External batteries (power banks) charge laptops, tablets and phones where there is no wall socket. This category suits commuters, frequent travellers, people who work in cafés or on trains, and students whose device battery does not last the day. In our range you will find products from XTAR, Lenovo and Anker.
How to choose an external battery for a laptop
Capacity. Laptop batteries are usually rated in watt-hours (Wh), while phone power banks are rated in milliamp-hours (mAh). Our range includes models of 38.5 Wh and 10000 mAh. That is enough for several phone charges or a few hours of work on a light laptop, but not a full day on a powerful work machine.
Output power. A laptop needs a USB-C port with Power Delivery support, and the laptop manufacturer states the wattage required. If the battery delivers less, the laptop may charge very slowly or only hold its current level. A phone needs far less power.
Ports. Check first whether your laptop charges over USB-C or uses its own connector. Many newer laptops can charge over USB-C, while older ones usually need the original charger. If you want to charge several devices at once, look at how many ports the battery has and how the power is shared between them.
Weight and travel rules. A higher-capacity battery is heavier, so match the capacity to what you are willing to carry every day. Most airlines allow batteries up to 100 Wh in the cabin, and they must travel in hand luggage, not in checked baggage.
Brands we carry
- Anker: known for chargers and power banks for phones and laptops.
- Lenovo: one of the world's largest laptop makers, known for the ThinkPad and Legion lines.
- XTAR: specialises in Li-ion chargers and rechargeable cells in the 18650 and 21700 formats.
Frequently asked questions
Can an external battery charge a laptop?
Yes, if it has a USB-C port with Power Delivery and enough output power for your laptop. You can find the required wattage on the laptop's original charger. A battery that is too weak will charge very slowly or not at all.
What is the difference between Wh and mAh?
Wh shows the total energy a battery stores, while mAh shows only charge at a given voltage, so mAh alone is not an exact comparison. Wh is the more useful figure for laptops. As a rough guide, 10000 mAh at typical power bank cell voltage is about 37 Wh.
Can I take an external battery on a plane?
Yes, but it must go in your hand luggage. Most airlines allow batteries up to 100 Wh without special approval. Check the rules of your specific airline before you travel.
How many times can a power bank charge my laptop?
It depends on the capacity of both batteries. For example, a 38.5 Wh external battery could charge roughly half of a 70 Wh laptop battery, because some energy is lost during charging. It would charge a typical phone several times.
