The smartest power bank I’ve tested has a ‘Beast Mode’ for multi-device charging
ZDNET’s key takeaways
- This compact yet powerful power bank features dual USB-C fast charging
- The 1.3-inch TFT color display does a fantastic job of keeping you in the loop about what the power bank is doing
- Beast Mode rapid charging is useful, and a 20-minute charge can take the charge from zero to 70%.
Power banks come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, ranging from little more than a dumb battery to sophisticated charging computers. Smart controls, high-speed dual charging, and high-wattage output are starting to appear on premium power banks.
Also: The best power banks you can buy
I’ve been testing a power bank that packs a whole raft of advanced features into a surprisingly portable package. Meet the Cuktech 15 Ultra.
Note that while the battery capacity is 20,000mAh/72Wh at the battery’s native voltage (making this unit airline safe), when measured at the typical base USB voltage of 5V/3A, the rated capacity is 15,000mAh. More information on how to calculate this can be found here.
Sounds like a pretty basic power bank, right? Don’t let the looks deceive you.
Three ports — two USB-C ports, and one USB-A.
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
First, those ports. Using a single USB-C port, you can get a maximum of 140W output. Using both USB-C ports, you get a maximum of 165W (100W and 65W). Want to use all three ports? You still get a maximum of 165W, but the power output breaks down to 100W and 45W max for the USB-C ports and 15W for the USB-A port. The power bank offers broad support for a myriad of fast-charging protocols including PPS, QC, PD3.1, FCP, SCP, and MiPPS (Xiaomi 120W max).
As for charging, this power bank can be charged using both USB-C ports simultaneously, allowing for a maximum input of 165W — what Cuktech calls Beast Mode. All you need are two chargers with a cumulative output of 165W or more.
Also: The secret that power bank manufacturers don’t want you to know
The power bank also supports pass-through charging, so it can be charged while charging other devices.
The 1.3-inch TFT color display is also quite special. Keeping you in the loop at all times, it provides real-time data monitoring, including details about what the ports are doing, battery status, connected devices, and when the unit is in Beast Mode.
Nice, bright, crisp and clear TFT display.
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET.
Additionally, an interface allows the first USB-C port to be switched between input/output, output-only, or input-only modes.
The built-in menu allows you to control how one of the USB-C ports work.
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
This is a thoughtful feature because it gives you control over whether the port is used to charge other devices or to recharge the power bank itself — a particularly handy option when using the power bank to charge other power banks.
The power bank comes with a 3.2ft USB-C-to-USB-C cable and a carry pouch.
ZDNET’s buying advice
The Cuktech 15 Ultra is truly impressive. It delivers enough power to charge smartphones and laptops while remaining easily portable. It also features enough ports to meet most users’ needs, and all the ports perform exactly as advertised.
The Beast Mode feature is particularly noteworthy, dramatically reducing recharge time. With a 165W input, a quick 20-minute recharge in Beast Mode can take the power bank from 0% to 70%. Since most people now own more than one charger, this feature is an excellent way to slash recharge times and keep your devices powered up quickly.
And here’s the best part — it’s not as expensive as you might think. Priced at a very reasonable $120, there’s currently a $10 on-page coupon available, bringing the price to $110.
