Power Bank 2025: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right One (mAh, Wh, PD, Airplane)

In 2025, the external battery (power bank) has become the essential accessory for keeping your smartphone, headphones, and even your laptop powered up everywhere. But between mAh , Wh , watts, USB-C / PD / PPS / QC acronyms, and airplane rules, it's easy to get lost. This guide gives you everything you need to choose the right one, with concrete advice, a comparison by use, and a final checklist.

mAh vs Wh: Understanding real-life battery life

The capacity of a power bank is often displayed in mAh (milliampere-hours). To compare with transport regulations (airplane) and estimate the energy actually available, mAh is converted to Wh (watt-hours) using the formula:

Wh = (mAh × V) / 1000 — with V the nominal voltage of the battery (often ~3.7 V for Li-ion cells).

• 10,000 mAh → 10,000 × 3.7 / 1000 ≈ 37 Wh .
• 20,000 mAh → 20,000 × 3.7 / 1000 ≈ 74 Wh .
• 30,000 mAh → 30,000 × 3.7 / 1000 ≈ 111 Wh .

The higher the Wh value, the more total energy you will have to charge your devices. Note: actual battery life depends on losses (conversion, heat, cables) and how you use the power bank (fast charging sends more power, therefore generates more losses).

Which capacity should you choose depending on the use?

• Daily / urban (1–2 smartphone charges): 5,000–10,000 mAh.
• Weekend / pro (2–4 smartphone charges, light tablet): 10,000–20,000 mAh.
• Long trip / laptop (PC, MacBook, Switch): 20,000–30,000+ mAh (check wattage).

Power & Speeds: USB-C, PD 3.1, PPS, QC

The output power (expressed in watts, W) determines the charging speed and which devices you can power. The modern standard is USB-C with USB Power Delivery (PD) . PD revision 3.1 allows power outputs up to 240 W with compatible cables, while previous versions were limited to 100 W. In practice, most consumer power banks target 20–65 W (smartphones/tablets) and 65–140 W (some compatible laptops).

On the high-end Android side (including Samsung), PPS (Programmable Power Supply) technology dynamically adjusts voltage and current to optimize charging and limit heating, when the phone supports it. You'll also sometimes see QC (Quick Charge), more associated with certain models and ecosystems. Note: for the broadest and future-proof compatibility, USB-C + PD remains the standard, and PPS is a big plus for many recent Android smartphones.

Quick reference points (for information purposes only)

• iPhone / Android : 20–30 W already provides a very comfortable charge.
• Tablets : 30–45 W are good.
• USB-C laptops : Aim for 65–100W minimum for stable use; 140W if your model requires it.

Use case: iPhone, Samsung/Android, laptop, Switch

iPhone (USB-C cable, MagSafe/Qi2)

For recent iPhones, choose a 20–30W USB-C power bank and, if you want convenience, a MagSafe/Qi2 compatible magnetic version for back mounting. Wired charging remains more efficient (less loss) and faster than wireless charging.

Samsung & Android (PPS)

If your Android smartphone supports PPS , aim for a USB-C PD powerbank with PPS rating (e.g. 5–11V in fine steps), in order to obtain a more stable and potentially faster charge, with better controlled heating.

USB-C Laptops

Check the wattage requirements of your PC/Mac (e.g. 65W, 100W, 140W). Choose a USB-C PD power bank with an equal or higher output . On MacBooks and many modern PCs, 65–100W covers the essentials (office, web). For heavy loads (editing, 3D), the power bank can slow down the discharge but not always replace the dedicated power adapter.

Nintendo Switch & portable consoles

An 18–30W USB-C output is sufficient for gaming while charging. Choose a quality USB-C cable (e-marked if 5A) and a certified power bank.

Aircraft & Safety: Rules, Limits and Best Practices

Power banks contain lithium-ion batteries. In passenger air transport, they are only permitted in cabin baggage (never in the hold). The most common limits relate to energy in Wh :

• ≤ 100 Wh : generally permitted without specific approval.
• 100–160 Wh : permitted with company approval (often limited to two units).
• > 160 Wh : prohibited on passenger aircraft.

Always protect the terminals (avoid metal objects), avoid shocks/crushing, and never use a damaged or swollen power bank. If a battery overheats, notify the crew immediately.

Useful advanced features

• Pass-through : Charges the power bank and a device at the same time (practical in hotels/trains). For occasional use.
• Low-current mode : “low current” mode for headphones/watches (avoids cuts).
• % / power display : LED screen or precise indicator to manage your day.
• Multi-ports : simultaneous USB-C + USB-A, convenient for phone + accessories.
• Wireless charging : magnetic (comfort), but less efficient than wired.

Comparative table by need

Use	Recommended capacity	Recommended power	Key assets	Where to buy
Compact Daily	5,000–10,000 mAh (≈18–37 Wh)	20–30 W	Lightweight, pocket/mini bag	External batteries
Weekend / pro	10,000–20,000 mAh (≈37–74 Wh)	30–45 W	2–4 smartphone recharges	External batteries
USB-C Laptop	20,000–30,000+ mAh (≈74–111 Wh)	65–100–140 W	5A e-marker cable recommended	External batteries
Outdoor / trek	10,000–20,000 mAh	20–30 W	Waterproof, shockproof, solar powered as an extra	Solar batteries

Quick Buying Tips

1. Prioritizes USB-C PD (maximum compatibility). PPS = bonus for Android.
2. Calibrates power according to the most demanding device (smartphone vs laptop).
3. Look at the Wh if you travel by plane (≤100 Wh = easy).
4. Choose good cables (e-marker for 100–140 W).
5. Prioritizes safety : BMS protections, CE/RoHS standards, UN38.3 test.

FAQ

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