As someone who's always on the move across the country, I find that having a bag packed with tech essentials is a necessity. The challenge I often face is keeping all my devices powered up, especially when I'm far from an electrical outlet. Thankfully, the evolution of power banks has been a game-changer for me. They're now so efficient and compact that running out of power is rarely an issue. I just make sure to charge my power bank before I hit the road, and I'm good to 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
A quick search on Amazon will reveal a vast array of power banks from brands you might not recognize. While these devices are essentially large batteries and relatively simple, choosing a subpar one can lead to serious issues like overheating or swelling. It's crucial to opt for reputable brands such as Anker, Belkin, and Mophie, which are known for their reliable power banks. Even Energizer is now entering the market, bringing even more options. The convenience of wireless charging is becoming increasingly common, which is a fantastic feature if you ever forget your USB-C cable.
When selecting a power bank, capacity is key. A 20,000mAh battery can generally provide about two full charges for an iPhone and at least one for a tablet. For laptops, a power bank with a minimum output of 45W is essential, especially for gaming laptops which require even more power.
With extensive experience testing various power banks, I'm here to guide you in choosing the perfect portable charger 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 built-in cables, ensuring you never forget them at home. 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
- Built-in USB-C and Lightning cables
- Can charge multiple devices simultaneously
CONS
- No additional ports for other devices
Forget the hassle of carrying extra cables by choosing a power bank with built-in options. The Belkin Boost Charge Plus 10K comes with integrated five-inch Lightning and USB-C cables, simplifying your charging needs. Worried about cable management? Belkin has you covered with a design that allows each cable to tuck neatly into slots on either side of the charger, keeping everything organized. Despite the cables, the power bank remains compact, similar in size to a smartphone and weighing just half a pound.
While limited to these two cables, this shouldn't be a problem for most users since the latest iPhones and many other devices support USB-C charging. With a 10,000mAh capacity, this power pack has enough juice to charge smartphones and some tablets. It offers a maximum output of 18W per device on either cable, making it unsuitable for laptops but ideal for quickly charging iPhones to 50% in under 30 minutes. It also supports charging two devices at once, dropping the total output to 23W, and allows pass-through charging via the USB-C port.
Anker 737 Laptop Charger
Best Power Bank for Charging Laptops
### Anker 737
2This robust charger keeps your laptop powered all 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
- High wattage for fast charging
- Informational display
CONS
- Bulky design
Laptops demand more power than smartphones or tablets, and the Anker 737 meets this need with its 140W output, suitable for most laptops and even some gaming models. With a 24,000mAh capacity, it can fully charge most laptops one or two times.
The downside is its size; at 6.13 inches tall and 1.95 inches thick, it's larger than most laptops it's designed to charge. Weighing 1.39lbs, it can add considerable weight to your bag. However, its bulk is justified when you're working remotely and need a reliable power source, especially in scenarios like CES where power outlets are scarce.
Charmast Portable Charger
Best Budget Power Bank
### Charmast Portable Charger
4This affordable charger offers similar features to the Mophie Powerstation Plus at half the cost, albeit with more bulk and slower charging. 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 bit bulky
Quality power banks often come with a hefty price tag, typically around $80. However, the Charmast Portable Charger offers a 20,000mAh capacity at half the price, though it's limited to 20W output. This is still enough for fast charging but not as fast as premium options.
Resembling the Belkin Boost Charge Plus 10K, it's slightly thicker and heavier at about 1-inch thick and 0.8lbs. While you sacrifice some speed and compactness, the cost savings are significant, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious consumers.
Anker MagGo Power Bank
Best Power Bank with Wireless Charging
### Anker MagGo
2The Anker MagGo may have a smaller battery capacity, but it excels in providing efficient 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 capacity
Wireless charging power banks are less common, and even fewer are effective. Most use the older Qi standard, limited to 7.5W, which charges devices slowly. The Anker MagGo supports Qi2, offering up to 15W, nearing the speed of 20W fast charging.
