If you’re the kind of person who does their homework before they buy something like me, then this is for you. Are you looking for the best power bank under 1000? I took a look at all the famous power banks and reviewed them to find the best.
Best Power Banks Under 1000 (2019): For iPhone, Samsung, OnePlus
Power banks are very useful when traveling. They are easy to use and super convenient.
However, trying to choose between the several brands and power banks available on the market can be a little confusing.
Don’t worry:
I made this list of top 5 best power bank under 1000 to help you find the best power bank.
#1. Mi 10000mAH Li-Polymer Power Bank 2i – Best Buy
Mi 10000mAH Li-Polymer Power Bank 2i Product Specifications
- 10000 mAH lithium-polymer battery
- Dual USB outputs
- 240 g (lightweight)
- 1 x 1.4 x 14.7 cm = 146.118 cubic cm (compact size)
- Actual power capacity: 6500 mAH
Mi 10000mAH Li-Polymer Power Bank 2i Pros
- Great build quality
- The conversion rate of 90%
- Two-way Fast charging
- Lightweight and compact
- 10000 mAH lithium-polymer batteries
- Nine layers of circuit chip protection
- Aluminum Alloy + CNC Edge
- Affordable price
Mi 10000mAH Li-Polymer Power Bank 2i Cons
- Long charging time
Popular User complaints:
- “Takes a lot of time to charge.”
Most of the users who gave a 1-star rating on Amazon were displeased that Mi 10000mAH Li-Polymer Power Bank 2i takes about 7-8 hours to charge itself fully.
Mi 10000mAH Li-Polymer Power Bank 2i Review
Mi power bank 2i is one of the best power banks on the market. It is lightweight, small and affordable.
It can automatically adjust power output up to 18W to give fast and efficient charging.
There are some pretty cool features in this one. It is almost perfect except for the fact that it takes almost 7-8 hours to charge itself fully.
However, Mi 10000mAH Li-Polymer Power bank 2I has more than enough good quality to become the Best Portable Supercharger.
If you want to buy a power bank, then look no further than the Mi 10000mAH Li-Polymer Power Bank 2i.
Final verdict: Best Portable Supercharger
#2. Rock ITP106 13000mAH Power Bank – Best Buy
Rock ITP106 13000mAH Power Bank Product Specifications
- 13,000 mAH Lithium-ion battery
- Two fast-charging USB ports
- 327 g
- 9 x 6.3 x 2.3 cm = 230.391
Rock ITP106 13000mAH Power Bank Pros
- 13,000 mAH charge capacity
- The conversion rate of 75%
- Two fast-charging USB ports
- Beautiful design and great build quality
- Actual battery capacity: 10000 mAH
Rock ITP106 13000mAH Power Bank Cons
- Its lithium-ion battery and not lithium-polymer
- Heavy and quite big
Popular User Complaints
- “Default USB cable is not working.”
Most of the users complained that the default USB cable that comes with the product stops working within a week. Some of the complaints are also about one of the two fast-charging USB ports being damaged.
Rock ITP106 13000mAH Power Bank Review
#3. Lenovo PA13000 13000mAH Power Bank – Best Buy
Lenovo PA13000 13000mAH Power Bank Product Specifications
- 13,000 mah lithium-ion battery
- Dual USB outputs 2.1A
- 399 g
- 14.1 x 6.4 x 2.2 cm = 198.5 cubic cm
- Actual Battery Capacity: 10,000 mAH
- Conversion rate: 90%
Lenovo PA13000 13000mAH Power Bank Pros
- Compact size
- High conversion rate
- High Actual Battery Capacity
- Beautiful design
- Two USB fast charging output ports
Lenovo PA13000 13000mAH Power Bank Cons
- Heavy
- Long Charging time
Popular User Complaints
- Takes too long to charge
- One of the USB output ports is not working
Most of the users are complaining about the long charging time of 8 hours. The next popular user complaint is that one of the two fast-charging USB ports is broken within a few weeks or a month after buying.
Lenovo PA13000 13000mAH Power Bank Review
Lenovo is a well-known brand that produces high-quality electronic gadgets. And Lenovo PA13000 13000mAH power bank is no different.
It has the highest conversion rate and the high actual battery capacity. A well-designed model with compact size but has a heavyweight. However, the weight can be overlooked since it can hold a lot of charge.
There are two fast-charging USB output ports with 2A current output.
However, some users have complained that only one USB port is working while the other broke down within a week of buying it.
The only drawback is the long charging time. But it is not really a drawback since almost all the products, in this list of best power bank under 1000, have.
I recommend this product if you don’t mind the heaviness. If you’re looking for a product with high battery capacity, this is for you.
