In today’s fast-paced world, keeping our devices charged and ready to go is essential. Portable power banks have become a critical tool for anyone on the move, ensuring that phones, tablets, and other gadgets don't run out of battery at inconvenient times. These compact chargers can be a lifeline during travel, work commutes, or heavy usage periods, providing the convenience of portable power wherever you are.
When choosing a power bank, several factors need to be carefully considered. Capacity is crucial as it determines how many charges a device can deliver. Compatibility with various devices, charging speed, and the number of ports available are also significant. Additionally, size and weight play a role, particularly for those who need a truly portable option. Build quality and safety features, such as protection against overcharging and short circuits, are also important to ensure reliability and durability.
We spent countless hours researching and testing several power banks to identify the ones that offer the best combination of capacity, portability, and safety.
Top Essentials & Tech
Explore our curated selection of the best essentials and tech products. These items have been chosen based on quality, functionality, and user reviews.
Tomtoc Travel Tech Pouch
A reliable and eco-friendly organiser for anyone looking to keep their tech essentials in order.
Pros
- Smart dual compartments
- Environmentally friendly materials
- Portable and compact design
Cons
- Limited space for larger items
- May not suit those with extensive tech gear
- Zippers feel less robust
This Tomtoc Travel Tech Pouch is our go-to for daily organisation. Crafted from eco-friendly RPET 600D Polyester, you can rest easy knowing it's a sustainable choice. We've been impressed with how it holds all our essential items without adding bulk to our bags.
The pouch features dual compartments that allow us to keep our chargers, cables, and other tech gadgets meticulously organised. What's more, its compact design ensures it fits perfectly into any backpack, tote, or handbag, making it convenient for daily commuting or even longer trips.
We've noticed the zippers are not as robust as we would like, which might be a consideration for those looking for long-term durability. Additionally, while it's excellent for smaller items, fitting more extensive gear might be a squeeze. Nonetheless, for everyday use, it remains a practical and straightforward solution.
Electronics Travel Organiser
A solid investment for keeping your tech gadgets and chargers organised while travelling.
Pros
- Keeps cables, chargers, and tech accessories tidy
- Durable materials ensure longevity
- Compact design fits easily in bags
Cons
- Limited capacity for bulkier items
- Higher price compared to simpler organisers
- The stretchy material may struggle with thicker accessories
We've been using the Electronics Travel Organiser from Side by Side, and it’s a game changer for managing our tech on the go. Right away, we noticed how it eliminates the usual chaos of tangled cables and lost chargers. It's incredibly useful for travel, with ample pockets for all our gadgets. The nylon fabric and quality zippers speak volumes about its durability.
One standout feature is the compact size, which doesn't sacrifice storage space. Our power banks, chargers, and various cables fit snugly without making the pouch bulky. This makes it ideal for slipping into our backpacks without taking up too much room.
That said, we did find it challenging to store larger items like a Mac power adapter. The material, while flexible, isn’t as accommodating as we hoped for bulkier tech. Despite this, for those who value organisation and efficiency, this organiser is a valuable addition to any travel kit.
tomtoc Electronics Organizer
An essential accessory pouch for those wanting to keep their tech gear organised and protected.
Pros
- Excellent build quality
- Smart organisational compartments
- Light and durable material
Cons
- Might feel small for bulkier items
- Velvet lining can collect dust
- Limited colour options
The tomtoc Electronics Organizer offers impressive build quality that stands out immediately. The Cordura 420D Nylon construction feels both sturdy and lightweight. We were particularly impressed with the YKK zippers, which glide effortlessly, adding to the overall premium feel.
Inside, the layout has been thoughtfully designed. Multiple pockets and compartments make it easy to store everything from cables to power banks. The added velvet back pocket is a nice touch, offering extra protection for delicate items like screens or glasses.
One consideration is the size. While perfect for smaller tech accessories, it may not accommodate bulkier items comfortably. Also, the velvet lining, though protective, might attract dust over time.
For those looking for a stylish and functional way to keep their tech essentials in check, the tomtoc Electronics Organizer is a standout choice.
Bellroy Tech Kit
A must-have organiser for anyone who travels frequently with tech gadgets due to its thoughtful design and reliable quality.
Pros
- Convenient folio style that opens flat
- Water-resistant recycled fabric
- Efficient cable management with elastic organisers
Cons
- Interior pockets can be overly loose
- Price point may feel high for an empty case
- Limited space might not suit everyone
There's something inherently satisfying about the Bellroy Tech Kit we tried out last week. The folio style is a game-changer, allowing you to lay everything flat and in sight. No more rummaging through a mess of cables and gadgets.
The magnetic slip pocket fits our power bank perfectly, while the stretch mesh pockets are versatile enough for various bits and bobs. The fabric feels premium and gives you peace of mind, knowing your tech is protected from minor spills and scratches.
