5 Hidden Power Bank Features (And 5 Top Models That Have Them All)
Power banks are more than just phone chargers. Discover 5 surprising features that make modern power banks smarter, safer, and more powerful, plus top models that have them all!
Most people think power banks are just portable batteries for your phone. But today’s best power banks are smarter, safer, and more powerful than ever. In fact, the top-tier models are packed with features you probably didn’t know existed. Below, we’ll cover 5 surprising power bank features — and highlight 5 highly-rated models available on Amazon UK that tick every box. Whether you need a backup for emergencies, a powerful charging solution for your laptop, or just smarter everyday power, these power banks are far more capable than you might expect.
The 5 Must-Know Features
| Feature | What It Means | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Power Delivery (PD) Fast Charging | Up to 65W, 100W, or even 250W fast USB-C charging | Charges power-hungry laptops, tablets, and phones rapidly |
| Pass-Through Charging | Charge the bank while simultaneously charging connected devices | Saves time and outlet space, streamlining your charging setup |
| Smart Digital Display | Shows precise % charge, real-time power in/out, and status | Provides clear, accurate information, far better than blinking lights |
| Low Current Mode | Safely charges small gadgets like earbuds, smartwatches | Prevents overcharging or auto-shutoff for low-power devices |
| Comprehensive Safety & Circuit Protection | Built-in safeguards against overcharging, short-circuiting, overheating | Keeps your devices and the power bank safe, preventing damage |
Power Delivery (PD) Fast Charging
What It Does
Power Delivery (PD) is a USB-C charging standard delivering high wattage up to 250W, surpassing traditional USB speeds. For example, it charges laptops like a MacBook Pro to 50% in under 30 minutes with a 100W PD power bank. It supports fast charging for tablets and smartphones with compatible USB-C cables.
Why It’s Important
PD is essential for professionals and travelers needing rapid power-ups. Slow charging fails to meet modern devices’ high power demands. Therefore, PD ensures your tech stays ready, making it a must-have for efficient, versatile charging in today’s fast-paced world.
Pass-Through Charging
What It Does
Pass-through charging allows simultaneous charging of the power bank and connected devices from a single outlet. You can plug in your power bank while it powers your phone or laptop. For instance, it works seamlessly with USB-C cables, streamlining the charging process.
Why It’s Important
It saves time and outlet space, ideal for travel or busy settings like cafes. Waiting for the power bank to charge separately causes delays. Thus, pass-through charging enhances efficiency, keeping devices ready.
Smart Digital Display
What It Does
A smart digital display shows precise battery percentage, power input/output, and sometimes charging time estimates. It indicates if your power bank is at 23% or delivering 65W to a laptop. For example, some models feature color screens for enhanced clarity.
Why It’s Important
Vague LED bars create guesswork, unlike a digital display’s clear monitoring. This clarity is vital for planning during travel or emergencies. Hence, it ensures reliable power management, preventing unexpected power shortages.
Low Current Mode
What It Does
Low current mode safely charges small devices like earbuds or smartwatches with a trickle charge. It adjusts output to prevent overcharging, unlike standard power banks that may shut off. For instance, it ensures stable charging for delicate electronics.
Why It’s Important
It enhances versatility, making one power bank suitable for all tech. Charging small gadgets is unreliable without this mode. Thus, low current mode supports everything from laptops to wearables.
Comprehensive Safety & Circuit Protection
What It Does
Safety features like overcharge, short-circuit, and overheat protection safeguard your power bank and devices. They detect faulty cables and halt charging to prevent damage or fires. For example, voltage regulation ensures stable power for sensitive electronics.
Why It’s Important
These protections extend the lifespan of expensive devices. You risk costly damage or safety hazards without them. Therefore, comprehensive safety is critical for reliable, worry-free performance.
Before You Buy: What to Verify
Before purchasing, always check product specifications on the seller’s website to confirm these features meet your needs. For example, verify Power Delivery wattage or low current mode compatibility with your devices. Additionally, consult the product manual for instructions on activating or using these features, such as pressing a specific button combination to enable low current mode.
5 Power Banks That Have All 5 Features
These models genuinely include all 5 features above and they’re readily available on Amazon UK today.
| Model | Capacity | Max PD Output | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anker Prime (27,650mAh, 250W) | 27,650mAh / 99.54Wh | 250W | Premium display, high output for multiple devices, Anker app support |
| UGREEN Nexode (25,000mAh, 145W) | 25,000mAh / 90Wh | 145W | Fast input/output, clear display, robust build |
| INIU 100W Power Bank (25,000mAh) | 25,000mAh / 92.5Wh | 100W | Excellent value, powerful for laptops, compact design |
| ROMOSS 65W Power Bank (27,000mAh) | 27,000mAh / 99.9Wh | 65W | High capacity, airline-friendly, reliable everyday performance |
| Baseus Blade 100W Laptop Power Bank (20,000mAh) | 20,000mAh / 74Wh | 100W | Ultra-slim, ideal for laptops, integrated display, multiple ports |
Notes on Capacity and Airline Travel
All these power banks fall within the typical 100Wh (Watt-hour) limit for carry-on luggage on most airlines. For capacities between 100Wh and 160Wh, airline approval is usually required. To convert mAh to Wh: Wh=(mAh×V)/1000. Most power banks use a nominal voltage (V) of 3.7V (Anker often uses 3.6V).
