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

Available directly from SP

Model: QP66

Tech Specs:

• Ports: USB-C, USB-A, Lightning, micro-USB
• USB-C Output:
  • 18W USB-C Power Delivery 3.0 (5V/3A, 9V/2A, 12V/1.5A)
  • Quick Charge 3.0
  • Huawei FCP
  • Apple 2.4A
• USB-A Output:
  • 18W Quick Charge 3.0
  • Huawei FCP
  • Apple 2.4A
• Input:
  • 18W USB-C PD (5V/3A, 9V/2A)
  • 10W Lightning
  • 18W Quick Charge 3.0 micro-USB
• Capacity: 10,000mAh | 37Wh
• Size: 5.4 x 2.7 x 0.5 inches | 136 x 68 x 13.5 mm
• Weight: 7.5 oz | 213 grams

Learn more about Fast Charging.

Included In Box:

• SP QP66 PD
• USB-C to USB-A cable, 9-inch (56k Ohm resistor)
• Travel pouch

Good For:

• Commute
• Travel
• iPhone
• Android
• Nintendo Switch (handheld)
• iPad Pro (pre-2018)

Estimated Number of Charges:

• iPhone 6/7/8/SE: 3 charges
• iPhone Plus/X/XR: 2 charges
• Samsung Galaxy S8/S9: 2 charges
• iPhone 11, Samsung Galaxy S10/S20: 2 charges
• Nintendo Switch (2017): 4.5 hours of play
• Nintendo Switch (2019): 6.5 hours of play
• Nintendo Switch Lite:  6.75 hours of play

First Impression

The SP QP66 PD power bank has a similar form factor as a smartphone, thanks to its thin design. The top and bottom have long grooves in the metal enclosure from end to end, reminding me of a heat sink. It certainly stays cooler to the touch thanks to its aluminum alloy exterior. The edges from the top/bottom to the sides have a little catch you’ll feel when gripping it from the sides. It isn’t uncomfortable, but it is noticeable every time I grab it.

SP sells this model power bank in several colors. I received a silver unit, but it is also available in black, red, blue, and green.

 

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/11/SE
• Essential Phone
• Google Pixel
• LG ThinQ/V30
• Razer
• Samsung Galaxy S8/S9/S10/S20
• Samsung Galaxy Note 8/9/10
• Xiaomi Mi 8/9
• ZTE Axon Pro 9/10

 

Using an iPhone 8 for testing we find USB PD phones will fast charge over the USB-C port. iPhones will need to use a USB-C to Lightning cable, not included. And Android phones will need a USB-C to USB-C cable, also not included.

For iPhones the USB-A port supports Apple 2.4A. An older, but still functional fast charging standard. Older iPhones (4-7) can fast charge using USB-A. Newer iPhones will charge ~15 minutes faster using USB-C.

Quick Charge 3.0 Phones

• HTC
• LG
• Motorola
• Nokia
• Samsung Galaxy
• Sony
• Xiaomi Mi 5/6
• ZTE

 

Using a Moto G6 for testing we see Quick Charge will fast charge over the USB-A port. Any QC supporting Android phone with USB-C can use the included USB-C to USB-A cable.

Quick Charge is also supported on the USB-C port. The Moto G6 fails to get QC over USB-C, as that is an issue with that particular model phone. Other QC supporting Android phones would be expected to work over USB-A or USB-C.

Nintendo Switch

 

Works well for all model Nintendo Switch in handheld/tabletop mode.

• Nintendo Switch (original) – Charges while you play, but the original model Switch under draws at 12V. So it won’t charge as fast as a similar charger offering 9V or 15V (12W vs 18W).
• Nintendo Switch (2019 update) – Charges near its max rate while playing and sleeping.
• Nintendo Switch Lite – Charges near its max rate while playing and sleeping.

It will not support the Switch’s dock, as it doesn’t offer the required output.

Learn more about charging the Switch.

No Fast Charging With Two Devices

If you connect two devices to the power bank it will disable all fast charging tech.

