AUKEY PB-Y14 20000 USB-C - A wide, but slim high capacity USB-C power bank Summary The AUKEY PB-Y14 20000 USB-C is a good value, high capacity power bank. It costs less than similar sized power banks. But with that comes almost no fast charging support. And no cables. Overall 4.3 Performance (4)

Design (4.5)

Safety (4.5)

Recharge Time (4) Sending User Review 0 ( 0 votes) Pros Fast charges iPhone

Charges Switch while you play

Fits in most Switch carrying cases, but takes up most of the accessory pocket

Supports pass through charging

Charge two devices at once, but at a reduced rate

Within FAA limits for lithium batteries and flights Cons Won’t fast charge any Android phones

Can’t be recharged by Nintendo Switch AC Adapter

Doesn’t included a USB-C to USB-C cable

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I purchased the product in this review.

Model: PB-Y14

Tech Specs:

Ports: USB-C, USB-A x2, micro-USB

USB-C Output: 15W USB-C (5V/3A) Apple 2.4A

USB-A Output: 15W USB (5V/3A) Apple 2.4A 3A max across all ports

Input: 15W USB-C (5V/3A) 10W micro-USB (5V/2A) 7.5W Lightning (5V/1.5A)

Capacity: 20,000mAh | 74Wh

Size: 7.9 x 3.8 x 0.6 inches | 200 x 96 x 14 mm

Weight: 14.5 oz | 410 grams

Learn more about Fast Charging.

Included In Box:

AUKEY PB-Y14 20000 USB-C PD

Good For:

Commute

Travel

iPhone

Android

Nintendo Switch (handheld)

Estimated Number of Charges:

iPhone 6/7/8: 8 chargers

iPhone Plus/X/XR: 5 chargers

Samsung Galaxy S8/S9: 5 chargers

Samsung Galaxy S10: 4 chargers

Nintendo Switch: 10+ hours of play

First Impression

The AUKEY PB-Y14 20000 USB-C is the best selling USB-C power bank as of this posting. You would be hard pressed to find another 20,000mAh USB-C power bank at the same price point. It is thin, but quite long and wide. The same size as a Nintendo Switch with one Joy-Con removed. The unusual profile allows it to have a large selection of ports. Unfortunately its output doesn’t allow it to take full advantage.

AUKEY PB-Y14 20000 USB-C with Moto G6 AUKEY PB-Y14 20000 USB-C with Nintendo Switch AUKEY PB-Y14 20000 USB-C in Switch carrying case

Compared To Similar Power Banks

Charger AUKEY PB-Y14 20000 USB-C Anker PowerCore+ 20100 USB-C RAVPower Turbo 20100 Ports USB-C, USB-A x3, micro-USB, Lightning USB-C, USB-A x2 USB-C, USB-A x2, micro-USB Output 15W USB-C 15W USB-C 15W USB-C



Quick Charge 3.0 Capacity 20,000mAh 20,100mAh 20,100mAh Features Pass Through Charging Pass Through Charging Cable No cable USB-C to USB-C cable No cable Dimensions 7.9 x 3.8 x 0.6 in

13.5 oz 7.2 x 2.4 x 0.9 in

16 oz 3.8 x 3.1 x 0.9 in

9.2 oz Price $39.99 Price not available $39.99

Prices are from Amazon Product Advertising API, last updated on 2020-09-25.

Top: AUKEY PB-Y14 20000 USB-C. Bottom: RAVPower Turbo 20100. Top: RAVPower Ace 26800. Bottom: AUKEY PB-Y14 20000 USB-C.

You can see more USB-C power banks here.

Device Testing

Check with your device’s manufacturer to verify which charging standards it supports.

USB Power Delivery & Quick Charge 4+ Phones

Apple iPhone 8/X/XR/XS

Essential Phone

Google Pixel

LG ThinQ/V30

Razer

Samsung Galaxy S8/S9/S10

Samsung Galaxy Note 8/9

Xiaomi Mi 8/9

ZTE Axon Pro 9/10

iPhone 8 power meter (USB-C) iPhone 8 power meter (USB-A)

Using an iPhone 8 for testing we confirm USB PD is not supported. So phones using USB PD will only charge at their normal rate.

For iPhones the USB-C and USB-A ports supports Apple 2.4A. An older, but still functional fast charging standard. It isn’t quite as fast as USB PD, but still a fast charging option. And it works for both older and newer iPhones.

