Power bank buying checklist
Open a section, slide each spec to what you want, and print your own power bank wish list at the end.
Measured in mAh (milliamp hours). Only about 60 to 65% of it reaches your phone, because some is lost raising the voltage for USB and as heat.
Charges a typical phone about once
Rough figures for a phone with a 5,000 to 6,000 mAh battery, after real losses.
The most popular size. Light enough for a pocket or small bag.
Good brands also print a lower "rated capacity" and the energy in Wh (watt hours). Huge mAh claims on cheap, light power banks are often fake.
Lists the rated capacity, often about 60% of the headline figure. That is what your phone gets.
The most power one port can send, in watts (W). Your phone has its own limit too. The demo shows rough time to fill a typical phone.
Empty to full, sped up.
The common budget level. About two hours for most phones.
Fast charging needs the bank and phone to share a standard. USB PD is the main one, PPS adds to it, Quick Charge is older. Brand-only systems usually charge slower.
USB Power Delivery. Fast charging for iPhones, Pixels, tablets and laptops over USB-C.
Only laptops that charge over USB-C can use a power bank. Check the watts printed on your laptop charger and get close to it.
Cannot keep a laptop going
A rough guide for laptops that charge over USB-C.
Fine for phones, earbuds and watches, too weak for laptops.
How fast the power bank itself refills from the wall. The demo shows rough time to refill a 20,000 mAh bank from empty.
Empty to full, sped up.
Fine if you charge it overnight.
Charges your phone from the bank while the bank itself is plugged in. Handy overnight, or with one wall socket in a hotel room.
Charge the bank first, then your phone.
USB-C is the modern oval port that handles both charging and refilling. USB-A is the older, wider port many cables still use.
Works with old and new cables. The common mix.
How many devices it charges at once. The total power is shared, so each port slows down when several are in use.
Covers most people.
Some banks charge phones without a cable. Qi2 is the magnetic standard that snaps onto iPhones and newer Qi2 Android phones.
Cable charging wastes the least power.
How the bank shows how much charge it has left.
Usually four lights, each about a quarter of the charge.
Check what is in the box. A basic cable can limit fast charging, and anything above 60 W needs a USB-C cable rated for 100 W or more.
Supports fast charging. Check its watt rating if you charge a laptop.
Circuits that stop the bank overcharging, draining too far, overheating or short-circuiting. Cheap banks may skip some, and that is how fires start.
Covers overcharge, over-discharge and short circuits.
Power banks sold in India must be registered with BIS, the Bureau of Indian Standards. Look for the BIS mark and an R-number on the bank or box.
If unsure, check the R-number in the official BIS Care app.
The battery inside. Both common types are fine from a reputable maker. They mostly change the shape, and protections matter more.
Flat pouch cells that allow slimmer banks. Most pocket banks use them.
More capacity means more weight. Think about where it will live: a pocket, a small bag or a backpack.
Usually 10,000 to 20,000 mAh. Fine in a handbag or backpack.
Power banks go in cabin bags only, never checked in. Up to 100 Wh is allowed, roughly 27,000 mAh at 3.7 V. Make sure the Wh is printed.
Allowed in cabin bags on most airlines. Many now ban using it during the flight.
Your wish list
POWER BANK WISH LIST
by TechPP Insights
Your next power bank should have these minimum specs
Your picks will print here.
Scan to make your own wish list
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Choose at least one spec to print your wish list.
Charging a new phone or laptop? Phone buying checklist or laptop checklist
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