VQ Cath Kidston 5,000mAh Power Bank review

The VQ Cath Kidston 5,000mAh Power Bank is a small power bank with a design that makes it a fashion accessory as well as a portable battery. The Cath Kidston crossover means you get the brand’s illustrative designs. The bee print finish of the model I had was rather subtle, with its cream background and the small drawings lacking any vivid colors.

If you want a little more vibrancy, two more finishes are available, both floral in nature, and incorporate bright shades of red and green. All schemes have a high-gloss finish, which VQ claims is scratch-resistant. After spending a couple of days with it, I didn’t notice any blemishes.

Other nice touches include the small power button integrated on the bezel, and the equally discreet LED dots indicating the battery life of the VQ Cath Kidston 5,000mAh Power Bank. These are integrated on the front panel in the bottom right corner, and are barely noticeably, designed to intrude as little as possible on the Cath Kidston design. The problem is, however, that they’re hard to see even when they’re lit up, and are virtually invisible when looking at them from an angle, which is less than ideal.

What is more practical, though, is the pleasingly light and slim form factor, making it easy to carry in a bag or pocket. However, while the VQ Cath Kidston 5,000mAh Power Bank is built quite well, it isn’t up there with the very best power banks. The plastic panels do flex somewhat, and while the joins to the bezel are strong enough, I did notice a few wide gaps in places. Also, the power button doesn’t quite sit flush with the bezel as perhaps it should, although it’s at least easy to use.

The VQ Cath Kidston 5,000mAh Power Bank features one USB-C, one USB-A, and one Lightning port – disappointingly, though, only the USB-A can be used for charging devices, as the other two are for input only. This is especially baffling in the case of the Lightning port, as this is a now-defunct standard for older Apple devices, so quite what it’s doing here as an input is a mystery.

What’s also unusual is that VQ doesn’t provide a power output figure, although it does list the voltage and amperage for both the input and the output, so with some basic math, its total wattage should be 20.5W.

Charging my Google Pixel 7a from 50% to full took about two and a half hours, which is an adequate performance. The bank depleted by one dot, meaning it should be able to handle two roughly full charges. Charging the VQ Cath Kidston 5,000mAh Power Bank itself from about half full took just over two hours, which again isn’t an overly impressive effort.

The VQ Cath Kidston 5,000mAh Power Bank is more expensive than other popular power banks with similar specs, so it seems you’re paying for its looks more than anything else. Unless you really must have the Cath Kidston design, there are better value picks out there.

VQ Cath Kidston 5,000mAh Power Bank review: price & specs

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VRURC T6S power bank review

The T6S is a small power bank with an eye-catching appearance. The light pink colorway of my review unit was certainly striking, and the small rainbow stripe adds a nice accent to the overall finish. It also comes in black, white, and light blue finishes.

Quite why it has the design of a digital camera from 20 years ago I’m not sure, but this does lend it a fun, retro charm. The faux camera lens also cleverly doubles as an LED display, which is very bright and clear, although it only displays the battery level of the T6S and nothing else.

The T6S is pleasingly compact for a 10k power bank, being shorter and thinner than some of the best power banks with the same capacity. However, it’s quite thick in terms of depth, so some may struggle to fit this comfortably in their pocket. The weight is perhaps a little too hefty for this style of carry as well, although it still isn’t what I’d call heavy.

It’s free of any kind of interface, save for a very discreet power button hidden away on the rear side, which sits flush with the chassis and finished in the same color, so as not to spoil the contours of the T6S.

There are two USB-C ports and one Lightning port, all of which function as inputs in addition to outputs. However, the Lightning port and the adjacent USB-C port are heavily recessed with an opening that was too small to fit any of my numerous spare cables. Thankfully, the other USB-C port on the opposite side isn’t recessed, so there’s no issue here.