Quick Charge 3.0 Phones

HTC

LG

Motorola

Nokia

Samsung Galaxy

Sony

Xiaomi Mi 5/6

ZTE

Moto G6 power meter (USB-C) Moto G6 power meter (USB-A)

Using a Moto G6 for testing we get normal charging rates. As no Quick Charge or compatible fast charging standard is supported that’s as fast as it goes. Still, 10W is a decent charge rate.

Nintendo Switch

Switch gaming power meter (USB-C) Switch sleeping power meter (USB-C)



The Nintendo Switch charges at the expected rate with a regular USB-C charger, up to 10W. That is 1-2W more than it uses while playing. So it will charge while you play. But slower than you’ve seen with its own charger.

Learn more about charging the Switch.

Too Many USB Ports, Not Enough Current

You wouldn’t think having too many USB ports would be a problem. But it is in this case. It gives the impression this portable charger can handle 3-4 devices at once. When it really can’t. There is a fixed output limit of 3A across all ports. Split across all ports that means each would only output 3.75W. Less than what an iPhone’s included charger offers.

In real world usage you’re limited to two devices at a time. And even then you will see a slow down in charging. An iPhone can pull 1.5-2A while fast charging alone. Adding a second phone will drop it to 1.5A or less. Similarly a Nintendo Switch goes from drawing 7.5W to 5W when a phone is connected.

Bluetooth headphones/earbuds or fitness trackers could plug in without reduction. They normally only draw 0.5A. So you could plug in four such devices at once. But that isn’t what you’re actually going to do while traveling.

Pass Through Charging

Pass through charging allows a portable charger to both charge itself and a connected device. The power received from the wall charger splits. Some to the portable charger’s own batteries. And some to the connected device. How it handles the split varies. And there are more inefficiencies than normal.

The AUKEY PB-Y14 supports pass through charging a several ways:

Input: USB-C, Output: USB-A

Input: micro-USB, Output: USB-C or USB-A

Input: Lightning, Output: USB-C or USB-A

Any setup other than using micro-USB for the input will result in reduced output. With micro-USB my Moto G6 was able to draw up to 1.45A. With USB-C or Lightning inputs it only drew 0.25A.

Pass through charging is useful when you only have one USB wall charger. But it is not recommended to use this feature on a regular basis. It puts more heat and stress on the portable charger. Which will affect its lifespan. It can also provide an inefficient charge to your device. Again, not great for its own battery’s lifespan.

If you like to have the option when traveling, fine. But don’t set this up next to your bed at home every night.

Summary

The AUKEY PB-Y14 20000 USB-C is one of the thinnest high capacity power banks you’ll find. The trade off it a larger than usual footprint. It also uses lithium polymer batteries rather than lithium ion. Lithium polymer is more robust, flexible, and allows for the thin profile. The downside is less power per volume and a shorter lifespan.

For the Nintendo Switch it charges in handheld mode while you play. It’ll be a slow charge with demanding games, but enough to keep up.

Its 15W USB-C output won’t fast charge any devices. But it will provide a consistent, regular charge rate to any model USB-C phone or small tablet. I wouldn’t recommend it for any model iPad Pro, especially if working on the go.

With a USB-C port and three USB-A ports the first thing you think of is charging lots of devices. Unfortunately the specs don’t back that vision. There is a 3A limit across all ports. If you plug in a Switch and phone you’ll get ~7.5W per device. Plugging in a second phone will reduce that to 5W. The multitude of ports would only be handy if charging several small accessories. Such as Bluetooth headphones or fitness trackers.

Three three different input ports do offer flexibility when recharging the power bank. You can use whatever charger and cable you already carry. There is a charge time difference, with USB-C being the fastest and Lightning the slowest. For commuting and travel it could mean one less charger and cable set to carry around.

About AUKEY

AUKEY has U.S. based support (web and email) and a 24 month warranty. You must have purchased the product either from them or through Amazon for support.

Bottom Line

The AUKEY PB-Y14 20000 USB-C works well as a large commute or travel power bank. Keep your devices topped off and you won’t miss fast charging. Its shape will fit into small pockets in your bag, and you can stack other thin accessories or cables. But don’t expect $80 performance from a $40 power bank.

Buy if you:

Want to get the most capacity per dollar spent

Own an iPhone and would like fast charging without a USB-C to Lightning cable

Are willing to give up charge time for lower cost

Don’t buy if you:

Need to charge a laptop

Want fast charging for anything other than an iPhone

Only need it to charge a phone; a 10,000mAh would work as well and be lighter

You’ll want a USB-C wall charger to quickly recharge this USB-C power bank. I recommend the AUKEY PA-Y18 18W PD. It has more output than this power bank needs. But pairs well as a small, travel friendly charger.

Be sure to check the Deals page to see if this or a similar charger is on sale.

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