Getting outside and enjoying some much-needed sun (or just nature for that matter) is a joy no matter where you are. Similarly, power outages during winter storms, wildfires, or summer heat waves are unpredictable. Our lives revolve around electrical equipment, such as smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, laptops, and GPS devices. And when the power goes out, having a backup (or multiple backups) just feels right. This is where portable power stations can play a major role. Granted, you still have your traditional gas generator that can provide energy when those outages occur. Still, this evolving market of portable power stations is definitely something you should investigate and keep your eye on. If you are someone who enjoys the outdoors and likes to camp, getting one of these power stations is the perfect addition to your outdoor equipment.
One of those small pocket power packs is ideal for camping and when you’re away from power for long periods of time BUT impractical with a family with multiple items. This is where Anker’s 521 PowerHouse Power Station comes into play. The Anker 521 power station features six outlets: two USB-C ports, a car socket, three-pin US plugs, and two USB-A ports. In addition to its lamp bar on the front (which I thought was superfluous at first but turns out it isn’t), the 521 also has a power-saving mode that automatically cuts off power to a device when fully charged.
Anker The Brand
I’ll admit it, I’m a bit of an Anker fan. I’ve been using their products for years, and I’ve never been disappointed. Yeah, you have the occasional slip-up or quality issue with a product (and this has increasingly been an issue with the onslaught of supply chain issues created by covid), but they’ve always been quick to make things right. In my opinion, their chargers are some of the best on the market. Their batteries always seem to last just a little bit longer than the competition (there are some exceptions ~ Jackery). Most of the Anker brand’s products are very affordable and durable. But what really sets Anker apart for me is their customer service. Whenever I’ve had an issue with an Anker product, their customer service has always been super responsive and able to help me out. It’s really refreshing to see a company that cares about its customers. That’s why I’m such a big fan of Anker.
Based on Anker’s claims, we tested the 521’s ability to power our devices. Anker claims this power station unit can charge a camera 15 times, a laptop four times, and a smartphone 20 times. That’s a huge task if you ask me. We didn’t try each of those for each charging cycle, but we did use the Anker 521 quite a bit on the last trip and it met our expectations with charging capacity and speed. With Anker, you’ll get great LiFePO4 batteries. I’m very hopeful that this portable power station will live up to the company’s 10-year lifespan claim. I see these kinds of claims often when it comes to batteries. For the most part, I believe them. But ultimately how you treat and use your batteries has more impact on their lifespan than anything.
I also used this Anker power station to power an air pump to blow up the paddle boards AND to power a small air compressor to pump up the tire of my ATV. This device powered my laptop to a full charge and even powered my tablet to a full charge. I used the Anker 521 in just about every portable charging situation I could find. After four days in the mountains using the Anker 521 to power a ton of our devices, it still had juice leftover. This portable power station is one I’d highly recommend. Aside from just a portable power unit to take with you for on-the-go travel, I have to imagine this would be a perfect tool in case of a power outage as well.
Additional Power Station Features Worth Mentioning
A power station must be portable. And not just portable but easily portable. One of the main strengths of the Anker 521 lies here. Around 8.2 pounds (inches too), it resembles a larger-sized ATV battery. It’s not bulky and cumbersome either.
We tested the 521’s portability in a car. A four-hour drive went by with Anker comfortably fitting in the passenger footwell. I used my laptop plugged into the Anker power station while in the passenger seat without any issues. Due to its lightweight, it was easy to move from the front to the back of a vehicle with just one hand when the kids wanted a turn to charge their devices. The Anker 521 also rested comfortably in the middle console between the driver’s and passenger’s seats, so that was a pleasant surprise.
The Power Saving Mode feature made the Anker 521 undeniably efficient. Plugging in an item displays the remaining power hours. The power consumption will drop significantly after attaching an empty device, so ideally it’s a good idea to charge your devices fully before embarking on any journey. As for power and portability, the Anker 521 is impressive.
Pros:
Power-saving mode is a nice feature
Ultra-portable design
Made from very durable materials to handle drops and general wear and tear
I was surprised at how fast this Anker power station charges devices. Definitely noticeable.
The solar bundle option is very affordable for portable solar energy. The Anker 521 Solar Generator bundle will run around $550. In direct sunlight, you’ll get a full charge in a little over 4 hours.
