All About Portable Battery Chargers & Battery Packs

If you own a mobile phone, tablet, or any USB-powered device, the chances are strong that you need a portable battery pack. They work like extra batteries; you simply plug in your device when it needs a charge. Power banks are a useful accessory to have if you're traveling or constantly on the go. Just like USB car chargers, some models come with only one USB port, while others offer multiple charging ports.

What's the Ideal Weight and Size for a Power Bank?

Lighter battery pack chargers are a better choice for powering mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. A convenient alternative to USB wall chargers, they're small enough to fit in a bag, purse, or even a pocket. However, portable battery banks designed for laptops are large, and sometimes heavy, which might limit your options. If you plan to buy a battery bank for your laptop, you may need a bag to carry it.

Determining the Right Power Bank Capacity

Start by checking the battery of the device you wish to charge. Portable power packs measure their capacity in milliamps per hour (mAh), and the higher the figure, the larger the capacity. For instance, if you have a mobile phone with a 1000mAh battery, then a power bank with a capacity of 3000mAh should be able to charge it at least twice, while a power bank with a capacity of 6000mAh will provide double that. For chargers with multiple ports, make sure you are accounting for the total charge needs of your devices. For example, if you plan to charge a tablet and smartphone at the same time, be sure to choose a charger that gives you enough juice.

How Long Do Portable Power Banks Take to Charge?

Not all power banks support fast charging. You can identify the speed at which a battery pack will charge by checking its amp/watt reading. If you intend to charge multiple devices, choose power banks with a higher wattage rating. While the exact speeds vary with different models, the following is a breakdown of how long it might take to charge a smartphone or tablet using a power bank based on its power rating.

• 1 amp/5-watt battery bank charges a tablet or smartphone at a slow speed
• 2.4 amp/12-watt battery bank charges one smartphone at a fast speed, and two smartphones at slower speeds
• 3.4 amp/17-watt battery bank charges a tablet and smartphone (or two smartphones) at the fastest speed
• 4.8 amp/24-watt battery bank charges two tablets at the fastest speed

Keep your devices powered while on the go. Search through the wide selection of mobile device power options offered at B&H Photo and Video to find your ideal pick.