Final verdict: Best Build Quality
#4. Intex IT-PBA 10K Poly 10000mAH Power Bank
Intex IT-PBA 10K Poly 10000mAH Power Bank Product Specifications
- 10000 mAH Lithium Polymer Battery
- Dual USB ports
- 281 g
- 15 x 7.2 x 1.5 cm = 162 cm3
Intex IT-PBA 10K Poly 10000mAH Power Bank Pros
- Compact size with medium weight
- Two USB output ports
- Fast charging input
- Fast charging output
- Beautiful and stylish design
Intex IT-PBA 10K Poly 10000mAH Power Bank Cons
- Only one fast-charging output
- Takes too long to charge
Popular User Complaints
- Low charge capacity
- Stopped working in a month or two
Intex IT-PBA 10K Poly 10000mAH Power Bank Review
Intex is a well-known electronics brand. The quality of the products they sell is average. They are not exactly the best, nor they are the worst.
They work just fine. Similar is the case with Intex IT-PBA 10k Poly 10000 mAH power bank; it just works fine.
Its primary advantage is its compact size. While the weight of the power bank is also decent.
The build quality is good with a stylish design. It has fast charging input port.
But only has one fast-charging output. Another disadvantage is that it takes too long to charge.
Many users even complained that it low charge capacity. However, if used with the precautions we recommend, this could work better.
However, I recommend the MI power bank 2i instead of this product.
Final verdict: Average Product. Buy at your own risk.
#5. Intex IT-PB12.5K 12500mAH Power Bank – Best Buy
Intex IT-PB12.5K 12500mAH Power Bank Product Specifications
- 12500 mah
- Output USB ports 3
- 14 x 6.4 x 2.3 cm = 206.08 cm3
- 290 g
- 5v 2.1A input, 5V/1A and 2 – 5V/2.1A
Intex IT-PB12.5K 12500mAH Power Bank Pros
- 500 life cycles
- Led flashlight
- Fast charging input
- Two fast-charging outputs
- Compact design
Intex IT-PB12.5K 12500mAH Power Bank Cons
- Takes too long to charge
- Low actual charge capacity
Popular User Complaints
- Bad Customer Service
- Stopped working within a month
Users complained that the power bank stopped working within a month or 3 months. Some even said it stopped working in 10, 20 days.
Most of the users who complained that the product stopped working, also complained about the lousy customer support. One user said that it took them four months to find a replacement.
Intex IT-PB12.5K 12500mAH Power Bank Review
Intex is a well-known electronics brand that sells average products that work fine. It’s not exactly known for its quality.
The specifications of Intex IT-PBA12.5K 12500 mAH power bank seem fantastic on paper. It has three output ports with two fast-charging outputs.
A lifespan of 500 life cycles with a beautiful design. The LED flashlight is very helpful but drains the battery if not switched off after use.
The two primary disadvantages are: it takes too long to charge and has low actual charge capacity.
However, the poor quality and the bad customer service makes this product undesirable. I don’t recommend this product.
Final verdict: Average. Buy at your own risk.
3 Worst power bank under 1000
#1. Ambrane P-1310 13000mAH Power Bank – Best Buy
Ambrane P-1310 13000mAH Power Bank Product Specifications
- 13000 mAH
- Dual output
- Torchlight
- 308 g
- 15 x 8.2 x 2.6 cm 319.8 cm3
Ambrane P-1310 13000mAH Power Bank Pros
- Two output ports
- Torchlight
Ambrane P-1310 13000mAH Power Bank Cons
- Only one fast-charging output port
- Big and heavy
- Design looks terrible
- Bad build quality
- Heating problems
- Too pricey
Popular User Complaints
- Heats up heavily while charging
- Too many defective products
Many users who bought this product complained about the heating up issues while they are charging. Too many complained about defective products. In fact, almost all of the reviews said that they received defective products or the product is damaged by even short-term use.
Ambrane P-1310 13000mAH Power Bank Review
The brand Ambrane is not very well-known. However, the specifications of this product seem good enough on paper.
It has so many problems, like:
There is only one fast-charging port. It is huge and heavy while the design is terrible.
The build quality is poor. In fact, it is so bad that you can hear the insides of the power bank moving when you shake it.
It heats up heavily when charging your phone.
Many users even complained that they got defective products. In fact, too many users complained about it.
It is why I prefer a well-established brand to cheap brands. There are just way too many things about this product that don’t work.
Therefore, it has earned the title of WORST POWER BANK. No matter what you do, do not buy this product.
