Your mobile device makes life super easy for you, but only as long as the battery lasts. Imagine that you are camping and your smartphone emits that dreaded sound that signals a low battery. If you have a charger in your car, you’re lucky. Without a power outlet, a power bank could save your life.
Power banks are known by different names, such as battery packs, portable chargers, backup chargers, and so on. They all fulfill one most important task, which is to charge your device in the absence of power outlets.
Top 10 Power Banks Under $50
With all the power bank choices on the market, choosing the best one can undoubtedly be a challenging decision to make. But don’t worry, to help you guys, I have created this impressive list. Over past few years, I’ve used more than a dozen of power banks, and in this guide, I am going to show you guys only those external batteries that are still working fine and have some unique features.
I considered various factors when adding a power bank to my list. Some of the essential aspects that I have checked are size, cell capacity, USB port availability, cable inclusion, security, certification, and power supply.
If you are considering buying power banks for smartphones, then there are a few essential points you should know. Remember that these portable chargers are available in different sizes. Some of them are small and pocket-sized, while others are larger. The larger and bulkier ones generally have a larger cell capacity, and the smaller ones offer excellent portability. Some are delivered with cables included; others are not. Others have multiple USB ports so you can charge multiple devices at the same time. No more battery anxiety!
So without wasting any more time, have a look at our review and choose your best travel companion.
Poweradd Pilot Pro 3 – Winner of Our Review
It is the Holy Grail of large-capacity portable power banks under $50. I mean a cell capacity of 30,000mAh, man, that’s huge. You can charge your iPhone 6s almost 12 times. It can charge your Samsung Galaxy S8+ nearly six times, and even then Pilot Pro3 will be left with some extra power.
Even with such massive cell capacity, it is 7.8 inches long, 5.6 inches wide and only 1.3 inches thick. It weighs nearly 680 grams and can be easily carried in your backpack.
It is made of high-quality plastic and is therefore durable, but not drop-proof. The whole body is composed of 3 different parts. Due to its considerable weight, if it falls on a rigid or rough surface, it will suffer severe damage.
There are 3 USB charging ports, and each port has a maximum output of 5V/2.1A. It uses Li-Polymer batteries that ensure longer battery life. Once charged, Pilot Pro3 can maintain its power for weeks or even months. It offers an 80% efficiency, so even though the announced capacity is 30000mAh, the actual capacity is about 24000.
It is also equipped with ID Identify technology. According to the company’s official statements, Pilot Pro3 can identify the connected devices and can then provide the best charge at high speed. It’s unique and pretty cool.
If you want to charge your devices at maximum speed, it is better to charge two phones at a time, rather than three. Poweradd Pilot Pro3 recharges just as quickly, as it uses two micro USB ports for input. Recharging time is generally 7 to 9 hours.
Due to its high power capacity, it is not allowed on different airlines. This makes it a little less portable compared to the rest of the competitors. On the safety side, it supports functions such as temperature control and protection against overload, overheating, overload, overload, discharge, short circuit, and more. It uses an A+ quality lithium-ion battery that not only reduces the total weight but also charges 500 cycles.
It is the ideal portable charger for those who are looking for a lot of energy, several charging ports that charge at a fast pace.
Zendure A5
It is a better version of its predecessor A2 power bank. Zendure A5 is not only ultra-durable, but now it also has improved cell capacity (16750mAh). It is even allowed on various airlines, thus making it perfectly suitable for longer trips. Considering the design, it is available in black and silver color options.
According to the official sales page, Zendure A5 offers 80% efficiency. Additionally, it comes with two USB outputs, both being rated for 10.5W. Moreover, it can retain 95% of the charge capacity for about six months. The 4 LED system is useful for viewing remaining power with a 4000 mAh jump between each of them. However, there is no LED torch.
Another improvement is the Zen+ technology for power management. It doesn’t mechanically divide the output between two charging devices as 5W each. It can recognize what devices you have attached and offer the best output for charging it.
