The power bank has become a vital gear in the digital age when everyone relies on their phones more and more.
As a digital nomad, having a low battery is the norm when you are always traveling without the time to plug your phone in a power outlet.
With remote work, having no power can be the difference between sustaining a client and losing one.
Power banks have become quite handy for constant travelers, and some of them even have advanced features like water-resistance and anti-shock functions.
The best power banks for digital nomads include:
1. RAVPower Power Bank – 26800 mAh
This power bank will ensure that you do not get stranded anywhere in the world. It guarantees up to nine days of power so that your phone and other gadgets are always fired up.
This device measures 6.8 in × 3.2 in × 0.9 in. It is made of plastic with a resin coating to prevent scratches and smudges. It is, however, not a rugged device, so you should be careful and avoid dropping it.
RAVPower has packed up this portable charger with an impressive power capacity. You get 26,800mAh, thanks to its A-grade lithium batteries. The power bank charges most mobile phones over six times or a tablet over two times for an average of nine days of unrestrained usage per charge.
This makes the device useful for camping trips and other outdoor adventures. Even if you are a heavy-laptop user, you will not have to worry about the battery throughout the day.
The power bank also has an impressive charging speed. The charging ports have different speeds, depending on the kind of gadget you are charging. The 2.4 Amp port is ideal for charging iPads and laptops, while the 2.1 Amp port will also charge gadgets at their maximum charging speeds.
The 1 Amp is suited for smartphones with low charging requirements. Even if all the ports use the maximum output of their currents, the device will still have a maximum output of 5.5A.
There are four lights on the gadget’s edges that indicate how much power is left. It is allowed by the TSA, and you should not have any trouble taking it on a plane.
You can either use the Micro-USB or USB-C to recharge the power bank. The latter allows for a feature called power delivery, with which you can use a compatible wall charger to reduce the charging time significantly.
Pros
- Huge power capacity
- Fast charging speed
- LED indicators turn off during charging to save power
Cons
- A bit heavy
- Lack of quick charge
2. Anker PowerCore+ Power Bank – 26800 mAh
The Anker PowerCore+ 26800 portable charger features a metal exterior for heat dissipation and durability. It will generally rank heavier than similar 26,800mAh power banks.
The charger is packaged with a soft carry case to make it convenient to move it around and all the required charging cables. Its rectangular design is enhanced by rounded edges that give the device a sleek look.
The charger’s ports are positioned at the top edge. There is a circular status button that has a set of white LEDs to indicate charging status.
It uses Power Delivery 2.0 to charge the MacBook Pro, MacBook, and other USB-C gadgets at up to 30 watts. The 30W output charge is pairable with devices that have a 27W recharging capability. Smaller devices like the Google Pixel can also be charged with the Power Delivery to their maximum.
You can power most smartphones to their maximum capacity about eight times or more, which includes high-capacity battery mobile phones. You will get four full charges for most medium-sized tablets, and two full charges for full-sized models. You can expect 2.5 full charges for laptops when using Power Delivery.
This charger also boasts fast input charging speeds. It comes with a 30W Power Delivery USB-C wall charger, and you can utilize a USB-C to USB-C cable to power it back to 30W. You can have it recharged in 4.5 hours when using Power Delivery Speeds.
Charging is automatic with this power bank, and you only need to plug in the device you want to be charged. The USB outputs provide a fast 5V/3A charge for those fast charging speeds. The outputs also feature VoltageBoost and PowerIQ technology to recognize your gadgets and optimize power delivery for them.
Pros
- Sleek and minimalistic design
- High power capacity
- Includes USB-C adapter for recharging
Cons
- The charger only has one USB Type-C port
- May not be suitable for some international airlines
3. iMuto Power Bank – 30000 mAh
This power bank is large and heavy, with dimensions of 6.7 in × 3.4 in × 1.2 in. It weighs 1.5 pounds, and you will mostly set it down when using it. The charger is made of plastic with a gold polycarbonate band stretching along the sides.
