Duracell M150 Power Station Review: A Clever Option for Charging on the Go
Power stations come in all shapes and sizes these days, giving consumers a number of different models to choose from. Options range from small, ultra-portable units for day trips and short outings to large units that can power your home for days. Now, you can add another device to that list with the debut of the Duracell M150, a compact and lightweight charging solution built with travelers in mind.
Photo Credit: Kraig Becker
Portability Over Power
Before we dive too deeply into the M150, we should point out that Duracell calls it a “power station,” but we would classify it more as a battery bank. What’s the difference, you ask? For starters, battery banks are smaller and easier to carry with you wherever you go, including on an airplane. But because it isn’t as large as a power station made by Jackery, Bluetti, or even Duracell itself, this device doesn’t have the same charging capacity, nor does it come with all that many charging ports.
So, what exactly does the M150 bring to the table? As it turns out, quite a lot. That’s because its diminutive size is actually a strength, making it a fantastic solution for charging on the go. And while it may seem like a simple device at first glance, it has several clever features that give it a surprising amount of versatility.
Photo Credit: Kraig Becker
Duracell M150 By the Numbers
Usually, when reviewing a portable power station, this would be the section where we’d discuss the size of its battery, how many charging ports it has, and how quickly it recharges using a solar panel. But for the M150, there are some other numbers that are important to share first. Namely, its size and weight. The unit measures just 6.4″ in height and is a cylinder that is 3.1″ in diameter. It also weighs 1.8 pounds, although it feels lighter in hand. At that size, it easily fits into a backpack or purse, providing power whenever and wherever you need it.
Because it is so small, the M150 doesn’t come with a large number of charging ports. It doesn’t have any 120V AC outlets, for example, and you won’t find a 12V DC vehicle plug here. Instead, it comes with two standard USB-A (18W) ports, a 60W USB-C port, and a 100W bidirectional USB-C PD (power delivery) port. It also has a 15W magnetic wireless charging pad on top, which flips up to create a docking station of sorts. When a MagSafe iPhone is attached, it will even activate Apple’s new Standby Mode.
The M150’s battery has a capacity of 91Wh (25,000 mAh), which gives it enough juice to recharge a typical smartphone up to six times or a tablet as much as three times. It can also fully replenish a laptop battery using its 100W USB-C PD port. Those numbers don’t compare to a traditional power station, of course, but they are impressive for a device that easily fits in your hand and is designed to go with you wherever you need fast and convenient charging.
Photo Credit: Kraig Becker
Clever Design and Features
Duracell’s entry into the battery bank space brings several nice design choices and notable features. For instance, while most competing products recharge their internal batteries via a USB cable plugged into a wall outlet, the M150 comes with its own dedicated charging dock. Placing the power station on the dock ensures it’s always ready to go when needed. And when you’re on the road, the battery can be replenished via the bidirectional USB-C port, eliminating the need to take the dock with you. This allows you to carry a standard USB charger with you when traveling and leave the proprietary dock at home.
Other unique features include a storage compartment under the flip-up wireless charging pad. This space can hold charging cables, earbuds, or other small items. The device also has a built-in 360º ring light that provides a good amount of illumination on its brightest setting but is dimmable for a more ambient glow. Even the look of the M150 is clever, somewhat resembling Duracell’s famous copper top batteries.
Once you understand and accept the M150’s limitations as a power station, there isn’t much to dislike about it. The device does take about 2.5 hours to fully recharge, but considering the convenience that the dock brings to that process, that was never much of an issue. The unit also gets a little warm while recharging, but not alarmingly so. Other than that, it performed exceptionally well, both at home and on the road.
Photo Credit: Kraig Becker
Convenience at a Price
There is no denying the Duracell M150 is a handy device to have around. Its small size makes it easy to take with you when traveling or just moving it around the house as needed. It provides plenty of power to keep small devices charged and functional, and it will even extend the battery life of a laptop when working away from a power outlet. The included dock keeps the battery bank charged and ready to go at all times, and the built-in light is a nice touch, too. We even appreciated the flip-up wireless charging pad, which proved very useful when watching videos and taking Zoom calls.
All of that convenience does come at a price, though. The M150 sells for $199, which is more expensive than most of the competition. You do get a lot for the money, including a well-built charger with some standout features. But if all you’re looking for is a basic battery pack, there are plenty of options available for less money.
That said, we think the Duracell M150 is a product that is more than just the sum of its parts. Its excellent build quality, compact size, charging dock, and excellent all-around performance make it easy to recommend. If you’re in need of a lightweight charging solution that you can literally take anywhere you want to go, this is an outstanding option. You’ll just have to pay a little more to get everything it delivers, but if you value great design and performance, it is worth it.
To learn more about the Duracell M150, visit the company’s website.
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