Ultimate Laptop Power Bank Guide: Tips & Key Features

Laptops have become an absolute must-have. Whether we're working remotely, traveling around the globe from one place to another, or just out and about, having a reliable power source for our laptops is important. That's where laptop power banks come into play. In this all-in-one guide, we'll dig into why you should get a laptop power bank and what to think about when you're trying to pick the best one for your laptop.

Why Invest in a Laptop Power Bank

Emergency Backup

Even though many laptops these days already have an astounding battery life, many models still can't make it through an entire day of use without requiring a top-up. We've all been in that situation. You're right in the middle of an important meeting, slaving away on a crucial project, or stuck on a long flight, and bam! Your laptop battery starts to die. A laptop power bank can be a total life saver in these moments. It gives you an emergency backup power source that can extend your laptop's battery life, so you can keep working or using your laptop without any interruptions. Say, you're waiting for a connecting flight and your laptop battery is running low. You look around, only to find that all the charging ports nearby are taken. How to pass the time? A laptop power bank comes to rescue. You can either catch up on some work or watch a movie to kill the time.

Multi-Device Compatibility

Most modern laptop power banks aren't just for laptops. They can also charge other devices like smartphones, tablets, and even smartwatches. This means you can carry just one power bank instead of a whole bunch of different chargers for each device. If you're traveling with your laptop, phone, and tablet, one laptop power bank can keep all your devices charged up. It's a super convenient and space-saving solution, especially when you're on the move and don't want to be weighed down by a bunch of cables and chargers.

Uninterrupted Productivity

With more and more people working remotely and in the gig economy, a lot of us are working from all sorts of places. A laptop power bank gives you the freedom to work from anywhere without having to worry about finding a power outlet. You can work from a park, a cozy coffee shop, or even on a train. It lets you create a flexible working setup where you're not stuck in one place just because you need electricity. This is really handy for freelancers, digital nomads, and anyone who often has meetings on the go.

What to Consider When Choosing a Laptop Power Bank？

Capacity & Power Output

The capacity of a power bank is measured in milliampere-hour (mAh). And the higher the mAh, the more power the power bank can store. For laptops, you'll need a power bank with a pretty high capacity. A good rule is to look for a Power bank with at least 20,000 mAh. But if you have a laptop with a big battery or you need to charge a bunch of devices, you might consider getting a power bank with an even higher capacity.

Power output is also important. Compared with smartphones and tablets, laptops usually need a higher power output. Look for a power bank that can put out at least 65W of power. Moreover, if you often travel by air and plan to carry your laptop power bank with you, make sure it complies with airline regulations regarding battery capacity. Generally, power banks with a capacity of up to 100Wh (approximately 27,000 mAh) are allowed in carry-on luggage, while anything between 100Wh and 160Wh might need special permission. So, opt for a power bank that is air-travel friendly!

Charging Speed

Charging speed is another critical factor. Not all power banks are created equal when it comes to charging speed. How fast your laptop charges depends on the power output of the power bank and how well your laptop can be charged. A laptop power bank with fast charging tech can really cut down the time it takes to refuel your laptop. Look for power banks that support the USB-PD fast charging protocol. This protocol is widely used and is compatible with most modern laptops. For instance, a USB-PD 65W power bank can charge a laptop from 0 to 50% in less than an hour, depending on the laptop's battery size.

Compatibility

Not every power bank is a perfect match for every laptop. You've got to double check if the power bank you're eyeing works with your laptop model. Some laptops can be a bit picky and need a particular type of connector or charging protocol. Take Apple laptops, for example. They use a totally different charging connector compared to most Windows laptops. But don't worry, with a variety of laptop power banks out there, you can definitely find the one that suits you the best.

Multiple ports is another convenient feature to look for. Having more than one output port on a power bank means you can use one port to charge your laptop and the other for your phone or tablet. Also, check what fast charging protocols each port supports. Some power banks might have one port that supports USB-PD fast charging for laptops, while the other ports might support different fast charging protocols, such as Qualcomm Quick Charge for smartphones.

Portability

Since the whole point of a power bank is that it should be easy to carry around, you need to think about its size and weight. A small and lightweight power bank is a breeze to take with you wherever you go. Laptop power banks come in all shapes and sizes. Some are tiny enough to fit right in your pocket, while others are a bit larger but still easy to toss into your backpack or laptop bag. If you're constantly on the move, a smaller and lighter power bank is probably your best bet. Just one thing, though, smaller power banks usually can't hold as much power as their bigger counterparts. 

Safety Features

When selecting a power bank, safety should always be at the very top of your priority list. Look for power banks that have features such as over-current protection, over-voltage protection, overcharge protection, over-temperature protection, overdischarge protection, and short-circuit protection. These protections are in place to protect your devices from any potential damage and thus provide peace of mind.

Pisen laptop power banks, for instance, feature Pisen Safe Fast Charging technology and multi-layered safety protections. With these safeguards in place, you don't have to worry about your laptop battery getting fried due to a power surge while charging on-the-go.

Conclusion

Getting a reliable laptop power bank can level up your productivity and make your life way more convenient, especially when you're out and about and nowhere near a power outlet. When you're on the hunt for the ideal laptop power companion, there are a bunch of things to keep in mind.

First and foremost, capacity matters. You want enough juice to keep your laptop running for a good while. Power output needs to be sufficient to actually power up your laptop effectively. Charging speed is key, too. No one wants to wait ages for their devices to refuel. Compatibility ensures your power bank and laptop are a match made in heaven. And let's not forget portability — you don't want to lug around a huge, heavy power bank. Safety features are non-negotiable — you don't want to risk frying your precious laptop.

Remember, the right laptop power bank can be the difference between having an awesome, productive day on the move and being totally stuck with a dead laptop battery. So, don't rush into it. Take your time, do a bit of research, and make a smart decision. Once you've got the perfect laptop power bank in your bag, you can rest easy knowing that your laptop and other devices will always be charged and ready to go, no matter where life takes you.

Related reading: How to Choose the Best Power Bank for Your Travels