The best external batteries in the UK 2023

Whether you're on the go, on vacation or just at home, using an external battery prevents you from running out of charge on a smartphone or tablet. For you, we have reviewed the 25 best external batteries of the moment. Rechargeable shell or standard power bank, our guide has what you need.

Anker PowerCore Essential 20000 1
8/10

Best value for money

Anker PowerCore Essential 20000

The best external battery in 2021

The Anker PowerCore Essential 20000 is a high capacity external battery, capable of charging 2 devices simultaneously. This power bank combines quality, security and affordable price.

See price

With its 20,000 mAh capacity, the Anker PowerCore Essential 20000 can charge a smartphone up to 5 times before running out of power. This external battery is equipped with technologies that allow it to adapt to the charging mode required for each device. You can charge 2 devices at the same time. On the safety side, this model benefits from MultiProtect technology, which regulates temperature and current, and protects the battery against power surges.

You can choose between USB type-C or micro-USB to charge this external battery. Its designer shell incorporates a blue LED display to indicate the amount of charge remaining. Despite its high capacity, the weight does not exceed 450 g for a thickness of 1.8 cm. It accompanies you for all your travels to ensure a perfect autonomy of your mobile devices.

Poweradd EnergyCell 2
7/10

Best value for money

Poweradd EnergyCell

The best entry-level external battery

The Poweradd EnergyCell is an external backup battery with an attractive design, very small and light. It offers a fast charging solution and is very discreet. It also has a very affordable price.

See price

Cylindrical in shape, the Poweradd EnergyCell measures 11 cm high and 2.7 cm in diameter. Despite its compactness and its very light weight (99 g), this external battery is not a toy! Not very cumbersome, it finds easily place in a pocket. And the lithium-ion cells have a capacity of 5,000 mAh.

Several safety devices protect it against overloads and voltage irregularities. Almost all smartphone models available on the market can be charged with this Poweradd model. The charge indicator and a circle divided into 4 (25% each time), convenient to know the reserve rate of the battery. Simple, pretty, cheap and discreet, here is a product that you will not do without.

Kilponen 26 800 mAh 3
8/10

Best premium value for money

Kilponen 26 800 mAh

The best high-end external battery

Made by Kilponen, this external battery has an exceptional capacity of 26,800 mAh. It can charge 2 devices at the same time and quickly while accepting most smartphones and tablets on the market.

See price

The first thing that attracts with this external battery is its capacity: 26 800 mAh! You can rarely find better on the market. For vacationers, professionals on the go and social networking enthusiasts, this Kilponen 26 800 mAh is the power bank to have. It has 2 USB ports for simultaneous charging of 2 devices. The 4 LED lights indicate the remaining charge.

Its design and size have been thought to fit in a pocket during transport. The li-ion cells have a protection against overheating, overvoltage and overcharging. The Kilponen 26,800 mAh is compatible with a wide range of smartphones, tablets, portable game consoles and even some laptops. At this price, it's not worth it.

Aukey 20 000 mAh 4
8/10

Pass the buck

Aukey 20 000 mAh

The best all-around external battery

Aukey is one of the most reputable external battery manufacturers on the market. This 20,000 mAh model is no exception with its large capacity and the ability to charge 2 devices at once.

See price

This external battery from Aukey has a capacity of 20,000 mAh. On average, it charges any mobile device 4 times. In addition, it can charge 2 tablets in parallel and quickly. All devices that can be charged or powered via USB are compatible with this external battery.

Various protection systems equip it for more safety against overcharging or overheating, including AirPower technology that regulates the amount of amperage offered. As a result, the amount of output current is always adapted to the device being charged. Despite its 388 g, the Aukey 20,000 mAh can fit in a pocket.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best external battery

Any specific needs?

The best external battery in 2021

The best entry-level external battery

The best high-end external battery

The best all-around external battery

Your guide : Samuel

Rate this buying guide :
4.7/510 votes

By rating this buying guide, you are helping us to reward our best writers. Thank you!

