Early on, I adopted a blurred background for Zoom meetings — no one needed to know I might be taking that meeting from the parking lot of my favorite local trail. And I don’t see the way I work changing any time soon. If anything, I see myself working more remotely and spending more time on Hipcamp looking up future work and play destinations. Raise your hand if you can relate.
Couple that with the fact that more and more daily necessities have become rechargeable. (I can’t remember the last time I had to change the batteries in even things like my headlamp.) Whereas portable power banks were once a nice addition to your gear kit, looking at how things have shifted, we now rely on them.
That reliance means power banks will continue to need to offer greater output in an increasingly portable package.
For fall 2024, BioLite releases the Charge 100 Max, which it hails as its “biggest and fastest power bank.” The 25,000mAh battery is not only a power upgrade from the Charge 80 PD predecessor, but it also has features like wireless charging and the ability to charge multiple devices at once.
But the big draw is the 100W bidirectional charging feature, which allows for fast charging of devices and a full recharge of the 100 Max’s battery in less than 90 minutes.
In short: BioLite’s Charge 100 Max power bank is finely tuned for your remote working needs but adapts well with travel and the outdoors. With the ability to charge up to five electronic devices at once and fully recharge in less than 90 minutes, the 100 Max may just be the most well-balanced, large-capacity power bank on the market today.
- Capacity: 25,000 mAh
- Weight: 1 lb., 4 oz.
- Size: 5.4" x 4.4" x 1.4"
- Inputs: 65W USB-C PD (1x)
- Outputs: 100W USB-C PD (2x), 15W USB-C (1x), 15W USB-A (1x)
- Wireless: Yes, 15W – MagSafe compatible
- Price: $150
Pros
- Great balance between size and capacity with the added benefit of efficiency
- Can charge up to 5 devices at once
- Wireless charging
- Bi-directional charging for optimized charging and recharging
- Rugged construction with 1m drop rating
Cons
- Too much power and capability for simple charging needs
- Not waterproof/IP rated
BioLite Charge 100 Max Power Bank Review
What Does ‘PD’ Mean?
Saving you from all of the technical jargon out there, PD stands for “Power Delivery.” Where USB-C is faster at charging electronics than USB-A, USB-C PD is even faster than that. But it requires special hardware.
The Charge 100 Max comes with a USB-C PD to USB-C PD cable rated up to 100W. This cable can charge the power bank from empty to full in less than 90 minutes.
In short, the cables matter. Your standard USB-C cable is rated for 15 W. With the cable included with the 100 Max being rated for 100 W — that’s 6.66 times faster.