Battery Chargers vs. Power Banks: Which On-the-Go Power Solution Is Best For You?
From tap-to-pay and digital bus passes to social media, picture-taking, and quick Google searches, we rely on our devices constantly throughout the day. This also means our phones and other electronic batteries can quickly deplete. Portable power has become an essential for nearly everyone.
Keep reading to learn how to keep your devices powered and going with battery chargers and power banks, and which combination will work best for you.
What Is a Battery Charger?
A battery charger is the connection from an external power supply to a battery.The simplest, most common, is a wall battery charger. It's what you use to charge your phone with: the adapter is plugged into the wall, then a cord connects your phone to the wall outlet. Other external electrical sources include solar panels or a car’s electrical system.
Chargers regulate the voltage and current to match the device's needs, resulting in a safe and efficient charge. Often, the external source starts in AC, and the battery charger converts the current to usable DC needed for charging.
What Is a Power Bank?
A power bank is a device that works with a battery charger, acting as the external source for the charger. For phone charging, the bank would replace the wall outlet. Instead of plugging the cable into the wall adapter, you would connect it to the bank.
The main component of a power bank is the self-contained internal battery, and the size of that battery determines the size of the bank. The perfect size for charging your phone, laptop, or earbuds is the EcoFlow RAPID Magnetic Power Bank (10,000mAh). It's designed small enough to magnetically snap onto the back of an iPhone for MagSafe charging. It also has a built-in cord for Type-C charging, like a MacBook requires.
Battery Chargers vs. Power Banks: Key Differences
Energy Storage
This is the biggest difference. A power bank contains a built-in battery system to store electrical energy. You charge it and bring it with you for a boost wherever needed. A battery charger transfers electrical energy from an external electrical source to the device. It does not have an internal battery.
Power Output
The wattage output of a battery charger is defined by voltage and amperage (together becoming wattage), which the manufacturer designs. Devices usually come with a manufacturer’s charger, designed for perfect output to avoid harming the device while charging. A power bank’s output determines how quickly it can deliver stored wattage, while its capacity defines how much electrical energy can be stored in the battery.
Portability
A battery charger can be portable or stationary, depending on the external electrical supply. A wall charger is stationary, as it’s designed to plug into a wall to function, while a car charger could be considered more portable, as the car can move to different locations. A power bank is built for extreme portability. You can charge it at home and take it anywhere, anytime. It charges electronics without needing an outlet. Some can provide wireless charging for extra convenience.
Size
A power bank can come in many sizes, depending on your needs. There are larger ones designed for whole home appliances while smaller ones can fit into a bag for simpler electronics. Battery chargers are rated by voltage and amperage, with larger devices needing larger ratings. They are typically cords with an input and output end to connect a device to an external source.
When to Use a Battery Charger
Use a battery charger when an external electrical source is easily accessible to charge a specific battery. Home and office charging is the most common. At home, in a coffee shop, or in the office, you can use a wall charger to quickly recharge phones, tablets, laptops, smart watches, and earbuds. Other devices like power drills, cameras, and smart home security equipment have removable batteries requiring a charger.
When to Use a Power Bank
Use a power bank when there is no immediate access to an outlet. Keep your electronics alive with a small, portable bank during travel or commuting. The EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus is perfect for camping, hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities. Keep navigation and music going without worry. It’s big enough to run multiple devices but small enough for easy portability. Of course, a large portable bank, like a power station, is ideal during electrical grid outages to keep communication lines and home appliances or electronics up and running.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Power Bank Replace a Battery Charger?
No, but you can use them together. A power bank acts as the external power source that a battery charger needs to do its job. Charge the bank before leaving home, then connect a battery charger like a cord. Plug in your device when the battery gets low.
What’s the Best Power Bank for Charging Multiple Devices?
Look at the specs of each power bank to see if it can charge multiple devices. First, consider the capacity. Does it hold enough electricity for more than one device? Then, look at the number of ports. Charging more than one device will be difficult if there is only one output port.
Battery Chargers Differ From Power Banks
It’s easy to get lost in the electronics jargon, but knowing what you need for your devices is essential. A battery charger transfers current from an external source to the device. At the same time, a power bank is a portable battery, enabling you to charge electronics on the go. Remember the key difference between chargers and power banks: the latter has an internal battery source for portable electricity.
If you’re looking for the solution to charge your phone throughout the day or your laptop while at work away from an outlet, look no further. The EcoFlow RAPID Magnetic Power Bank (10,000mAh) is all you need for easy charging wherever you are.