Portable devices often run out of power when you least expect it: during an important meeting, as you step on the bus, or when you’re about to press play. A battery-powered power bank can help you say goodbye to such situations.
If you’re currently weighing your options and wondering whether to get an AC power bank or a regular power bank, you’re in the right place. The two operate similarly, but there are distinct differences between them.
What Are AC Power Banks?
These are rechargeable batteries that power electrical devices, household appliances, and more. They are a great energy source for off-grid travel and emergency power outages. They have onboard batteries that store electricity.
The power banks contain three main components: a battery, an inverter, and a charge controller. Power is stored in the battery cells, the inverter converts DC power to AC power, while the charge controller prevents the battery from overcharging. Most electrical devices and household appliances use AC power. Some AC power banks have USB outputs for added convenience.
What Is a Power Bank?
A power bank stores electric energy and charges devices such as smartphones, laptops, gaming consoles, and more. It offers affordable, reliable energy and can be used on the go.
Regular power banks contain built-in batteries that charge through an external power supply, such as a wall socket. The batteries hold electrical energy and power connected devices via their outputs.
Battery pack capacity ranges between 1,000 to 50,000mAh. The units also range in size, from pocket-sized devices to larger, higher-capacity units. They provide mobile power and prevent battery drainage when emergencies shut off access to electricity.
AC Power Banks and Ordinary Power Banks: The Main Differences
- Charging options: Unlike regular power banks, AC power banks can be recharged using wall sockets, carports, solar panels, and AC outlets. They are more adaptable and suitable for different charging needs.
- Power output: An AC power bank stores more power and can juice up high-wattage appliances such as refrigerators, projectors, and TVs. Regular power banks are ideal for smaller devices like smartphones and laptops.
- Device compatibility: AC power banks are compatible with more devices than regular power banks. They can provide ample energy to high-wattage electronics such as refrigerators and televisions.
- Charging speed: An AC power bank charges electronic devices faster than a regular power bank. It also recharges twice as fast as a standard power bank, depending on the wall charger used.
- Portability: AC power banks are typically heavier than regular power banks due to their large battery capacity. They are less portable than regular power banks.
How to Choose the Right Power Bank for Your Needs
- Usage: The battery pack’s output should meet the requirements of your devices. Smartphones need a little power, tablets need more, and laptops and handheld consoles need even more.
- Device compatibility: Get a power bank that’s compatible with your devices. Some power banks don’t work with specific devices or require special cables and adapters.
- Charging speed: This indicates the power a battery pack can send to your gadgets, usually measured in amps (A). More amps means faster charging. But faster power banks also discharge more quickly, so consider your devices’ charging requirements first.
- Desired power capacity: Capacity is measured in milliampere-hours (mAh). A high-capacity unit can charge your devices multiple times. Consider the devices you’ll charge and how often you’ll need to recharge the power bank.
- Portability and weight: If you plan to travel with the power bank or use it on the go, get one that’s compact and lightweight. A smaller one may have a lower capacity.
- Your budget: Most battery packs have a 10,000 to 30,000mAh capacity, but this isn’t the maximum milliampere hours. Think of your budget and needs, don’t buy a power bank for its size.
The Best Power Banks by RAVPower
20000mAh PD Pioneer 60W 2-Port Power Bank
A laptop close to dying can be a great source of frustration. A powerful battery pack can be a lifesaver when you’re running low on battery and can’t access power outlets. It can also power your smartphone and other gadgets during a power outage.
RAVPower’s PD Pioneer 60W Power Bank is the best option for devices that charge via USB-C. It utilizes PD technology to charge devices and itself quickly. Your MacBook Pro will charge to 50% in less than 30 minutes. The power bank is compatible with most laptops and is small enough to carry in a bag. It can juice up two devices simultaneously and offers universal compatibility.
30000mAh 90W 2-Port Portable Laptop Charger
Today’s phones and laptops are extremely powerful but also power-hungry. Oftentimes, you might need to charge a device when you aren’t near a wall outlet. This high-capacity battery pack by RAVPower is ideal for people who need a lot of power on the go and will keep your devices topped up.
It features a 90W USB-C port and fully charges a Samsung Galaxy S20/20+ in about 1 hour. Use its USB-C to C cable to quickly charge your mobile devices and itself. The unit can charge phones, tablets, and power-hungry laptops with no trouble. Whether you travel a lot or love working on the go, it will boost your devices whenever they run low on power.
20000mAh AC Portable Power Bank
Some portable chargers let you use your smartphone for a few more hours, while others are intended to replace wired chargers—like this one. It boasts massive AC output and packs enough power to keep you going for days. Its AC port delivers up to 80W and can fully charge a MacBook, Nintendo Switch, drone, GoPro, camera battery, and other power-hungry devices. The Quick Charge port delivers up to 18W to compatible USB-A devices.
If you regularly rely on a battery pack for extended periods of time, get RAVPower’s AC portable power bank. If it runs out of power, use the 30W PD input and the included USB-C to USB-C cable to recharge it. You’ll cut down recharge time by 60%. The increased productivity this power bank provides more than justifies its cost.
30000mAh 100W AC Power Bank 100W
If you often charge your laptop while traveling or work remotely, an AC power bank is ideal. It’s not just built for laptops, it can power a variety of other devices, from laptops to gaming consoles.
This is the best 100W AC power bank that you can buy. It has an AC outlet, a USB-A port, and two fast-charging USB-C ports. It can charge most power-hungry laptops and keeps up with MacBook Pros. It also recharges fast. You can power devices at speeds up to 100W and even household appliances rated 110V.
Get a Powerful RAVPower Power Bank—One You’ll Use for Years
When choosing a power bank, there are many things to consider–the capacity, portability, charging speed, compatibility, safety features, and much more. You also have to read customer reviews to gauge the reliability and longevity of the power bank. To avoid guesswork and get the most bang for the buck, get a RAVPower power bank with massive AC output.
Meta Description: Wondering whether to get an AC power bank or a regular power bank? This post will help you decide.