Power Bank Recommendations

[PollyannaMom]

Do you have a favorite power bank for charging your phone on the go? (Or a brand you didn't like, that you recommend avoiding?) I'm looking for small and lightweight.

 

[Kathryn Merteuil]

I have an Anker power bank. It seems pretty good to me, I have no complaints. I have not used it a lot, I just keep it in my purse for "emergency" purposes. I am basing this opinion on my old phone, I have yet to try it on my new phone.

I have one like this "stock photo" this is the color I have too:

I really like that it just sticks to the back of my phone and there are no wires necessary. You just have to be sure you have a Magsafe compatible case.

I am just assuming you are looking for iPhone, I have no idea if this would work w/Android phones or not.

*I googled this... SOME Android phones are Magsafe compatible.

 

[wenrob]

So I put these in my kids stockings last year. They’re hand warmers that double as power banks. They were a HUGE hit, so much so that DD bought some for gifts for friends and I’ve already bought more for gifts this year. Together (they connect with magnets) they’re a little bigger than your average charger but still pocketable. I like that they’re dual purpose and fairly inexpensive.

 

[LuvOrlando]

I bought an apple one for DH to have when traveling. It seemed like a solid family investment since any Iphone can use it. Turns out if also works on much older phones that aren't sold as having the capability. Now if any one of us is going to be out for an all day out of pocket event, camping or something they can bring it along, no regrets. I know there are cheaper options but these are expensive phones so I went with the brand to be shared by 4, so to me it is like $25 for each of us since it isn't a frequent need.

 

[sam_gordon]

I bought an apple one for DH to have when traveling. It seemed like a solid family investment since any Iphone can use it. Turns out if also works on much older phones that aren't sold as having the capability. Now if any one of us is going to be out for an all day out of pocket event, camping or something they can bring it along, no regrets. I know there are cheaper options but these are expensive phones so I went with the brand to be shared by 4, so to me it is like $25 for each of us since it isn't a frequent need.

Can't pretty much any phone use any power bank? I mean the power banks just have USB connections on them. They should be device agnostic.

To the OP, sorry, can't help you. Haven't needed a power bank in years.

 

[disneydreamer1980]

I use Anker too, not super small (a little smaller than an iPhone) but it’s good for several charges. I did some research before I bought snd this one came highly recommended and I love it. It was about $30 if I remember correctly

 

[TippyThomas]

I use Anker power banks. They have worked really well for me for years now. They also have a trickle charge setting for Bluetooth headphones that I use at home and when I'm out camping.

 

[thanxfornoticin]

There are some good ones out there. We always respect the power products Anker and Mophie provide. Recently purchased the Apple mag power bank for the iPhone, which attaches magnetically right to the phone - also a very good option, and it's wireless. Of course, it's only for later gen iPhones, though (and expensive!).

 

[jimmymc]

I use an Anker 10k power bank and love it. Keeps my phone charged all day at the parks and is about the size of a deck of cards.

 

[NotUrsula]

Anker all the way. I carry a 10K for park days. As a general rule, the large flat phone-shaped kind feels lighter to carry while charging, because it distributes the weight a bit.

You can get them wireless, with attached cables, magnet rings, and suction cups (if your phone doesn't have magnetic charging. I find wireless handy, but they definitely charge faster using a cable.

 

[Kwami]

Can't pretty much any phone use any power bank? I mean the power banks just have USB connections on them. They should be device agnostic.

To the OP, sorry, can't help you. Haven't needed a power bank in years.

Unfortunately, no. Apple doesn't like to play nicely with the rest of the world. Many power banks come with Lightning cables instead of standard USB-C cables, so you would have to buy a new cable for an Android phone. Others rely on Magsafe, which is mostly supported by Apple phones. Those won't work with most Android phones.

Fortunately, Apple is finally moving away from their ridiculous Lightning connectors and cables, so some of these issues should clear up over the next few years.

