Who is this for?

Phone-first commuters and event-goers

If you mainly need a phone top-up during a day away from sockets, connector fit and ease of carrying may matter more to you than a large capacity figure.

People charging several devices on a day out

If a phone, earbuds, tablet or another person’s phone may need power, check how many suitable ports are available and what happens to output when they are used together.

USB-C laptop and tablet users

Before relying on a bank for a higher-demand device, confirm that the device accepts USB-C charging and that its required input matches the bank’s intended port and your cable.

What matters when choosing?

Identify the devices and connectors first, then decide which ones must charge together and how long you expect to be away from a socket.

Concern What to check Who this matters to
Phone portability and connector fit Check the phone’s connector, the bank’s dimensions and weight, and whether a built-in plug fits around the phone case. For a commute or event, I want a phone backup that is easy to carry and actually connects to my handset; around 33% of consumers put that need first.
Capacity, ports and shared charging Count the devices and connector types; compare rated capacity, available ports and total output when ports are used together. If several personal devices need power before the next socket, I need enough suitable connections and capacity reserve; roughly 25% of consumers make this their primary concern.
USB-C PD and higher output Confirm the device accepts USB-C charging, then match its input requirement to the bank’s single-port output and the cable rating. When my tablet or laptop needs a particular USB-C input, I cannot choose by connector shape alone; about 25% of consumers prioritise higher-output compatibility.
Wireless convenience Check the phone and bank’s intended Qi or Qi2 arrangement, case compatibility and any wired outputs also needed. If I would rather charge a compatible phone without plugging in a cable, alignment and wireless compatibility come first; around 17% of consumers prioritise that convenience.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Choosing by mAh alone

    Capacity does not tell you whether the connectors fit or how much output remains when several devices charge together. Belkin lists 20W for one active port on its BoostCharge 20K with Display, but 15W total when all its ports are active.

    List the devices and their ports, then compare capacity, individual and shared outputs, dimensions and weight on the exact model.

  • Assuming every USB-C port can charge a laptop

    USB-C describes the connector, not the output available from a particular port. Charging also depends on the laptop’s requirements and the cable; output to one device may change when other ports are in use.

    Check the laptop’s USB-C charging specification against the bank’s documented output for the port you intend to use, including its multi-port allocation.

  • Relying on old flight rules

    The UK Civil Aviation Authority says power banks belong in the cabin, not checked baggage, and advises passengers to check their airline. Carrier conditions differ: British Airways specifies hand-baggage carriage for power banks up to 100Wh, while easyJet limits passengers to two power banks in cabin baggage and prohibits using or recharging them onboard.

    Before flying, check the bank’s Wh marking and the current rules of the operating airline and any connecting carrier.

  • Overlooking model-specific recalls

    The Office for Product Safety and Standards has published recalls affecting specified Anker A1681, A1689 and A1647 units and Belkin BoostCharge USB-C BPB002 and Playa PB0003 units. These notices should not be extended to every bank from either brand.

    Check the exact model and, where relevant, manufacturing details against the GOV.UK product-safety alerts and recalls service. If your unit is covered, stop using it and follow the notice’s instructions.

Relevant brands to consider

Compare the specification of the particular model you are considering, rather than treating a brand name as a guarantee of compatibility or safety.

Anker

Its range includes compact phone banks and higher-output USB-C models. Anker lists 87W shared across three devices and up to 65W for one device on its 20K model with a built-in USB-C cable.

  • The stated single-device and shared outputs give buyers separate figures to compare with their devices’ requirements.
  • The Office for Product Safety and Standards recalled specified A1681, A1689 and A1647 units from identified manufacturing periods; check the exact model and recall details.

UGREEN

Its Nexode 20,000mAh model is listed by UGREEN with 72Wh, two USB-C outputs, one USB-A output and a 100W maximum output.

  • The stated port mix is relevant when several compatible devices need connections.
  • A laptop still needs to accept charging from the chosen USB-C port at the output available under the intended multi-device setup.

Belkin

Its documented phone and tablet banks include an integrated-cable 10K model and a BoostCharge 20K with two USB-C ports and one USB-A port.

  • Integrated-cable and separate-port arrangements offer different ways to match the devices you carry.
  • Belkin states 20W with one port active but 15W total with all ports active on the documented 20K model. The Office for Product Safety and Standards separately recalled the BoostCharge USB-C BPB002 and Playa PB0003 models; check model numbers rather than assuming the notice covers the range.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Common questions

Do I need USB-C Power Delivery for a phone, tablet or laptop?

Not automatically: choose a USB-C Power Delivery bank when the device can use it and the intended port and cable meet that device’s charging requirements. The USB Implementers Forum describes capabilities of the standard, but those are not the output of every bank; check the exact model’s single-port and shared-output figures.

How should I compare a 20,000mAh bank with a smaller one?

Compare the devices you need to charge before the next socket, then examine each bank’s stated capacity alongside its ports, individual and shared outputs, size and weight. A headline mAh figure does not guarantee a particular number of full charges, so do not use it as a substitute for checking device compatibility and charging conditions.

Can I take a power bank on a flight?

The UK Civil Aviation Authority says to carry power banks in the cabin, never in checked luggage, and to check with the airline. Conditions differ by carrier: British Airways specifies hand baggage for power banks up to 100Wh, while easyJet states a maximum of two in cabin baggage and prohibits their use or recharging onboard. Check every operating carrier before travel.

What safety checks matter for a power bank?

Check the exact model number against the GOV.UK product-safety alerts and recalls service, particularly for an older or second-hand bank. The Office for Product Safety and Standards has issued notices for specified Anker A1681, A1689 and A1647 units and for Belkin BoostCharge USB-C BPB002 and Playa PB0003 units; follow the applicable notice rather than assuming an entire brand is affected.