I’ve used a lot of portable power stations over the years. They’re a godsend for everything from phones and tablets to smartwatches and book lights. One of these devices made me realize how much I love one particular feature.
An Epiphany of Electrical Proportions
It wasn’t until I reviewed the Raycon 5-in-1 Magic Laptop Power Bank that I realized how often I’m not even near a USB cable. So, when it’s time to charge a device, that also means it’s time to go shoveling through drawers and cabinets to find that one micro USB that has a rotten reputation for disappearing. Fortunately, the Raycon power bank has integrated USB-C with an Apple Lightning adapter. Still, there was one feature that officially raised the bar for all power banks I review in the future: foldout AC prongs. Flip them down to plug into any AC wall outlet and flip them back up when they’re not needed.
I use the Raycon MLPB every day now (I haven’t touched a traditional iPhone charger in weeks), and the main reason I don’t want to go back to little white bricks and wires is the convenient AC prongs.
Free Ports and Less Cables
One of the primary connections on the Raycon MLPB is a USB-C port that delivers up to 65W of power to compatible laptops. Traditionally, a power bank is recharged via USB, and even with USB-C and USB-A options, most folks are going to choose USB-C because it’ll charge the power bank faster. But in the case of the MLPB, it’s the only USB-C port you’ll find on the hub. So, suppose it’s occupied by a USB cable for recharging purposes (which means the power bank is connected to an AC outlet anyway). In that case, you’re denying your laptop, phone, or tablet the best charging port in your arsenal.
Those flip-down AC prongs make that problem go away, though. In the event you need to recharge your power bank, you’ll just plug the bank into a wall outlet instead, leaving those sacred USB connections up for grabs. This also means you won’t have to worry about having a USB-C to USB-A cable (or a USB-C to USB-C) on standby for your power bank, as well as a compatible power adapter.
Touting around more wires than necessary is a quick way to go crazy when you open your tech backpack on the go (trust me).
Welcome to Your Pass-Through Powerhouse
Piggybacking off that last section, let’s talk a little about pass-through charging. For those unaware, this is a feature that allows a power bank to continue charging devices while the bank itself is recharging. Pass-through charging is available for the Raycon MLPB, but this isn’t a feature you’ll find on every power bank.
Now, in the case of the MLPB, because of those built-in AC prongs, I’m able to plug the power bank into an AC outlet. This also means I have access to every other charging feature on this device, including the built-in USB-C lead and the top-mounted wireless Qi pad. In those instances, my 15,000 mAh charger turns into a glorified outlet extender with a built-in failsafe for overheating, short-circuiting, and other device failures.
As long as the MLPB stays plugged into a wall (and as long as the electricity doesn’t drop out), you’ll be able to keep your tech up and running.
Peace of Mind for Your Journey
Hopping on a plane for international travel comes with plenty of stress, to begin with, so one of the last things you’ll want to worry about is whether you’ll be able to use your power bank on your vacation or business trip.
Now, even if you are able to use your power bank in another country, you’re still going to need an international travel adapter. Fortunately, these adapter kits are relatively inexpensive and can be purchased just about anywhere you’d buy electronics. But you’ll also be able to find several portable power banks with foldout AC prongs and a handful of international adapters. Unfortunately, the Raycon MLPB doesn’t come with these adapters, but I could simply order on Amazon for less than $15.
If your power bank’s AC prongs can be adapted, this also means you won’t have to carry as many travel adapters and cables on your next excursion.
Another Must-Have Power Bank Feature
The Raycon MLPB has genuinely spoiled me, and I’m proud to say I’ve officially raised my power bank standards. Built-in AC prongs are an absolute must for me going forward, but there’s one other small feature the MLPB conditioned me to never live without: an LCD that displays a numeric readout of the power bank’s battery life.
Thankfully, we’re starting to see these on more and more power banks, and my ultimate hope is that LED indicators will eventually be phased out entirely. Not on every tech device with a built-in battery, but at least for all (or most) power banks. I own a mophie power bank that displays a battery remaining estimate using four LEDs. I can’t tell you how much unnecessary stress I experience when the last LED is blinking and I have zero clue if I have 25% battery left or 2%.
Not only does the Raycon MLPB include a built-in LCD for battery, but this also means you get the satisfaction of watching the number climb toward “100” when the power bank is drained. Sometimes, it’s the little things that count, you know?
An Optimized Power Bank Leads to Optimized Devices
I’ll be the first to admit that the Raycon MLPB isn’t a perfect power bank by any means. Sometimes, it sags awkwardly when you plug into an AC outlet, forcing you to find one with a more stable fit. I also wish it had another USB-A port, but because the power bank has built-in AC prongs, these are nuisances I’m always willing to look past.
My official review of the Raycon 5-in-1 Magic Laptop Power Bank can be found here. I also suggest taking a look at our roundups of the best power banks and the best phone chargers.
