The Best External Batteries 2020 | Reviews and Guide
Our modern aircraft are intensive electricity. The batteries of our smartphones, GPS, electronic cigarettes, watches and other portable connected, all operate on the same model. A Micro-USB, and a power supply lithium. The night headache to optimize – many – connection is however not inevitable, thanks to external batteries.
This is a small device, minimalist, which contains an additional power source. You are charging ahead, and you can always keep with you in case of need.
But beware, not any. Since it is important to select the best external battery in capacity, ergonomics and durability, and match your needs perfectly, we decided at Best Comparison to provide this comparison and buying guide.
We’ll explain the technology that governs and you learn to read the data sheet of an external battery. But before that, we identified the five best external batteries available on the market, their advantages and disadvantages.
Gone, impromptu breakdowns by midday! And as you’ll see, there is no need to ruin, as one might think by walking to the corner Darty. Lithium, it costs more expensive, and an external battery will cost not necessarily more than twenty euros.
Comparison 11 Best External Battery in 2019
AUKEY 20000mAh – The Best 2019 External Battery
Reviews of the portable external battery 20000mAh AUKEY
A universal external battery to double entries, which can never fall bay battery, it tempting? This is what offers Aukey with this model of laptop battery that is intended for Iphone, the Androids devices, and all devices with recharging via USB.
The PB-N36 External Battery proposed small price comes with a micro-USB cable, which will be used to load and recharge other devices. It is also compatible with Lightning cable (Apple), which allows to use the same cable for both your phone for charging the battery and charge your iPhone faster.
It uses the Aipower system, with its load 2.4 A warrants to each of your devices optimum maximum recharge rate. No risk of overheating or short circuit, because the device is equipped with integrated safety features.
As it is light (430g) and compact (15 x 8.3 x 2 cm), you will not struggle to take with you anywhere. So you always have at hand to charge your iPhone, tablet, MP3 or a wireless headset for example. It has a loading capacity of 20,000 mAh, which allows you to charge 100% classic smartphone 5 to 6 times. If we take the example of an S7, a fairly recent model, the battery can be charged 5 times without worry.
And his greatest quality is in its double entry. By providing you with two cables, you can simultaneously charge two devices quickly. Heavy users of digital devices will be met. No more battery failures, tablets that suddenly turn off or Bluetooth speakers that you let go in the middle of a party! With this external battery, you will be safe!
Among small appreciable characteristics, one could note the presence of integrated LED indicators, practical when looking to charge device in the dark, and a system for the automatic shutdown of the external battery when not in use not.
True, it is a little time to fully recharge (8 to 10 hours) but once done, it takes ample time before the next refill either a real default. And when we consider the value for money of this model Aukey external battery, hard to be choosy!
This powerful external battery will be saving for those that often and who does not like moving end up disconnected. With it, it will not happen again! You can charge 2 devices at the same time and so carefree travel.
Poweradd Pilot 2GS 10000mAh – External cheap battery for your mobile phone
Reviews of the portable external battery Poweradd Pilot 2GS
The race for miniaturization of external batteries knows no respite. This is because the compactness is a major criteria for selection. An external battery small with long battery simply has more value than its competitors. That’s why this little business model climbs easily to the top of our comparison.
Design, size and weight
Although this external battery is not the most efficient in terms of autonomy or load speed, it shines with its low price and small size.
With a wingspan of 13.7 × 7.3 × 1.27 and a weight of just 250 grams, it is doing very well. Because even if it is a little larger than some other models, it has many options and benefits.
We particularly appreciated the quality of materials used. It consists of only three parts, a feature that ensures compactness, but also the durability of the device. The central part is made entirely of aluminum, a material known for its strength and comfort from his grip.
features
The first thing to talk about is of course the presence of two USB outputs, which therefore can charge two devices at once. There is also a micro USB input for charging the external battery itself. For that price, you will see, it is impressive enough to have two load spaces.
Poweradd trademark of Four LEDs indicate the remaining battery power to monitor consumption. All components fit on a single wafer, very fine, of the unit.
Autonomy
The capacity of the external battery is 10,000mAh. The use of Lithium Polymer, however, a conversion rate somewhat lower than the Li-ion eg. The actual capacity is about 7,000mAh.
