- The quick list
- Best power bank overall
- Best for portability
- Best value
- Best for keeping in your car
- Best for longer charges
- Best for waterproofing
- Best 3-in-1 device
- Best compact device
- Best compact power station
- Best power station for max capacity
- Best for emergency power
- What to look for
- Best power banks FAQs
- How we test
1. The list in brief ↴
2. Best power bank overall
3. Best for portability
4. Best value
5. Best for keeping in your car
6. Best for longer charges
7. Best for waterproofing
8. Best 3-in-1
9. Best compact device
10. Best compact power station
11. Best power station for max capacity
12. Best for emergency power
13. Best power banks FAQs
14. Best power banks: What to look for
15. How we test
The best power banks (and power stations) have a variety of uses, and if you're the type of person to venture off into the great outdoors, purchasing one could be a very wise choice indeed. Whether you're an astrophotographer who spends a lot of time out in the wild or an adventurer who spends many a night in a tent, having the option to charge or plug in your cameras, phones, headlamps and more can be vital.
Power banks come in many different shapes and sizes. Some are compact enough to fit in your pocket, giving you enough charge to power your phone or your camera in a pinch. Others are huge power stations, boasting enough power to charge a camera — and numerous other devices — 99 times over. What makes the best power bank for you will depend on how you're hoping to use it. The largest power stations can weigh upwards of 50lbs, so if portability is something you're keen on, that's something to keep in mind.
Some of the best power banks on this list do more than simply charge your devices, too. We've included some multi-featured devices, like a torch, hand-warmer and power bank in one, which could come in very handy indeed if you're headed out on a skywatching trip.
Each product comes with different features and it's worth considering what you're looking for in terms of power capacity, portability, waterproofing features and, of course, your own personal budget. We've covered a range of products here, so you're sure to find something to suit your needs and make sure that you never have to cut your trips short because of power.
If you're planning some longer night-time adventures, you may also want to check out our guides to the best stargazing tents and best headlamps to see you through the nights.
The quick list
Best power banks and power stations 2024
Why you can trust Space.com Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test and review products.
A power bank of beauty, the Zendure SuperTank Pro power bank fully charges its 26,800 mAh capacity in under an hour and powers four devices at once.
A reliable power bank that can power laptops for the eco-conscious sky watcher who needs additional charge on-the-go.
Built specifically with astronomers in mind. There is a 12 VDC, 6A telescope power output port as well as a USB-A port. The red light power bank combo is a useful addition to off-grid astronomy sessions.
A professional-looking, quick-to-charge power bank that's also carry-on compliant. Quickly charge three devices at once.
A sophisticated power bank from one of America's favorite USB charging brands.
A pocketable power bank that's tough exterior and rubber coating make it suitable for all-weather adventures. It features Qi 10W wireless charging too which is an added bonus.
Load next 5 products ↴
A multi-functional device that acts as a hand warmer, torch and a power bank to cut down on items needed in your kit bag.
A 2-in-1 red torch meets power bank. Best suited to a beginner or occasional astronomer as, while handy, neither of the functions are exceptional.
A refined little power station that's intuitive and does everything you'd need it to — great for skywatchers, campers and festival goers.
An exceptional, nicely designed power station that is incredibly fast to recharge and easy to maneuver thanks to a telescopic handle and all-terrain wheels.
The huge 2048Wh capacity will easily keep you powered up off grid, but be prepared for a workout when moving it from A to B.
Best power banks we recommend 2024
Best power bank overall
✅ You want to stay up-to-date: You can download the most recent firmware for this power bank, ensuring maximum performance in the future.
✅ You want to see the nitty gritty: The real-time OLED screen shows you exactly what power is entering and leaving the device from or to each of the ports.
❌ You want something compact: This is a reasonably chunky power bank, which isn't surprising given the capacity.
❌ You use mostly USB-A charged devices: Though the SuperTank Pro does come with a USB-A to USB-C adapter, its four ports are geared toward USB-C users.
🔎 Zendure SuperTank Pro 100W: A huge capacity powerbank that provides users with all the information about incoming and outgoing power on an OLED screen. It's carry-on compliant and durable thanks to its anodized aluminium casing.
