Buying guide for BEST PORTABLE BATTERY BACKUP
Whether you're a digital nomad, outdoor enthusiast, or just someone who needs to charge multiple devices on the go, a high-quality portable battery backup is a smart investment. The ability to power your electronic devices when you're away from a power outlet can be crucial, especially in emergencies.
Portable battery backups come in various sizes, capacities and price ranges, each with unique features. They can charge smartphones, laptops, cameras and even power small appliances, depending on their capacity. The best portable battery backups provide reliable power, charge quickly and have multiple ports for versatility.
When it comes to appearance, some people prefer compact, sleek designs that fit easily in a bag, while others might not mind a larger, more rugged battery backup for outdoor use. It's also important to consider the battery backup's weight if you plan on carrying it around frequently.
Our top pick is the Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 240, a versatile and high-capacity battery backup perfect for outdoor trips. For those on a budget, the Miady 2-Pack 10000 mAh Dual USB Portable Charger is a fantastic option, offering good value for money.
TOP PICKS
Jackery – Portable Power Station Explorer 240
Renowned for its reliability and high power capacity, the Portable Power Station Explorer 240 is a great choice for those in need of serious power on the go. This battery backup includes a 240-watt-hour (67,000 mAh) lithium-ion battery that can charge laptops, smartphones, cameras and more.
It features an AC outlet, two USB ports and a DC port, offering great flexibility in what you can charge. The built-in display shows the remaining battery power, making it easy to plan your device charging. With a weight of 6.6 lbs and a compact design, it is easy to carry around, making it perfect for camping, tailgating or any outdoor activity.
Miady – 2-Pack 10000mAh Dual USB Portable Charger
The Miady 2-Pack 10000mAh Dual USB Portable Charger is a budget-friendly option that does not compromise on performance. With a 10,000 mAh capacity per charger, it can effectively charge your smartphone multiple times.
Each charger features two USB ports, allowing you to charge two devices simultaneously. Weighing in at just 11 ounces, it's compact, lightweight and fits easily in a bag or pocket. LED indicators show the power remaining, helping you keep tabs on your battery status.
Anker – PowerCore 10000 Portable Charger
Anker is a trusted name in portable power, and the PowerCore 10,000 Portable Charger lives up to its reputation. This charger offers a 10,000 mAh capacity in a compact size. It features Anker's exclusive PowerIQ and VoltageBoost technologies to deliver the fastest possible charge to your devices.
It's designed with a single USB port and weighs just 6.4 ounces, making it ideal for those who value simplicity and portability. The charger also has a 4-LED power meter that shows the remaining power at a glance. With its robust build quality and reliable performance, it's a great power companion for everyday use.
ZeroKor – Outdoor Portable Power Pack
For outdoor adventurers who need a rugged and high-capacity power solution, the ZeroKor Outdoor Portable Power Pack is a great choice. This heavy-duty battery backup boasts a massive 60,000 mAh capacity, capable of charging a laptop multiple times or keeping a mini-fridge running for hours.
With its multiple output ports, including AC, DC and USB, you can charge a variety of devices simultaneously. Despite its high power capacity, it's still relatively compact and comes with a comfortable handle for easy transport. The built-in LED flashlight is a practical feature for camping or emergency situations.
Apowking – Portable Power Bank with AC Outlet
If you require a portable charger capable of powering larger devices like laptops, the Apowking Portable Power Bank with AC Outlet is a standout option. This powerful charger has a 20,000 mAh capacity and an integrated AC outlet, a feature not commonly found in portable power banks.
Alongside the AC outlet, it also provides two USB ports for charging smaller devices. At 1.6 lbs, it's heavier than some other models, but considering its power capacity and features, it's still highly portable. The LED power indicator lets you know how much power remains, ensuring you're never left guessing.
Remember, when choosing a portable battery backup consider your specific needs and the types of devices you need to power. A great battery backup should provide reliability, versatility and enough power to keep your devices running when you need them most.
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU BUY A PORTABLE BATTERY BACKUP
Types of battery backups
There are several different types of portable battery backups, each with its own features and benefits. The right one for you will depend on your specific power requirements, how many devices you need to charge and where you plan to use the battery backup.
- Power bank: These are the most common type of portable battery backups, and they come in a variety of capacities, usually measured in milliampere-hours (mAh). The higher the mAh rating, the more power the battery backup can store, and the more times it can charge your device. Some power banks have multiple USB ports, allowing you to charge multiple devices simultaneously.
- Solar charger: These battery backups are equipped with solar panels that can recharge the battery when exposed to sunlight. They are perfect for outdoor activities like camping, hiking or being anywhere you might not have access to a power outlet. However, solar chargers can take a long time to recharge fully using solar power alone.
- Laptop power bank: These are specialized power banks designed to charge laptops. They have a higher output than regular power banks and usually come with various adapters to fit different laptop models.
- High-capacity power station: These are the largest type of portable battery backups and are capable of powering larger devices like laptops, TVs and small appliances. Power stations often include multiple types of outlets, including AC, DC, and USB.
Understanding your power needs
The first thing to consider when buying a portable battery backup is how much power you need. If you're only planning to charge a smartphone, a small power bank with a capacity of around 10,000 mAh should be sufficient. But if you need to charge a laptop or other high-powered devices, you'll want to look at larger battery backups or power stations with capacities of 20,000 mAh or higher.
When considering power needs, also think about the number of devices you'll be charging simultaneously. Many battery backups have multiple charging ports, so you can charge more than one device at a time. But remember, the more devices you charge at once, the faster the battery will drain.
Consider the environment
Where you plan to use your portable battery backup can also affect your decision. If you're going to use it mainly at home as a backup during power outages, a high-capacity power station may be the best choice. For outdoor use, consider a battery backup with a rugged design or a solar charger that can recharge itself in sunlight. If you're traveling, make sure the battery backup is compact and lightweight enough to carry comfortably in a bag or backpack.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A PORTABLE BATTERY BACKUP
Battery capacity
This is one of the most important factors to consider. The battery capacity, measured in mAh, tells you how much power the battery backup can store. The larger the capacity, the more charges you can get out of the device before it needs to be recharged.
Charging speed
Look for a battery backup with a high output (measured in watts). The higher the output, the faster the device can charge your electronics. Some battery backups also support quick charging, which can charge compatible devices even faster.
Portability
The size and weight of the battery backup are important if you plan to carry it around. Smaller, lightweight models are ideal for everyday toting, while larger, heavier models may be more suitable for home use or camping trips.
Durability
A good battery backup should be able to withstand the rigors of travel and frequent use. Look for models with robust construction and features like shock resistance and water resistance.
Number of ports
The number of charging ports on the battery backup determines how many devices you can charge at once. Most models have at least two USB ports, but some high-capacity power stations have multiple USB ports, as well as AC and DC outlets.
Extra Features
Some battery backups come with extra features like built-in flashlights, solar panels or wireless charging. While not necessary, these features can add extra convenience and versatility.
