Best Power Bank for Travel
22th, January 2025
Choosing the Best Power Bank for Your Travel Adventures
Travelling can be thrilling—until your phone runs out of battery at the worst possible moment. Whether you're a frequent flyer or planning that long-awaited trip, staying charged on the go is essential. From phones and tablets to smartwatches and earbuds, your devices need power, and finding it when you're on the road isn't always easy.
This is why choosing the best Power Bank for travel makes a huge difference. With the right Power Bank, you can keep your devices ready to snap photos, book rides, or navigate new places. It means never worrying about low-battery notifications when you need your phone or devices the most.
In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about Power Banks for travel. You'll learn about the best types of Power Banks, key features to look for, and some great options for every type of traveller. Let's get you ready to stay powered up on every adventure.
Why You Need a Power Bank for Travel
Power Banks are one of those travel essentials you might not realise you need until you’re on the go and your battery icon turns red. Here are a few reasons why you shouldn't leave home without one:
1. Keep Devices Charged on Long Journeys: You can keep your smartphone, tablet, and other gadgets powered up all day without the need for a wall charger.
2. Versatile Power Source: With multiple output options, a Power Bank can charge devices such as smartphones, tablets, earbuds, and even cameras.
3. Emergency Power Source: No one likes getting stranded with a dead phone. A Power Bank serves as a backup portable battery pack, giving you that extra boost of power for emergencies or long days out.
4. Convenience on the Go: Finding a power outlet while exploring isn't easy. Having a Power Bank means you can top up your battery whenever you need it.
5. Manage Battery Life: Travelling takes a toll on your phone's battery life—navigation apps, taking photos, streaming—it all drains power quickly. A Power Bank is a handy way to manage this without stress.
Types of Powerbanks
Not all Power Banks are the same. Let’s look at the different types and see which ones are great for travelling:
1. Standard Power Banks: These are the most common and versatile, featuring USB-A and USB-C ports. They typically range from 5,000mAh to 20,000mAh, allowing for multiple charges for smartphones, tablets, and smaller devices.
2. Portable Power Banks: Compact and easy to carry, these Power Banks are the most popular type for travellers. They usually offer up to 5,000mAh, ideal for giving your phone a quick top-up.
3. Wireless Magnetic Power Banks: These support wireless charging for compatible devices, which is great if you don't want to deal with charging cables. Just rest your phone on the Power Bank for an easy charge. It’s like a wireless charger or a charging pad that you can take anywhere.
4. Pass-Through Charging Power Banks: These Power Banks function as portable chargers since they allow you to charge both your device and the Power Bank itself simultaneously.
5. Power Stations: Bigger and with high capacity, these can charge multiple devices, including laptops. They’re bulkier but perfect if you need lots of power on long trips or camping.
6. High-Capacity Power Banks: High-capacity (more than 20,000mAh) Power Banks are ideal for long journeys when you need a few extra charges.
7. Laptop Power Banks: These are specifically designed to charge laptops and higher-power devices. They often support higher wattage and have USB-C Power Delivery (PD) ports, essential for devices that require more power.
8. Power Banks with Built-in Cables: These models include attached cables, so you don’t need to carry extra ones. Some even have multiple cable types, like USB-C, micro USB, and Lightning, for broader compatibility.
9. Quick or Fast-Charging Power Banks: These Power Banks use fast-charging technologies like Quick Charge or USB-C Power Delivery to charge devices more quickly. They’re perfect if you need to recharge your device in a hurry.
What to Consider When Buying a Power Bank for Travel
Choosing a Power Bank isn’t just about grabbing the one with the biggest battery. Let's look at what really matters:
1. Battery Capacity
Battery capacity is measured in mAh (milliampere-hour). For travel, a Power Bank with a capacity between 5,000mAh to 20,000mAh is ideal. A 5,000mAh Power Bank can charge your phone once, but a large capacity model—like those with 20,000 mAh or more—is better for extended trips. The higher the mAh capacity, the more times you can charge your devices before the Power Bank itself needs recharging.
2. Charging Speed
When you're travelling, speed matters. Look for Power Banks with fast-charging capabilities. Faster charging reduces downtime, which is crucial during travel when you may need to recharge quickly between flights or on the go.
