Have you ever needed to charge your laptop but didn’t have a power adapter with you?
I had a laptop with a bad battery a few years ago because the system had become corrupted. It could no longer store power. That meant that I had to plug in the power charger to turn on the laptop, no matter where I was.
It was a big problem for me at the time, but luckily, it didn’t last too long. I searched the internet for different ways to answer the question “how to charge a laptop without a charger?” and tried them out. The five best ways are listed below.
If you encounter a similar problem, just read on.
USB-C PD is a more desirable alternative to bulky and heavy power adapters. But there are a few things you need to keep in mind:
Curious why I’m giving this advice? Let me explain the pros and cons of using USB-C PD, and you’ll understand.
Pros:
Convenience: USB-C cables are widely available.
Portability: USB-C cables can charge other devices too.
Reliable: USB-C PD offers relatively faster charging compared to some other methods.
Cons:
Not free: Most USB-C PD chargers can’t leave the outlet. This means you still need to be in a place with an outlet for it to work.
Compatibility: Before you purchase a USB-C PD charger, don’t forget to check that your laptop supports it. Otherwise, you’ll be spending your money for nothing.
Power of the charger: Remember, laptops may not charge efficiently if the power isn’t sufficient.
Suitable Power for Your Devices
Although a USB-C PD charger still needs to be plugged in, it has crossed a big step in portability compared to a power adapter.
We have talked about the unfree charging methods; now, let’s discuss the free ones. When it comes to free charging, the first choice is, of course, a portable power bank, but we have a special term called “external laptop battery.”
The biggest difference between it and a normal power bank is that an external laptop battery has a very large capacity, around 30,000 mah on average.
So if you are considering this method, please read the pros and cons and then make your decision.
Pros:
Portability: External batteries are designed for on-the-go charging.
Additional Power: You can extend your laptop’s usage when outlets are unavailable.
Compatibility: Works with various laptop models.
Cons:
Limited Capacity: Even if the external laptop battery has a larger charging capacity than a normal power bank, it still might be limited compared to other methods.
Additional Device: The Size is not so small, so carrying an extra device can be less convenient.
As we said, that external laptop battery has a limited charging capacity; here, I recommend another way to solve the problem – using a solar charger.
You must have surfaced something in your mind when you saw their names, right? True that! There are a few things you need to be aware of when using a solar charger:
So what advantages and disadvantages does this method have?
Pros:
Environmentally Friendly: Uses solar energy for charging.
Off-Grid Charging: Useful in remote areas with no power outlets.
Sustainable: Can harness renewable energy.
Cons:
Weather Dependency: Charging efficiency depends on sunlight availability.
Slow Charging: Solar charging is generally slower than other methods.
Higher Cost: Quality solar chargers might be relatively expensive.
If you don’t want to carry a huge solar charging pad, choose a backpack style like the one in the picture is more convenient. If you pair it with an external laptop battery, that’s a strong combination.
The last “free” charging method we will talk about is using a power bank with an AC outlet. Without further ado, let’s look at this method’s advantages and disadvantages.
Pros:
AC Outlet: This outlet can charge laptops and other devices that require AC power.
Portable Power Source: Useful for extended trips or camping without outlet access.
Multiple Uses: It can power other small appliances.
Cons:
Size and Weight: Power banks with AC outlets can be larger and heavier.
Efficiency: Conversion of DC to AC and back to DC might result in energy loss.
Finally, we come to the last charging method we will discuss today.
If you have a car, this method is definitely another sense of “free,” especially when your car has a charging port.
Pros:
Convenience: Suitable for charging while on the move.
Multi-device Charging: Can power other devices simultaneously.
Readily Available: Car chargers and inverters are commonly available.
Cons:
Limited Charging Time: Charging is restricted to when you’re in your vehicle.
Vehicle Dependency: You need access to a car to use this method.
If you think power adapters are still the best solution to charge laptops, your original adapter can’t be found. We’d like to recommend universal laptop adapters to you.
Universal power adapters have several benefits. One of the best things about them is that they work with a wide range of laptop types because the tips can be switched out. Also, these chargers are easy to find in shops and online, which makes them easier to get. Also, they make sure that charging is regular and reliable. But these benefits also have downsides, like how hard it is to find the right tip for your laptop among the many that are available. Having to carry multiple tips can also make the charger bigger, which could make it less portable.
See, how to charge a laptop without a charger is no longer a problem for us. I hope these 5 simple ways will help you, those who are experiencing the same problems as me.
Whether you choose USB-C PD, external laptop batteries, solar chargers, power banks with AC outlets, or car chargers/inverters, you will find a solution that meets your requirements.
Technology changes life, doesn’t it?
Robert is a tech enthusiast and experienced freelance writer who specializes in reviewing the latest gadgets and software solutions for modern offices. With a knack for explaining complex technology in simple terms, his articles are a go-to for readers seeking insights into improving their workplace technology.