Nitecore · Powerbank · NB Series
Nitecore NB Air
5,000 mAh in 89 g – the ultralight competition-grade power bank for trail running and everyday use
5,000 mAh in 89 g – the NB Air from Nitecore
The Nitecore NB Air is the most compact and lightweight power bank in the NB series. Weighing just 89 g, with a thickness of 9.7 mm and a capacity of 5,000 mAh, it is smaller and flatter than most smartphones – and is IPX7 waterproof, airline-approved and equipped with an 18 W fast charging function. Whether you're trail running, camping, going about your daily routine, or traveling, the NB Air is the emergency backup you won't even notice—until you need it.
Competition-grade · Carbon fiber technology
Composite anti-torsion structure – lighter than a bar of chocolate
The NB Air's case consists of a carbon fiber frame with a composite anti-torsion structure that prevents twisting under mechanical stress while limiting the weight to 89 g. The construction is so rigid that the NB Air does not bend – even when stored in a tight running vest pocket or under body weight in a backpack. Rounded corners and edges absorb shocks, protect fabric and fit comfortably in the hand.
Single USB-C port with 18 W – one connection, endless possibilities
The NB Air has a single USB-C port that serves as both an input and output. It supports Power Delivery (PD) and Quick Charge 3.0 (QC 3.0) with up to 18 W – for fast charging of smartphones, cameras, Nitecore headlamps, and other USB-C electronics. The charge level is displayed at the touch of a button via four blue LED indicators. The touch button responds to touch and cannot be accidentally activated in your backpack.
Low-current mode – compatible with smartwatches, earbuds, and fitness trackers
A common problem with inexpensive power banks: they do not recognize low-current devices such as smartwatches, wireless headphones, or fitness trackers and switch off prematurely. The NB Air automatically recognizes such devices and delivers the correct charging current – reliably and without manual adjustment. This makes it suitable not only for smartphones, but also for all the accessories of modern everyday life.
IPX7 – waterproof without a cover
The NB Air is IPX7 certified and can withstand submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes – remarkable, given that the USB-C port has no protective cover. Nitecore achieves this protection through internally reinforced sealing technology. In practice, this means that rain, splashes, sweat, and brief immersion will not cause any damage. The NB Air can be used again immediately afterwards.
Airline-approved for all scheduled flights
At 19.4 Wh, the NB Air is well below the international aviation limit of 100 Wh and meets the UN38.3 standard for the air transport of lithium-ion batteries. It is approved as carry-on luggage on all scheduled flights worldwide – ideal for business travelers, backpackers, and anyone who wants to carry as little weight as possible.
Scope of delivery
- 🔋 Nitecore NB Air Powerbank 5,000 mAh
- 📄 Quick start guide
Note: A USB-C charging cable is not included in the scope of delivery.
Who is the Nitecore NB Air for?
The NB Air is designed for anyone looking for the lightest and most compact emergency backup possible without sacrificing fast charging and water protection. It is the ideal choice for trail runners with a fully packed running vest, ultralight hikers, day trippers, or city commuters who want to charge their smartphone and wearables on the go—without feeling the weight.
Technical Specifications – Nitecore NB Air
| Battery Type | Li-Ion 3.88V |
| Capacity | 5,000mAh / 3.88V / 19.4Wh |
| Rated Energy (usable) | 3,300mAh / 5V (typ. 2.4A) |
| Input | USB-C: 5V–2.4A / 9V–2A (18W max.) |
| Output USB-C | 5V–2.4A / 9V–2A / 12V–1.5A (18W max.) |
| Fast Charging | QC 3.0 / PD |
| Shell | Carbon fiber frame, composite anti-torsion structure |
| Water Resistance | IPX7 (up to 1m / 30 min) |
| Battery Indicator | 4 blue LED indicators |
| Controls | Touch button |
| Airline Approved | Yes (19.4Wh < 100Wh, UN38.3) |
| Length | 112mm |
| Width | 48mm |
| Thickness | 9.7mm |
| Weight | 89g |
Frequently Asked Questions about the Nitecore NB Air
What makes the Nitecore NB Air special?
