Power Bank Comparisons – Pure Power Solar

One of the critical factors to consider when buying a power bank is its practicality. You need to properly review all aspects of its functionality from the main specs to the minor product features. We'll be comparing two power banks from Goal Zero - the Venture 30 and the Venture 70. The Goal Zero Venture 70 is better than the Venture 30 because it has a higher battery capacity (71Wh vs 29Wh), charges up faster (15W input vs 10.5W input), and is waterproof as opposed to the water-resistant Venture 30 (IP67 vs IPX6 rating). However, the Venture 30 is more portable as it is two inches shorter than the Venture 70. Although these two power banks or "rechargers" are similar in design, they have a lot of differences that can't be seen just from looking at them. In this comparison, I'll be giving you an overview of each system and will then get into the specific features of both, giving you a side-by-side comparison for each section, including: Battery Type & CapacityLifecyclesPortsCharging MethodsCharging SpeedCompatible DevicesPortabilityWaterproof/WeatherproofCostCustomer SupportConclusionTroubleshooting Overview of the Venture 30 The Venture 30 by Goal Zero is a long-lasting power bank with several unique features and specs that make it ideal for use in several environments. One of the noteworthy characteristics of this device is its rugged build and IPX6 weatherproof rating. It also comes with a Li-ion NMC battery with 29Wh (3.7V, 7,800mAh) of capacity. With this amount of power, the Venture 30 can reliably charge two devices simultaneously from its two USB-A outputs. For some context, the Venture 30 can charge a standard smartphone two to three times, a GoPro five times, and a tablet once over. There are two safe ways to charge the power bank - charging it via the sun by connecting to a solar panel or via a USB output source (laptop, wall charger, etc.). The Venture 30 has dual 2.4A USB-A ports that offer fast-charging capabilities. Thanks to these two ports, you can comfortably power two devices simultaneously. The power bank comes with a built-in Micro-USB cable that offers tangle-free charging. You can use this cable as both a Micro-USB output to charge devices and as the Venture 30's charging input. Venture 30 cable With a weight of 8.8oz, the Venture 30 is one of the most portable power banks of its kind. It's also reasonably shaped with dimensions of 4.5 x 3.25 x 1 in. Here's what's included in the box: One Venture 30 power bankBuilt-in and detachable Micro-USB/USB-A charging cord Similar: Goal Zero Sherpa 100AC vs 100PD (Comparison, Specs, and More) Overview of the Venture 70 Venture 70 with cables The Venture 70 was released as a new and improved version of the Venture 30. Like the Venture 30, the power bank is enclosed in a rugged case with rubberized corner protection. It's also IP67 certified to be both water and dustproof. Thanks to these types of features, the power bank is suitable for travel and outdoor activities. Weighing 1 lb with dimensions of 6.4 x 3.7 x 0.9 inches, its large battery stays compact for portable use. The Venture 70 has a battery capacity of 71Wh (3.7V, 19,200mAh), which charges smartphones six to seven times, a GoPro battery ten times, and tablets two to three times. With the Nomad 20 solar panel, it takes eight to fourteen hours to fully charge up. It takes eight hours to charge with the Nomad 28 Plus. Both of these solar panels can be used on your backpack while hiking to charge the power bank up. The Venture 70's management system has the exact same built-in charging and low-battery protection found in the Venture 30. There are two high-speed USB-A ports in the power bank that can charge devices simultaneously if desired. Here's what's included in the box: One Venture 70 power bankOne Micro-USB to USB-A cordA Lightning to USB-A cord Goal Zero Venture 30 vs 70 - Basic Specifications Power BankGoal Zero Venture 30Goal Zero Venture 70 Battery Capacity29Wh71Wh Battery TypeLi-ion NMCLi-ion NMC LifecyclesHundredsHundreds Ports(2x) USB-A ports (output): 5V, up to 2.4A (1x) Micro-USB port (input): 5V, up to 2.1A (2x) USB-A ports (output): 5V, up to 2.4A (1x) Micro-USB port (input): 5V, up to 3A Management SystemBuilt-in charging and low-battery protectionBuilt-in charging and low-battery protection Charge Speed with Nomad 14 Plus solar panel5-8 hours8-22 hours Dimensions4.5 x 3.25 x 1 in 6.4 x 3.7 x 0.9 in Weight8.8 oz1 lb Battery Type & Capacity The battery type describes the cell chemistry of the power bank. Due to the benefits of lithium-ion cells, most power banks use them. Lithium-ion batteries are known to have high energy densities, which makes them more reliable for charging fundamental devices like smartphones, tablets, or cameras. The battery capacity of the two Goal Zero power banks is an important factor to consider. In most