Zendure is one of the fastest-growing EnergyTech start-ups with a mission to make energy available and accessible.
The vast capacity Zendure SuperTank Pro 100W power bank is about as big as you can legally carry in your hand luggage on a flight. It is encased in anodized aluminum with ABS plastic which gives it a rugged but premium feel, as we discussed in our hands-on Zendure SuperTank Pro 100W review.
The Zendure SuperTank Pro 100W can charge exceptionally fast, taking only 105 minutes in lab conditions. This makes it an ideal choice if you're looking for a quick solution before embarking on a spontaneous night of stargazing. With a total output of 138W, you can power four devices simultaneously, including your smartphone, headtorch, star tracker, and lens warmer. Amazing.
The built-in OLED screen of the SuperTank Pro is very helpful as it provides real-time information about the power you're currently using — and it'll also keep you informed on how much charge is left in the bank. It's always helpful to know so you can plan what you can and can't charge.
Annoyingly, however, there's no USB-A port on this power bank. It does have USB-C, but with many devices still requiring USB-A, it would have been nice to be able to plug those in directly to the device. Not all is lost, thankfully: Zendure does include a USB-A adapter, which can be stowed away in the storage case for safe keeping.
Although this is an expensive power bank, if you need a lot of power on the go, it's perhaps the best choice on the market. And with promised firmware updates, you have the peace of mind that the device will always stay up-to-date. Even better, it comes with a two-year warranty to cover you against any faults.
Unfortunately, the Zendure SuperTank Pro has recently been discontinued; so if you're interested in getting one, grab one before they sell out.
- Read our full Zendure SuperTank Pro 100W review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Aluminum casing, durable, looks like a small luggage case |
| Functionality | Super fast charging — less than one hour, charge four devices at once |
| Performance | Impressive, can't fault it |
Best for portability
✅ You want something simple: This power bank is simple, portable and reliable, with no fancy screens or other functionality; it just does what it needs to.
✅ You're after Quick Charge 3.0 compatibility: This is required to activate fast charging modes on compatible devices.
❌ You need something waterproof: There is no waterproof rating so it's best you only use it where there's guaranteed to be no water or heavy condensation/moisture.
❌ You want to see the exact level of charge remaining: This power bank utilizes a 4-light LED indicator to show how much percent charge is remaining, so it's not as accurate as seeing the actual figure.
🔎 BioLite Charge PD 20/40/80: A no-fuss, affordable power bank that can be relied on for multiple charges over a couple of nights. We really like BioLite's mission too.
We're big fans of BioLite as a company. This manufacturer of outdoor and off-grid products has a sustainability mission to provide 20 million people with clean energy and to avoid 3 million tons of CO2 emissions by 2025. It's a very noble effort and, by opting for a BioLite product, you're doing your part to help that mission. But that's only one reason we like the BioLite Charge 80: There's also the fact it's just a very neat little power bank.
There are three different versions of BioLite's Charge power bank. They're very similar in specification but we're looking at the Charge 80 since it has the largest capacity. It is rugged and simple to use, and in our BioLite Charge PD review, we remarked that its size-to-capacity ratio felt just about right. It's able to charge multiple devices (and more than once) over a couple of days — and, notably, it can charge the BioLite HeadLamp 425 (which features on our best headlamps for astrophotography list) approximately 16 times.
One of the standout features is the Quick Charge 3.0 Protocol which is needed to activate fast charging modes for compatible devices. It has an LED indicator with four bars that let you know how full the charge is (25%, 50%, 75% or 100%). We don't think an LCD screen showing exact numbers is strictly necessary, so the LED indicator is more than enough.
The Charge PD ships with a USB-A to USB-C cable, but you'll have to supply your own USB-C to USB-C cable or something with multiple ends to be more of a universal fit.
It can operate in temperatures between -20C to 40C, so unless you travel to the most hostile conditions, there shouldn't be any issues, however, you'll need to store it somewhere dry.
- Read our full BioLite Charge PD Series review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Simple, grey and yellow, rounded edges |
| Functionality | Not waterproof but robust, small and light |
| Performance | Great, does what you'd need it to inc PD which charges devices three times faster than a 5W charger. |
Best value
✅ You want the red light functionality: Having a built-in red light is very useful particularly for astrophotographers.
