This pocket-sized Ugreen power bank satisfies all my power-hungry needs

If I were to pick my favourite power bank brand, then it would have to be Ugreen. Their products are well-made, feature-rich, often include a display, and there's excellent support to boot. No wonder they are well represented in our guide to the best power banks.

It is for these reasons that I was keen to get my hands on one of Ugreen's latest offerings, the Nexode Power Bank 25000mAh 145W. This is a high-capacity unit with two USB-C ports and one USB-A port. It also has an LED display so you can keep track of what power is going in and out. It sounds good because it is good, but it's not perfect.

I put the power bank through its paces by using it with various devices, including mobile phones, tablets, and laptops. I also used it at home and took it on my travels. Scroll on for hands-on testing of its design, build, features, and performance.

Ugreen Nexode Power Bank 25000mAh 145W: Key specifications

Design and Build

• LED Display
• Good USB connectivity

The Nexode 25,000mAh 145W is a compact, flat-form power bank made of high-quality, fire-retardant plastic. It's also finished with Ugreen's signature gunmetal grey and black aesthetic, which I think looks super smart. If you've owned any of the other devices in Ugreen's Nexode lineup, then you'll see how the 145W bank fits in seamlessly.

The build quality is solid, with very little warping experienced even when under stress. Despite its rigidity, the plastic is more prone to surface scratches compared to metal cases. As a result, I wonder if Ugreen will consider making a more rugged lineup. The saving grace is the protective pouch, which proves to be a necessity if you want to keep it in mint condition.

The device is roughly the size of two large smartphones stacked together, and it weighs just over 500g. This is a little heavier than hyper-portable alternatives, but there's no getting away from the additional weight that the high-density battery cells require.

In terms of connectivity, you'll find two USB-C ports and one USB-A port. This feels like a good weighting towards the newer technology, especially given the increasing prominence of USB-C devices. One of these ports offers the 140W peak capability, but only if the other ports are not also in use. I found the connectivity layout to be nicely streamlined, with all three ports located on one of the shorter ends for easy access in a backpack side pocket.

Another design feature is the integrated digital display. Unlike older models that used a series of flashing dots, this model uses a bright, numerical LED readout to show the exact remaining battery percentage. Unfortunately, the display is a little blurry as can be seen in the photo.

Design score: 4.5/5

Features and performance

• Fast charging for phones and laptops
• Bright LED display with accurate readings

Let's begin with what matters most: the charging performance. The primary USB-C port delivers 140W charging, which is exceptionally good, although you'll need a charging cable that can match the speed. Given that most devices, including laptops, top out at 100W charging, the top rate that this power bank offers is more than sufficient.

I found myself more commonly charging two devices at once, namely my laptop and phone. For this, I was able to achieve up to 100W on the first USB-C port and 45W on the other. Both of these were up to the task of keeping my Apple MacBook Pro and iPhone going.

In terms of advertised speeds, Ugreen claims that it can charge an iPhone 15 5.2 times and a MacBook Pro 14-inch 0.94 times. These were broadly backed up in my experience, although the iPhone I tested was slightly older. It holds true that the Nexode Power Bank 25000mAh 145W is capable of keeping your devices going even when they run out of charge partway through the day.

I found the LED display to be bright enough (although a little blurry) for all lighting conditions with accurate readings provided. Having a display that provided exact numbers rather than LEDs showing 25 per cent increments meant I could have much more confidence in what power was left in the bank.

If I was being critical, then I was a little disappointed by the 65W power delivery on recharge. This means that the device takes around two hours with a compatible charger and increases to over four hours with a more common 30W charger.

Features score: 4/5

Performance score: 4.5/5

Price

The Ugreen Nexode Power Bank 25000mAh 145W retails for £79.99, although it's regularly discounted down to £49.99. It's a little expensive at full price, but at a shade under £50, I'd say it's worth every penny. If you're looking for a more lightweight alternative and are prepared to sacrifice capacity, then the Anker Nano 5K Power Bank is highly rated.

Who's it for?

• Any creative who needs power on the go

The Ugreen Nexode 25,000mAh 145W is for anyone who regularly finds themself running out of charge. It might be in a coffee shop without a power outlet or while filming out in the field. Either way, this high-capacity portable power bank delivers enough power to keep your devices running for longer.

Buy it if...

• You need a power bank to power multiple devices
• You want a trusted brand
• You like having a power bank with a display

Don't buy it if...

• You need a lightweight solution that you're not going to notice having in your bag
• You need a power bank that recharges quickly
• You plan on using it outdoors a lot