Cons:
One USB-C port only. I haven’t torn apart the unit, but with USB-C being used more and more, I can’t see why Anker couldn’t have put one more port here.
Wish they had surplus car sockets (but that’s just me being picky.
Specifications
Brand: Anker
Wattage: 200 watts
Item Weight: 8.2 Pounds
Color: Black
Frequency: 60 Hz
Output Wattage: 200 Watts
Anker 521 Limitations
I didn’t run into many issues and limitations with the Anker 521. It performed really well with just my wife and I on our last mountain trip. I didn’t really like having the two AC receptacles share a hole for the ground prongs on the plug. They’re almost two close together, but I didn’t have a need to use both at the same time, so again… I’m being picky. If you wanted to plug in two laptops or a lamp and a laptop, you won’t be able to. The USB-A ports only kick out 14W total, which may not seem like a big deal UNLESS you are using both of the ports at the same time.
According to some customer reviews from verified buyers, there have been some technical issues with some units: USB-C stops charging, LCD screen stops working after a month, rapid drop in charging capacity, etc. These are typical one-off issues, so I don’t think they are commonplace. After I have this power station unit for a while, I’ll come back and update this review with more findings.
Anker 521 Portable Power Station User Reviews
This product has an amazing 4.6 rating out of 5 on Amazon. That’s with 500+ customer reviews driving that rating as well. And based on customer ratings by feature, portability (4.6), lightweight (4.5), charging power (4.5), and battery life (4.3) are the most important features customers love about the Anker 521 portable power station.
Final Thoughts On The Anker 521 Power Station
Anker’s 521 Portable Power Station has really caught my attention. I like that it delivers a great deal of recharging power and is compact. Anker’s 521 operates without a hitch in practice, despite a few shortcomings and limitations. The device provides great flexibility when camping or in emergency situations.
A portable power station provides stable electricity during power outages, camping trips, or just when you need portable power. We examined vital factors such as power output, battery capacity, size, portability, and feature sets in dozens of power stations to determine the best.
What To Look For In Entry-Level Portable Power Stations
When it comes to portable power stations, there are a handful of key features that are absolutely essential, and how I’d prioritize effectiveness. First and foremost, the station must be able to hold a charge for a long period of time. This goes for batteries in general. One of my pet peeves is batteries (expensive AND inexpensive not holding a charge). After all, what’s the point of having a portable power station if it only lasts for a few hours?
Additionally, the power station should be able to deliver a strong charge quickly. I use to not prioritize charging speed, but my tune on this has shifted as we’ve seen battery technology innovate over the past few years. Let’s face it, nobody wants to wait around for hours while their power station slowly trickle-charges their devices.
Another feature is based on the solar panel option for the unit. Most people when they initially buy one of these portable power stations don’t even think about adding the solar panel, but just having that option I believe is important for the consumer.
Finally, the power station should be easy to transport. This is one reason why I love these entry-level portable power stations. Most of them aren’t cumbersome and travel really well. What’s the use of having a portable power station if it’s too bulky and awkward to take with you on the go? With these features in mind, you can be sure to find the perfect portable power station for your needs.
Three Entry-Level Portable Power Stations I Like
Jackery Portable Power Station
The perfect balance between performance and value isn’t easy to achieve. This Jackery 240 Power Station is one of them. I’m a huge fan of the Jackery brand and a huge fan of this power station. Portable power stations like this provide outdoor enthusiasts with a solid lithium-ion battery, pure sine wave discharge, high efficiency, and a bright LCD display. Out of the power stations I like, Jackery gets the nod.
The Jackery Explorer 240 solar generator produces 200W of clean, green energy when connected to the Jackery Solar Saga 100W solar panel. You can use Jackery’s MPPT technology to charge the unit from other solar panels as well. You can also charge the Explorer 240 from a 12V car charger or an AC adapter.
Another element worth mentioning with solar panels is the quick recharge. You can expect about 80% battery charge on the power station in about 5 hours.
With a 240Wh battery and just 3KG weight, the Explorer 240 is both portable and powerful. Plug in and power up or charge your electrical essentials. One AC outlet and two USB-A ports can be powered by up to 200W, with a peak of 400W. The battery management system is by far and large the best out of any portable power station as well. They have over and short current protection. Over-discharge protection. Over-voltage protection and thermal protection. You might be wondering, ‘What does all that mean?’ It means your devices will be protected if you Jackery’s 240 power station to charge your devices.