The T6S comes with a USB-C-to-Lightning cable that fits like a glove in these slots. At first, this connection type threw me, as I couldn’t see the point. Then I realised that it’s actually quite versatile, allowing you to charge your USB-C devices by plugging the Lightning end into the bank, or your older Apple devices by plugging in the USB-C end.

What’s more, since these inputs are right next to each other, you can plug both ends of the cable to create a carrying loop, which works thanks to the durable cable material and the secure fit of the ports. The drawback of this cable, though, is its short length, so you’ll need your device right next to the T6S while charging.

All ports are capable of 20W PD charging, and three-way simultaneous charging is possible too. I managed to charge my 4,385mAh Google Pixel 7a from half to full capacity, using the included Lightning-to-USB-C cable, in just over an hour, which is a good performance.

However, the battery of the T6S depleted by 40% in the process, which is less impressive, and doesn’t quite seem to chime with its 10,000mAh capacity; other power banks I’ve tested with the same capacity dipped by about a third instead, and I would’ve expected to get closer to two full charges out of it than I did. Charging the bank itself takes about four hours from empty to full, which is about average for its size.

At just over £20, the T6S represents good value considering its portability, fun looks, and clever cable. Other power banks at this price offer similar features, but not many have the same quirky stylings as the T6S, so if that’s important to you in a power bank, not many can match the T6S on that front.

VRURC T6S power bank review: price & specs

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Xiaomi 33W 10,000mAh Power Bank: review

The Xiaomi 33W 10,000mAh Power Bank is a small power bank with an integrated USB-C cable for added convenience, making it ideal for light travelers. The smart, minimalist looks are welcome too. The Ice Blue colorway I had looked classy, but there’s a Tan variant if you want something a little lighter. Both models are elegant and complement the sleek form of the Xiaomi 33W 10,000mAh Power Bank.

In keeping with its uncluttered approach, there’s no screen or interface to speak off, aside from a power check button and four discreet LED dots to indicate battery and charging status. Despite their small size, they’re pleasingly bright, which makes them easy to see at a glance or at a distance.

I also appreciated the small form factor, with its square shape taking up little room. This is all the more impressive considering its 10,000mAh capacity, as not even some of the best power banks this size have such a small footprint. However, it’s thicker than some of them, and while the Xiaomi 33W 10,000mAh Power Bank isn’t exactly heavy, it’s not the lightest either.

The plastic material body feels reasonably premium, as it’s smooth to the touch and feels solidly constructed. However, the stress relief for the integrated USB-C cable seems quite flimsy, and I wouldn’t trust it to withstand too many bends or prolonged squashing, so I’d be careful when packing it deep inside a bag. I also wouldn’t use it as a carrying handle, although in fairness, Xiaomi doesn’t mention this as a feature.

Unfortunately, the housing that keeps the jack end stowed away isn’t as secure as I would’ve liked either. It does preserve the perfectly flat contours of the bank, though, as the jack sits flush with the side panel when stowed.

In addition to the integrated cable, the Xiaomi 33W 10,000mAh Power Bank also has a USB-A port and a USB-C port. Three-way simultaneous charging is supported too, as well as two-way 30W fast charging.

Charging performance is good, as it managed to charge my Google Pixel 7a, which has a 4,385mAh battery, from empty to full in just over 90 minutes, which is a solid performance.

More impressively, the Xiaomi 33W 10,000mAh Power Bank only lost one of its four LED dots, which means you should get between 2-3 full charges of a smartphone out of it. Charging the bank itself takes somewhere between three and a half to four hours, which is reasonable for this battery size.

For the price of £19.99 (about $26 / AU$41), the Xiaomi 33W 10,000mAh Power Bank represents good value. Not many power banks with this capacity take up so little real estate, nor have an integrated cable in addition to two extra ports. The cable might not endure as much punishment as others, but for light traveling the Xiaomi 33W 10,000mAh Power Bank should make for a convenient companion.

