Compact powerhouse: why a 10,000 mAh power bank is your best travel buddy

I thought I’d seen it all when it came to power banks, until I came across this compact 10,000mAh one. Seriously, I’ve owned ones that looked like they were the weight of a full water bottle. But when I got my hands on this sleek, lightweight powerhouse, I knew: this was it. The perfect balance of power and portability. It’s been a regular in my bag—or rather, my jacket pocket—ever since.

Whether you're traveling, attending a festival, or just having a long day of classes and coffee dates, a dead phone always comes at the worst time. You know how it is: Google Maps won't open anymore, your public transport card is on your phone, and you've lost your friends at a crowded festival site. Been there, done that.

But that is no longer necessary.

What does 10,000 mAh really mean in practice?

Don’t let the technical jargon scare you—10,000mAh may sound like a techie’s thing, but in reality, it just means enough power to charge your devices multiple times without having to lug around a charger.

To keep it simple:

• iPhone 13 or 14 : approximately 2 to 3 full charges

• AirPods / Wireless Earbuds : Charge More Than 10 Times

• Apple Watch or other smartwatch : at least 6 to 8 times

• Smaller Android devices : also easily 2 to 2.5 times

This means that you can get by for several days, especially if you only charge smaller devices.

For comparison:

• A 5,000 mAh power bank is often not enough to fully charge your phone twice.

• A 20,000 mAh power bank is great in terms of capacity, but you're immediately carrying half a brick around.

10,000 mAh is right in the sweet spot : enough to get you out of a tight spot, without the added burden.

Compact design: fits in your pocket or handbag

One of the biggest surprises when I bought this power bank? How small and light it is. I seriously have a sunglasses case that is bigger.

• Size : about the same size as a smartphone, often a bit smaller. Fits in your trouser pocket, jacket pocket or even clutch.

• Weight : usually around 180–200 grams . That's lighter than a can of soda.

• Material : many models have a rubber finish (great for grip) or an aluminum housing (looks sleek and professional).

And the eye wants something too. My copy (from Baseus) has a matte black finish, which makes it look more expensive than it was. No plastic junk, but a stylish accessory.

Fast charging with USB-C and/or Quick Charge

If you're like me and sometimes wait until 10am to plug in your phone when you have to leave the house at 10:15am—you know how important fast charging is.

Most 10,000 mAh power banks today have:

• USB-C output and input – useful for more modern phones and earphones

• USB-A port – for your older cables

• Quick Charge or Power Delivery (PD) – for super-fast charging, up to 18W or 20W

In practice this means:

• Your phone can be charged up to 50% in 30 minutes .

• You also don't have to wait as long for the power bank to be full.

I personally like the latter. Because power banks that take 6 hours to charge? Ain't nobody got time for that.

Safety and reliability

I’ve taken this power bank to festivals, late-night train rides across Europe, and long workdays where I literally couldn’t find a power outlet anywhere. It’s survived it all—and that’s saying something.

When purchasing, please note:

• Overcharging protection

• Protection against short circuit and overheating

• CE mark or brand reliability

Brands I trust (and use):

• Anchor – top quality and reliable, but a bit more expensive

• Baseus – affordable, stylish and surprisingly solid

• Xiaomi – well balanced price/quality

My Baseus powerbank is a year old and still works as smoothly as day one. Even after dozens of charging cycles.

Who is this ideal for?

A 10,000 mAh power bank is really for anyone who doesn't want to have their day ruined by an empty battery. But when I look at my own circle of friends, there are a few groups for whom this is really a game changer:

• Young people (18–35 years old) who are constantly on the move – from college to work, via the terrace to home

• Digital nomads who live on WiFi and battery life

• Festival goers who want to find their friends and continue making videos

• Travelers – because try charging your phone on a rickety train in Eastern Europe

• Students with long days full of lectures, studying and drinks

Personally? I am the type of person who prefers to plan everything on Google Maps, in notes and with Spotify or podcasts in the background. Then you will quickly run out of battery after half a day. Since I have been using this power bank, I seriously have not worried about an empty phone anymore.

Tips for choosing a compact 10,000 mAh power bank

There are hundreds of models available today, but this checklist will help you make a good choice:

• ✅ Go for at least 18W output power – faster charging = faster mobile again

• ✅ Choose a model with USB-C input and output – future-proof and universal

• ✅ Look for a digital battery indicator – no vague LED dots, but a clear percentage

• ✅ Pay attention to the weight – between 180g and 200g is ideal for everyday use

• ✅ Look at the design – rubber or aluminum feels much more luxurious and is more durable

A nice example? The Baseus Bipow Digital Display 10000mAh Powerbank at Glode. Compact, stylish and with everything you need.

Why I always take this power bank with me

I always have it in my bag. Whether it’s a day at coworking, a concert in Amsterdam or a weekend away: it always comes in handy. It’s saved me from times when I was completely lost without Google Maps, or when I had to order a taxi to get home. Seriously—the stress of a dead phone? I don’t have that anymore.

So yes, it may be “just” an accessory, but for me it has really become an essential part of my daily routine.

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Are you also tired of constantly looking for a power outlet? Time to bring your own mini charger. Check out the selection on glode.nl for reliable power banks that won't let you down