Best Power Banks
Never run out of battery, get ultra-fast charging and know how to buy the right power bank at the best price
Updated 26 December 2020
Power banks have become an essential companion to ensure devices remain connected at all times. In this guide, we outline what to look for when choosing the best power bank. We cover:
- What you need you know before shopping for a power bank
- What to consider when looking for a power bank
- Four of the Best Power Banks Available in New Zealand Right Now
What you need you know before shopping for a power bank
The specifications printed on the packaging of many power banks can seem overwhelming, to the point of being tempted to ignore them and focus on the unit’s appearance and nothing else. That's a huge mistake. We outline the most common terms (and what they mean), so you can shop for a power bank with confidence:
- Lithium-Ion / Lithium Polymer. Referred to the type of battery used on the power bank. Lithium polymer batteries (Li-Po) are considered lighter and safer but also more expensive. However, the type of battery should not affect your selection.
- Power Bank Rated Capacity. Arguably this is the most important (and most misleading) specification. Due to electrical loses and voltage conversions happening inside the power bank, the actual capacity of the unit is not the “rated capacity” as you might think. Long history short, we strongly suggest you buy a power bank with at least 30% to 35% higher capacity than what you think is necessary. For instance, if your phone has a 5000mAh battery (i.e. Samsung Galaxy) and you want a power bank capable of charging it twice, instead of purchasing a 10000mAh power bank, look for one that is at least 3000mAh.
- Ports. There are so many types of USB ports that its normal feeling confused about it. Some power banks come with the standard USB port most people in New Zealand and the rest of the world know, some come with additional micro-USB, USB-C, or Lightning ports. While it is not a dealbreaker, we would suggest buying a power bank that comes with the same kind of connector used in your phone.
- Power Output. This is an aspect you should pay special attention to. Usually, tablets and other big devices require a power output in excess of 2.1A. Newer devices (including phones) require a power output of 2.4A+ in order to charge.
- Power Input. In simple terms, the higher this value, the faster the power bank will charge.
- Quick Charge. Some Apple and Android devices come with a useful feature called “fast charging” or “quick charging” technologies. Any power bank that features quick charge is likely to be the better of the options.
What to consider when looking for a power bank
To make the process easier to find the ideal power bank, our checklist of key features lets you know what's important when shopping for a power bank. We look at key features, convenience features and safety features.
Key Features
- Rated Capacity: The more, the better. Due to the power conversion issues explained earlier, our suggestion is to buy a unit with the highest capacity you can afford (as long as it also falls within your portability expectations).
- Type Of Battery: Deciding on lithium-polymer vs lithium-ion batteries greatly depends on your budget and safety concerns. As explained above, Li-Po batteries are safer but more expensive than their Li-ion counterparts.
- Number of Ports: Depending on the intended usage of the power bank, you may want a unit with single or plenty of ports. Just keep in mind, more ports translates into heavier and less portable units.
- Power Output: As important as the number of ports and the unit rated capacity is the power output of its ports. A power bank with six 1A ports will be useless if you need to charge a tablet.
- Power Input: A word of caution. Many people forget that power banks also need to be recharged. Look for “quick charge” especially on high-capacity power banks to avoid having to waits 10+ hours for the unit to fully recharge.
​Convenience-related Features
- Portability (Size & Weight): Portability is the key factor in case you intend to carry the power bank with you all the time. However, keep in mind that slimmer power banks offering high-capacity are usually more expensive since they pack higher-density batteries.
- Quick Charge: A must-have feature; fast charging allows you to replenish your device battery up to 50%+ in a matter of minutes instead of hours.
- Wireless Charge: More devices are now supporting this incredibly convenient technology. Depending on your phone and budget, wireless charging is worth considering
- LEDs & Indicators: Don't bother buying a power bank that doesn't have an LED that allows you to check the unit's charge level - you'll be caught out sooner or later by the inconvenience.
- Leads Included: Don’t overlook the “cables included” feature. Depending on your application, a power bank that comes with expensive leads like USB-C leads, for example, can save you money or give you a backup for free.
- Carrying Case: This feature isn't a must-have, but it can be useful to find a power bank that includes a carrying case/pouch to save you buying on separately.
- Aesthetics & Perceived Build Quality: Power banks are as common as phone cases, and their design is important.
​Quality and Safety-related Features
- Safety Features: Top brands offer features that protect both the power bank and your valuable device from short circuits, overcharge, and other issues. These features are known as power-cut or auto-cut.
- Certifications: If safety matter to you, then look for UL (Underwriters Laboratories) or CE (Conformité Européene) certified power banks
- Customer Service: Since power banks are relatively easy to produce (mostly in China), there are hundreds of different brands in New Zealand. Choosing a reputable brand with a local New Zealand presence is always wise should something go wrong later on.
- Warranty: Don’t even consider purchasing a power bank with less than 12 months of warranty
- Price: Last but not least, the price. “You will get what you pay for” goes hand-in-hand with power banks. Units using Lithion Polymer batteries, aluminium cases, and top quality chips will cost you more than cheap units that could explode on you. If you are trying to balance price and quality, top brands deliver a minimum quality.
​Four of the Best Power Banks Available in New Zealand Right Now
Our list below, which is in no particular order, covers the best four power banks available New Zealand-wide. We have selected these based on technology publication reviews, consumer reviews and social media platforms both in New Zealand and, if available, overseas.
No power bank supplier or brand has paid to appear on this list, and MoneyHub.co.nz has no relationship with any power bank supplier or brand below.
No power bank supplier or brand has paid to appear on this list, and MoneyHub.co.nz has no relationship with any power bank supplier or brand below.
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