That said, the interior pockets could be a bit tighter. Some of our larger chargers tended to slip out when opening the case. And while the quality and design are top-notch, it's understandable why some might find the price a bit steep, especially since it doesn't come with any cables or accessories.
For those focusing on quality and functionality, this kit is an incredibly effective tool for keeping your tech essentials neatly arranged. We've found it particularly useful on extended trips and daily commutes.
Travelon Tech Organiser
This tech organiser excels in keeping our tech accessories neatly arranged and easily accessible.
Pros
- Keeps tech accessories untangled
- Compact yet spacious design
- High-quality construction
Cons
- Could be deeper
- Limited space for larger items
- Exterior pocket is a bit tight
The Travelon Tech Organiser is a must-have for those of us who need to keep our cords and tech gadgets in order. Its design ensures that our cables and chargers don’t end up in a tangled mess.
While using it, we found the interior features particularly helpful. The two zip, and two mesh slip pockets are perfect for securing smaller devices and accessories, which significantly reduces clutter. The organiser also includes a front pocket large enough to hold most power banks.
However, we did notice a few limitations. Some users might find the organiser a bit shallow, which means it can’t hold bulkier items effectively. Despite this, its sleek and compact design easily slides into a backpack or a larger handbag, making our daily travels much easier.
The overall build quality of the organiser impressed us. Despite its lightweight nature, it feels sturdy and well-made, ensuring it can withstand the rigours of daily use. Whether we’re preparing for a business trip or just our daily commute, this organiser proves invaluable in keeping our tech accessories readily accessible.
Luxtude Electronic Travel Case
A solid choice for anyone looking to keep their tech accessories organised and protected while travelling.
Pros
- Excellent shockproof and waterproof protection
- Versatile compartments for various gadgets
- Stylish and compact design
Cons
- Slight depression in the top of the case
- Limited space for larger accessories
- A bit heavier than expected
The Luxtude Electronic Travel Case is a reliable companion for our electronic accessories. Its hard shell effectively prevents external damage, giving us peace of mind when on the move. Additionally, the waterproof surface safeguards our gadgets from unexpected spills or weather conditions.
We were particularly impressed by the compartment design. The multiple pockets and elastic holders make it simple to organise and find our accessories quickly. Whether it's a charger, Apple Pencil, or passport, everything has its place, making this case highly functional for both business trips and holidays.
Despite its durability, we noticed a minor dent in the case's top, though it doesn't affect its overall performance. It's slightly heavier than we anticipated, which may be a consideration for those mindful of travel weight. Nonetheless, for the features and protection it offers, the Luxtude case is well worth its weight.
Native Union Stow Organizer – Slate V2
Perfect for tech enthusiasts, this organiser keeps all your essentials tidy and accessible on the go.
Pros
- High-quality materials and craftsmanship
- Excellent organisational design with multiple pockets
- Durable and stylish
Cons
- Limited space for bulkier items
- Higher price point
- Difficult to fit larger UK wall adapters
We found the Native Union Stow Organizer to be a stylish and practical solution for organising our tech essentials. The durable canvas and genuine leather accents give it a premium feel, and the compact design makes it easy to slip into a backpack or suitcase.
The various elastic loops and flexible pockets proved to be highly effective in keeping our cables, chargers, and smaller gadgets neatly in place. Even the exterior pocket allowed quick access to frequently used items, making our travel experience more streamlined.
Despite its many strengths, the organiser struggled to accommodate bulkier items such as larger UK wall adapters. While the case fits smaller accessories perfectly, it may require some strategic packing to make the most of the available space.
Overall, the Native Union Stow Organizer is a robust and elegant solution for tech storage on the go, provided you can justify the higher price for its quality and craftsmanship.
Buying Guide
When choosing the best essential or tech product, we should focus on several key aspects to ensure we're getting the best value.
Identify Your Needs
First, let's determine what we need. Whether it's a gadget for daily use or a piece of tech to enhance our home setup, understanding our requirements will narrow down suitable options.
Features to Consider
We need to look at key features such as:
- Performance: How well does the product perform its intended function?
- Durability: How long can we expect this item to last?
- Compatibility: Does it work seamlessly with our existing devices?
- Ease of Use: Is it user-friendly?
Budget
Setting a budget helps us filter out options that don't fit. This will streamline our choices and make the decision-making process more straightforward.
Comparing Options
We can use a table to compare features:
| Feature | Option 1 | Option 2 | Option 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Performance | High | Medium | High |
| Durability | Low | High | Medium |
| Compatibility | Yes | No | Yes |
| Ease of Use | Very User-Friendly | Moderately Easy | User-Friendly |
| Price | £250 | £150 | £200 |
User Reviews and Ratings
Reading user reviews helps us gather insights about real-world performance. Pay attention to recurring themes in feedback to identify potential issues or benefits.
Warranty and Support
Lastly, checking the warranty and support options available ensures we're covered if something goes wrong.