Power Banks: Empowering Your Devices on the Go

In today’s fast-paced digital world, we are increasingly reliant on our portable technology – smartphones, tablets, laptops and more. These devices, our constant companions, cater to our needs for communication, entertainment, business, and much more. However, their usefulness is compromised when their batteries are depleted. With the need for these devices to be functional for at least a day, power banks have become an everyday essential. These mobile power sources can easily be carried in a pocket or backpack to provide that much-needed boost when the batteries of your devices are running low on power.

Despite their growing popularity, the concept and functionality of power banks remain a mystery to many. Unfortunately, manufacturers or retailers don’t make much effort to educate customers about this essential gadget. Based on the gadget you own and your usage patterns, there are factors you need to consider when dealing with power banks. Bearing in mind these considerations, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to power banks.

Power Banks – What are they?
Power banks store electrical energy in a built-in Lithium Ion battery and can recharge mobile devices and tablets. To put it simply, they are portable batteries encased in attractive packaging with the capability to control the flow of power. For non-tech savvy users, consider them akin to a monetary bank. They store power like a bank stores money, and when you need to charge a device, you can “withdraw” power from them! As our devices perform more tasks and therefore consume more power, having a potent power bank on hand is more important than ever.

Choosing a Power Bank
Choosing a power bank boils down to your specific needs. If you carry multiple devices with you, then you’ll need a power bank with a larger capacity. Here are some tips to guide you in choosing the best power bank for your needs:

1. Capacity: This is crucial when buying a power bank. Power bank capacity denotes the amount of charge a power bank’s battery can hold, measured in milliamps per hour (mAh). However, during charging, some power is lost in the transfer process. Realistically, the actual capacity of a power bank is around 60% of its stated capacity, and this can be even less for low-quality batteries. Therefore, assess your charging needs before purchasing a power bank. As our charging needs increase, so does the capacity of available power banks. Top-tier power banks can charge a plethora of devices such as laptops, iPads, tablets, and smartphones.

2. Connectors: Pay close attention to the number and type of connectors on a power bank. Opt for one with built-in cables for more convenience.

3. Size: A power bank should be compact and easy to carry around. It shouldn’t be more cumbersome than the device it is charging.

4. Quality: Be wary of power banks that offer a large capacity at a suspiciously low price. Often, these use refurbished batteries and their longevity is questionable. Choose a reputable manufacturer, even if it means a slightly higher price. This enhances the safety of your devices and ensures the power bank functions as advertised.

5. Additional features: Look for power banks with features that protect your devices such as short-circuit and overcharge protections.

6. Certification: Check if the power bank has UL certification. This signifies that it adheres to all the necessary standards and regulations.

This article was updated in 2025 to reflect modern realities.