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

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[wpcd_coupon id=7052]

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.

 

Compared To Similar Power Banks

Prices are from Amazon Product Advertising API, last updated on 2024-11-21.

 

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

 

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 support 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

 

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

Nintendo Switch

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 mean 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 plugin 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 regularly. 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 is a larger than usual footprint. It also uses lithium polymer batteries rather than lithium-ion. Lithium polymer is more robust, flexible, and allows for a 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 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

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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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