Comparison table of the best external batteries

TOP OF THE LINE CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT
Anker PowerCore Essential 20000 5
8/10
Poweradd EnergyCell 6
7/10
Kilponen 26 800 mAh 7
8/10
Aukey 20 000 mAh 8
8/10
OUR SELECTION
Anker PowerCore Essential 20000
Poweradd EnergyCell
Kilponen 26 800 mAh
Aukey 20 000 mAh
The Anker PowerCore Essential 20000 is a high capacity external battery, capable of charging 2 devices simultaneously. This power bank combines quality, security and affordable price.
The Poweradd EnergyCell is an external backup battery with an attractive design, very small and light. It offers a fast charging solution and is very discreet. It also has a very affordable price.
Made by Kilponen, this external battery has an exceptional capacity of 26,800 mAh. It can charge 2 devices at the same time and quickly while accepting most smartphones and tablets on the market.
Aukey is one of the most reputable external battery manufacturers on the market. This 20,000 mAh model is no exception with its large capacity and the ability to charge 2 devices at once.
Battery life
Capacity
20,000 mAh
5,000 mAh
26,800 mAh
20,000 mAh
Maximum output power
2.4 A
2.4 A
2.1 A
2.4 A
Number of USB ports
2
1
2
2
Weight
350 g
99 g
350 g
388 g

Help us improve this table:
Report an error, request the addition of a feature to the table, or suggest another product. Thank you for your kindness!

Buying guide - external battery

Primary Item (H2)Sub Item 1 (H3)

Why can you trust us?

Why you can trust us
Our mission
How to support us
We do NOT accept any sponsored posts or advertising.

We spend thousands of hours each year studying the major specialized websites, analyzing products of hundreds of brands and reading user feedback to advise you on the best products.

Our mission is to simplify your purchasing decisions.

We are a product review company with a single mission: to simplify your buying decisions. Our research and testing helps millions of people every year find the best products for their personal needs and budget.

We are a small team of geeks and enthusiasts.

To support us you can: use our links to make your purchases (which often earns us a small commission), share our articles on social networks, or recommend our site on your blog. Thanks in advance for your support!

How to choose your external battery

Before you buy your external battery, please consider the following criteria.

#1 - The use

The choice of your power bank will depend mainly on the use to which you predestine it. There are power banks for cell phones (with a medium capacity) and power banks for touch tablets (with a capacity of at least 4,000 mAh).

#2 - Internal battery capacity

The maximum charge of the internal battery is an essential component to take into account when you buy your power bank. Its capacity is expressed, in a general way, in milliampere-hours (mAh). It represents the amount of energy stored. The higher the value on the power bank, the more power it provides and the longer it lasts. For optimal use of the external battery, it is advisable to buy a power bank with a capacity equal to or greater than the device it will charge. It so happens that the latest generation of external batteries usually hold a capacity of 15,000 mAh.

#3 - The charging speed

The power bank should promptly charge the battery of your device. Expressed in amperes, the charge ranges from 1 to 3 amps. The higher the amperage, the faster the battery charges. If your device requires 2 A and your accessory only charges at 1.5 A, the transfer will be slow. So check the current output of your power bank. Choose the one that offers the widest range of compatibility.

#4 - Reloading speed

A

power bank needs to recharge to be functional again. It is therefore imperative that the recharging speed of your external power bank battery is fast. The recharging time depends mainly on the capacity of the battery and the current accepted at the accessory's input. The higher these are, the less time it takes to recharge. So, to distinguish a good power bank from a low-end model, it is essential to take into account the promptness of recharging the device.

#5 - Convenience

For those who move around quite frequently, a compact power bank becomes a must-have accessory. It is therefore preferable for this category of users to choose a less bulky external battery. It should also not be heavy to carry. Some models display the charging time of your device and the device it will charge. This is a significant plus.

What is an external battery?

An external battery is a device that is used to recharge a device such as a cell phone, a tablet or others via a USB cable and anywhere. It is a nomadic recharging device that is very practical during travels and trips. They also act as a backup battery on a daily basis to avoid battery failure.

The principle of operation of an external battery is quite simple. The battery is charged from a power source or a computer. It accumulates current and stores it. Once it is charged, it can be used as a conventional charger. You plug the device to be charged into the battery and it charges the device.

