The 8 Best External Batteries

External batteries have many names, some of which are portable batteries, portable chargers, power bank, power bank, pocket chargers, etc.

But whatever you call them, their purpose is the same “ to charge your phone or tablet without needing an outlet nearby.

External batteries come in a variety of sizes and shapes, with smaller ones able to save your phone from dying on dead battery and help it last until you get home, and larger ones able to fully charge it, even charging two or multiple devices at once.

That being said, you'll notice that there are external batteries that have a built-in charging cable, and others that simply have ports that a cable plugs into.

That's right “ ports, in the plural, that means you can charge multiple devices at once.

Why choose an external battery for your phone or tablet?

Mobile devices like smartphones and tablets make our lives a lot easier.

Most of us are so used to them that they wouldn't last long if they ran out of battery and went out during the day.

Such a situation would be quite unpleasant, especially if we are not going to go home soon or stop by a place where there is an outlet to plug in our charger.

What would you benefit from when choosing a good external battery for your smartphone?

Above all, the small size and weight external battery can be carried anywhere.

To keep the size and weight small, the battery won't have a large capacity, but it should be enough to charge your phone at least once.

Just charge it fully when you're at home and take it in your pocket, bag or backpack when you go out. When you need it, connect it to your phone and you can continue your activities.

You will never have to worry about your phone's battery level again.

How to choose an external battery for your phone or tablet?

If you follow the advice in our guide, choosing an external battery shouldn't be a problem.

However, it is good to consider the most important factors when choosing - battery size and capacity, charge capacity, number of charging ports, whether cables are included, charging time of the battery itself, safety and quality.

Choosing the size of the external battery

This isn't just about which battery will fit in your pocket or bag.

The size of the battery also determines its capacity.

Most external batteries have a mAh or milliamp-hour number written on them.

The most common according to size and capacity are batteries from 2000 to 10,000 mAh, but there are also batteries up to 26,000 mAh.

The more milliampere-hours we have, the greater the capacity of the battery, i.e. will charge more times before the battery itself needs recharging.

Most people use external batteries to charge their smartphones and tablets, but they can actually be used to charge any device via USB, such as GoPro cameras, Kindle readers, and even Bluetooth headsets.

Of course, larger devices have larger batteries, which accordingly need more milliamp-hours for a full charge, ie. for them, you will benefit from a larger battery in terms of size and capacity.

So, for example, a small battery with a capacity of 2000 mAh will charge your smartphone in an emergency, and probably by the time it is exhausted, it will be half charged.

This type of batteries are suitable for carrying even in the pocket, but they are not suitable for charging a tablet.

Average-sized external batteries with a sample capacity of 6000 mAh can fully charge your smartphone between two and three times, and your tablet between one and a half times, before needing a recharge.

They are medium in weight and size and can be carried in a small handbag and depending on the model, may fit in a larger and wider pocket.

Large batteries in terms of size and capacity, for example around 10,000 mAh, can charge a smartphone between three and four times and a tablet about two times before being completely drained.

 

They are the heaviest and bulkiest and in most cases are suitable for carrying in a larger handbag or backpack.

Consider the output power - an important factor in fast charging

Technically, any standard USB cable can be plugged into the standard USB port of the external battery.

However, the amount of power that can be delivered varies.

Thus, a battery that charges only one device and has a capacity of 1 amp will charge relatively slowly, even if it has more than necessary capacity (milliamp-hours).

In the same case, if the battery has a capacity of 2 amps, it will charge the smartphone at an optimal speed, i.e. as quickly as possible.

For batteries that can charge two or more devices, the total power output (ie for all ports) starts at 2.4 amps.

This allows optimal charging of two smartphones, but if charging a smartphone and a tablet - the charging speed will not be the fastest possible.

 

With a total power of 5.4 amperes, the charging of two smartphones or tablets will be at an optimal speed.

 

Number of USB ports - to know how many devices you can charge

Usually, larger batteries with more mAh have more than one USB port.

 

This allows them to charge two or more devices simultaneously.

 

They're perfect if you have more than one smartphone, have a smartphone and a tablet, or just want to help a friend charge their phone too.

 

With a battery that has more than one USB port, you can also charge your smartphone and, for example, your GoPro camera.

Another exemplary option is charging a smartphone and Bluetooth headphones.

If you have chosen a battery with a sufficiently large capacity (mAh), you can even fully charge your smartphone and tablet.

Each individual port charges individually, so all devices charge simultaneously.

Your external battery will probably have a cable included

Does the external battery come with a cable to charge itself when needed?

