Best power banks 2024: Portable charging for astronomers

The best power banks and power stations are vital for anyone who wants to go out and about on skywatching or astrophotography trips. Stargazing and astrophotography have become power-hungry activities thanks to all the fantastic new technology in the field. From telescopes and cameras to accessories like headlamps, lens heaters, star trackers and even your smartphone, it's easy to get caught out if you don't have a means of giving these devices an extra boost of power when they need it.

There's a whole range of different power bank options out there, so our expert reviewers have narrowed it down to the very best models that feature on this list. As well as power banks, we have also included some of the best power stations at the bottom of the list. These are devices with a huge power capacity that are ideal for anyone who plans to camp out for several days at a time, whether at a festival, living off grid or 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

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Best power banks we recommend 2024

Best power bank overall

Best for capacity: Massive capacity power bank encased in an aluminum shell with an informative OLED screen to boot

Specifications

Capacity: 96.48Wh 26800 mAh
Output ports: USB-C1 / C2: 5V/3A, 9V/3A, 12V/3A, 15V/3A, 20V/3A, 20V/5A, 100W Max; USB-C3 / C4: 5V/3A, 9V/2A, 12V/1.5A, 20W Max
Charging time: 105 minutes
IP rating: None
Weight: 1.25 lbs (565g)

Reasons to buy

+
Upgradable Firmware
+
Real-time OLED screen
+
138W max output

Reasons to avoid

-
On the heavy and bulky side
-
No USB-A ports
-
Fairly expensive
Buy if:

✅ 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.

Don't buy if:

❌ 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.

The bottom line:

🔎 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 OLED screen gives you real-time information about your power usage and remaining charge, meaning you can plan and adapt your setup accordingly.

One downside of this power bank is the lack of a USB-A port. Even though USB-C is becoming more prevalent, many devices still require USB-A charging. Fortunately, Zendure includes a USB-A adapter that can be conveniently stored in the sleek storage case.

Although the initial cost may seem significant, the firmware updates that are promised should ensure that the power bank remains useful and up-to-date in the long run.

The SuperTank Pro 100W has a two-year limited warranty for added peace of mind.

Unfortunately, the Zendure SuperTank Pro has recently been discontinued; so if you're interested in getting one, grab one before they sell out.

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Test Results
AttributesNotes
DesignAluminum casing, durable, looks like a small luggage case
FunctionalitySuper fast charging — less than one hour, charge four devices at once
PerformanceImpressive, can't fault it

Best for portability

Best for portability: A compact, no frills and FAA carry-on-compliant, reliable power bank

Specifications

Capacity: 74Wh/ 20,000 mAh
Output ports: 1 x USB C-PD, 2 x USB A
Charging time: 5 hours by 18W USB C-PD
IP rating: None
Weight: 1 lb (465g)

Reasons to buy

+
Quick Charge 3.0 Protocol (fast charging)
+
Portable and durable
+
Reliable

Reasons to avoid

-
No % charge indicator
-
Multiple cables needed (USB-C to USB-C and USB-A to everything else)
-
No water resistance
Buy if:

✅ 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.

Don't buy if:

❌ 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. Though it's a good indicator, it's not as accurate as seeing the actual figure.

The bottom line:

🔎 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.

BioLite has three versions of the 'Charge' power bank. Here we'll look at the Charge 80 as it is the most powerful with the largest charge capacity.

BioLite is best known for creating affordable and durable products for life outside and off-grid — so it's no surprise the BioLite Charge 80 PD fits this bill. Moreover, we're fully on board with BioLite's mission to provide 20 million people with clean energy and avoid 3 million tons of CO2 emissions by 2025. By purchasing a BioLite power bank, you are, in part, helping with this mission.

It is rugged and simple to use, and in our BioLite Charge PD review, we thought the capacity-to-size ratio was spot on. It has enough capacity to charge multiple devices, multiple times, over a couple of days. It can charge the BioLite HeadLamp 425 (which features on our best headlamps for astrophotography list) approximately 16 times. It is made with a rubberized finish, and the ports are housed in a durable orange plastic casing.

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.

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Test Results
AttributesNotes
DesignSimple, grey and yellow, rounded edges
FunctionalityNot waterproof but robust, small and light
PerformanceGreat, does what you'd need it to inc PD which charges devices three times faster than a 5W charger.

