The battery charge is nearing its end, but there’s no power outlet in sight? Good thing there are external charging sources. atechbook presents the best powerbanks for smartphones.
The so-called powerbanks are power storage devices with varying capacities. Depending on their size, they can fully charge a smartphone battery once or even several times – and they do so on the go and conveniently in your pocket. The higher their charging capacity, the more expensive their price often is. Many powerbanks advertise additional functions. atechbook has selected particularly recommendable models.
Overview
- 3900 mAh: LC Powerbank LC-PB-3900
- 5000 mAh: Xoro MPB 500
- 6700 mAh: Mophie Powerstation PD 6700 mAh
- 10,050 mAh: Mophie Powerstation PD 10050 mAh
- 10,400 mAh: Hama Power Pack Joy 10400 mAh
- 15,000 mAh: Xtorm XB102 15,000 mAh.
- 20,000 mAh: RealPower PB-20000
- 26,800 mAh: Anchor PowerCore+ 26800
- The right powerbank: Here’s what you should look out for
- Conclusion
3900 mAh: LC Powerbank LC-PB-3900
Die LC Powerbank LC-PB-3900 ist ein besonders schlankes Modell, das schnell in der Hosentasche verstaut werden kann, wenn man fix losmuss. Die Ladeleistung ist hervorragend und für alle Geräte mit USB-Anschluss auf jeden Fall empfehlenswert. Den Ladestand kann man zudem zuverlässig an der entsprechenden ablesen.
Equipment der LC Powerbank LC-PB-3900
| LC Powerbank LC-PB-3900 | |
|---|---|
| Perdukttyp | Mobile Powerbank |
| Range of use | Camera, MP3 player, smartphone, tablet |
| Battery technology | Li-polymer |
| Battery capacity | 3,900 mAh |
| Output voltage | 5 V |
| Operating voltage | 5 V |
| Equipment | Charge level indicator |
| Interfaces | USB-A |
| Dimensions | 12 × 78 × 99 mm |
| Weight | 260 g |
| Color | Black |
| Scope of delivery | USB cable, adapter set |
Vorteile und Nachteile der LC Powerbank LC-PB-3900
Idealo rating: Score 1.4 | 4.5 out of 5 stars
Per
- + Very fast charging
- + Rather small, handy case
Contra
- – Possible interference during charging with individual Nokia models
- – No Micro-USB connector
5000 mAh: Xoro MPB 500
The battery capacity of the Xoro MPB 500 is enough for a full additional charge of a smartphone. The estimated charging time here is five hours. The powerbank offers the possibility of charging two smartphones at the same time. It is equipped with convenient protection features so that both the charging devices and the powerbank do not overheat or overcharge.
Equipment of the Xoro MPB 500
| Xoro MPB 500 | |
|---|---|
| Perdukttyp | Mobile powerbank, multi powerbank |
| Range of use | Camera, MP3 player, smartphone |
| Battery technology | Li-polymer |
| Battery capacity | 5,000 mAh |
| Maximum output current capacity | 2,1 A |
| Output voltage | 5 V |
| Operating voltage | 5 V |
| Charging features | Charges 2 devices simultaneously, overheat protection, overcharge protection |
| Interfaces | 2 × USB-A |
| Dimensions | 116 × 84 × 65 mm |
| Weight | 123 g |
| Color | Silver |
| Scope of delivery | USB cable, user manual |
Advantages and disadvantages of the Xoro MPB 500
Rating at idealo: Score 1.3 | 4.5 out of 5 stars
Per
- + Very fast charging
- + Practical protection functions
- + Compact design
Contra
- – Malfunctions possible after several years of very intensive use
6700 mAh: Mophie Powerstation PD 6700 mAh
The powerbank from Mophie is recommendable because of the quick charging function and the pleasant non-slip surface – functionality and design are harmoniously combined in the Mophie Powerstation PD 6700 mAh. Reliable charging of up to two devices without them getting hot is always possible with this compact model on the go. At the same time, the charging speed remains just as stable and reliable as when charging just one device.