The answer is yes.

Any external battery should have a charging cable included so that the battery itself can be charged when needed.

This cable is used to charge from the outlet or another USB port, for example, the one on your computer.

And is there a cable for charging the external devices from the battery?

It™s possible.

In some kits, you can find a cable to charge external devices (smartphones, tablets, etc.) from the battery itself, but not always.

Also, this cable is likely to be micro USB, so if your devices use a Lightning port or a USB-C port, you'll probably need to buy a cable yourself.

However, some external batteries have different cables in the kit, and this can be checked on the packaging itself.

It usually says what the kit contains.

There are models whose cables are built into the battery itself, and in others they are detached and changed according to what type of device will be charged.

Batteries with cables soldered directly to them have their obvious advantages as well as disadvantages.

Some models are even made so that their cables are detachable, but there is a place in the battery housing itself to put them so that they are always close at hand.

How does the external battery charge itself?

Unfortunately, a magical external battery that recharges itself when needed has yet to be invented.

But overall they are very easy to charge.

Simply insert the charging cable into the battery port and connect the other end to a charger or USB port on a computer or laptop.

The charging capacity of external batteries varies from 1 to 3 amps, and some have higher.

Simply put the more charging power a battery has, the faster it will recharge.

Some external batteries have a light indication or display that indicates how much capacity is left and if it needs recharging.

Guidelines for choosing a safe external battery

Avoiding fake and dangerous external batteries is relatively easy. Just follow these steps:

Register the battery - some external batteries require registration after purchase, which is done by entering the serial number online on the manufacturer's website or by phone support.

This is a good method to activate the manufacturer's warranty and preserve the possibility of a claim. You will also ensure that the product is not fake.

Check the warranty “ manufacturer, country of manufacture and battery type may mean there will be differences in the warranty period.

If you're not sure what yours is, just read the fine print on the packaging or the instructions for use.

Quality is important

Safe external batteries must have passed a number of tests.

Efficiency “ the more efficient an external battery is, the lower operating temperature it will have, which uses less power and increases battery life.

Overload protection - protects the battery from too much energy entering it and transferring it to the devices being charged, thus protecting them from being overcharged.

Surge protection - protects the battery and charged devices by keeping the voltage within recommended limits to avoid damage.

Discharge and overcharge protection “ some batteries monitor the charge to prevent discharge or overcharge.

Extreme Temperature Tests “ The battery must withstand extreme temperatures and other conditions without being dangerous.

You now have a clearer idea of ‹‹how to choose an external battery that suits your needs.

Our recommendation is to stop at a battery with a large capacity, for example 20,000 mAh, because the batteries of mobile devices drain quickly, and thanks to the large capacity, such an external battery can charge for a long time without the need for recharging, which makes it a profitable purchase from cost side and future use. We bring you a list of some of the best external batteries that you can buy today.

1. Power Bank V-TAC external battery

The Power Bank V-TAC external battery is a great proposition that will allow you to charge your devices wherever you are. Its capacity is 10,000 mAh, which will be enough for several charges. At the same time, the output power of the product amounts to 2 A, so charging will happen quickly and without problems. The device has a display to indicate the remaining power. What makes it really great, however, is the ability to charge wirelessly outside of the other 2 USB ports. If your smartphone is suitable for this, you can take advantage of the latest technologies.

2. Asus ZenPower external battery

This sleek and compact power bank from Asus features anodized aluminum housing. Using a standard cable, the device can charge your smartphone or tablet for up to 6 hours. An indicator light lets you know how much of the 10,050 mAh is available for use. With their help, you will be able to repeatedly charge both your smartphone and tablet. The portable battery has one USB and one micro USB port, allowing you to use it comfortably with the cables you have.

3. External battery TP-LINK Ally

This external battery is another great, albeit slightly heavier, offering. It has two USB and one micro USB ports, which allow you to charge several devices at the same time. The large battery capacity of 15600 ensures that this happens without a hitch. Meanwhile, 2.4 A of output power ensures fast charging of connected devices. This external battery is especially suitable if you regularly use several devices on the go. All you have to do is get yourself the right cables to get you connected.

4. Hoco B23A portable battery

Its body is made of fire-resistant material and has an elegant display that informs you of its status. The battery capacity is 15000 mAh, which will be enough for you to charge any smartphone or tablet several times. The main USB port on the battery gives you 2A output power, and the secondary one comes to the rescue with 1A output power when you need to charge more than one device.