Specifications
Brand: Jackery
Wattage: 200 watts
Weight: 3.1 Kg
Color: Black
Voltage:110 Volts (AC)
Frequency: 60 Hz
Output Wattage: 200 Watts
I’m usually one that steers away from mentioning price when it comes to technology, but with these power stations and the capacity of utility, it’s definitely worth mentioning. The stand-alone power station will run you about $220 right now on Amazon (the best price on the web). The solar bundle is $399 and I’d highly recommend this bundle if you’re one who likes to get away for longer periods.
Anker 521 portable power station
We just finished a full review of the Anker’s 256Wh 521 Power Station portable power station. Anker is another brand I highly trust and have never had any issues with its products. If you have lost your DC charger or do not have access to your main power, you can quickly charge with Anker’s 256wh batteries via its USB port.
The display includes visible percentage meters, inputs, and outputs, along with just the right amount of information. Additionally, the front has a bright light strip, which at first I didn’t think much of, but after reviewing think this little addition is clever. Despite its small size, it is very bright. The Anker is excellent for outdoor use.
There is an option for a solar panel generator bundle but the price tag of it is pretty pricey at $549. With features that are similar to Jackery’s solar bundle, I’d still lean towards that latter brand for the solar option.
For the stand-alone unit, the Anker 521 is also reasonably priced. Power stations aren’t cheap, but Anker’s power station is less expensive if you shop around. In terms of portable power, Anker has one of the lowest power costs. Not as low as VTONCE and Jackery, but versus the market, it scores really well.
There are many advantages to the 521, but its most important is its portability. With a weight of just over 8 pounds, it is much lighter than most power stations on the market.
Specifications
Brand: Anker
Wattage: 200 watts
Weight: 8.2 Pounds
Color: Black
Frequency: 60 Hz
Output Wattage: 200 Watts
Portable Power Station 300W, VTONCE 296Wh
The VTONCE multifunctional portable power station is a compact, all-in-one power station that allows you to prepare for power outages, power failures, disasters, and outdoor activities. This temperature-controlled battery management system protects your devices from overvoltage, overcurrent, and short-circuit damage. VTONCE’s battery management system isn’t as good as Jackery’s, but it’s a solid 2nd. It also detects overloads and short circuits when performed incorrectly. Device protection is vital when it comes to portable power.
Thanks to its 13 output ports (yes..13 ports!), it allows multiple devices to charge simultaneously to meet daily requirements. Out of all the features of VTONCE’s entry-level portable power station, this is its strongest. Another key benefit of VTONCE is its warranty period for this power station which lasts 12 months.
This wouldn’t be my first pick for a portable power station, but it’s definitely one I’d have in my top 3 power stations. As for the foldable solar panel bundle, if I didn’t absolutely love Jackery I’d recommend VTONCE’s as the one to get. The solar bundle is only $325.
Are you looking for the best drones available today in the market and online stores? Do you want to get a drone for your family but don’t know which one to choose? Looking at getting a drone can be a daunting task. There are really cheap drones and really expensive, high-end drones. We’ve reviewed some of the best entry-level drones on the market and honed in on three drones that we think deserve to be on your radar.
DJI Mavic Air 2
With Mavic Air 2, you can be creative while flying. Fans of drones will appreciate their quick pace, high-res camera, and battery life. On top of that, it is affordable. In comparison to its predecessor, the Mavic Air 2 is bigger. The difference is not really noticeable, but that added tech which added more weight is worth it. With just 1.2 pounds, it is portable and foldable. When folded up, it resembles a medium-sized telephoto lens. In fact, I think my first cellphone was bigger than this drone folded up.
The camera sensor has undergone a massive upgrade as well. Still, DJI’s new drone offers a half-inch sensor for better photos. Using multiple images, you can get 48 megapixels per frame, which look impressive, especially if taken under ideal conditions (e.g., when the wind isn’t too strong).
While the Normal and Cine modes are good protection, it is less effective in Sport mode due to the fast-moving subject. I didn’t think I’d like Sport mode, but I’ve found myself using it a lot when I’m trying to test out the speed, and maneuvers, and push the limits of the drone. Other than that, I rarely use Sport mode if I’m recording or taking pictures.
