Pela JuiceBox power bank review and why I can’t put it down

I bought this myself and nobody paid me for this post.

OKAY. I need to talk about this little pink thing.

Pela just came out with the JuiceBox, a magnetic power bank, and I’m obsessed. I already use a Pela phone case (the purple one you’ll see in every photo here) so when I heard they are selling a charger I was curious. When I saw the bubblegum pink I was sold!

What is the Pela JuiceBox power bank

Think of the JuiceBox as a small 5,000mAh power bank that snaps onto the back of your phone with magnets. It charges your phone wirelessly at up to 15W or you can plug in with USB-C for up to 20W. It’s made by Pela, a Canadian brand from Kelowna BC, and the outside is a swappable shell so you can change the colour whenever you get bored.

The packaging made me smile

Pela clearly had fun with this box. The front says “For when your phone gets thirsty.” The back says “Swappable shells. Same juice, new flavor.” And the spec card inside is called Nutrition Facts with the line “The specs, if you want them.” As a designer I giggled at that one. It’s such a small detail but it makes the whole thing feel friendly and not like boring tech.

The box is all kraft paper, FSC certified and printed with vegetable ink. You slide the inner box out like a little drawer and there it is, sitting there all pink and pretty.

First impressions (it looks like a turtle shell)

I’ll be honest, the first thing I thought when I looked at it from the side was turtle shell. The pink shell sits on top of the white battery like a little cap and it’s a bit rounded like a turtle.

But the colour. THE COLOUR. It’s a real bubblegum pink with tiny darker flecks all over, kind of like sprinkles. It’s not glossy or slippery either. The texture is soft and matte and so nice to touch. It also feels premium. It has a nice weight to it at 144g, the edges are smooth and nothing feels cheap or hollow.

How it snaps onto my iPhone

Flip it over and the back is white with a magnetic charging ring and a little button. Hold it near the back of your phone and it clicks right on. Mine sits on my iPhone in its Pela case and it holds on well, no sliding around.

Pela says the magnetic charging works with iPhone 12 and newer plus Google Pixel 10 and newer. For anything else with a USB-C port you can just plug it in with a cable.

Does the Pela JuiceBox charge well

Yes! It started charging my phone right away, no waiting and no fiddling around. It also does pass-through charging, which means you can plug the JuiceBox into the wall and it charges itself and your phone at the same time. Press the button and the little LED lights tell you how much juice is left.

Right now I keep it on charge at my desk, then grab it on my way out and drop it in my purse. It’s small enough to fit in my everyday bags so it actually comes with me instead of sitting at home.

Why it’s a good travel power bank

This is where it really earns its spot. Travel days are long (my best meal in Cancun was literally at the airport) and your phone is your boarding pass, your map and your camera all at once. The JuiceBox is 19.35Wh, which is well under the airline limit for power banks. Just remember power banks go in your carry-on, never in your checked bag.

Who it’s for

If you want a cute, light power bank to top up your phone during a long day out, this is it. If you need to charge your phone again and again over a whole weekend with no outlet, you’ll probably want a bigger battery. And if the turtle shell look isn’t your thing, well, I can’t help you there. I think it’s adorable.

Final thoughts

Useful AND beautiful is rare for a charger. Most power banks are black plastic bricks you hide at the bottom of your bag. This one I actually want to take out. If you saw my Chiikawa mystery box unboxing you already know I like my everyday things cute.

You can find the JuiceBox and the extra shells at pelacase.com/juicebox. And if you’re in the mood for more unboxings, here’s what was in my last Kiyoko K-beauty box.

Tell me in the comments, which shell colour would you pick?

Pela JuiceBox FAQ

Is the Pela JuiceBox compatible with my phone?

Magnetic wireless charging works with iPhone 12 and newer and Google Pixel 10 and newer. Any phone or device with a USB-C port can charge from it with a cable.

Can I bring the Pela JuiceBox on a plane?

Yes. At 19.35Wh it’s well under the usual 100Wh airline limit. Pack it in your carry-on, not your checked luggage.

How long does the JuiceBox take to recharge?

Pela says about 1.5 hours with a 20W charger, or up to 2.5 hours with a 10W charger.

Can I change the JuiceBox shell?

Yes. Gently pull the shell off the back, line up the new one and press until it clicks. Extra shells are sold on the Pela site.