A small monochrome display is set on the front of the charger. It indicates an accurate percentage of the power left.
The power capacity is the most noteworthy feature of this power bank. You will be able to charge numerous devices to their maximum power lots of time over. You can charge high-capacity phones to their full power about seven times. If you use the charger to only power a MacBook, expect to charge it to full power about four times.
For input charging, the X6 has a Quick Charge 3.0 USB port with varying speeds of 9-12V/1/5 A, 6-9V/2A, and 5-6V/3A. The standard port’s charging speed is 5V/2.4A, and it will charge most devices at their maximum charging speeds.
For Type-C compatible devices, use the Type-C port with a charging speed of 5V/3.0A. The power bank does not heat up when you are using the three ports.
You can either use the Micro-USB input port or the Type-C input port to recharge the power bank. The latter is equipped with Quick Charge technology for speeds of 12V/1.5A, 9V/2A, and 5V/3A. It has the fastest recharging speed as the device will regain its full power in 8-9 hours. The Type-C port has a recharging speed of 5V/3.0A to recharge the power bank in 10 to 11 hours.
The power bank is equipped with several functional features. The iM-Power technology ensures that your gadgets are on and off automatically, whether connected or disconnected. It detects devices intelligently and rapidly charges them at the highest possible speeds.
The Digi-Power technology displays the remaining power in a digital format. The display remains hidden until activated.
There is also a smart protection system to protect your devices from over-voltage, over-current, over-charging, and short circuits.
Pros
- Supports passthough charging
- A smart display that shows the remaining power
- Large power capacity
Cons
- Heavy to carry around
4. Yoobao Power Bank – 26800 mAh
With a power capacity of 26800 mAh, you can be guaranteed seven-day trips with this power bank. It will fully charge an iPhone 8 for 11.9 times, making it an ideal charger for adventures like camping and hiking.
The charger is furnished with two outputs and three outputs. The designs of the output ports are Apple Charing, Micro USB, and Type-C. The two USB-A output ports will fulfill the gadget’s recharging requirements. Users can conveniently charge the power bank and their phones with the same cable.
The device features an LED flashlight with three brightness levels. It is designed to provide 31-days of lighting for those unforgettable camping trips. A touch-sensitive switch will turn the flashlight on and off. The charger also features a carry string, which makes it easy to travel with.
A smart LED display indicates the remaining power level in a digital format, and it is accurate to 1%.
Pros
- Large power capacity of 26800 mAh
- An LED flashlight can be used for emergencies
Cons
- Recharge time takes 15 to 16 hours
5. RAVPower Power Bank (AC Outlet) – 20100 mAh
RAVPower has designed this model as a general-purpose solution for anyone who needs portable power. It features a cylindrical design for portability, and it looks more like a portable speaker than a power bank. Its coated with a rubber material, although its thin coating disqualifies it from being a rugged charger. There are airflow grills at the base and on top for passive cooling.
Its iSmart USB has a standard charging speed of 5V/2.4A. The Type-C will provide speeds of up to 5V/2.4A, and both ports can be utilized simultaneously. You can expect 4 to 5 recharges on your smartphone depending on its capacity, and 1 to 2 recharges for an iPad.
The charger has a 2-prong AC output for devices of up to 50W. Its 19V/1. 6a DC input guarantees a faster recharge between uses. The battery will recharge in around 2.5 hours, while the five LED lights will indicate remaining power levels. The air vents also protect your devices from power surges, short circuits, and overcharge.
Pros
- The cylindrical design makes the charger portable
- Vents prevent overheating
Cons
- The power indicator can be inaccurate
How to Choose a Power Bank for Traveling?
Power banks are important travel gear, and you can select one based on:
Capacity
Power banks are primarily rated on capacity, which is measured in milliampere-hours (mAh). The capacity indicates the number of times that a particular model will fully recharge a device until its power reserves are depleted.
Most travelers will advise you to buy a power bank with a capacity that is three or four times that of your gadget’s battery. A 10,000 mAh power bank, for example, is better suited for smartphones, as you will get three to four recharge times.
