Nowadays, buying an external battery with USB-C can turn out to be a good investment for the future, even more knowing that the USB type C port will be the standard of charging in a few years.
Indeed, USB type C is quickly becoming the standard for charging and connectivity between the latest phones on the market: Samsung Galaxy S8, S8 +, Motorola Moto Z, LG G6, OnePlus 5 … they are all compatible with USB type C charging.
But this new connector is not only found on phones but also on laptops and even on game consoles like the recent Nintendo Switch.
Before presenting which we consider to be the best external batteries with USB Type C , we want you to know a little more about this new port.
What is USB Type C?
USB type C , also known as USB C , is the new generation of this kind of USB connectors capable of transferring data at high speed and is expected to be the successor of the previous models (A and B), which will become obsolete when the one – it will be present on all mobile and desktop devices.
The versions of the USB standard are classified by number and letter. For numbers we have version 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 and up to 3.1, which is the latest version that allows data transfer at higher speed.
In terms of the letter, it refers to the physical aspect of the connector, for example, until now we had a charging port micro USB of type B , while the USB port of a computer is kind TO.
The most remarkable feature of USB Type C is that it is reversible , which means you can connect your device any way you want. In addition, it is thinner than its predecessors , which makes it a perfect candidate for current and future devices, as it will provide a powerful USB port on ever thinner models.
What advantages does it offer us?
The fact that it is reversible is obviously not its only advantage. Connected to a USB 3.1 standard, its speed changes considerably.
This new type of USB gives us an archive transfer speed of 10 Gbps bidirectional. To make a comparison, the USB 2.0 port that we usually use transfers a maximum of 480 Mbps.
USB type B could charge between 500 and 2100mAh, while USB 3.1 type-C works up to 100W (20V / 5A). This results in faster charging times and cables that can be used for both our laptop and our phone.
Another advantage, or rather an objective would be to be able to use it with a maximum of available devices , regardless of platforms or size, putting an end to the different models that we have known in the USB family (mini , micro, normal).
Thanks to USB type C, we will be able to charge a laptop computer but also connect external screens, even 4K and 5K monitors and other peripherals, in other words, all with a single connector.
Characteristics of an external battery with USB type C
The advantage of the USB type C port, in addition to a much faster charging, is that the USB port works for charging both at the input and at the output (Input / Output) and, for example, with External batteries like those of Aukey and its 5000 mAh model that only work with this port.
Many other external batteries, like the 20100mAh RAVPower’s (right image) still use the USB type A and micro USB type B ports due to the fact that we are still in a “transition” stage and the vast majority of smartphones do not have this connector.
So here is another detail to take into account when buying an external battery with USB C, you have to see if it includes a USB type C cable, USB C to type-A or an adapter for your phone.
Best external batteries with USB C – October 2021
By now, we hope to have convinced you to bet on an external battery with USB type C as portable battery to charge your future devices via this port. Of the recommended external batteries, the majority support Quick Charge 3.0 fast charging at the output (some also at the input):
- Aukey 5000mAh – USB C Input / Output
- Poweradd 10000mAh – USB C Input / Output
- Vinsic 20000mAh – USB C Input / Output
- RAVPower 22000mAh – USB C Input / Output