Xiaomi 33W 10,000mAh Power Bank review: price & specs

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Xiaomi 33W 10,000mAh Power Bank review: Also consider

Xiaomi 33W 10,000mAh Power Bank: review

The Xiaomi 33W 10,000mAh Power Bank is a small power bank with an integrated USB-C cable for added convenience, making it ideal for light travelers. The smart, minimalist looks are welcome too. The Ice Blue colorway I had looked classy, but there’s a Tan variant if you want something a little lighter. Both models are elegant and complement the sleek form of the Xiaomi 33W 10,000mAh Power Bank.

In keeping with its uncluttered approach, there’s no screen or interface to speak off, aside from a power check button and four discreet LED dots to indicate battery and charging status. Despite their small size, they’re pleasingly bright, which makes them easy to see at a glance or at a distance.

I also appreciated the small form factor, with its square shape taking up little room. This is all the more impressive considering its 10,000mAh capacity, as not even some of the best power banks this size have such a small footprint. However, it’s thicker than some of them, and while the Xiaomi 33W 10,000mAh Power Bank isn’t exactly heavy, it’s not the lightest either.

The plastic material body feels reasonably premium, as it’s smooth to the touch and feels solidly constructed. However, the stress relief for the integrated USB-C cable seems quite flimsy, and I wouldn’t trust it to withstand too many bends or prolonged squashing, so I’d be careful when packing it deep inside a bag. I also wouldn’t use it as a carrying handle, although in fairness, Xiaomi doesn’t mention this as a feature.

Unfortunately, the housing that keeps the jack end stowed away isn’t as secure as I would’ve liked either. It does preserve the perfectly flat contours of the bank, though, as the jack sits flush with the side panel when stowed.

In addition to the integrated cable, the Xiaomi 33W 10,000mAh Power Bank also has a USB-A port and a USB-C port. Three-way simultaneous charging is supported too, as well as two-way 30W fast charging.

Charging performance is good, as it managed to charge my Google Pixel 7a, which has a 4,385mAh battery, from empty to full in just over 90 minutes, which is a solid performance.

More impressively, the Xiaomi 33W 10,000mAh Power Bank only lost one of its four LED dots, which means you should get between 2-3 full charges of a smartphone out of it. Charging the bank itself takes somewhere between three and a half to four hours, which is reasonable for this battery size.

For the price of £19.99 (about $26 / AU$41), the Xiaomi 33W 10,000mAh Power Bank represents good value. Not many power banks with this capacity take up so little real estate, nor have an integrated cable in addition to two extra ports. The cable might not endure as much punishment as others, but for light traveling the Xiaomi 33W 10,000mAh Power Bank should make for a convenient companion.

Xiaomi 33W 10,000mAh Power Bank review: price & specs

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Cuktech 15 Ultra review

The Cuktech 15 Ultra is a power bank with a large output designed for charging laptops and similar devices on the go. There’s no getting around the fact that it’s a sizable unit. It’s admirably thin across its width, but it’s quite long and has a thick depth. This shape may suit some but disappoint others depending on the dimensions and packing arrangements of their luggage.

Its looks aren’t anything special, adopting a two-tone grey and black color scheme that’s not the most vibrant. The front panel for the screen looks smart with its gloss finish, though, while the back panel has a subtle texture that helps with grip slightly.

The build quality of the Cuktech 15 Ultra is quite good, with materials that feel reasonably premium and there’s no flex at all when pressing any side. However, the join as the chassis meets the display is quite prominent, owing to the inset nature of the display panel, so this isn’t as seamless a design as some of the best power banks out there.

The power button is integrated within the display panel, although again there’s a fairly prominent gap around the edges. Oddly, it’s emblazoned with two vertical lines, rather than the standard power symbol, but it’s at least clear to see. It operates very smoothly, providing plenty of feedback when clicked.

