NITECORE NB10000 Gen4 Ultralight Power Bank Review

We’ve been testing the NITECORE NB10000 Gen4 Ultralight Power Bank for a couple of weeks now, and it feels like a continuation of a formula that already worked very well. This is the fourth iteration of one of the most popular ultralight power banks out there—but can NITECORE actually improve on something that already felt dialed in?

At first glance, it looks like more of the same. But once you dig in, there are a handful of meaningful tweaks that make this version feel a bit more modern—and a bit more competitive. Do you need to upgrade if you’ve got an older version? Let’s find out.

The Rundown

The NB10000 Gen4 keeps the carbon fiber panels that have become a staple of NITECORE’s battery banks. They’re lightweight, durable, and give the device that technical, outdoorsy look that’s become synonymous with the brand. It still feels great in hand and holds up well to daily use.

One noticeable design change is at the corners. Instead of the rubberized bumpers from the previous version, NITECORE has switched to hard plastic. It’s not a huge deal—they’re not overly sharp like earlier generations—but it does change the overall feel slightly. It’s a bit sleeker, though arguably less impact-friendly.

Aesthetically, this is one of the more subdued NITECORE designs we’ve seen. It’s almost entirely black, with dark gray carbon fiber and no bright accents around the ports. That said, there are still some visual flourishes here if you know where to look (we’ll get there).

One of the biggest additions is the included USB-C to USB-C cable. This is a trend we’ve been seeing more often, and NITECORE has jumped on board. The cable attaches to the corner of the battery bank with a small tether and doubles as a carrying loop. It’s a nice touch and adds a pop of color with its yellow finish.

In practice, the cable works well enough, though it’s quite short. It’s great for close-range charging—like using your phone while the battery bank sits next to it—but less ideal if you want to keep the bank in your pocket while charging a device in your hand. It’s a useful addition overall, though not the most robust implementation we’ve seen, and we’re a bit cautious about long-term durability.

Port selection is straightforward. There are two USB-C ports: one handles input and output at up to 22.5W, while the second is input-only at the same speed. You can use both simultaneously, and, with pass-through charging supported, you can charge the bank while powering another device.

The NB10000 Gen4 introduces two charging modes. In Standard mode, you get a rated energy of 6,800 mAh at 5V/3A. There’s also an Eco mode, which reduces charging speed to 5V/1A but increases the rated capacity to 7,200 mAh. You can toggle between the two with a long press of the power button, which adds a bit of versatility depending on whether you prioritize speed or efficiency.

The power button also activates the four LED indicators that show remaining battery life. It’s a simple setup that’s easy to read and doesn’t overcomplicate things.

There are also LED rings around the USB-C ports, which change color depending on the mode—yellow for Standard and green for Eco. It’s a bit of a flashy addition compared to the otherwise stealthy design. It’s not necessary, but it’s a fun touch, and we don’t mind it.

Durability remains a strong point. The IPX7 rating means it can handle splashes, rain, and even brief submersion without issue. We wouldn’t push it too far, but it’s more than capable for travel and outdoor use.

Packability

The NB10000 Gen4 is still one of the most compact 10,000 mAh power banks. It’s roughly the size of a small TV remote or a compact external hard drive, and just a bit taller than a deck of cards.

It slides easily into most pants pockets, fits neatly into a tech pouch, and works well in the organization panels of daypacks and travel backpacks. Even in smaller slings, its slim profile makes it manageable.

Battery banks with a capacity of 10,000 mAh used to feel bulky, but that’s no longer the case. With this form factor—and the added durability and features—you can comfortably bring it just about anywhere without a second thought. While it has more depth than previous versions, making it a little more blocky inside of a pocket, it’s still leagues ahead of other battery banks on the market.

Quick Comparison

The most obvious comparison here is the NB10000 Gen3, and the differences are subtle but meaningful.

From a specs standpoint:

Voltage Platform

• Gen3: 3.85V
• Gen4: 3.85V (with updated internal platform)

Rated Energy

• Gen3: 6,200 mAh
• Gen4: 6,800 mAh (Standard) / 7,200 mAh (Eco mode)

Max Input

• Gen3: 18W
• Gen4: 22.5W

Energy Density

• Gen3: 257 mWh/g
• Gen4: 273 mWh/g

Weight

• Gen3: 150g
• Gen4: 143g (without cable)

Waterproofing

• Gen3: IPX5
• Gen4: IPX7

The Gen4 is lighter, more efficient, charges faster, and has significantly improved water resistance. It also adds the included cable, dual-mode charging, and LED port lights.

In the end, this feels like a refinement rather than a reinvention. If you already have the Gen3, the upgrade isn’t essential unless you want the added features and efficiency gains. But if you’re buying into the NB10000 line for the first time, the Gen4 is the most complete version yet—lightweight, capable, and still one of the best all-around ultralight power banks for travel.