ZAGGsparq 6000 mAh Portable Battery/Charger review

I travel a great deal for my day job and all too often forget one or more of the needed accessories to charge my litany of tech equipment. Every time that happens, I think to myself (after several choice words) that I really need a dedicated set of charging gear staged in my bag. Well, the ZAGGsparq 6000 from ZAGG looks to be an ideal travel companion for tech-packing road warriors, not only enabling you to charge via wall socket but when you are truly off the grid, from its internal battery as well.

The ZAGGsparq 6000 is a universal USB charger that is capable of powering multiple mobile devices at once. Within the Sparq is a 6000 mAh rechargeable lithium polymer backup battery engineered to power your portable technology while on the fly. Built into the back are retractable prongs for easy and convenient charging and transport. There is also an on/off switch to prevent/reduce battery drain while the battery is not in use.

The ZAGGsparq is definitely large compared to many of the devices it is designed to charge. So much so, I doubt I would ever take it in my gear bag but will most likely just bring it along in my check-bag while on travel.

Specifications:

ZAGG has created three versions of the ZAGGsparq. The 6000 has the most battery capacity and the only one of the three with dual USB charging ports.

Features

• Rechargeable lithium polymer backup battery
• Built-in prongs for convenient charging
• When plugged into an outlet, the ZAGGsparq works just like a wall charger (directly charging the device, then charging the internal battery)
• On/off switch to prevent battery drainage
• 2.1A output for ultra-fast charging, up to four times faster than a standard USB charger
• Attractive, durable polycarbonate shell hides scratches and fingerprints
• 5 LEDs indicate battery level and pulsate one after the other while the ZAGGsparq is charging
• Universal charger powers all USB-charged mobile devices
• Ergonomic design features a soft touch rubber finish
• Charges iPad and other tablets at optimal speed

The USB ports have a 2.1A output for fast charging of two devices. According to ZAGG, the ports are up to four times faster than a “standard USB charger”. I did a bit of non-scientific testing, and found the ZAGGsparq charged my iPhone 4S in less than two hours leaving three of the LEDs glowing (approx 2/3 of the power left) and charged my iPad 3 to 50% in less than three hours leaving the Sparq completely depleted. During this test the Sparq was unplugged and charged via its internal battery.

When plugged into an outlet, the ZAGGsparq works just like a wall charger, first/directly charging the device(s), followed by charging its internal battery. On its front face are 5 LEDs which indicate battery charge level, glowing one after the other while the ZAGGsparq is recharging. The LEDs are very bright, especially in the dark. I thought they would make for a nice nightlight but are too bright for me and I covered them up (minor point) when plugged in next to my bed.

Compared to most no-name $3 USB wall chargers, the ZAGGsparq is big and bulky without a doubt, but it does get the job done and then some. Its ability to quickly charge multiple devices while at home/office/travel via wall socket or internal battery definitely gives you options when you need them. At $100, the ZAGGsparq is not inexpensive either. Quite a lot for a USB wall/battery charger, even with its quality build and feature set. That said and cost not withstanding, it is a well thought out and useful accessory that I will definitely keep in my travel bag ready to go.