DJI Mavic Air 2 Specifications
Brand: DJI
Model Name: DJI Mavic Air 2
Color: Gray
Control: Remote Control
Capture Resolution: 4K HD (and it is impressive, like movie quality impressive)
Batteries: Yes (if you get the upgraded package you can get 3 batteries)
Item Weight: 1.2 lbs
Maximum Range: 18.5 Kilometers (although I recommend never pushing it to this range)
Optical resolution: 4K HD
DJI Mavic Air 2 Pros
Long battery life (especially in ideal conditions)
High-quality images and videos
Anticipating and avoiding obstacles
Automatic shots
Raw and HDR videos
AirSense (their alert system that uses ADS-B technology)
DJI Mavic Air 2 Cons
Standard and flat video profiles only
Apps can only output 1080p (but you can still transfer video in 4K)
Raw images aren’t accessible on your tablet or phone until after you transfer them
Holy Stone HS720 Foldable GPS Drone
In terms of an affordable HD camera with innovative features like GPS, intelligent flight modes, and a long flight time, the Holy Stone HS720 is a great choice. There are three intelligent flight modes, a good 4K camera, and a well-designed drone. I’d definitely say the intelligent flight mode is one thing that separates the Holy Stone from DJI. BUT…I didn’t find myself using it once I had down the basics of flying.
As a drone pilot, I enjoy flying them because many have HD cameras and the Holy Stone HS720 has a great 4K camera that lets you take aerial pictures and record HD videos. You can capture more details with a 110° FOV and 1/3 CMOS sensor. Dual GPS aids it in hovering, flying, and hovering well at high altitudes. When it comes to the Holy Stone, I can’t help but think that even a better drone would require a lot more money. The app’s quality, intuitive controls, and user-friendliness stand out quite a bit too.
There have been some issues with calibrating take-off and return-home functions
Ruko F11 GIM2 Drone
These small, entry-level consumer drones are attracting a lot of attention these days. The market for entry-level drones continues to grow. Ruko F11 GIM2 has various high-end features you won’t find in cheap drones. In fact, a lot of entry-level drones don’t have some of these features.
After comparing it with the Ruko F11Gim, I didn’t find any differences that impressed me. Nothing really stood out with the new version. I do, however, still really like the Ruko overall for an entry-level drone.
There are now USB-C connections for the controller and batteries, which I appreciate. The controller’s interface has improved as well. The controller shows you how much power it still has when it starts (this is a no-brainer if you ask me). Also, I love how the display shows distance, height, and speed when powered. The app interface is rather intuitive AND useful.
Overall, the controller and drone seem to be well-built and sturdy. It feels sturdy and felt great in my hands. It feels like it should be there. A device of this price range should have many upscale features, which this device does.
Ruko Drone Specs
Brand: Ruko
Color: Dark gray
Mirror Adjustment: Remote Control
Video Capture Resolution: 4K HD
Batteries: Yes
Wireless Communication Technology: Cellular
Item Weight: 585 Grams (about 1.3 pounds)
Battery Capacity: 2500 Milliamp Hours
Battery Cell Composition: Lithium-Ion
Ruko Drone Pros
Constructed to last (one of the most durable entry-level drones)
GPS module, long flight time
An easy-to-use 4K UHD camera
Adaptive flight modes
Ruko Drone Cons
Poor gimbal stabilization (I noticed some hiccups with gimbal stabilization and the gimbal motor overheating ~ this is normal with average drones)
What To Look For In A Drone If You’re New
Drones can be difficult for beginners. Like really difficult. In fact, I know a dozen people who crashed their drones on one of their first three flights. Several features are necessary for successful operation AND will help you not crash this pricey investment.
Device Range
Your drone will perform better if it can fly farther from the transmitter. Some drones with lower prices range to just 30 meters or so, while those with higher prices can travel for miles without losing contact. A word of advice: don’t push the limit on the device range. I once had my DJI at about 15 km and lost connection. And DJI is known for its Return To Home (RTH) feature so if your battery gets too low or you lose connection, you most likely will be okay. Unless you are an advanced drone pilot, it’s best to hang tight and keep close to your drone (and it might be illegal in your area to push your drone to its max range). In fact, in most states, you have to maintain visual contact with your drone at all times unless you have an advanced drone pilot’s license. Again…this depends on your region’s laws and regulations. Always best to double-check them.
