What Size Power Bank Do I Need? Best Capacity for a Power Bank

If you are planning to buy a power bank for your tablet or smartphone, this guide will help you pick the right size power bank for you.

You can stop your phone, tablet, or laptop battery from depleting quickly, and there are fixes for this problem. But not everybody is willing to make concessions. That’s why portable power banks or battery packs exist.

Ever wondered what the best capacity for a power bank is? Like our smartphone batteries, capacity is typically measured in mAh (Milliamp Hours). The capacity increases with the size of the number. With that in mind, we will assist you in focusing your search on a portable charger that suits your specific lifestyle and power requirements.

Features to Consider When Looking for a New Power Bank

When purchasing a power bank, you have a wide range of options, so it’s crucial to comprehend the distinctive features of each one so that you can be certain to get the ideal power bank for you.

Number of Devices

How many devices do you intend to charge each day on your power bank, first? Just your smartphone, then? It is a good idea to have a backup plan in case something goes wrong.

If you plan to refuel your wireless headphones/earphones or your watch, you are in the safe. This is because these devices do not eat much of the stored energy compared to other power-hungry devices like tablets and laptops (yes, some laptops charge via power banks and vice versa).

The Capacity You Need for Your Power Bank

The power bank’s capacity is the most straightforward feature to think about. Simply put, the more mAh the power bank has, the more power it produces. The mAh value is an indicator of the type of power bank and its function:

• Up to 7,500 mAh – Small, pocket-friendly power bank that is usually enough to fully charge a smartphone from once until 3 times.
• 7,500- 14,999 mAh – A medium power bank, small enough to fit in your jacket pocket, can typically charge a smartphone four to five times.
• Large power bank with a capacity of more than 15,000 mAh, which can typically charge a smartphone five or more times in full. These are transported in a bag due to their size.

If you’re looking for a more compact power bank, you might have to give up some power because typically, the higher the mAh, the bulkier the power bank. In addition, if you intend to use your power bank for travel, keep in mind that any power bank with a capacity greater than 27,000mAh cannot be brought on board any aircraft and may be seized at the airport.

Check for a Power Indicator

You can monitor your power bank’s charging progress with the aid of a power indicator. Small LED lights are the typical form of this. This feature is often overlooked, but it is one of the most important ones to consider when looking for a new power bank.

Which Power Banks Are Allowed on the Plane?

If you’re going on vacation and want to take a power bank on the plane, it can only have a maximum rating of 100-watt hours (Wh). It is simple to calculate by multiplying the result of the division of milliamp hours (mAh) by 1000 and voltage (V). With the airline’s approval, larger power banks may be transported.

Here is what you should know about traveling with your power banks and batteries:

• Is a 20000mah Power Bank Allowed in Flight?
• Is a 30000mah Power Bank Allowed in Flight?
• Are Lithium Batteries Allowed on Planes?
• Are Camera Batteries Allowed on Planes?
• Are Drone Batteries Allowed on Planes?

Charging Speed of the Power Bank

Even if you opt for a bigger and heavier power bank, you should check the fast charging capability. After all, you wouldn’t want your smartphone to be permanently attached to the power bank for extended periods of time. USB-C Power Delivery is supported by some power banks, including the Romoss SW30PS+.

Some include Quick Charge 3.0 support as well. These guarantee a quick and efficient charge for your compatible phone. This one ensures that phones like the iPhone charge at 18W while some Samsung flagships charge at around 25W.

Power Banks With Different Capacity

• 1000 mAh Power Bank

Nowadays, it is uncommon to see power banks with capacities below those of a typical smartphone. Many people think they are useless, but those who are not dependent on portable entertainment may find the idea of a backup battery pack they can keep in their wallet or attach to their key chains to be very appealing.

• 4000~5000 mAh Power Bank

Given that most people don’t leave the house with a dead phone, a power bank of about 4000 mAh ought to be sufficient to ensure that your phone lasts well over a day even if you’re a heavy phone user. These portable power banks are popular among phone users for good reason—they offer enough capacity.

If you are looking for a portable power bank for your phone, you may want to look at those 4000-5000 mAh power banks that can fully, or almost fully, charge your device. Additionally, they are lightweight and easy to carry.

• 7000 mAh Power Bank

If you’re going to places where you regularly rely on your phone, and it may be a while before you come across a wall charger, then a medium-capacity power bank is the best option. A power bank with a capacity of about 7,000 mAh can be used to share or charge other small devices like earbuds in addition to charging your phone once.

• 10000 mAh Power Bank

A typical smartphone has a battery capacity of under 4,000 mAh. Therefore, a power bank with a 10,000 mAh capacity (actual capacity 6,000–7,000 mAh) can fully charge the majority of smartphones at least once and can charge small phones like the iPhone 12 mini three times. The drawback is that power banks of this size frequently weigh more and are bigger than your phone.

• 20000 mAh Power Bank

For a smartphone, a power bank with a 12000 mAh capacity is more than sufficient. The iPad mini (5124 mAh) and Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 (8000 mAh) are just two examples of tablets that can be charged.

A 20000 mAh power bank seems to be your best bet if you have an iPad Pro 2020, which has a battery capacity of almost 10,000 mAh, or a standard laptop. After charging your iPad Pro once, the power bank still has energy left for a smartphone.

• 20000+ mAh Power Banks

Comparably pricey and substantial are power banks with a capacity of more than 20,000 mAh. So, if you see some power banks with a very high capacity and an outrageous price tag, be wary. They are typically used for camping or traveling and can hold all of your portable devices for a day.

• 120000 mAh Power Banks

These power banks can last for days and are more akin to portable generators. They can power appliances like a mini-fridge and are typically found in the trunk of cars. They frequently have numerous charging ports so that several devices can be charged at once.

What is the Best Capacity for a Power Bank?

As you already know, the more capacity a power bank holds, the more it can provide. On the flip side, the more powerful a power bank is, the bulkier it is. Additionally, they need more time to charge and might not be permitted on flights.

You cannot have it both ways. So, the best capacity for a power bank depends on your needs. Look into portable power banks with a capacity of 4000-5000 mAh for daily use with a phone or during a commute.

7000-10000 mAh are good options for phone users who have particular needs or for specific scenarios. They should be more than 10000 mAh if you want a power bank primarily for your tablet or laptop.

Conclusion: The Best Capacity for a Power Bank

It’s true that carrying a large power bank is not the easiest task. However, investing in a 15,000 mAh or 20,000 mAh power bank makes sense if you travel frequently. You can use it to recharge your phone and other devices. You’ll be okay as long as you remember to charge the device before going to bed.

Whatever power capacity you need in a portable power bank, you can be sure there is a variety of options out there that will suit your needs. Don’t forget to consider your user category the next time you are browsing. It will be easier to choose a power bank if you know how much mAh you require.

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