What's the difference between a 10,000 and 20,000 mAh power bank and how do you choose the one that's right for you?

Between work, travel, and daily errands... your silent savior is the power bank!

But is a 10,000 mAh power bank enough for you? Or is 20,000 the best option? Choosing between the two capacities isn't just a matter of numbers printed on the box; it's a practical decision based on:

🟠 Number of your devices 🟠 Your usage pattern 🟠 Your budget.

In this guide from Newtech - The best smart charger and electronics store in Kuwait - We explain the difference between 10,000 and 20,000 mAh power banks and help you decide which option is right for you, so you don't end up stuck with a dead battery and a dead phone.

What is the difference between a 10,000 and 20,000 mAh power bank?

The higher capacity of the 20,000mAh battery makes it heavier and larger than a 10,000mAh battery, but it charges your phone more times, lasting longer.

The difference between a 10,000mAh and a 20,000mAh power bank lies in the capacity of the power bank battery, which affects how many times you can charge your phone and how long it takes for the portable battery to fully charge. A 10K power bank may be enough to charge your device 1.7 times, while a 20K power bank charges your phone 3.5 times but takes longer to fully charge.

There is also a difference between 10,000 and 20,000 mAh power banks in terms of size and weight. 10,000 mAh batteries are typically lighter and smaller than those with a 20,000 mAh capacity. In terms of price, a 10,000 mAh power bank is often less expensive than a 20,000 mAh one and a more economical option. However, this depends on the power bank's capacity, the number of ports, and support for fast charging technology.

The following table summarizes the most important differences between the 10,000 and 20,000 mAh power bank:

Now let's review the differences in more detail to help you choose a power bank that suits your needs :

The difference between the 10k and 20k power banks in terms of battery capacity

The main difference between a 10000mAh power bank and a 20000mAh power bank is the total amount of energy that can be stored and supplied to your devices, i.e. the internal battery capacity measured in mAh (milliampere-hour).

The 10k portable battery can provide up to 10,000 mAh of power.

However, in practice, there is a loss of power during the transfer from the power bank to your device (due to voltage differences and circuit efficiency), so you won't get the full 10,000. In practice, you'll get about 6,500–7,000 mAh of usable power, which is enough to charge a phone with a 4,000 mAh battery about one and a half times.

While a 20k power bank offers twice the theoretical capacity of a 10,000mAh power bank, it offers significantly higher total power. After accounting for power loss, you get approximately 13,000–14,000mAh of usable power, allowing you to charge the same phone three to four times before the power bank runs out.

That is, the difference in power bank capacity means a direct difference in the number of times you can charge your devices. The higher the battery capacity, the more devices can be charged before the power bank itself needs to be recharged.

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Which takes longer to fully charge? A 10,000mAh or a 20,000mAh power bank?

A 20,000mAh power bank takes significantly longer to charge than a 10,000mAh battery, due to its larger capacity, which requires more time to store the larger amount of energy. However, this also depends on the speed of the charger used and the power bank's charging port.

For example, if you use a regular 10W (5V/2A) charger, a 10,000mAh battery may need about 4 to 6 hours to fully charge, while a 20,000mAh battery may need about 8 to 12 hours depending on its internal efficiency.

When using a charger that supports fast charging technology such as Power Delivery (PD), the time decreases to approximately 3–4 hours for a 10,000mAh battery, and approximately 5–7 hours for a 20,000mAh battery.

How often do you charge your phone's power bank? What's the difference between a 10,000 and 20,000 mAh power bank?

A 10,000mAh power bank charges your device more times than a 10,000mAh power bank. The difference in charging times depends on the capacity of the power bank and the battery capacity of the device being charged. A 10,000mAh power bank fully charges a 5,000mAh device 1.7 times, while a 20,000mAh power bank charges a 5,000mAh device about 3.5 times, taking into account power loss due to voltage differences and the efficiency of the electronic circuits.

Simply put, here's how to calculate how many times a power bank charges your phone :

1- Power Bank 10000mAh

Number of times charged: (10000 x 0.85) ÷ 5000 = 1.7 times, which is more than one and a half times.

2- Power Bank 20000mAh

Number of times charged: (20000 x 0.85) ÷ 5000 = 3.4 times, or about two and a half times.

The difference between a 10,000 and 20,000 mAh portable battery in terms of charging speed

The charging speed of a power bank depends primarily on its output power (in watts), the port type (such as USB-C), and the charging technology used, such as Power Delivery or Quick Charge. For example, a 10,000mAh power bank with a 30W capacity may be faster than a 20,000mAh one if it supports 18W charging.

So, it's not the capacity that determines charging speed, but the capability and fast charging technologies. That's why all Anker portable batteries come with multiple USB-C ports along with support for PD and QC fast charging.

What is the difference between the 10K and 20K power banks in terms of size and weight?

20,000mAh power banks are often larger and heavier than 10,000mAh power banks. This is because they have a larger battery, which requires more internal space to accommodate more charging cells to provide a higher charge that lasts for two days. 10,000mAh power banks are smaller, making them easier to carry in a pocket or bag.

Which is more expensive, a 10,000mAh or 20,000mAh power bank? What's the difference between them in terms of price?

When comparing the price of 10,000mAh and 20,000mAh power banks (with the same specifications and features), it's natural to find that the 20,000mAh power bank is more expensive (between 30% and 70%) due to its larger capacity and twice the amount of power it provides.

