With an ever-expanding range of portable devices we take on the go, both for everyday use and even holidays, the concept of a power bank has never felt more important. With phones, tablets, laptops, handheld gaming consoles and portable speakers in tow, finding the right power bank can be tough for several reasons. Be it the capacity, power delivery or the need to charge multiple devices, it can help to simply own a single option that does it all.
Enter the D-Link DPP-201 20000mAh Power Bank. While there are admittedly plenty of power banks you can find that do any one thing DPP-201 does, I would argue you rarely find it all, especially in a form factor of this size, and at this price. While the DPP-201 feels relatively minimal in terms of its design and lacks any special or unique features outside of its solid charging abilities, sometimes, that’s really all you need.
Design
Much like most 20000mAh power banks, the DPP-201 isn’t the smallest or lightest power bank on the market, but weighing in at 402g and measuring in at 144 x 69 x 29 mm, it’s far from the biggest. I’ve seen and used larger and heavier options that provide this capacity along with 65W charging, so I would consider this a great option for both travel and everyday use.
The actual design of the powerbank is certainly minimal, but I would argue that it only makes it easier to use. On top of the power bank, you’ll find 2 in/out USB-C ports and 1 out USB-A port, all clearly labelled. Around the front of the device, you’ll find a silver plate, which houses the LED display, and around the side, you’ll find a single button, which turns on the LED display and shows the battery percentage. Holding this button also allows you to toggle this display to stay on or turn off after a few seconds.
Another positive I would like to point out is the wealth of information on the back of the device. The DPP-201 lists on the back the power that each port provides, along with combinations of ports while charging devices simultaneously. I still use power banks to this day, which have no information on them, so if you forget long-term what the power bank actually provides, you’re out of luck.
In the box, you’ll also find a 50cm USB-C to USB-C cable for charging. There’s not much to the DPP-201 beyond this, but simplicity and clarity are all I’m really after in a power bank anyway.
Performance
Equipped with 65W Fast Charging, PD 3.0 (Power Delivery), and QC 3.0 (Quick Charge) support, you’ll also be able to charge most daily devices with ease, including phones, tablets, handheld gaming consoles, and portable speakers, although you’ll need to bring your own Lightning or Micro-USB cables if you don’t already have them. I would even recommend a longer USB-C cable, as the 50cm one provided will limit you somewhat. That being said, that cable is only there as a means to charge the power bank itself.
This 20000mAh power bank can not only charge most devices multiple times, but can also charge 3 devices at once from each of its ports. Using both USB-C1 and USB-C2 ports will deliver 35W+20W of power, while USBC1 and USB-A will deliver 35W+22.5W of power. Finally, using the USB-C1, USB-C2 and USB-A ports together will use 35W+15W collectively, with the 15W being shared across those two latter ports.
There are no gimmicks or special buttons to press; simply plug in everything you need, and the DPP-201 will take care of the rest. Of course, it is worth noting that if you wanted to charge something a little more powerful, like a MacBook, for example, you would still be better off charging that on its own for the maximum 65W of power.
Designed with advanced protection features including overcurrent, overvoltage, overcharge, overtemperature, and short circuit protection, there’s no need to worry if something isn’t charging as it should. It’s also a massive advantage if you’re not sure what can be charged safely or not, in terms of its wattage.
Finally, this is generally the largest power bank you’re able to take on board planes, but keep in mind that certain airlines are changing rules and standards based on usage during flights.
Overall, the DPP-201 is an incredibly powerful and versatile option that can, thanks to its 65W charging speed, handle most daily devices at once with ease.
Verdict & Value
Above all, for A$99.95, the DPP-201 provides incredible value for the features you’re getting. I’ve used 65W power banks that cost considerably more than this, so I commend its value.
The D-Link DPP-201 20000mAh Power Bank won’t blow you away with any unique features or fancy frills, but when you’re in need of a quick charge, it’s an option you can rely on for a number of devices.
FOUR STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Highlights: Multiple charging capacities; Simultaneous charging; Compact form factor
Lowlights: Relatively basic in terms of design; Still relatively heavy for its capacity
Manufacturer: D-Link
Price: A$99.95
Available: Now available via the official D-Link website.
Review based on unit supplied by D-Link.
