Best Portable Chargers (Power Banks) for iPhone & Smartphones
For smartphone filmmakers (or anyone who would like some extra power options for when their smartphone battery is running low), running out of battery will stall your video shoot. As it’s not always possible to find somewhere to charge your phone when you are out in the field, a power bank will help.
Filming and editing on your smartphone or iPhone also drains your inbuilt battery faster. Managing power use in your phone can reduce this effect, so make sure to keep apps switched off when not in use. Your phone will most likely have power saving options too, like reducing screen resolution.
Aside from that, adding a power bank to your smartphone filmmaking kit gives you some assurance you won’t waste filming time hunting for power sources.
There’s more to a power bank than simply charging your phone. Design features will make some banks better than others. Basically, how small and portable is the bank and how much power can it provide?
The smallest and most portable chargers have around 3000mAh capacity. However, they typically run at around 65% efficiency and this may not provide a full charge for your phone. Some banks feature an LCD screen to let you know the remaining charge. And what about waterproofing, rugged designs and even solar panels?
Passthrough charging allows you to charge the bank and your phone at the same time, from one power outlet.
Anker PowerCore 20100
All the Anker power banks are very solid, with a straightforward, functional design. No waste of space and are powered by fantastic Panasonic-Sanyo NCR18650BF cells. Their pricing is also highly competitive.
“If Anker did cut any corners with the casing of the battery, it doesn’t show. The body is a beautifully anodized, slim, aluminum shell that wraps around the interior cell and electronics. This thing is *rock* solid, and shames all of those cheap-feeling plastic models out there.” The Lone Consumerist
The PowerCore 201000 weighs just over 350 grams (12.5 oz) and carries 2 x 2.4 amp (12W) outputs, via two USB ports so you can charge two phones at once. The 20,100mAh should get you between five and seven smartphone full charges, depending on the phone. On testing, the Anker PowerCore 20100 charges an iPhone XS Max from 0 to 50 per cent in less than an hour.
To recharge the bank from empty takes about 10 hours. The four blue LED lights indicate charge levels.
Size: 16.6 x 5.8 x 2.2 cm (6.6 x 2.4 x 0.9in). Weight: 356 g (12.5 oz) Output: 4.8A
Anker PowerCore 10000
If you want something smaller (and cheaper) then Anker also do a 10000mAh version. This bank is not just smaller, but also much thinner, so easier to fit in your pocket. You won’t get as many charges from the smaller bank, but it more portable. It’s recommended to use original Apple charging cables to charge Apple devices.
Size: 9.2 x 6 x 2.2 cm (3.6 x 2.3 x 0.9in). Weight: 181 grams Output: 2.4A
Anker PowerCore+ Mini
An even smaller charger, the PowerCore+ Mini is very small, can slip into a pocket or a bag, is half the weight of the previous banks, but can still provide a healthy top up. This bank can provide one charge to an iPhone 8 or at least 80% to the Galaxy S8 and other flagship smartphones.
Size: 9.5 x 2.3 x 2.3 cm (3.7 x 0.9 x 0.9in) Weight: 86 grams Output: 1A
Zendure
Zendure launched their portable chargers back in 2013 using Kickstarter. They’ve recently been back on Kickstarter again, raising over $0.5m for their latest device, a 27000mAh portable charger. If you’re interested, you can pre-order one using IndieGoGo.
The new power bank promises a spectacular 1 week’s worth of power from a 1 hour initial charge. However, the unit itself will not be the most portable bank available.
“Zendure SuperTank is the best battery pack we’ve ever used. ” – AppleInsider
Zendure A2 6700mAh
The A2 is one of the most compact and lightweight external batteries on the market with a good capacity. Constructed from a crush proof composite material, with dual-injection molding and a shock-absorbing central belt – the Zendure is built to last.
The A2 is capable of pass-through charging, meaning you can charge the bank and your phone from a single outlet. Zendure say the single USB Port “automatically detects your device and fine tunes the output to charge it at maximum speed (up to 2.1A)”.
The bank has 4 LED lights to indicate remaining power.
Size: 9.1 x 4 x 15.6 cm (3.58 x 1.57 x 6.14 in) Weight: 137 grams Output: up to 2.1A
Jackery Bolt 6000mAh
The Jackery Bolt 6000 mAh power bank comes with a built in Lightning cable [Apple MFi Certified]. It’s an iPhone battery charger which is twice as fast as the original iPhone charger. The device is also capable of pass-through charging.
Size: 4.3 x 0.9 x 1.9 in Weight: 150 g (5.3 oz) Output: up to 2.4A
Hobest Solar Charger 10000mAh
You want to charge your phone on the go and you want free electricity from a waterproof box and you want to save the planet too? Then check out the Hobest Solar Charger with its 10000mAh capacity. The device uses to charging methods: traditional power outlet or the solar panel (in direct sunlight).
However, Hobest say the solar panel is only for emergency and you should use an outlet whenever possible. In that case, charge time is 4-5 hours.
Great for rugged filming adventures, travel and camping. This thing is like a Swiss Army Knife style power bank, as it comes with a compass, a whistle and an inbuilt LED flashlight (with 3 modes). The Hobest has dual USB outputs with 2 5V/2A output ports and supports fast charging for 2 devices simultaneously.
The extras all add to the weight, making this bank heavier than some. Of course, that inbuilt flashlight might also be useful for emergency lighting purposes when filming.
Size: 14 x 7.5 x 1.8 (5.51 x 2.95 x 0.7) in Weight: 210 g (7.4 oz) Output: up to 2.1A
EC Technology 15000mAh Portable Charger
If you have a favourite power bank or portable charger, let us know about it in the comments. We’re always looking to make sure we list the best available smartphone filmmaking kit out there.
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