Best value

Explore Scientific 8300mAh Power Bank with Red LED Flashlight

Best value: Made with the astronomer in mind, power your off grid all night skywatching sessions

Specifications

Capacity: 99.6Wh/ 8300 mAh
Output ports: USB Port 5 VDC, 2A 12 VDC, 6A
Charging time: 6 hours max
IP rating: None
Weight: 1.4 lbs (635g)

Reasons to buy

+
Operates in extreme temperatures
+
Designed with astronomers in mind
+
Red LED Flashlight built-in

Reasons to avoid

-
Charge one device at a time
-
Brick-like
-
No cables supplied
Buy if:

✅ You want something that is quick to charge: Whereas some power banks take less than two hours to charge to 100%, this model can take up to six hours.

You'll be using it in extreme temperatures: It can happily operate in temperatures from -4 to 140F (-20 to 60C)

Don't buy if:

❌ You don't need the red light functionality: If you already own a torch or headlamp with a red light, there's no real reason to purchase this over another, higher-capacity power bank.

You want something pocketable: Like the Zendure SuperTank Pro, this power bank is brick-like and pretty heavy. Opter for a lighter model with higher capacity.

The bottom line:

🔎 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.

Designed with the astronomer in mind, the Explore Scientific USB Power Bank with Red LED Flashlight will ensure you have enough power to see your electronic devices through the night. The integrated LED with red cover will ensure you can see through the night too. It won't light up vast areas like some of the best headlamps for stargazing but it will allow you to read star charts or locate knobs and buttons to tweak your astro setup while keeping your valuable night vision intact.

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.

Best for keeping in your car

Best for keeping in your car or camper thanks to its simple, compact design

Specifications

Capacity: 25,000 mAh
Output ports: 2 x USB-C, 1 x USB A
Charging time: 1.5 hours
IP rating: None
Weight: 1.13 lbs (513g)

Reasons to buy

+
Simple design
+
Has both USB-C and USB-A ports
+
FAA carry-on compliant

Reasons to avoid

-
Larger than comparable capacity power banks
-
Heavier than comparable capacity power banks
Buy if:

✅ 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.

Don't buy if:

❌ 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.

The bottom line:

🔎 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.

This is a simple but sleek-looking power bank with some impressively fast charging times. It has a convenient 25000mAh capacity, 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 the best features on this particular power bank is its small digital display. Here, you'll be able to see how much power it has left as an actual number rather than the four lights that are used on some other models. We appreciated how precise this was, and since it displays while devices are charging you can always keep tabs on exactly how much power you're using.

At 20 oz, it's a little weightier than other power banks of a similar capacity, so we found it was best for keeping in your car, tent or camper for powering up devices as you travel. We would have liked to have seen a wireless charging option, particularly since the size of the device would easily allow for this. But if that's not a deal-breaker for you then we would still thoroughly recommend it.

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Test Results
AttributesNotes
DesignProfessional looking — stylish and fuss free with a digital power indicator
FunctionalityUSB-C and USB-A ports are useful, two way charging so you can use it as a charging hub
PerformanceIncredibly fast to charge, real time information is accurate

Best for longer charges

Anker PowerCore+ 26800 with Quick Charge 3.0

Best for longer charges: A premium, colossal capacity power bank

Specifications

Capacity: 26,000 mAh
Output ports: 3 x USB Type A
Charging time: 4 hours
IP rating: None
Weight: 1.3 lbs (591g)

Reasons to buy

+
Huge capacity
+
A good choice for large devices

Reasons to avoid

-
Quite big and bulky
-
Definitely not cheap
-
No IP rating
Buy if:

✅ You want to buy from a well-known and respected brand: Anker is one of America's Leading USB charging brands.

Don't buy if:

❌ You primarily charge USB-C devices/don't want to carry additional adapters or cables: 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. Other models on this list with a similar capacity take around 90 minutes.

The bottom line:

🔎 Anker PowerCore+ 26800 with Quick Charge 3.0: You're guaranteed a product from a well-respected brand that is relatively quick to charge, with the maximum capacity allowed in your flight hand luggage, that intelligently delivers the optimum power to your individual devices.

The Anker PowerCore+ 26800 is one of the more cumbersome power banks in this guide at 7 inches long and 3 inches wide. That said, we are big fans of Anker, and they are one of America's Leading USB Charging Brands. We can happily vouch for the reliability and performance of their products, so if you're not too concerned about having the smallest or lightest power bank, don't let the larger size stop you.

It doesn't offer much in the way of features — there is no flashlight or handwarmer, but it's an extremely high-capacity power bank that can charge three devices at once. 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.