✅ You'll be using it in extreme temperatures: It can happily operate in temperatures from -4 to 140F (-20 to 60C)
❌ You want something pocketable: This power bank is brick-like and pretty heavy. Opt for a lighter model with higher capacity.
❌ You want something that's quick to charge: Some power banks take less than two hours to charge to 100%, but this one can take up to six hours.
🔎 Explore Scientific 8300mAh Power Bank with Red LED Flashlight: If you're heading out for a night of skywatching or astrophotography and require a red light and some backup 'juice', this will serve you well.
For astronomers and astrophotographers, the Explore Scientific USB Power Bank with Red LED Flashlight is a great choice. Not only does it have enough power to see you through the night, but the red flashlight is a nifty integration that will help you maintain your night vision.
Granted, it's not the brightest flashlight and it won't light up whole areas like one of the best headlamps for stargazing would. But as an additional feature to a power bank, it's very useful indeed, whether you're checking star charts or fiddling around with the settings on your camera.
This device is by no means as 'sleek' as some of our other picks. It's covered in a thick layer of rubber armor that keeps out dirt and moisture while shielding the electronics from minor impacts. It can operate in temperatures from -4 to 140F (-20 to 60C), so there's no need to worry about protecting it from extreme temperatures.
The flashlight has a tactile toggle switch that you can use to turn it on and off. It also has a two-point attachment point so you can hang it from a convenient place, like your tripod frame. The five LED indicators show the amount of power it has left so you don't get caught out unexpectedly.
- View our Best headlamps guide for other astro friendly light sources
Best for keeping in your car
✅ You want something carry-on compliant: This is almost the maximum capacity power bank you can take in your hand luggage.
✅ You want something that charges quickly: During our tests, we charged this power bank from 0-100% in just 90 minutes.
✅ You need both USB-C and USB-A ports: This has both, so there is no need to carry an adapter with you.
❌ You want something for carrying around in your backpack: This might not be the ideal power bank for you given that it's on the heavier side.
❌ You want wireless charging: This particular Ugreen model doesn't feature wireless charging; some of their other models do.
🔎 Ugreen 2500mAh Power Bank: We really like this power bank and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it as a simple, elegantly-designed, high-capacity, reliable model.
The Ugreen 25000mAh power bank is a simple but sleek-looking device with some impressively fast charging times. Its capacity is plenty large enough for powering multiple devices while still being under the maximum limit permitted for hand luggage, making it very travel-friendly. You get USB-C and USB-A ports on this device, as well as a USB-C to USB-C cable in the box.
During our Ugreen 25000mAh power bank review we were able to charge the device itself from empty to full in just 1.5 hours, as well as charging a laptop from empty to full in the same amount of time.
The two-way charging featured on this model means that it can both charge and give charge at the same time, making it an ideal charging hub for multiple devices. It also allows for trickle charging and has a built-in surge protector and short circuit protection to give you peace of mind.
One of our favorite features on the Ugreen power bank is the built-in digital display. It lets you see exactly how much power is left in it as an actual number: That means there's no guesstimation involved as there can be with power banks that use light indicators instead. The level of precision is very welcome as it means you're able to keep careful tabs on your power usage, knowing exactly what you can still afford to charge.
One thing to bear in mind is that this power bank is heavier than some other similarly-sized power banks. It's not the best for carrying around with you, then, but it is very useful for keeping in your car or tent for charging devices as you travel. It would have also been nice to see a wireless charging feature, particularly as the Ugreen 25000mAh power bank's size would allow for it, but its absence shouldn't be too much of a deal-breaker.
- Check out our Ugreen 25000mAh power bank review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Professional looking — stylish and fuss free with a digital power indicator |
| Functionality | USB-C and USB-A ports are useful, two way charging so you can use it as a charging hub |
| Performance | Incredibly fast to charge, real time information is accurate |
Best for longer charges
✅ You want to buy from a well-known and respected brand: Anker is one of America's Leading USB charging brands.
❌ You primarily charge USB-C devices: This power bank has three USB-A outputs and takes Micro-USB input.
