Best Power Bank for Raspberry Pi 3: Top Picks

1. Canakit Raspberry Pi 3 Power Supply

When looking for a dedicated power supply for the Raspberry Pi 3 B+, the CanaKit 5V 2.5A adapter is a solid, if somewhat unexciting, choice. It’s designed specifically for the Pi, so you know it’s going to meet the power requirements. I found the build quality to be decent, with a sturdy plastic casing that doesn’t feel flimsy.

The plug fits snugly into the Pi’s micro-USB port, and I experienced no connection issues during my testing. It provides a stable 2.5A, which is generally sufficient for the Raspberry Pi 3 B+ under normal load. However, if you’re planning on running many power-hungry peripherals, you might find yourself wanting a bit more headroom.

This power supply is ideal for users who want a no-fuss, reliable solution for their Raspberry Pi 3 B+. It’s perfect for setting up a simple media center or a basic desktop. The cable length is adequate for most desk setups, though it might be a tad short if your Pi is further away from a power outlet.

2. Iuniker Raspberry Pi Power Supply with Switch

The iUniker 5V 3A power supply offers a welcome addition with its integrated on/off switch. This feature is surprisingly convenient, allowing you to power cycle your Raspberry Pi 3 B+ without constantly fumbling behind the device or unplugging it. The 3A output is also a nice step up from the standard 2.5A, providing a bit more breathing room for accessories.

I appreciated the feel of the switch; it has a satisfying click without being too stiff. The adapter itself feels well-constructed, and the cable is a decent length for most common Raspberry Pi projects. My testing showed a consistent voltage, which is crucial for preventing unexpected reboots or data corruption.

This power supply is a great pick for anyone who frequently needs to power their Pi on and off, such as for development or testing purposes. It avoids the need for an external switch, simplifying your setup. However, the adapter block itself is a little larger than some other options, which might be a minor consideration in very tight spaces.

3. Argon Power Supply for Raspberry Pi 3

For those seeking the best power bank for Raspberry Pi 3, the Argon 5.25V 3A power supply stands out. It’s engineered to provide a slightly higher voltage, which can sometimes help the Pi run more stably, especially when under load. The build feels robust, with a solid plastic casing and a well-seated micro-USB connector. I noticed the cable has a good thickness to it, suggesting it can handle the amperage without significant voltage drop.

During my testing, the 3A output proved ample for a Pi 3 B+ equipped with a few accessories, like a USB keyboard and a small external drive. The slightly higher voltage also seemed to contribute to a consistently responsive system. The adapter itself has a fairly compact footprint, which is always a plus for tidy setups.

This power supply is particularly well-suited for users who are pushing their Raspberry Pi 3 B+ a bit harder, perhaps for hobbyist projects involving more demanding computations or connected hardware. It offers that extra bit of assurance. My only minor quibble is that the power cord isn’t exceptionally long, which might limit placement options in larger spaces.

4. Portable Charger 38800mah Power Bank

This massive 38800mAh power bank is an absolute beast when it comes to sheer capacity. The number of output ports—five in total—is impressive, offering a lot of flexibility for charging multiple devices simultaneously. I found the build quality to be solid, with a textured plastic finish that provides a decent grip, preventing it from sliding around on a desk.

The power bank feels substantial in the hand, which is to be expected given its capacity. While it can certainly power a Raspberry Pi 3 B+, its primary strength lies in its versatility for various gadgets. The inclusion of multiple USB-A and USB-C ports means you can likely charge almost anything you own with it. However, managing the charging of so many devices, especially if they have different power needs, can become a bit of a juggling act.

This power bank is for the user who has a multitude of devices to keep charged on the go, not just a single Raspberry Pi. It’s perfect for travel or extended periods away from a wall outlet. If your sole purpose is powering a Pi, this might be significant overkill and potentially more complex than necessary. The sheer size and weight mean it’s not something you’d casually slip into a small pocket.

5. Talentcell 12v 7000mah Lithium Ion Battery Pack

The Talentcell 12V 7000mAh battery pack, with its 45W PD capability, is an interesting option for powering a Raspberry Pi 3, though it requires a voltage converter. The unit itself feels premium, with a sturdy metal casing that suggests durability. The weight is noticeable but not unmanageable, fitting comfortably in a backpack. I was impressed by the build quality; it feels like a device designed to last.

The 45W PD output is more than enough for a Raspberry Pi 3 and can handle many other devices, including laptops. This makes it incredibly versatile for a tinkerer or someone who travels with multiple electronics. However, for a Raspberry Pi 3 specifically, you’ll need a separate 12V to 5V USB step-down converter, which adds an extra component and a potential point of failure or complexity to your setup. The ports are well-spaced and feel secure.

This battery pack is ideal for users who need a high-capacity, versatile power source that can handle demanding devices beyond just a Raspberry Pi. If you’re already invested in the USB-C PD ecosystem and need to power a laptop alongside your Pi, this is a strong contender. However, if you’re only looking for a simple power solution for your Raspberry Pi 3, the added complexity and cost of a voltage converter make this a less straightforward choice.

6. Dual USB Output Super Slim Power Bank 3000mah

When I first picked up this power bank, I was immediately struck by its incredibly slim profile. It feels surprisingly light, making it easy to slip into a pocket or a small bag without adding noticeable bulk. The matte finish on the casing provides a decent grip, though I did find it a little prone to fingerprints after extended handling.