It has ten tiny LEDs that indicate its level of charge and 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

Otterbox Fast Charge Power Pack (15,000mAh)

Best for waterproofing: You can take this fast charging, rugged power bank with you in any weather

Specifications

Capacity: 55.5Wh/ 15,000mAh
Output ports: USB-C, USB-A, Qi Wireless 10W
Charging time: 4 hours approx
IP rating: IP54
Weight: 0.99 lbs (450g)

Reasons to buy

+
Durable with drop protection
+
Limited lifetime warranty
+
Supports wireless charging

Reasons to avoid

-
Heavy for it's size
-
Basic LED power indicator
Buy if:

✅ You want wireless charging: Surprisingly this is the only power bank in this guide that offers wireless charging.

You want something pocketable: This is 500 x 500 x 280 mm so it should fit in your jacket or trouser pocket. Just be mindful that it's still a fairly weighty 450g because of its protective rubber shell.

You want something waterproof: It has an IP54 rating, which means it is totally protected from dust ingress and allows for some water ingress. It isn't submersible, but it would be fine if you accidentally left it out in the rain.

Don't buy if:

❌ You like seeing real-time data: This power bank only has a basic LED indicator.

The bottom line:

🔎 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. It weighs 450g, which is somewhat heavy for its pocketable size, but that is mostly due to its dense, protective rubber shell. It's waterproof and drop-proof, giving the clumsiest or most accident-prone skywatchers peace of mind. The IP54 rating means it is totally protected from dust ingress and allows for some water ingress. No need to worry about the elements.

A basic LED indicator shows when the power bank is charging and when it is fully charged. It ships with a 150mm long USB-A to USB-C cable and delivers up to 18W Fast Charge. There's also an easy alignment QI wireless indicator pad for wireless charge-compatible devices.

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.

Best 3-in-1 device

Celestron ThermoTorch 3 Astro

A handy 3-in-1 power bank, hand warmer and red flashlight for night time adventures

Specifications

Capacity: 3550 mAh
Output ports: 1 x USB Type A
Charging time: 2 hours
IP rating: IPX4
Weight: 10.58 oz (300g)

Reasons to buy

+
Multi-functional
+
Rechargeable (no external batteries)
+
Two year warranty

Reasons to avoid

-
Micro-USB Charging (USB-C preferred)
-
Low capacity power bank
Buy if:

✅ You want to carry as few 'things' as possible: Triple functionality ultimately means you have less kit to take with you — a torch, a hand warmer and a power bank all-in-one.

Don't buy if:

❌ 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 bottom line:

🔎 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.

Another model from Celestron — first and foremost, it's a night vision-preserving red flashlight. However, as with the FireCel MEGA 6, it also operates as a hand warmer and low-capacity power bank.

Despite having a relatively small capacity compared to other models in this list, it has enough power to keep your phone and other small devices charged for a night of stargazing. The hand warmer function provides up to four hours of continuous heat and can be used with the torch simultaneously. 

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

Celestron PowerTank Glow 5000 Red Torch Power Bank

Best compact device: A 2-in-1 red LED flashlight meets 5000 mAh 5V DC power bank

Specifications

Capacity: 25 Wh/ 5000 mAh
Output ports: 1 x USB Type-A
Charging time: 0-3.5 hours
IP rating: IP65
Weight: 6.3 oz (179g)

Reasons to buy

+
Three levels of LED brightness
+
Multi-purpose device

Reasons to avoid

-
Not for seeing anything other than close-up
-
Quite expensive for what it is
Buy if:

✅ You want to carry as few 'things' as possible: Triple functionality ultimately means you have less kit to take with you — a torch, a hand warmer and a power bank all-in-one.

Don't buy if:

❌ 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 bottom line:

🔎 Celestron PowerTank Glow 5000 Red Torch Power Bank: Ultimately for someone who might occasionally have a use for the red light and small capacity power bank. We think it's quite expensive for what it is, but it could suit someone new to astronomy and 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.

It ships with silicone mount straps to attach the device to somewhere useful, like your tripod leg, and it also comes with a wrist strap. It comes with a minimum of 500x charge cycles and has overcharge protection for maximum longevity.

This is a product for a beginner or someone who doesn't need the best of the best kit. It does what it's supposed to do but might have a limited lifespan the more you develop your skywatching prowess.