However, the negative aspect is that the Zendure A5 is big. It’s not something that you can put in your pocket. It weighs around 320 grams and comes with dimensions of 127 x 73 x 24 mm. But then you have to understand that to create such a durable product, proper quality and thickness of the plastic are required. And as a result, the thickness of the body increases, thus making it look bulky.
But the features are well worth the price. It offers pass-through charging so that you can charge it as well as your electronic devices simultaneously. The auto-on feature is another plus point, so you just plug it in without using any buttons. It is created from PC/ABS crushproof material and comes with shock-absorbing features. It also comes with a soft case to keep it all together. This includes the micro USB cable coming with the charger.
All said and done; Zendure A5 is well worth the money for those having multiple devices to charge on long journeys.
RAVPower 22000
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If you have several devices and need to keep topping them up, this is your best option. It is an affordable option and comes with 3 USB ports. They charge quite quickly, but cannot be compared to the Quick Charge 3.0 type. However, it is much faster than traditional smartphone chargers. The max output is 29W, so if you are using all the three ports, the speed might come down.
The RavPower portable charger makes use of the iSmart 2.0 technology, enabling automatic adjustment of current and voltage. Charging times are minimized, and efficiency is maximized. You can refill the power in this portable charger within 10 to 11 hours, with its micro USB rated at 12W.
RAVPower offers pass-through features, so you can refill the cell and also charge the devices attached to it simultaneously.
Furthermore, it comes with a convenient mesh case, keeping everything neatly together and protecting the device. It is made of regular ABS plastic, but it is fire resistant and is the plastic that Mercedes and BMW makers use. The touch is smooth, and it is well rounded at the corners. It feels sturdy and weighs quite a bit at 406 grams. You may need a bag to carry it through, rather than a pocket.
There is 4 LED screen on the front, and they show the amount of power remaining, with each of them standing for 5500 mAh. It is one of the best power banks for iPhone and can charge an iPhone 6s about nine times and a Galaxy S7 about five times. You can view the capacity that is remaining by pressing its side power button. The RAVPower also offers support for auto on.
Pinergy 20000 mAh
It is a pocket-sized powerhouse that can satisfy all your needs for outdoor charging. The charging technology used is an advanced one, and it offers high speeds. There are 2 USB charging ports with 2.4A, offering simultaneous charging.
Also, it offers two LED flashlights that you can use in low light conditions. There is an LED display as well, which represents the battery power remaining in the device.
The Pinergy 20000 mAh is highly compatible with both Android and iOS devices. You can charge smartphones and tablets with ease. You can also use it for charging your laptop.
In addition to power and compatibility, it offers safety and durability as well. It includes an intelligent or smart circuit preventing your device from overcharging or overheating and short circuits and so on. The device conforms to FCC standards of safety, so there’s more to it than merely style and efficiency. Admittedly, it takes some to charge itself due to the large capacity. However, once it is charged, fully it offers plenty of power for your devices. The main advantage is the speed with which it charges.
The design is sporty and attractive, built of fireproof ABS material. The size is compact. The company also offers a warranty of 12 months.
Poweradd 20100mAh
Poweradd brings to you Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 which is considered as the world’s most advanced and energy-efficient USB charging technology. The only word I have is it’s an ultra-fast charger. The build quality is quite sturdy. The body is a build-up of high-quality plastic polymer and has a dimension of 14.7 x 7.2 x 2 cms. It weighs just 380 grams, which are quite impressive considering its cell capacity. Overall, I must say that’s it’s quite small, handy and you can easily carry it in your trouser pocket.
The maximum output is 5V/3.8A. The Poweradd comes with standard 5V/1A port and can charge two devices simultaneously. Moreover, it features an LED display to help you see the remaining power.
With the help of this portable charger, you can recharge the battery of the iPhone 6 almost eight times. iPhone 6S can be charged 100% nearly five times. Poweradd makes use of premium, LG 18650 cells, ensuring efficiency as well as safety. Furthermore, it comes with 25 months warranty and friendly customer support.
