Anker SOLIX Power Bank: How to Choose and Use

The Anker SOLIX Power Bank series delivers dependable USB-C power on the go for phones, tablets, cameras, handheld consoles, and many ultrabooks. This guide helps you pick the right model and get the most out of it—at your desk, in transit, or off-grid with solar.

What it does well

• Fast, USB-C charging for everyday devices (phones, tablets, accessories) and many USB-C laptops that support Power Delivery (PD).
• Pass-through charging to power devices while the bank recharges from the wall (use sparingly to reduce heat and wear).
• Clear charge status and built-in protections for temperature, overcurrent, and short-circuit events.
• Optional pairing with a compact SOLIX solar panel for top-ups outdoors.

Who should choose it

• Travelers who want an airline-compliant power source for long flights and layovers.
• Mobile professionals and students who need extra hours for USB-C laptops, tablets, and phones.
• Photographers, creators, and gamers powering cameras, lights, mics, or handheld consoles in the field.

How to pick the right SOLIX model

1) Capacity (Wh or mAh)

• 10,000 mAh (~37 Wh): light and pocketable; roughly 1–2 phone charges.
• 20,000 mAh (~74 Wh): balanced travel size; 2–4 phone charges or meaningful tablet top-ups.
• 26,800 mAh (~96 Wh): near the 100 Wh airline carry-on limit; best for tablets and many ultrabooks.

Tip: Airlines commonly allow up to 100 Wh in carry-on without approval; 100–160 Wh may require airline approval. Check your carrier’s policy before you fly.

2) USB-C output power (PD watts)

• Phones/tablets: 18–30 W is usually plenty.
• Ultrabooks: look for 45–65 W PD support.
• High-performance or gaming laptops: often need 100 W+ from the wall and may not sustain full performance on a power bank.

3) Ports and features

• Multiple outputs if you charge a phone and accessory at the same time.
• Clear display or LEDs for remaining capacity and charging state.
• Solar-friendly input (USB-C) if you plan to pair with portable panels.

Quick runtime estimates

Real-world results vary with device draw and efficiency (typically 60–80%). Use these ballpark figures:

• Phone (4,000–5,000 mAh battery): a 10,000 mAh bank gives about 1–2 full charges; 20,000 mAh gives about 2–4.
• Tablet (28–40 Wh battery): a ~74 Wh bank can add roughly 1–2 charges.
• Ultrabook (50 Wh battery): a ~74 Wh bank adds about 1 extra charge at light use or several hours of work time.

Travel and safety notes

• Carry-on only for flights; do not check power banks in luggage.
• Stay under 100 Wh for easiest airline approval; confirm rules for 100–160 Wh packs.
• Avoid extreme temperatures; do not leave in hot cars or direct sun.
• Use quality USB-C cables rated for the bank’s peak output (e.g., 60 W or 100 W).
• Pass-through charging is convenient but can be slower and warmer; use when needed, disconnect when topped up.

Solar pairing (optional)

Pair a SOLIX power bank with a compact solar panel for off-grid top-ups. As a rough guide, a 20 W panel in good sun can add about 10–14 Wh per hour; expect several hours for a meaningful recharge. Charging speed depends on sun angle, clouds, temperature, and panel size.

Pros and cons

• Pros: travel-ready sizes under 100 Wh, USB-C PD compatibility, pass-through convenience, rugged designs, clear status indicators.
• Cons: high-wattage laptops may charge slowly or not at full performance; pass-through adds heat and reduces efficiency; solar recharging is weather-dependent.

Compatibility tips

• Look for “USB-C PD” support on your device. Many modern laptops accept 45–65 W via USB-C.
• Some gaming laptops require proprietary adapters or >100 W and may not charge reliably from a bank.
• For phones that support PPS (Programmable Power Supply), choose a SOLIX model that lists PPS for optimal fast charging.

FAQ