The Best Thin Portable Chargers
When you’re playing games or watching movies on your phone, running out of battery can be a major inconvenience. But if you’re in an emergency, it can be life-threatening. Fortunately, a good portable charger can help keep your phone’s battery topped off, ensuring you can entertain yourself for longer and still make important phone calls when needed. Check out our list of the best thin portable chargers and find one that is right for you.
What to Look For
When choosing our favorite portable chargers, we looked for ones that are sleek enough to be easily carried around, have enough capacity for multiple charges, and are a great value for their price. TG90°’s battery pack takes our top spot with its built-in dual charging cables and 5V, 2A high-speed output. Brand Q’s portable charger, on the other hand, can be plugged directly into the wall, saving you from needing a cable and adapter. Keep on reading to learn more.
TG90° 6,000mAh External Battery Pack
The top of the line
It’s a pain when you forget to bring a cable with you to charge your phone. Fortunately, TG90°’s battery pack has two built-in: one USB-C and one Thunderbolt. It has a 6,000mAh capacity and 5V 2A output, quickly charging phones and other devices to their max. And to prevent overcharging, it has multi-protect system microchips that preserve the lithium polymer battery.
Pros:
- The compact size makes it easy to pack and hold
- Built-in cables mean you never have to worry about bringing one
- Fully charges itself in only three hours
Cons:
- Charging cables can’t be removed or replaced
TG90° 4,500mAh Portable Power Bank
Small and sleek
If you’re looking for a lightweight charger that fits nicely in the palm of your hand, consider TG90°’s mini portable power bank. With a 4,500mAh capacity, it can fully charge your phone back to 100% with some left to spare. It has three output ports so that you can share the battery pack with your friends. And with a built-in Thunderbolt cable, this power bank is perfect for iPhone users.
Pros:
- Perfect for an emergency power source
- Has a USB and USB-C output for Android users
- Comes in fun color options for personalization
Cons:
- Its smaller capacity gives fewer charges before needing a recharge itself
Brand Q 10,000mAh Portable Charger
No extra cables required
Brand Q’s portable charger saves you from having to bring a ton of extra accessories. With a built-in AC plug, you won’t have to carry a separate adaptor to charge it. It has three different cables for charging your devices. Best yet, its 10,000mAh capacity gives you plenty of power for several recharges of your devices.
Pros:
- The large capacity gives you more charges on the go
- Comes with a carrying case
- AC plug makes charging the power bank a breeze
Cons:
- Built-in cables aren’t that long, so it’s hard to use your phone as it charges
Apple MagSafe Battery Pack
Complete the collection
While some chargers must be carried, Apple’s MagSafe battery pack uses magnets to securely attach itself to your phone. It works wirelessly, saving you from having to manage a bulky cable as your phone charges. And you don’t have to worry about turning it on or off, as it automatically charges and keeps your phone’s battery topped off. Should you need faster charging, you can plug it into a 20W adapter to charge your phone and the battery pack simultaneously.
Pros:
- Faster charging while plugged in makes it useful even at home
- Magnets are strong and keep the battery pack in place
- 10,000mAh is a great capacity for a slim charger
Cons:
- Only provides five watts of wireless charging power when not plugged into an adapter.
YHO Mini Portable Charger
Plug and play
When you’re on the go, it can be a pain having to hold onto a battery pack while your phone is charging. YHO’s mini charger conveniently connects straight to the USB-C port on your phone, bypassing the need for a cable and reducing extra bulk. It has a 5,200mAh capacity, which is impressive for a charger this small. Best yet, it can be charged by both Thunderbolt and USB-C cables, whichever you have on hand.
Pros:
- LCD shows how much charge is remaining in its battery
- Can still charge your phone while being recharged itself
- Tiny size makes it easy to use your phone while plugged in
Cons:
- Only has a USB-C output port
Frequently Asked Questions
How much mAh do I need to recharge my phone?
For newer phones, you’ll likely need at least 3,000mAh to fully recharge a dead phone. However, the latest models need up to 5,000mAh or more to fully recharge. While phone chargers with more mAh can be used repeatedly before being drained, they often get bulkier the larger their capacity gets.
Are lithium polymer or lithium-ion batteries better?
Both lithium polymer and lithium-ion batteries are fantastic for portable devices. They each have their trade-offs, though. Lithium-ion batteries tend to last longer and are better at keeping a constant voltage. Lithium polymer batteries, however, are lighter, thinner, and even safer due to their design.
About the Author
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.