Bottom Line
The best approach to looking at the INIU 20000 PD is through the lens of a 20,000 mAh power bank. Compared to 10,000 mAh battery packs, its performance levels typically won’t stand up due to its larger battery size. Larger capacity power banks are a different matter: it is a strong contender and one of our favorite power bank picks.
Overall, it is our second-best large-capacity power bank in weight, charging speed, and portability, and it ranks as the best 20,000 mAh power bank in many categories. We like that it is the second most efficient power bank out of all the banks we tested, which means you get a lot of power for what is being carried. While it struggles to stay efficient in colder temperatures, many of its features and a very affordable price tag make this one stand out for us.
Quick Specs
INIU 20000 PD
Best 20,000 mAh Power Bank
CleverHiker Rating: 74/100
Price: $33
Weight: 12.2 oz.
mAh: 20,000
Time to full charge: 6 hrs (USB-C)
Pros
- Very affordable
- Lots of power in comparison to the weight
- Decent charging speed compared to size
- Large digital battery display
Cons
- Poor performance in cold weather
- A bit bulky
Efficiency
We like getting the most bang for our buck in terms of the number of phone charges available, and the INIU 20000 PD is above average. Our testing process included draining an entire battery bank using a multimeter and a dummy resistor load to draw and measure a consistent charge. We used that information to figure out how much power is available per ounce, making it easier to compare different size capacities and tell us which power banks are the most efficient. The INIU is a strong contender in this category and offers a reasonable tradeoff, given that the 20000 PD weighs more than any of the 10,000 mAh power banks.
Weight & Packability
Don’t let the INIU’s heavier weight compared to smaller capacity power banks dissuade you. Compared to other large-capacity power banks, the 20000 PD still performs well. When we put it on our scale, it registered at 12 ounces, 0.8 ounces lighter than what the INIU website claims. When we rank that among our favorite high-capacity battery packs, it is a top contender. While we were disappointed that it weighs more than an even larger capacity power bank, it was the lightest of our 20,000 mAh banks and weighed less than almost any 10,000 mAh battery pack we tested. When diving deeper into the lightest way to carry 20,000 mAh, the INIU 20000 PD is one of the best choices.
Due to the larger volume that a higher-capacity battery needs, a 20,000 mAh power bank like the INIU will never be as portable as a smaller battery pack. They generally are more difficult to fit into hipbelt pockets and cause tent pockets to sag under their increased weight. The 20000 PD is one of the more portable models we tested, but it felt bulky compared to many of the smaller power banks. We tend to reach more often for the INIU over the Biolite and UGREEN models because the more compact shape makes it easier to hold in hand.
Durability
At first glance, the INIU 20000 PD appears to be prone to damage, but our tests concluded that it can withstand the rigors of the outdoors. Like the INIU Megapower 10000 power bank, the 20000 PD has an outer layer prone to scratches. Fortunately, in our experience, it is just cosmetic and doesn’t affect the overall performance. Initially, we were concerned that the digital display would also be prone to scratches or cracks, rendering it challenging to read. However, after putting the INIU through our eight-foot drop test and using it on multiple trips, we did not notice any wear or tear. This model does come with a protective sleeve that can be used to prevent scratches in exchange for a minor weight penalty.
Charging Speed
Charging speed is another area where the 20000 PD is one of the top large-capacity power banks. After charging the INIU from dead to 100%, we found that it takes five hours and fifty-five minutes to complete the task. Once again, it is under the official specs listed on INIU’s website. However, this is quite a bit slower than most smaller-capacity power banks, so charging two 10,000 mAh power banks may be a better solution for some use cases. We used a QC 3.0 wall charger and a standard USB-C cable for all our tests to keep things fair.
Features
Overall, the INIU has a nice blend of features, including pass-through charging, auto trickle charging, and a built-in flashlight. One of our favorite features is the digital display. Users should remember that no battery indicator is ever 100% accurate. Still, it gave us a much better idea of how much charge was left and was easier to read than some of the analog indicators on other models.
Multiple ports, including two USB-A and one USB-C, allow numerous devices to be charged simultaneously. This power bank has built-in auto low voltage (trickle) charging for smaller electrical devices, and we appreciate that it does so without needing a toggle button. Like most power banks, this one provides pass-through charging. That means when it is plugged in and charging, you can plug in another device and charge it simultaneously. This is a great time saver when trying to charge multiple devices at once for those who may be thru-hiking or in another situation with limited outlets and wall plugs.
Finally, like the INIU Megapower 10000, it has a built-in flashlight, which could be practical in an emergency. However, it has the same fatal flaw: it often gets bumped and accidentally turned on during the day or while sleeping, wasting battery.
Cold Charging
During our testing, the 20000 PD struggled in low temperatures. After draining the battery in the fridge, our multimeter indicated how much power was used. After a few calculations, we found out that there is an 8.2% decrease in available power when working in cold conditions. This decrease was one of the worst performances out of all the power banks we tested. The 20000 PD might not be the best choice for people who frequently hike in colder temperatures. Keeping the battery close to the body or inside a sleeping bag can help reduce the capacity loss for those who may encounter the occasional cold snap.
Should You Buy the INIU 20000 PD?
For the average power bank user who only needs a few charges per backpacking trip or a day-to-day accessory, the INIU 20000 PD may not be worth the extra weight. This battery pack shines for those needing more power, such as backpackers or travelers who will be away from outlets for extended periods.
We have also noticed that folks who use a lot of battery on trips, such as those who like to take a lot of videos or who use GPS apps to track their route, are often less stressed out about battery conservation when bringing a larger capacity power bank such as the INIU along.
What Other Power Banks Should You Consider?
BiolLite Charge 80 PD Review: For those who want 20,000 mAh of capacity, this is another great bank. This rugged brick is built to stand up and is an excellent choice when durability is vital.
Charmast 26800 mAh Review: this even larger power bank hung close to the INIU in almost all of our tests with a reasonable weight, excellent efficiency, and slightly better portability. The biggest downside is a much larger charging time, but that is a tradeoff to consider for the increased capacity size.
Nitecore NB 10000 Gen 3 Review: Another top option is the Nitecore NB 10000 Gen 3. With a total capacity of 20,000 mAh if you use two of them, there is more flexibility to cut weight if you end up needing a lower capacity.
