As a frequent traveler across the country, I understand the challenge of keeping my tech gadgets charged, especially when far from an outlet. Thankfully, the evolution of power banks has made this issue nearly obsolete. With a reliable power bank, I ensure it's fully charged before I leave home, which usually prevents me from being stranded with a dead phone.
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
A quick search on Amazon reveals hundreds of power banks from lesser-known brands. While these devices are essentially large batteries and may seem straightforward, opting for a substandard product can lead to serious issues, such as overheating or swelling. It's crucial to choose reputable brands like Anker, Belkin, and Mophie, which have established themselves as leaders in reliable power bank technology. The entry of Energizer into this market further broadens the trusted options available. One exciting advancement is the integration of Qi wireless charging in many power banks, offering a convenient feature for those who might forget their USB-C cables.
When selecting a power bank, capacity is key. A 20,000mAh battery pack can typically charge an iPhone twice and a tablet once before needing a recharge. For laptops, especially gaming models, a power bank with at least 45W of output is necessary to meet their higher power demands.
Through extensive experience with various power banks, I've developed a keen eye for what makes a portable charger stand out. Let me guide you in finding the perfect power bank for your next adventure.
Contributions by Danielle Abraham
Belkin Boost Charge Plus 10K
Best Power Bank
Our Top Pick### Belkin Boost Charge Plus 10K
1This 10,000mAh power bank comes with built-in cables, eliminating the worry of forgetting them. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsCapacity10,000mAhTotal output23WPorts1 x USB-C, 1 x LightningSize6.1" x 2.9" x 0.7"Weight0.5lbPROSHas a USB-C and Lightning cable built inCharges multiple devices CONSDoesn't have additional ports for other devicesThe Belkin Boost Charge Plus 10K simplifies your charging needs with its integrated five-inch Lightning and USB-C cables. Belkin smartly designed the cables to tuck away neatly into slots on either side of the charger, maintaining a compact size comparable to a smartphone and weighing just half a pound. Although limited to these two cables, the power bank supports most modern devices, including the latest iPhones, making it versatile for the majority of users.
With a 10,000mAh capacity, it offers ample power to recharge smartphones and some tablets. The maximum output is 18W when charging a single device, which is sufficient for quick charging, bringing an iPhone to 50% in under 30 minutes. It supports simultaneous charging of two devices at a total output of 23W and includes pass-through charging, allowing you to recharge the power bank and another device simultaneously.
Anker 737 Laptop Charger
Best Power Bank for Charging Laptops
### Anker 737
2This robust charger is ideal for keeping your laptop powered throughout the day. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsCapacity24,000mAhTotal output140WPorts1 x USB-C, 1 x USB-ASize6.13" x 2.15" x 1.95"Weight1.39lbPROSTons of wattage for fast chargingInformational display CONSIt's BIGLaptops require more power than phones or tablets, and the Anker 737 meets this demand with a 140W total output, suitable for most laptops and even some gaming models. Its 24,000mAh capacity can fully charge most laptops one or two times.
Despite its impressive capabilities, the Anker 737 is quite large, measuring 6.13 inches tall and 1.95 inches thick, and weighing 1.39lbs. While this bulkiness can be a drawback, it's invaluable for those working remotely, ensuring you never run out of power during crucial projects, such as at events like CES where power outlets are scarce.
Charmast Portable Charger
Best Budget Power Bank
### Charmast Portable Charger
4This affordable charger offers features similar to the Mophie Powerstation Plus at half the cost, though it's bulkier and charges slower. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsCapacity20,000mAhTotal output20WPorts1 x USB-C/Micro combo, 1 x Lightning, 1 x USB-A Size5.91" x 2.83" x 1.09"Weight368gPROS20W fast chargingDigital display showing remaining powerCONSA little bulkyQuality power banks can be expensive, often around $80, but the Charmast Portable Charger offers a 20,000mAh capacity for half that price. Its 20W output supports fast charging, though it's slower than premium models. Its design resembles the Belkin Boost Charge Plus 10K but is thicker and heavier, weighing about 0.8lbs. While it may take longer to charge your device, the cost savings make it an attractive option.
