Chargers & power banks

Chargers and power banks for phones, tablets and laptops: the range covers power banks, wall and USB chargers, car chargers and inverters, charging cables and wireless chargers. It suits commuters, travellers and anyone replacing a lost or slow charger. Leading brands include Belkin, Hama, Baseus, Anker and UGREEN.

How to choose a charger or power bank

Capacity. Power bank capacity is quoted in mAh, and a typical phone battery holds roughly 3,000 to 5,000 mAh. Some energy is lost in conversion, so a 10,000 mAh power bank usually gives two or so full phone charges, not three. Laptops need much larger units, usually measured in Wh.

Charging speed. Check the wattage and the protocol, such as USB Power Delivery or Quick Charge. A phone only charges as fast as it supports, so a high-wattage charger gives no gain with a basic handset. For laptops, match or exceed the wattage of the original adapter.

Ports and cables. USB-C is now standard on most new phones, tablets and laptops, while USB-A remains useful for older devices and accessories. A fast charger needs a cable rated for the same power, so a cheap thin cable can limit the speed. Multi-port chargers share their total output between devices.

Format. Wall chargers suit daily use at home or the office, power banks cover time away from a socket, and car chargers keep a phone topped up on the road. Wireless chargers are convenient on a desk or bedside table, but they charge more slowly and lose more energy than a cable.

Safety. Look for overcharge, overheating and short-circuit protection, and certification marks such as CE. Chargers from known brands are generally tested against these standards, and this matters most for devices you charge overnight.

Brands we carry

• Belkin: known for charging accessories designed around Apple devices, including MagSafe-compatible wireless chargers.
• Hama: a German accessories manufacturer offering chargers, cables and adapters for many device types.
• Baseus: a Chinese brand known for compact GaN chargers, fast-charging cables and power banks.
• Anker: specialises in charging, with a long-running power bank line and small multi-port GaN chargers.
• UGREEN: makes chargers, cables and hubs, and is known for multi-port USB-C chargers for laptops and phones.
• Samsung: supplies original chargers and cables built for Galaxy phones and tablets, with support for their fast charging standards.
• Xiaomi: sells chargers and power banks to go with its phones, and its power banks are common in the budget segment.

Power banks and wall or USB chargers make up most of the range. You will also find car chargers and inverters, charging cables and wireless chargers, plus a handful of phone holders, USB hubs and adapters.

Also in our range: WENTRONIC, SANDBERG, REALPOWER, SBOX and LogiLink.

Frequently asked questions

What size power bank do I need?

For a phone, 10,000 mAh is enough for about two charges and is still easy to carry in a pocket or bag. Choose 20,000 mAh or more if you travel for several days or charge a tablet as well. Laptops need a power bank with a USB-C Power Delivery output of sufficient wattage.

Can I use any charger with my phone?

Most phones will charge from any charger with a matching port, but speed depends on what the phone and charger both support. A charger with more wattage than the phone needs is safe, because the phone only draws what it can handle. For the fastest result, use a charger and cable that support the same standard, such as USB Power Delivery.

What is a GaN charger?

A GaN charger uses gallium nitride instead of silicon in its power components. This lets it run cooler and be smaller than a traditional charger of the same output. Many GaN chargers offer several ports and enough power for a laptop.

Can I take a power bank on a plane?

Yes, but airlines generally require power banks to travel in carry-on luggage, not in checked bags. Many airlines also set a limit of 100 Wh per power bank, which is about 27,000 mAh at typical cell voltage. Check your airline's own rules before you fly.