Camera
Drone users usually use them to place cameras in the air. Due to this, most drones feature either an inbuilt camera or can fit an external camera. Despite the decreased flight time, the drone can capture amazing images and videos that would otherwise be impossible.
Flight Time
AFTER one full charge, the flight time of a drone is how long it will be in the air. Generally, drones last 11-18 minutes. Recent entry-level drones, however, can fly up to 22 minutes and I’ve been able to push some of my DJI batteries to 30 minutes of flight time. Having a flight time tells you how long you can use your gadget without interruption. One thing I’ve noticed that greatly affects the flight time of your drone is wind speed and recording time. If it’s moderately windy, it will affect flight time as much as 20-30%.
A Word Of Caution About Flying Drones…
Flying drones is very fun. I’ve been blown away at the footage and perspective Drones can give us. Flying a drone is a great way to get an aerial view of your property or recreational activity, but there are a few things you need to know before you take off. First, check the weather conditions to make sure it’s safe to fly. High winds can make flying difficult, and you don’t want your drone getting caught in a storm. Even if your drone has high-tech stabilizer sensors, you need to be aware of the weather. Second, make sure you have a clear idea of where you want to fly. It’s important to stay aware of your surroundings and avoid flying near power lines or other potential hazards. It’s understandable if you’re flying somewhere new, but you’d be surprised how quickly you can lose your bearings when flying a drone, especially at higher altitudes. Finally, be sure to follow all local laws and regulations regarding drones. They vary by state and region. Remember: flying a drone can be a fun and rewarding experience BUT you assume the risks and the responsibility once that piece of aerial tech takes to the skies under your control.
With the ever-growing use of technology, it’s hard to ignore how many parents are resorting to electronics to help occupy their children, particularly toddlers. You see toddlers and tablets everywhere, and you’ll see them especially when families are traveling. When tablets came to the market, it was gadget that everyone needed and loved. It’s been well over a decade since we gained a more advanced tablet version. Since most people don’t know the history of tablets, let’s do a rapid rundown.
Tablet History
Though these versions may not be familiar to most, they are an essential part of the tablets we know today.
The Linus-Write Top (1987) was one of the first tablets the user could write on with a stylus.
MessagePad (1993) was Apple’s first PDA (personal digital assistant).
The PalmPilot (1997) proved to be more successful than the MessagePad.
Microsoft Tablet (2000) was the first to be deemed the “Tablet PC.”
Apple iPad (2010) was the first touch screen tablet and made the largest impact.
Samsung Galaxy Tablet (2010) wasn’t a hit but quickly won over users.
Amazon Kindle Fire (2011) proved that tablets could be inexpensive and still great.
LeapFrog (2011) came out with its parent-approved tablet.
Microsoft Surface (2012) put Microsoft back in the game.
Amazon Kindle Fire HD Kids Edition (2014) was the first kid-inspired and parent-designed tablet.
Since 2014, computer companies like Apple, Samsung, Microsoft, Google, and others have continued making history with more user-friendly tablets. Though most of these have similar features, they are still not the recommended electronics for toddlers and children. After a few years, parents started handing over their tablets to occupy their toddlers and kids. Tablets quickly turned into an opportunity for parents to get things done, while still providing engaging interactions for their young ones.
Shout out to Amazon for creating the Kids Edition Kindle Tablet, as it paved the way for more companies to make parent-approved and toddler-friendly tablets.
Thanks to tablet innovations, many children’s toy brands created electronic devices to provide learning opportunities for kids. The leading children’s brand LeapFrog started following the tablet market and made its own toddler-friendly device in 1999. Fast-forward to 2011, when the company made the LeapPad Explorer Line. This line focused on easy learning, making parents feel good about their kid’s exposure.
LeapFrog tablets proved to be great electronics for toddlers and young kids, as designers emphasized learning and progress for young minds of all ages. LeapFrog offers four varieties, including the LeapPad Academy, LeapPad Ultimate, LeapFrog Epic Academy, and LeapFrog Epic. Unfortunately, we were only able to find two of their tablets.
