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How to choose an emergency power bank

Not all emergency power banks are alike -- far from it. They range in price from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, come in a variety of sizes and shapes, and have vastly different capacities. While some can power major appliances for hours, others keep your computers and mobile devices running. We found that some of these devices are best for in-home use during an emergency or storm, while others are better suited for outdoor use when you're off the grid.

Before you start shopping for a portable power bank, consider what you'll be using it for, where you'll be using it, what you'll need to provide power to, how long you need to keep the selected equipment running, and what features are built into the power bank that will benefit you the most in the event of a power failure.

Once you determine your needs and how the power bank will be used, here are seven important things to consider to help you choose the right equipment:

• Capacity: This is how many milliamp hours (mAh) the power bank can hold per charge. The larger its capacity, the longer it can power devices. Each power bank will offer a chart that offers a sampling of what types of equipment, such as a TV, portable heater, or laptop computer, it can power and for how long.

• Output power: This is measured in volts and amps and it determines what types of devices and equipment the device can power. Some less expensive power banks can keep a laptop computer running for several days, or recharge a smartphone multiple times, can't handle a mini fridge, portable heater or television set.

• Portability: The overall design, weight and dimensions of the power bank will determine how portable it is. Beyond just how easy it is to move around, consider how easy it is to set up and how much space it'll require. If the device is particularly heavy, determine if it has a built in handle or wheels to make it easier to move.

• Charging options: All of the emergency power banks can be plugged into a standard electrical outlet. How long it takes to fully recharge will vary based on make and model. Some also allow you to recharge the device from your vehicle or with solar panels.

• Number of outlets and ports: All of the emergency power banks we evaluated for this roundup offer at least several traditional, three-prong electrical outlets, along with multiple USB Type-A and/or USB Type-C ports. Some also offer other types of ports. The more outlets and ports that are built into the emergency power bank, the more devices it can power simultaneously. With this in mind, the more devices that are consuming power from the power bank, the faster its battery will deplete.

• Safety features: Some of the key safety features to look for include short-circuit protection, overcharge protection and temperature management.

• Expandability and accessories: Some of the best power banks allow you to plug in optional battery packs to increase capacity. Others offer optional solar panels that can be used to create clean energy. We also like power banks that have a proprietary mobile app that allows you to monitor, control and manage its usage.

• Noise level: Power banks that rely on rechargeable batteries are much quieter than traditional generators. However, they typically have one or more built-in fans to keep them from overheating when charging and when in use. These fans make some noise, but for the most part, it's barely noticeable unless you're directly next to it.

What's the difference between a power bank and a generator?

Power banks and generators are designed to serve the same purpose -- provide power when and where it's needed. A power bank, however, relies on rechargeable batteries. Once the batteries within the power bank are depleted, they need to be recharged. This takes time and an external power source.

A power generator relies on gas, diesel or propane to create electricity. They typically generate much more power than power banks, so they can handle larger appliances and equipment that consume more electricity, and keep them running longer. Generators are more expensive than power banks and they're often much louder to operate. This is particularly true of portable generators. They can run for as long as necessary, as long as you keep fueling them. Because they rely on fuel, they're potentially more dangerous to operate and the main generator is often limited to outdoor use. To power equipment indoors, you'd run a power cord into the house or have the generator directly wired into your home, depending on its size and capacity.