3. Wattage
Wattage measures how quickly a Power Bank can supply power. So, higher wattage means faster power delivery to your devices.
A Power Bank with at least 18W can fast-charge smartphones, while higher wattages (up to 65W or more) are necessary to charge tablets and laptops efficiently.
Different devices also require different wattages to charge safely and effectively. Smaller devices like smartphones, earbuds, smartwatches, and Amazon Kindle e-readers generally need lower wattage than laptops. So, if you’re travelling with power-hungry devices like a MacBook Pro or iPad, a high-wattage Power Bank is ideal.
That’s why Cygnett offers Power Banks with varying wattage outputs to accommodate different devices. The VertPWR 25K Laptop Power Bank, for instance, provides a 100W USB-C port, suitable for charging laptops, smartphones, tablets, and gaming devices. Or, if you want to charge multiple devices simultaneously, the ChargeUp Prime 10,000 mAh Power Bank is equipped with a 15W USB-C port and two 12W USB-A ports.
4. Ports and Compatibility
If you prefer wired charging, you need to consider the charging ports that Power Banks are offering. Ports determine compatibility with your gadgets and influence charging efficiency.
Many Cygnett Power Banks, like the ChargeUp Boost Gen4, now include dual ports, combining USB-A and USB-C. This allows you to charge multiple devices with different charging cables and caters to both older gadgets with USB-A ports and newer devices that utilise USB-C cables.
Some Power Banks, however, still feature a traditional USB-A port, as they are widely compatible with most charging cables and older gadgets. But if you have newer devices like the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 or flagship Android phones like the Samsung Galaxy Ultra, you’ll need Power Banks with USB-C ports. New-gen AirPods and Apple watches also now use USB-C for faster and more efficient charging.
If your gadgets still rely on micro USB, you'll need a Power Bank with versatile connector options to avoid carrying multiple cables.
How to Find the Perfect Travel Power Bank for Your Needs
Finding the right Power Bank means balancing a few factors, like size, capacity, and the types of devices you have. Let's break it down further.
1. Size vs. Capacity
Higher-capacity Power Banks may allow you to charge more devices, but they can be bulky. For travel, you want to find the right balance between compact size and capacity.
Look for a Power Bank that can comfortably fit in your bag while still offering enough capacity to keep your devices charged. Ideally, choose one that weighs under 300 grams if portability is a priority. You'll also want to consider the shape—flat Power Banks fit more easily in a backpack or carry-on compared to bulky, cylindrical models. Power banks with built-in cables or features like MagSafe compatibility can also help minimise clutter so you can travel efficiently.
2. How Many Charges You Need
The number of charges depends on the Power Bank’s capacity and your device’s battery. Here's a simple breakdown:
a. 5,000mAh: Up to 1 full phone charge.
b. 10,000mAh: Up to 2.0 phone charges.
c. 20,000mAh: Up to 4-5 phone charges or 1-2 full charges for tablets.
Essentially, the higher your Power Bank’s mAh capacity, the more charges you can get without needing to charge the Power Bank. So, if you’re exploring urban areas with easy access to a wall socket, a 5,000mAh Power Bank should be enough. But for longer trips or multi-day camping trips, go for Power Banks with higher charging capabilities.
3. How Many Devices You Have
Think about how many gadgets you carry. If you're travelling with a smartphone, tablet, smartwatch, and maybe even a camera, you'll want a Power Bank with enough capacity and ports to handle them all.
4. The Types of Devices You Have
Not all devices have the same charging needs. Laptops, for example, require more power compared to a smartwatch or phone. If you're travelling with different types of gear, make sure your Power Bank can supply the appropriate wattage and has the right connectors. Look for models that provide both USB-C for fast charging and USB-A for smaller gadgets.
5. Safety Features
Safety is important, especially when travelling with electronic devices. Look for features like overcharge protection, short-circuit protection, temperature control, and surge protection to ensure your devices stay safe during charging. It's also important to consider Power Banks with advanced safety features like auto shut-off to prevent overcharging once your device is full.
