As someone who frequently travels across the country with a bag packed full of tech gadgets, running out of battery power far from an outlet can be a real concern. Thankfully, the evolution of power banks has turned this potential issue into a non-issue for me. With a reliable power bank, all I need to do is ensure it's fully charged before I leave home, and I'm good to go, avoiding the risk of being stranded with a dead phone.
TL;DR – These Are the Best Power Banks:
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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
A quick search on Amazon reveals a plethora of power banks from lesser-known brands. While these devices are essentially large batteries and not overly complex, choosing a substandard one can lead to serious issues like battery swelling and overheating. It's crucial to opt for reputable brands. Anker, Belkin, and Mophie are known for their reliable power banks, and Energizer is also entering the market. Many modern power banks now support Qi wireless charging, which, while not essential, is a convenient feature, especially if you forget to bring a USB-C cable.
When selecting a power bank, the most important factor is its capacity to keep your devices powered. A 20,000mAh battery pack can typically charge an iPhone twice and a tablet once before needing a recharge itself. For laptops, a power bank with at least 45W of output is necessary, with gaming laptops requiring even more. Having tested numerous power banks, I'm here to guide you in finding the perfect portable charger for your next trip.
Contributions by Danielle Abraham
Belkin Boost Charge Plus 10K
Best Power Bank
Our Top Pick### Belkin Boost Charge Plus 10K
1
This 10,000mAh power bank comes with built-in cables, eliminating the need to remember to pack 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 packing cables with the Belkin Boost Charge Plus 10K, which comes with integrated five-inch Lightning and USB-C cables. Belkin cleverly designed the cables to tuck away into slots on either side of the charger, ensuring they remain organized and tangle-free. Despite the added cables, the power bank remains compact, similar in size to a smartphone and weighing just half a pound.
While it's limited to the two built-in cables, most modern devices, including the latest iPhones, support USB-C charging, making this a non-issue for most users. With a 10,000mAh capacity, this power bank can recharge smartphones and some tablets effectively. It delivers a maximum output of 18W when charging one device via either cable, suitable for quickly charging iPhones to 50% in under 30 minutes. You can also charge two devices simultaneously, though the total output then drops to 23W. Additionally, it supports pass-through charging, allowing you to recharge the power bank and a device at the same time.
Anker 737 Laptop Charger
Best Power Bank for Charging Laptops
### Anker 737
2
This robust charger ensures your laptop stays 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 its 140W total output, sufficient for most laptops and some lower-end gaming laptops. Its 24,000mAh capacity can fully charge most laptops once or twice. However, its size is a notable downside; it's thicker than many laptops it charges and weighs 1.39lbs, which can add considerable weight to your bag.
Despite its bulk, the Anker 737 is invaluable for those working on the go, especially during events like CES, where I rely on it to keep my laptop running while writing in cabs or on the show floor, far from any power outlet.
Charmast Portable Charger
Best Budget Power Bank
### Charmast Portable Charger
4
This charger offers many features of the Mophie Powerstation Plus at half the price, though it's bulkier and charges more slowly. 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 can be pricey, often around $80, but the Charmast Portable Charger offers a 20,000mAh capacity for half the price, though with slower 20W output. It resembles the Belkin Boost Charge Plus 10K but is thicker and heavier, weighing 0.8lbs. While it takes longer to charge your phone (about an hour and a half instead of one hour), it's a great deal at a lower price point.
Anker MagGo Power Bank
Best Power Bank with Wireless Charging
### Anker MagGo
2
The Anker MagGo might not have the largest battery capacity, but it offers excellent wireless charging on the go. 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
While many power banks require a cable, fewer offer wireless charging, and even fewer do it well. Most use the first-generation Qi standard, limited to 7.5W, but the Anker MagGo supports the faster Qi2 standard at 15W, nearing the speed of 20W fast charging. Its compact size (0.58 inches thick and 0.44lbs) makes it easy to carry, though its 10,000mAh capacity limits it to one or two full iPhone charges.
Veektomx Mini Power Bank
Best Compact Power Bank
### Veektomx Mini Power Bank
0
A tiny yet powerful power bank with a 10,000mAh capacity and 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, fitting easily into a pocket and weighing just 5.8oz. Despite its size, it provides a 10,000mAh battery, sufficient for a full smartphone charge. It features three ports—USB-A, USB-C, and microUSB—for versatile charging options, all supporting fast charging up to 22.5W. Its durable plastic body and LED battery level indicator make it a convenient and affordable choice at around $25.
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, complete with 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 challenging, but the Jsaux Power Bank 20,000mAh 65W is an excellent accessory, providing at least one full charge for the gaming handheld. With a maximum output of 45W, it can fully charge the Steam Deck in about three hours. Its built-in USB-C cable is a convenient feature, and additional ports allow for multi-device charging, though simultaneous charging may reduce speeds slightly. Despite its bulk, weighing around 1lb, it's manageable and fits well into a bag. Jsaux also offers a ModCase for the Steam Deck, which perfectly integrates the power bank for seamless use.
Emperor of Gadgets Portable Power Bank
Best Power Bank for Nintendo Switch
### Emperor of Gadgets Portable Power Bank
0
Enhance your Nintendo Switch gaming with this 10,000mAh portable battery that straps onto the device, offering a built-in USB-C cable and additional ports. 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 ports for other accessories
CONS
- Adds bulk to Switch
The Nintendo Switch's battery life can be limited, especially during intense gaming sessions. The Emperor of Gadgets Portable Power Bank, designed specifically for the Switch, straps onto the device and doubles its playtime with its 10,000mAh capacity. It charges at 15W, which is adequate for the Switch's 18W maximum, and includes a built-in USB-C cable for convenience. This power bank is versatile enough to charge other devices as well, making it a great accessory for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.
What to Look for in a Power Bank
Capacity
Capacity is the most crucial specification when choosing a portable charger, measured in milliamp-hours (mAh). With most flagship phones boasting around 3,000mAh batteries, a power bank with at least this capacity can effectively double your phone's battery life. Most modern portable chargers have a capacity of 10,000mAh or higher, which can provide multiple charges. Keep in mind that some power is lost during transfer, so you won't get the full capacity stated.
Ports and charging speeds
Chargers vary in their capabilities, with some supporting higher voltages and amperages using standards like Power Delivery (PD). It's essential to match 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, with 30W being preferable for larger batteries. For iPads, a minimum of 30W is recommended, while laptops require 45W or more to keep up with their power consumption. Consider the charger's input speed as well; a high-capacity battery with slow input will take longer to recharge.
Power Bank FAQ
Should you drain your power bank before charging it again?
No, it's not necessary to fully drain lithium-based batteries found in most power banks. Doing so can damage the battery and reduce its capacity. Instead, charge your power bank before it's completely depleted or every few months if it's not in use.
Can you bring portable power banks on a plane?
Yes, you can bring power banks on a plane as long as they use lithium-ion or lithium metal batteries. They must be in your carry-on luggage due to the fire risk associated with checked bags. The TSA limits them to 100Wh or around 27,000mAh, so a standard 10,000mAh charger is generally fine.
How long do power banks last?
The lifespan of a power bank depends on usage, build quality, and capacity. High-quality brands like Anker and Belkin typically last 2 to 4 years, while cheaper models can vary. Higher-capacity batteries tend to last longer. To extend the life of your charger, avoid overcharging, store it in a cool, dry place, and charge it fully every three months.