This is a very good value for the price: you will be able to charge most smartphones two to three times. The iPhone 6, for example, has a capacity of 1,810mAh. This external battery can charge an iPhone 6 almost four times.
With regard to the charge rate, the results are less brilliant. Indeed, the battery offers 2.1 amps. If using a single USB port is standard charge rate for most smartphones that do not have the Quick-Load. But if we use the two USB ports, one is limited to one ampere per unit, which divides the charge rate by two.
Conclusion
For a very competitive price, this external battery is excellent to help you out when your phone or other devices are flat. Its construction solid aluminum and the presence of two load ports is an asset when needed, though keep in mind its limitations in terms of amperage.
Kinps – The Best 10000mAh external battery
Reviews of the portable external battery 10000mAh Kinps
The 10 Kinps of 000mAh takes the elements that made the success of most of the good external batteries. But it is far from trivial. Under its classic appearance, it hides a very good performance and undeniable assets.
Design, size and weight
For a great price, the Kinps manages to be small, with a size comparable to that of Poweradd.
Indeed, it measures 12.6 × 6.9 × 1.4 cm, smaller penalty than its competitor in first place with a total weight of 210 grams. To get an idea, it’s about the length of an iPhone 6 & 60 of the width only.
Construction is mainly of aluminum, which is a real asset in sustainability. This material, which leads very little heat, also allows to act as thermal insulation and thus limit the heating of the device during charging.
features
The features are actually quite comparable to Poweradd. It has two USB ports and a micro-USB input. The ability to charge two devices at once is a real plus.
A small power button controls the level of the battery, indicated by four diodes while charging.
Autonomy
With a native capacity of 10,000mAh, this battery hand to a good start. The conversion rate is optimal if one uses one of the two USB ports. He reached 74% or 7,400mAh actually sent to your phone.
It is thus able to fully charge an iPad mini 2 and charge a Samsung Galaxy s7 twice. However, if you plug two devices at the same time, we lose about 1500mAh autonomy. The actual battery capacity drops to below 6000mAh.
The loading speed is also very advantageous with 3.4 amps spread over the two USB ports. This means that unlike Poweradd it has 1.7 ampere per USB output. It remains below the 2.1 amps / unit which are recommended for the ideal load a telephone or an electronic cigarette.
Conclusion
Storage capacity differs a little too much the value displayed when connecting two devices. But the effort that is put into the amperage allows good load speed, even when the external battery powers two phones. A result impressive for a model as compact, which allows him to win second place in our ranking!
RAVPower 22000mAh – A full functionality Powerbank
Reviews of the portable external battery RAVPower 22000 mAh
When it exceeds 10,000mAh is expected of course that it is less compact. But it is better to pass it acquires interesting features. Of course this battery is powerful, and its price is attractive; but it is this last point that allowed him to get a place in our comparison.
Design, size and weight
Strangely, it’s not the size that is impacted by the strong capacity of this battery, but the weight. For if it only measures 16,5x7x2,3cm – an appreciable performance – it does not weigh less than 400 grams.
It is therefore noted that only measures a few centimeters longer than its competitors, although it embarks more than double the capacity. However, it weighs much heavier.
The performance of the manufacturer in terms of size can be explained by an intelligent enough placement of ports and LEDs. Where most everything strives to implement on a slice only, this external battery is more like a USB hub. Downstairs, there are no less than three USB ports to charge, but the LEDs that indicate the charge level are on the front of the battery. The entrance Micro USB, it is located discreetly on the side.
As for the materials used, we regret the absence of metal. All parts are made of plastic, which gives an overall impression of fragility.
features
As we have said, it has three USB charging ports. We shall see, it has the means of its ambitions for technical data!
RAVPower the external battery is also equipped with several safety sensors, comparable to Anker, deemed in the middle. They control the temperature, the load limit and can detect the current circuits.
Autonomy
The native capacity of 22000mAh, but its actual capacity is 18000mAh. The conversion rate is very advantageous! The amperage of this external battery reached 5.8. If you do the math, that’s a great score when connecting two devices. Each of the devices has to 2.4A, which corresponds to fast charge certain phones for example. The third port, however, enjoys only 1A. We reserve the devices to which the load is not very greedy, like the first watches connected for example.
