As a frequent traveler across the country, I'm always on the move with a bag packed full of tech gadgets. One of the biggest challenges I face is keeping my devices charged, especially when I'm far from an outlet. Fortunately, the evolution of power banks has made this a non-issue for me. By ensuring my power bank is fully charged before I hit the road, I can confidently avoid the frustration of a dead phone during my travels.
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
With a quick search on Amazon, you'll discover hundreds of power banks from brands you might not recognize. While these devices are essentially large batteries and relatively simple, choosing a subpar product can lead to serious issues like overheating or swelling. It's crucial to select a reliable brand to avoid such hazards.
Brands like Anker, Belkin, and Mophie have established themselves as leaders in producing dependable power banks. Energizer is also entering the market, expanding the options available. A notable trend is the inclusion of Qi wireless charging capabilities in many of these power banks, adding convenience, especially if you forget to pack a USB-C cable.
The most critical factor when choosing a power bank is its capacity. A 20,000mAh battery can typically provide about two full charges for an iPhone and one for a tablet. For laptops, especially gaming ones, a power bank with at least 45W output is essential to meet their higher power demands.
Having tested numerous power banks, I've gained insight into what makes a great portable charger. My goal is to guide you in selecting the perfect power bank 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 carry extra ones. The integrated Lightning and USB-C cables make it incredibly user-friendly. Belkin has thoughtfully designed the cables to tuck away neatly into slots on the sides, maintaining a sleek and organized look even when not in use. Despite the added cables, the power bank remains compact, similar in size to a smartphone and weighing just half a pound.
The limitation is that it only supports charging through these two cables, potentially requiring an adapter for less common devices. However, this isn't a concern for most users, as USB-C charging is widely supported. With a 10,000mAh capacity, it's well-suited for charging smartphones and some tablets. It offers a maximum output of 18W per device, which can charge an iPhone to 50% in less than 30 minutes. You can charge two devices simultaneously, though the total output drops to 23W. The power bank also supports pass-through charging, allowing you to recharge the bank and another device at the same time.
Anker 737 Laptop Charger
Best Power Bank for Charging Laptops
### Anker 737
2
Laptops demand more power than phones or tablets, and the Anker 737 meets this need with its 140W total output, suitable for most laptops and some gaming models. Coupled with a 24,000mAh capacity, it can charge a laptop fully once or twice.
The downside is its size; it's larger and heavier than most laptops, standing at 6.13 inches tall and 1.95 inches thick, weighing 1.39lbs. This bulkiness can add significant weight to your travel bag. However, its utility in keeping your laptop powered during long work sessions, especially at events like CES, makes it invaluable.
Charmast Portable Charger
Best Budget Power Bank
### Charmast Portable Charger
4
Quality power banks can be pricey, often around $80, but the Charmast Portable Charger offers similar features at half the cost. It boasts a 20,000mAh capacity and supports 20W fast charging, though it's bulkier and charges slower than premium models.
Resembling the Belkin Boost Charge Plus 10K, it's about an inch thick and weighs 0.8lbs. While it may take an hour and a half to charge your phone, the lower price makes it a compelling choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Anker MagGo Power Bank
Best Power Bank with Wireless Charging
### Anker MagGo
2
Wireless charging power banks are less common, and most use the slower first-generation Qi standard. The Anker MagGo, however, supports Qi2, offering a 15W output that's close to the 20W fast charging standard.
Its compact size (0.58 inches thick and 0.44lbs) makes it highly portable. While it has a 10,000mAh capacity, which provides one or two iPhone charges, its fast charging capabilities through both wireless and USB-C ports are a significant advantage.
Veektomx Mini Power Bank
Best Compact Power Bank
### Veektomx Mini Power Bank
0
For those seeking ultimate portability, the Veektomx Mini Power Bank is ideal. It's as small as a deck of cards, yet packs a 10,000mAh battery, offering a full charge for most smartphones.
Despite its size, it includes three charging ports (USB-A, USB-C, and microUSB), each supporting fast charging up to 22.5W. Its durable plastic body and LED battery level indicator enhance its practicality. Priced around $25, it's an affordable and efficient choice.
Jsaux Power Bank 20,000mAh 65W
Best Power Bank for Steam Deck
### JSAUX Power Bank 20000mAh 65W
0
The Steam Deck's battery life can be a challenge, but the Jsaux Power Bank 20,000mAh 65W is an excellent solution. With a 20,000mAh capacity and 65W output, it can fully charge the Steam Deck in about three hours.
It features a built-in USB-C cable and additional ports for charging other devices. Though slightly bulkier, its design allows it to attach to the Steam Deck using a ModCase, ensuring a seamless charging experience. 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
0
The Nintendo Switch's battery life can be limiting, but the Emperor of Gadgets Portable Power Bank extends playtime with its 10,000mAh capacity. It attaches directly to the Switch, adding minimal bulk while providing a 15W output for efficient charging.
An integrated USB-C cable and additional ports for other devices make it versatile. It's also compatible with the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, ensuring future-proofing for your gaming needs.
What to Look for in a Power Bank
Capacity
The capacity of a power bank, measured in milliamp-hours (mAh), is crucial. A 3,000mAh battery is standard in many smartphones, so a power bank with at least this capacity can double your device's battery life. Most power banks offer 10,000mAh or more, providing multiple charges on the go. Keep in mind that some power is lost during transfer, so the actual capacity might be slightly less than stated.
Ports and charging speeds
Charging capabilities vary among power banks, with some supporting higher voltages and amperages for faster charging. Standards like Power Delivery (PD) can maximize energy transfer. For phones, a minimum of 20W is recommended for quick charging, with 30W being ideal for larger batteries. For iPads, 30W is necessary, and for laptops, 45W to 60W is required to keep them running. Also, consider the power bank's input speed for recharging; a 20,000mAh battery with only 5W 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 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 it's 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 power banks to 100Wh or around 27,000mAh, so a standard 10,000mAh charger is generally acceptable.
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. Cheaper models may vary. To extend the life of your power bank, avoid overcharging, store it in a cool, dry place, and charge it fully every three months.