For example, the Anker Zolo 10,000mAh Power Bank with a built-in USB-C cable and 30W fast charging is priced at KWD 11,000, while the Anker Zolo 20,000mAh Power Bank with the same specifications is priced at KWD 15,000.

The price of a power bank also depends on the brand and other specifications, such as its support for fast charging with multiple ports (USB-C), Power Delivery and Quick Charge technologies, and the availability of additional features such as wireless charging and multiple protections against overheating and overheating.

For example , the price of Anker Nano Power Bank - 10,000 mAh with 30W Fast Charging is around 16,500 Kuwaiti Dinars, while the price of Anker MagGo Power Bank – 10,000mAh with Apple Watch Charging and Built-in USB-C Cable – Approximately 26,000 KWD.

NewTech offers original portable batteries that provide smart and fast charging for all your devices, including mobile phones, laptops, tablets, and even AirPods, from the trusted Anker brand, at competitive prices in the Kuwaiti market. 

What devices does the 10000mAh power bank charge?

A 10,000mAh power bank is a reliable option for charging medium-capacity devices. For example, it can fully charge a phone with a 2,500mAh battery up to 3.5 times, and can fully charge some tablets with smaller capacities, such as 6,000mAh, once.

Here are examples of the devices it can charge:

• Smart devices: It can fully charge a 3000mAh mobile phone battery up to 3 times, although each charge may take 1.5 to 2 hours depending on the output capacity of the mobile charger.

• Tablets: Provides a full charge for a 7000mAh tablet, taking about 3 to 4 hours.

• Small accessories: Easily charges wired or wireless earbuds multiple times.

✅ Anker Power Bank 10000 mAh From Newtech Store, an ideal choice as a small portable battery, the perfect balance between high performance and slim design, to be your ideal companion while on the go, traveling, and daily work.

What devices does the 20000mAh power bank charge?

The 20,000mAh power bank is suitable for charging high-power devices, such as some small laptops with a USB-C port and Power Delivery charging support. However, keep in mind that the power bank supports a 30W output, in addition to charging devices with medium battery capacities more than once (such as a 3,000mAh phone that can be fully charged 6 to 7 times).

Here are examples of the devices it can charge:

• Smartphones: Fully charges a 40,000mAh battery 4 times.
• Tablets: Gives you approximately 3 full charges for a 7000mAh tablet.
• Laptops: Capable of fully charging multiple USB-C laptops in one go.
• Small Accessories : Recharges wireless earbuds or fitness trackers dozens of times.

✅ Available at Newtech Store Anker Zolo 20000mAh Power Bank with 30W output allows you to charge 4 devices simultaneously (mobile phone, tablet, or even a small laptop wherever you are, easily and efficiently).

Between 10000mAh and 20000mAh power bank which one should I choose?

If you only use one device, such as your phone, need one or two charges throughout the day, and prefer a lightweight, portable size, a 10,000mAh power bank will be a practical and economical choice.

However, if you're on the go, travel frequently, or own multiple devices, such as a phone, smartwatch, or wireless headphones, it's best to choose a 20,000mAh power bank because it gives you more power and lasts longer before needing to be recharged.

Also, although the 20,000mAh is larger and more expensive, it offers greater convenience and reliability in situations where you need extra, uninterrupted power.

🔸 Choose a 10,000 mAh power bank if you:

• Need a fast charge on the go or in times of emergency.

• Prefer small size and light weight to easily put in pocket or bag.

• Looking for an economical option that meets your basic needs without breaking the bank?

🔸 Choose a 20,000 mAh power bank if you:

• It depends on several devices such as phone, tablet, or laptop at the same time.

• You need a charge that lasts for two days or more without returning to electricity.

• You move around a lot, travel long distances, or go on trips abroad.

• Don't mind carrying more weight in exchange for higher capacity and multiple charging capabilities.

In conclusion, the difference between a 10,000 and 20,000 mAh power bank isn't just about capacity, but also about your daily usage and the number of devices you want to charge. A 10,000 mAh portable battery is suitable for fast charging and emergency situations, while if you're on the go and travel a lot, a 20,000 mAh power bank is more suitable for you.

Imagine this situation: You're in the middle of a long day, your phone tells you it only has 10% battery life, and there's no power outlet nearby... but you're calm because you have an Anker power bank in your bag.

🟠 Ready-made power 🟠 Amazing charging speed 🟠 Sleek design that goes with you wherever you go.

Turn this scenario into reality and order Anker power banks in various designs and capacities now from New Tech Electronics Store in Kuwait!

Frequently Asked Questions:

1- How long does it take to fully charge the power bank?

The time required to fully charge a power bank depends on its capacity and its input current, which is equal to the output current of the charger used. A simple mathematical formula for calculating power bank charging time is:

Charging time = Battery capacity / Actual input current

Example: Let's take a 10,000 mAh power bank with a 5V/2A power input: If you use a 5V/1A (i.e. 1,000mAh) charger:

Charging time = 10,000 ÷ 1,000 = 10 hours

2- How many times does the 20000 mAh power bank charge?

A 20,000mAh power bank can charge devices approximately 3 to 6 times, depending on the device's battery capacity. For example, a 3,000mAh phone can be charged approximately 5–6 times, while a 4,000mAh phone can be charged approximately 4–5 times.

3 - How many times does the 10000 power bank charge?

A 10,000mAh power bank typically charges devices approximately 2 to 3 times, depending on the device's battery capacity. For example, a 3,000mAh phone will charge approximately 2.8 times, while a 4,000mAh phone will charge approximately 2.1 times.