BioLite Charge Series Portable Charger Review

Carol is an editor with SmarterTravel Media, specializing in travel writing, multimedia production, and trying every local cuisine she can find. You can follow her journeys @cj_mcpherson on Instagram.

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Anyone who’s ever woken up for an early flight to find they forgot to plug in their phone knows the importance of a reliable portable charger. If you’re ready to untether yourself from the airport charging station, the Charge 80 PD battery pack may be your new favorite travel companion.

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What Makes the BioLite Charge 80 PD Different?

Collage of images of people using BioLite portable chargers to charge cameras, phones, and devices while camping — BioLite

Designed for “life away from the outlet,” the BioLite Charge 80 PD is a power bank created for serious travelers. The 20,000 mAh rechargeable battery and multiple ports (one 18W USB C Charge In/Out Port and two standard 3.0 USB A Charge Out Ports) allow you to charge three devices simultaneously. Gone are the days of choosing between plugging in your cell phone or your laptop full of movies at the much-contested terminal outlet. The Charge 80 PD is a heavy-hitter when it comes to battery life and charging power, making it a great option for hikers and campers as well as professionals who need to stay plugged-in on the road.

The Charge 80 PD is part of the Biolite Charge Series, which also features chargers at two lesser power levels: the Charge 40 PD, and the Charge 20 PD.

How Does the BioLite Charge 80 PD Measure Up?

Three views of the BioLite Charge 80 PD portable charger — BioLite

Ease of Use: 9/10

It’s as easy as plugging it in and letting it work. My model came partially charged out of the box and I immediately used it to emergency charge my iPhone and wireless earbuds before rushing out the door. It lost one point for not including a USB wall adapter with the product (necessary to charge the charger itself), so make sure you buy one ahead of time if you don’t already have one.

Cost: 10/10

The Charge 80 PD is a bit pricey for a portable charger, but the trade off is sheer long-lasting power. This model is for people who need to get some serious work done while away from a traditional charger or outdoor adventurers who don’t want to drop completely off the grid.

The Charge 20 PD is less powerful but more affordable at just $29.95, a price that is in line with comparable models on the market.

You can compare the specs for the different models below to decide which is the best portable charger for your travel needs:

Comparison table of the technical specifications of the three portable charges in the BioLite Charge PD Series — BioLite

Effectiveness: 9/10

This power bank has seen me through misplaced charging cables, nor’easters, and a family Christmas with no outlets to spare. I was able to charge an iPhone 13, iPad 8, and Google Pixel 2 without issue. I also tested it out on my 15” MacBook Pro and it was able to keep the battery alive while I finished some work*. I prefer to use my usual cables when charging as the blue cord included in the box is a bit too snug of a fit for my devices.

The only issue I ran into was with my 13” Dell XPS 15, which charges on a DC power cable. To charge a device like this, you’ll need to purchase an additional adapter.

Graphic showing a USB-C power cable versus a DC power cable — Fototocam & Олексій Остистий | Adobe Stock

*The BioLite Charge 80 PD charge capabilities and time estimates are based on a 13” laptop.

Portability: 10/10

In exchange for the extra charging power, the Charge 80 PD is going to add just over a pound to (465 grams) to your bag. If you’re setting out on a multi-day hiking trip or need to make sure your laptop doesn’t quit during your 12-hour Amtrak ride, the weight is well worth it. If you’re just looking for something that can save you from a dead phone battery while sightseeing, opt for one of the lighter models.

The best part? All Charge Series battery packs are FAA carry-on compliant, meaning you can take them with you on the plane.

BioLite Charge 80 PD Pros	BioLite Charge 80 PD Cons
Can charge multiple devices simultaneously	Heavy despite compact size
Can be packed in a carry-on	Not compatible with certain cables
Great to have during power outages

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BioLite Charge 80 PD Review

Carol McPherson

What Makes the BioLite Charge 80 PD Different?