Detailed Look at Featured Power Banks
Anker Prime Power Bank (27,650mAh, 250W)
A top-tier choice for raw power, delivering an impressive 250W total output across multiple USB-C ports, making it ideal for the most demanding laptops. It features a fantastic full-colour digital display and Anker’s ActiveShield 2.0 safety system.
Highlights:
- 250W total output with one USB-C port capable of 140W solo.
- Full-colour digital display showing precise power info.
- Supports pass-through charging and low current mode.
- Integrates with the Anker mobile app for advanced control.
Best for:
- Powering multiple high-drain devices, including powerful laptops, with smart app control.
UGREEN Nexode 25,000mAh 145W Power Bank
An excellent competitor for high-wattage USB-C charging, offering 145W total PD output with a clear TFT digital display and 13-layer safety protection.
Highlights:
- 145W total PD output for rapid charging of multiple devices.
- Clear TFT digital display for detailed stats.
- Pass-through charging and automatic low current mode.
- 13-layer safety protection for secure operation.
Best for:
- Rapidly charging modern devices, including laptops, with robust safety.
INIU 100W Power Bank (25,000mAh)
A popular and highly-rated option known for its blend of power and value, providing 100W PD via USB-C and a bright numeric LED digital display.
Highlights:
- 100W PD via USB-C, suitable for most laptops.
- Bright numeric LED digital display for battery percentage.
- Supports pass-through charging and low current mode.
- All standard safety protections included.
Best for:
- Cost-effective, high-speed charging for laptops and phones.
ROMOSS 65W Power Bank (27,000mAh)
A robust power bank offering 65W PD via USB-C, suitable for many laptops, with a numeric LED digital display and ten-fold safety protection.
Highlights:
- 65W PD via USB-C for fast charging of tablets and phones.
- Numeric LED digital display for battery percentage.
- Supports pass-through charging and low current mode.
- Ten-fold safety protection for reliable use.
Best for:
- Reliable, high-capacity charging for travel and everyday use.
Baseus Blade 100W Laptop Power Bank (20,000mAh)
Favoured for its slim profile, delivering 100W PD via USB-C with a bright digital display and multiple safety controls.
Highlights:
- 100W PD via USB-C, ideal for laptops.
- Bright digital display for battery status.
- Pass-through charging and low current mode supported.
- Multiple safety controls, including temperature protection.
Best for:
- Professionals and students needing a portable laptop charger.
Best Use Cases by Type
| Use Case | Recommended Power Bank(s) |
|---|---|
| High-Speed Laptop + Phone Charging | Anker Prime (250W), UGREEN Nexode (145W), INIU 100W, Baseus Blade 100W |
| Maximum Portability for Laptop Users | Baseus Blade 100W |
| High Capacity for Extended Trips | Anker Prime, UGREEN Nexode, ROMOSS 65W, INIU 100W |
| Value-Conscious Fast Charging | INIU 100W, ROMOSS 65W |
| Smart Monitoring & App Control | Anker Prime |
Why These Features Matter More Than Ever
- Growing Power Needs: Modern electronics, especially laptops, demand higher wattage (65W-100W+) for effective charging. Power Delivery (PD) is a necessity for fast charging.
- Enhanced Safety: Robust safety and circuit protection is crucial to protect valuable devices and prevent incidents.
- Unparalleled Convenience: Pass-through charging simplifies routines, while smart digital displays provide clear information at a glance.
- Device Versatility: Low current mode ensures safe charging for small gadgets like earbuds and smartwatches, maximizing utility.
Frequently Asked Questions About Power Banks
What is Power Delivery (PD) fast charging?
Power Delivery (PD) is a fast-charging standard that allows power banks to deliver high wattage (up to 250W) via USB-C, enabling rapid charging of laptops, tablets, and phones.
Why is pass-through charging useful?
Pass-through charging lets you charge the power bank and connected devices simultaneously, saving time and reducing the need for multiple outlets.
What does a smart digital display show?
A smart digital display shows precise battery percentage, real-time power input/output, and status, offering clear information compared to basic LED indicators.
Why is low current mode important?
Low current mode safely charges small devices like earbuds or smartwatches, preventing overcharging or auto-shutoff, ensuring compatibility with low-power gadgets.
Are these power banks safe for air travel?
Yes, all listed power banks are under 100Wh, making them compliant with most airline carry-on rules. Always check airline policies, as capacities between 100Wh and 160Wh may require approval.
Conclusion
Modern power banks are more than just “phone chargers.” With features like high-wattage Power Delivery, smart displays, and intelligent safety systems, they can power your lifestyle on the road, in the air, or during a busy day. If you’re shopping for one, don’t just look at the battery size. Look for these 5 hidden features that transform a simple gadget into a smart and indispensable power solution.
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