❌ You need it last minute: It takes around six hours for a full charge.
🔎 Anker PowerCore+ 26800 with Quick Charge 3.0: You're guaranteed a product from a well-respected brand with the maximum capacity allowed in your flight hand luggage, that intelligently delivers the optimum power to your individual devices.
We don't hesitate to recommend products from Anker: It's one of America's leading USB charging brands, so you know you're buying a good quality product that's known to be reliable with good performance. The Anker PowerCore+ 26800 is no different: It might not be the lightest or the smallest power bank on the market, but we can vouch for its quality.
Indeed, the Anker PowerCore+ is one of the more cumbersome devices on our list of the best power banks. At 7 inches long and 3 inches wide, it's rather sizeable particularly if you plan to be carrying it around with you. But if size isn't a factor, don't let that put you off this otherwise excellent power bank.
This is a power bank that doesn't need to pack in extra bells or whistles. It has three USB-A charging ports which you can use to charge your phone, camera or whatever other USB-powered device you need to give juice to. But that's it: There's no built-in hand warmer or useful flashlight. If you're just looking for a solid power bank, though, that shouldn't matter.
It charges from empty to full in just over four hours with a Qualcomm Quick Charge wall charger (but this is to be purchased separately). Using a normal wall charger will take around six hours.
It has intelligent PowerIQ technology which identifies the connected devices and delivers the optimum high-speed charge to all devices. Impressive. Ten tiny LEDs indicate the Anker PowerCore+ 26800's level of charge, and it comes with a no-fuss 18-month warranty.
- Need a camera backpack to carry your kit? Look no further than our handy guide.
Best for waterproofing
✅ You want wireless charging: This is the only power bank in this guide that offers wireless charging.
✅ You want something pocketable: This is 140 x 73 x 22 mm so it should easily fit in your pocket.
✅ You want something waterproof: It has an IP54 rating, which means it isn't submersible, but it would be fine if you accidentally left it out in the rain.
❌ You like seeing real-time data: This power bank only has a basic LED indicator.
🔎 You need to charge your devices multiple times: This is a low-capacity power bank that should be seen as a spare supply of power in case needed, rather than relying on it to keep you powered up.
The Otterbox 15,000mAh (also available as 10,000mAh) is a reliable outdoor companion. With a protective rubber shell, it's very hard-wearing and so it's a great power bank to choose if you're a little accident prone — or if you're off on an adventure that may involve the odd knock or two.
That rubber shell makes it resilient against knocks an an IP54 rating means it's totally protected from dust ingress and allows for some water ingress. It's good for use in most weather conditions, then, and while it obviously isn't fully submersible, the odd splash or a bit of rain isn't anything to worry about.
This is, surprisingly enough, the only device on our list of best power banks that includes wireless charging, so if that's a feature you're keen to have, look no further. It's very handy as it means you don't need to carry around extra wires and cables — providing your devices are wireless charging compatible, of course.
One thing we don't like is that the Otterbox doesn't have a display, which means we don't get an accurate numerical depiction of how much charge remains in the device. Instead, there's a basic LED indicator which lets you know when it's charging and when it's fully charged.
It comes in three colors; Twilight Black, New Blossom Pink and White Sands. The latter two make them easier to see when amongst predominantly black photography gear, or if you're out on an astrophotography shoot in the dark.
- Often out in the rain? Check out the Knog Bilby 400 waterproof headlamp
Best 3-in-1 device
✅ You want to carry as few things as possible: Triple functionality ultimately means you have less kit to take with you.
❌ You need to charge your devices multiple times: This is a low-capacity power bank so it's not going to keep all your gear charged for days at a time.
🔎 Celestron ThermoTorch 3 Astro: A handy multi-functional device for astronomers and astrophotographers. It's small and light, so it can be kept in your pocket to keep your hands warm on night-time adventures and used as and when needed as a red torch or power bank.
There's an awful lot to like about the Celestron ThermoTorch 3 Astro. As its name suggests, it's first and foremost a torch. Not just any torch, though: Coming from Celestron, this is designed with stargazers in mind, and so it features a red light for preserving night vision. But as bonus features, you also get a 3550 mAh power bank and a hand warmer thrown in for good measure.