If you do not have appliances with Quick Charge is much simpler. You can load three such phones just under 2A. Now the mAh value, very generous, 18,000 loads a 6 Iphone almost 10 times, and a Samsung Galaxy S7 6 times. Not bad at all !
Conclusion
This external battery provides sufficient amperage for Quick Charge on a port, and has a very large capacity. Its additional features including security, are really admirable in this price range. But if it easily deserves the third place in this ranking, there are some flaws, including its weight and too plastic appearance.
External battery Poweradd Slim 2 – The best compact, shockproof and economic
Reviews of the portable external battery shockproof Poweradd Slim 2
All major brands of external batteries have their mini model. We do not all need to connect multiple devices, and some are looking for a backup battery or auxiliary for small-efficient phones or electronic cigarettes. In this area, it is that of Poweradd we have chosen. And for good reason: it costs less than € 10, and it offers one of the best conversion rate.
Design, size and weight
It is a mini size that we now turn. The cylindrical design may be surprising because it is not common. Most manufacturers prefer a rectangular shape to better fit in the pocket. The advantage of a cylindrical format, it holds better in the hand and it remains compact. This battery has a circumference a little too high to fit comfortably in the pocket, and we probably would have preferred a flat or rectangular.
Slim 2 Poweradd is less than 10cm long 3.3 wide. The weight, he barely exceeds 100 grams. As you can see, spend 10,000mAh to 5,000 may be a good plan if the storage capacity is not the main attraction.
In terms of materials used, there are no surprises. For that price, all parts are plastic. However, we must note a major advantage of the cylindrical format: it allows the battery to take better time. As the unit is very compact and has no vulnerable parts (such as corners for a rectangular format) can be less worried crash or fall.
features
This is a minimalist model: it offers only one USB charging interface and a micro-USB input port. The four LEDs that indicate the charge level are also on the low end.
Autonomy
If one wants to charge a device, it is better to prefer external batteries that have only one USB port. Indeed, the amperage is best put to use. This is also the case Poweradd, which provides an ideal load thanks to its 2.1 amps. It takes however not support the Quick Charge, which often revolves around 2.5A.
Its actual capacity is 3,700mAh, which is enough to charge an iPhone 6 twice and ensure full charge a Samsung Galaxy.
Conclusion
This external battery is an excellent choice for casual use, if you do not count on it to charge more than one device. Its price very low making it an ideal everyday companion, although we would have preferred a slightly more compact design.
Anker Powercore 20100 mAh – The superblock Anker
Reviews of the portable external battery Anker Powercore
Finally, we come to talk about Anker, one of the leaders in terms of connectivity in the world. This is one of the best external batteries available on the market.
Design, size and weight
Few external batteries fail to provide optimum ergonomics when it is held in the hand. Yet the choice of Anker cylindrical and rectangular is excellent. Its size allows it to be both stable when laid flat, to curl up comfortably in the hand, and be slipped into a pocket. Unlike the design Knips example, much flatter, more it gives a sense of solidity. The choice to focus on the thickness rather than width makes an appearance more compact device.
Its size is fairly standard, with a length of 16.5, a width of about 6 and a thickness of 2cm and dust. The weight, he is surprising: over 350 grams on the scale, it is not nothing! It remains lower than comparable batteries, as RAVPower, with less difficulty capacity.
The portability is not the priority of this model, which shines above all by its power and quality of its construction. Like many Anker batteries, setting the density of its components for crashworthiness. The materials used are however mainly plastics. This is a shame, for a battery of search. It is better not to multiply falls on hard floors.
One of the positive elements of this external battery is however the strength of the USB ports. There is nothing more irritating than a port which comes off, moving or poorly holds the cable after a few months of use. The Anker ports have stronger ties: it takes a little more effort to connect to it, but it does not detach easily.
features
Two USB ports and a micro-USB port: for 20,100mAh is an excellent compromise. We will see in the next section if the battery external Anker serves its purpose well, but these features are promising.
On the upper face of the battery, four LED’s indicate the charge level. The only button on the right spine, you can check the battery.