The standout feature of the Cuktech 15 Ultra, though, is the screen. It can display information such as total input and output readings, as well as real-time wattage, amperage and voltage. Battery level, estimated charging times, and temperature warnings are also given.

There are also a few settings that can be adjusted using this screen: you can choose whether the first USB-C port is input only, output only, or both; and you can set the screen to always stay on – two useful features I haven’t seen on other power banks.

However, despite the full-length front panel, the actual display only comprises a small area by comparison, meaning all readouts are crammed into a relatively small space, which does compromise readability somewhat.

The Cuktech 15 Ultra features two USB-C ports and one USB-A port, delivering a total output of 165W, or a maximum of 140W from a single port. Three-way simultaneous charging is also possible, although the maximum outputs drop to 100W for one USB-C port, 45W for the other, and 15W for the USB-A port. Three ports might be plenty for some, but there are similarly sized – and even some smaller – power banks out there that manage to pack in four ports.

When it comes to performance, the Cuktech 15 Ultra managed to charge an HP Chromebook Plus 15.6-inch, which can charge at 45W, from empty to 98% in about two hours, which is an impressive performance – and it stayed cool throughout. However, it ran out of battery before it could charge the Chromebook to 100%, so it just falls short of providing even a single full charge for large devices.

Thankfully, charging the Cuktech 15 Ultra itself is quick, as it took me about an hour to top it up from 25% to full. This was via a single USB-C input, but you can use both ports at the same time for increased charging power.

Given its price, the Cuktech 15 Ultra competes with other large power banks, such as the Anker Laptop Power Bank, which is similarly priced. This bank, though, has a slightly larger capacity, and features two inbuilt USB-C for added convenience. However, its display doesn’t quite offer the same wealth of information as the Cuktech 15 Ultra. The two are closely matched, so if you went for the Cuktech 15 Ultra, you likely won’t be disappointed.

Cuktech 15 Ultra review: price & specs

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Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station 3-in-1 Foldable Pad review

The Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station 3-in-1 Foldable Pad is a travel-friendly Qi2 MagSafe charger with charging modules for an iPhone and AirPods, and a certified Apple Watch fast-charging module. It has a retail price of $89.99 / £89.99 / AU$199.99 on the Anker website and can be purchased at Amazon too.

The material of the Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station 3-in-1 Foldable Pad looks and feels high-quality, and the patented design is well-considered. I was particularly happy to see Anker has incorporated materials that could reduce their environmental impact by using 75% PCR (post-consumer recycled) plastic in the outer casing of the MagGo Wireless Charging Station 3-in-1 Foldable Pad.

It took mere moments to fold the MagGo Wireless Charging Station 3-in-1 Foldable Pad down small enough to fit in the palm of my hand, and the magnets were strong enough to withstand the depths of my bag but easy to pull apart when needed. It was not so easy to remove the iPhone from the charging pad, however, unless I had two free hands to pry them apart and stop the charging pad from hitting the table once separated.

Although I liked the novel UFO-meets-macaron aesthetic, I found the charger moved easily when laid flat to charge three devices, especially when placing or removing the iPhone and Apple Watch. The charging module for the latter made me the most uncomfortable, as I could hear the outer surface scraping on the table each time it moved. It got a little marked from the rough surface of the table I photographed it on – fortunately it wiped off easily and there didn’t appear to be any scratches, but I’d still advise caution. This can be avoided if an Apple Watch has an all-in-one band or a sturdy strap is left fastened, as the charger’s silicone strap enables the Apple Watch charging module to tilt upwards, allowing upright charging.

I’m not really a fan of flat wireless chargers – unless it’s a charging pad I can comfortably hold in my hand like the Anker MagGo Wireless Charger Pad. However, I was pleased to discover the Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station 3-in-1 Foldable Pad could be made into a stand by attaching the Apple Watch charging module to the back of the iPhone module. It’s not a perfect solution as the phone can only be landscape and there’s only one viewing angle, but as Anker’s point was to facilitate StandBy mode, it does the job.

