Power banks are lifesavers—especially when you're traveling, commuting, or just nowhere near an outlet. But if you've ever shopped for one, you've probably noticed a huge range in battery capacities, from 5,000mAh to a whopping 40,000mAh or more.
So how much do you actually need?
Let’s break it down.
✅ First, What Does mAh Mean?
mAh stands for milliamp hours, and it's a measure of electric charge. In simple terms:
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The higher the mAh, the more power your power bank can store.
Think of it like a fuel tank. A 5,000mAh power bank is like a compact scooter tank, while a 40,000mAh one is a full-blown fuel truck. But more isn’t always better—especially when you factor in size, weight, and price.
🔋 Common Devices & How Much Power They Use
| Device Type | Average Battery Size | How many full charges with a: |
|---|---|---|
| 10,000mAh | ||
| Smartphone (iPhone / Android) | ~3,000–5,000mAh | 1.5–2x |
| iPad / Tablet | ~7,000–10,000mAh | ~1x |
| Switch / Steam Deck | ~4,300–6,500mAh | ~1.5x |
| Laptop (USB-C PD) | ~40,000–60,000mWh* | ❌ |
| *Laptop batteries are usually measured in Wh (watt-hours), but you can roughly compare by converting based on voltage. |
💡 What Capacity Is Right for You?
🏃 For Everyday Use: 5,000–10,000mAh
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Lightweight and pocket-friendly
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Good for charging your phone once or twice
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Ideal for students, commuters, or casual users
✈️ For Travel or Work: 15,000–20,000mAh
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Charge multiple devices on the go
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Suitable for phones, tablets, and even gaming devices
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Airplane carry-on safe (under 100Wh limit)
🧳 For Heavy Users & Power Travelers: 30,000–40,000mAh
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Supports laptops, tablets, phones—all in one
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Great for digital nomads or long outdoor trips
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Bulkier, but totally worth it if you need maximum power
✈️ Quick Note: Travel Regulations
Most airlines allow power banks under 100Wh in carry-on luggage. To check, use this formula:
Wh = (mAh × V) ÷ 1,000
For example:
AOHI 27,600mAh capacity, 3.6V (voltage of single cell) power bank = (27,600 × 3.6) ÷ 1,000 = 99.36Wh — right on the limit.
Always check the label or specs before flying!
If your power bank is over 100Wh, don't panic — it may still be allowed with airline approval.
✅ Tip: If your power bank exceeds the 100Wh limit, contact the airline in advance and send them the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) for approval.
This document proves the battery’s safety standards and is often required for high-capacity devices.
🔌 Extra Tips When Choosing a Power Bank
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Look for fast charging (PD or QC 3.0)
These technologies significantly reduce charging time, getting your device back to 100% faster. -
Check the output ports (USB-A, USB-C, etc.)
Make sure the power bank has the right ports for your devices—and ideally multiple ports for charging more than one device at a time. -
Consider pass-through charging
This feature lets you charge the power bank while it charges your device, which is super useful for overnight charging or travel.AOHI’s Starship 27600mAh 240W power bank and 40000mah power bank are one of the very few on the market that reliably supports pass-through charging while maintaining high output performance. That means you can keep your gear powered even while the power bank itself is recharging.
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Check real capacity vs. rated capacity
Due to energy conversion loss during charging, a power bank typically delivers only about 70–85% of its advertised mAh to your devices.That’s why build quality matters. AOHI Starship power banks are engineered with premium cells and high-efficiency circuitry, making them among the most reliable and high-performing power banks in the industry. You get more real power where it counts.
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Look for high-wattage output if you charge laptops or gaming devices
Power banks that support 100W, 140W, or even 240W output in total via USB-C PD can charge power-hungry devices like MacBooks, gaming laptops, drones, or cameras.AOHI’s Starship 27600mAh 240W power bank and 40000mah power bank are designed for pro-level charging—capable of powering up multiple high-demand devices at once, making it an ideal choice for creators, gamers, and digital nomads.
🛒 Final Thought
More mAh isn’t always better—it’s about finding the right amount of power for your lifestyle. Whether you're just topping up your phone or keeping your whole tech setup alive on the road, there's a perfect capacity out there for you.
Still unsure? Just think about how many times a day you really need to charge—and let that guide your choice. 🙌
Or simply pick from our most-loved models below:
🔋 AOHI Mini Power Bank 210W 10,000mAh – Compact & perfect for daily use
👉 Buy Now
🚀 AOHI Starship 27600mAh 240W Power Bank – For laptops, creators, and power users
👉 Buy Now
⚡ AOHI 30,000mAh PD Fast Charge Power Bank – Ideal for travel and everyday multitasking
👉 Buy Now
⚡ AOHI 40,000mAh 140W PD Fast Charge Power Bank – Ideal for travel and everyday multitasking
👉 Buy Now
No matter your charging needs, AOHI has a power bank designed to keep you going. 🔌💛