Its portability is unmatched, weighing just 0.44lbs and being only 0.58 inches thick, perfect for any bag. The trade-off is its 10,000mAh capacity, which offers one or two full iPhone charges. However, it charges quickly, whether wirelessly or via the USB-C port, which supports up to 30W.
Veektomx Mini Power Bank
Best Compact Power Bank
### Veektomx Mini Power Bank
0This tiny yet powerful 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
While most power banks are already portable, the Veektomx Mini Power Bank stands out for its extreme compactness. It's about the size of a deck of cards but thinner and weighs only 5.8oz. Despite its size, it packs a 10,000mAh battery, capable of fully charging most smartphones.
It features three charging ports for versatility: USB-A, USB-C, and microUSB, each supporting fast charging up to 22.5W. It also supports pass-through charging, allowing you to recharge the power bank while using it. The robust plastic body and LED battery indicator enhance its appeal, 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 quickly with this 65W power bank 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, even with the improved Steam Deck OLED. The Jsaux Power Bank 20,000mAh 65W is an essential accessory, offering a 20,000mAh capacity to keep your gaming handheld powered during critical moments.
With a 45W max charging speed for the Steam Deck, this power bank can fully charge it in about three hours. It features a built-in USB-C cable, eliminating the need to carry an extra one. Additional USB-C and USB-A ports allow for multi-device charging, though at slightly reduced speeds.
While a bit bulkier at 1lb and 1-inch thick, it's still manageable and fits well in a bag. Jsaux also offers a ModCase for the Steam Deck, with a strap to attach the power bank securely, ensuring the integrated cable reaches the handheld's port effortlessly.
If you're using a different handheld gaming PC, this power bank is equally effective.
Emperor of Gadgets Portable Power Bank
Best Power Bank for Nintendo Switch
### Emperor of Gadgets Portable Power Bank
0Enhance your Nintendo Switch experience with this 10,000mAh portable battery that attaches directly to it, featuring 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
CONS
- Adds bulk to Switch
The Nintendo Switch's battery life can be limiting, particularly with demanding games. The Emperor of Gadgets Portable Power Bank is designed specifically for the Switch, attaching directly to it and adding minimal bulk while doubling your playtime with its 10,000mAh capacity.
With a 15W output, it charges the Switch quickly, and the integrated USB-C cable is perfectly sized to reach the handheld's port. This power bank is versatile enough to work with other devices, including the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, and includes additional USB-C and USB-A ports for charging other accessories.
For a different approach, consider great Switch battery cases.
What to Look for in a Power Bank
Capacity
Capacity is the most crucial aspect of a power bank. Measured in milliamp-hours (mAh), a power bank should ideally match or exceed the battery capacity of your device. Most flagship smartphones have around 3,000mAh batteries, so a 10,000mAh power bank can provide multiple charges. Keep in mind that some energy is lost during transfer, so the actual capacity might be slightly less.
Ports and charging speeds
Different chargers offer varying levels of performance. Some support advanced standards like Power Delivery (PD) for faster charging. Match the charger's output capabilities with your device's supported charging speeds. For smartphones, aim for at least 20W, ideally 30W, for quick charging. For iPads, 30W is a minimum, and for laptops, 45W or 60W is necessary. Also, consider the power bank's input speed to ensure quick recharging.
Power Bank FAQ
Should you drain your power bank before charging it again?
No, you don't need to fully drain lithium-based batteries found in power banks. In fact, fully discharging them can damage the battery, reducing its capacity. Charge your power bank before it's completely depleted or at least 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 as long as they use lithium-ion or lithium-metal batteries. They must be in your 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 fine.
How long do power banks last?
The lifespan of a power bank varies based on usage, build quality, and capacity. High-quality brands like Anker and Belkin typically last 2 to 4 years. Lower-cost models can last similarly but are less predictable. Higher-capacity batteries tend to last longer. To extend the life of your power bank, avoid overcharging, store it in a cool, dry place, and charge it fully every three months.