I’ve tested a fair amount of wireless chargers that seemed to take themselves too literally. This isn’t the end of the world if they charge efficiently with any cable and adapter, but some require the latter to be above a certain wattage. Fortunately, I won’t be adding the Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station 3-in-1 Foldable Pad to that list, as it comes with a 40W adapter and a conveniently long 5 ft / 1.5 m USB-C to USB-C cable too.

The Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station 3-in-1 Foldable Pad took a commendable hour and fifty-six minutes to fully charge an 3,095mAh iPhone 13 Pro, which is almost twenty minutes faster than the Anker 3-in-1 Cube with MagSafe. The Apple Watch charging speed was good too, taking just an hour and three minutes to recharge my Apple Watch Series 9, only one minute shy of the fastest MagSafe charger I’ve tested to date, the Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station 3-in-1 Stand.

In closing, I really quite like the Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station 3-in-1 Foldable Pad. Certain aspects may not be entirely to my preference, but it’s well–made out of good-looking materials, and the patented design makes it conveniently easy to fold up and pack away. It’s pretty pricey, for sure, but for the good charging speeds, eco-conscious materials, compact size, and light weight, you’re getting value for money here. If you’d like to explore other MagSafe charger options, I’d recommend checking out our pick of the best wireless chargers.

Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station 3-in-1 Foldable Pad review: Price & specs

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Anker 313 Wireless Charger Stand review

The Anker 313 Wireless Charger Stand has a list price of $23.99 on the Anker US website for the black model, and at the time of writing there's a $9 saving on offer, lowering the price to just $14.99. The Anker 313 Wireless Charger Stand can also be purchased at Amazon at a list price of $19.99 / £19.99, but as I write this review it's been reduced to $14.99 / £13.99 thanks to a limited-time deal.

One thing to note is that the product name varies slightly depending on where you look. I've come to expect Anker's disjointed and mildly frustrating naming conventions after reviewing so many of their chargers. There's often a different product name on the box than the website, and the name tends to differ again on Amazon too. This charger is sold as the Anker 313 Wireless Charger (Stand) on the Anker website and at Amazon US but is referred to as the PowerWave in the contents, and on the packaging. It's sold under the name Anker PowerWave stand at Amazon UK. If you ever get confused by the names of Anker chargers, you can cross-reference the model numbers for confirmation.

The design of the Anker 313 Wireless Charger Stand couldn't get much simpler. The charging stand comes in one piece, with the backward-angled phone holder attached to the front edge of the stabilizing rear stand. The outer is made of a soft-sheen plastic that is nice to touch, but there is a slightly sharp edge to the join between the front and back panels of the charging pad. A small shelf extends at an angle from the bottom of the charging pad, which was easy to place my phone on, however, it didn't offer much stability as it lacks any lip or silicone for extra hold. On the front of this ledge is a small blue LED ring that illuminates when the charger is connected to power.

The Anker 313 Wireless Charger Stand is available in Black on the Anker website and at Amazon, with the latter also offering a white model that costs an extra dollar or so. Curiously, Anker has used an outdated micro USB power port on the 313 Wireless Charger Stand, though fortunately it does provide a 3 ft / 900mm cable, saving me scrabbling through drawers in a vain attempt to hunt one down, although I would have preferred more length.

As this charger doesn't feature a MagSafe attachment, phone placement must be correct to ensure efficient charging. This lack of magnetic hold also means that anyone on the clumsy side, such as myself, must be careful not to knock it because there's nothing to hold the phone in place.

When it came to charging an iPhone 13 Pro, the performance of the Anker 313 Wireless Charger Stand was underwhelming, taking three hours and twenty minutes to fully recharge from 0% - 100%. This is especially disappointing considering the INIU I212 Adjustable 15W Fast Wireless Charger was able to perform the same task in just two hours and sixteen minutes. Granted, the INIU charger is a little more expensive, but it more than makes up for it with the adjustable viewing angle, and the aforementioned charging speed.