Final verdict: Worst Power Bank under 1000
#2. Ambrane P-1111 10000mAH Power Bank – Best Buy
Ambrane P-1111 10000mAH Power Bank Product Specifications
- Dual USB output 5V/2A, 5V/1A
- 10000 mAH battery
- Apb lithium-ion cell
- Torchlight and indicative LEDs
- 299g
- 15 x 8 x 2.8 cm = 336 cubic cm
Ambrane P-1111 10000mAH Power Bank Pros
- Two USB output ports
- Torchlight
- One fast charging output
Ambrane P-1111 10000mAH Power Bank Cons
- Only one fast-charging output (Both con and pro)
- Poor quality
- Too big and heavy
- Long charging time
Popular User Complaints
- Poor quality
- Stopped working after using once or twice
- Takes more than a whole day to charge
- Bad customer support
Ambrane P-1111 10000mAH Power Bank Review
After reviewing two Ambrance power banks and thoroughly looking into them, I have concluded that this is the worst brand.
The specifications don’t look very attractive on paper either.
It has only one fast-charging port, and the fact that it has at least one fast-charging port is also its virtue. It is both a pro and a con.
Let’s play a game:
Tell something positive about Ambrance P-1111 Power bank.
Well, it has a torchlight. Game over.
The rest is just all the terrible things about this product. The build quality is poor. It’s too big and heavy. Takes a lot of time to charge.
Many users complained that it is breaking after using once or twice. The customer support is terrible.
There is no way I would even suggest (not even jokingly) to buy this product.
#3. Intex IT-PB11K 11000mAH Power Bank – Best Buy
Intex IT-PB11K 11000mAH Power Bank Product Specifications
- 11000 mAH
- Power input: DC5V / 2.1A
- Output power: 5V 1A, 5V2A & 5V 2A
- 308g
- 2 x 2.6 x 6.3 cm 232.596
Intex IT-PB11K 11000mAH Power Bank Pros
- Decent charging speed
- Fast charging input
- Two fast-charging USB ports
- High battery capacity
Intex IT-PB11K 11000mAH Power Bank Cons
- Easily scratchable
- Discharges quickly
- Low actual charge capacity
- Poor quality
- Bad customer service
- Large and heavy
Popular User complaints
- Product delivered in poor conditions
- Can’t hold much charge
- Bad customer service
Many users complained that the product was delivered in poor conditions with scratches on it. Several said that it couldn’t hold much charge. When the users applied for a replacement or a refund because they got a defective product, they were denied replacement.
Intex IT-PB11K 11000mAH Power Bank Review
Intex is not well-known for quality.
I said this before, I will say it again: they make mediocre products that work just fine.
I had very low expectations of Intex in general. Hoped maybe this product would change my mind.
However, it didn’t.
The Intex IT-PBA11k Power Bank is decent charging speed, two fast-charging outputs and high battery capacity on paper. But it lacks so many other things.
The build quality is so poor that several users complained that it came with scratches on it. This is just a bad product.
Intex IT-PBA11k has earned its place on the worst power bank under 1000.
The best power bank under 1000 (What to buy)
If you’re still wondering what power bank should I buy, then here is the answer: Buy Mi 10000mAH Li-Polymer Power Bank 2i.
If you want a power bank that can hold more charge than Mi power bank 2i, then go for Rock ITP106 13000mAH Power Bank.
The worst power bank under 1000 (What not to buy)
This is the most essential part of this article. Try and avoid all the three products on the worst power bank under 1000.
But what not to buy at all: do not buy Ambrane P-1310 13000mAH Power Bank.
What to look for when selecting a power bank?
Before we go into the list of best power bank under 1000, let’s take a look at the things to examine when buying a power bank.
When selecting a power bank, there are specific factors to look for. Most people only look at the price, charge capacity, and whether or not it is compatible with their device.
There are several important details that you may miss.
Here is what to look for when selecting a power bank.
At least 10000 mAH charge capacity
Battery capacity is the prominent aspect of a power bank. It determines the amount of charge that a power bank can provide.
However, if the conversion rate is too low, even a power bank with a high battery capacity is useless.
You need to look for something that can effectively hold a lot of charges.
It is best to look for a power bank that at least claims to hold 10,000 mAH charge.
At least 70% conversion rate
The conversion rate gives the effective output power of a power bank while charging a device.
The effective output must be at least 70% of the estimated output. If it is less than 70%, it is best to avoid it.
The high-end power banks can provide about a 90% conversion rate.
As a general rule, look for power banks with Lithium-Polymer batteries because they have high conversion rates than Lithium-Ion batteries.
Battery Type: Lithium-Polymer vs Lithium-ion Battery
Power banks come with two different battery types: lithium-polymer and lithium-ion batteries.
What the difference?
Lithium Polymer batteries are basically lithium-ion batteries but with the microporous polymer electrolyte. They have a high conversion rate and a thin body.
