Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 starsVersatile battery pack that works well
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on March 12, 2023
This is a powerful, versatile battery pack that can work with just about any device. The form factor is a bit different, as it's not a flat slab, but instead a more square shape but tall. It has a small, but useful OLED screen that gives you a more detailed status than just a few lights. Two USB C and 1 USB A port are versatile enough for most applications. Due to the higher (but not the highest possible) capacity, this is a good battery pack to take on a trip where you might need extended power, but just keep in mind that it's also not light so it's not something you would carry every day. I do like the form factor and I think this makes it a bit easier to carry. When in use, you can stand it up on end or lay it down, which also gives you flexability.
One unexpected thing I found is that you can not only charge a Nintendo Switch, but you can use it to power the dock. Usually if you try to use a non-Nintendo USB C power adapter to power the dock, you get a message that says you need to use the official power adapter; however, this battery will work. Note that you still need to have some way to power the monitor, so I question the usefulness of powering the dock with a battery, but it does work. If you're bringing your switch and dock to a friend's house, you could connect to their TV and use the battery rather than having to ask them to plug into an extra power outlet.
This pack comes with a carrying pouch with a drawstring closure. Nice bonus to keep your pack from getting scuffed up while traveling. There's also room to throw a cable or two in the pouch too, in order to keep everything together.
One thing I did notice is that this pack seems to have a bit of self-discharge when not in use. I fully charged it to 100%, came back a few weeks later, and the display said it was at 97% even though I didn't use it at all. This is not awful, but it also means you can't charge it up, throw it in a drawer, and expect to come back a year later to a full charge. If you expect to use it, you should plan ahead and make sure it is topped off ahead of time. This makes a bit less ideal for use in emergencies.
The only other downside is that it is not exactly the very top capacity allowed for air travel. It's close, but not quiet there. The Anker Powercore III Elite 26k has a bit more power and can still be taken on an airplane. But the difference is small, so this is still a great high capacity choice.
PROS:
* Nice form factor, can lay down or stand up for less desk space usage
* Two USB C and one USB A port gives versatility
* OLED screen gives detailed usage stats, not just a capacity indicator
* 140W charge & delivery means fast charge and wide device support
* Can power all but the very most demanding laptops
* Can power a Nintendo Switch dock
* Comes with a decent storage pouch
* Priced competitively when on sale
* Nice build quality, rubber sides for good gripability
CONS:
* Comes with a USB C cable, but no charging brick included (not a huge CON)
* Not the max capacity allowed for air travel - could have had a bit more
* Heavy for every day use - better for travel on longer trips
* Might have slight self-discharge over time
* Finish is nice, but seems like it could get scuffed/scratched easily
Conclusion: I had a dilemma to get this or the Powercore III Elite 26k. This one was a bit cheaper and seemed to have more features, but not quite as much total capacity. Ultimately I ended up buying both, but if I had to choose one and had prior experience with both, I would choose this one for the added features, higher charge/discharge rating, better form factor, and ability to power a Nintendo Switch dock. If you're on the fence between the two, get this one. If you're looking at cheaper alternative brands, spend the extra money and get this one as the quality is worth it.
