As a frequent traveler across the country, I always find my bag packed to the brim with tech gadgets. The challenge often arises when my devices start to lose power far from any electrical outlet. Fortunately, the evolution of power banks has made this issue nearly obsolete. By ensuring my power bank is fully charged before I hit the road, I can confidently avoid the frustration of a dead phone in the middle of nowhere.
TL;DR – These Are the Best Power Banks:
Our Top Pick### Belkin Boost Charge Plus 10K
1See it at Amazon
### Anker 737
2See it at Amazon
### Charmast Portable Charger
4See it at Amazon
### Anker MagGo
2See it at Amazon
### Veektomx Mini Power Bank
0See it at Amazon
### JSAUX Power Bank 20000mAh 65W
0See it at Amazon
### Emperor of Gadgets Portable Power Bank
0See it at Amazon
The market is flooded with power banks, many from lesser-known brands. While these devices are essentially large batteries and not overly complex, selecting a substandard one can lead to serious issues, such as overheating or swelling. It's crucial to choose reliable brands like Anker, Belkin, and Mophie, which are known for their quality. Energizer is also making strides in this space. The convenience of Qi wireless charging is becoming more common, adding a modern touch to power banks and eliminating the need for a USB-C cable.
The capacity of a power bank is key to ensuring your devices stay powered. A 20,000mAh battery pack can typically charge an iPhone twice and a tablet once. For laptops, which consume more power, a power bank with at least 45W of output is essential, with gaming laptops requiring even more.
Having tested numerous power banks, I'm well-versed in what to look for and am here to guide you in choosing the perfect portable charger for your next adventure.
*Contributions by Danielle Abraham*
1. Belkin Boost Charge Plus 10K
Best Power Bank
Our Top Pick### Belkin Boost Charge Plus 10K
1
This 10,000mAh power bank features built-in cables, eliminating the worry of forgetting them. See it at Amazon
Product Specifications
- Capacity: 10,000mAh
- Total output: 23W
- Ports: 1 x USB-C, 1 x Lightning
- Size: 6.1" x 2.9" x 0.7"
- Weight: 0.5lb
**Pros**
- Has a USB-C and Lightning cable built in
- Charges multiple devices
**Cons**
- Doesn't have additional ports for other devices
Forget the hassle of remembering to pack cables and opt for a power bank with them built-in. The Belkin Boost Charge Plus 10K comes with integrated five-inch Lightning and USB-C cables, making life easier. Worried about tangled wires? Belkin has a solution with each cable neatly tucking into a slot on either side of the portable charger for organized storage. Despite the cables, the power bank remains compact, akin to a smartphone in size and weighing just half a pound.
Belkin’s power bank is limited to the two built-in cables, so additional adapters may be necessary for more exotic devices. However, most electronics, including the latest iPhones, support USB-C charging, making it a non-issue for the majority of users.
The 10,000mAh capacity offers ample juice to charge smartphones and some tablets. With a maximum output of 18W when charging one device, it's not ideal for laptops or other power-hungry devices. Still, iPhones can reach 50% charge in under 30 minutes. It also supports simultaneous charging of two devices, though this drops the total output to 23W. Pass-through charging is also supported, allowing you to recharge the battery bank via the USB-C port while charging a device with the USB-C or Lightning cable.
2. Anker 737 Laptop Charger
Best Power Bank for Charging Laptops
### Anker 737
2
This robust charger will keep your laptop powered throughout the day. See it at Amazon
Product Specifications
- Capacity: 24,000mAh
- Total output: 140W
- Ports: 1 x USB-C, 1 x USB-A
- Size: 6.13" x 2.15" x 1.95"
- Weight: 1.39lb
**Pros**
- Tons of wattage for fast charging
- Informational display
**Cons**
- It's BIG
Laptops demand more power than phones or tablets, and the Anker 737 meets this need with a total output of 140W, suitable for most laptops and even some lower-end gaming models. With 24,000mAh of power, it can fully charge most laptops once or twice.
