» » 34 best power banks 2015 UK: best portable chargers for smartphones and tablets

9:56 PM 3
A+ A-


24 best power banks 2014/2015 UK: best portable smartphone and tablet chargers
If you’re going to be away from mains power for a few days or your phone or tablet simply won’t last a full working day, a power bank can be invaluable. Able to keep your USB-powered mobile devices going as long as you do, these portable chargers let you top up your battery wherever you are, ensuring that you always stay connected. We round up the 34 best power banks you can buy in the UK in 2015. Also see: How to charge your smartphone or tablet faster
Power banks come in all shapes, weights and capacities, from the emergency credit-card-sized Onaji Pawa that offers a quick boost to keep you going until you get home, to the ultra-high-capacity 22400mAh power bank from EC Tech, which might charge your phone 10 times - ideal if you’re going camping or have several devices to charge. Then there are those able to recharge their own battery using solar power, which could mean you never need charge your devices using mains power again. That could save you a few quid on the electricity bill.

Best power banks 2015 UK: Choosing a power bank

Several factors are important when choosing a power bank. One is portability: some of the devices we review over the following pages are small and light enough to slip into a pocket; others you’ll notice their presence even when slung in a bag. Pay particular attention to their weight and avoid bulky designs.
Another factor is capacity. It’s important to note that a power bank will not deliver its full advertised capacity to your device – some of this energy is lost through heat generated and voltage conversion. If a power bank manufacturer doesn’t expressly state otherwise, expect to achieve around 70 percent efficiency. A 10000mAh power bank might therefore deliver 7000mAh of power. Check the specification of your phone or tablet’s battery to estimate how many full charges you can expect from this.

Best power banks 2015 UK: Charging and recharging

The input rating is key when it comes to recharging the power bank - the higher is this figure the more quickly it will charge. Some power banks support a feature known as passthrough charging, but expect to pay more for this luxury. This allows them to function as a USB hub of sorts, meaning you can simultaneously charge both the power bank itself and your mobile devices, and ensures the power bank is always topped up and ready to go when you need it.
Don’t expect to get a USB charger in the box - you can use that which was supplied with your phone or tablet. Do note, however, that a power bank with a 2A input will not recharge its own battery any faster than one with a 1A input when used with an underspecified USB charger. The reverse is also true when it comes to charging your devices - a phone that supports only a 1A input won’t charge faster from a 2A output.
The output rating refers to how quickly a power bank will charge your devices. In most cases you’ll find 1A and 2A outputs, the former intended for smartphones and the latter for tablets. You can use either output to charge any USB device - it will draw only the power it needs. However, you might find some tablets - usually iPads - will refuse to charge from lower-specified outputs.
If a power bank has several outputs then the maximum total output capacity is key. For example, the LimeFuel Blast L180X Pro has four 2.4A outputs, but delivers only 4.2A total output. With four USB devices attached you will find that each charges much more slowly.

Best power banks 2015 UK: Additional features

Some power banks also support auto-on and -off functionality. This allows them to begin charging your device as soon as you plug it in, and switch off when it’s done, meaning no power is unnecessarily wasted.
In most cases you’ll find a series of LEDs used to denote how much capacity remains. This is fine with smaller-capacity power banks, but with larger-capacity models you’ll find the massive jump in capacity between each LED leaves the system rather meaningless. Look out for power banks with LCD displays that are able to tell you the exact capacity remaining, so you’ll never get caught short.
A very common feature in power banks is a built-in LED flashlight. This could come in useful on camping trips, for example, but keep in mind that unless the device is reasonably portable and has an ergonomic design you’re unlikely to use it as a torch.
?EC Tech’s 6000- and 18000mAh power banks are perhaps the best examples here: the smaller-capacity device looks and feels just like a flashlight; the latter is big, heavy and rectangular, making it a bizarre device to use as a torch.
The ideal power bank carefully balances useful capacity with portability, value, fast charging/recharging, multiple outputs and high-end features such as passthrough charging and LCD displays. The closest we’ve found in this regard is the Zendure A2, but several of the devices we review here are well worth a second look.

