Those changes in the second-generation power bank are the difference between one that stands out from its rivals and another me-too portable USB charger. So bear in mind when reading this review that the second-generation Anker Astro E5 would score significantly higher in our ratings. Also see: Best MiFi 2016. The Anker Astro E5 very much reminds us of the RavPower RP-PB13 Deluxe, a £23 14000mAh power bank that has a similar rectangular design, encased in black plastic with a silver-painted central band. This Anker has a gloss finish that’s a magnet to fingerprints, however, and its silver power button and four status LEDs stand out more than the smaller black button and blue LED strip seen on the RavPower. There is little difference in their size and weight, although we prefer the RavPower’s design. The specs are incredibly similar, too. Both feature 1A (5W) and 2A (10W) fast-charging USB outputs for simultaneously charging a phone and tablet, although here they sit either side of the LED flashlight rather than to the left. And both have a 1.5A (7.5W) Micro-USB input for refilling their own batteries. There is really very little separating between the two, and your decision will likely be swayed by their design rather than the small differences in price and capacity. This Anker’s 18-month warranty is also attractive. Neither Anker nor RavPower support advanced features such as passthrough charging, so you won’t be able to simultaneously charge your phone, tablet and power bank without using a pair of mains sockets. Auto-on/-off is also missing, so to begin charging you’ll need to plug in your device and press the power button. Read next: How to improve smartphone battery life. Follow Marie Brewis on Twitter. Marie is Editor in Chief of Tech Advisor and Macworld. A Journalism graduate from the London College of Printing, she’s worked in tech media for more than 17 years, managing our English language, French and Spanish consumer editorial teams and leading on content strategy through Foundry’s transition from print, to digital, to online - and beyond.