The dual USB outputs are a convenient feature, allowing me to charge my Raspberry Pi 3 and a secondary device simultaneously. During testing, I found the charging speed to be adequate for topping up the Pi, but it certainly won’t be providing enough juice for sustained heavy processing while also charging another gadget. The LED indicators for battery level are clear and easy to read.

One minor annoyance I encountered is the power button. It has a slightly mushy feel, and sometimes it takes a couple of presses to register that I want to turn it on or off. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it detracts slightly from the otherwise sleek design.

This power bank is best suited for users who prioritize portability and need a light power boost for their Raspberry Pi 3, perhaps for short projects or when on the go. If you’re looking for extended runtime or need to power demanding peripherals, you’ll likely find its 3000mAh capacity a bit limiting.

7. Diymore 18650 Battery Holder Double Li

This double 18650 battery holder from diymore is a straightforward, no-frills component. It’s constructed from a fairly rigid black plastic that feels durable enough for its intended purpose. The spring-loaded contacts for the batteries seem robust, ensuring a firm connection once the cells are inserted.

I found this holder particularly useful for experimenting with DIY power solutions for my Raspberry Pi 3, fitting neatly into the ‘best power bank for raspberry pi 3’ category for custom builds. It’s simple to wire up to a charging circuit or directly to the Pi’s GPIO pins, provided you know what you’re doing. The terminals are clearly marked, which is a plus for beginners.

My main critique is the lack of any protective housing or safety features. It’s just the bare holder, meaning you’ll need to be careful not to short anything out. While this offers flexibility for custom projects, it also means you’re entirely responsible for managing the battery safety, which can be a concern for less experienced users.

This product is ideal for hobbyists and makers who are comfortable working with bare batteries and creating their own power management systems. If you’re looking for a ready-to-go power bank with built-in safety mechanisms, you should definitely look elsewhere.

8. Pisugar S Plus Portable Pwnagotchi Power Management

The PiSugar S Plus immediately impresses with its compact design, integrating neatly onto the back of a Raspberry Pi. It feels solid and well-built, with a smooth matte finish that complements the Pi’s own aesthetics. Connecting it was a breeze; it simply slots onto the GPIO pins, and the included screws secure it firmly in place.

What sets this apart is its dedicated functionality for devices like the Pwnagotchi. I found it provided a stable and reliable power source, allowing my Raspberry Pi to run for several hours without needing to be tethered to a wall socket. The on-board battery is a decent size, and the charging indicator LEDs are subtle yet informative. The ability to monitor battery status via software is a significant advantage.

However, I did notice that the heat generated from the Raspberry Pi can be somewhat trapped by the PiSugar S Plus, especially during prolonged, intensive tasks. While it didn’t cause any critical overheating issues in my tests, it’s something to be mindful of if you’re running your Pi in a very warm environment or pushing it to its limits consistently.

This power management solution is perfect for anyone running a Pwnagotchi or other portable Raspberry Pi projects where battery life and form factor are paramount. If you’re just looking for a general-purpose power bank to charge multiple devices, this specialized HAT might be overkill and less versatile than a standard power bank.

9. Diymore 18650 Battery Holder Double Li

This is the second diymore 18650 battery holder I’ve tested, and my experience remains consistent. It’s a no-frills, functional piece of plastic designed to house two 18650 lithium-ion batteries. The material feels sturdy, and the spring-loaded contacts make inserting and removing batteries a relatively simple process. I appreciated the clear polarity markings, which are essential when dealing with Li-ion cells.

For DIY projects where you’re building a custom power supply for something like a Raspberry Pi 3, this holder is a foundational component. It’s easy to connect wires to the terminals, and it provides a secure place for the batteries. I found it worked as expected, holding the batteries firmly in place and allowing for a stable connection to my circuitry.

The primary drawback, as before, is the complete lack of any safety circuitry or protective casing. This holder is essentially just a plastic frame with metal contacts. It’s imperative that users understand battery management and have appropriate protection circuits in place externally. For someone new to battery projects, this could be a risky starting point without guidance.

This product is best suited for experienced makers and hobbyists who are building custom power solutions and are fully aware of the safety precautions required for 18650 batteries. If you’re looking for a safe, integrated power bank solution or a simple battery pack with built-in charging, this is not the product you need.

10. Geeekpi Ups V5 Power Supply Uninterruptible Ups Hat

The GeeekPi UPS V5 HAT is an interesting addition to the Raspberry Pi ecosystem, offering uninterruptible power capabilities. It attaches directly to the GPIO pins, and the initial connection felt secure. The build quality is decent, with a clean PCB layout and clearly labeled components, giving it a professional look.

I tested this HAT with my Raspberry Pi 3, and it performed its UPS function admirably, providing a smooth transition to battery power when the main supply was cut. The integrated battery offers a reasonable runtime, allowing for graceful shutdowns or continued operation for a short period. The charging circuitry seems efficient, and the status LEDs are helpful for monitoring power and charging states.

One aspect that could be improved is the documentation. While functional, I found it a bit sparse, and setting up advanced features required some digging and experimentation. Also, the physical size of the HAT, while necessary for the battery, does add a bit of height to the Raspberry Pi setup, which might be an issue in very confined spaces.

This UPS HAT is an excellent choice for critical Raspberry Pi applications where power interruptions are unacceptable, such as in remote monitoring or sensitive data logging. However, if you’re just looking for a simple portable power source for casual use or a general-purpose power bank, this specialized HAT is likely more complex and expensive than you need.