The Omnicharge is one of the many power bank options available for mobile professionals.
The Omnicharge Ultimate is an all-in-one power station with a compact design with versatility.
It has a variety of charging ports including a 120V ‘wall plug’ outlet which is a key selling point and differentiator for its size.
Add the ability to swap batteries and flow-through charging; it’s a great power bank for mobile workers.
This review will discuss my experience with Omnicharge over the past 2+ years of using the product while working remotely and camping.
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Omnicharge Ultimate Review: Hands On Review
The Omnicharge Ultimate has a battery capacity of 38,400Ah and is available as a 120V (U.S.) or 230V (European).
- Wall Plug Feature
- Nice Display
- Interchangeable battery
- Fast-Charging USB-C
- Expensive
- Anker is better if only need USB-C
If you don’t need the “wall plug” and you’re simply looking at total battery charging capacity, you’re better off getting two Anker 747s.
The Omnicharge Ultimate differentiates itself from other power banks of its size by:
- Full-size AC wall outlet
- Fast charging capabilities
- OLED Screen showing battery remaining,
- Removeable / interchangeable battery
It also can be charged with a separate solar (45w).
Omnicharge Features
- Fully equipped with AC and DC charging capabilities
- Rapid charging USB ports
- Small and compact for what it offers, easily fits in backpack or laptop bag
- Universal charging port (you can use other cords to charge the Omni battery)
- “Smart” charger – will adjust power if one device is charged and send more to the other
- Advanced display and easy adjustments
- It can be charged with a solar panel
- Flow-through charging (you can charge your devices even while charging the Omnicharge battery)
- Rubber exterior for added protection and prevents sliding
- Port covers – the rubber exterior includes covers for the charging ports, making it a great camping power bank
Two things to note:
Omnicharge claims the Ultimate is TSA-approved, but the 142Wh battery appears to be against the FAA limit of 100Wh (source, FAA.gov).
Omnicharge shows it weighing 4.23lbs on their website, but it’s ~3lbs 1.7oz based on my postage scale.
Omnicharge Specs
The Omnicharge specs are in the table below. These come directly from Omnicharge, except I updated the weight based on my recording.
| Specification | Notes |
|---|---|
| AC Outlet Output | 120V AC, 60Hz, 120W max |
| USB-C Port Input | USB-PD, 5V⎓3A, 9V⎓3A, 12V⎓3A, 15V⎓3A, 20V⎓5A, 90W max |
| USB-C Port Output (Single) | 5V⎓3A, 9V⎓3A, 12V⎓3A, 15V⎓3A, 20V⎓3A, 20V⎓5A, 100W max |
| USB-A Output Port 1 and Port 2 (Single) | 4.5V⎓5A, 5V⎓4.5A, 5V⎓3A, 9V⎓2A, 12V⎓1.5A, 22.5W max |
| USB-A Output (Both) | 5V each, total 5V⎓4.8A |
| DC Port Input | 5-25V, 5A max, 90W max |
| DC Port Output | 5-25V, 5A max, 100W max |
| Battery Cell Type | 18650 Li-ion battery |
| Battery Capacity | 142Wh (6400mAh@22.2V), 12 cells 38,400mAh |
| Weight | 3lbs 1.7 oz (1.4kg) |
| Dimension | 6.5″ x 5.7″ x 2.1″ (16.5 x 14.5 x 5.4 cm) |
| Warranty | Limited One (1) Year |
| Operating Environment | Temperature 0°C-40°C, Humidity 30-70%, Altitude ≤2000m |
| Safety Features | Over Voltage Protection, Short Circuit Protection, Over Temperature Protection, Electric Surge Protection, Over Load Protection, Input/Output Over Current Protection, Anti Electromagnetic End Protection |
AC Outlet is a Key Differentiator
Before I got my Macbook Air and portable monitor, I was beholden to my company-provided brick of a Dell laptop. I HAD to have a power bank with the 120V wall plug-style to make it worthwhile.
And Omnicharge is the only small power bank with enough juice to make it functional.
It’s the size just before you need to move up to a Goal Zero or Jackery Power Station which will be much bulkier.
Display
The Omnicharge has an awesome display not seen in many power banks of its size. And if you don’t need it, you’ll be paying for it (I have Omnicharge alternatives later on).
I also like the display. It tells you what percent is left of the Omnicharge battery rather than having a few lights to give you a general idea of how much battery you have remaining.
In addition, it tells you the power draw and battery temperature.
Spare Battery
The Omnicharge Ultimate’s design allows you to swap out batteries making which is very unique.
However, I don’t know how many people would need that. In most cases, I can get through an entire day off the grid with the battery. Then I’m at home, a hotel, or somewhere with a power outlet to recharge it.