The downside is its bulkiness. At 6.13 inches tall and 1.95 inches thick, it's larger than most laptops it charges. Weighing 1.39lbs, it adds considerable weight to your bag.
Despite its size, the Anker 737 is invaluable for on-the-go work, especially during events like CES where power outlets are scarce.
3. Charmast Portable Charger
Best Budget Power Bank
### Charmast Portable Charger
4
This portable charger offers most of the features of the Mophie Powerstation Plus at half the price, though it's bulkier and charges slower. See it at Amazon
Product Specifications
- Capacity: 20,000mAh
- Total output: 20W
- Ports: 1 x USB-C/Micro combo, 1 x Lightning, 1 x USB-A
- Size: 5.91" x 2.83" x 1.09"
- Weight: 368g
**Pros**
- 20W fast charging
- Digital display showing remaining power
**Cons**
- A little bulky
Reliable power banks often come with a hefty price tag, but the Charmast Portable Charger offers a cost-effective alternative. With a 20,000mAh capacity, it can charge your phone multiple times, though its output is limited to 20W, which is less than premium chargers.
Resembling the Belkin Boost Charge Plus 10K, this charger is slightly thicker and heavier, at about 1 inch thick and 0.8lbs. While it charges slower, the trade-off for half the price is a good deal, even if it means a phone charges in an hour and a half instead of one hour.
4. Anker MagGo Power Bank
Best Power Bank with Wireless Charging
### Anker MagGo
2
The Anker MagGo offers great wireless charging on the go, despite its modest battery capacity. See it at Amazon
Product Specifications
- Capacity: 10,000mAh
- Total output: 15W (Qi2), 30W (USB-C)
- Ports: 1 x USB-C
- Size: 4.09" x 2.78" x 0.58"
- Weight: 0.44lb
**Pros**
- Extremely portable and lightweight
- Qi2 wireless charging at 15W
**Cons**
- Only 10,000mAh
Wireless charging is a rare feature in power banks, and those that offer it often use the slower first-generation Qi standard. The Anker MagGo, however, supports Qi2, providing up to 15W, nearly matching the speed of 20W fast charging.
The MagGo is incredibly portable, weighing just 0.44lbs and only 0.58 inches thick, making it easy to carry. Its capacity, though, is limited to 10,000mAh, offering one or two full charges for an iPhone. Both wireless and USB-C charging are relatively quick.
5. Veektomx Mini Power Bank
Best Compact Power Bank
### Veektomx Mini Power Bank
0
This tiny yet mighty power bank offers a 10,000mAh capacity with three charging ports. See it at Amazon
Product Specifications
- Capacity: 10,000mAh
- Total output: 22.5W
- Ports: 1 x USB-C, 1 x USB-A, 1 x MicroUSB
- Size: 4.2" x 2.7" x 0.6"
- Weight: 0.36lb
**Pros**
- Ultra-compact dimensions
- LED battery indicator
**Cons**
- Includes older microUSB
The Veektomx Mini Power Bank is one of the smallest yet powerful options available. It's pocket-sized, about the size of a deck of cards but thinner, and weighs only 5.8oz. Despite its size, it packs a 10,000mAh battery, delivering a full charge and more to most smartphones.
It features three charging ports for versatility: USB-A, USB-C, and microUSB, each supporting fast charging with up to 22.5W output. Pass-through charging is also supported.
Built tough with a solid plastic body and ribbed for grip, the Veektomx Mini Power Bank also includes an LED battery level indicator. At around $25, it's an incredible value.