Cygnett Power Banks not only have these safety features but also come with internationally recognised certifications like CE, FCC, and RoHS. These certifications mean that each Power Bank meets strict safety and quality standards, keeping you and your devices safe on the road.
6. Build Quality
When travelling, your Power Bank will likely get tossed around a lot. It may even take an involuntary dip in puddles of water or be buried in several feet of snow. That's why build quality matters.
Make sure to check the specs for durability and opt for durable materials that can take a beating. A solid warranty also gives you peace of mind if anything goes wrong.
7. Other Add-ons
Some Power Banks come with extra features like a MagSafe-compatible system for easy charging, a foldable kickstand to prop your device up, or built-in storage for a charging cable. Consider these extras if they make travelling easier for you.
The Best Portable Chargers for Every Type of Traveller
Different travellers need different Power Banks. Here are our top picks based on your travel style:
Minimalists
If you love to pack light, the Cygnett Boost 5K is perfect. Small, lightweight, and just enough juice for a day’s worth of power—ideal for short trips or everyday use.
Our Magnetic Slim 5K Power Bank is another excellent choice. With a 5,000mAh capacity, it provides sufficient power to charge your phone without adding bulk to your bag. Its compact design and MagSafe compatibility make it ideal for minimalist travellers.
Frequent Flyers
Frequent flyers require a reliable power source for long-haul flights. The Reserve 3rd Generation 20K Power Bank offers a substantial 20,000mAh capacity. It features 30W optimal charging via a USB-C port, keeping all your devices charged throughout your journey. Plus, it’s fully compliant with airline regulations, making it a solid travel buddy.
Outdoor Adventurers
For outdoor enthusiasts, a rugged and durable Power Bank like our Outback 20,000mAh Outdoor Solar Power Bank is ideal. It's designed to withstand outdoor conditions, making it perfect for charging devices like cameras and GPS units while off the grid. Pair it with our 36W Slim Foldable Solar Panel for eco-friendly power on the go.
Practical Tips for Travelling with a Power Bank
Want to make the most out of your Power Bank while travelling? Here are some helpful tips:
1. Carry a Wall Charger: Remember that eventually, your Power Bank will need to be recharged. A compact wall charger keeps your Power Bank ready for the next day.
2. Hand Luggage Only: Always pack your Power Bank in your carry-on luggage. Airlines do not allow Power Banks in checked baggage.
3. Fully Charge Before You Leave: Make sure your Power Bank is fully charged before you head out. That way, you have a full battery ready when you need it most.
4. Bring an Adapter: If you're flying overseas, an adapter can be incredibly handy. Different countries use different plug types. So, if you're flying overseas, an adapter can be incredibly handy.
5. Use Short Cables: Shorter cables save energy and keep things tidy.
6. Use It Efficiently: Turn off devices or use them in power-saving mode while charging to maximise efficiency. Charge devices overnight if you have access to a reliable power source.
7. Protect It from Damage: Use a carrying case or pouch to protect your Power Bank from moisture, dust, and impacts.
8. Keep It Cool: Avoid leaving your Power Bank in direct sunlight, cars, or hot environments to prevent overheating and damage to the battery.
9. Plan for Airport Security: Be ready to show your Power Bank at security checkpoints, as it may need to be screened separately.
10. Bring a Spare Power Bank: For long trips, having a second, fully charged Power Bank ensures backup power if the first one runs out.
11. Use Airplane Mode: When charging smartphones or tablets, turning on aeroplane mode can speed up charging by reducing power consumption.
12. Label Your Power Bank: If travelling with others, label your Power Bank to avoid confusion or loss during group outings.
13. Use Pass-Through Charging at Hotels: If your Power Bank supports pass-through charging, charge both the bank and your device overnight to maximise power for the day.
Power Up Your Next Trip!
A good Power Bank can make all the difference when you travel. Whether you’re a frequent flyer, light packer, or a hiking enthusiast, there’s a Cygnett Power Bank for you. Whether you’re a frequent flyer, light packer, or a hiking enthusiast, there’s a Cygnett Power Bank for you. Check out our range today to find the perfect match for your adventures. Stay powered up and ready for whatever the road brings!
