QB810
In third place was the products of a company that works closely with such a world-famous company as Xiaomi. This battery comes in a case made of matte plastic with increased strength. It has a special coating, thanks to which fingerprints and other contaminants will not remain on it. This model is equipped with a USB Type-C connector, and it can only work on the input, an indication of the two-way Quick Charge mode is provided.
It is worth noting that the latter, if necessary, can be turned off if there is a need to charge any capricious device. There is support for charging low-current gadgets, when the load is connected, there is an automatic start.
Advantages:
- Several input connectors of various types;
- Two-way fast charging function is provided;
- Fast charging mode can be turned off if necessary;
- The device is capable of charging low-current devices.
Flaws:
- When operating in through mode, noticeable voltage drops are observed;
- The battery itself charges very slowly.
ZMI QB810
4. HIPER MPX20000
It’s no secret that many people today carry not one, but several phones at once. Of course, the probability that they will be discharged at the same time is negligible, but it still exists. It is for such cases that this external battery is provided. It is capable of simultaneously charging up to three mobile devices, is characterized by a high load capacity, supports all the latest technologies — Quick Charge, Power Delivery, MacBook Charging, there is the possibility of pass-through charging.
In general, users claim that this model is universal in terms of supporting various variations of fast charging technology, as it takes into account all the features of various manufacturers. The connectors here are also presented in a variety of ways — this is very convenient.
Advantages:
- You can charge up to three devices at once;
- Supports all types of fast charging;
- Significant capacity of the battery itself.
Flaws:
- It is very expensive.
HIPER MPX20000
3. Artway PowerBank-48000 mAh EA-177IS
In third place is a powerful device, which is characterized by a laconic design and well-thought-out form factor. The device is very convenient to take with you everywhere. The product weighs only 1.76 kg, it is convenient to hold it in your hands, carry it in a backpack or carry it in a car. The case has an informative liquid crystal display, which displays all the data necessary for the user: power consumption, operating mode, battery level, and so on. The device has 5V, 12V DC USB outputs and a 220V AC outlet.
The design includes an LED flashlight, which allows you to work with the device even in the dark. The capacity of lithium-ion cells is 48,000 mAh, which allows you to charge and power devices that need a lot of energy — phones, household appliances, laptops and others. Even refrigerators and lighting devices can work from such a battery, in particular, a standard TV with a diagonal of about 50 inches can work from it without interruption for 12 hours. There are three USB connectors, connects to the network using a regular outlet.
Advantages:
- Big power
- Compact overall dimensions;
- Small mass;
- Stylish appearance;
- Ensures the smooth operation of various household appliances.
Flaws:
- The battery charge indicator is not very visible in bright sunlight.
Artway PowerBank-48000 mAh EA-177IS
2. Deppa NRG Station 20100
One of the leaders in the review of the best external batteries turned out to be a model that uses the Power Delivery protocol, which makes this device ideal for charging laptops and other energy-intensive devices. It is worth noting that the device is able to work even with Apple products, which are characterized by a non-standard protocol. The maximum device is capable of delivering up to 45 watts of energy. In other words, the list of laptops compatible with the battery is very wide.
It is quite natural that it can work with low-current devices, tablets, smartphones, ordinary phones and so on. However, the developers did not provide for Quick Charge fast charging technology.
Advantages:
- A huge number of charging profiles, including a whole set of non-standard ones;
- Deppa Smart IC adaptive charging technology is used.
Flaws:
- There is no fast charging.
Deppa NRG Station 20100
1. Artway PowerBank 390600 mAh EA-146IS
Supplied in a high-quality plastic case with minimal static effect, so dust is practically not collected on its surface. There is a built-in LED flashlight, as well as a quick charge function, which allows you to fill the battery with energy in the shortest possible time. There is a charge level indicator. Overall dimensions are insignificant — 21.1×16.7×8 cm with a mass of only 1470 grams. The battery capacity is 39600 mAh.
If necessary, the product can charge and power a variety of consumers — it has USB outputs for 5 V and 12 V DC, as well as a 220 V AC outlet. The design is concise, the form factor is well thought out, it is easy to carry in your hands, convenient to carry in a backpack or transport in a car. Easily charges and powers any autonomous gadgets — flashlights, tablets, laptops, smartphones and various household appliances.
Advantages:
- High power;
- Compact device;
- It is characterized by a stylish appearance;
- Long period of operation;
- Ease and convenience of use;
- Quality materials and the same assembly.
Flaws:
Artway PowerBank 390600 mAh EA-146IS
In conclusion, a useful video
The review is nearing completion. We have tried to collect a comprehensive amount of information on each of the models so that users can decide which products will be best suited for them in 2022. If some questions still remain unresolved, then you can always ask us in the comments to this article. We will try to answer them as soon as possible.