Most portable chargers last two to six years, but wear depends on the model and how it is used. Manufacturers also rate battery life in cycles, while swelling and excessive heat are warning signs.
Most power banks are expected to last roughly two to six years, but service life depends on build quality, frequency of use, charge cycles and heat, BGR reports, citing manufacturers’ guidance. The range is an estimate rather than a fixed expiration date.
Anker says most of its portable chargers are rated for 300 to 500 full cycles. A cycle means using an amount of energy equal to the battery’s full capacity, even if that energy is drawn in several partial discharges. Some newer models are rated for as many as 1,000 cycles.
A battery usually does not stop working as soon as it reaches its stated cycle count. Instead, capacity gradually falls to about 60–80% of its original level, so the power bank needs charging more often and for longer. Wireless models may wear faster because some energy is converted into heat during charging.
A swollen casing or excessive heat signals dangerous wear. A power bank in that condition should no longer be used. The lifespan of an individual model varies with its design and how it is handled.