Bottom Line
Sometimes, it’s nice to bring luxury items like tablets into the backcountry, and the UGREEN 145W power bank is there to keep them charged. With a 140W output port and 25,000 mAh capacity, this battery pack is an excellent choice for charging larger electronics. This is especially true because of a digital display that makes it easier to monitor power consumption. The downside to these features is added weight and expense – the UGREEN is the heaviest and most expensive power bank we tested. This model can be a solid choice in specific situations, but it is probably not the choice for those on a budget or counting ounces.
Quick Specs
UGREEN 145W
Best Power Bank for Charging Large Devices
CleverHiker Rating:
55.3/100
Price:
$120
Weight:
1 lb. 1.8 oz.
mAh:
25,000
Time to full charge:
2 hrs
Pros
- Digital charge indicator
- Ability to charge large devices quickly
Cons
- Heavy & bulky
- Expensive
- Need a specific charger for faster recharging
Efficiency
The UGREEN power bank performs in the lower tier of battery packs we tested for efficiency, which is unsurprising given its niche. During side-by-side comparison testing, we ensured that the UGREEN was fully charged, then hooked it up to a dummy resistor load that consistently drew power until the bank was empty. The dummy resistor load had a multimeter hooked up to it, which recorded how much total power came out of the power bank over the several hours needed to drain it. We then recorded this data and ran a few calculations to determine how much power is available per ounce of the power bank.
The UGREEN performed below average but better than some of the smaller power banks we tested. Admittedly, this metric is slightly less noticeable in the field with a larger capacity power bank as it takes longer to drain it. However, it means there is less bang for the buck regarding the weight to power ratio.
Weight & Portability
Weight and size are not solid areas for the UGREEN, which weighs and takes up more space than any other power bank we tested. It looks and feels big, particularly next to other large-capacity power banks. This is not ideal; extra weight quickly adds up on a backpacking trip or thru-hike.
Even considering that the UGREEN offers at least five full phone charges, other power bank options also do so while weighing significantly less. It is also bulky, resembling a brick. Overall, we don’t think the weight is worth it unless using this power bank for charging large electronics.
Durability
We are not particularly impressed with the durability of this power bank and have some concerns with its ability to stand up to falls. During our metrics testing, we dropped every power bank from eight feet above the ground onto loosely packed dirt. The UGREEN was the only power bank that could not charge a phone immediately after the drop test, nor would it turn on. We were able to get it to work again by recharging it, but this would not be ideal in a backcountry situation.
On backpacking trips around the San Juan mountains, we never had problems with the UGREEN working or holding up to everyday use. Still, this power bank would be low on our list when choosing a battery pack for rugged or remote trips where reliability is of higher concern.
Charging Speed
The UGREEN takes a reasonable amount of time to charge given its capacity size. We tested how long all the power banks took to charge using the same wall charger and USB-C cord. The UGREEN took over six and a half hours to fully charge and was the second slowest.
However, it fell right between the two 20,000 mAh banks and the 26800 mAh battery packs we tested, so this time seems reasonable. After all, a larger battery will take longer to charge due to having more battery cells. This can be an inconvenience while resupplying, but there is also more battery available, which means hikers may be able to go longer without recharging or will not need to charge the battery up all the way every time. In our experience using this power bank on weekend trips, we never really noticed the extended recharge time, but we also were not in a rush due to the nature of the trips.
Features
The UGREEN has several features that make it ideal for charging larger electronic devices. The first thing that is easily noticeable about this battery pack is the digital indicator on the side. Though no battery indicator is 100% accurate, this gives users a better idea of where the battery levels are during usage and when recharging. Another big pro of this power bank is its pass-through charging capabilities. That means that when it is plugged into an outlet to charge, other electronic devices can be plugged into it, and the power will pass onto those devices while also charging the power bank. This limits the number of wall ports needed and makes it easier to charge everything in a busy town with limited outlets.
This power bank has three ports: one dual input/output USB-C port and two dedicated output ports. One output is USB-A, and the other is USB-C. The in/out port can put out a maximum of 140W, which is well-suited for charging larger devices such as tablets or laptops. Other devices can be charged simultaneously without impacting the output power, providing device charging flexibility.
Finally, the UGREEN has a low current mode for small electronics such as earbuds or smartwatches, which can be activated by pressing and holding the power button next to the battery indicator. We appreciate that this function can be turned off by holding the button down again, a feature not available in most power banks.
Cold Capability
An area where the UGREEN performs surprisingly well is its cold tolerance. When we performed side-by-side testing, we found that the UGREEN had a 6% increase in efficiency in cold temperatures. We calculated this by running the same setup from the regular efficiency tests but inside a refrigerator. We then compared the results from the two trials to see where each power bank fell on the spectrum. The UGREEN performed fine in the field on cold, damp afternoons spent in the tent. It didn’t seem to slow down, loose charge, or impact the charging times of electronics.
Should You Buy the UGREEN 145W?
The UGREEN is best suited to those without weight constrictions and will not be a good fit for most wilderness backpackers. The UGREEN is great for those who want to bring luxury items, such as a tablet or hefty camera setup, into the wilderness, particularly if prioritizing time in camp.
This power bank may also be a good fit for those who want a dual-purpose battery pack for both wilderness treks and international travel. However, this is not the best choice for those on more rugged expeditions or where weight is a concern.
What Other Power Banks Should You Consider?
Charmast 26800 Review: Even with a capacity that is larger than the UGREEN, it performed very well in our efficiency testing. It also has a reasonable weight and volume. It is easy to use and tote around; the Charmast 26800 is one of our favorite power banks overall.
INIU 20000 PD Review: Though this power bank has a slightly smaller capacity (20,000 mAh), it is still a good choice for those looking to charge multiple electronics. We would argue that it is a better choice when more power is needed for a long resupply stretch as it has better efficiency. Like the UGREEN, this INIU model also has a digital battery indication display.
BioLite Charge 80 PD Review: If durability is a priority in a large-capacity power bank, the BioLite Charge 80 PD might be your solution. With a similar size, weight, and efficiency, it trades features for reliability in the backcountry.