However, they cost 10-30% more in manufacturing than lithium-ion batteries. So the power banks that contain lithium-polymer batteries cost more.
Which is better?
Lithium-polymer batteries work just like lithium-ion batteries. There is no difference in how they work. There is essentially no difference in storage life, total life cycles, temperatures or voltage.
Since lithium-polymer batteries can be compact while providing better effective charge, I’d say go for power banks with lithium-polymer batteries.
Number of output ports – at least 2
A power bank must have at least two output ports.
Often, I used to find myself needing to charge both my iPod and smartphone.
My old power bank only had only one output port. Without at least two output ports, the power bank causes massive inconvenience while traveling.
Port types – 2A Fast Charging Ports
There are two types of USB output ports depending on the amount of current they provide: 1A regular port and 2A fast charging port.
The later can charge devices quicker than the former. The increased current output helps to charge your device faster.
Tip: Make sure to use 2A USB cables for fast charging.
Portability – Compact size and low weight
The single main advantage of a power bank is that it is portable.
I remember the days when we referred to power banks as portable chargers. People used these primarily for when they are traveling.
Even today, people use power banks to charge their phones while they travel. They charge their phone in the cab/bus while they’re stuck in traffic.
For a power bank to called easily portable, it must have lightweight, compact design. The average is about 250g.
Brand – Reliability and customer service.
Yes, brand matters. Popular brands are only popular because of their reliability and customer support.
Branded products come with warranties, replacement guarantees, and thorough customer service.
They maintain high product quality to conserve the credibility and reliability of the brand.
Few reliable power bank brands are MI, Lenovo, Intext, and Syska.
Popular User Complaints on reviews (1-star reviews)
It doesn’t matter what you’re buying, you should definitely look at what other customers are saying.
The product may seem like the best on paper when looking at specifications. However, what the specs don’t tell us is how efficient a product is.
There are power banks on Amazon that have terrible reviews even though they look pretty good on paper.
Look at the critical reviews and 1-star reviews to see what are the most popular user-complaints are.
If the product you’re looking at has terrible build quality or life or customer support, users will mention it in the reviews.
Remember:
There could be few bad apples even anywhere irrespective of the product.
What matters is how the brand/company is responding to defective manufacturing replacement queries.
Some brands delay the replacement. Some refuse to replace, and some don’t even offer a replacement guarantee for manufacturing defects.
How to use Power Bank?
Power banks are pretty simple to use. They are simple plug-and-play devices.
Plugin your device to charge. As simple as that.
However, follow these tips every day for long-lasting performance.
Fully charge your power bank to 100%
Yes, you need to charge it completely before using it for the first time.
However, this rule also applies for everyday use. Charge the battery to 100% before you unplug it.
Also:
Let the power bank discharge completely before you recharge it again.
Power banks have a limited number of life cycles. If you don’t charge it properly, the lifespan of the device becomes short. Your power bank will break down easily.
Plug out after fully charged
Plug out the power bank only after it is completely charged. Also, plug out the devices after using the power bank to charge your device.
Don’t leave the cable attached to it after you stopped using it.
Switch off the power button
Once you’re done using the power bank, switch off the power button.
The battery may discharge if you don’t switch off the power button. The led indicator and the torchlight will drain the battery and decrease the lifespan.
Use only 2A cables and 2A ports for fast charging
Most of the power banks these days support fast charging. The USB output ports with 2A current output support fast charging.
Only 2A cables and 2A ports must be used for fast charging. The cables, ports and your mobile device must support fast charging or this feature won’t work very well.
If you use a fast-charging cable but a regular port or vice versa, you won’t be able to charge fast.
How to calculate the conversion rate and effective output?
Conversion rates and effective output are linked, but they are not the same.
The effective power output is the actual power output of a power bank.
Meanwhile, the conversion rate is the percentage of actual output to estimated power output.
How to calculate effective output?
There are two ways to calculate the effective output.
First, measure the output power of the power bank with a multimeter. I recommend the first option as it gives a more accurate reading.
Second, calculating it with the formula:
effective power output = conversion rate x estimated power output
Meanwhile, the estimated power output is the product of voltage and current.
estimate power output = voltage x current
The conversion rate varies from power bank to power bank and brand to brand. Also, the conversion rate is provided by the brand themselves.
For this reason, this is not the most efficient way to calculate the effective output.
How to calculate the conversion rate?
The power bank maker usually provides the power bank’s conversion rate in the product details.
However, some don’t. Or you just curious see what the conversion rate is.
Whatever may be your reason, there is only one way to calculate the conversion rate.
conversion rate = 100 x actual power output / estimated power output
It is best to calculate the conversion rate when you’re reviewing the battery efficiency.
I hope this article helped you choose the power bank you need.
