Power Bank vs Portable Charger: What's the Difference?

Power banks and portable chargers play similar roles in keeping your devices juiced up and ready for the day, which is why these terms are often used interchangeably. That said, there are a couple of key differences you need to watch out for. The biggest factor to consider when choosing portable chargers vs. power banks is versatility. Portable chargers are generally made for a single, specific device. They will feature built-in connectors, so you don’t have to bring your own. Power banks are much more flexible. To differentiate power banks from portable chargers, think of them as giant batteries that allow you to charge any device, provided you have the right cables, of course. Portable chargers tend to be lighter than power banks. If you’re planning a trip and worried about getting weighed down, a charger might be the right call.

There’s a significant difference between portable chargers and power bank charge capacities. Portable chargers typically offer enough juice for one or two phone charges, while power banks can provide multiple charges for your phone or even power tablets and laptops. This is because power banks generally boast a higher capacity, meaning they store more energy. Here’s a simple way to look at power bank vs portable charger capacities: Imagine a portable charger as a small, quick refuel for your phone and a power bank as a larger gas can that can keep multiple devices running for longer journeys.

It depends on your device. In general, the limiting factor of portable chargers vs. power banks is versatility. While they both provide on-the-go charging, their design limits their functionality. Portable chargers typically have a built-in cable for a specific device (like an iPhone or Android) and might lack the extra USB ports found on power banks. This limits them to charging one device at a time and restricts compatibility. Note that exceptions do exist here. For instance, brands like mophie make portable chargers with multiple USB-C and A ports. The bigger batteries in power banks vs portable chargers also play a role here. The smaller batteries in portable chargers often translate to a lower battery capacity, offering a quick charge for your phone. So, while a portable charger might provide a handy top-up in a pinch, it wouldn't be ideal for powering multiple devices or offering extended charging like an actual power bank.

If you’re aware of the differences between power banks and portable chargers, you’ll know that the biggest advantage of a power bank is capacity. Reputable manufacturers like mophie produce high-capacity power banks that can quickly charge four or more devices and still have juice left over for the road. Another advantage of power banks vs portable chargers is interchangeability. Since you don’t need to rely on built-in cables, you can always borrow one from a friend or buy a new one if your old cable stops working.