How to choose the best Raspberry Pi power bank

In this article, we’re exploring how to choose the best Raspberry Pi power bank. Read on and learn:

• the specific power requirements of the Raspberry Pi
• key specs to look for when choosing a portable charger for your Pi
• our top 5 power bank recommendations

The Raspberry is a mini-computer, that was first made for students in schools and universities. That’s why you can get one for around $40. This mini-computer makes it much easier to take the first step into Linux, Shell Scripting, Coding, and physical computing. Additionally, you can learn some basic functions of a computer using the Raspberry Pi. In this article, we’re exploring the power requirements and our recommendations for choosing a Raspberry Pi power bank.

Raspberry Pi Power Requirements

Voltage

The Raspberry Pi needs an input voltage of around 5 Volts, which is supplied through the USB type-C port. In fact, the input voltage should be a little bit higher than 5 Volts. 5.1 – 5.2 Volts would be ideal because power losses occur in the connectors and wires of the circuit’s transmission. Furthermore, a higher voltage makes sense for voltage stabilization, because of the copy deviation distribution every part behaves a little bit differently than described on the datasheet.

Amperage

The next important value for power supply is the current consumption in Ampere. The amount of current the Raspberry Pi needs depends on the load that is connected to it. Usually, a power adapter with 2 A (2000 mA) is enough to run a mini-computer in most cases. At least that’s enough when you do not use current-hungry USB devices.

Otherwise, you would need an externally fed USB hub or the power adapter should deliver at least 2.5A (2500 mA). You should always keep in mind that most Raspberry Pi models can’t accept more current than 2.5 A. Buther other models such as the Raspberry Pi 4B are recommended to use a 5V/3A power source due to its higher performance and greater power demand, particularly when using power-hungry peripherals. If the system needs more current, mostly a fuse is used to limit the current, but that can also lead to instabilities, which we want to avoid.

Power inputs

A Raspberry Pi can be powered in several different ways. Besides the official Raspberry Pi power adapter, there are other possibilities for powering it like regular batteries, USB cables connected to a PC/laptop, and power banks. Of course, there are more options such as solar panels or lithium polymer batteries, but the mentioned ones are the most common.

Power requirements for the Raspberry Pi 4

The Raspberry Pi 4 needs an adapter with 5Volts and 3 Ampere with a USB-type C connection. It’s worth mentioning here that the USB Type-C port of the Pi 4 can be faulty. Active USB Type-C cables (with E-mark-chip) recognize the Pi 4 as an audio adapter and don’t deliver any current. This problem can be solved with a simple USB Type-C cable without an E-mark chip. Such cables are mostly used for charging a smartphone. The customary cables for notebooks are not suitable for the Pi 4.

However, this problem was addressed in a hardware revision (1.2) released in 2020. Raspberry Pi 4 models produced after this revision do not have this issue.

Power requirements for the Raspberry Pi 3

Particularly for the Raspberry Pi 3, you should know that there is a constructional flaw. Because of a new board design and the resistance of the PCB traces and connectors, there is a voltage drop of 0.6V from the USB socket to the chip. To solve this problem you should use an adapter, delivering a voltage of 5.2 – 5.4Volts.

Key Specs for Portable Chargers That can Power the Raspberry Pi

Not all portable chargers are a good fit to power your Raspberry Pi, so you should make sure you’re getting one with the right specs. First, the minimum power output should be 5 Volts. The current value depends on the Raspberry Pi model. For example, the Raspberry Pi models A and B need a voltage of 5V, a current of 700mA, and a power of 3.5 watts. So the power bank should at least deliver 2A with a power output of at least 10 watts. Power-intensive projects (especially those involving the Raspberry Pi 4 or numerous peripherals) might require a higher-rated power bank.

You can charge your Raspberry Pi with power banks that are capable of delivering much more than 10W. This will not harm the Pi at all since it will just “take” the power it needs from the portable charger.

A power bank with a capacity of 50000mAh is enough to keep your Raspberry Pi running for a really long time. Depending on the usage case, it may run for up to 30 hours before needing to recharge. If you want to run your Raspberry for just one hour, then a 1800mAh portable charger should be enough.

Other specifications:

• The power bank does not have to have special features such as pass-through charging or adaptive charging. Normal charging is enough
• The power bank needs a USB Type-C port, as almost all Raspberry Pis use Type-C ports.
• It also doesn’t need to require a special charging technology like Power Delivery or Quick Charge 3.0
• When you want to power a Raspberry Pi keep in mind to keep a stable voltage. If the voltage drops below 4.7V, the microcontroller won’t run as intended. The latest models come with a power-detecting circuit that activates when the voltage is too low. A warning icon will pop up on the display. Then you should probably improve your supply to avoid unexpected crashes.