cases, this feature could be the first point of consideration. A power bank with a high battery capacity can charge devices for several more hours compared to those with a lower cell capacity. However, as the battery capacity increases, so does the power bank's size and weight. Venture 30 Battery The Venture 30 has a battery capacity of 29Wh (3.7V, 7,800mAh), which can charge a typical smartphone 2-3 times. The Venture 30 uses a lithium-ion NMC battery, which is known to have a higher energy density than most of the other battery types on the market. Venture 70 Battery The Venture 70 uses a lithium-ion NMC battery with a capacity of 71Wh (3.7V, 19,200mAh). With this amount of power, you can charge the average smartphone 6-7 times with one fully charged Venture 70. Verdict: Both the Venture 30 and the Venture 70 use very efficient battery types and have reasonable battery capacities. So, you can enjoy stable batteries with high energy densities. Compared to many other batteries in the solar market, the lithium-ion NMC cells are the most prominent and reliable. However, the capacity of the Venture 70 is 42Wh higher than that of the Venture 30. Hence, Venture 70 is a better choice based on the battery capacity of both power banks. Similar: Top 7 Solar Panel Battery Banks – A Battle for Power Lifecycles You can measure the longevity of your power bank based on its lifecycles. One cycle is defined as the period it takes to drain a charged battery completely and then recharge it fully. Power banks with higher lifecycles will last longer, and as a result, be more reliable than ones with lower lifecycles. How long does a Goal Zero battery last? Goal Zero's batteries can last for several years depending on how often you use the battery. The lifecycles of Goal Zero's batteries are split into two product categories: portable power stations and power banks. Typically, their portable power stations are rated for 500 cycles to 80% capacity, and their power banks are rated for hundreds of cycles. The Venture 30 and Venture 70 are rated for "hundreds of cycles" according to their manuals, which signifies that you'll be able to use them for long periods of time with moderate use before their batteries begin to degrade in efficiency. Both battery rechargers also include a management system that ensures built-in charging and low-battery protection systems. Verdict: The lifecycles of the Venture 30 and the Venture 70 are both in the hundreds, and it signifies they have a good battery performance level over time. However, the Venture 70's battery is significantly larger than the Venture 30, giving it an overall longer life. Ports In power banks, the number of ports determines how many devices you can plug in and charge simultaneously. The main ports found in power banks are USB-A ports, but you can find several models that include ports with wireless charging pads, USB-C ports, and Micro-USB ports. Goal Zero's Sherpa 100AC has the most port options out of all of their other power banks and even includes an AC port. The Venture 30 comes with two 2.4A USB-A output ports that provide fast charging for a better experience when charging outdoors. Its remaining port is a Micro-USB input port capable of charging the power bank at 10.5W maximum. Additionally, its Micro-USB to USB-A cable offers tangle-free charging. As seen in the image below, the cable is housed on the sides of the power bank and wraps around the bottom of the battery. Venture 30 ports The Venture 70 has the exact same high-speed USB-A output ports as the Venture 30. However, its Micro-USB input port has a cap at 3.0 amps compared to the Venture 30's 2.1 amps maximum. This means that you can charge the Venture 70 at a faster rate (15W max vs 10.5W max). What's unique regarding both systems is their smart charging sequence. This allows the USB-A outputs to be optimized to match devices plugged into it. This feature is used to remove the damaging effects of overcharging devices and to give them the fastest possible charging times. Verdict: Both the Venture 30 and the Venture 70 come with the same number of ports and include smart charging sequence technology. The Venture 70's Micro-USB input port charges at a faster rate of three amps, however, giving it an advantage. Charging Methods Venture 30 with the included cable Most power banks can only be charged via a wall socket. However, some notable brands like Goal Zero produce devices with more than one method to charge. How do you charge a Goal Zero Venture 30? The Venture 30 can be charged via any USB source, but the most common charging methods are via a portable solar panel or wall outlet. The Venture 30 comes with a USB-A to Micro-USB cable. Use the Micro-USB end to plug into the power bank to charge it from any USB-A power source. How do you charge a Goal Zero Venture 70? Similar to the Venture 30, the Venture 70 is