5. Xiaomi Mi Power Bank Portable Battery

Xiaomi Mi Power Bank is a wonderful, light, compact and elegant portable battery that will be completely at your service. Its body is made of aluminum, and it itself has 9 levels of protection, which take care of itself, as well as the charged devices. The battery has a standard USB as well as a micro USB port, allowing you to charge two devices with different cables. The output voltage is 2.1 A, so charging is quick and easy. The battery capacity is 10400 mAh, which will be enough for several charges.

6. Anker PowerCore+ External Battery

This external battery is extremely elegant and convenient to use. The device has two USB ports and one micro USB port which is used to charge it. The battery has a capacity of 13400 mAh and a special light indicator that signals the remaining life in it. What makes the Anker PowerCore+ a unique proposition, however, is its Quick Charge 3.0 ultra-fast charging technology. With a total output of 4.8 A, your smartphone can be charged in just about 15 minutes.

7. External battery Diva PB-50

This external battery does not really impress with 5000 mAh capacity. However, it is really light and compact and is suitable for you if you are on the go and have one device that you periodically need to charge during the day. A light indicator signals the remaining battery life. At the same time, you have the 4 most used ports, which guarantees you trouble-free charging. These are one USB, USB Type-C and micro USB port each, the output power of which amounts to 2.1 A, and one Lightning port with an output power of 1 A.

8. External battery Mercedes Powerbank MEPB5KAESBK

The Mercedes Powerbank MEPB5KAESBK external battery impresses with its stylish and optimized design. Its body is made of non-slip ABS coating, embellished with the Mercedes emblem. Built-in LEDs inform you about the status of the battery, and it turns itself off after full charge. The manufacturer has taken care to secure the battery with all kinds of protections. This device provides you with 5000 mAh, as well as one USB, micro USB and USB Type-C with a power output of 2.1 A. The included USB/Micro USB cable will also take care of fast and trouble-free charging of your smartphone.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will my external battery last?

External batteries are similar to batteries in laptops, smartphones and other portable devices. That's why they usually last a certain amount of charge cycles before losing their original capacity. Typically, lithium-ion batteries drop to 80% of their capacity after 500 charge cycles. However, others may experience the same loss after only 800 or 900 cycles. Don't worry, your battery will certainly last for a long time, even if it loses some of its capabilities.

In most cases, external batteries last about 4-5 years. In the meantime, however, they can hold a charge for about 4-6 months without any particular loss of energy. Naturally, lower quality batteries won't last as long. Keep in mind, however, that external batteries with larger capacities tend to live for a longer period of time. However, one charge cycle can guarantee you several uses of the battery. This means you will use up her cycles significantly more slowly.

Is it safe to leave my external battery charging overnight?

We are aware that this practice has probably become part of your hectic and smartphone-demanding daily life. The short answer to the question that many people ask themselves is "yes". To avoid the problems and dangers that recharging a battery can cause, modern manufacturers have taken care of the matter. Like smartphones, external batteries have voltage regulators. They tell the batteries how much power they can take and allow them to stop when they are fully charged.

Keep in mind, however, that not every external battery is designed the same. Many of the cheap and low-quality batteries decide to save themselves the production of such protections, and this can cause dangerous situations. To be on the safe side, we recommend that you read the user manual carefully before you allow yourself to do anything with your new battery.

Can I use an external battery with my phone every day?

Of course you can. External batteries are designed precisely to come to our aid whenever we need them. The daily and constant use of our smartphones often drains their batteries quickly, and that's when we have to somehow charge them. However, keep in mind that charging your phone more often will certainly shorten its battery life.

As we have already explained to you, most batteries can withstand a certain amount of charge cycles before losing some of their capacity. If you charge your phone once at home and a second time using an external battery, this means that you will double the speed of this process, as you will use up the available cycles significantly faster. Either way, if you need to use your smartphone a lot, you might not have a choice. If you use it correctly, the external battery itself will not harm your phone. Excessive use is what will shorten its battery life.

 Is it ok to use my phone while connected to an external battery?

If you are aware of the risks and know what you are doing - yes. However, you should keep in mind that this will increase the temperature of the batteries. Heating is caused by both processes (charging and discharging). When you use your phone while charging it, they are realized at the same time. In most cases, the batteries of modern smartphones, as well as those of external batteries, are made of lithium. High temperature, unfortunately, does not affect these batteries very well.

You should know that the heating of the battery is more intense when there is a lower charge in it. That is why it is recommended to start charging your phone before its battery has dropped below 20% of its capacity. Even if your device warms up a little, if everything is fine with your battery, it will not cause dangerous situations. However, constantly heating up your battery will certainly shorten its life.