Features of the Mophie Powerstation PD 6700 mAh
| Mophie Powerstation PD 6700 mAh | |
|---|---|
| Perdukttyp | Mobile powerbank, multi powerbank |
| Range of use | Camera, MP3 player, smartphone |
| Battery technology | Li-polymer |
| Battery capacity | 6,700 mAh |
| Maximum output current capacity | 2,4 A |
| Output voltage | 5 V |
| Operating voltage | 5 V |
| Charging features | Charges 2 devices simultaneously, fast charging function (power delivery) |
| Equipment | Charge level indicator, on/off switch |
| Interfaces | USB-A, USB-C (can be used as input/output) |
| Dimensions | 55 × 95.5 × 21.5 mm |
| Weight | 147 g |
| Color | Black |
| Scope of delivery | Quick start guide, USB-C to USB-C cable |
Advantages and disadvantages of the Mophie Powerstation PD 6700 mAh
Rating at idealo: Note 1,1 | 5 of 5 stars
Per
- + Very fast charging with Power Delivery
- + More compatibility thanks to USB-C port
Contra
- – Comparatively high price
- – Relatively long charging time for the powerbank itself
10,050 mAh: Mophie Powerstation PD 10050 mAh
Need to upgrade your battery capacity? Then it’s worth buying a more powerful model from Mophie: the Mophie Powerstation PD 10050 mAh powerbank has a fast charging function, can charge up to two devices at the same time thanks to the reliable power pass-through technology, even during its own charging process. Compared to powerbanks with identical battery capacity, this model is relatively lightweight, so it can be taken anywhere without any trouble.
Features of the Mophie Powerstation PD 10050 mAh
| Mophie Powerstation PD 10050 mAh | |
|---|---|
| Perdukttyp | Mobile powerbank, multi powerbank |
| Range of use | Camera, MP3 player, smartphone |
| Battery technology | Li-polymer |
| Battery capacity | 10,050 mAh |
| Maximum output current capacity | 2,4 A |
| Output voltage | 5 V |
| Operating voltage | 5 V |
| Charging features | Power pass-through technology, charges 2 devices simultaneously, fast charging function (power delivery) |
| Equipment | Charge level indicator, on/off switch |
| Interfaces | USB-A, USB-C (can be used as input/output) |
| Dimensions | 59 × 108.9 × 21.6 mm |
| Weight | 204 g |
| Color | Black |
| Scope of delivery | Quick start guide, USB-C to USB-C cable |
Advantages and disadvantages of the Mophie Powerstation PD 10050 mAh
Rating at idealo: Note 1,1 | 5 of 5 stars
Per
- + Excellent charging speed thanks to Power Delivery
- + More compatibility thanks to USB-C port
- + Reliable pass-through charging
Contra
- – Relatively long charging time of the powerbank
10,400 mAh: Hama Power Pack Joy 10400 mAh
Die Powerbank Hama Power Pack Joy 10400 mAh ist für das zuverlässige Aufladen von Geräten während der Nutzung optimiert. Bei ihr überzeugt zudem das anwendungsfreundliche Design mit der Charge level indicator und der Soft-Touch-Oberfläche. Grifffest und kompakt liegt das Gehäuse in der Hand, es ist allerdings etwas schwerer als vergleichbare Modelle.
Equipment der Hama Power Pack Joy 10400 mAh
| Hama Power Pack Joy 10400 mAh | |
|---|---|
| Perdukttyp | Mobile powerbank, multi powerbank |
| Range of use | Camera, MP3 player, tablet, smartphone |
| Battery technology | Li-Ion |
| Battery capacity | 10,400 mAh |
| Maximum output current capacity | 2,1 A |
| Output voltage | 5 V |
| Operating voltage | 5 V |
| Charging features | Charges 2 devices simultaneously, overcharge protection, discharge protection, short-circuit protection |
| Equipment | On/off switch, charge level indicator, soft touch surface |
| Interfaces | USB-A, micro USB |
| Dimensions | 90 × 80 × 23 mm |
| Weight | 400 g |
| Color | Black |
| Scope of delivery | Instruction manual |
Advantages and disadvantages of the Hama Power Pack Joy 10400 mAh
Rating at idealo: Score 1.0 | 5 out of 5 stars
Per
- + Fast and reliable charging, even of devices in operation.
- + Compact design with soft touch surface
Contra
- – Comparatively heavy case
15,000 mAh: Xtorm XB102 15,000 mAh.