6. Jsaux Power Bank 20,000mAh 65W
Best Power Bank for Steam Deck
### JSAUX Power Bank 20000mAh 65W
0
Enjoy fast charging for the Steam Deck and other devices with this 65W charger that includes a built-in USB-C cable and additional ports. See it at Amazon
Product Specifications
- Capacity: 20,000mAh
- Total output: 65W
- Ports: 1 x USB-C (cable), 1 x USB-C, 2 x USB-A
- Size: 6.26" x 2.68" x 1"
- Weight: 1.1lb
**Pros**
- 65W PD support
- Built-in USB-C cable
**Cons**
- Bulkier design
The Steam Deck's battery life can be a challenge, but the Jsaux Power Bank 20,000mAh 65W is an excellent accessory, providing at least one full charge or more. With a maximum charging wattage of 45W, it matches the Steam Deck's charging speed, achieving a full charge in about three hours.
A built-in USB-C cable simplifies charging on the go, while additional USB-C and USB-A ports allow for multi-device charging, though speeds may decrease slightly when used simultaneously.
Though bulkier, weighing around 1lb and an inch thick, it's still manageable and fits well in a bag. Jsaux offers a ModCase for the Steam Deck, allowing the power bank to be strapped on, with the integrated cable perfectly reaching the device's port.
The Jsaux Power Bank is also compatible with other handheld gaming PCs.
7. Emperor of Gadgets Portable Power Bank
Best Power Bank for Nintendo Switch
### Emperor of Gadgets Portable Power Bank
0
Top off your Switch with this 10,000mAh portable battery that straps onto it, offering a built-in USB-C and additional ports to charge other devices. See it at Amazon
Product Specifications
- Capacity: 10,000mAh
- Total output: 15W
- Ports: 1 x USB-C (cable), 1 x USB-C, 1 x USB-A
- Size: 5.3" x 2.8" x 0.7"
- Weight: 0.47lb
**Pros**
- Attaches directly to Switch
- Includes USB-C cable and additional USB-A and USB-C ports to charge other accessories
**Cons**
- Adds bulk to Switch
With a maximum of about nine hours of battery life, the Nintendo Switch benefits greatly from a portable charger. The Emperor of Gadgets power bank is designed to strap onto the Switch, adding minimal bulk while doubling playtime with its 10,000mAh capacity.
The Switch can only charge at 18W, so this 15W charger is sufficient and includes an integrated USB-C cable that reaches the device's port when mounted.
This power bank is versatile, working with other devices, including the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. Additional USB-C and USB-A ports are available for other accessories.
What to Look for in a Power Bank
Capacity
Capacity is the most crucial spec when choosing a portable charger. Measured in milliamp-hours (mAh), a 3,000mAh battery is typical for ultra-thin flagship phones. To double your phone's battery life, look for a power bank with at least this capacity. Most portable chargers today offer 10,000mAh or more, providing three or more charges on the go. Keep in mind that some power is lost during transfer, so you won't get the full capacity advertised.
Ports and Charging Speeds
Chargers vary in their charging capabilities, with some supporting higher voltages and amperages through standards like Power Delivery (PD). Compare the charger's output with your device's supported charging speeds and check which ports offer these speeds. For quick phone charging, aim for at least 20W, though 30W is preferable for larger phone batteries. For iPads, a minimum of 30W is recommended, and for laptops, 45W to 60W is necessary. Consider the charger's own recharging speed, as a 20,000mAh battery with only 5W input will take a long time to recharge.
Power Bank FAQ
Should you drain your power bank before charging it again?
No, it's not necessary to drain lithium-based batteries found in most power banks. Fully draining them can damage the battery and reduce its capacity. Charge your power bank before it's completely depleted or every few months if not in use.
Can you bring portable power banks on a plane?
Yes, power banks using lithium-ion or lithium metal batteries are allowed in carry-on luggage or as personal items, but not in checked bags due to fire risk. The TSA limits power banks to 100Wh or about 27,000mAh, making standard 10,000mAh chargers acceptable.
How long do power banks last?
The lifespan of a power bank depends on usage, build quality, and capacity. Reputable brands like Anker and Belkin typically last 2 to 4 years. Cheaper or lesser-known brands may vary in longevity. Higher capacity batteries often last longer. To extend the life of your portable charger, avoid overcharging, store it in a cool, dry place, and charge it fully every three months.
