As someone who travels frequently across the country with a bag packed full of tech gadgets, the challenge of keeping everything charged can be daunting, especially when I'm far from an outlet. Fortunately, the evolution of power banks has made this issue a thing of the past. With the right power bank, all I need to do is ensure it's fully charged before I leave home, and I can enjoy uninterrupted power for my devices on the go.
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
While a quick search on Amazon will reveal hundreds of power banks from lesser-known brands, it's crucial to choose a reliable one. Issues like battery swelling and overheating can occur with substandard units, which is something to avoid at all costs. Leading brands like Anker, Belkin, and Mophie have established themselves as trustworthy sources for power banks, with Energizer now joining the fray. The convenience of wireless charging is becoming more common in these devices, adding an extra layer of flexibility, especially if you forget to pack a USB-C cable.
When selecting a power bank, the most critical factor is its capacity. A 20,000mAh battery pack can typically provide about two full charges for an iPhone and one for a tablet. For laptop charging, a power bank with at least 45W output is essential, with gaming laptops requiring even higher output. Having used numerous power banks over the years, I'm well-versed in what to look for and am here to guide you in choosing the best one for your travels.
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 integrated cables, eliminating the need to remember them. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsCapacity10,000mAhTotal output23WPorts1 x USB-C, 1 x LightningSize6.1" x 2.9" x 0.7"Weight0.5lbPROSIntegrated USB-C and Lightning cablesAbility to charge multiple devicesCONSNo additional ports for other devicesOpt for a power bank with built-in cables to avoid the hassle of forgetting them. The Belkin Boost Charge Plus 10K features five-inch integrated 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 charger for organized storage. Despite the cables, this power bank remains compact, similar in size to a smartphone and weighing only half a pound.
While limited to these two cables, the power bank is versatile enough for most devices, especially those supporting USB-C charging. Its 10,000mAh capacity provides ample power for smartphones and some tablets. With a maximum output of 18W for single-device charging, it's not suitable for laptops, but can get an iPhone to 50% in under 30 minutes. It supports simultaneous charging of two devices at a total output of 23W and features pass-through charging.
Anker 737 Laptop Charger
Best Power Bank for Charging Laptops
### Anker 737
2This robust charger keeps 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"Weight1.39lbPROSHigh wattage for rapid chargingInformational displayCONSSignificant sizeLaptops demand more power than smartphones or tablets, requiring robust charging solutions like the Anker 737. With a total output of 140W, it's capable of charging most laptops and some gaming models. Coupled with a 24,000mAh capacity, it can fully charge laptops one or two times.
The downside is its size; at 6.13 inches tall and 1.95 inches thick, it's larger than many laptops. Weighing 1.39lbs, it adds considerable weight to your bag. However, its utility is undeniable when working remotely, particularly at events like CES, where power outlets are scarce.
Charmast Portable Charger
Best Budget Power Bank
### Charmast Portable Charger
4This charger offers many features of the Mophie Powerstation Plus at half the cost, though it's bulkier and 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 for remaining powerCONSSlightly bulkyReliable power banks can be pricey, often costing around $80. The Charmast power bank, however, offers a 20,000mAh capacity at half the price, despite a lower 20W output. It's larger and charges slower than premium models, but at an hour and a half to charge a phone, it's a worthwhile trade-off for the price.
Anker MagGo Power Bank
Best Power Bank with Wireless Charging
### Anker MagGo
2The Anker MagGo may have a modest battery capacity, but its wireless charging capabilities are exceptional. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsCapacity10,000mAhTotal output15W (Qi2), 30W (USB-C)Ports1 x USB-CSize4.09" x 2.78" x 0.58"Weight0.44lbPROSPortable and lightweightQi2 wireless charging at 15WCONS10,000mAh capacityWhile many power banks support wired charging, few offer wireless charging effectively. Most use the older Qi standard, limited to 7.5W, but the Anker MagGo uses Qi2 for 15W output, closely matching fast-charging speeds. Its portability is unmatched, weighing just 0.44lbs and being only 0.58 inches thick. However, with a 10,000mAh capacity, it offers one or two iPhone charges.
Veektomx Mini Power Bank
Best Compact Power Bank
### Veektomx Mini Power Bank
0This compact yet powerful power bank offers a 10,000mAh capacity and 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"Weight0.36lbPROSCompact sizeLED battery indicatorCONSIncludes older microUSBWhile most power banks are already portable, the Veektomx Mini Power Bank stands out for its size, resembling a deck of cards but thinner and weighing just 5.8oz. Despite its small form, it delivers a full charge to most smartphones with its 10,000mAh battery.
It features three charging ports: USB-A, USB-C, and microUSB, with fast charging capabilities of 18W to 22.5W. It's built tough with a solid plastic body and an LED battery level indicator, all for around $25.
Jsaux Power Bank 20,000mAh 65W
Best Power Bank for Steam Deck
### JSAUX Power Bank 20000mAh 65W
0Charge your Steam Deck and other devices quickly with this 65W charger, 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, but the Jsaux Power Bank 20,000mAh 65W is an excellent accessory, providing at least one full charge. With a 45W charging speed, it can fully charge the Steam Deck in about three hours. A built-in USB-C cable makes it convenient for travel, while additional ports allow for multi-device charging.
Though bulkier, weighing about 1lb and an inch thick, it's manageable and can be attached to the Steam Deck with a ModCase. It's also compatible 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 straps onto your Switch, offering a built-in USB-C 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 portsCONSAdds some bulk to SwitchWith the Switch offering about nine hours of battery life, a portable charger is essential. The Emperor of Gadgets power bank, designed for the Switch, straps on to extend playtime with its 10,000mAh capacity. It supports 15W charging, sufficient for the Switch, and includes an integrated USB-C cable. It's versatile enough for other devices, including the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.
What to Look for in a Power Bank
Capacity
Capacity is the most crucial spec in a portable charger, measured in milliamp-hours (mAh). For smartphones with 3,000mAh batteries, a 10,000mAh charger can provide three or more charges. Keep in mind some power loss during transfer, so the full capacity isn't always available.
Ports and charging speeds
Chargers vary in their capabilities, with some supporting higher voltages and amperages, like Power Delivery (PD). Match the charger's output with your device's charging speed, and check which ports offer those speeds. For smartphones, 20W to 30W is ideal for quick charging. For iPads, 30W is a minimum, and laptops require 45W to 60W. Consider the charger's input speed as well, as a large capacity 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 power banks. 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 a plane if they use lithium-ion or lithium metal batteries. They must be in carry-on luggage, not checked bags, due to fire risk. The TSA limits them to 100Wh or about 27,000mAh, so a standard 10,000mAh charger is well within limits.
How long do power banks last?
Power bank longevity depends on usage, quality, and capacity. Brands like Anker and Belkin typically last 2 to 4 years. Cheaper models may 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.