Personally, I wouldn't purchase an Anker 313 Wireless Charger Stand due to its static design and slow charging speeds. However, when the price is discounted, it could prove a worthwhile purchase for someone who isn't fussed about speedy charging and wants to take their phone off the stand with ease, as there's no magnetic attachment to contend with. But even then, I'd suggest spending just a little more and buying the aforementioned INIU I212 Adjustable 15W Fast Wireless Charger; it's worth it. If you're looking for something faster or capable of charging more than one device, I recommend checking out our pick of the best wireless chargers.

Anker 313 Wireless Charger Stand review: Price & specs

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Anker 737 power bank review

Premium power banks designed for high-wattage laptop charging are rare, but the Anker 737 stands out thanks to its 140W output, making it one of the best choices for MacBook Pros and other power-hungry laptops. Anker is a well-known brand recognized for quality, and the 737 delivers top-tier performance with a 24,000 mAh (86.4 Wh) capacity, a built-in screen, and multiple ports for a variety of devices.

While the 737 also comes with a premium price tag, at least it's easy to purchase – either directly from Anker, through online stores, or on Amazon. It's often discounted by up to 30% compared to the list price, making it a great deal for those who can catch it on sale. Plus, it's flight-safe, making it perfect for travelers who need a reliable power source for tedious long-haul flights.

The Anker 737 is one of a small number of power banks that cater to the latest high-end laptops, with the ability to supply up to 140W (28V, 5A) from the main USB-C port. Of course, it also handles charging phones or other portable devices just as well, with the second USB-C port offering up to 100W (20V, 5A) output, while the USB-A delivers 18W (9V, 2A). The 737 supports fast charging a phone at up to 27W (9V, 3A) as well as PPS 5A (3.3V – 21V) for wide compatibility, including Samsung fast charging.

At 630 grams, the Anker 737 is heavier than some alternatives, but its square 15.7 × 5.5 × 5 cm form factor is particularly well-suited for placement in drink bottle holders and is easy to pack in most bags, though it may be a tight fit in slim laptop bags. The power bank features an excellent color screen that provides real-time information on remaining capacity, battery health, and power output from each port, making it a valuable tool for monitoring device charging. It also includes a low-current charging mode for smaller accessories, activated by double pressing the power button.

The Anker 737’s standout feature is its ability to sustain a 140W output with rock-steady voltages. While it does get warm under sustained high-wattage loads, efficiency remains solid. The Gen 1 model I tested doesn't support 12V output from the USB-C ports, but the latest Gen 2 version of the Anker 737 is upgraded with 12V/3A PD-spec output that, among other things, charges DJI drone batteries at full speed.

At 140W (28V, 5A), 85% of the rated capacity is available. At a more common 100W (20V, 5A), an excellent 89% of the rated capacity is maintained. For phone charging at 9V 20W, the efficiency remains high at 87%. USB-C charging is the most efficient, while the USB-A port delivers 70.5 Wh (81.5%) at 5V 2A compared to 74.2 Wh (86%) from USB-C.

The Anker 737 charges itself impressively fast, reaching full capacity at 140W in under an hour. At 100W, it takes approximately 1.5 hours. It supports pass-through charging at up to 90W, but doesn't allow self-charging at the same time and lacks a UPS mode. The power bank uses high-quality 21700 cells and actively monitors battery health, making it an excellent choice for heavy daily use.

Anker 737: Price & specs

Anker 737: Test results

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The Anker 737 is one of the best premium power banks available, but below are a few other options if you are looking for something different.

How I test power banks

I get hands-on with every power bank I test and conduct extensive evaluations in both lab and real-world scenarios. Using tools like the ChargerLab POWER-Z KM003C, I measure charge voltage, protocol support, and log capacity tests.

