Custom power banks: how do you choose one that does your brand justice?
A promotional power bank has to actually charge a phone, hold up over time and carry a logo people can read.
mAh or Wh: how do you compare capacities?
According to tech publication PCWorld, the milliamp-hour (mAh) rating is calculated at the cell voltage, around 3.7 V, but the power bank has to step that up to 5 V to charge a phone over USB, so the usable energy is below the printed rating [2][3]. One distributor adds that some low-end suppliers overstate their mAh ratings [4].
When comparing quotes, ask for the capacity in watt-hours (Wh), a common basis and the unit used in aviation security rules. If you only get mAh, convert it: Wh = V × mAh / 1,000 [1], so a 3.7 V cell gives 3.7 Wh per 1,000 mAh. A small capacity is often plenty for a trade show handout; for teams on the road, aim higher and accept a heavier, pricier item.
Reliability: don't choose on price alone
Distributors warn that cheap power banks can die within a few months or arrive drained, which reflects poorly on the brand [3][4]. Health Canada recommends using only chargers that carry a certification mark recognized in Canada [5], such as CSA, cUL or cETL for devices that plug into an outlet [6].
Electrical products must be certified by an accredited certification body [6][7]. This clearly covers a power bank with a built-in wall plug; for USB charging, it is to be confirmed. The UN38.3, FCC or CE marks one distributor highlights [4] don't, in our view, replace this check: ask in writing which mark recognized in Canada covers the power bank and its charger. The Canada Consumer Product Safety Act also prohibits importing or selling a product that poses an unreasonable danger to health or safety [8].
Engraving or print: the casing decides
On an anodized aluminium casing, the laser bleaches the dyed surface to expose a lighter layer underneath, according to laser equipment maker Epilog: the mark is permanent and high-contrast [9], but limited to a single tone. A one-colour logo suits it best; pick a casing colour that lets the light mark stand out. Distributors say engraving lasts longest and looks more upscale, while printing handles a multicolour logo better but wears off if poorly printed [3][4].
Ports, power and wireless charging
"PD" refers to the USB Power Delivery standard, which covers up to 240 W since revision 3.1 [10]: on its own, the label doesn't tell you a given port's output. Ask for the wattage of each output and check that the input connector matches your recipients' cables.
According to one distributor, wireless charging is slower and less efficient than a cable, so the same power bank delivers fewer charges, and it costs more per unit [3]. According to the WPC, the magnetic alignment in Qi2 reduces the energy loss caused by poor alignment; a Qi or Qi2 claim can be checked in its certified product database [11].
Écran Blanc's advice
For a busy trade show booth, a compact power bank that charges by cable is often a good starting point: more of the budget goes to quantity. Wireless charging and engraved aluminium casings tend to make more sense for targeted client gifts. Before comparing prices, get the Wh capacity and the certification mark in writing.