Die Powerbank Xtorm XB102 15,000 mAh. überzeugt nicht nur mit ihrer großen Battery capacity, sondern auch mit ihrer Ladegeschwindigkeit und der Möglichkeit, bis zu drei Geräte gleichzeitig aufzuladen. Das Modell schaltet sich automatisch nach Bedarf an und aus und erhält somit die Kapazität besonders energieeffizient für längere Zeit. Nutzer loben zudem das clevere Design mit den aufgereihten Anschlüssen und der Position des integrierten Kabels.
Equipment der Xtorm XB102 15,000 mAh.
| Xtorm XB102 15,000 mAh. | |
|---|---|
| Perdukttyp | Mobile powerbank, multi powerbank |
| Range of use | Camera, MP3 player, tablet, smartphone |
| Battery technology | Li-Ion |
| Battery capacity | 15,000 mAh |
| Maximum output current capacity | 3,1 A |
| Output voltage | 5 V |
| Operating voltage | 5 V |
| Charging features | Charges 3 devices simultaneously |
| Equipment | On/off switch, charge level indicatorV |
| Interfaces | micro USB, USB-A |
| Dimensions | 130 × 75 × 22 mm |
| Weight | 300 g |
| Color | Gray |
| Scope of delivery | User manual, bag, micro USB cable |
Advantages and disadvantages of the Xtorm XB102 15,000 mAh.
Rating at idealo: Score 1.2 | 5 out of 5 stars
Per
- + Very solid charging performance
- + Gute Equipment im Scope of delivery
- + Charges up to 3 devices simultaneously
Contra
- – No protection functions
20,000 mAh: RealPower PB-20000
The Powerbank RealPower PB-20000 is optimal if you are going to travel for a longer period of time and you will not have a power grid: The model is compact, charges quickly and reliably and, above all, offers a considerable capacity for a reasonable price. It also scores with practical protection features and three connection options. However, it is not possible to use the charging devices during the charging process.
Features of the RealPower PB-20000
| RealPower PB-20000 | |
|---|---|
| Perdukttyp | Mobile powerbank, multi powerbank |
| Range of use | Camera, MP3 player, tablet, smartphone |
| Battery technology | Li-polymer |
| Battery capacity | 20,000 mAh |
| Maximum output current capacity | 2 A |
| Output voltage | 5 V |
| Operating voltage | 5 V |
| Charging features | Charges 2 devices simultaneously, discharge protection, overcharge protection |
| Equipment | Ein-/Aus-Schalter, Charge level indicator |
| Interfaces | USB-A, micro USB |
| Dimensions | 120 × 68 × 28 mm |
| Weight | 430 g |
| Color | Black |
| Scope of delivery | Micro USB charging cable, manual, service card |
Advantages and disadvantages of the RealPower PB-20000
Rating at idealo: Score 1.7 | 4.5 out of 5 stars
Per
- + Very high capacity
- + Very good price-performance ratio
- + Many connection options
Contra
- – Charging not possible during operation
- – Relatively heavy case
26,800 mAh: Anchor PowerCore+ 26800
Dank der Battery capacity sorgt die Anchor PowerCore+ 26800 für eine sehr lange Akkulaufzeit bei allen Geräten, die man unterwegs braucht. Das Wiederaufladen der Powerbank klappt dabei relativ schnell. Praktische Schutzfunktionen sichern zudem den Ladevorgang, dessen Stand eine zuverlässig angibt. Der einzige Nachteil dieses Modells ist das relativ schwere Gehäuse. Daher ist es nicht so gut zum Beispiel zum Campen geeignet.
Equipment der Anchor PowerCore+ 26800
| Anchor PowerCore+ 26800 | |
|---|---|
| Perdukttyp | Mobile powerbank, multi powerbank |
| Range of use | Camera, MP3 player, tablet, smartphone |
| Battery technology | Li-Ion |
| Battery capacity | 26,800 mAh |
| Maximum output current capacity | 3 A |
| Output voltage | 5 V |
| Operating voltage | 5 V |
| Charging features | Charges 3 devices simultaneously, fast charging function (Quick Charge 3.0), short circuit protection, overvoltage protection |
| Equipment | Charge level indicator |
| Interfaces | USB-A, USB-C (can be used as input/output) |
| Dimensions | 180 × 80 × 24 mm |
| Weight | 730 g |
| Color | Black |
| Scope of delivery | USB-C to USB-C charging cable, user manual |
Advantages and disadvantages of the Anchor PowerCore+ 26800
Rating at idealo: Score 1.7 | 4.5 out of 5 stars
Per
- + Fast charging of up to 3 devices at the same time.