If you're solely after a power bank, we aren't sure this is the right one for you. At 3,550 mAh, it's barely enough to charge your mobile phone to full, let alone a suite of equipment. But it's a handy amount of charge if you're caught off-guard. With the addition of the red flashlight and handwarmer, however? The Celestron ThermoTorch 3 Astro is practically an astronomer's best friend — and a very handy little tool to have in your equipment.
We particularly like that the hand warmer can be used simultaneously with the flashlight — handy when you're holding the light out in front of you. The hand warmer will provide around four hours of continuous heat on a full charge, too.
The internal battery charges within two hours, so it's ideal for any of those last-minute adventures. There is also a white LED version of this model, so make sure you choose the Astro version for the red light capability. It has a IPX4 rating, which means it can be used on rainy nights — it can withstand light water splashes but cannot be submerged.
Best compact device
✅ You like multiple functions: As well as a power bank, it's a torch, minimizing how much 'stuff' you need to carry.
❌ You need to charge your devices multiple times: This is a low-capacity power bank, so don't rely on it keeping several devices charged.
🔎 Celestron PowerTank Glow 5000 Red Torch Power Bank: A great choice for someone who might occasionally have a use for the red light and small capacity power bank. It's quite expensive for what it is, but it would suit someone new to astronomy who doesn't want to invest in multiple accessories.
As we discussed in our best headlamps buying guide, using a red light as opposed to a white one is essential for maintaining your night vision. While we provide a number of hand-free lighting options in that guide, the fact that this small red LED torch also functions as a 5000mAh power bank makes it a fantastic gift for someone new to astronomy or astrophotography and a useful bit of kit to keep in your bag.
The Celestron PowerTank Glow 5000 comes with a silicone mount strap, so you can attach it somewhere useful like your tripod. There's an extra wrist strap too, so you can keep it firmly attached to your person without the risk of losing it.
However, with only 5000mAh power, it's not the most ideal power bank if you're hoping to charge multiple devices. It's enough to charge your phone once or twice, but you won't get much more than that. But with the torch functionality, too, it's a great item to keep with your astro gear so you can charge something up in a pinch.
We'd recommend the Celestron PowerTank Glow 5000 power bank for a beginner astrophotographer or stargazer. It would make an excellent gift for someone just getting into the hobby who doesn't need a dedicated, high-powered power bank.
- Like travelling light? Check out our guide to the best travel tripods
Best compact power station
✅ You're looking for a happy medium between size, weight and capacity: We think it strikes the perfect balance.
✅ You're planning on going off-grid: With solar-panel charging and a 0% Battery Emergency Mode, it will ensure you have power for any eventuality.
✅ You want something that charges incredibly quickly: It charges to full capacity in less than an hour using AC — ideal for last-minute getaways.
❌ You want to store or stack things on top of it: Having the handle on the top means you can't stack anything on top of it.
🔎 Ugreen Power Roam 1200: This has quickly become our go-to power station. We think it strikes the perfect balance between size and capacity, and it's incredibly fast to charge. It's quieter than other models we have tested too, and the app is slick and responsive.
We were super impressed with this power station and think it offers a great balance between size and weight versus capacity. It's about half the weight of the Zendure SuperBase Pro (see below) and is easy to carry around thanks to its secure integrated handle.
It has a minimalistic and practical look with a simple and intuitive design. In our Ugreen Power Roam 1200 review we found it easy to get to grips with even without reading the instructions, and also found it incredibly fast to charge. On AC it went from 0% to 80% in less than the 50 minutes it claims, and it was relatively fast to charge with solar panels too — ideal for charging up at your campsite during the day when it's sunny.
The Ugreen Power Roam 1200 has four buttons and an LCD screen which provides details like the remaining battery percentage, input/output levels and remaining charge and discharge times. You can also see all of this information on your phone if you've got the Ugreen app set up — and the app also lets you operate all of the power station's features.
There are some very nifty features on this power station, too. We love that it's equipped with Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS), which makes it an ideal back-up power supply in your home if you're prone to power outages. It can also be used as a flashlight to keep your camp or tent lit up during nighttime.
