ANKER Prime Power Bank Review: Power On the Go
In today’s world, staying connected is crucial, and that often means having a reliable power source for our devices. Today, we’re reviewing the ANKER Prime Power Bank, a high-capacity portable charger designed for travelers, professionals, and anyone who needs to keep their gadgets juiced up while on the move. This power bank boasts a massive 27,650mAh capacity, 250W output, and a host of smart features, making it a compelling option for power users. Let’s dive into the details!
Detailed Review
The ANKER Prime Power Bank is designed for power and convenience. Its standout feature is its massive 27,650mAh capacity. This allows you to charge your devices multiple times before needing to recharge the power bank itself. Anker claims it can charge a 13-inch MacBook Air (M2) 1.28 times or an iPhone 14 approximately 4.67 times. This aligns with the estimated charging cycles formula they provide: (Power Bank Capacity × 0.6) ÷ Device Battery Capacity ≈ Number of Charges. The device is TSA-approved, so you can confidently carry it on airplanes as carry-on baggage.
With 2 USB-C ports and 1 USB-A port, the power bank offers versatile charging options. The 250W output is impressive, allowing for fast charging of laptops and other power-hungry devices. Anker states it can boost a MacBook Air (M2) to 30% in just 13 minutes. The ability to recharge the power bank quickly is another key advantage. With dual USB-C ports supporting up to 170W input, it can be fully replenished in just 37 minutes, which is very fast for a power bank of this size. However, achieving the maximum input of 170W requires using both USB-C ports with a 140W charger, and the power bank doesn’t sustain this level continuously to protect the battery, typically reaching it only above 55% battery level.
One of the most interesting features is the Bluetooth connectivity and smart app integration. This allows you to monitor real-time charging stats, locate the product, and optimize charging performance. The app connects via Bluetooth and has a recommended range of 33 ft (10 m) to ensure proper functionality. You can even use the Anker app without registering an account, which is a nice touch for privacy-conscious users.
The ActiveShield 2.0 technology is another notable feature, providing enhanced temperature monitoring and power output adjustment to protect connected devices. It’s also compatible with a wide range of devices, from iPhones and MacBooks to DJI drones and even Starlink equipment, though it may not be fully compatible with ASUS laptops.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High 27,650mAh Capacity | Relatively Expensive |
| 250W Total Output (2 USB-C + 1 USB-A) | May not be compatible with all devices (e.g., ASUS laptops) |
| Fast 170W USB-C Recharge | Base charging is disabled when the power bank is fully depleted and requires USB-C charging to restore. |
| TSA-Approved for Air Travel | Large and heavy (1.47 lbs) compared to smaller capacity power banks. |
| Smart App Integration (Bluetooth Connectivity) | 170W Input only reaches when the battery level is above 55%. |
| ActiveShield 2.0 Safety Features | Power output is disabled while recharging on the base. |
| Wide Compatibility |
Excellent Alternatives
If the ANKER Prime Power Bank isn’t quite the right fit, consider these alternatives:
- Anker 300W Power Bank – Offers even higher power output and TurboBoost technology for demanding devices.
- Anker PowerCore III Elite 25600 – A solid high-capacity option with a focus on reliable performance.
- Anker PowerCore 20000 mAh Power Bank – A more compact and affordable option for everyday charging needs.
Final Verdict
The ANKER Prime Power Bank is a powerhouse of a portable charger, packing a massive capacity and impressive power output into a relatively compact design. While it comes at a premium price, the combination of fast charging, smart features, and broad compatibility makes it a worthwhile investment for power users who need a reliable and versatile power solution on the go. If you frequently travel or need to charge multiple devices simultaneously, this power bank is an excellent choice.
Our Rating
★★★★☆ 4.5/5