LeapPad Academy is a kid-safe tablet that comes preloaded with 20 educational games safe for kids 3-8 years old. This tablet offers a 7” shatter-safe screen with bumper cover, stylus, and kickstand. It allows toddlers and children to safely play games and watch parent-approved shows without the fear of breaking the tablet. LeapPad Academy has user-friendly parent controls and time limits for the recommended screen time. There’s also a bonus of three months of LeapFrog Academy, which are the company’s interactive learning program with over 2,000 games and activities to help children learn. This tablet retails for $124.99 on the LeapFrog website.
LeapPad Ultimate Ready for School Tablet is kid-safe and is for children 3-6 years old. It comes preloaded with games, apps, and music designed to help toddlers and young children prepare for their educational journey. According to the LeapFrog website, it retails for $99.99 but isn’t available through any retailers.
Consumers can purchase most of the LeapFrog Tablets through Walmart, Target, and other major retailers.
Amazon Amazes Parents
Amazon amazes parents time after time, but especially with their Kindle for kids. As of 2022, the Amazon Fire and Amazon HD are parents’ and educators’ top tablet picks. Toddlers as young as two years are picking up their tablets to learn with their favorite characters like Elmo, Grover, Pinkfong, Mickey Mouse, and more. Good Housekeeping listed Amazon’s Fire HD 8 tablet as the best for little kids.
Amazon tablets offer preloaded activities, games, and movies with premium parental controls, time limitations, and Firewalls. Amazon users ranked this tablet as number one, while an impressive reviewing crowd of just under 120,000 ranked it with 4.5 stars. It also comes with a 2-year worry-free guarantee encouraging parents to take the leap of faith and purchase, knowing they can exchange the tablet if or when their toddler drops and breaks it.
Amazon has four varieties: a 7” inch screen, two 8” screens, and one 10” screen. The storage space and battery longevity vary with each version, but the parent controls, user-friendly design, and pricing are all similar. Parents can purchase these tablets from $109.99 to $139.99 on Amazon.
So what’s the problem with toddlers and tablets? Technology is typically beneficial and can offer toddlers positive learning opportunities. However, there are numerous studies correlatingtoddler screen time with aggression. Little minds often become overstimulated and too much tablet time massively overstimulates them. Toddlers lack the proper skills for emotion-based communication, which often leads to them feeling frustrated and unable to express their emotions well. Hitting, biting, kicking, and other aggressive actions can be common in frustrated and overstimulated toddlers. Though the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry has not updated its suggestions on screen time since 2020, many pediatricians agree with the following guidelines:
18 months and younger are limited to video chats with loved ones
18 to 24 months to watching educational programs with a guardian
Toddlers and children 2-5 years old to one hour of screen time daily
Children 6 years and older to limit activities that include screens
Educators and pediatricians suggest that pretend play is the best way toddlers learn. Pretend play can rapidly advance many toddlers and children, and in fact, this is how many parents and pediatricians gauge how a child is hitting his/her milestones. Toddler screen time can take away from learning and interactive play. There’s also that element of what they are accessing through their tablets. What I’ve found out is many parents don’t know what the devices on their home network are accessing. Getting your toddler a tablet adds another security risk and another device you have to manage. It’s not impossible to do, but knowing what they are accessing through your home network is another component to be aware of.
With so many tablet choices, there’s bound to be one that works for your little one. Make sure to discuss all your options and even meet with your toddler’s pediatrician to see what they may recommend.
iCloud is considered the oldest and the most credible storage service for Apple devices. It’s estimated that about 170 million users pay for one of the premium iCloud packages. Being so popular, Apple users who hesitate to research new means choose this to host, store, and backup their data. The truth is that other iCloud storage alternatives can do even better than iCloud. Now, I’m not saying don’t use iCloud storage. But what I am saying is there are better iCloud storage alternatives out there that provide more value to you not only as an Apple device user but in other smart-tech areas as well.
If you’re like most people, you probably rely on iCloud to store your photos, music, and other files. But what do you do if you run out of space in their free version? Currently, users are allotted 5GB at no cost. But with the rising memory usage that apps and photos use, 5GB is nothing. Let us find the best iCloud storage alternatives below:
pCloud
pCloud makes an excellent alternative for iCloud storage. Coming with TLS/SSL Encryption, this storage service is as secure and safe as iCloud. You can create an account on this platform for free and enjoy 10GB of free storage space. Remember that iCloud only gets you 5GB for free. This easy-to-use storage service requires no prior knowledge/experience on the part of users to get started.
pCloud has three servers to store your data in three places for absolute security. Compatible with iOS and macOS, it is accessible from iPhone as well as iPad. You can create Public Folders, share folders with friends and colleagues, and send file requests!
