BioLite Charge 100 Max Review
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When it comes to keeping my devices charged on the go, the BioLite Charge 100 Max has quickly become my go-to solution. Whether I’m working remotely, camping, or simply need reliable power during a road trip, this power bank ticks all the boxes. It’s got the right mix of capacity, efficiency, and portability, without any unnecessary bulk.
Power When You Need It, Wherever You Are
With its massive 25,000 mAh battery, the Charge 100 Max can recharge my smartphone five to seven times and even power my laptop with ease. That’s impressive for a power bank that weighs just over a pound. But it’s not just about having power—it’s about having it fast. Thanks to its USB-C Power Delivery (PD) feature, I can charge my devices at high speed and fully recharge the power bank in under 90 minutes. Offering up to 100W of power output, it delivers the same power as a typical laptop charger. If your laptop supports USB-C charging, like a MacBook, the Charge 100 Max can charge it lightning fast. The 100W port also supports bidirectional charging, so I can use the same port to charge my devices or refill the power bank. It’s all about versatility, and the BioLite Charge 100 Max delivers.
Design and Durability
The Charge 100 Max is compact and lightweight, making it ideal for someone like me who prefers to avoid bulky gear. With dimensions of just 5.4″ x 4.4″ x 1.4″, it fits easily in my laptop bag without taking up much space. While it can fit in a pocket, I find it a bit too heavy for pocket-carrying comfortably.
It’s also quite durable. The rubberized casing can withstand drops of up to 1 meter, though it’s not waterproof. This may be a drawback for some, but I rarely need to charge my devices in wet conditions. I also appreciate the wireless charging pad, especially if you have a MagSafe-compatible device.
Real-World Performance
After a month of using the Charge 100 Max, I can confidently say it’s been a valuable addition to my electronics gear. Whether on long drives with the kids needing their headphones and phones charged, at a campsite powering my BioLite lanterns, headlamps, and other electronics, or simply at home keeping my devices topped up, it’s been reliable and easy to use. On a single charge, it powered everything from iPhones to a MacBook and didn’t need recharging for days. I also take it to work, where it’s been a lifesaver. I have a desktop and a Chromebook with mediocre battery life, so when I’m moving around the building, it’s nice to have instant access to power wherever I am.
Recently, I brought my MacBook with me to work but forgot the charging brick—luckily, I had the Charge 100 Max. It charged my laptop from 23% to 100% in under 90 minutes and still had enough power to fully charge my phone from 17% to 100%. And it wasn’t even dead! The next day, I used it again at work to charge my phone. I also like using the Charge 100 Max at my desk because the magnetic charging feature keeps cords from cluttering my workspace.
Specifications
- Capacity 25,000 mAh
- Weight 1 lb., 4 oz.
- Size 5.4″ x 4.4″ x 1.4″
- Inputs 65W USB-C PD (1x)
- Outputs 100W USB-C PD (2x), 15W USB-C (1x), 15W USB-A (1x)
- Wireless, 15W – MagSafe compatible
- Price $149.95
Pros
- Excellent balance between size, capacity, and efficiency
- Capable of charging up to five devices simultaneously
- Includes wireless charging, ideal for MagSafe-compatible devices
- Supports bi-directional charging, enabling fast device charging and power bank recharging
- Durable build with a 1-meter drop rating
- Easy to use
Cons
- Not waterproof
Conclusion
The BioLite Charge 100 Max is a powerful, versatile power bank that handles everything from phones to laptops with ease. It might be overkill if you’re just looking to charge your phone on a short hike, but if you need something that can power multiple devices efficiently, this is a solid choice. At $149.95, it’s priced competitively compared to other high-capacity power banks on the market, and for what it offers, I think it’s worth every penny. If you are interested in checking one out for yourself, you can find it at bioliteenergy.com, rei.com or through other authorized retailers.
