Powerbanks 10k/20k/30k mAh: the 2025 guide
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Powerbanks 10k/20k/30k mAh : USB-C PD/PPS 20–100 W , multi-ports, plane (Wh), pass-through , solar & wireless - the complete 2025 guide
Need a power bank (external battery) to last a busy day, a weekend without a power outlet, power a USB-C laptop or keep a Nintendo Switch/Steam Deck in tip-top shape? Here's how to choose the right capacity (10k/20k/30k mAh) , the right PD/PPS power (20–100 W) , the right number of ports , and understand airplane rules (Wh), pass-through charging , solar and wireless models. We finish with tables , concrete scenarios and the LymobileShop selection ready for purchase.
1) 10k/20k/30k mAh capacity: what you will really get
Power banks are advertised in mAh , but airplane regulations & true battery life are calculated in Wh (Watt-hour): Wh = (mAh ÷ 1000) × V Most Li-ion cells are ~3.6–3.7 V.
- 10,000 mAh ≈ 37 Wh → 1.5–2.5 charges of a modern smartphone (depending on model/use).
- 20,000 mAh ≈ 74 Wh → 3–5 smartphone charges or 1 iPad/console charge + tel.
- 30,000 mAh ≈ 111 Wh → long weekend, maintaining an ultrabook + phone (see plane below).
Important : You never use 100% of the nominal capacity at 5/9/20 V. There are losses (conversion, cable, heat). Count ~65–85% useful depending on quality/heat/cable.
2) PD/PPS power 20–100 W : smartphones, tablets & laptops
Capacity says “how many times”, power says “ how fast and for what device ”.
- 20–30W : iPhone ~27–30W, Android PD 18–30W, Switch, iPad. Perfect for everyday use.
- 45W PPS : High-end Android (Galaxy/Pixel) “Super Fast” PPS , iPad Pro, Steam Deck/Ally (hold/charge).
- 65 W : ultrabooks/MB Air (45–67 W), iPad + phone simultaneously.
- 100W : Mac/PC ≤100W, demanding hubs/docks, faster charging on the go.
Tip : If you really want to charge a laptop on the go, choose a power bank ≥65 W (ideally 100 W ) and a 100 W USB-C cable (5 A e-marker) .
3) One, two or three ports: USB-C I/O, USB-A & sharing
- USB-C I/O (input/output): The primary port. Marked “C1 100W”, “C2 30W”, etc. C1 often takes priority.
- USB-A : Useful for older cables/gadgets, but often caps (QC/5–18W).
- Sharing : in multi-ports, the power is distributed (e.g. 100 W solo, 65+30 in duo, 65+20+20 in trio). Connect the power-hungry device to C1 .
4) Power bank charging: 18–100 W, time & pass-through charging
The charging speed depends on the input power (Input PD) and your GaN charger .
- Input 18–30 W (10k/20k entry level): 10k ≈ ~2–3 h; 20k ≈ ~4–6 h.
- Input 45–65 W : 20k ≈ ~2–3.5 h; 30k ≈ ~3–4.5 h (depending on yield & curve).
- Input 100 W (high-end 30k): express charging if cells and BMS allow it.
- Pass-through : the power bank charges your devices while recharging . Practical in the office/hotel (avoid leaving it on 24/7).
5) Aircraft & security: Wh , cabin, 100 Wh & 160 Wh
- Cabin required : power banks go in cabin baggage , never in the hold.
- ≤100 Wh : generally accepted without formalities (≈ up to ~27k mAh at 3.7 V).
- 100–160 Wh : often by company agreement (limited in quantity). A 30k at ~111 Wh can fall into this category.
- >160 Wh : prohibited as a passenger.
- Wh display : prefer a power bank that clearly indicates “xx Wh” on the case.
Tip : for peaceful travel, 20k (≈74 Wh) is the best compromise between planes (capacity + simplicity).
6) Wireless & solar : when it’s useful (and the limits)
- MagSafe/Qi2 Wireless (7.5–15W) : Ultra-convenient on a table/plane, but less efficient than wired and more heat. Prefer wired for quick reassembly.
- Integrated solar : good backup in bright light, slow to fully recharge. Ideal for hiking/bivouacking with prolonged exposure.
- Lamp/hanger/IP : on outdoor models, check the waterproofing and shockproofing .
7) Efficiency, cables & heat: why 20k ≠ 20k useful
- DC-DC efficiency : conversion 3.7 V → 5/9/12/20 V = losses (10–30% depending on quality/load).
- Heat : the hotter it is, the lower the power (protection). Ventilate, avoid cushions/direct sunlight.
- Cables : A 3A cable limits to 60W . For 45–100W, use a USB-C 5A e-marker (100/240W).
- Charging curve : Smartphones slow down >~80%. To go fast, charge when you are <50–60%.
- Cells & BMS : favors brands that communicate on safety (CE, OVP/OCP/OTP protections, balancing).
8) Ready scenarios: city, weekend, photo/video, games, laptop
Intensive smartphone (city)
- Powerbank : 10k PD 20–30 W (compact).
- Cable : USB-C 60W 1m (or Lightning ↔ USB-C if needed).
