Gløde power bank guide
Buying a power bank: which one do you need?
A good power bank keeps your phone, tablet, earbuds, camera or other USB devices alive when you need them. The best choice depends on more than mAh: capacity, wattage, USB-C, weight, safety and how you use it all matter.
Quick advice
Choose 10,000 mAh if you mainly want to charge a phone, earbuds or smartwatch. Choose 20,000 mAh if you use several devices, go away for a weekend or want more reserve.
Check wattage
mAh tells you roughly how much energy is available. Wattage tells you how fast a device can charge. For fast charging, USB-C Power Delivery is often more important than high capacity alone.
Not every power bank is the same
A general fast-charging power bank is ideal for phones and tablets. Heated clothing needs a power bank that matches voltage, connector and runtime demands.
Which capacity suits your use?
Many people automatically choose the largest power bank, but bigger is not always more practical. A 20,000 mAh model is useful in a bag, while a compact 10,000 mAh power bank is often better for daily use.
| Capacity | Suitable for | Best when |
|---|---|---|
| 5,000 mAh | Short emergency top-up for phone or earbuds | You want to travel as light as possible. |
| 10,000 mAh | Phone, smartwatch, earbuds, e-reader | You are on the go daily and want a compact power bank. |
| 20,000 mAh | Several phone charges, tablet, camera, multiple devices | You travel, camp, visit festivals or want extra reserve. |
| More than 20,000 mAh | Long trips, intensive use, some laptops | You accept more weight and check airline rules first. |
What should you check before buying?
| Specification | Why it matters | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| mAh | Indicates nominal capacity. | More mAh means more reserve, but usually more weight. |
| Watts / Power Delivery | Determines charging speed. | For USB-C fast charging, 18W, 20W or higher is useful. |
| Ports | Determines how many devices you can charge. | USB-C input and output are useful; USB-A remains handy for older cables. |
| Weight | Important for daily use. | Choose compact for pockets and handbags, larger for backpacks or emergency kits. |
| Safety | A power bank contains a lithium battery. | Use good cables, avoid extreme heat and avoid unclear no-name models. |
For phones
For a smartphone, 10,000 mAh is usually the most practical choice: enough reserve for a long day without too much bulk.
For travel
For travel, 20,000 mAh is often more comfortable. You can recharge multiple times and spend less time searching for sockets.
For emergency kits
A power bank belongs in a modern emergency kit. Choose 20,000 mAh, recharge it periodically and store it dry at room temperature.
Power bank on a plane
Power banks usually belong in hand luggage, not checked luggage. Airline rules focus on watt-hours (Wh), not just mAh. Many standard power banks up to around 20,000 mAh are within common limits, but always check your airline before departure.
General power bank or power bank for heated clothing?
A general fast-charging power bank is for phones, tablets, earbuds, e-readers and cameras. Heated clothing has different requirements: stable output, suitable connector, voltage and runtime on heat settings. For heated vests, body warmers or jackets, read the dedicated heated clothing guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is 10,000 mAh enough?
For daily use, yes in most cases. It is compact and suitable for topping up a phone, earbuds or smartwatch.
When should I choose 20,000 mAh?
Choose 20,000 mAh for travel, multiple devices, tablets or an emergency kit.
What does fast charging mean?
Fast charging means the power bank can deliver more power through standards such as USB-C Power Delivery. Your device must support it too.
