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Power when you need it: how having a compact and lightweight power bank can minimize interruptions to your daily routine

Two people camping, using a CUKTECH 10 Mini power bank to charge their devices
(Image credit: CUKTECH)

Phones have become such a ubiquitous part of our lives that we're all pretty good at avoiding the dreaded flat battery.

Some days, though, you can start out with a full charge that should see you through until bedtime, but things just pile up: patchy Wi-Fi on your commute to work while you're trying to deal with emails and messages, navigating to the new coffee place that everyone's going on about, video calls from family members and must-see TikToks from your besties... Suddenly it's mid-afternoon and somehow your battery's under 50%.

Once your battery's under a half charge, it's time to worry, because we've all noticed how battery drain accelerates once you get below the 50% mark. Just one unexpected Zoom meeting could tip things over the edge. You're shutting down unnecessary apps, considering turning on low-power mode or keeping an eye out for a handy wall outlet so you can snag a quick burst of power. And while it's not the end of the world, it's disrupting your day.

Why you need a portable power bank

Many people are neatly sidestepping battery nightmares by carrying a portable power bank. Having an easy charging solution on hand is fast becoming a part of everyday organization, but finding the right one for you might seem like a challenge.

Power users will obviously go for devices with plenty of capacity that will charge all the things at maximum speed, but more and more people are prioritizing portability.

A hand holding the CUKTECH 10 Mini power bank

(Image credit: CUKTECH)

Some want chargers that'll fit easily into a bag or even a pocket, which can mean compromising on capacity and charging speed, and while it can be desirable to charge more than one device at a time, for many it's just about having the peace of mind that comes from having backup power available for their phones, whether it's via a cable or delivered wirelessly.

And if dependable emergency power is what you need, you might not be worried about extras such as a display, multiple charging ports or low-current charging for smaller devices. These can be nice to have, however, just so long as your charger comfortably meets your basic needs.

One problem, two solutions

The bottom line is that if you need a portable and convenient charger that'll quickly bring your phone up to full charge, a good 10,000mAh compact power bank will do the job. And while there are almost too many options on the market to choose from, two new models from CUKTECH mean that you can quickly narrow your search down and find a charger that fits with your way of life.

CUKCTECH 10 Mini Power Bank

(Image credit: CUKTECH)

If you want to charge more than just your phone, the CUKTECH 10 Mini Power Bank is a light and compact solution that's ready to deliver power to most devices. It's about the same size as a pack of tissues and weighs just 217.5g, so it'll fit easily into a bag, a purse or even your pocket, and it even comes with its own lanyard for extra portability.

With a pair of USB-C ports plus a USB-A port, this CUKTECH power bank is a portable charger with built-in USB-C cable that can charge three devices simultaneously, but if all you need is a fast charge for your phone it'll certainly do the job.

With compatible Xiaomi devices it can deliver up to 55W, which means it can take a Xiaomi 15 from 0 to 87% in half an hour, while an iPhone 17 will go from flat to three quarters charged in the same amount of time, and even after fully charging your phone it'll have a decent amount of power left over. A smart LED display shows you the battery level and both input and output power, and it also features a low-current mode for smartwatches, wireless earbuds and other small devices.

The CUKTECH 10 Mini Power Bank gives you loads of options in a tiny form factor, but if you just want to charge your phone and you don't want to be carrying cables around, the CUKTECH Magnetic Power Bank CP13 Qi2 is likely to be a better fit for you.

A hand holding the CUKTECH Magnetic Power Bank CP13 Qi2

(Image credit: CUKTECH)

This Qi2 magnetic power bank attaches magnetically to the back of your iPhone and delivers up to 15W of wireless charging, so whenever your phone's power level is getting a bit low you can simply stick it on and carry on using it as normal (you can also charge via USB-C and get up to 30W for faster charging when you need it).

The CUKTECH Magnetic Power Bank CP13 Qi2 can comfortably recharge an iPhone 17 Pro with juice left over, and its liquid-silicone surface means that it's comfortable in your hand while it's attached.

The CUKTECH Magnetic Power Bank CP13 Qi2 with a phone attached in both landscape and portrait mode

(Image credit: CUKTECH)

Not only is it an effective all-in-one charger, it has another trick up its sleeve: it also features a built-in stand for your phone. This means that while charging your phone you can keep it upright in either portrait or landscape mode, so you can charge at your desk and still have your phone available for video calls or simply in standby mode, or use it for watching content or making hands-free calls when you're travelling.

Which is best for you?

In short, the CUKTECH 10 Mini is a strong choice for anyone who wants a compact but versatile 55W fast-charging power bank for charging a variety of devices quickly, while the CP13 Qi2 is more likely to appeal to anyone who values convenience, a minimal design and the added value of a magnetic power bank with stand.

And while both chargers are light and compact, once you've integrated either of them into your daily life you'll find that some small but bothersome everyday annoyances simply evaporate. The danger of your phone running out of power goes away, you'll spend less time looking for power outlets and dealing with tangled cables, and you won't find yourself having to ration your phone use when the charge indicator is creeping into the red.

Whether you prefer high-performance wired charging or convenient magnetic charging, either of these power banks will take care of one of modern life's more persistent irritants. And even if you're already sorted for portable power, they'll also make practical gifts for those friends and relatives who always seem to want to borrow your phone charger.

There when you need it

CUKTECH 10 Mini Power Bank charging an Apple Watch and two sets of AirPods on a nightstand

(Image credit: CUKTECH)

A compact and reliable charging solution for your phone is just the sort of thing that you need to have to hand just when you need it.

Whether you require fast wired charging or prefer the convenience of magnetic charging, CUKTECH has a travel power bank for you. Most days you're not going to need it, but when you do, you're going to be grateful that it's there.