Make way for our buying guide for the best external batteries 2022. Every day, we spend several hours using our smartphone. And if manufacturers are making efforts on autonomy, many models are still struggling to last a whole day. If you do not always have a power source at hand, the solution is to opt for an external battery. But how to choose the right road battery? Discover our selection.
Best external batteries: the top models in 2022
Anker Powercore Slim
Anker is one of the most reputable power bank vendors out there. This model is very light and does not take up much space which makes it really practical to use. He counts two ports: a micro USB and a USB-C a choice. It is a compact external battery with LED indicators that indicate the level of charge.
This model incorporates Anker’s exclusive PowerIQ and VoltageBoost technologies. They work together to deliver the fastest possible charge to any device. The trickle-charging mode can also charge low-power devices, such as headphones.
- Capacity: 10,000mAh
- Ports : 1 x micro-USB, 1 x USB-C (input only)
- Dimensions : 140.9 x 6.8 x 1.4mm
- Weight : 212g
Anker Powercore Essential
We continue our selection of the best external batteries 2022 with another model from Anker: the PowerCore Essential. This model offers a power of 20,000 mAh. Just like the PowerCore Slim, it is very light and does not take up much space. There are two USB ports that allow you to efficiently charge two devices at the same time, The USB-C port cannot charge other devices.
Its capacity of 20,000 mAh allows it, for example, to provide more than 5 charges for the iPhone XS, nearly 5 full charges for the Samsung Galaxy S10, more than 3.5 charges for the Huawei P30, and more than 2 charges for the iPad mini 5.
We also find on this model the same exclusive PowerIQ and VoltageBoost technologies from Anker also present on the model that we previously presented. Also in the game and very practical, the trickle-charging mode allows you to also charge low-power devices, such as headphones.
- Capacity: 20,000mAh
- Ports : 1 x micro-USB, 2x USB-A and 1 x USB-C (input only)
- Dimensions : 150.8 x 70.4 x 10.9 centimeters
- Weight : 343g
Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 3 Pro
Very powerful, the Xiaomi Mi 20,000 mAh is one of the most complete batteries, and the best value for money in this selection. It has 2 USB-A ports and 1 USB-C port. Capable of delivering up to 45W via its USB-C port and 18W via USB-A ports (and 15W used simultaneously).
It is ideal for charging smartphones, tablets and also laptops quickly. For example, Xiaomi announces that its battery can recharge: 4.9 times a Samsung Galaxy S10, 6.3 times an Apple iPhone XS, 4.2 times a Xiaomi Redmi Note 7, 2.1 times an iPad Pro 11 inches, and 3.9 times a Nintendo Switch.
With its dimensions of 15.3 x 7.35 x 2.7 cm and its weight of 400 grams, it is not the most compact of the external batteries of our selection. An important element to take into account before making the purchase.
- Capacity: 20,000mAh
- Ports : 1x USB-C, 2x USB-A
- Dimensions : 153.5 x 73.5 x 27.5 centimeters
- Weight : 400g
Apple Magsafe external battery
If you use an iPhone, the official Magsafe compatible external battery can restore several hours of battery life to iPhones from the iPhone 12 generation. Compact and discreet, this wireless external battery offers a capacity of 1460 mAh, which is very modest compared to the wired chargers of the competition. In other words, for example, you will only be able to charge an iPhone 13 mini (2438 mAh battery) from around 0 to 70%.
If you have an iPhone 13 Pro Max, you will only be able to charge it to around 40%. It is certainly limited, but that does not prevent this external battery from assuming its role: to give you several hours of autonomy when you are far from a power source. Its operation is simple: the battery is recharged via the Lightning to USB port. Important clarification: it does not allow wired charging of iPhones.
When the battery is plugged into a power source of 20W or more, it charges your iPhone with 15W of power. When you’re on the go, magnetic charging operates at 5W power.
- Capacity: 1460mAh
- Ports : 1x Lightning
- Dimensions : 96 x 64 x 11.2mm
- Weight : 114g
Anker PowerCore Magnetic 5K
A better Apple MagSafe battery. This is what Anker offers with its PowerCore Magnetic 5K model. This external battery offers a more complete experience by allowing you to charge your iPhone wirelessly via a magnetic hook, like the official Magsafe battery. In addition, the capacity offered here is 5000 mAh. Enough to recharge an iPhone 13 mini fully and almost twice.
For an iPhone 13 Pro Max, you also have enough to take it from 0 to 100%. In addition, the Anker PowerCore Magnetic 5K has a USB-C port which allows you to charge the external battery itself as well as a wired smartphone. This capability is not available with Apple’s MagSafe battery.
- Capacity: 1460mAh
- Ports : 1x USB-C
- Dimensions : 90.3 x 60.2 x 16mm
- Weight : 130g
And what model do you use? Which best suits your habits and needs? Let us know in the comments!
🤔What are the different types of external batteries?
There are two main types of external batteries. Shell batteries, which are intended for the use of a single device, usually a smartphone. They are positioned on the back of the latter and also acts as its name suggests as a protective shell. Their disadvantage is that they can only be used on a specific device.
And there are the so-called classic external batteries. With one or more USB ports (Type-C, USB-A, micro USB) in rectangular or cylindrical shape with capacities ranging from 2500 up to 50,000 mAh. Manufacturers do not pride themselves on charging speeds and some have even invented specific terms and technologies to boast about the efficiency of their batteries.
Size, weight, but also charging frequency and power delivered by the battery you want to buy are the main elements to take into account before choosing an external battery. So, if you want to use it for occasional use, it is better to turn to models with a lower capacity and therefore logically more compact and easy to transport.
On the contrary, if you are going on a trip and intend to bring your devices with you, a battery with a minimum capacity of 10,000 mAh with several USB ports is recommended. Regarding the size and weight, it all depends on where you are going to use your devices.
If you want a smaller footprint, you should logically turn to the most compact models. Some do not sacrifice their performance, however, and offer several USB ports as well as a decent charging capacity (this is the case of the Anker PowerCore Slim).
💰What budget for an external battery?
Entry-level models start at very affordable prices – between 15 and 30 euros. For batteries offering, for example, a sealing certification or a fast charging system, it is necessary to count between 35 and 70 euros. Other high-end models can reach 150 euros. A small investment which in any case will allow you to never run out of battery wherever you are.
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