Best power banks 2015: Our verdict

Zendure’s A2 is our favourite power bank in this round-up. At £33 it’s affordable, and its 6000mAh capacity is sufficient for at least two full smartphone charges (potentially three, depending on your phone). It’s lightweight, extremely durable, offers fast charging and comes with useful features such as auto-on/-off and passthrough charging.
The Zendure won’t appeal to everyone, though. And which power bank you choose really depends on your personal needs.
If you want the ultimate-capacity power bank for extended trips, the LimeFuel Blast L240X Pro offers unrivalled capacity, but it comes at a hefty price. It's big and heavy, though, and you won’t want to carry this one in your pocket.
If that trip involves some extreme outdoor pursuits then a rugged, waterproof bank such as LimeFuel’s L150XR is ideal. It’s a little pricey, though, and you’ll have to order it from the US.
If you need something ultraportable that will slip unnoticed into a pocket, there are really just four options here: Olixar’s enCharge PC810, Veho’s Pebble Smartstick+, Intocircuit’s Power Mini and Anker's Astro Mini. The latter two get our vote for doing the best job of balancing useful capacity and price. Although the Veho looks the coolest, it’s overpriced and slow to charge, while the Olixar couldn’t fully charge our smartphone. PNY’s PowerPack is also worth a look, removing the need to carry a cable.
For something in the middle, offering useful capacity and reasonably portable, we like TP-Link’s TL-PB10400 and Lumsing’s 10400mAh Power Bank. The Lumsing is arguably better-looking, but the TP-Link refills its own battery faster, has a built-in torch, and it has a slightly better system for showing you how much power remains than most that use LEDs. Even better is that of the Intocircuit Power Castle, though, which is among few power banks in this round-up to feature an LCD display. It offers staggering value.
Finally, for those with an eye on the environment (and their electricity bills) are the Olixar enCharge KP-8000 and Powertraveller powermonkey extreme 12V; Freeplay’s Tuf wind-up radio also features a solar panel. While Powertraveller’s example is technically better, Olixar’s bank offers amazing value. You might never have to pay to charge your gadgets again.

34 Best power banks 2015 UK

34. Upp Fuel Cell Energy Power

The Upp is too large, heavy and unwieldy, and let's face it, expensive for everyday use. You have to exchange £6 fuel cartridges rather than recharge via a power socket. We were also a little put off by the noises when charging, and it’s a shame that you can’t leave a device charging in your bag when on the move. In its favour it’s got great potential in those off-the-grid situations when you simply can’t recharge either your devices or a spent power bank. Load up on cartridges and you could survive for weeks with functioning phone, computer and cameras without ever seeing a power socket. It’s an inconvenient solution for all but the most inconvenient situations.

33. Onaji Pawa Card

The Onaji Pawa Card is a credit-card–sized battery pack that promises to recharge your fading smartphone back to a third of its full power. Our tests got an iPhone 5s back to about 25 percent from dead. It boasts the three major phone connector types (micro USB, Lightning, and 30-pin) as well as a USB connector for charging and syncing. It even has a little torch! What’s not to like?

32. BioLite CampStove

With very little if any competition, we're not able to compare the BioLite CampStove with similar products. However, in our tests it came close to meeting the manufacturer's claims and proved itself effective both as a camping stove and a charger for portable electronics gear. Our only concern is its typical UK price of around £130, which compares unfavourably with the $130 price in its native US.

31. Freeplay TUF

If you want to use a phone or a tablet for significant periods of time while you're away from mains power, the TUF isn't for you. This is a device to provide power when you need it in emergencies, a job it does admirably. Given that being able to see in the dark and listen to radio broadcasts also have useful safety connotations, this is a good all-round package.

30. MiPow Power Cube 8000L

It's very difficult to recommend this MiPow Power Cube 8000L with its extravagant price tag. If you happen to find one in your Christmas stocking, though, you won't be disappointed.

29. Energi 5K+

Even bearing in mind the extra expense of licensing Apple’s proprietary Lightning cable, the Tylt Energi 5K+ battery pack is overpriced. It's small capacity might be acceptable to some people, but not at this high price. If you can find it significantly cheaper, it could be worth buying, but there are lots of cheaper alternatives available right now.

28. Veho VPP-004-AS Ayrton Senna Pebble Smartstick+ 3000mAh Portable Charger

The Pebble Smartstick+ from Veho is a somewhat pricey but undeniably stylish portable charger for many of your USB-connected devices. Just be warned that it may not play happily with your tablet. What this special collector's edition has to do with Ayrton Senna we're not sure, but we do know that PC Advisor editor and F1 fanatic Jim Martin is now wearing the supplied-in-the-box Ayrton Senna signature pin with pride. (He isn't really.)

27. Powertraveller powermonkey extreme 12V

The battery pack alone can be a major asset if you're away from the mains with power-hungry equipment but when bundled with the solar panel, the powermonkey extreme provides an extra level of convenience. Solar power will always be rather hit and miss in the British climate, so don't expect too much except in bright sunlight but, under those conditions, you'll garner a considerable charge during a day's hiking.

