So why the extra cost? Both have an AC power outlet, a USB-C output and support for fast 5V/2.4A (12W) USB, though this model has two fast-charging USB outputs in place of the 20,100mAh model’s one. Also see: How to charge your phone’s battery faster. The AC outlet is improved, too, with the 20,100mAh RavPower able to support up to 65W and this model 100W. That’s the maximum, it’s actually rated at 85W. Using this outlet you can plug in any device you like, including home appliances and laptops. Unfortunately, this RavPower uses a two-pin EU plug – you can use the bundled adaptor with it, but this is annoying and conceals the LED that confirms the outlet is active. Given that you need to press and hold the power button three seconds to switch on the AC outlet, that confirmation is handy. We much prefer the three-pin UK outlet on the 20,100mAh bank. When in use, you’ll notice a buzzing noise from the AC outlet. This is normal, and no louder than the limit set by international standards. Also see: How to improve smartphone battery life. Bizarrely, given the EU power outlet, for charging the RavPower a three-pin UK plug is bundled. With a 19V/1.6A DC input recharging is very fast – less than half the time it would have taken over USB were that option available. The extra capacity also affects the price, but note that you can buy power banks of this capacity without the AC outlet for a fifth of the price. Energy efficiency is around 70 percent, which isn’t the best we’ve seen but it’s also a long way from the worst. That means you’ll get around 18- to 19,000mAh for charging your devices. In real terms that’s six full charges for the Galaxy S8 and between nine and 10 for the iPhone 7. At this capacity the RavPower is at the absolute boundary of what you can take on a plane, with 100Wh (27,027mAh) the maximum – this RavPower totals 99.9Wh. If you are taking it onboard a flight you’ll need to keep it in your hand luggage. (Read up on what tech you can take on a plane.) The more obvious difference between the two RavPower models is found in the design. While the two clearly hail from the same family, the 20,100mAh model is tall and cylindrical and the 27,000mAh RavPower wide and flat. Both feel very big for power banks of this capacity, and that’s due to their AC outlets. (If you’re looking for a smaller AC model, check out the Omnicharge.) The cylindrical design of the smaller RavPower feels much more portable, but neither are small. Measuring 170x138x35mm and weighing in at 847g, this isn’t a power bank you won’t notice slipped into your rucksack. Also see: Best MiFi. RavPower supplies a mesh carry case for the bank itself, as well as a larger hard case that can be used for transporting all the necessary adaptors and power cables, too. Two Micro-USB cables are provided, but oddly not USB-C. The build quality is very high, which is reassuring when you’re spending this much money, as is the 18-month warranty that can be extended to 30 months through product registration. We like the soft-touch rubbery casing, which builds in vents on the bottom right edge for heat dissipation. On the opposite side you’ll find all the outputs, with the AC hidden behind a flap to protect it from dust and grime (it’s not waterproof). On the front are eight LEDs to show how much capacity remains inside the bank. We’d still rather see an LCD screen, particularly at this price, but by doubling the usual four LEDs to eight RavPower does make it easier to more accurately assess when it’s time to recharge the bank. And when that time does come, it’s good to see the inclusion of passthrough charging. This means you can charge up the RavPower while charging connected devices, freeing up mains power outlets and cable clutter. The RavPower also supports auto-on, at least for the USB outputs, but there’s no support for Quick Charge. Instead, its USB outputs are labeled iSmart, which recognises the device type and automatically delivers the optimum charge rather than always pushing out the max. Read next: Best desktop chargers. Marie is Editor in Chief of Tech Advisor and Macworld. A Journalism graduate from the London College of Printing, she’s worked in tech media for more than 17 years, managing our English language, French and Spanish consumer editorial teams and leading on content strategy through Foundry’s transition from print, to digital, to online - and beyond.
