How big is a portable power bank

The capacity of a power bank is measured in milliampere-hours (mAh). In simple terms, a higher mAh means the power bank can hold more charge. Here's a basic breakdown: 5,000 mAh – Charges most smartphones about once. 10,000 mAh – Enough to charge a smartphone twice or a small tablet once.

Power banks are available in a wide range of capacities, from as little as 1000 mAh to as much as 50,000 mAh or more. However, it's worth noting that as the mAh capacity of a power bank increases, so does its physical size and weight– which can be a serious detriment in the backcountry or while traveling. Bigger is not always better!

Larger-capacity power banks tend to be bigger and heavier. Here's a quick guide: 5,000–10,000 mAh – Usually slim and light, good for everyday carry. 20,000 mAh or more – Bulkier but useful if you need lots of power. If you're carrying it in your bag or pocket daily, choose a smaller, lighter option.

Another new-age power bank like the Anker 737 — which has a capacity of 24,000 mAh — has a compact shape and weighs around 1.4 pounds. Besides that, it has USB-C fast charging ports. Note that conventional heavy-duty power banks take a long time to charge fully.

So you want a power bank with fast, efficient charging technology. Capacity is measured in milliampere hours (mAh). The higher the number the greater the capacity and the more devices you can charge before the power bank's Lithium-ion battery needs its own charge. Speed is measured in watts (w).

A power bank is a handy backup battery that lets you charge your devices when you're away from a wall socket. But with so many options out there, picking the right one can be confusing. Here's a simple guide to understanding power bank specs and finding the right one for you. 1. Capacity (mAh) – How Much Charge It Can Hold