You also need to take into account conversion energy losses when it comes to power banks. Knock off about 25 to 30% of the stated capacity of a power bank to determine its actual working capacity. High-end models can, however, only have 10% conversion losses.
Typically, a portable charger that charges gadgets at quicker speeds will generate more conversion losses. You have to ask yourself if that is a trade-off you intend to get in exchange for having your devices charge quickly.
Consider the Output and Input Speeds and Ports
It is always better to get a model with multiple USB ports. Several ports will enable you to charge multiple devices, and you will have a backup in case one fails. The chargers have a maximum output for all USB ports, and charging will slow down as you add more gadgets.
Check if the ports are rated for the gadgets you intend to use them for. Most times, only a single port will handle powers of 2.4 amps or higher. Avoid older models with 1 mAh as they are slow to charge devices.
Another factor to check is the charging speed of the output. The current standard is 2A and 2.4A for high-end models. If the power charger cannot channel the power required by your device, it will likely not charge. Some models have incorporated Qualcomm Quick Charge for those ultra-fast speeds.
An excellent power bank should recharge swiftly, especially if you are making short stops along your trip. High-capacity models will generally take more hours than low-capacity ones. The maximum current input for standard chargers will fall between 1A and 2.4A. Most AC wall adapters will be compatible with 1A models, and you will need advanced ones for power banks that need higher inputs.
Another practical technology to consider is passthrough charging. A Power bank will charger other devices when it is recharging itself, and it is a good feature if you want to maintain your power bank a full capacity while still charging your devices.
Build and Design
Avoid portable chargers made of cheap plastic that will only give service for a few months. You can opt for metal models, although they can be quite expensive. Other materials to look out for include silicone rubber, aluminum, and polycarbonate.
Some gadgets will feature reinforcements from elements like water and heat. If you are adventurous, get rugged power banks that can withstand shock from being dropped and knocked.
Most brands opt for rectangular designs with their power banks. You can come across cylindrical ones with enhanced portability. Look out for rounded edges and dull colors to conceal smudges and other marks.
Size and Weight
The power bank should be portable to take it on trips. Weight and size also increase with capacity rating, with carry-on travelers being the most affected with these factors.
Anything above 20,000 aMh will be a hassle to carry around, although you will benefit from your well-powered devices. Compact power banks may be a joy to carry, but they will not satisfy the need of your multiple gadgets.
Safety Guarantees
Look for grade A lithium-polymer series, which are regarded as being safer than lithium-ion batteries. Excellent power banks will feature in-built protective circuitry (PTC) to protect against voltage and current surges, power outages, overheating, overcharging, and short-circuiting. Check if the power bank is UL-certified to determine if it has passed thorough environmental, mechanical, and electrical testing.
Price and Brand
Power banks can be quite expensive but you can get capable middle-priced models. You also do not want to end up with a poor-quality model that promises a lot of capacity but delivers little. You will pay more for large capacities and fast charging technologies.
Consider models from established brands in the power bank industry. Look for familiar names like RAVPower, Anker, Imuto, Asus, and Xiaomi. Beware of imitations and buy from reputable sellers and platforms like Amazon. While unbranded models will be cheaper, they will likely be unsafe to use in addition to providing poor service.
Why You Need a Power Bank as a Digital Nomad?
The digital nomad lifestyle is mostly sustained by the power levels in your laptop and smartphones. Your clients will need to access you, and you also have to catch up on work in between exciting trips.
The power bank is, therefore, among the most digital gear for digital nomads. Current devices are capable of powering laptops and tablets, which makes them quite convenient. You can also get models rated for the outdoors, thanks to waterproof and anti-shock-resistance properties.
Conclusion
Power banks were initially marketed to smartphone users, but advancements have made them ideal for laptops and other devices. As a digital nomad, there is nothing scarier than having a low battery on any gadget.
Working remotely has its own perks, but you also have to sustain your money-making ventures and appear professional to your clients. Get a power bank with enough capacity and travel hassle-free.