Portable power: 10 small and compact external battery packs for smartphones

posted by Nick T. / Jan 03, 2014, 7:05 AM

Portable power: 10 small and compact external battery packs for smartphones

You've probably seen those external battery packs made for smartphones. Also known as power banks, they come with an embedded rechargeable battery and a USB port providing back-up power for our mobile gadgets. And if you do a little research, you'll discover that they come in all shapes and sizes. Here's for example a post listing some of the largest smartphone battery packs money can buy.

Now, having a large power bank on hand is great, there's no denying that. Some larger models, however, can be too bulky to carry around all the time. That's why we dug out some of the smaller external power packs on the market. Keep in mind that not all of them can charge a high-end smartphone completely. After all, a small power bank can't hold a very large battery. However, they are all portable enough to be easily stored in a pocket, backpack, or purse. Check them out in the slideshow below.

Small power banks

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22 Comments

1. apurb.lal

Posts: 13; Member since: Oct 17, 2013

Good for travellers.. For general usage, companies are already putting large batteries except for apple...

posted on Jan 03, 2014, 7:11 AM 0

6. itsdeepak4u2000

Posts: 3718; Member since: Nov 03, 2012

I bought MAXX battery charger for just Rs. 350 (around $6). It's rechargeable and can charge full battery within 30-35 mins. and can also charge battery 5-6 times. :)

posted on Jan 03, 2014, 7:34 AM 2

2. RaKithAPeiRiZ

Posts: 1488; Member since: Dec 29, 2011

carrying removable batteries fully charged is no longer considered fun it seems

posted on Jan 03, 2014, 7:22 AM 0

7. SleepingOz unregistered

Well, it is definitely more practical though.

posted on Jan 03, 2014, 8:30 AM 0

9. buccob

Posts: 2968; Member since: Jun 19, 2012

it is but the advantage of this packs is that it works with many other devices, not just one.

posted on Jan 03, 2014, 8:32 AM 3

13. SleepingOz unregistered

I know right, that's why I got a Momax. But it's a freaking pain in the ass to wait for your phone to charge.

posted on Jan 03, 2014, 10:31 AM 0

3. MrKoles

Posts: 368; Member since: Jan 20, 2013

I love the last one, it´s cute.

posted on Jan 03, 2014, 7:23 AM 2

4. Duketytz

Posts: 534; Member since: Nov 28, 2013

In Singapore, you can get a 5800mAh charger for about 47 USD! And it is extremely portable, you can find one which is no bigger than 3.5 inch long:)

posted on Jan 03, 2014, 7:28 AM 0

5. gundamexia450

Posts: 27; Member since: Dec 21, 2011

I have a 2000mAh charger from Sony, gives my phone another day of full usage.

posted on Jan 03, 2014, 7:33 AM 1

8. buccob

Posts: 2968; Member since: Jun 19, 2012

I had the Mophie Power Pack and while it is good, it is very limited for the price... I ended up giving it to my wife and I got the NewTrent Easypak which has nearly double the life (7000mAh) and it has a microUSB cable built in, as well as 2 USB slots (1 and 2.1 A) And it was $30 in Amazon... Completely satisfied.

posted on Jan 03, 2014, 8:31 AM 1

10. Droid4Life unregistered

What about the Limefuel 156X? I got it on Amazon for $50 USD and it has 15600 maH. Pretty small as well.

posted on Jan 03, 2014, 9:01 AM 0

11. AfterShock

Posts: 4146; Member since: Nov 02, 2012

I've a 6000mah model, paid 40 bucks. Can recharge my phone and another where needed. Part an parcel of my mobile life, also makes me wonder why some insist on proprietary type batteries that once is depleted is useless without a wall wart for it or phone. Me thinks, they just whine for the sake of it. YMMV.