Anker MagGo Power Bank
Best Power Bank with Wireless Charging
### Anker MagGo
2The Anker MagGo may have a smaller battery capacity, but its Qi2 wireless charging capability at 15W is a significant advantage. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsCapacity10,000mAhTotal output15W (Qi2), 30W (USB-C)Ports1 x USB-CSize4.09" x 2.78" x 0.58"Weight0.44lbPROSExtremely portable and lightweightQi2 wireless charging at 15WCONSOnly 10,000mAHWireless charging power banks are less common, and those using the older Qi standard are limited to 7.5W. The Anker MagGo, however, supports Qi2, offering 15W output for faster wireless charging. Its compact size and lightweight design at 0.44lbs and 0.58 inches thick make it highly portable. While the 10,000mAh capacity might limit you to one or two full charges of an iPhone, the fast charging via both wireless and USB-C ports compensates.
Veektomx Mini Power Bank
Best Compact Power Bank
### Veektomx Mini Power Bank
0This tiny yet powerful charger offers a 10,000mAh capacity with three charging ports. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsCapacity10,000mAhTotal output22.5WPorts1 x USB-C, 1 x USB-A, 1 x MicroUSBSize4.2" x 2.7" x 0.6"Weight0.36lbPROSUltra-compact dimensionsLED battery indicatorCONSIncludes older microUSBThe Veektomx Mini Power Bank is exceptionally compact, akin to a deck of cards but thinner, and weighs only 5.8oz. Despite its size, it packs a 10,000mAh battery, offering a full charge or more to most smartphones. It features three ports for versatility: USB-A, USB-C, and microUSB, with fast charging capabilities up to 22.5W and pass-through charging. Its robust plastic body and LED battery indicator enhance its appeal, all at a budget-friendly price around $25.
Jsaux Power Bank 20,000mAh 65W
Best Power Bank for Steam Deck
### JSAUX Power Bank 20000mAh 65W
0This 65W charger is perfect for the Steam Deck and other devices, featuring a built-in USB-C cable and additional ports. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsCapacity20,000mAhTotal output65WPorts1 x USB-C (cable), 1 x USB-C, 2 x USB-ASize6.26" x 2.68" x 1"Weight1.1lbPROS65W PD supportBuilt-in USB-C cableCONSBulkier designThe Steam Deck's battery life can be a challenge, even with the OLED model's improvements. The Jsaux Power Bank with its 20,000mAh capacity and 65W output is an ideal solution, offering at least one full charge to the gaming handheld. With a built-in USB-C cable and additional ports, it's perfect for quick top-ups, charging the Steam Deck from 0% to 100% in about three hours. Its bulkier design is offset by the convenience of the Jsaux ModCase, which allows the power bank to attach directly to the Steam Deck. This power bank also works well with other handheld gaming PCs.
Emperor of Gadgets Portable Power Bank
Best Power Bank for Nintendo Switch
### Emperor of Gadgets Portable Power Bank
0This 10,000mAh portable battery can be strapped directly onto the Switch, offering a built-in USB-C cable and additional ports for other devices. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsCapacity10,000 mAhTotal output15WPorts1 x USB-C (cable), 1 x USB-C, 1 x USB-ASize5.3" x 2.8" x 0.7"Weight0.47lbPROSAttaches directly to SwitchIncludes USB-C cable and additional USB-A and USB-C ports to charge other accessoriesCONSAdds bulk to SwitchThe Nintendo Switch's battery life, which can last up to nine hours depending on usage, benefits greatly from a portable charger like the Emperor of Gadgets model. This power bank doubles the Switch's playtime with its 10,000mAh capacity and 15W output. It features a built-in USB-C cable that fits perfectly when attached to the Switch, minimizing bulk while maximizing convenience. It also includes additional ports for charging other devices and is compatible with the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.
What to Look for in a Power Bank
Capacity
Capacity is the most critical factor in a power bank, measured in milliamp-hours (mAh). A 3,000mAh capacity can double the battery life of most smartphones, though for portability, a higher capacity like 10,000mAh is standard, offering multiple charges on the go. Remember that some power is lost during transfer, so the actual capacity may be slightly less.
Ports and charging speeds
Chargers vary in their output capabilities, with some supporting standards like Power Delivery (PD) for faster charging. For smartphones, aim for at least 20W, with 30W being ideal for larger batteries. Tablets require at least 30W, and laptops need 45W or more to keep up with their power consumption. Consider the power bank's input speed as well, as this affects how quickly you can recharge the power bank itself.
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. In fact, doing so 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, you can bring power banks on planes as long as they use lithium-ion or lithium metal batteries. They must be in carry-on luggage or as a personal item, not in checked bags due to fire risk. The TSA limits them to 100Wh or around 27,000mAh, so standard 10,000mAh power banks are typically safe.
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 lifespan, avoid overcharging, store in a cool, dry place, and charge fully every three months.