Several safety features are included in this unit. Charging stops automatically when it reaches 100%, which prevents overheating and damage the battery common on poor models.
Autonomy
Unlike competing with large capacity, which rely on the triple-USB, Anker is committed to providing an effective and ideal load. 4.8A, it means that each connected device has 2.4A. Out Quick-Load is the standard speed for the fastest possible charge.
The distribution of amps on both ports allows charging two iPads simultaneously! We prefer a small battery that provides two ports of loading, but also makes them effective as possible.
Regarding the conversion rate, ie the difference between the displayed size and what will actually be sent to your phone, the picture is somewhat mixed. This is actually 14,874mAh one has. It remains considerable, but it is below what could be expected. So we can charge an iPhone 6 eight times, and an iPad Air and a half times.
Conclusion
Two ports to 2.4A, it is a success and the guarantee of an external battery timeless and really helpful. If we add to this a generous mAh value despite the slightly lower conversion rate, an innovative design that focuses on comfort and reliability, it is an external battery that will not disappoint you.
How to choose an external battery?
There are all shapes, all sizes and all abilities. But in the world of mAh, amps and USB ports that multiply, it can be difficult to navigate. What is the external battery the most suitable for its use? How to sort? We decided to help you with this buying guide.
Understand a fact sheet
Several values are displayed on the data sheets external batteries. Above all, we must understand what we mean!
The capacity of a battery is the value milliamp / hour, denoted mAh. This is roughly the amount of energy it can hold. Ideally, choose a battery that can charge at least 2.5 times the device you want to connect to it, and for two reasons. The first is to compensate the conversion rate – which we will discuss later. The second is to continue to use your battery for several years, despite its decline – natural.
The second important value is the amperage. Attention more amperage is not always the sign of a good quality battery. Consult the amperage of the device you want to connect more often, and make sure your battery can provide at least what he needs. The amperage will determine the speed at which the phone can be charged by an external battery. Small electronic devices need 1A. Smartphones, themselves, require between 2.1A to 2.4A minimum to load faster.
The Quick Charge, supported by the Motorola Razr M, the Samsung Galaxy A7, the Nokia 6 and many others, is calculated differently. The Google smartphone, the 2016 Pixel, could support up to 3,33A for example. Quick-load Qualcomm technology it uses 4A, while Apple does require that 2 … is well understood that this is not the amperage to look out, but the voltage. We save you the mathematical formulas for the determination. What is important is that an external battery that does not mention explicitly “Quick-charging” can not provide this service.
This is even more important to know what each brand has its own set of labels and patents supposed to charge your phone faster. With few exceptions, these promises are essentially marketing and do not reflect a true increase in performance. This brings us to the second question.
What are the really important features?
The market for external batteries is very saturated, prompting many manufacturers to stand out with more or less relevant labels. Our advice? Do not be seduced too easily. We searched the features that really are important; and those that we considered perfectly useless.
One of the interesting options it seems, is the LED lamp sometimes included. Is used primarily when an external battery is traveling or moving, the contexts in which a lamp may be useful. One would think that such a feature would drain the battery, but the RAVPower model equipped with the a lamp may operate more than 800 hours when fully charged. Not bad !
In second place, there is the indicator LED battery level. We specified on each model, but little more is not always included. Yet there is nothing more frustrating than thinking its battery charged, only to see the snapping your fingers at the worst time!
Finally, it may be advantageous to keep an eye on the security features. It is important, in particular, that your external battery has an automatic shutdown of the load when it is complete. The first generations were not equipped, and there was a risk of damaging the connected device as well as the external battery.
How to judge the sustainability of an external battery?
There are several ways to ensure that an external battery is not going to break the first shock!
The first is the alloy materials used for the shell. It is of course advisable to avoid the plastic, except for a model very attractive price – less than 10 € – and compact. Aluminum is more expensive, but it is a safe bet for sustainability.
The second is the same shape of the battery. In order to compete in compactness, manufacturers have designed models of finer and more flat. Yet they are more vulnerable as they are likely to beings bent or damaged corners. A design slightly rounded, like Anker or RAVPower are often stronger over time.