Nitecore NB 10000 Gen 3

Bottom Line

One of the lightest, most efficient, and most portable power banks on the market, it is no wonder that the Nitecore NB 10000 Gen 3 is one of our favorite power banks. While testing the Nitecore over the course of several weeks, we had the opportunity to weigh it, run it through some efficiency and charging tests, and bring it along with us on backpacking trips in the San Juan Mountains. 

We like how easy it is to carry due to its low weight. It also packs a punch with many charges available in its small frame. Its downside is that it was inconvenient during testing that there weren’t any USB-A ports, which meant we needed to find a new charging cable. And though it is a bit pricier, the Nitecore is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to cut weight on their next backpacking trip.

Efficiency

Another massive win for Nitecore is that it packs an enormous punch in a small package. It had the most power available per ounce of any bank we tested. While the larger capacity power banks have more Watt hours available overall, their heavier weight means they aren’t as efficient as the Nitecore. To test this, we used a multimeter and a dummy load resistor to measure the total power output of each bank. The Nitecore was the clear winner and an excellent choice for anyone who wants the maximum amount of power in the smallest possible package.

Weight & Packability

It’s hard to beat the Nitecore when it comes to weight. When placed on our scale, this bank came in at 5.3 ounces, making it the lightest 10,000 mAh bank we tested and one of the lightest on the market. The difference in weight is significant enough to be noticeable when held even with power banks that only weigh a bit more. Similarly, its small size makes it easy to use in various situations, such as while watching a movie in the tent at night or for a mid-day recharge in a backpack side pocket.

Durability

Thanks to some new features, the Gen 3 has increased durability and performed well during our hands-on tests. This generation has an IPX5 rating, which means it can survive getting rained on, and the new rounded rubber corners help it handle drops better than before. We tested this by dropping it from a height of eight feet onto loosely packed dirt, and it can still charge a phone afterward. 

Though some scratches became apparent after several weeks of carrying the bank around in a bag, the carbon fiber frame generally reduces and hides scratches. Nitecore power bank products have historically had a reputation for poor quality and durability, but this was not our experience. After several backpacking trips, the NB10000 Gen 3 continues to work like new.

Charging Speed

A lackluster performance area for the Nitecore NB10000 is the time it takes to recharge. We have found the recharge time to be average at best. During our tests, we used a QC 3.0 wall charger and standard USB-C cord with the provided USB-A to USB-C adapter, and it took four hours and nine minutes to charge fully from empty. This charging time is longer than most of the 10,000 mAh power banks we tested. We were disappointed with this performance given the price point. On the plus side, there have been improvements to the battery life indicator, which make it easier to read, and it still charges faster than larger-capacity power banks.

Features

The NB10000’s features are streamlined and straightforward. Some may find this to be a good thing, while for others, it may leave something to be desired. This depends on user preference and the intended use for the power bank For example, we found the lack of a USB-A port to be frustrating as there were multiple times when we went to use it and realized we had the wrong cord. Still, other people may find the USB-C-only interface a good thing as electronics are gradually moving away from USB-A cords. 

Some other features are worth mentioning, including the Gen 3’s pass-through charging ability. This means that another device can be charged from the power bank while the device itself is charging. Another is its ability to detect when trickle charging is needed and adjust accordingly without pressing any buttons. Finally, we appreciate that Nitecore eliminated the hibernation mode that previous generations sported, as it gave many backpackers critical problems in the backcountry.

Cold Charging

The critical flaw for the NB10000 is the significant decrease in efficiency in cold temperatures. We know it isn’t always possible to keep a power bank warm, particularly when recreating in shoulder season or winter, so we tested all our power banks with that in mind. After placing the NB10000 in the refrigerator with our multimeter and dummy resistor load hooked up, we found that it had an 8.9% decrease in efficiency. This was the most significant decrease out of all of our power banks. Fortunately, this problem can be mitigated by keeping the bank in a warm location, such as a sleeping bag or close to the body when using it to charge a device.

Should You Buy the Nitecore NB10000 Gen 3?

As one of our favorite power banks, the Nitecore NB10000 Gen 3 makes a great all-around choice for almost anyone. Those who count every ounce and want the highest level of performance in a 10,000 mAh power bank will find that this one is hard to beat.

On the flip side, hikers on a budget or those who need a larger capacity power bank for longer trips might find that other choices will better suit their needs.

What Other Power Banks Should You Consider?

Zendure Super Mini: If you like the portability of the Nitecore but want something smaller and more affordable, this is an excellent option. 

OKZU 10,000 Review: This is a less expensive option with a faster recharge time and a slightly larger frame.

INIU Megapower 10000 Review: This one is great for its solid overall performance and fast recharging times. It is also a contender when it comes to weight and portability.