26. Olixar enCharge KP-8000

The Olixar enCharge KP-8000 is a very cool solar-powered portable USB charger for your phone and possibly tablet, depending on the model. It's big and heavy, and more expensive than chargers without the solar component, but this charger offers the luxury of never needing to be plugged into the mains again, which could save you on your electricity bills. In comparison to other solar chargers it's cheap, but we'd like to see more information in the way of how much capacity remains and how quickly is the Olixar charging given the weather conditions at the time.

25. Phonesuit Flex XT Micro battery Pack

The Phonesuit Flex does away with the need to carry a Lightning or Micro USB cable around with your external battery pack. It’s the only wireless portable battery pack available for the iPhone 5/5c/5s, aside from the bulkier iPhone cases from Mophie and PowerSkin. It’s small but not feather-light – around the same weight as the battery cases. I wouldn’t want to carry one around in my trouser or jacket pocket but slip it in your shoulder bag, rucksack, clutch bag or brief case and you can walk away from a power source with the secure knowledge that your phone will keep going until you get to the next power socket.

24. EC Technology 18000mAh External Battery Pack

This stylish EC Technology 18000mAh External Battery Pack offers useful capacity to keep all your devices going for several days, and at £30 it's amazing value. It's not portable enough that you can throw it in a day bag, however, and remember that it will take some time to fill up its own battery.

23. LimeFuel Blast L240X Pro

LimeFuel's Blast L240X Pro is an excellent power bank for taking on the road for extended periods, with the highest capacity we've seen yet. The tech inside is the best you'll find, while the LimeFuel is well made and looks good. If only it wasn't so expensive.

22. LimeFuel Blast L180X Pro

The LimeFuel Blast L180X Pro shows the way forward for power bank tech, with support for passthrough charging, four fast USB outputs and a decent cable that tethers the Lightning connector to stop it getting lost. However, available in the UK only via LimeFuel's online shop and costing $99 (around £62), it's incredibly expensive compared to its rivals. For better value, if fewer features, turn to Lumsing's £17 10400mAh power bank or EC Technology's £35 24000mAh alternative.

21. LimeFuel Rugged L150XR

The LimeFuel Rugged L150XR is an ideal gadget for outdoors enthusiasts, allowing them to keep their communications and GPS devices going when they're miles away from a power point. This rugged power bank is protected against water, dirt and shock, making it usable in even the toughest terrains. But it is a little pricey in comparison to less durable, higher-capacity power banks, and it's difficult to get hold of in the UK. 

20. Omaker S-X5 10000mAh Power Bank

Very evenly matched to the slightly cheaper Lumsing 10400mAh Power Bank, this Omaker S-X5 portable USB charger swaps a little style for improved performance, offering a torch and two fast-charging 2.1A outputs to the Lumsing's one. If you're looking to quickly and simultaneously charge two devices then this may be the better buy, yet it lacks that premium feel of the Lumsing.

19. EC Technology YN-025 22400mAh High Capacity Power Bank

We can't believe such a huge amount of portable power is on offer at such a low price with the EC Technology High Capacity Power Bank. While it isn't as stylish, nor as portable, as the Lumsing 10400mAh Power Bank, at twice the price it offers more than double the available battery power. Which device you choose will likely come down to how long you'll be away from the mains.

18. Olixar enCharge PC810 2000mAh Portable Power Bank

Olixar's Power Bank isn't as cool-looking as the Pebble SmartStick+, yet it gets our vote for being not only cheaper but working faster. Easily portable, this is the type of device you can carry with you every day and your phone will never run out of power. Look elsewhere if you want to charge multiple devices or tablets, however.

17. PNY PowerPack battery packs

The PNY PowerPacks are lightweight battery life savers that you can carry around without noticing until your smartphone suddenly fades. The DCM2200 and DCL2200 include built-in connectors so you don't need to carry round cables, just the battery pack. The DCM2200 is for non-Apple smartphones as it has a Micro USB connector. iPhone users will choose the Lightning-equipped DCL2200. The PowerPack T2600 offers a little more charge but does require the right cable for your phone.

16. Lumsing 8000mAh GC-930-8 Power Bank

Lumsing's 8000mAh Power Bank is stylish, affordable and of a useful capacity, but it's beaten by its own brother.

15. Snooper Ventura PB60

Snooper's Ventura PB60 stands out in a sea of portable chargers with its unique rollable and weatherproof design. When paired with Ventura's portable solar panel it becomes a great solution for charging your gadgets while away from home, but it is a little pricier than similar-capacity devices.

14. Anker Astro E5

The Anker Astro E5 is a decent power bank at a good price, but there's nothing here that particularly stands out among other portable chargers. The second-generation Astro E5 looks to be a far more attractive option, both aesthetically and technologically.