Best Battery Packs for Raspberry Pi

Here are some recommended power banks to power a Raspberry Pi. Both provide enough voltage and current to power the microcontroller. With a capacity of 10000mAh and 20000mAh, both devices can supply a Raspberry Pi for a solid time. It always depends on the devices connected to the minicomputer, of course. But in most cases, it will be enough.

1. CRAVE Plus 10000mAh

Check price on CraveDirect.com

Or buy on Amazon.com or on Ebay.com

The Crave Plus 10000mAh has a slim profile and is slightly larger than a regular smartphone. This makes it ideal for stacking it on different objects, especially if you have a busy desk (case in which, check out these desk organizing stations). With its aluminum casing, this power bank is sturdy and durable. You can expect it to power your Raspberry Pi for up to 6 hours at a moderate load.

Unboxing video

Read our full review of the CRAVE Plus 10000mAh

2. RAVPower 20000mAh

Check price on RavPower.com

Or buy at Walmart or Ebay

If you want a reliable power bank with a decent capacity, a workhorse you can depend on, then this RAVPower portable charger is one of your best choices. It has a very good all-around build and it comes with two output ports, one of which is a USB Type-C that can output as much as 60W. This is much more than your Raspberry Pi requires. In fact, you can even use it to charge laptops. You can expect it to power your Pi for about 12 hours on a moderate load. Overall, this is a very solid portable charger for Rasberry Pi.

Unboxing video

Read our full review of the RAVPower 20000mAh

3. ROMOSS SENSE8P+ 30000mAh

Check price on Amazon.com

Or buy on Sears.com or on Ebay.com

The ROMOSS SENSE8P+ is a powerful brick capable of powering a Raspberry Pi for an estimated 18h at regular use. It offers a good balance of capacity, power, ports, and price. Although it’s not approved for air travel without special approval, this makes a good power bank to use on a daily basis. Its main drawbacks are the long recharging time, and lower power output (18W) compared to the other devices on our list. However, it compensates price-wise, since it’s one of the most affordable too.

Unboxing video

Check out our full review of the ROMOSS SENSE8P+ 30000mAh

Why Trus Us

At Power Bank Expert, we specialize in providing detailed and reliable information on choosing the best power banks for specific needs, such as powering a Raspberry Pi. Here’s why you can trust our expertise and recommendations:

1. In-Depth Understanding of Raspberry Pi Requirements: We have a thorough understanding of the specific power needs of Raspberry Pi devices, including voltage, amperage, and power inputs. This knowledge is crucial in selecting the right power bank.
2. Careful Selection of Products: Our recommendations are based on a careful selection process that considers the power bank’s voltage, current output, capacity, and compatibility with Raspberry Pi models. We ensure that each recommended power bank meets these critical specifications.
3. Practical and Relevant Advice: Our focus is not just on technical specifications but also on practical usability. We consider how long a power bank can power a Raspberry Pi and its suitability for various projects and applications.
4. Hands-On Experience: We test power banks to ensure they meet the requirements for powering Raspberry Pi devices effectively. This hands-on experience allows us to provide first-hand insights into the performance of these power banks.
5. Balanced Reviews: We provide balanced reviews that highlight both the advantages and potential limitations of each power bank. Our goal is to give you a complete and honest assessment to help you make an informed decision.
6. Updated and Dynamic Content: Our list of recommended power banks for Raspberry Pi is regularly updated to reflect the latest models and technological advancements in the market.
7. User-Centric Approach: We value the feedback and experiences of our readers, incorporating their insights into our reviews to ensure they are comprehensive and relevant.
8. Commitment to Quality: We prioritize power banks that offer reliability and durability, ensuring that you get a product that not only meets the technical needs of your Raspberry Pi but also lasts long.

By combining our technical knowledge of Raspberry Pi power requirements with a rigorous testing and review process, we strive to be your trusted source for recommendations on power banks for Raspberry Pi. Whether you are working on a school project, a home automation system, or any other Raspberry Pi application, Power Bank Expert is here to guide you to the best power solutions.

Wrap-up

Getting a Raspberry Pi powered via a portable charger is quite simple. You just need to make sure what Raspberry Pi model you have and what its power requirements are. But generally speaking, a classic 5V/2A power bank would be a great fit for most Raspberry Pi models.

However, by charging this device correctly, you will definitely increase the Raspberry Pi’s life and the devices attached to the microcontroller will run way smoother.

Now that you know all the magic behind powering a Raspberry Pi, there are no obstacles to a successful project left. So, let’s create something!