charged via a Micro-USB input. Using the included USB-A to Micro-USB cable, you can plug the USB-A end into a compatible portable solar panel or connect it to a power brick to charge from the wall. Pass-Through Charging Both the Venture 30 and 70 have pass-through charging. This lets you charge multiple devices from the Venture power banks while also charging the Venture 30 or 70 from a power source. Verdict: Both the Venture 30 and the Venture 70 use the same charging methods, which are via solar panels and/or an alternative USB source (i.e. a wall outlet). Hence, you can pick either of these power banks if you're deciding based on the charging technique. Charging Speed of the Venture 30 vs 70 The amount of time it takes to charge your power bank depends on three main factors, including: The maximum charging rate of the system's input: The maximum charging input allowed for a power bank can be anywhere from 5-50 watts - and in some cases, the rate can be even higher.The size of the battery: The bigger the battery, the longer the charge time.The power source that is charging your power bank: Charging from a wall outlet requires a power brick, and these vary greatly in the amount of output power they will give to the device being charged. Charging from a solar panel (not supported by all power banks) also varies in the amount of power it can output. Charging Via Wall Outlet The Venture 30 has a maximum charging input of 10.5W (5V, up to 2.1A). This is achieved via its Micro-USB input port. Connecting the Micro-USB to a wall charger will get you a charge time of just under three hours. However, make sure to check your wall charger to see if it can output 5V at 2.1A. If it cannot, or if it has a higher output, then the charge times will vary. The larger Venture 70 has both a bigger battery and higher charging input. With 15W of maximum input power (5V, up to 3A), it can charge at a faster rate than the Venture 30. But since its battery is much larger, it will take about five hours for it to charge from the wall. It may take longer depending on the volts and amps rating on the wall charger you use. Charging from Goal Zero Solar Panels Venture 30: Charging via the Nomad 7 and the Nomad 7 Plus may take the most time, which is between 7-16 hours. The Nomad 28 Plus solar panel charges the power bank in only five hours, which is the fastest for any of the Nomad solar panels used with the Venture 30. Venture 70: When charging via the Nomad 13 or 14 Plus solar panels, it takes 8-22 hours (depending on sun conditions). When plugged into the Nomad 28 Plus, it takes about eight hours for the battery to reach a full charge. You can always use third-party solar panels to charge these power banks up. Just make sure that the panel you have in mind has a Micro-USB output. Verdict: The Venture 30 has a faster charge time compared to the Venture 70. Since the Venture 70's battery is more than twice the size of the 30, it makes sense why this is the case. Similar: Top 5 Fastest Charging Solar Generators (Via AC Outlet & Solar Panels) Compatible Devices Venture 70 charging phone Before buying power banks like the Venture 30 or 70, it's crucial to know what devices you can charge with them. Some power banks are only compatible with USB-geared devices, while others are very versatile. The Venture 30 is compatible with conventional smartphones, tablets, POV cameras, and headlamps. Note that those devices should be USB geared. With the Venture 30, you can charge your smartphone two to three times, the POV camera can be charged five times, the headlamps can last for five to ten recharges, and the tablet can take one recharge. The Venture 70 has the exact same style of output ports as the Venture 30, but since its battery is bigger, the amount of recharges it gives to any single device will be greater. A smartphone can be charged six to seven times with the Venture 70. POV cameras can be charged ten times and headlamps can be charged twenty times. If you use a tablet, you can recharge it two to three times. Verdict: Both the Venture 30 and the Venture 70 are compatible with USB-powered devices. However, Venture 70 can charge devices longer than the Venture 30. Since this category is specifically regarding compatible devices, it is a draw in this comparison because both systems have the same output ports. Portability Portability relies on two main specifications of the Venture 30 and 70 - weight and dimensions. Power banks like the Venture 30 and others are meant to provide emergency power to devices both indoors and outdoors. For a better comfort level, buying a power bank that weighs less is a good choice compared to the heavy ones. The portability feature is useful when performing outdoor activities, but it's also important that your power bank has enough power to charge all of your devices you intend to use while outdoors. Goal Zero