I’ve been using the Belkin BoostCharge Power Bank 20K for about three weeks now. Maybe a bit more. It’s one of those things you don’t really think about until you’re halfway through the day and your phone’s gasping at 12%, thanks to my old trusty Samsung S22 and, yeah, probably a little too much Pokémon Go. That’s when it matters.
I originally picked it up to upgrade the old power bank I took in my Essential PAX pack, & I take to work. That one was also a Belkin, but it’s become a clunky, eight-year-old brick that feels more like dead weight than backup power. It still technically works, but charging with it feels like punishment. Especially with newer tech, and with my brand-new Samsung S25 on the way, I figured it was time. The old one barely gives me 40% before it taps out…or I’d get impatient. Not ideal when you’re out all day, especially at a convention like PAX where your phone ends up doing way more than usual.
So I started looking for something newer. Something that wouldn’t need babysitting or constant recharging. The Belkin BoostCharge Power Bank 20K looked like a good fit. Big capacity, clean design, no weird branding or gimmicks. And honestly, it had to be Belkin. If it ain’t broke, don’t change it… I think that’s the saying?
First Impressions
Out of the box, it’s… a power bank. Matte black, slightly textured. Not flashy, which I actually prefer. It doesn’t scream for attention, and that’s kind of the point with gear like this. It’s meant to be functional, not decorative. Though the Belkin BoostCharge Power Bank 20K does come in 10 different colours. And looking back at it, I kind of wish I hadn’t just gone with the safe black one. As the green, gold and pink ones are stunning.
It feels solid in the hand, sturdy, but not clunky. Not something you’d want in your jeans pocket for the day without a good belt, but it’s fine in a backpack or messenger bag. You don’t notice it’s there, for the large part. It’s got a bit of heft, enough that you might be aware of it when you’re walking around all day in a light day pack. Yet, for the payoff of having the power (cue He-Man)supplied by the Belkin BoostCharge Power Bank 20K. You’ll be thankful for that slight additional weight
The finish is matte, which is nice. It resists smudges and fingerprints better than I expected. I’ve tossed it into my bag alongside keys, cables, and camera equipment, and it still looks pretty clean. That’s a small thing, but it adds to the sense that it’s built to last.
The ports are straightforward: one USB-C that works for both input and output, and two USB-A outputs. No wireless charging, no digital display, no quirky features. Just power. I appreciate that. I think. There’s something nice about a device that doesn’t try to be clever. It just does its job and does it fantastically well.
Real-World Use
I charged it fully overnight before a day trip to Geelong. Used it to top up my Samsung S22 twice, and my earbuds. Still had juice left. That 20K capacity? It’s real. You don’t need to baby it or ration your charging. It just works. And I feel like I could have stayed in Geelong for 4 days before even thinking about recharging the bank. It was so good. And I’m glad, as I’d forgotten my wall charger & used my phone and earbuds a lot to intentionally run out the battery.
Since then, it’s been part of my daily kit. I’ve used it at work, plugged into the power board under my desk, quietly keeping my phone alive while I bounced between meetings and supplier calls. It’s also come in handy during a product event night, as after all day at work, my S22 was doing double duty with photos, and social posts, and the Belkin BoostCharge Power Bank 20K kept it going without a complaint, even charging my kindle on the train ride home, when I had 10% of my book left and the battery notifictaion popped up.
Then came the pop and comic convention last weekend. Long day, lots of walking, lots of scanning QR codes, taking photos, checking schedules, and yes, a bit of Pokémon Go. I blame my friend of mine, Jordan, he got me rehooked again. I had my new Samsung S25 with me this time, fresh out of the box and already chewing through battery like it was a snack. I plugged it in around midday, having not charged it the night before, for a few hours. That was probably the moment I stopped thinking of it as “just a power bank” and started trusting it as part of my setup.
Charging speed is decent. Not blazing fast, but not sluggish either. My S22 went from 30% to 85% in about 40 minutes using the USB-C port. The S25 seems to charge a little quicker, though I haven’t timed it properly yet. The USB-A ports are slower, obviously. I tried one with my old Kindle, and it saved my train ride, but it was a little sluggish. But that’s probably more the Kindle than the power bank, as it is possibly 10 years old and even with a wall charger, it’s not exactly known for its speed.
Things I Noticed (and Didn’t Expect)
There is a power button, small, tucked away on the side. You press it to check the battery level via the LED indicators, or to manually kickstart charging if it doesn’t auto-detect a device. Not that it ever didn’t auto detect, you don’t need to touch it. Just plug something in, and the Belkin BoostCharge Power Bank 20K starts charging. Simple. No fuss.
Still, the first time I used it, I wasn’t totally sure it was working. The LED lights are subtle, four tiny dots that blink to show battery level, but they’re easy to miss in bright daylight. Maybe I’m just used to more dramatic feedback. Something that beeps or requires manual pressing of a button. This doesn’t do any of that. It’s quiet, almost too quiet.
Once you know what to look for, it’s fine. But that first moment of doubt stuck with me. I even unplugged and replugged my phone just to be sure. Not a flaw, just one of those little things that makes you second-guess yourself until you get used to it.
Also, the casing of the Belkin BoostCharge Power Bank 20K gets a little warm during use. Not hot, just slightly warm. Enough that you notice if you’re holding it or if it’s sitting on your lap. It’s never felt unsafe, but it’s one of those things you file away mentally. Like, “okay, that’s normal, I guess.” I’ve used it for hours at a time—charging my S25 while also topping up a tablet—and it never overheated. Still, I wouldn’t bury it under a pile of clothes or leave it in direct sunlight while it’s working. Just in case.
Portability & Practicality
It fits in my backpack’s side pocket, just barely. I wouldn’t call it pocketable unless you’re wearing cargo pants. But for travel, work, or long days out, it’s perfect. I’ve started keeping it in my work bag just in case. Haven’t needed it every day, but when I do, I’m glad it’s there.
One small gripe: the included cable is short. Like, really short. Maybe 15cm? It’s fine for charging the power bank itself, but awkward if you’re trying to use your phone while it’s plugged in. I swapped it out for a longer one pretty quickly.
Final Thoughts
Would I recommend the Belkin BoostCharge Power Bank 20K? Yeah, I think so. It’s reliable, no-nonsense, and does exactly what it promises. It’s not flashy or feature-packed, but not everything needs to be. Sometimes you just want a device that works every time you reach for it, and this one does. The build feels solid, the capacity is generous, and it holds a charge for ages. If you’re after a dependable power bank that won’t let you down, this is a solid pick.
That said, if you’re chasing bells and whistles, wireless charging, digital displays, and fast charging for laptops, this isn’t the one. It’s not trying to be a tech marvel. But for phones, tablets, e-readers, earbuds and even your Bluetooth speakers? It’s more than enough. It’s the kind of gear you throw in your bag and forget about until you need it, and when you do, it delivers.
If that’s what you’re after, the Belkin BoostCharge Power Bank 20K is worth considering.
Recent Comments