The NB Air is one of the lightest 5,000 mAh power banks on the market: 89 g, just 9.7 mm thin and smaller than a smartphone. The carbon fibre frame with composite anti-torsion structure offers high rigidity at minimal weight. It also features IPX7 water resistance, 18 W fast charging via USB-C with PD & QC 3.0, automatic low-current device detection, and airline approval – all in one device.
Which devices can I charge with the NB Air?
The NB Air charges all devices with a USB-C port: smartphones, tablets, cameras, GPS devices, and Nitecore headlamps and torches. Thanks to the automatic low-current mode, it is also compatible with low-draw devices such as smartwatches, wireless headphones, and fitness trackers – without any manual adjustment.
Does the NB Air support fast charging?
Yes. The NB Air supports Quick Charge 3.0 (QC 3.0) and Power Delivery (PD) with up to 18 W output. The same USB-C port also serves as the input for recharging the power bank itself – likewise up to 18 W. With a 9V/2A adapter, the NB Air is fully charged in approximately 1 hour 42 minutes.
Is the NB Air waterproof?
Yes. The NB Air is IPX7 certified and withstands submersion up to 1 metre depth for 30 minutes – without a protective cover on the USB-C port. Nitecore achieves this protection through an internally reinforced sealing technology that also protects the electronics inside. Rain, splashing water, and brief submersion cause no damage.
Is the NB Air airline approved?
Yes. At 19.4 Wh, the NB Air is well below the international aviation limit of 100 Wh and meets the UN38.3 standard. It is approved as carry-on luggage on all commercial flights worldwide. Like all lithium-ion batteries, it must not be transported in checked baggage.
How do I check the battery level of the NB Air?
A brief touch of the touch button activates the four blue LED indicators: 4 bars = 75–100 %, 3 bars = 50–75 %, 2 bars = 25–50 %, 1 bar = 10–25 %, 1 flashing bar = below 10 %. The touch button responds to touch only and cannot be accidentally triggered in a backpack.
The NB Air has a single USB-C port – is that enough?
Yes, the NB Air intentionally features only one USB-C port, which serves as both input and output. This is what enables the extremely low weight of 89 g. For most use cases – trail running, day trips, travel, or EDC – one port is perfectly sufficient. Those who need to charge multiple devices simultaneously will find the NB Plus (10,000 mAh, USB-C + USB-A) a more powerful alternative.
How many times can I charge my smartphone with the NB Air?
The usable rated energy of the NB Air is 3,300 mAh at 5 V. A modern smartphone with a 4,000–5,000 mAh battery can be fully charged once, or charged from empty to around 80 % once. For smaller devices such as smartwatches, earbuds, or GPS trackers, the capacity is sufficient for several charge cycles.
What does Competition-Grade mean for the NB Air?
Competition-Grade refers to Nitecore power banks developed specifically for competitive and extreme sports – such as ultramarathons, long-distance cycling races, or multi-day trekking tours. The focus is on absolute lightweight construction, robust build quality, water resistance, and compact dimensions that fit easily into running vests, hip belts, or backpack pockets.
What warranty applies to the Nitecore NB Air?
Nitecore provides a manufacturer's warranty on the NB Air. In addition, the statutory warranty of 2 years from the date of purchase applies in Switzerland. At Swiss-Sale.ch you benefit from local support and straightforward warranty processing.
The Nitecore NB Air user manual covers all functions of the power bank: charging connected devices via USB-C, recharging the power bank itself, activating the battery level display with the touch button, and the automatic low-current mode for smartwatches, earbuds, and fitness trackers. It also includes guidance on safe storage and care. The manual is also available as a download on the official Nitecore website.
User Manual – Nitecore NB Air