The different types of external batteries

External batteries are divided into 2 categories: standard external batteries and rechargeable shells.

Standard external batteries

These batteries come in several forms: shockproof, thin, cylindrical ... They have one or more charging ports. But the connection with the device to be charged is made with a USB cable. To charge a cell phone on a daily basis, a 2500 mAh model is sufficient. But for a user on the move frequently, it is advisable to choose an external battery of at least 10,000 mAh and having more than one charging port to connect several devices.

The battery shells or rechargeable shells

Battery shells differ from traditional external batteries in that they have a more massive, thicker look. These batteries plug into the back of the smartphone. They are suitable for people who want a battery that fits perfectly to their smartphone and without a cable. They are more ergonomic. This type of external battery is more practical but has the disadvantage that it can only be adapted to a specific model of phone.

External battery or rechargeable shell?

External battery

Standard external batteries are versatile, suitable for many types of mobile devices. They go everywhere with you. But the USB cable that connects the battery and the device to be charged is rather awkward and unattractive. Some models allow you to charge several devices simultaneously.

Rechargeable shell

The rechargeable shells have a principle identical to a classic power bank. The phone is plugged into the rechargeable shell to give it extra autonomy. The size or thickness of the shell is proportional to its capacity. Ergonomically, no need for a USB cable for the connection. But each rechargeable shell is indicated for an exclusive phone model.

Verdict

In summary, rechargeable cases are more ergonomic and aesthetic, but fit exclusively to a specific type of mobile. Standard external batteries are versatile and fit most types of existing devices, but less ergonomic.

Why buy an external battery?

Here are some reasons to buy a good external battery.

It goes with you wherever and whenever you go.

External batteries make life easier for users by providing extra power to extend their activities. So they support you during a battery failure, anytime, anywhere. Thanks to their light weight, you can take them anywhere without any hindrance.

The ultimate emergency accessory.

Although its primary function is to charge smartphones and tablets, these days an external battery can charge a huge number of devices such as handheld consoles, GPS devices, GoPro, MP3 players, digital cameras, smartwatches or even electronic cigarettes.

If the power of the connected devices is equal to or less than the capacity of the power bank, its use is not dangerous. It is therefore important to check the compatibility of your devices with this accessory before using it.

It is very practical when you are on the move.

When you are on the go, on a train or a bus, your options to kill time are limited as is the battery life of your smartphone or handheld console. So, owning an external battery means you can continue to watch your favorite show, browse social networks, read the latest news, or play your games without ever running out of battery.

It has a very attractive design.

A power bank is now a fashion accessory in its own right in the world of technology. There are many colours and shapes to choose from, to match your phone and your personality. World-renowned brands partner with top manufacturers to bring you the best products.

It is a state of the art tool.

A power bank can act as a communication channel with others. You can use this device to make new connections and expand your circle of friends. Nowadays, there are smart external batteries that can detect your smartphone, or that allow a faster and safer smart charging, not to mention interesting options such as radio, lamp, Bluetooth speaker...

The best brands of external batteries

In our opinion, the best brands of external batteries in 2022 are :

RAVPower
Anker
Xiaomi
Aukey
iMuto

RAVPower external batteries feature an attractive design and great performance. The brand offers models that can charge devices over several days.

The Anker brand is a well-known brand in the energy field. It has a multitude of high capacity external battery models. Its batteries are of high quality and provide a charge in a short time for the devices connected to them. These products are up to date and have a trendy look.

It is a Chinese high-tech brand. These external battery models are optimized for transportation, thanks to their small thickness and light weight. The brand's external batteries are high performance and high capacity.

The Aukey brand's external batteries have a chic appearance and offer performance that lives up to its reputation. They have a large capacity and will be of great help during your travels, especially in the absence of a power source to recharge your various devices. Especially since some models have multiple charging ports.

The iMuto brand has several models of external batteries that have a great manufacturing quality. You can find models of the brand with a capacity of 30,000 mAh. These external batteries offer fast charging, allowing your devices to get an optimal charge in a short time. Especially since many of these products have multiple ports.