posted on Jan 03, 2014, 9:13 AM 0

12. Loubielou

Posts: 603; Member since: Jul 11, 2012

Got Powerback Cases for my Galaxy S3 an they protect an charge the phone,got 4 batteries for my Samsung Galaxy S3 3900mAh the Poweriest,this is were Samsung phones deserve the Highest Praise,so easy to Change an to so light to carry the Batteries,this is Why?if we get a Metal Samsung Galaxy S5 will we still be able to get removable batteries or not,lets wait an see an hope we do

posted on Jan 03, 2014, 9:37 AM 0

15. Krjal

Posts: 429; Member since: Dec 19, 2013

Not quite the same category but I got a Braven 850 which doubles as the best sounding portable speaker on the market and a 4000mAh power bank. Can charge tablets too. I think the whole Braven range can at least charge phones.

posted on Jan 04, 2014, 12:10 AM 0

16. RussianLondoner

Posts: 9; Member since: Sep 26, 2013

There's a Nokia portable charger with similar to "Powerocks Magicstick" (2000+ mAh) , but I would trust Nokia at least with this product this days, and I use it for two years and love it... was about 30$. has 4 LED lights to show how much charge left, but on average it can charge up to 90% of smartphone easy... From this list only: HTC Double Charge Battery Bank looks cool and is super value for you buck with 6000mAh for 60$, big enough to charge even a tablet with ease...

posted on Jan 04, 2014, 5:49 PM 0

17. FlubtardMacflubkinz

Posts: 1; Member since: Jan 05, 2014

Hai guys. Ahem. These all suck. All you guys need to get yourselves a Yoobao power bank. < yoobao.com/en/product.asp?b_id=143&m_id=217&a_id=758 > Try not to giggle at their grammar.. but these chargers are amazing. I have a YB-641 pro, it holds 10400 mAh, output at 5.3V, 1000mA; which allows me to recharge my Evo 3D from 0-100% three times. And it has a 5-light indicator to show how much is left in the reservoir, has a pretty decent LED light, and can really take some hard drops against tarmac, concrete, etc. They're pricey but I can assure you won't regret spending the extra. Like seriously.

posted on Jan 05, 2014, 1:20 AM 0

18. MaximumS

Posts: 6; Member since: Jan 20, 2014

I love external battery chargers. I got myself a small 3000mAh and a large 14000mAh at Amazon. Both from RAVPower. I use the small one everyday and take the 14000mAh one with me when out for a few days trip. Both saved me a lot. And they costed me just a few bucks.

posted on Jan 20, 2014, 1:03 AM 0

19. davidjohnson87

Posts: 1; Member since: Apr 03, 2014

Well I also have 12000mAh power bank requirement but these are costly!! I have already visited the online stores like sfcable.com, amazon etc.. if you can suggest me some better option it will be great!!!

posted on Apr 03, 2014, 5:58 AM 0

21. rynsloar

Posts: 3; Member since: Apr 09, 2014

Maybe you could check rs-powertech.com Thanks

posted on Apr 09, 2014, 8:24 AM 0

20. rynsloar

Posts: 3; Member since: Apr 09, 2014

For power banks, we suggest high capacity, at least above 8000 mah! This company(rs-powertech dot com) offer both power banks and solar mobile chargers. Likewise, high capacity of power banks is recommended. But it takes longer time to charge by solar. Solar is used for emergency situation only!

posted on Apr 09, 2014, 8:18 AM 0

22. LilyLee

Posts: 1; Member since: Apr 13, 2014

I bought a RAVPower Luster 6000mAh extra battery for my iPhone 5s . The design is nice and compact with good capacity. Charged my 5s 3 times. The RAVPower Dynamo-on-the-Go is a deceptively small power bank. It measures less than 3 3/4" x 1 3/4" x 7/8" and weighs about 5 oz. The LED flashlight is a nice bonus--perfect for finding keys in a purse or to use in an unfamiliar hotel room in the middle of the night without having to turn on a light. It is really a necessity for traveling and to keep in the glove compartment but it's also handy to have on hand when you forget to charge your cell phone or MP3 player overnight and need to charge it on-the-run. I highly recommend these for peace of mind as well as convenience.