Best compact power station

Best compact power station: We love this power bank because of its compact size and portability

Specifications

Capacity: 1024Wh
Output ports: 2 AC ports, 2 USB-C ports, 2 USB-A ports, 1 car charger port, 2 DC output ports
Charging time: 50 minutes
IP rating: None
Weight: 24.5 lbs (11.5 kg)

Reasons to buy

+
Great compact size
+
Five-year warranty
+
Quiet operation

Reasons to avoid

-
Fairly expensive
-
LED indicators a little small
Buy if:

✅ You're looking for a happy medium between size and weight and capacity: We think this strikes the perfect balance. It's small and light enough to easily lift in and out of your trunk and doesn't take up too much storage space in your van.
You're planning on going significantly off-grid: With solar-panel charging and a 0% Battery Emergency Mode, the Ugreen Power Roam 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.

Don't buy if:

❌ You want to store or stack things on top of it: Just a small niggle, but having the handle on the top means you can't stack anything on top of it. We only found this when traveling in a small hatchback, and it really wasn't a dealbreaker.

The bottom line:

🔎 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.

This power bank has four buttons and an LCD screen showing details like the remaining battery percentage, input and output levels and remaining charge and discharge times. Conveniently, all this information also shows on your phone with the Ugreen app, and you can operate all the power station's features on there too. We found the app to be very stable and reliable and it never caused us any issues.

We also enjoyed some of the neat additional features on this device. It is equipped with Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS), making it a great backup for your home during power outages, and it can act as a flashlight to keep your campsite light at night as well. Even more useful for camping is its 0% Battery Emergency Mode. This means that even when the battery is showing 0% you can still eke out another seven hours of light and a charge for your smartphone — this is a great safety feature in our eyes!

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Test Results
AttributesNotes
DesignNeat and compact, easily portable. AC outlets are on one end, USB outlets are on the front, built in handle
FunctionalityImpressive app connectivity and control, emergency mode, equipped with uninterrupted power supply
PerformanceQuiet fans, charges in less than one hour using AC

Best power station for max capacity

Best power station for max capacity: This power station will keep all of your devices charged for days

Specifications

Capacity: 2096Wh
Output ports: 6 AC ports, 2 USB-C ports, 1 car charger port, 3 DC output ports
Charging time: To 80% (recommended) in 1 hour
IP rating: None
Weight: 46.5 lbs (21.2kg)

Reasons to buy

+
Perfect for multi-day trips
+
Handy handle and wheels
+
Can be used as an emergency power source

Reasons to avoid

-
Very expensive
-
Heavy
-
No USB-A port
Buy if:

✅ 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. Of course, 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.

Don't buy if:

❌ You need something quiet: When charging or distributing a lot of power, the fans are very loud, likened to an old PC being put through its paces. We wouldn't recommend sleeping in the same room/van as it when it's in use.

The bottom line:

🔎 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 47 lb 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 body is reinforced with a shock-resistant outer shell and it has a reinforced interior. Its optimum operating temperature is between 59°F to 95 °F (15°C to 35°C) but it will still work — but drain quicker — from -4°F to 14°F (-20°C to 40°C). 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.

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Test Results
AttributesNotes
DesignUnique telescopic handle and chunky wheels
Functionality14 outputs — charge everything you need at once
PerformanceFans are very loud but it's exceptionally quick to recharge

Best for emergency power

Huge capacity for off-grid living or use it as an emergency power supply

Specifications

Capacity: 2048Wh
Output ports: 2 USB-C ports, 4 USB- A ports, 4 AC ports, 2 DC ports
Charging time: 80% charge in 53 mins
IP rating: None
Weight: 50.7 lbs (23kg)

Reasons to buy

+
Fast charge
+
Slick app
+
Extendable Capacity

Reasons to avoid

-
Very heavy
-
No wheels
Buy if:

✅ 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.

Don't buy if:

❌ You will be moving it often:  It weighs 50.7lb/23kg, is pretty cumbersome, and doesn't have the luxury of wheels.

The bottom line:

🔎 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.

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Test Results
AttributesNotes
DesignLarge and menacing, flat top is useful
FunctionalityCan be extended to store extra power, its very heavy for transporting around
PerformanceVery 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.

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Tantse Walter
Contributing Writer

Tantse Walter is a photographer and adventurer that's spent seven years facilitating global adventurous expeditions. She loves getting into the nitty-gritty of sourcing and planning trips. Whether that be for astrophotography location scouting, or just for the love of exploration. Tantse enjoys taking creative, bright and bold photos of people, places, animals and the night sky. Tantse’s photos have been purchased by notable companies such as Ford and Cross Country Trains as well as an upcoming book about the songs, rituals and musical history of Capoeira.

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