The core of choosing a portable power supply that suits oneself is to lock in capacity and power around the usage scenario, while also considering key factors such as interface compatibility, safety, and portability, to avoid blindly pursuing high parameters and causing waste. The following is a detailed step-by-step shopping guide:
Clearly define usage scenarios and identify core requirements
The requirements for portable power supplies vary greatly in different scenarios. First, determine the core usage scenario to quickly narrow down the selection range:
Daily commuting/short distance travel: If only used for emergency charging of small devices such as mobile phones, headphones, and smartwatches, priority should be given to lightweight models with 5000-10000mAh capacity. This type of product weighs mostly 150-200g and can be easily placed in a pocket the size of a palm, without the need for additional carrying burden.
Outdoor camping/self driving trip: If you need to power devices such as laptops, car refrigerators, coffee machines, etc., you should choose a portable energy storage power source with a capacity of over 300Wh. For example, the 300-500Wh style for weekend camping can meet the needs of LED lights, cameras, and small fans; For long-distance self driving, it is recommended to use the 800-1200 Wh model, which can also be paired with solar panels to achieve energy replenishment freedom.
Family emergency/commercial backup: In case of sudden power outage, it is necessary to ensure the operation of refrigerators, routers, small medical equipment, etc. It is recommended to choose products with AC output of 1000Wh or above. This type of power supply can support refrigerators to maintain freshness for several hours, routers to work continuously, and provide power protection for elderly people living alone or critical household equipment.
Verify core parameters to avoid adaptation issues
Parameters directly determine the user experience, with a focus on the three core indicators of capacity, power, and interface:
Capacity: 5000-10000mAh is sufficient for daily use; Frequent multi device charging with optional 20000mAh; Outdoor high-power equipment needs to consider Wh (watt hours) and reserve 20-30% capacity buffer to cope with energy loss. At the same time, be wary of false labeling. Legitimate products will label the actual output capacity, and prioritize the Wh value for a more intuitive understanding.
Power: For ordinary mobile phone charging, choose 10-20W; Android and Apple phones that support fast charging need to be matched with 30-65W power supply; laptops need to choose a power supply with PD protocol of 65W or above; To drive small household appliances, it is necessary to ensure that the rated power of the power supply is greater than the equipment power to prevent failure to start.
Interface: Equipped with at least one USB-A and one USB-C interface to cover most devices. USB-C supports bidirectional fast charging and is the preferred choice; If you need to connect household appliances, choose a style with an AC jack; It is recommended to choose an MFi certified interface for Apple devices to avoid compatibility issues.
Emphasize safety performance and select reliable quality
The portable power supply has a built-in lithium battery, and safety is the bottom line. Firstly, products with mandatory 3C certification must be selected, and international CE and UL certifications can serve as additional guarantees. Next, let's look at the safety protection function. High quality products will be equipped with a BMS battery management system, which has overcharge, overdischarge, short circuit, and overheating protection. Some can also balance the battery pack voltage and extend the battery life. The preferred battery type is polymer lithium batteries, which have higher safety than cylindrical lithium batteries and are less prone to leakage. In addition, it is recommended to prioritize reputable brands such as Anker, Dianxiaoer, and Zhenghao. These brands not only have strict quality control, but also provide more comprehensive after-sales service, and can solve problems in a timely manner in the future.
Balancing portability and additional features to enhance user experience
Detail design affects the convenience of use, and can be flexibly selected according to needs:
Portability: Often carried by hand or backpack, prioritize styles weighing 1-3kg with folding handles; When used in fixed scenarios, there is no need to overly focus on weight, and high capacity can be prioritized.
Additional features: Outdoor use with optional LED lighting styles, convenient for night camping; Regularly charging can consider products that support Qi standard wireless charging; The style of the electric charge display screen can check the remaining power in real time, avoiding the embarrassment of sudden power outages.
