With laptops and ultrabooks becoming even more lightweight and powerful, most users prefer using their computers on the go. In fact, these days one can even play games on the go with handheld consoles or thin and light gaming laptops. That said, these portable devices often come with slimmer batteries, which is why power banks are needed.
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Power banks for smartphones have been around for a very long time now. But when it comes to laptops, a power bank needs to have a much faster output wattage and a larger capacity, at the very least. Also, depending on the user’s needs, the design of the laptop power bank can vary. Some may prioritize a high-capacity power bank to last through long trips, while others might look for a lightweight and compact option to fit in their bag easily.
For those of you who are on the hunt for the best power bank for their laptops, this guide has the best options listed. From budget-friendly options to high-capacity giants, this guide has got all the bases covered. Whether a user is a frequent traveler, a student, or a professional always on the go, there’s a perfect power bank waiting to keep their laptop running smoothly.
How to Choose the Right Laptop Power Bank
Selecting the perfect power bank for your laptop can be a tedious task, especially with all the options available on the market. While Game Rant’s list does highlight the best laptop power banks in various categories, here are some key factors to consider when choosing a laptop power bank for one’s specific needs.
Capacity
The capacity of a power bank, measured in milliampere-hours (mAh), determines how much charge it can hold. For laptops, a higher capacity is generally better, as it ensures multiple charges. Users should look for power banks with at least 20,000mAh to get sufficient power for their laptops and other devices. A higher capacity is particularly beneficial for long trips or situations where access to power outlets is limited.
Output Power
The output power, measured in watts (W), affects how quickly a power bank can charge a laptop. Laptops typically require a higher output, so users should look for power banks with at least 45W output. For faster charging, consider power banks with 60W or even higher output. This ensures that laptops charge efficiently and quickly, saving time, especially during busy schedules. That said, do keep in mind to ensure that your laptop supports faster charging over USB-C.
Some gaming laptops do come with support for USB-C charging, but cannot run at their full potential without a proper AC charger. Make sure to check for the same before opting for a laptop power bank.
Portability
The next thing to keep in mind is portability, which is crucial for users who are always on the move. A compact and lightweight power bank is easier to carry in a bag or backpack. On the other hand, high-capacity power banks tend to be bulkier, but they enable one to charge their laptop multiple times. Consider the balance between capacity and portability based on individual needs.
Number of Ports
Apart from the laptop, one can use the power bank to charge other devices too. On top of that, some laptop power banks also support fast power delivery to multiple devices simultaneously. One should ideally look for power banks with multiple USB-C and USB-A ports. That said, make sure to check the product descriptions to see how the power output would be distributed among the ports on board.
The Anker 737 offers excellent value for money, thanks to a massive 24,000mAh battery capacity, and still being light on the pocket. This capacity translates to roughly two full charges for most laptops and several charges for smartphones and tablets. As for the power output, the Anker 737 comes with dual USB-C ports that can deliver up to 140W of power. These can be used to charge all laptops with support for USB Power Delivery at super-fast speeds too. Additionally, there’s a USB-A port with 18W of max output as well to help charge smartphones, tablets, or wearables like smartwatches or headphones.
In addition to its power, the Anker 737 features a sleek and durable design that can withstand the rigors of daily use. Plus, it has a convenient built-in display that shows the remaining battery level, so the user is always in control. On top of that, it also boasts advanced safety features, such as temperature control and short-circuit protection, ensuring that users’ devices are charged safely and efficiently.
When it comes to carrying a laptop, most consumers either use a laptop backpack or a slimmer laptop sleeve. In either case, the Baseus Blade 2 is the perfect choice for users who don’t want to opt for thick bricks in the form of power banks. Despite packing a 12,000mAh capacity, this power bank is compact and lightweight. One can carry it in their backpack, handbag, or even their laptop sleeve. In fact, with a thickness of 7.3mm, the Blade 2 is slimmer than an iPhone 15 Pro.
In terms of charging, the Baseus Blade 2 comes with 65W of fast charging, which is great for quickly juicing up modern laptops and ultrabooks. To monitor things, Baseus includes a smart LED display, which provides real-time information on the battery status, input and output power, and remaining charge time. Alternatively, one can even use the company’s companion app with the power bank to set low power mode, timer activation, countdown shutdown, and more.
It’s worth noting that Baseus also has the Blade HD on offer, which costs the same, but is slightly thicker. That said, it does offer a peak output of 100W, and packs in a bigger 20,000mAh battery capacity. While it’s not the best option for users that carry laptops in a sleeve, it should work well for laptop backpack or briefcase users.
The Ugreen 145W 25,000mAh Power Bank is an excellent choice for MacBook users who need a reliable and high-capacity power source. The power bank has been tested to be fully compatible with newer MacBooks that support USB Power Delivery. With support for both PD 3.1 and Quick Charge 3.0, this power bank can deliver a peak of 140W, which can juice up a 16-inch Macbook Pro to 56% in just 30 mins.
The power bank comes with dual USB-C ports, which, when used simultaneously, deliver 100W and 45W respectively, offering a 145W combined output. The power bank also has a USB-A port for fast charging up to 22.5W, which is faster than other power banks that top out at 18W. On top of that, the 25,000mAh capacity provides ample power for multiple charges, making it ideal for long trips or extended work sessions.