How Long Does a Portable Charger Last: Expert Tips and Advice

Portable chargers, or power banks, are essential accessories for keeping your devices powered on the go, especially during travel, outdoor activities, or emergencies. They offer a portable and convenient solution for charging smartphones, tablets, and other USB-powered devices when access to an electrical outlet is limited.

However, as with any electronic device, a power charger may lose its ability to hold a charge over time. Therefore, you may wonder how long does a portable charger last. This article explains how long a portable charger typically lasts, discusses the factors that influence its battery life, and provides tips on extending its lifespan. 

How Long Do Portable Chargers Last?

Portable chargers typically last 2-3 years before their performance noticeably declines. This lifespan is influenced by the number of charge cycles, with most portable chargers rated for 300-500 full cycles.  Over repeated use, its ability to hold a charge diminishes, with most portable battery chargers retaining about 60-80% of their original capacity as they near the end of their lifespan. However, less expensive or inferior quality power banks might have a reduced lifespan.

How long do chargers with high capacity last? High-capacity portable batteries generally last longer because they contain more battery cells to distribute the workload. For example, a 20000mah power bank lasts longer than a 5000mah portable charger. This means they experience less strain per charge cycle compared to smaller-capacity chargers. As a result, they may exceed 1,000 cycles when used and maintained properly.

The longevity of a portable charger also depends on its usage pattern.

• Daily Heavy Use: A charger used daily for full charge cycles (from 0% to 100%) will reach its 300-500 cycle limit faster. For instance, if used once a day, a standard power bank may last about 1-1.5 years before capacity noticeably declines.
• Moderate Use: If the charger is used 2-3 times per week, it takes longer to reach the maximum charge cycle count. Under these conditions, most power banks can last about 2-3 years while maintaining good performance.
• Occasional Use: Power banks used infrequently, such as during travel or emergencies, can last up to 4-5 years, provided they are stored properly and not left discharged for extended periods. Their slower cycle usage rate ensures that the battery cells degrade more gradually.

Below is a table summarizing how long portable chargers of different capacities (5000mAh, 10000mAh, 20000mAh, ) can last under typical usage conditions, and the number of times the charger can fully recharge a typical smartphone with a 4000mAh battery:

Factors That Affect How Long Power Banks Last 

There are various factors that decide how long does a power bank last, such as quality, capacity, charging habits, maintenance, etc.

• Battery Capacity: Capacity, measured in milliampere-hours (mAh), is an important factor that affects the lifespan or how long do phone chargers last. Power banks with higher capacity tend to have a longer lifespan as they have more energy stored in them and can withstand more charging cycles. For instance, a 10,000mAh power bank may last longer compared to a 2,000mAh power bank when used under similar conditions.
• Charging Habit: The charging habitof a portable charger also plays a crucial role in determining its lifespan. Draining the power bank to 0% or overcharging it to 100% regularly can shorten the hours a portable charger lasts. To optimize performance, keep the power bank charged between 20% to 80%.
• Frequency of Use: Frequent use accelerates wear and tear, especially if the power bank is subjected to full charge-discharge cycles daily. Conversely, occasional use, with proper maintenance, can keep a power bank last for many years.

• Environmental Factors: Exposing the power bank to extreme temperatures, such as prolonged exposure to high heat or freezing cold, can negatively affect its lifespan.
• Build Quality and Brand: Higher-quality power banks from reputable brandslike Anker are made with better materials and components. They include advanced circuitry to protect against overcharging, overheating, and short circuits, which can all extend their lifespan. The Anker 737 Power Bank (PowerCore 24K) exemplifies these qualities with its robust 24,000mAh capacity, advanced circuitry for heat and overcharge protection, and durable build. These features ensure a longer lifespan and consistent performance over extended use.

How to Extend the Lifespan of a Portable Charger?

To extend the life of a power bank, it's essential to follow certain guidelines, such as:

1. Avoiding overcharging and deep discharge:It's recommended to keep the power bank charged between 50% to 80% to prevent overcharging or completely draining it to 0%, which can reduce its lifespan.
2. Storing the charger in a cool and dry place:Extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, heat, or moisture can negatively impact the performance and lifespan of a portable charger. Thus, it's better to store it in a cool and dry place.
3. Using the right charging cable and adapter: To ensure proper charging, it's best to use the original or high-quality charging cable and adapter that come with the power bank or are recommended by the manufacturer.
4. Handling the power bank with care: Dropping or mishandling the power bank can cause physical damage to its internal components, affecting its performance and lifespan. So, handle it with care and avoid rough usage.
5. Keeping firmware updated: Some high-end portable chargers come with firmware that can be updated for improved performance and bug fixes. Checking for firmware updates from the manufacturer's website and keeping the power bank's firmware up to date is recommended.
6. Avoiding using the power bank while charging: Using the power bank to charge devices while it's charging itself can generate excess heat and put stress on the power bank's internal components. It's best to avoid using the power bank while it's being charged.

Conclusion

The question "How long does a portable charger last" is a common concern for many people who rely on these devices to charge their smartphones and other USB-powered gadgets on the go. The lifespan of a portable charger depends on factors like quality, capacity, usage patterns, and maintenance. A high-quality portable charger can last for 2 to 3 years or more, while cheaper power banks have a shorter lifespan. To maximize the lifespan of a portable charger, avoid overcharging, store it in a cool and dry place, and use the right cable and adapter. Keeping the firmware updated and not using it while charging can also help prolong its usage. By following these practices, you can make the most out of your portable charger.

FAQ about How long does a portable charger last

Why is my portable charger dying so fast?

A portable charger may die quickly due to:

• Battery degradation from frequent full charge cycles, critical battery pack problemsfrom poor-quality components, or improper usage.
• Overcharging, deep discharging, and exposure to extreme temperatures can accelerate wear.
• Using incompatible cables or adapters may also harm the battery.

Do power banks lose charge when not in use?

Yes. Power banks may lose charge while not in use, and some battery chargers can even go bad. How long power banks hold charge is decided by battery's inherent self-discharge rate, a natural mechanism in all rechargeable batteries. Self-discharge rates vary from 2% to 10% per month, depending on power bank quality and capacity. Generally, a power bank stays charged for around six months.

Hence, if you don't use your power bank for a while, it may lose a lot of its energy and need to be recharged. Store the power bank with a partial charge, 50% to 80%, in a cool, dry area to reduce self-discharge.

Do portable chargers lose power over time?

Yes, phone chargers will wear out due to battery degradation caused by repeated charge cycles. Most are designed for 300-500 cycles, after which their capacity declines. Factors like improper charging habits, extreme temperatures, and poor-quality components can accelerate this process, reducing the charger’s ability to hold a full charge.

How do I check the life of my power bank?

To check the life of a power bank, monitor its charging capacity over time. If it needs a charge more frequently or holds less charge than when new, it may be nearing the end of its life. Aside from this, some power banks like Anker 737 Power Bank come with LED indicators or apps that show health and capacity, which can help you assess its current condition more accurately.

How long does a portable charger last in a day?

A portable charger’s daily runtime depends on its capacity and how it's used. High-capacity models (e.g., 20,000mAh) can charge a smartphone multiple times, lasting a full day or more. Smaller chargers (e.g., 5,000mAh) may provide one or two charges. Device power requirements and usage patterns also influence daily performance.