Venture 30 Weight The Venture 30 recharger weighs 8.8 oz (250 g). As with most power banks, the majority of its weight comes from its 29Wh battery. This is about the weight of a standard power bank across the board. Most power bank batteries fall between 5,000-20,000mAh, and the majority of them are on the lower end of that. The Venture 30's battery is 7,800mAh, making it a typical power bank in terms of battery size (which mostly translates to overall weight). Goal Zero Venture 70 Weight The Venture 70 has an overall weight of 1 lb (454 g). This is about 0.5 pounds heavier than the Venture 30, yet its battery capacity is nearly three times higher. At 19,200mAh, the Venture 70's battery is at the high-end of the spectrum of power bank battery size. Most power banks fall below this number. Goal Zero Venture 30 Dimensions With dimensions of 4.5 x 3.25 x 1 inches, the Venture 30 is very compact and easy to hold. It will be able to fit into most pockets, but you may have trouble fitting it into tight pants due to its 1-inch thick frame. I can fit the Venture 30 into most of my side pockets easily, but it is still quite bulky. This makes sense, though, as its size and weight make it awkward to walk around with it in one of my pockets on a loose-fit pair of pants. Due to this, it is probably best to use this power bank in a backpack. Goal Zero Venture 70 Dimensions The Venture 70 dimensions are 6.4 x 3.7 x 0.9 inches. Compared to the smaller Venture 30 power bank, the Venture 70 is about two inches longer but has nearly the exact same width and thickness. Verdict: Both power banks are considerably lightweight. However, the Venture 30 is lighter than the Venture 70 due to a smaller battery capacity. The Venture 30 is also smaller than the Venture 70 both in length and width but is slightly thicker than the Venture 70. Similar: What Size Portable Solar Panel Do You Need? (Detailed Overview) Waterproof/Weatherproof A power bank with a water-resistant (or even better, waterproof) rating is more suitable for outdoor use than one that is not due to its ability to withstand rain, water splashes, and submersion in water. Is the Venture 30 Waterproof? The Venture 30 is water-resistant with an IPX6 rating. The "6" in its rating means that it can withstand heavy sprays of water at high pressure. However, the Venture 30 cannot be submerged in water. The "X" in the rating means that it was not tested for protection against solid particles ( like dust). Is the Venture 70 Waterproof? The Venture 70 is waterproof as has an IP67 rating. This rating means that it can withstand being submerged in up to one meter of water for 30 minutes. In addition, it is completely dust-proof. The water-resistant and waterproof ratings of both power banks include their open USB ports. This means that water can get into the ports and it still will be able to function after the water is cleared out of the ports. This is extremely rare to find even amongst other waterproof power banks as they usually have a cover that protects their USB ports. Verdict: The Venture 30 is water-resistant and can withstand rainfall, however, the Venture 70 is waterproof for up to 30 minutes underwater. This makes the Venture 70 an option while on a boat or for any other activities near water as it will be protected. Are Goal Zero solar panels waterproof? Goal Zero Nomad solar panels are all weatherproof, meaning that they will withstand rain and snow in moderate conditions. However, the company's Boulder solar panels are all waterproof. This is because the Boulder panels are mountable solar panels made of completely different materials than the portable Nomad panels. Cost of the Venture 30 vs 70 The cost of both the Venture 30 and 70 is crucial to consider before making a purchase. It's important to ensure you are within your budget. The cost depends on the brand, main features, and technical specifications of the power bank. Venture 30 Price The Venture 30 costs $79.95 and comes with Goal Zero's 12-month warranty. This model has been in Goal Zero's power bank product line for multiple years, proving its effectiveness over time. With the ability to withstand heavy rain along with its LED lights with multiple modes, it is not only effective as any standard power bank but is also a reliable tool for backup power in several different scenarios outdoors. Venture 70 Price The Venture 70 costs $149.95 on Goal Zero's website. It also comes with a 12-month warranty. Considering its IP67 (waterproof/dustproof) rating, rugged/rubberized outer casing, large battery capacity, fast charging capabilities, ability to charge from solar panels, and included charging cables, it is an ideal fit for someone looking to use it in several different off-grid environments. Verdict: It's clear that Venture 70 is more expensive than the Venture 30 at MSRP. The price level is understandable because the