Each power bank is also tested with real devices, including phones, tablets, and laptops, and connected to a programmable load tester for multiple charge cycles. I carry a selection daily in both pockets and bags to assess their durability and ability to withstand everyday use.

All measurements and weights are personally verified, ensuring accuracy beyond the manufacturer’s listings.

Want to know more? Read about how we test.

ZMI No.20 power bank review

Power banks that claim to fast-charge laptops often fall short, but the ZMI No.20 delivers 100W output in a premium package. ZMI might not be a name you've heard of, but the brand is a key part of Mi (Xiaomi) and is well-known for making excellent, high-quality products. The No.20 is no exception, with a large 25,000 mAh (90 Wh) capacity, high-end components, and impressive multi-device charging capabilities. It’s one of the best power banks available, though it can sometimes be difficult to purchase in Australia and the US, and almost impossible to find in the UK. Amazon is often the best place to buy it, but keep in mind that it doesn't go on sale frequently.

I purchased this power bank personally and have used it for over two years. It remains my favourite laptop-ready power bank, thanks to its high performance, great form factor, and robust reliability.

The ZMI No.20 features two USB-C input/output ports and one USB-A port. The first USB-C port delivers up to 100W (20V, 5A), while the second is limited to 45W (20V, 2.25A) in or out. The USB-A port can also output 100W (20V, 5A) for PD-compatible devices like laptops, but only when using the included ZMI USB-A to USB-C cable. With a total power output of 210W across all ports, the No.20 has no issue fast charging multiple laptops, phones, or handheld gaming devices simultaneously. The 25,000 mAh capacity is also nearly the largest allowed while still being flight-safe.

This power bank also supports pass-through charging and functions as a UPS, ensuring uninterrupted power delivery when plugging or unplugging devices. It works well with low-power devices like routers (using a USB-C to 12V cable), making it a viable option for backup power needs. The remaining capacity is displayed via a simple but effective light-up percentage indicator that's easy to read in sunlight but slightly too bright at night.

The long but slim form factor makes it easy to fit in bags, including backpacks and laptop bags. At 580 grams, it’s not the lightest option, but its weight is reasonable given its high capacity, and 18.8 cm length and 8.1 cm width allow it to slip into most storage pockets in bags. While providing robust protection if dropped, the shiny plastic finish is prone to scratches. These marks are cosmetic and do not affect performance, though a sleeve can help mitigate them – albeit with some added bulk.

ZMI No.20: Price & specs

ZMI No.20: Test results

I conduct comprehensive testing of every power bank I review to ensure they meet their manufacturer’s claims. The ZMI No.20 delivers outstanding results and runs slightly cooler than competing power banks, with no observed throttling in normal use.

During testing, the No.20 output 87.9% of its capacity at 20V and 84.9% at 9V, which is above-average efficiency. It sustains 100W output on a single USB-C port or 100W + 45W across both USB-C ports without overheating. The independent USB-C ports ensure that plugging in a second device doesn't cause the first to disconnect or renegotiate power levels.

The 210W total power rating is achieved using the first USB-C port (100W) and the USB-A port (100W) with the included ZMI USB-A to USB-C cable. Connecting two 100W laptops is possible, though if both use the full 100W for an extended period, the power bank may reduce the output. After efficiency losses, the power bank can easily fully charge most laptops, giving double (or more) runtime.

When recharging with a 100W charger, the No.20 hits full capacity in about 1.5 hours (and 80% charge in under an hour), or 2.5 hours when using the 45W input.

The ZMI No.20 uses high-quality Samsung INR21700-50E cells, which typically provide better cycle life and long-term reliability compared to the pouch cells in lower-priced power banks. This makes it ideal for frequent, heavy use.

Should I buy the ZMI No.20?

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Also consider

The ZMI No.20 is one of the best premium power banks available, but below are a few other options if you are looking for something different.

