➤Comparison / 40 external batteries tested January 2022 🕹

Comparison / 40 external batteries tested January 2022Choosing well: our tests, the key points Thomas Delozier Updated on 29/09/20 at 12:00 am Share:

An accessory that has become the best friend of smartphones and sometimes even tablets, the external battery (also called Power Bank) extends the endurance of mobile products and even adapts more and more to energy innovations.

The advent of smartphones, which have replaced conventional cell phones, has reshuffled the cards of our expectations in terms of autonomy. While we could last more than a week without charging our little Nokia, it has become almost impossible not to take out our charger every day to restore energy to our smart mobiles. Despite batteries whose capacity now regularly exceeds 4000 mAh, smartphones have brought out the market for external batteries. These allow you to recharge your mobile or tablet during the day and leave for several hours of use. A good emergency solution if you stay away from an outlet for several hours.

Many formats of external batteries coexist. From the small 3000 mAh battery for a single charge to the accumulator of more than 20000 mAh allowing several charges, it all depends on what you want. If you are looking to charge several devices at the same time, whether it is a smartphone, tablet or even a laptop, prefer a model with several USB ports. There are now batteries compatible with fast charging technologies to restore energy to your device in a few minutes.

We test about twenty external batteries per year and group them together in our comparison. You can thus make your choice according to the size (to slip into a pocket or a bag), the weight, the number of ports (USB-C, micro USB, etc.), the capacity, the charging speed or still power. With all this information and the results of our lab tests, you can't go wrong with your purchase.

→ A battery problem with your iPhone? iOS 13 may be the cause. Check it out by consulting our partner ZDNet's practical guide.

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What size for what capacity?

The size of a power bank mainly depends on its capacity. If you are looking for a model capable of slipping into a pocket, prefer batteries of less than 6000 mAh. If you choose to carry the powerbank in a larger bag, you can opt for high capacity models at more than 20000 mAh. Obviously, the bigger the battery, the more its weight increases accordingly. A fact not to be overlooked if you go hiking for example. The bigger the battery, the more space it will have to accommodate many USB ports and can charge more than one device at a time.
How many times can I charge my smartphone with an external battery?

To know the number of full charges that can be obtained with an external battery, you must know its real capacity. A real capacity battery of 5000 mAh will be able to recharge a Samsung Galaxy S1,2 (10 mAh) 3400 times or an Apple iPhone XS (1,5 mAh) 2658 times. Bigger 25000 mAh battery will be able to charge Galaxy S10 almost 6 times and iPhone XS more than 7 times.
Can an external battery be compatible with fast charging?

Just like smartphones and tablets, external batteries are sometimes compatible with fast charging technologies. A very practical feature to use since it allows you to stay plugged in for less time, while quickly filling your mobile with energy. Some recent models are for example compatible with the Power Delivery standard. The latter works through a USB type C port and can go up to a power of more than 50 or 60 W. This allows you to quickly charge a phone or tablet, but also compatible laptops. These very fast batteries are also the most expensive. There are many brands of external batteries (Anker, Ravpower, Belkin, Mophie, Xtorm, Samsung…). It is sold in most online stores (Amazon, Darty, Cdiscount, Rue du Commerce, Fnac, Boulanger, etc.).
What types of USB ports are available?

There are a wide variety of USB ports on power banks. From the most classic USB-A to the increasingly widespread USB-C ports, the number of outputs will often depend on the size of the battery. Some models allow multiple devices to be charged simultaneously. There are also batteries with a solar panel, boasting their ability to recharge without a power outlet. It will be better to go your way, the performance of these panels being too weak to recharge a medium-sized battery in less than a week. Also note that the cable corresponding to your mobile (iPhone or other) is not always provided.