Gear criteria
Power banks
Criteria for household power banks used in UK outages—capacity, USB-C, self-discharge and medical-device cautions.
What we compare
- Capacity stated in Wh or mAh with estimated phone charges
- USB-C PD input/output where practical
- Pass-through behaviour documented
- Self-discharge after months in a drawer (test or cite)
- Medical devices require manufacturer confirmation—never assume compatibility
- Airline Wh limits noted only when travel storage is relevant
A charged power bank helps keep a phone available for essential calls. It is not a substitute for asking device makers how medical equipment should be powered in an outage.
Sources
Last reviewed 14 November 2026.