13. RavPower RP-PB13 Deluxe

RavPower's RP-PB13 Deluxe is proof that high-capacity power banks don't have to be big and heavy, and it offers good value with 14000mAh capacity at £22. We think the Intocircuit's additional features make it the better deal, however.

12. EC Technology 6000mAh Ultra Compact Portable Power Bank

An excellent buy at £11.99, EC Technology's Ultra Compact Portable Power bank makes a useful portable charger for your phone or tablet and a very good flashlight. There's very little here to fault.

11. PNY PowerPack M3000

PNY's PowerPack M3000 has enough power to give your smartphone a full charge, and it's sufficiently small and light that you won't even notice it in a pocket or bag. It looks good, feels tough, and does away with loose cables. iPad- and iPhone users should look instead to the LM3000.

10. Zendure A5

Zendure's A2 is a brilliant power bank, winner of our Gold award and currently at number one in our best power banks chart. With an extra USB output and larger capacity this should be a better device, although we'd rather those additions didn't entail the loss of fast charging (with two devices connected) and the extra weight and bulk. Still a very good deal, even at £49, this is the Zendure for those with multiple devices to charge or longer journeys to take.

9. Aukey PB-N30 3600mAh External Battery Charger

Amazing value at £8.99, a Lightning charging port and 3600mAh capacity make this Aukey power bank the perfect accessory for the iPhone 5, iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c and iPhone 6.

8. APC M5 5000mAh Mobile Power Pack

The APC is a simple device. Far from a criticism, this power bank does one job and it does it well: keeping your phone or tablet going all day away from the mains. It doesn't have much in the way of high-end features, and its capacity-pound ratio is a lot lower than some of its rivals, but at £24 we think the M5 is a nice-looking, easily portable power bank that's well worth considering.

7. Aukey 2-in-1 External Battery and Cigarette Lighter

Aukey's 2-in-1 External Battery and Cigarette Lighter is a cool gadget for smartphone carrying smokers. Even if you've ditched that dirty habit this fast-charging power bank is easily pocketable and offers great value, given the amount of power it provides.

6. TP-Link TL-PB10400 10400mAh Power Bank

The TP-Link TL-PB10400 is a great-value power bank that has enough capacity to keep both your phone and tablet running away from the mains, while still being sufficiently portable to throw in a bag. Lumsing's alternative is cheaper, and you may prefer its design, but this TP-Link will refill its own battery faster, it's better at showing how much capacity remains, and it includes an LED torch. Both will make great travel companions.

5. Lumsing 10400mAh Power Bank

At £17.99 the Lumsing Power Bank is a fantastic buy, able to keep all your devices going several days away from the mains. If you're planning a camping trip or going to a festival, take the Power Bank with you.

4. Intocircuit PowerMini 3000 Power Bank

If you need a truly portable power bank for daily top ups, you won't find a better deal than this Intocircuit PowerMini 3000 Power Bank. Cheap, well built, easily pocketable and with enough capacity to fill most smartphones once, the only drawback is in remembering to recharge the power bank itself after each use.

3. Intocircuit Power Castle 11200

Intocircuit's Power Castle 11200 is extraordinary at this price for offering an LCD display, useful capacity, auto-on/-off and passthrough charging. It offers slightly more capacity than its closest rivals, but it will take longer to refill its own battery. Highly recommended.

2. Anker Astro Mini 3200mAh

Anker's Astro Mini is an extremely useful power bank, both pocketable and pretty, and able to offer your smartphone a full charge away from the mains. At this price we can't fault it. Recommended.

1. Zendure A2

Zendure's A2 is the best power bank we've seen, mixing great value, build and portability with useful capacity. This portable phone- and tablet charger just shot straight to the top of our power banks chart.

Share to:

Post a Comment

  1. UnknownJune 13, 2015 at 10:11 AM

    Feye power banks are attractively designed to makes it too stylish to suit your life style and pocket. Designs are available in different colors i.e. in blue, pink, purple and black to pick up the favorites one. Some has built in LED battery level indicator as well as charging point to indicate you about the charging status of your devices. Its extra USB slot ensures to make it compatible with almost all types of devices with their charging cable.
    --------------------
    10000mAh Power Bank

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownJune 13, 2015 at 10:12 AM

    The Mobile back covers are the best protective mobile accessories to protect the mobile phone from scratches and external damages. Similarly, if in the case the mobile falls down, the back cover will help it to protect from the damage and keep it to be the scratch proof and damage proof.
    -----------------
    Mobile Back Cover

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownJanuary 30, 2017 at 2:05 PM

    Best Offer on COOLNUT Power Bank 20000mAh
    Get Up to 50% off on Mobile Accessories .......
    Get Offer Now : Power Bank 20000mAh

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)
 
Top