Both ports only support 5V. Which removes fast charging options outside of Apple 2.4A standard. There is a 15W total output limit shared between the two USB ports.

When you connect a second device you’ll notice the charging resets on the first. This is the power bank stepping down to a lower output level. If you disconnect the second device you’ll want to unplug and replug the first. To make sure fast charging turns back on.

This limitation is typical of many power banks. A few can allow for one fast charging and one regular charging. Fewer still allow for dual fast charging, and those are always large and heavy. There is a limit to how much current can cross its circuits without extra hardware. Which adds size, weight, and cost.

Whether you should fast charge one device or regular charge two depends on battery levels and your immediate needs. The closer both devices are to 100%, the less impactful not fast charging becomes.

Quick Charge 3.0 Over USB-C

The presence of Quick Charge over USB-C is against USB-C specifications. Such chargers have been around for years without issue. But we don’t know what the future holds.

Under section 4.8.2 of USB-C specifications a proprietary charging method cannot change the voltage of USB-C output (between 4.40V and 5.25V) in a manner not defined by USB methods. Quick Charge operates at higher than default voltages. And so goes against the specifications. USB Power Delivery is an open source charging method. Created alongside USB-C, it is with specs even though it also increases voltage. The big difference is USB PD uses communication lines to negotiate power transfer. While proprietary methods take over the data lines for their negotiation. They do so because legacy USB connections, such as USB-A, don’t have comm lines.

There is no known risk with running proprietary charging standards over USB-C. Manipulating the data lines does disrupt data transfers. But when plugging into a wall charger or power bank there is no data transfer anyway. Some USB-C engineers warn against using any USB-C chargers with third party standards. Their concern is unforeseen consequences. Future technology may prove to be incompatible with such configurations. And pulling out a charger several years from now with a new device could have a bad result.

I have not run into any issues with these fast charging standards on this or any other charger. But as it is a spec violation I want you to be informed. If you’re a stickler for meeting USB-C specifications this isn’t a good charger for you. If you’re more pragmatic it works fine and has no known issues.

Summary

The SP QP66 PD performs like a typical made for smartphone portable charger. Its cool to the touch aluminum alloy enclosure and input options are the standout features.

For phones it fast charges iPhone 8/X/XR/XS/11/SE, Samsung Galaxy, and Google Pixel. It also fast charges LG and Motorola phones, and any other Android which supports Quick Charge. Huawei models can also receive fast charging, though only through their older FCP standard.

The Nintendo Switch charges in handheld mode while you play. Due to the 12V power profile the original model Switch charges slower than it should. But still enough to charge the Switch with the most demanding games. The newer models (August 2019 and later) aren’t affected.

There are no bells and whistles, such as wireless charging, pass through charging, or trickle charging. But it is also priced less than every major brand’s similar option. If you’re only looking to fast charge your handheld devices this power bank does that for a better value.

The metal exterior dissipates the heat better and provides some color options beyond black. Both the USB-C and micro-USB ports can fast charge this power bank back to 100% in ~3.5 hours. Be sure to use a USB-C PD or Quick Charge wall charger. It can also recharge with an iPhone’s native charger and Lightning, though at a slower rate.

About SP

SP (Silicon Power) has U.S. based support (web, email, phone) and a 13 month limited warranty on their power banks. Founded and headquartered in Taiwan with branch offices in the USA (California), Netherlands, Japan, and Hong Kong.

Bottom Line

The SP QP66 PD offers a cool and good looking option for a pocket size power bank at a more budget friendly price. So long as you aren’t looking for advance features.

Buy if you:

• Need to fast charge an iPhone, Samsung, Google, or many other Androids on the go
• Are being budget conscious
• Want some color options beyond black and white

Don’t buy if you:

• Need an all-in-one option for both handheld and larger devices
• Are looking for advance charging features, including wireless and trickle charge

Available directly from SP

You’ll want a USB-C wall charger to quickly recharge this USB-C power bank. I recommend the AUKEY PA-Y18 18W PD.

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

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