What is the price for an external battery

The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).

However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.

Entry-level
10 £ to 40 £
Mid-range
40 £ to 100 £
High-end
more than 100 £
Price range diagram

Tips

Avoid charging at 100%.

When a power bank is recharged, the remaining 20% will take much longer than the first 80%. Moreover, when a battery is left connected when it is already at 100%, it still consumes energy to recharge. This will waste battery life, and also risks wearing out the battery much faster.

Keep your power bank cool.

Power banks, like all other electronic devices, can get hot. Keep your power bank cool. Store it in a place that is not exposed to heat. Don't leave your power bank in the sun, unless it's a solar power bank, in which case that's its purpose.

Buy a dedicated USB cable for your power bank and store them together at all times.

It's

easy to lose track of USB cables, so make sure you always have one handy so you can use your power bank at any time.

Keep your power bank dry.

You

risk shorting out and damaging your power bank if you get it wet. It's also dangerous for your phone (the wet power bank can cause a short circuit there) and for you (you could be electrocuted while using it). Make sure to keep your power bank dry at all times. This includes keeping it out of the rain as well as keeping it out of your pocket when it's hot, as you could sweat directly on the device.

If you are often in a hurry, consider a power bank with Quick Charge technology.

With

this technology, some Android phones can charge much faster than others. With fast charging, a phone that is taken care of can receive up to 80% of its battery in 30 min.

FAQ

How to choose a portable external battery?

These few criteria will allow you to choose a good portable external battery that will accompany you everywhere. First of all, you need to consider its capacity, as this will determine the use of the external battery. Also consider its charging speed and the number of devices you can charge simultaneously. If you're on the move a lot, consider including the weight and ergonomics of the external battery among the criteria.

How to use an external battery?

An external battery is an equipment that will allow you to charge different devices without putting them under the mains. To do this, it stores electricity to recharge in turn your phones, tablets, lamps, alarm clocks, etc. To use it, simply connect the external battery cable to your device and wait for the internal battery to recharge as if the device was placed under the mains.

Can a laptop be charged with an external battery?

Newer laptops can indeed be charged with an external battery. In addition to the classic criteria, the computer will need to incorporate a USB-C port or have a micro-USB cable linked to an AC/DC adapter. Caution is advised, as the computer's internal battery often requires a power bank with an output power of more than 40 watts for the least demanding models and 65 watts for most other laptops.

Why a Power Bank?

If the battery of your phone or computer fails at an unexpected moment, if you find yourself in a place without electricity, if you move often, an external battery or a Power Bank will save you the day. This practicality and functionality is enough to justify the purchase of an external battery that will recharge your devices at any time.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. , quechoisir.org
  2. , amelie-themovie.com
  3. , assistance-support.fr
  4. , latelierducable.com
  5. , lifewire.com
  6. , externalbatterywholesalers.weebly.com
  7. , howtogeek.com
  8. , hardwarezone.com.sg
  9. , call2recycle.org
  10. , varta-consumer.com
  11. , boulanger.com
  12. , amazon.co.uk
  13. , lesnumeriques.com
  14. , boulanger.com
  15. , fnac.com
  16. , lesnumeriques.com
  17. , amazon.co.uk
  18. , batteries-externes.com
  19. , batterieexterne.com
  20. , clubic.com
  21. , ldlc.com
  22. , quechoisir.org
  23. , tomsguide.fr
  24. , portablebatteries.fr
  25. , thekase.com
  26. , but.fr
  27. , darty.com
  28. , techadvisor.fr
  29. , fr.wikipedia.org
See more

Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

See more
Our selection
Anker PowerCore Essential 20000 9
Anker PowerCore Essential 20000
Poweradd EnergyCell 10
Poweradd EnergyCell
Kilponen 26 800 mAh 11
Kilponen 26 800 mAh
Aukey 20 000 mAh 12
Aukey 20 000 mAh

Lecteurs

Every month we help more than 1 000 000 people buy better and smarter.

Copyright © 2022 - Made with by buyingbetter.co.uk

Your reviews and buying guides 0% advertising, 100% independent!