Do you mean you want to buy one, compare types, or need recommendations for a specific device? Here’s a short, practical guide so you can pick the right portable charger (power bank) quickly.

What to consider

• Capacity (mAh vs Wh)

  • Phones: 5,000–10,000 mAh — good for 1–2 full charges for most phones.
  • Power users / long days: 20,000–30,000 mAh — multiple phone charges and some tablets.
  • Laptops: look for 45–100 Wh (or 20,000–30,000 mAh with high voltage output) and PD support.
  • Note: Airlines limit lithium-ion batteries to 100 Wh (carry-on only) without airline approval; 100–160 Wh may require airline approval.

• Output power and charging speed

  • USB Power Delivery (PD) — fastest and required for modern laptops/fast phone charging. Look for 18W, 30W, 60W, 100W outputs depending on device.
  • Quick Charge (QC) — common for some Android phones (QC 3.0/4.0); PD is more universal.
  • Higher wattage = faster charge and ability to run laptops; 30–65W suits most laptops, 100W for high-power models.

• Ports & simultaneous charging

  • USB-C (PD) + USB-A is a flexible combo.
  • Multiple ports let you charge phone + tablet together; check total output limits.

• Passthrough charging

  • Lets the bank charge while it charges devices. Handy but can stress the battery; not all models support it.

• Size, weight & build

  • More capacity = heavier and bulkier. Consider what you’ll carry daily vs travel-only.

• Real-world efficiency

  • Expect ~60–90% usable output vs rated mAh (conversion losses). A 20,000 mAh bank won’t deliver 20,000 mAh to your phone.

• Safety & quality

  • Look for overcharge/overcurrent/short-circuit protection, reputable battery cells (e.g., LG, Samsung, Panasonic).
  • Buy from established brands or reputable sellers; avoid extremely cheap, unbranded units.

• Warranty & support

  • 12–24 month warranties are common; keep receipts.

Practical picks by need (general guidance)

• Pocket/nimble everyday: 5,000–10,000 mAh, single USB-C PD 18–20W.
• Commuter / long day: 10,000–20,000 mAh, USB-C PD + USB-A, 18–30W PD.
• Travel / multi-device: 20,000–30,000 mAh, at least one high-power USB-C PD port (30–65W) plus extra ports.
• Laptop-capable: 45–100 Wh (or a 20,000–30,000 mAh bank with 45–100W PD). Choose 45W+ for light laptops; 65–100W for heavier ultrabooks.

Reputable brands (widely available)

• Anker, Belkin, AUKEY, RAVPower, Zendure, Xiaomi, Baseus. These brands commonly offer PD, safety features and warranties. Availability may vary by store in Australia.

Other tips

• Bring your own high-quality USB-C cable that supports the power level you need (not all cables are equal).
• If you travel by air, check the Wh rating printed on the power bank and airline rules before bringing it.
• Store at ~50% charge if you won’t use it for months; avoid extreme heat.
• For many phones, 18–30W PD banks are the best value; higher wattage matters mainly for laptops.

If you want, tell me:

• what devices you need to charge (phone model, laptop model, tablet),
• whether you’ll carry it daily or only while travelling, and I’ll suggest a specific capacity and power rating and a few model suggestions available in Australia.