The portable charger comes with an attractive black shell and a white frame, looking sleek and stylish. It has a compact design. The smart digital screen makes it easy to check out the remaining power. It also comes with a built-in flashlight, which is very useful in low light conditions.
Accessories included in the package contain one micro USB cable, but Apple cable or charger is not included. A user guide has also been included.
The battery efficiency is 80%, and it takes around 35 minutes for charging your device. Furthermore, Poweradd is compatible with QC 2.0 as well as QC 1.0 and with USB. It makes use of the latest and fastest USB charge technology. Also, it is essential to note that it is almost four times faster when compared to regular chargers. Support for Quick charge results in saving a lot of time and also makes it one of the best power banks for a smartphone.
Aukey 20000
It is a low-cost charger with a built-in capacity of 20000 mAh. The Lightning micro USB input is 5V/2A. The Quick Charge 3.0 for Output 1 is: 3.6 to 6.5V; 6.5V to 9V 2A; 9V to 12V 1.5A. In the case of output 2, the AiPower is 5V 2.4A. The dimensions of the charger are 5.9 x 3.2 x 0.8 inches, and the weight is 13.7 ounces. Along with the box comes the charger and cable along with an instruction manual. The company also offers a warranty of 24 months along with outstanding customer support.
There are two input chargers for the internal battery, which uses either a lightning connector or the micro USB connector. It is compatible with both Android and iOS devices. It also has two output ports, an AiPower port, and a USB 3.0 Qualcomm Quick Charge output port. The last charging post is quite a useful feature for individuals who have Galaxy S7 or something similar. The AiPower technology is capable of detecting the device that is plugged in and then offers the optimum current supply.
There is also a built-in flashlight, which can turn on or off, just by holding on to the power button for a few seconds. It comes with a simple design, without any wild colors or any fancy shapes. A single button offers several battery functions. This includes a display of the current charge range and beginning the charge or turning on the flashlight.
The built-in capacity of 20000 mAh in the Aukey portable charger offers enormous capacity for fully charging an iPhone 7 Plus about four times or an iPad Pro about 1.5 times. However, since the capacity of the battery is so large, it takes around 10 to 11 hours for recharging itself.
Anker PowerCore 20100
Portable chargers from Anker can easily outclass other competitors in the market, mainly because of their low price and outstanding build quality. It offers excellent quality coming from a dominant global player. The Anker PowerCore 20100 is a heavy gadget as it weighs around 12.5 ounces and offers impressive performance. It comes with a high capacity of 20100 mAh, so you need never worry about your device running out of battery charge.
Anker PowerCore is also one among the best portable charger for iPhone. It can charge the iPhone 7 with seven complete charges using this power charger. In the case of the Galaxy 6 or the iPad mini, you can get 5 and two complete charges. You can even charge bigger tablets quickly.
It’s a little larger and heavier than the typical power banks but offers a big battery life. You can easily keep it in your pocket. It weighs only 13 ounces despite the 20100 mAh. It comes with a sophisticated design, which only serves to sweeten the already sweet deal.
The Anker PowerCore makes use of the PowerIQ as well as the Voltage Boost technologies and comes with 2 USB charging ports. There are no flashlights, and instead, it has a single button lighting up its LED display. Smart ports offer quick charge on adjustable currents.
However, on the downside, it could take around eight charges for a full charge, depending on the type of charger used. Yet, it is not an issue as you can use it overnight.
All said and done; this portable power unit is one of the most cost-effective and efficient accessories for your smartphone. It is certified as safe, and the MultiProtect safety feature of the device offers complete protection to your phones and tablets.
EasyAcc 26000mAh
It is a monstrous portable power unit for those who need a perfect charging solution for their smartphones or other electronic gadgets while traveling. The actual output capacity will be lower, but it depends on the way you use it. If you charge a single device, you can get the full power. The charging speed for four smartphones is 5V/1.2A. The overall output is 4.8A. As for the input charging, it has two micro USB inputs at 5V/2.0 A for each port.