How I test power banks

I get hands-on with every power bank I can and perform extensive testing in both the lab and real-world scenarios. Using equipment like the ChargerLab POWER-Z KM003C, I check charge voltage, protocol support, and log capacity tests.

Each power bank is also tested with real devices, including phones, tablets, laptops, and more, and then connected to a programmable load tester for multiple charge cycles. I carry a selection daily in both pockets and bags to assess their durability and ability to withstand rough, everyday use.

All measurements and weights are personally verified, ensuring accuracy beyond the manufacturer’s listings.

Want to know more? Read about how we test.

Iniu B6 power bank review

There are a lot of power banks on the market that seem great on paper, but it can be hard to know how they hold up in the real world. Iniu is one of my favourite brands thanks to very high-quality power banks with great features and a long warranty, but just as importantly, very reasonable prices. That said, when shopping online, the list price is often quite high, but the power bank is typically sold for much less.

The little Iniu B6 offers a lot considering the price tag, with a 10,000 mAh (37 Wh) capacity and a 20W (9V, 2.22A) PD 3.0 output, which will fast charge most phones fully at least once, with enough leftover for other devices or a second charge later on. The B6 measures 13.6 x 7 x 1.5 cm, weighs 210 grams – a better-than-average size and weight for the capacity, making it ideal for slipping into a pocket, purse or bag.

The B6 has a single USB-C port, as well as two USB-A ports and a large easy-to-read digital display that shows the capacity still available to use. In the box, you get a USB-A to USB-C cable and a carry bag – the latter is a nice inclusion, as the soft-touch coating on the B6 is great to hold but prone to scratches. The soft-touch coating also holds fingerprints and fluff, and I do worry that it might degrade and feel sticky in the future, but so far it's held up well.

The power bank has an LED torch that can be turned on by double pressing the power button. Sure, it’s not very bright, but I've found it very useful for finding lost items in a dark bag. Plus, it will literally run for days – I often use it as a portable night light when travelling. For example, a bit of dim illumination is very helpful when trying to find the bathroom in a dark, unfamiliar hotel room, and avoids needing to turn on the main lights.

The B6 also has a pull-out phone holder that turns the power bank into a stand when charging – also very handy when travelling.

Iniu B6: Price & specs

Iniu B6: Test results

I conduct comprehensive testing of power banks to make sure they can meet the manufacturer's claims. All in all, the B6 gives excellent results that are well above average – especially considering the price.

In testing, the B6 has excellent voltage accuracy and can output 85% of its rated capacity at 20W (9V, 2.22A) and an even better 91% at 5V. These are very impressive results considering the affordable price. The B6 also supports PPS mode from 5V to 11V at 2A, and 5V to 5.9V at 3A, allowing compatible phones to charge faster and more efficiently. Note that while the B6 is listed as 22.5W, that's at 5V 4.5A (or 4.5V 5A) which isn't supported on most phones.

I first tested this Iniu B6 back in May 2023, and have used it as one of my main power banks ever since. Along the way, I've performed periodic cyclic testing and have not turned up any appreciable capacity loss, so I am very confident that the B6 will last well long term. But of course, it’s worth mentioning (again) that Iniu offers a generous three-year warranty, providing peace of mind if you do have an issue.

Should I buy the Iniu B6?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider

The Iniu B6 is one of the best affordable power banks available, but below are a few other options if you are looking for something different.

How I test power banks

I get hands-on with every power bank I can, and perform extensive testing in both the lab and real-world scenarios. Using equipment like the ChargerLab POWER-Z KM003C, I check charge voltage, protocol support, and log capacity tests.

Each power bank is also tested with real devices, including phones, tablets, laptops, and others, and connected to a programmable load tester for multiple charge cycles. I carry a selection daily in both pockets and bags to assess their durability and ability to withstand rough, everyday use.

All measurements and weights are personally verified, ensuring accuracy beyond the manufacturer’s listings.

Want to know more? Read about how we test.