Google is that name of the digital world that needs no introduction, nor does it ever disappoint in its products and services. Another benefit of using Google products is trust, especially when it comes to data. One of the best products by this great company (in my opinion 2nd only to Google Search) is Google Drive which leads the cloud storage industry. Choosing this platform as your storage solution will enjoy serious AI search technology and one of the most user-friendly interfaces in the industry. Google Drive is the category king in cloud storage.
It allows you to host files without a speck of security risk. Other than hosting, you can edit and share files with your family or colleagues in a secure manner. Its ability to integrate with other Google products such as Google Docs/Sheets/Slides/Forms will make it super convenient for you to work and store the worked files. Users will get 15GB of storage for free until they have to pay.
Sync.com is a cloud data storage service that can be used for all Apple devices and offers a wide range of features and functionalities. This end-to-end encrypted storage platform has full support for Microsoft Office. After creating a free account, the first thing you will like about it is the 5GB of free storage space.
Having an account on Sync.com, you can conduct unlimited date transfers even to those with no Sync account. The privacy of your files is maintained throughout while being transferred to the desired person. Furthermore, you can set passwords to your files/folders for strict security.
Icedrive is an up-and-coming iCloud storage alternatives solution. Icedrive will allow you to save, access, share, and transfer without worrying about security issues. Its unlimited features include Twofish encryption, 10GB of free storage, cache control, and many others.
All such features make it a high-quality storage solution, but it is exceptional. The Drive Mounting feature of this solution makes it possible for users to access the account even from the Desktop. This creates an experience that users can easily enjoy with Icedrive. Save, delete, edit, share, and access files without facing any friction.
There are plenty of reasons to use an iCloud storage alternative. Perhaps you’re tired of paying for iCloud storage, or maybe you’re just looking for more flexibility and control over your data. Or maybe you’re sick and tired of having no storage space on your Apple device and are really annoyed with those iCloud storage warnings? Whatever the case may be, there are plenty of great iCloud storage alternatives out there (not just the ones outlined above). Granted, iCloud storage has been serving Apple users for decades now. It is easy to use. It is reliable. There is cross-device access (use the same account for iPad, iPhone, etc.). For the most part, it is safe.
But now, there are some intuitive, more user-friendly, smart, and quite frankly better alternatives out there. Most people use some type of cloud storage, so it makes sense to use a service whose main objective is storage (it’s okay Apple, we get it…you’re great phone makers, but can we leave the storage to the pros?). Cloud services like pCloud, Sync.com, Icedrive, and Google Drive offer the features that iCloud does and more.
Do you ever find yourself with a dead phone and no way to charge it? Then you might need a power bank! A power bank is a device that can charge your phone (and other devices) when you’re on the go. If your smartphone is running out of charge and it’s a problem you seem to have regularly, plug in with one of these effective power banks and keep your phone running for a long time. Now if you are far from home or an outlet, you can rest easy knowing you have an extra smartphone battery boost readily available.
Smartphone power banks have become an important accessory for a lot of people (not just for the constant traveler). They are growing in popularity and efficiency. It seems like there’s a new brand popping up every day. But even though there are plenty of brands and models in the market, how do you choose the best power bank for your smartphone? We wanted to look at four different power banks and review their performance and give our honest opinion about which one of these is the best. These are some of the top smartphone power banks on the market which can make your journey outside the home comfortable and convenient (and less stressful).
Best Power Banks For Smartphones
Running out of battery on your phone sucks. A lot of models have “Low Power Mode”, but you sacrifice performance and have a lot of cool features disabled when you opt-in for it. When the battery goes, you can’t call or text anyone, you can’t look up directions, and worst of all, you can’t take any pictures! If only there was some way to keep your phone charged up no matter where you are? Power banks are a great way to keep your phone powered up while on the go. But not all power banks are created equal! Let’s take a dive into which power banks we love and would recommend.
