As someone who travels extensively across the country, I often find my bag brimming with tech gadgets. The challenge of keeping everything charged, especially when far from an outlet, used to be daunting. However, the evolution of power banks has transformed this issue into a manageable one. By ensuring my power bank is fully charged before I leave, I can comfortably avoid the inconvenience of a dead device while on the move.
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 AmazonA quick browse on Amazon reveals hundreds of power banks from lesser-known brands. While these devices are essentially large batteries and seem simple, opting for a substandard model can lead to serious issues like battery swelling and overheating, which you definitely want to avoid.
Today, brands like Anker, Belkin, and Mophie are recognized for their reliable power banks, with Energizer also making strides in this market. The variety of options has led to advancements like Qi wireless charging on the go, which, while not essential, adds a convenient feature, especially if you forget your USB-C cable.
When selecting a power bank, the most critical factor is ensuring it has sufficient capacity to keep your devices powered. 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 necessary, with gaming laptops requiring even more.
Having used numerous power banks, I understand what to look for and aim to guide you in finding the ideal portable charger for your next journey.
Contributions by Danielle Abraham
Our Top Pick### Belkin Boost Charge Plus 10K
1This 10,000mAh power bank comes with built-in cables, eliminating the need to carry extra ones. 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 cablesCan charge multiple devicesCONSLimited to two built-in portsForget the hassle of packing cables and opt for a power bank with them built-in. The Belkin Boost Charge Plus 10K includes five-inch integrated Lightning and USB-C cables for ease of use. Belkin ensures the cables stay organized with dedicated slots on either side of the charger, maintaining its compact size, similar to a smartphone, and weighing just half a pound.
While the power bank is restricted to these two cables, most modern devices, including the latest iPhones, support USB-C charging, making it suitable for the majority of users. The 10,000mAh capacity can recharge smartphones and some tablets effectively. With a maximum output of 18W per cable, it's not ideal for laptops, but iPhones can reach 50% in under 30 minutes. Simultaneous charging of two devices is possible, though it reduces the total output to 23W. It also supports pass-through charging, allowing you to recharge the battery pack via the USB-C port while using the Lightning or USB-C cable.
### Anker 737
2This robust charger will keep 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 fast chargingIncludes an informational displayCONSLarger sizeLaptops require more power than phones or tablets, and the Anker 737 meets this need with a 140W total output, suitable for most laptops and some gaming models. With 24,000mAh of power, it can fully charge a laptop one or two times.
The downside is its size; at 6.13 inches tall and 1.95 inches thick, it's bulkier than most laptops. Weighing 1.39lbs, it adds significant weight to your bag. However, it's invaluable for professionals on the move, especially during events like CES, where power outlets are scarce.
### Charmast Portable Charger
4This portable charger offers many features of 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 powerCONSSlightly bulkierHigh-quality power banks can be expensive, often around $80, but you can find a good alternative at half the price by compromising on some features. The Charmast power bank, with its 20,000mAh capacity, can charge your phone multiple times, though its output is limited to 20W, slower than premium models.
Resembling the Belkin Boost Charge Plus 10K, it's thicker and weighs about 0.8lbs, offering more power for less but at a slower charging rate. At half the price, the trade-off for a slightly longer charging time (about an hour and a half versus one hour) is worth considering.
### Anker MagGo
2The Anker MagGo may not have the largest capacity, but it excels in providing efficient wireless charging on the go. 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 lightweightSupports Qi2 wireless charging at 15WCONSLimited to 10,000mAhWhile many power banks require a cable, few offer wireless charging, and even fewer do it well. Most use the older Qi standard, limited to 7.5W, but the Anker MagGo supports Qi2, delivering 15W, nearly as fast as the typical 20W wired charging.
The MagGo is highly portable, weighing just 0.44lbs and only 0.58 inches thick, perfect for any bag. However, its capacity is limited to 10,000mAh, offering one or two full iPhone charges. Still, it charges quickly, whether wirelessly or via the USB-C port.
### Veektomx Mini Power Bank
0This tiny yet powerful power bank features 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"Weight0.36lbPROSUltra-compact sizeLED battery indicatorCONSIncludes older microUSBThe Veektomx Mini Power Bank is one of the smallest yet powerful options available. It's pocket-sized, weighing only 5.8oz, yet still provides a 10,000mAh battery, enough for a full smartphone charge and more.
Despite its small size, it offers three charging ports: USB-A, USB-C, and microUSB, with fast charging capabilities from 18W to 22.5W and pass-through charging. Its durable plastic body with ribbing prevents drops, and an LED indicator shows battery levels. At around $25, it's a fantastic value.
### JSAUX Power Bank 20000mAh 65W
0Charge your Steam Deck and other devices quickly with this 65W power bank, 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 challenging, but the Jsaux Power Bank 20,000mAh 65W ensures you stay powered during gameplay. With a 20,000mAh capacity, it can charge the Steam Deck at least once, reaching full charge in about three hours.
A built-in USB-C cable simplifies charging on the go, while additional USB-C and USB-A ports allow for multi-device charging, albeit at slightly reduced speeds. Despite its bulkiness, weighing around 1lb and an inch thick, it's manageable and can be attached to the Steam Deck with Jsaux's ModCase. It's also compatible with other handheld gaming PCs.
### Emperor of Gadgets Portable Power Bank
0Enhance your Switch gameplay with this 10,000mAh portable battery that straps onto it, featuring a built-in USB-C and additional ports. 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 bulk to SwitchThe Nintendo Switch's battery life can be limiting, but the Emperor of Gadgets power bank doubles your playtime with its 10,000mAh capacity. It straps onto the Switch, adding minimal bulk, and charges at 15W, suitable for the Switch's 18W limit.
The integrated USB-C cable is perfectly sized for the Switch's port, eliminating the need for an extra cable. It's versatile enough to work with other devices, including the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.
The most crucial aspect of a power bank is its capacity, measured in milliamp-hours (mAh). For smartphones with around 3,000mAh batteries, a power bank should have at least that capacity to double your phone's life. Most power banks today offer 10,000mAh or more, providing multiple charges on the go, though some power is lost during transfer.
Different chargers have varying outputs, with some supporting standards like Power Delivery (PD) for faster charging. For smartphones, at least 20W is recommended, with 30W preferred for larger batteries. For iPads, a minimum of 30W is advisable, and laptops require 45W or 60W to outpace their power consumption. Consider the charger's input speed as well; a slow-charging 20,000mAh battery will take longer to recharge.
No, it's not necessary to fully drain lithium-based batteries in power banks. Doing so can damage them and reduce their capacity. Instead, recharge before the battery is completely depleted or every few months if unused.
Yes, you can bring power banks on a plane in your carry-on luggage, as long as they use lithium-ion or lithium metal batteries. TSA limits are around 100Wh or 27,000mAh, so a standard 10,000mAh power bank is typically fine.
The lifespan of a power bank varies based on usage, quality, and capacity, typically lasting 2 to 4 years for reputable brands like Anker and Belkin. Higher-capacity batteries often last longer. To extend their life, avoid overcharging, store them in a cool, dry place, and charge them fully every three months.
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