Best Power Bank (Portable Charger) Under $30? Let’s find out!

The Nugget

  • The best battery bank for under $30, based on comprehensive testing across various brands and models, is the Nu b61, which excels in every category including charging speed and capacity. It demonstrates that affordability does not compromise performance in portable power solutions.

Key insights

Power Output and Performance

  • Among the numerous brands tested, the models from Nu, K, and bashes performed exceptionally well, delivering around 20 watts for USB-C and over 18 watts for single-port USB-A, offering efficient charging solutions for smartphones and other USB devices.
  • The Nu b61 stood out for its balanced performance, particularly in charging speed and capacity, marking it as a top choice within budget constraints.

Charging Speed and Capacity

  • The Nu b61 not only offers efficient charging but also impresses with its capacity, hitting 89% of its rated capacity, making it the most reliable among tested models in terms of holding charge.
  • The time to fully recharge the battery banks varied significantly, with the Nu b61 and others like Sofia and bashes showing faster recharge times due to higher input rates, around 14 to 17 watts. This highlights the importance of input wattage in reducing downtime between charges.

Size and Portability

  • The size comparison revealed that the S22 mini, MitI, and Fiab are among the smallest and most portable options, catering to users prioritizing convenience over capacity or charging speed.
  • However, the comprehensive evaluation leaned towards models that offered a balance of portability, capacity, and functionality, such as the Nu b61, which provided more storage capacity without significantly increasing size or compromising portability.

Higher-End Alternatives

  • Although the focus was on models under $30, the Anchor 737 emerged as the superior choice for those without budget constraints, showcasing exceptional charging speeds and capacity. This indicates that investing more can yield significantly better performance, particularly in output wattage and recharging capability.

Key quotes

  • "The best battery bank for under $30, based on comprehensive testing, is the Nu b61."
  • "The Nu b61 not only offers efficient charging but also impresses with its capacity, making it the most reliable among tested models."
  • "The size comparison revealed that the S22 mini, MitI, and Fiab are among the smallest and most portable options."
  • "The comprehensive evaluation leaned towards models that offered a balance of portability, capacity, and functionality."

Make it stick

  • Nu b61 stands out: As a beacon of value and performance within the under $30 category, providing a harmonious balance of speed, capacity, and portability.
  • Input wattage matters: Faster recharge times can significantly enhance user experience, becoming a critical factor in selecting battery banks.
  • Balance over size: While smaller models offer portability, comprehensive performance and capacity should guide the choice of a battery bank.
  • Higher investment, higher returns: The Anchor 737 serves as a testament to the enhancements in performance achievable with a higher investment in portable power
This summary contains AI-generated information and may have important inaccuracies or omissions.