Compact power banks

Compact power banks are small portable batteries for topping up a smartphone, earbuds or other small gadgets away from a socket. They suit commuters, travellers and anyone who wants a backup in a pocket or bag. Our range includes models from VENTION, DENVER, SANDBERG, ECOFLOW and INTENSO.

Most are slim, single-purpose chargers, with a few solar-capable and multi-port designs among them.

How to choose a compact power bank

Capacity. Capacity is given in mAh or Wh, and it decides how many charges you get. A 5000 mAh model, which is about 18.5 Wh and common in our range, usually gives a typical smartphone roughly one full charge, less once conversion losses are counted. If you need more than a day of backup, look at larger capacities, but expect more weight.

Ports and simultaneous charging. Check which connectors the power bank offers and how many devices it can charge at once. Many compact models in our range charge one device at a time, while some can run two. If you share a power bank with a partner or charge a phone and earbuds together, choose a two-device model.

Recharging the power bank. Most power banks are recharged through USB Type-C, which uses the same cable as many current phones and laptops. Some older or simpler models still use Micro-USB, so check which cable you have to hand. A few models in our range can also take a solar input, which is useful as a top-up outdoors but slow compared with a wall charger.

Device compatibility. Some power banks are designed mainly for smartphones, while others are described as universal and cover tablets, headphones and other USB devices. Check the output and your device's charging requirements, especially if you want fast charging.

Size and travel. A compact power bank should fit in a jacket pocket or small bag without adding noticeable bulk. Models under 100 Wh are generally accepted in hand luggage on flights, but it is always worth checking your airline's rules, and power banks should not go in checked baggage.

Power bank brands we carry

• VENTION: known for cables, adapters and everyday USB accessories, and the largest brand in this category in our range.
• DENVER: a Danish consumer electronics brand with a broad catalogue of affordable gadgets and accessories.
• SANDBERG: a Scandinavian brand focused on computer and mobile accessories for home and office use.
• ECOFLOW: best known for portable power stations and solar generators, which carries over into its portable charging products.
• INTENSO: a German brand known for storage media such as USB sticks and memory cards, alongside power banks.
• UGREEN: known for charging accessories, including multi-port chargers, cables and docks.
• Silicon Power: a storage specialist best known for flash drives, memory cards and SSDs.
• Nitecore: known mainly for tactical flashlights and rechargeable batteries, with a range of outdoor-oriented power banks.

Also in our range: FIXED, Goobay, Tellur and Torras.

Compact power banks: frequently asked questions

What size power bank is best for a smartphone?

A power bank of around 5000 mAh is enough for one extra charge of most smartphones and stays small enough to carry in a pocket. If you often use your phone heavily or travel for long days, a larger capacity will give two or more charges. Larger models are heavier, so the choice is a balance between runtime and portability.

How many times can a 5000 mAh power bank charge a phone?

A 5000 mAh power bank usually charges a typical smartphone about once, sometimes slightly less. Some energy is lost as heat during charging, so the usable capacity is lower than the figure on the label. Phones with large batteries may only reach about 70 to 80 per cent.

Can I take a compact power bank on a plane?

Yes, power banks under 100 Wh are generally allowed in hand luggage, and compact models fall well below that limit. They should not be packed in checked baggage because of the fire risk with lithium batteries. Airline rules can differ, so check yours before you travel.

Which cable do I need to recharge a power bank?

Most current power banks recharge through a USB Type-C port, so a standard USB-C cable is usually all you need. Some simpler models still use Micro-USB, so check the input port before you buy. A few solar-capable models can also recharge from sunlight, although this is slow and best treated as a backup.