The most versatile portable battery I’ve tested can do more than just output 300W of power

ZDNET’s key takeaways

Power banks come in all shapes and sizes. Some are small enough to attach to your phone, while others are so big and bulky they come with a handle. Occasionally, you’ll find one that sits somewhere in the middle, where things get interesting.

Also: The best power banks you can buy

Take the Cuktech 30, for example. This power bank packs impressive power and functionality into a compact, portable design. But there’s more to it than the looks. This is one of the most versatile charging accessories I’ve tested to date. Here’s why.

For starters, the power bank is a cube measuring 4.2 x 3.4 x 3.5 inches and weighing just under 2.5 pounds. It houses eight 21700 EV-grade lithium cells, offering a massive 40,000mAh/144Wh of total power. That’s about four times the amount of a typical charger you tuck in your backpack or bag.

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Because it exceeds the 100Wh limit for airplane carry-on, you’ll need airline approval to bring it on board. However, the extra capacity is worth it, providing enough power to recharge an iPhone Pro Max five times or a MacBook Pro once. This makes it an excellent companion for camping trips, road trips, or even during power outages.

On the front of the unit, you’ll find two USB-C ports — one with a 100W max input/output and the other with a 140W max input/output. Additionally, there are two USB-A ports: one with a 22.5W max output and another that supports up to 120W max when charging compatible Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones.

But that’s not all. The top of the power bank features a 20W wireless charging pad. And the best part? You can use all five outputs simultaneously, making it a versatile charging hub for multiple devices.

Also: They said I could bring this TSA-approved multitool on a plane – here’s how that went

The front of the unit also includes a bright, clear LCD panel that displays battery capacity, input/output status, and whether the wireless charging pad or hub mode is active. Speaking of hub mode, this unique feature allows the USB-A ports to function as connections for peripherals like a keyboard and mouse when connected to a laptop.

The Cuktech 30 features a single button that serves multiple purposes: turning the display on and off and switching the power bank into hub mode. It’s intuitive to use, but if all else fails, you can always do what I did initially — jab at it like a curious chimp until it works (or, you know, read the manual). 

That said, I do wish manufacturers would print basic instructions directly on the device for added convenience.

To keep the unit cool, the Cuktech 30 is equipped with a PWM (pulse width modulated) fan. This fan automatically adjusts its speed to maintain optimal temperatures without running at full blast unnecessarily. It’s a smart feature that ensures the power bank stays cool even during heavy use.

Also: The best portable power stations you can buy

For portability, the top of the unit includes a fold-down polymer handle, making it easy to carry wherever needed. Also, for your convenience, you get a foot-long 240W USB-C to USB-C cable.

When it comes to charging the power bank, it’s quite fast because it supports up to 140W input, which means it can go from flat to full in about two and a half hours.

I put the Cuktech 30 through rigorous testing, and it performed flawlessly, even after hours of continuous, demanding use. During these tests, I could hear the fan kicking in occasionally, but it was not particularly loud. In fact, even when running at full blast, the fan is quiet enough that I wouldn’t hesitate to keep this power bank next to my bed while sleeping.

ZDNET’s buying advice

The Cuktech 30 is not your regular power bank. The cube design, big display, wireless charging, and cooling fan make this a rather neat and unique power bank that carries and delivers a lot of power.

I try not to look at pricing before reviewing a product, and when I found that this retailed for $150, I was surprised because I was expecting this to be around the $175 mark, so in my book, this is a good buy.