As an industry leader Anker has lots of USB charging products. Including many Anker PowerCore 20100 models. They all have similar form factor. And similar names. But they offer different performance when it comes to charging your USB-C devices. Most don’t even have a USB-C port.
Here is a guide to help you determine whether the Anker PowerCore 20100 you’re looking at is the right one for you.
The Different Anker PowerCore 20100 Models
| Anker PowerCore 20100 | Anker PowerCore II 20000 | Anker PowerCore Speed 20000 [Upgraded] | Anker PowerCore+ 20100 USB-C | Anker PowerCore Speed 20000 PD aka PowerCore Speed 20100 PD Review | Anker PowerCore 20100 Nintendo Switch Edition Review | Anker PowerCore Lite 20000 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
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| Ports | USB-A x2 micro-USB | USB-A x2 micro-USB | USB-A x2 micro-USB | USB-A x2 USB-C | USB-A USB-C | USB-A USB-C | USB-A x2 USB-C micro-USB |
| Switch Speed Rating | Good Enough | Good Enough | Good Enough | Good | Great | Great | Good Enough |
| Switch Safety Rating | Nintendo Suggested | Nintendo Suggested | Nintendo Suggested | Safe | USB-IF Certified | Nintendo Licensed | Nintendo Suggested |
| USB-C Output | N/A | N/A | N/A | 5V/3A | 5V/3A, 9V/2.6A, 15V/1.6A | 5V/3A, 9V/2.6A, 15V/1.6A | N/A |
| USB-A Output | 5V/2.4A | 5V/2.4A | 5V/2A | 5V/2.4A | 5V/2A | 5V/2A | 5V/3A |
| Features | None | PowerIQ 2.0 on middle USB port | Quick Charge 3.0 | USB-C 15W | USB-C PD 24W | USB-C PD 24W | USB-C input only |
| Appearance | 2 Regular USB ports 4 LEDs indicators | 2 Blue USB ports 8-point LED wheel | 2 Blue USB ports 4 LEDs indicators | 2 Regular USB ports 8-point LED wheel | 1 Blue USB port 4 LEDs indicators | 1 Blue USB port 4 LEDs indicators | 2 Blue USB ports USB-C & micro ports on side |
| MSRP | $49.99 | $59.99 | $59.99 | $69.99 | $99.99 w/wall charger $69.99 stand alone | $89.99 | $53.99 |
Three of the models offer USB-C output.
- PowerCore+ 20100 USB-C is regular 15W USB-C. Okay for phones, small tablets, and accessories. But no fast charging.
- PowerCore Speed 20000 PD is 24W USB-C PD. Fast charges newer iPhones, Google Pixel, and Nintendo Switch. Also works for up to 12-inch laptops. Comes bundled with a 30W USB-C PD wall charger.
- PowerCore 20100 Nintendo Switch Edition is the PowerCore Speed 20000 PD, but with Nintendo licensing. It is a bit cheaper, but doesn’t include a wall charger.
The Anker PowerCore Lite 20000 also has a USB-C port, but it is input only. You can recharge it with a USB-C wall charger. But it won’t charge your USB-C devices.
The rest don’t have a USB-C port. You could use a USB-C to USB-A cable with them, and that’s okay for charging a phone. But you have to buy the cable separately so it isn’t a good deal unless you already own the power bank.
Appearance
Power output specs are the best way to determine which model power bank you’re looking at. But an easier way is the difference in appearance between models.
- USB-C PD models have a single USB-A port, as well as the USB-C port
- USB-C model has two non-blue USB-A ports and an 8-point LED wheel
Everything else is USB-A output only. Based on MSRP they aren’t a great value for USB-C devices.
Don’t Be Fooled By a Great Price
I’ve seen people looking for a USB-C PD power bank get excited when they find the Anker PowerCore 20100 for $40 or less. But that isn’t the USB-C PD power bank they think it is. Anker’s USB-C PD power banks do go on sale, but not for as much. The PowerCore Speed 20000 PD bundle on Amazon has gone as low as $60. Though more often it drops to $70. The Nintendo Switch Edition gets discounted to $70 on occasion.
If you see a $30-40 sale on an Anker 20100 power bank it is most likely a USB-A only model. Check the pictures, specs, and distinguishing features before you buy.