Forever running out of juice? Top up your battery-powered devices with our expert picks, from tiny smartphone chargers to portable power banks and even a power hat
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It’s disempowering when your smartphone, laptop or other important gadget runs out of battery. With the flash of a graphic or a plaintive bleep, we lose a way to entertain ourselves, get things done, stay in touch or even get home safely. There’s a time and a place for a digital detox – but what is the time, and where am I?
Carrying a power bank is your ticket out of electronic oblivion. These pocket-sized cuboids plug into compatible devices and charge them, often via assorted connections, including USB-C and USB-A. Most power banks are made for charging smartphones and smaller gadgets, such as fitness trackers and earbuds, but some models can also charge power-hungrier laptops and large portable speakers.
Best power bank overall:
Belkin BoostCharge Pro 3-port 20k
£79.99 at Argos
Best power bank for portability:
Anker Nano
£29.99 at Anker
Best budget power bank:
Belkin BoostCharge 10k with integrated cable
£24.99 at Belkin
Best power bank for speed and power:
Cuktech 15 Ultra
£89.99 at Amazon
Best high-storage power bank:
Anker 165W
£89.99 at Anker
Honor Magic7 Lite smartphone (battery: 6,600mAh)
Honor Magic7 Pro smartphone (battery: 5,270mAh)
Acer Aspire Vero 16 laptop (65W three-cell li-ion battery)
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