 

[sam_gordon]

Unfortunately, no. Apple doesn't like to play nicely with the rest of the world. Many power banks come with Lightning cables instead of standard USB-C cables, so you would have to buy a new cable for an Android phone. Others rely on Magsafe, which is mostly supported by Apple phones. Those won't work with most Android phones.

Fortunately, Apple is finally moving away from their ridiculous Lightning connectors and cables, so some of these issues should clear up over the next few years.

Most power banks I've seen recently simply have USB A (or now, USB C) connectors on them. Simply plug in the appropriate cord.

 

[TinkAgainU]

While I prefer Anker - they seem to mostly have the larger 10,000 power chargers now - which would be fine if there are two or more phones to charge. Since I'm usually just charging my own phone, I look for a lighter one (5,000 - since weight and power seem related) with a built in charger cable for my phone type, even if a relatively no-name brand. Be sure to charge and use it a couple times before you trust Any charger on a trip. Even with the built in cable, I admit I have a little 12" cable with me for true emergencies. I'm definitely in the the two-is-one and one-is-none overkill group. If size/weight and money are no biggie - look for one that has built in, flip in, prongs to recharge, I've loved having those for travel.

 

[Kwami]

Most power banks I've seen recently simply have USB A (or now, USB C) connectors on them. Simply plug in the appropriate cord.

The port on the bank itself is almost always USB-C. The other end of the cable varies. Anker (and other brands) often have more options that include Lightning cables than they have with standard USB-C cables. So, you have to be careful when you purchase one that it has the cable that you need or else you'll be buying another cable.

 

[PollyannaMom]

Thanks, everyone!!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Can't pretty much any phone use any power bank? I mean the power banks just have USB connections on them. They should be device agnostic.

To the OP, sorry, can't help you. Haven't needed a power bank in years.

i know my DD has one like the one pictured above, but it won’t work on my phone because I still use an old 8Plus.

I keep a charger in my pocketbook in a baggie with some cords. It’s older but it works great for me and holds a charge for a long time. I used it a lot this past week on vacation. Will have to look to see what brand it is.

 

[_19disnA]

Unless you need to use your phone for an extended amount of time away from home, not sure why you would need these devices. I have a basic phone cord in my car and simply plug it in to charge while driving. The battery lasts all day when charged. I keep it plugged in at home so it stays fully charged.

 

[Marrila]

Do you have a favorite power bank for charging your phone on the go? (Or a brand you didn't like, that you recommend avoiding?) I'm looking for small and lightweight.

Anker makes a variety of sizes. I have a smaller one that I really like. I use it fairly often and love the convenience.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Unless you need to use your phone for an extended amount of time away from home, not sure why you would need these devices. I have a basic phone cord in my car and simply plug it in to charge while driving. The battery lasts all day when charged. I keep it plugged in at home so it stays fully charged.

The charger in my car only works sometimes. Even with a new cord. If I’m out for the day, I might not be near the car anyway. And as I mentioned above, I still use an older phone. It doesn’t hold a charge like it once did. I keep the charger just in case I need a boost. And for vacation use.

 

[wenrob]

Unless you need to use your phone for an extended amount of time away from home, not sure why you would need these devices. I have a basic phone cord in my car and simply plug it in to charge while driving. The battery lasts all day when charged. I keep it plugged in at home so it stays fully charged.

I used to think that way but then I spent the day driving my parents around in their car that did not have a power cable. My battery nosedived pretty quick with fairly basic use. And now with more and more services done through your phone, in particular when you’re in the Parks, a fully charged phone *will* take a hit. It’s your communication device, your camera, your video camera, your wallet, your parking, your tickets, coupons etc. etc. While I fully charge my phone every night (and mine has a pretty large battery) if I’m not driving from place to place where it gets a top up and I’m going to be out and about all day I carry a portable charger just in case. Usually it’s one of my kids that need it, lol. For me it’s kind of like keeping jumper cables and a car jack in my car. I have roadside service but you never know when you might need them.

Unsolicited advice- you shouldn’t keep your phone on the charger all day, it actually causes more wear and degrades your battery life. At least that’s what they say on the techie forums.