Maybe our favorite thing, though, is the built-in 0% Battery Emergency Mode, which means even when the battery display shows 0% it has another seven hours of light and smartphone charge — a life-saving feature in certain situations.
- Read our full Ugreen PowerRoam 1200 power station review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Neat and compact, easily portable. AC outlets are on one end, USB outlets are on the front, built in handle |
| Functionality | Impressive app connectivity and control, emergency mode, equipped with uninterrupted power supply |
| Performance | Quiet fans, charges in less than one hour using AC |
Best power station for max capacity
✅ You're spending nights off the grid: Depending on what consumption you use, the Zendure SuperBase Pro 2000 should keep you powered up for days. If you have solar panels and it's sunny, you'll have unlimited power.
✅ You'll be taking it to festivals where you need to transport your own luggage: It features a telescopic handle and large industrial-grade wheels. Pack your kit on top and drag it along.
❌ You need something quiet: When charging or distributing a lot of power, the fans are very loud. We wouldn't recommend sleeping in the same room/van as it when it's in use.
🔎 Zendure SuperBase Pro: An excellent power station for getting from A to B. While it is big and heavy, the telescopic handles and chunky wheels make it very easy to maneuver. It is also an excellent emergency power supply for when there are power cuts.
This 47lb power station is a serious piece of equipment with a luggage-inspired design and telescopic and fixed handle mounted on industrial-grade wheels. It has 2096Wh Capacity with 2,000W Output that can be boosted to power up devices that typically need 3000W using the AmpUp feature.
While it's obvious that you can't just throw it in your backpack and hike to a dark sky area, it makes the perfect travel companion for extended off-grid skywatching and camping trips.
This monster can even provide an electric car with enough juice to travel five miles, so you won't have any trouble charging your devices for several days, including laptops, video equipment, drones, mini-fridges, and heaters.
The Zendure SuperBase Pro 2000's body is reinforced with a shock-resistant shell and it also has a reinforced interior. It's not as all-weather reliable as some smaller power banks though: Its optimum operating temperature is between 59°F to 95 °F (15°C to 35°C). It will still work between -4°F to 104°F (-20°C to 40°C), but expect it to drain quicker. It won't accept a charge below freezing and, unsurprisingly, you can't get it wet.
When not used in astronomy and astrophotography, this can be an emergency backup power source in your home. Like the rucksack-friendly SuperTank Pro 100W, this product comes with a Zendure two-year limited warranty.
- Read our full Zendure Superbase Pro power station review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Unique telescopic handle and chunky wheels |
| Functionality | 14 outputs — charge everything you need at once |
| Performance | Fans are very loud but it's exceptionally quick to recharge |
Best for emergency power
✅ It's going to be staying put for long periods of time: This isn't a very travel-friendly power station. It's large and heavy, but would make the perfect emergency power backup.
✅ You want to expand the capacity: If you find yourself needing to store more power, you can add up to two DELTA 2 Max Smart batteries. Store up to a whopping 6144Wh.
❌ You will be moving it often: It weighs 50.7lb/23kg, is pretty cumbersome, and doesn't have the luxury of wheels.
🔎 EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max: Ideal as a backup power solution. If it's going to be staying put in your home or van, it's a great buy that will keep you powered up for days; we actually struggled to drain it during our tests.
This is another huge-capacity power station with fast charging and a reassuring five-year warranty. While it generally retails for less than the Zendure SuperBase Pro, the compromise you'll have to make is on the size and weight.
In our EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max review we found this power station pretty heavy to move around, even with its integrated handles, and it took up a lot of space in the trunk of the car. We feel it would benefit from having wheels like the Zendure does, but we did appreciate having the handles on the side since it made it easy to stack things on top of it. Although not an official use, it also provided a handy extra seat or table to put our laptop on when camping out.
It didn't charge quite as fast as it claimed in our tests, adding 50% to the battery in around 40 minutes on AC. But we were hard pressed to drain this thing of power once it was full, so we find it easy to believe the claims that it will charge your camera 99 times, a drone 39 times or a laptop 26 times over. It can also be expanded with two extra batteries should you feel the need to.