Anker PowerCore Essential 20,000 PD is the best capacity charger at 20,000mAh. It is a fast charger model, charging within 6-7 hours. It weighs 280g with dimensions of 6x3x1 inches. More interestingly, it supplies 18W output with a USB-C port while above 18W output with a USB-A connection. If two devices are plugged in to charge, it will give 18W to both devices. One thing I’ve noticed recently is Anker’s commitment to high-quality materials. When it comes to this power bank, they’re right on target with that standard. In my opinion, Anker is the category king when it comes to these portable chargers for your devices. Here are a handful of standout features worth mentioning:
Vast Compatibility: it’s not just smartphones. This portable power bank will charge tablets, handheld gaming systems, and just about any portable device.
Super fast charging: out of the power banks we reviewed, this one charged our smartphone the fastest.
Trickle Charging Mode: simply put, this allows for safe and optimized charging to all kinds of devices. It will recognize if the device is a low-power gadget and adjust output.
Long Power Bank life: Seriously…after charging this for 7 hours I was able to charge my smartphone for multiple power cycles. It was impressive.
If I had to choose only one power bank (and I’d highly recommend every family has at least one or two of these), Anker would be my first pick.
QTshine is a good all-rounder as it supports USB and Smart Charge with a charging capacity of over 20,000mAh. It may take a little more time to charge fully to your device, about 8 to 16 hours. It comes with a lighter weight of 355g (about 12 ounces) and a size of .5 x 3 x 6 inches. Some of my favorite features include: high-performance cells (this is truly a premium battery), surge protection IC technology (automatically detects devices for efficient and safe charging), and double the ports (you can charge two devices at once).
Further, it has a USB-A-to-micro-USB cable, so you can charge well via a USB -a connector. Don’t worry about charging. Play and stream favorite videos constantly while having QTshine. If I wasn’t a huge fan of the Anker model reviewed above, this would definitely be my next choice (if I was forced to only choose one).
This is the best mini portable power bank and comes with lipstick dimensions of 11×2.7×2.7 cm! It’s small. And yes…it only charges your smartphones and other low-power devices with a capacity of 5,000mAh, but it is probably the lightest and most compact power bank on the market. This latest version is longer but lightweight than the older ones. Moreover, this adorable power bank has the same micro-USB connections for charging and an additional pressing button on the top of the top. This button will activate the LED indicator informing you of the current charging level. It’s a nice little feature that if it wasn’t there, we’d notice. I was able to snag one of these and recently used it on a hiking trip and just loved it. EnergyCell also has a 10000mAH version (twice the output) that is just a smidgeon bigger that I’ve just bought to compare it with (I’ll report on it as an update to this so stay tuned!)
Out of the ones we reviewed, the Moshi Porto Q 5K is the most stylish and beautiful hybrid wireless power bank. It doesn’t look like any of the others we reviewed. You connect it to a power adapter, keep your smartphone on its fabric pad, and it will charge it up with the same speed as other models, but wirelessly. It also has a silicone surface ring to stop your device from dropping.
It charges your phone with the capacity of 5,000mAh charging wireless or with the USB-A connection. Essentially, it’s a 2-in-1 model, which is why I think it’s worth adding this smartphone power bank to your arsenal of portable charging. Moreover, if it detects any unwanted metal object on the pad, eventually, it will stop charging. Some other notable features of the Moshi Porto Q: 10-year global warranty, a breathable LED light indicating charging, 15-watt max charging (but 7.5W on the power bank cycle), has enhanced passive cooling technology for safe charging efficiency and is compact and stylish.
Final Verdict
These power banks nowadays are a dime a dozen. Many brands are selling every range from cheap to expensive power banks for smartphones. Most power banks on the market are so-so (they’re really not that great of a product), so be wary of what you buy. There are also a lot of cheaply made smartphone power banks you need to be aware of as well. You should keep your budget in mind while buying the best one. I’ve said this before when it comes to technology: you get what you pay for. If you skimp on the budget and go for something cheap, you’re going to get cheap performance 90% of the time. Yeah…you might get lucky every now and again, but most of the time you’re wasting your money. For smartphone power banks, take some time to analyze the USB connections and charging-speed ability. Do some research and get detailed information about the charging capacity, duration, weight, and output port before buying any high-quality power bank. As I mentioned previously, depending on your use and purpose any of the ones reviewed here are solid. Personally, I think everyone should have the Anker PowerCore model because it checks the box on every feature you want out of a premium power bank for a smartphone.