In addition, you need a small screwdriver to change the batteries. If you need to swap batteries, I assume you’re in the field/outside, and it would be inconvenient to try and mess with the screws and try not to lose them.
Lastly, Omnicharge spare batteries are not currently for sale on their website as of 4/5/23, so I’m not sure when they will be back in stock.
What can an Omnicharge Power? Who Needs One?
Power Bank for Traveling Professionals
Omnicharge is one of the best solutions for traveling professionals and those wanting to create an office place anywhere, anytime.
I think of the Omnicharge Ultimate as a laptop power bank. Using it as a laptop charger and a phone charger is primarily how I’ve used it. In addition, it powers my Verizon Jetpack wifi device or bluetooth headphones.
Power Bank for Laptops without USB-C Charging Capabilities
It’s also a great power bank for those equipped with Windows-based laptops or laptops without USB-C charging capabilities.
Content Creators
It’s not only great for working remotely but also great for content creators and those working in the field. It will charge your DSLR, other cameras, drones, go pros, and related gear.
Who is it Not for?
If you are primarily working on a Macbook Pro or Macbook Air with USB-C charging, you will likely be better off with an Anker since it’s cheaper (unless you have another reason for the wall plug).
In addition, the Omnicharge weighs just over 3lbs, so it is relatively heavy for backpacking.
Brand Overview: Is Omnicharge Legit?
Yes, Omnicharge is legit.
Omnicharge started in 2016 with an Indigogo campaign aimed at helping remote workers and traveling professionals power their lifestyles.
It has attracted over 26,000 backers that contributed over $3,500,000. They currently have about 5 main products. If you want an overview of them, you can read it in my Omnicharge vs Anker post.
Omnicharge Power Bank Table
- Beast of a Battery
- Best for Professionals
- All Day Use
- Variety of devices at once
- USB Transfer Hub
- Best All Around Use
- Best for Macbooks and USB-C Charging
- Flexible and Capable
- Great Multi-Gadget Device
- Phones
- Cameras
- Up to 6 phone charges
- 2 laptop charges (allegedly)
- Pocket-sized
- Better alternatives at this size
- Expensive for capabilities
- Maybe 2 phone charges
Omnicharge Alternatives
Omnicharge products are more expensive compared to similar-sized batteries on the market.
In my opinion, if you do not have the need for the ‘wall plug’ – there is no reason to splurge on the Omnicharge Ultimate. If you’re simply looking at total battery charging capacity, you’re better off getting two Anker 747s.
Omnicharge vs Power Stations like Goal Zero, Jackery, Etc
What’s the difference between an Omnicharge and a power station like Goal Zero?
The most significant difference is the battery size and portability.
The Omnicharge battery will be smaller than the smallest power stations. As a result, the Omnicharge is much smaller and travel-friendly. Power stations can offer more battery capacity but will be inconvenient and hard to fit in most travel packs.
Omnicharge vs RavPower
RavPower has come out with a product that may also work for you.
They have a PD Pioneer 2000mAh 80W AC Portable Power Bank for $110. So, if you get 2 of those, that’s $220 with a similar amount of battery capacity.
You would have to manage 2 battery packs and recharge them separately, so there is some inconvenience. However, you would save over $100 (depending on current Omnicharge promotions).
Amazon Alternatives to Omnicharge
Lastly, there are 20000mAh/74Wh power banks in the $90 range on Amazon (so getting 2 would get close to matching the Omnicharge Ultimate for half the price).
Some of these are unproven, and you’ll be taking a bit of risk with a less reputable brand. In addition, just because the battery size is the same doesn’t mean they are equal in capabilities. Most will not have USB-C 60W charging, it will be 30W.
Compared to a generic Amazon-only brand, I feel much better purchasing from Omnicharge, with a legit website and support team.
Conclusion: Is the Omnicharge Ultimate Worth It?
The Omnicharge Utlimate is a quality and versatile power bank. After 2 years of using it, I haven’t had any issues, and I’ve had it in some rough environments when I work while camping. There’s been no noticeable difference in charging capacity. It remained 100% charged after turning it back on after the winter months.
That being said, you may be spending more than you need to.
To make the Omnicharge better than Anker or RavPower, you will need to have a specific reason:
1) the power bank’s wall plug feature,
2) the display and ease of use,
3) the interchangeable battery, or
4) USB-C fast charging
If at least 2 of those 4 matter to you, I recommend Omnicharge.
If only 1 of those matters to you, you’re better off with RavPower (wall plug) or Anker (cheaper for the same battery size and similar features).
- Wall Plug Feature
- Nice Display
- Interchangeable battery
- Fast-Charging USB-C
- Expensive
- Anker is better if only need USB-C