The app was slick, responsive and easy to set up. It shows you exactly how much power is entering and leaving the power station in real time, and you can also customize all your settings here, with the device giving a confirmatory beep every time it actions an instruction.
If you're planning on carrying your power station around a lot, then this 50.7 lb beast might not be the one for you. But we think it would make an excellent source of backup power for your home or to keep in a campervan or car while you're away.
- Read our full EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max power station review
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Design | Large and menacing, flat top is useful |
| Functionality | Can be extended to store extra power, its very heavy for transporting around |
| Performance | Very quick to charge, huge capacity |
Best power banks in 2024: What to look for
With the sheer number of power banks available out there, making a purchasing decision can be overwhelming. We've summarized our advice to help you find the best device for you here.
The first thing you'll need to consider is your budget. The price of power banks can vary widely, with some budget models costing a few dollars and some more premium ones that will set you back over a hundred bucks. Luckily, though, you don't need to spend loads of money to find a reliable piece of kit. We've included devices for every budget in our guide above.
Another important factor when choosing a power bank is its capacity. The capacity of batteries is indicated as XXXX mAh (milliampere/hour). The higher the number, the bigger the capacity — the more power you can draw from it. We've included the capacity of each power bank in this guide so you can easily refer to this measurement.
Usually, power banks with a higher mAh are bigger and bulkier devices. So if you're often on the go and are looking to travel light, it's important to find a good balance dependent on your needs. There are really compact models available to purchase, including some you can attach to your keyring, which we've included in the guide.
Some of the more premium power banks will come with extra features such as a torch or a hand warmer. While these aren't essential to the smooth running of your night time escapades, they may come in handy and can be worth splashing out if you have the budget.
NB — If you're going to be traveling on a plane with your power bank and plan to have it in your hand luggage, it must not exceed the 100Wh (27, 000mAh) limit set by the Federal Aviation Administration.
All of the power banks listed here have been selected as being good value-for-money with features that are especially helpful to astronomers and astrophotographers above anything else. We will review and update this guide often and keep an eye out for discounts and deals to help you save money.
Best power banks Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best power bank?
The Zendure SuperTank Pro 100W is the best power bank overall, which is why we gave it full marks in our full review. It has upgradeable firmware, a 138W output and a real-time OLED screen with current charging readouts and information.
What is the best power station?
The Ugreen Power Roam 1200 is the best power station that we have tested and reviewed. We gave it four and a half stars out of five in our review due to its compact size, five-year warranty and its quiet operation.
Power bank vs power station: What's the difference?
The difference between a power bank and a power station is size and portability. Every bank and station on this list is portable, to a degree, but it depends on its intended use.
Power banks can easily slip into jacket pockets, into a carry bag or be left in the glove box of a vehicle for quick charging when needed. But power stations are much larger, heavier and are better suited to skywatching gatherings where users are staying put for a length of time.
How much capacity do I need from my power bank?
This all depends on its intended charge device/s. A computerized telescope, smartphone and laptop will likely require a power station with a larger battery capacity to power it overnight or for several nights.
Using a manual telescope, camera and phone users can use a power bank which is smaller and lighter.
How we test the best power banks for skywatchers and astrophotographers
To guarantee you're getting honest, up-to-date recommendations on the best power banks to buy, here at Space.com, we make sure to put every power bank through a rigorous review to test each device thoroughly. Each power bank is reviewed based on many aspects, from its construction and design, to how well it functions as a power bank and its performance in the field.
Each power bank is carefully tested by either our expert staff or knowledgeable freelance contributors who know their subject areas in depth. This ensures fair reviewing is backed by personal, hands-on experience with each power bank and is judged based on its price point, class and destined use.
We look at how much capacity each power bank has, how quickly it charges, whether it includes a built-in flashlight, whether there's a red light option for night vision protection, and whether they have in-built hand warming capabilities.
With complete editorial independence, Space.com are here to ensure you get the best buying advice on power banks, whether you should purchase a device or not, making our buying guides and reviews reliable and transparent.
Join our Space Forums to keep talking space on the latest missions, night sky and more! And if you have a news tip, correction or comment, let us know at: community@space.com.
