What’s the Difference Between a Wireless Charger and a Power Bank?

While wireless chargers and power banks can both charge your smartphone, what sets these charging options apart? While you may think a wireless charger offers more portability for on-the-go adventures, the name is misleading. Power banks are usually a better choice for traveling and portability. But why?

Explore how each method works and compare the pros and cons to find the best solution for your tech.

What Is Wireless Charging, and How Does It Work?

Wireless charging is a modern innovation that allows power to be transferred from one object (the charger) to another (your device) without cords or wires connecting them directly. Smartphone wireless chargers have become commonplace now, and it’s even referred to as “qi-charging.” 

Most current smartphones have this capability built in. While this only became commonplace in recent years, the idea of induction charging dates back to English scientist Michael Faraday’s experiments in the 1830s.

A wireless charger is usually a flat or circular pad or a vertical phone holder connected by wires to an electricity source such as a wall outlet. To use it, simply place your device on the pad or holder and give it time to charge.

Many people are surprised to learn that wireless charging still involves a wire. Rather than using a wire to connect the charging device to the charger, a wire is required to connect the charger to its electricity source. So, it’s not entirely wire-free. It just does not require a physically wired connection from the charger to the receiver.

Most wireless chargers don’t charge quite as fast as a standard wired connection, but it’s not far behind. In an hour, a 5W wired charger can increase your phone’s battery by 39%, while a 5W wireless charger can provide a 38% increase. Compared to fast-charging wires, however, wireless chargers can’t compete. A fast-charging 18W USB-C charger can provide up to 79% of increased battery power in an hour.

The primary benefit of a wireless charger is the reduced wear and tear on the charging port. It’s also convenient, allowing you to skip the step of plugging your phone in, reduces clutter, and creates a cleaner-looking charging space.

What Is a Power Bank, and How Does It Work?

On the other hand, a power bank is a portable power storage solution that allows you to charge devices without needing a direct electricity source like a wall outlet. Power banks can be designed to provide fast, portable energy whenever required. They work similarly to EcoFlow Portable Power Stations, which store energy and can charge various devices or appliances. 

While these PPS aren’t as small or lightweight as some other power banks, their versatility makes them helpful in situations beyond travel, like outdoor events, camping, etc.

A typical power bank is small, sometimes even pocket-sized. It functions as an extra battery and often has multiple outlet ports, so it can be used with various cords and devices.

The critical advantage of power banks is their versatility. They can charge multiple devices simultaneously, which is handy when traveling or using your device heavily throughout the day.

Wireless Charging Advantages & Disadvantages

A wireless charger is an excellent choice for those who want a more aesthetic look, don’t care as much about fast charging speed, and don’t plan to use your device while charging. 

Advantages 

• Convenience that doesn’t require plugging into a cable
• Reduce daily wear and tear on your device’s charging port
• Fewer visible cables, visually pleasing
• More durable than physical connection cables

Disadvantages

• Charges slower than wired charging
• More expensive than wired chargers
• Must place the device in the correct position on the charger for it to work
• Less efficient because it generates heat
• Can’t charge every device
• Difficult to use devices while it’s charging

Power Bank Advantages & Disadvantages

Power banks are better for traveling, blackouts, quick charging, and using your device while it charges.

Advantages 

• Portability allows for charging anywhere, at any time
• Helpful when grid electricity is out
• Good for travel
• Charge multiple devices or provide multiple recharges before draining its battery
• Provides faster charging than wireless chargers can
• Works well with a wide range of devices, from phones and computers to appliances and other tech
• Easy to use your device while it’s connected to the power bank

Disadvantages

• Requires cables in addition to the power bank itself
• Must be recharged periodically to continue using
• Some models, especially high-capacity ones, can be heavy and bulky
• Airline limitations on lithium-ion batteries won’t allow you to bring it on certain flights
• Usually must be carried in carry-on luggage if allowed on a plane
• Will lose capacity and degrade slowly over time
• Confusing to choose the best option due to varying capacities

Wireless Chargers vs. Power Banks: Choosing the Right Option

Capacity

A wireless charger doesn’t have an internal battery. It draws its electricity continuously from an outlet, so capacity isn’t a factor. For power banks, however, you’ll need to carefully check the capacity to ensure they can fully charge your devices without dying.

Portability

Wireless chargers are usually stationary devices since they require an electricity source. You can pack them on trips, but you’ll still need to find an outlet before using them. Power banks offer portability no matter where you are. They don’t need an outlet and instead rely on their internal battery.

Device Compatibility

Wireless chargers are a good option for smartphones with built-in qi-charging capabilities. They won’t work on laptops or computers that don’t have this magnetic feature included. Power banks are highly versatile and compatible with nearly any device, as long as the cable has a USB port.

Charging Speed

Charging speed is also something to consider. While wireless chargers are sleek and practical, they won’t charge as quickly as a fast-charging wired cable. Charging will also be stalled whenever you need to use your device and pick it up from the wireless charger. For fast charge times, a power bank is your best option. You can find power banks designed for rapid charging, though they may use more of the power bank’s battery.

The EcoFlow RIVER 2 Series Portable Power Stations are great choices if you’re looking for a standard power bank that packs a punch and you don’t mind a slightly larger size. The EcoFlow RIVER 2 is helpful for smartphones, computers, and other small devices, while the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max’s deep-cycle battery is robust enough to handle larger devices and even some appliances.

Best of Both Worlds

If you’re looking for a portable energy solution that combines the best of power banks and wireless chargers, look no further than the EcoFlow RAPID Power Bank. It works as a power bank and provides extra battery life when needed but doesn’t require any cords. 

The magnetic case can get you from 0-70% charged in just 33 minutes, thanks to EcoFlow’s patented X-Stream technology. It’s the perfect on-the-go solution for smartphones, AirPods, and other essential tech. It even allows you to plug in and charge the power bank while charging your devices wire-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

A wireless charger and a power bank are different, though they both achieve the same goal of charging personal devices like smartphones. Wireless chargers aren’t completely wire-free; they require a stationary wired connection to a wall outlet to work. However, they keep any charging station looking sleek. 

Power banks are portable and versatile enough to work with almost any device, but they require a wired connection from the power bank to your device. If you’re stuck deciding between these two options, consider an alternative that combines the best of wireless chargers and portable power banks. The EcoFlow RAPID Power Bank is a wireless power bank that uses magnetic charging to keep your smartphone or AirPods battery topped up and ready to use.