- Result : 1–2 full recharges, fast and light.
Weekend (phone + iPad/console)
- Powerbank : 20k PD 30–45 W (PPS) .
- Cables : 60 W (telephone) + 100 W (iPad/Deck).
- Result : 3–5 phone charges, iPad/console kept in use.
Photo/video (field)
- Powerbank : 20k/30k PD 45–65W (enough to power camera/SSD/screen).
- Plus : 10Gb/s USB-C hub for offloading cards, 100W 1m cable.
Nomadic gaming (Steam Deck/ROG Ally/Switch)
- Powerbank : 20k PD/PPS 45 W (or even 65 W).
- Result : Maintaining charge in play + quick top-up on pause.
USB-C Laptop (≤100W)
- Powerbank : 30k PD 65–100 W.
- Cable : USB-C 100W (5A) .
- Result : real boost when traveling, meeting, train.
Hiking / outdoor
- Powerbank : 20k robust, solar version as a backup, integrated lamp.
- Tip : store in a cool/shaded place; charge slowly but useful when bivouacking.
9) Quick choice tables
9.1 Capacity × uses
| Ability | Wh (≈) | Uses | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10k mAh | ~37 Wh | 1–2 days smartphone | Compact, easy plane |
| 20k mAh | ~74 Wh | Weekend, iPad/console | Best balance plane |
| 30k mAh | ~111 Wh | Laptop + phone, filming | May require company agreement |
9.2 Power × devices
| PD/PPS Power | Typical devices | Recommended cable |
|---|---|---|
| 20–30 W | iPhone/Android, iPad | USB-C 60W |
| 45 W PPS | Galaxy/Pixel, Deck/Ally | USB-C 100W (5A) |
| 65 W | Ultrabook, iPad Pro + hub | USB-C 100W |
| 100 W | Laptop ≤100 W | USB-C 100/240 W |
9.3 Charging the power bank
| Input PD | 10k | 20k | 30k |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18–30 W | ~2–3 h | ~4–6 h | ~7–10 a.m. |
| 45–65 W | ~1.5–2 h | ~2–3.5 h | ~3–4.5 h |
| 100 W | ~1–1.5 h | ~1.5–2.5 h | ~2–3.5 h |
10) Express shopping checklist
- Capacity : 10k (daily), 20k (weekend), 30k (laptop/long shoots).
- Power : 20–30 W (phone), 45 W PPS (Android/console), 65–100 W (laptop).
- Ports : 1–3 (C1 priority), see multi-port distribution .
- Input : 45–100 W = shorter charges.
- Airplane : check the printed Wh (≤100 Wh single; 100–160 Wh on agreement).
- Cables : 60W (telephone), 100W 5A (PPS/laptop), 240W if PD 3.1 elsewhere.
- Options : pass-through , wireless, solar (backup), torch, IP/shock.
- Safety : CE, OTP/OVP/OCP protections, quality cells.
11) LymobileShop Selection (10k/20k/30k, 20–100 W)
10,000 mAh Power Banks — Compact & Fast
- For : urban day, short trips, pocket/bag.
- Power : PD 20–30W (iPhone/Android).
20,000 mAh Power Banks — The Best Balance
- For : weekend, iPad/console + phone.
- Power : PD/PPS 30–45 W (up to 65 W depending on models).
30,000 mAh Power Banks — Laptop & Filming
- For : Mac/PC ≤100 W, creative setups, long trips.
- Power : PD 65–100W, multi-port C1/C2/A.
Wireless & Solar Options
- Wireless : 7.5–15W MagSafe/Qi2 for docking and charging.
- Solar : hiking/bivouac support, lamp & reinforced hull.
Essential accessories
- 60/100/240W USB-C Cables (1–2m, Straight & Angled).
- 45–100 W GaN chargers for fast charging of the power bank.
- USB-C hubs if you're offloading cards/SSDs in the field.
12) Powerbank FAQ
20k or 30k mAh for traveling?
20k (~74 Wh) goes everywhere without formalities. 30k (~111 Wh) may require the company's agreement (limited quantity).
Can a 100W charge an iPhone?
Yes, the power bank fits: the iPhone will take ~27–30W. The 100W reserve is for the laptop and simultaneous charging.
Is PPS useful?
Yes for high-end Android (Galaxy/Pixel): more stable/“colder” charging at 25–45W.
Does pass-through damage the battery?
Not for occasional use. Avoid leaving it plugged in 24/7. Good BMSs manage protections (OTP/OVP/OCP).
Why does my 20k only recharge my phone 2-3 times?
Efficiency/conversion/cable/temperature eat up some of the capacity. This is normal (65–85% usable depending on conditions).
Which cable for 45–100 W?
A 100W USB-C (5A e-marker). A 3A will limit it to 60W even if the power bank can do more.
13) Trust & Services LymobileShop
- Delivery : free in France, fast shipping.
- Payment : secure, several methods to choose from.
- After-sales service : team based in France, capacity/wattage/aircraft advice depending on your usage.
- Returns & Warranty : 14 days to change your mind, 2 year warranty .