It is mainly made of plastic material but comes with a matte finish. There are not many bells and whistles attached to this device, but it is solid and will last a long time.
It weighs around one pound and has dimensions of 6.57 x 3.1 x 0.86 inches. You surely cannot carry it in your pockets. Generally, a battery of such a huge capacity could take around 16 hours to charge. However, the EasyAcc comes with two input slots, so you can charge it much faster using two micro USB cables. Recharging could still take around 8 hours, so you need to connect it overnight.
The portable charger comes with 4 USB output ports, and all of them can be used at the same time. It can recharge four devices at the same time while maintaining optimum efficiency. The output is 2.4A per slot. However, it is not compatible with Quick Charge 2.0 or with 3.0, though it is much faster than the normal 2A. The ports automatically detect the optimum power output needed for the device plugged in.
The EasyAcc comes with an inbuilt flashlight so that you can use it in low light conditions. 4 LED indicators reveal the amount of charge remaining. However, the total maximum output is 4.8A, so it is not practical to charge four devices at the same time. This can result in slow charging speed.
Overall if you need a proper charging solution for electronic devices like iPhones, tablets, or smartphones, then it can be a perfect choice for you. For me, it is the best power bank for the tablet, and I was able to charge my Galaxy Tab S3 almost three times without any problem.
Vinsic 20000 mAh
It is a high capacity charger that comes in an ultra-slim design. Vinsic portable USB charger is made up of high-quality aluminum alloy and hard plastic. It weighs around 537 grams, which means it is slightly heavy and thus it is not suitable for carrying around in your pocket.
It comes with a useful digital power display, offering the exact percentage of power remaining in the charger. This is easier than the 4 LED lights which you will usually find on portable chargers. It also offers support for an automatic on and off feature, without any buttons for starting or stopping the charging.
The power capacity is 20,000mAh, and the effective rate is about 70%, so it can quickly recharge an iPhone 5s 9 times or a Galaxy S5 about five times. It can be expected that around 14,000 mAh will be available.
There are 2 USB ports available so that you can charge your phone and a tablet simultaneously. One of the ports is 5W, and the other is 10.5W, with the 5W more suitable for smartphones. Refilling the Vinsic power bank is also easy and fast with the 10W input. It utilizes a micro USB for charging itself. The required cable is offered along with the charger for free.
It does not have a soft case for carrying around and neither does it have a LED flashlight, built-in, like others in the competition. Yet, the design and its digital power display along with the auto on and off feature earn it additional brownie points.
TopMate 20000mAh USB Portable Power Bank
It comes with a huge capacity and is capable of charging an iPhone 5S ten times. It has 3 USB interfaces, and users can charge three devices simultaneously. The TopMate consists of 3 output ports. Two of them are 2.1A ports, and the third one is the 1A port. The output voltage is 5V DC, and the Input Current is 2.1 Max. The output current is 1A for the first USB; 2.1A for the second and third USB.
Also, TopMate 20000 makes use of the smart IC frequency tech. This is capable of automatically detecting output current. As a result, the charger can offer the optimum power to meet the requirements of the device.
The appearance of the TopMate 20000 is also very attractive. The design is simple but stylish and elegant. It has a solid build quality and gives a sleek carbon fiber appearance. It is available in black, white, and red colors. The size is 157 x 83 x 23 mm (LxWxH), and it weighs around 430 grams.
The TopMate 20000 mAh also includes indicator lights on the front. This reveals the amount of power or juice remaining in the power bank.
As for the security aspect, it comes with nine modes. It can prevent additional charging, excess discharge, too much power or high temperature. It can also prevent problems like the short circuit, unstable battery, reverse charging, and high voltage.
Which is the best power bank?
That’s a million-dollar question or maybe not. But considering both performance and the features, I believe Poweradd Pilot Pro 3 is the best power bank you can buy. For just $39.99, you are getting such a monstrous cell capacity along with such a stylish body design. I agree it’s a bit heavy but then to gain something you also have to lose something.