- + Very practical protection functions
Contra
- – Relatively heavy case
The right powerbank: Here’s what you should look out for
“With a powerbank, you can basically recharge all devices with power that can be supplied via a USB port. So smartphones, cameras, headphones or even bicycle lamps,” says Holger Krumme from the HTV test center for electronic components in Bensheim. But there are a few things to consider when choosing the right model.
Be careful with powerbanks during flights
Wer seinen mobilen Akku ins Flugzeug mitnehmen möchte, sollte aber die Bestimmungen der Airline bei der erlaubten Akku-Größe kennen. Laut der International Air Transport Association (IATA) darf die Leistung 100 Wattstunden (Wh) nicht überschreiten. Das entspricht rund 26.800 Milliamperestunden (mAh). Es gibt allerdings Airlines, die noch strengere Richtlinien vorschreiben. Mit einer Powerbank, die eine Kapazität von 20,000 mAh hat, ist man auf jeden Fall auf der sichereren Seite.
For comparison: A current iPhone 13 has a battery with a capacity of 3,227 mAh. Thus, a powerbank with 10,000 mAh is already enough to fully charge it almost three times. Theoretically, at least. Since the actual charging capacity of the mobile batteries is a bit lower than stated, it is rather two than three full charges in this case.
Caution with the capacity specification
Sometimes the capacity specifications deviate very far from the actual performance. It is specified in milliampere hours (mAh) for rechargeable batteries. Battery packs are available with capacities from about 1000 to 30,000 mAh. “Especially with no-name products from China, there are sometimes astronomical statements about the capacity of up to millions of milliampere hours, which is not even technically possible with this size,” warns Krumme.
Im Testlabor habe sich auch gezeigt, dass die Powerbanks nebulöser Hersteller teils nur weniger als ein Perzent der versprochenen Leistung erreicht hätten. Kein Wunder: In manchem Akkupacks hätten sich nicht nur Batteriezellen befunden, sondern auch Metallplättchen oder Sandtütchen. Krumme rät daher bei besonders günstigen Preisen und hohen technischen Werten zu besonderer Skepsis.
The dangers of inferior powerbanks
However, powerbanks of inferior quality sometimes not only offer less power, they can also ignite during use. “An indication of this is, for example, that the entire battery inflates, which is not always visible from the outside,” explains Krumme. Another warning signal is unusual heating. In both cases, he says, “You should never connect such a device to the power supply again.”
Deep discharge protection is also important. “This electronic lock prevents the battery from being completely discharged, because that can lead to the destruction of the battery under certain circumstances,” says Krumme. If such a defective powerbank is then connected to voltage anyway, this can also lead to strong heat development and, in the worst case, to spontaneous combustion. Incidentally, if a powerbank burns, it can hardly be extinguished; it can only be allowed to burn down in a controlled manner.
Schutz vor qualitativ minderwertigen Perdukten soll eigentlich das CE-Zeichen (Conformité Européenne) bieten, mit dem der Hersteller versichert, dass europäische Qualitäts- und Sicherheitsstandards eingehalten werden. Bei manchen Billigprodukten steht CE allerdings nur als Abkürzung für das inoffizielle Zeichen China Export.
“Dem Kunden wird dadurch also vorgegaukelt, dass ein Perdukt CE-tauglich ist”, warnt Krumme. Optisch sind die Zeichen für Conformité Européenne und für China Export nämlich kaum zu unterscheiden. In der chinesischen Variante sind die Buchstaben lediglich näher beieinander und das E hat einen langen Mittelsteg. Möchten Käufer auf Nummer sicher gehen, sollten sie daher auf Powerbanks namhafter Hersteller zurückgreifen. Bekannte Markenhersteller seien beispielsweise Anker, Aukey, Intenso oder Powercore.
Conclusion
Capacity, size and weight – the choice of powerbank is made according to individual needs. atechbook recommends each of the presented models, but the editors noticed a very good price-performance ratio and clever design in the more powerful devices, especially the RealPower PB-20000.
More articles worth knowing about powerbanks and charging tricks
- This is what you should look for when buying a powerbank
- Common mistakes that can break powerbanks
- These 20 popular apps are the worst battery guzzlers
For those who want to learn even more about which factors can be crucial for the battery life of different devices or how to optimize the charging process, atechbook offers many more articles with practical advice, product tests and manufacturer insights.