Venture 70 has a much bigger battery. However, if you're looking for a relatively cheap and durable power bank, you should go for the Venture 30. Customer Support Customer support is essential, and it's determined by the company's method of handling complaints or clarifications from buyers. Quick and helpful responses are critical for buyers to provide immediate support. The Venture 30 and 70 are manufactured by Goal Zero. The company has an impressive response time. They also provide different methods to reach customer support including email, phone, and their "Q&A" sections of their product pages on their website. Verdict: Since both the Venture 30 and the Venture 70 are from Goal Zero, they have the same standards in terms of customer support. The company also ensures a warranty of 12 months on the power banks. Venture 30 vs 70 - Which System Is the Overall Winner? From this article, you've seen that both of these Venture power banks are great for outdoor applications. The Venture 70 is the overall winner compared to the Venture 30 mainly because it has a larger battery and has a better IP rating. If I drop a Venture 70 in a stream while hiking, It will be able to work again after drying off. With the Venture 30, it may not work in the same fashion because it cannot be submerged in water. This is just one example of the Venture 70 being superior when outdoors, but the IP rating applies to more than just that one scenario. This added layer of security with the Venture 70 makes it the ideal off-grid power source. But when it comes to compactness and cost-effectiveness, the Venture 30 can be a better tool for your needs. Regardless of which system you choose, you can also get them with solar panels in a unique kit for your outdoor adventures. The rugged design of the Venture systems is impressive, but it's important to ensure that you employ a good maintenance strategy to make the power banks last for a long time. Find the Venture 30 here on Amazon (affiliate link) and the Venture 70 here on REI's website. Below I go through the troubleshooting of both systems to solve any issues that might occur during the charging/discharging processes. Similar: Portable Power Banks – What To Look For Before Purchasing Goal Zero Venture 30 Troubleshooting My mom has used a Venture 30 for about 4-5 years. She was unable to use it one day and asked me to help her get it working again. I used all three methods listed below and was unable to revive her system. Since she's had it for so long, the battery may be completely worn out. However, my mom's scenario doesn't mean that you won't be able to revive your system if you're having trouble with it. Try the following troubleshooting methods out if you have a malfunctioning Venture 30. Venture 30 LEDs with battery and flashlight buttons (buttons also used to reset system) Venture 30 Not Charging - Soft Reset If the Venture 30 isn't charging, perform a soft reset. Hold down the flashlight button for about 30 seconds (the flashlight will activate initially) until you see the blue and white LEDs flash. This will restart the power bank to return to its normal functions. If this problem continues, try the "storage mode" option below. Storage Mode (Restores to Factory Settings) To prevent the battery from discharging when in storage, set your Venture 30 into storage mode. Hold the battery button down for 30 seconds until the lights flash. Then, plug it into a power source to charge the power bank. This method can also be used to attempt to revive a Venture 30 that isn't charging. If you store your Venture 30 and forget to put it into storage mode, charge it immediately before putting it into storage mode. The battery capacity and/or cycle life of the power bank can decrease significantly if it is stored for several months without being in its storage mode. Lights Flashing If the lights are flashing on your Venture 30, perform a soft reset by holding down the flashlight button for about 30 seconds. If this doesn't work, hold the battery button down for about 30 seconds. If the problem continues, you may have a cable malfunction and should contact Goal Zero for help. For more detailed information and all specifications, check out the Venture 30 manual. Goal Zero Venture 70 Troubleshooting The troubleshooting methods are slightly different on the Venture 70 than the Venture 30. Try the following methods out to see if you can recover your system. Not Charging - Do a Soft Reset If your Venture 70 isn't charging, perform a soft reset by holding the flashlight button for about 35 seconds. Initially, you'll see the flashlight turn on. Once you release the button, the middle blue LED will turn on. Once this happens, your system is reset. If the problem continues, call Goal Zero support for additional guidance. For more detailed information and all specifications, check out the Venture 70 manual.