Plugging into Power: Top Performing Power Banks for USB-C Devices
These power banks are trustworthy and efficient.
In today's interconnected world, smartphones, tablets, and even smartwatches keep us going. But what happens when you're on the go and find yourself without a charging outlet? A reliable power bank is the solution for maintaining independence. Our team at ntv/RTL has rigorously tested five power banks, focusing on performance, usability, and value for your money.
How the Power Bank Test Works
Before diving into the practical test, each power bank is charged to its fullest capacity, enabling it to repeatedly power an iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 under equivalent conditions. We examine the number of charging cycles, charging time for both the phone and the power bank, weight, and format as comparison criteria. Additionally, we analyze the available connectors and included accessories.
The Power Banks in the Test:
- INIU Power Bank: 22.5W, 10,000 mAh, €29.99 (RRP)
- VRURC Power Bank with Cable: 22.5W, 10,000mAh, €24.99 (RRP)
- Anker Powerbank: 30W, Integrated USB-C Cable, 20,000mAh, €25.80 (RRP)
- ISY IPP-20001 Power Bank: 20,000 mAh, €24.99 (RRP)
- Charmast Power Bank: 26,800mAh, €34.99 (RRP)
USB-C Standard: What EU Mandate on Smart Devices Means
Starting in 2024, EU regulations will require all smartphones, tablets, and other small electronic devices to feature a USB-C port. This change eliminates the need for various cables and aims to reduce e-waste and CO2 emissions. While Android devices have long embraced this standard, Apple will implement it from the iPhone 15 onwards. By 2026, laptops will also need to follow this unified standard.
Top Picks from Our Comparison Test
- VRURC Power Bank with Cable (10,000mAh) – Ideal for Daily UseThe VRURC Powerbank, with a capacity of 10,000 milliampere-hours, boasts a low weight of just 179 grams and offers around 2.1 full iPhone charges. Its compact format and four integrated rubber cables make it an ideal choice for daily use, as it fits easily in a variety of pockets without taking up too much space. At a price of €24.99, it provides a good balance between performance and affordability.
- Anker Zolo Magnetic Power Bank (20,000mAh) – Strong Performance at a Great PriceThe Anker Zolo Powerbank stands out with its 20,000mAh capacity, which allows nearly five full iPhone charges. Weighing 359 grams, it is more portable than many other comparable models, making it suitable for carrying in a backpack or handbag. The integrated USB-C cable appears robust and can withstand at least 10,000 bends according to the manufacturer. Boasting excellent performance and a reasonable price of €21.59 (on offer), the Anker Zolo is an ideal choice for those seeking a dependable and affordable power bank.
A More Compact Solution with Extras: INIU Powerbank (10,000mAh)
The INIU power bank performs well in the test and stands out for its thoughtful features. It manages 2.5 full charge cycles, surpassing the test winner. The display with percentage display is easy to read, but becomes less accurate at low battery levels. It comes with a USB-C cable and a carrying case, making it a practical addition for mobile use.
ISY IPP-20001 (20,000mAh)
The ISY power bank delivers similar performance to the Anker model and manages almost five full smartphone charges. However, it weighs 417 grams, making it the heaviest device in the test, and may not be the ideal choice for those seeking a compact power bank.
Charmast Powerbank (26,800mAh)
The Charmast power bank offers a high capacity, making it suitable for longer trips or multiple device charging scenarios. However, it lacks a precise display of the battery level, with only four LEDs providing information. This makes it difficult to accurately estimate when the power bank needs to be recharged. The numerous input and output options can seem complicated in day-to-day use.
Key Factors to Consider When Buying a Power Bank
- Capacity: This determines how many charges the power bank can deliver. Common capacities range from 10,000 mAh to 30,000 mAh or more.
- Precise Battery Indicator: A clear and reliable display of the remaining charge is crucial for efficient power management.
- Dual-sided USB-C Support: Allowing the same port to be used for both charging the power bank and your devices enhances convenience.
- Number of Ports: If you often need to charge multiple devices simultaneously, ensure the power bank has a sufficient number of varied ports for optimal organization.
- Fast Charging: Fast charging can save significant time and be particularly useful when you're on the go.
- Airline-Approved: Ensure your power bank is suitable for traveling, as most models are airline-approved.
Our team at ntv/RTL conducts independent tests, purchases all products, and evaluates based on objective criteria. If you purchase a product through our links, we may receive a commission. For precise test results, rankings, and detailed comparisons, consult our official test reports or websites directly.
The Commission has also been consulted on the draft directive that mandates all smartphones, tablets, and other small electronic devices to feature a USB-C port, as part of the EU regulations starting in 2024. This change is expected to make gadgets more compatible, eliminate the need for various cables, and potentially reduce e-waste and CO2 emissions.
After conducting a test on several power banks, our team at ntv/RTL noticed that some power banks come with integrated cables, which could become useful as more devices transition to the USB-C standard in the future.
