Being far from an outlet when your phone drops to five percent is stressful. A portable power bank in your bag can solve that problem, but there are hundreds of models to choose from. We have spent years testing dozens of batteries and selected the best portable chargers for different needs, from a quick phone refill to keeping a laptop alive on a long workday.
Best power banks for 2026
Best MagSafe Power Bank: Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K)
The Anker MagGo Power Bank is one of the first Qi2-certified wireless chargers, and it brings real speed and convenience to magnetic power banks. It has a 10,000mAh capacity, 15W wireless output, one USB-C in/out port, and a built-in USB-C cable. In testing, it took an iPhone 15 from near-dead to 50 percent in about 45 minutes. The previous leader needed an hour and a half for the same result.
The pack also has an LCD display that shows remaining battery percentage and estimates for charge or discharge time. A strong magnetic connection lets you use the phone while charging, and the built-in kickstand is sturdy enough for landscape video watching or StandBy mode. New Pixel 10 phones with Qi2 support can also take advantage of the faster wireless speeds and magnetic alignment. The USB-C port is there for non-wireless devices. The main downside is that it costs more than many other MagSafe-compatible batteries.
Pros
- Fast Qi2 wireless charging
- Sturdy kickstand
- Clear LED display
Cons
- Expensive compared with other MagSafe packs
Best Portable Charger for Android: Anker Nano Battery (Foldable USB-C)
The Anker Nano Battery is a tiny 5,000mAh power bank with a built-in USB-C connector that folds away when not in use. That makes it an easy grab-and-go charger, especially for Android phones that charge over USB-C. It also has a second USB-C port for refilling the battery or charging a different device with an adapter cable. Four indicator lights show the remaining charge.
In testing, it recharged a depleted Galaxy S23 Ultra to 65 percent in about an hour. That is quick for such a small unit. The compact size also makes it handy for earbuds or other small gadgets. For those who need more power, Anker's 30W Nano Power Bank offers a 10,000mAh capacity, a built-in USB-C cable that doubles as a carry loop, and a small display.
Pros
- Very portable
- Affordable
Cons
- Small enough to lose in a bag
Best Low-Capacity Power Bank: Anker 10K Fusion
The Anker 10K Fusion solves two common problems: you need a cable and a wall adapter. It has a built-in USB-C cable and foldable wall prongs, so you can charge the bank itself without a separate adapter. Despite that, it is compact, roughly the width of a stick of butter, and still holds a 10,000mAh capacity.
With 30W output, it enabled Samsung's Super Fast Charging on a Galaxy S23 and took it from five percent to full in just over an hour. It also brought an iPhone 15 from near-dead to 45 percent in only 20 minutes, though it slowed down near the end of the iPhone charge. The display is accurate at showing the remaining percentage, and the corduroy-textured sides are a nice touch. The previous pick in this category, the BioLite Charge 40 PD, remains a solid choice, but this Anker model delivers faster charging and more features for a lower price.
Pros
- Built-in USB-C cable
- Built-in wall plug
- Accurate display
- Affordable
Cons
- iPhone charging is slower than some rivals
Best Medium Capacity Power Bank: Belkin BoostCharge 20K with Integrated Cable
Integrated cables are a convenient feature, and the Belkin BoostCharge 20K is one of the most affordable examples. It has a 20,000mAh capacity, 30W maximum output, a built-in magnetic USB-C cable, one USB-A port and one USB-C port. Four LED lights show the charge level.
It charged a Galaxy S24 Ultra from near-dead to full in one hour and fifteen minutes, and took an iPhone 15 from five percent to 87 percent in just over an hour. The 20,000mAh capacity means you can repeat those charges several times. You can charge three devices at once, but speeds will drop. The BoostCharge comes in black, blue, pink or white, and the matte finish is easy to keep clean. It is not the fastest battery in its class, but the price and capacity make it a strong value.
Pros
- Handy built-in USB-C cable
- Multiple color options
- Great capacity for the price
Cons
- Charging speed is not the fastest
Best Medium-High Capacity Power Bank: Nimble Champ Pro
The Nimble Champ Pro is a 20,000mAh power bank with two USB-C in/out ports and a maximum output of 65W. It delivered one of the fastest charges we tested, taking a Galaxy S23 Ultra from five percent to full in under an hour. It also provided nearly three full charges to an iPhone and a Galaxy device, and it can refill an iPad more than once.
Nimble is a certified B-Corp, and the Champ Pro uses 90 percent post-consumer recycled plastic. The packaging is made from paper scrap, and the company includes a bag for shipping back old batteries for recycling. The unit feels solid and compact, with a marbled finish from the recycled materials and a lanyard. Both USB-C ports can charge devices at the same time. The only issue was the four indicator lights, which underestimated the remaining charge during one test.
Pros
- Super fast charging
- Made from recycled materials
- Sturdy and compact
Cons
- Indicator lights can underestimate charge
Best Multi-Device Power Bank: BioLite Charge 100 Max
The BioLite Charge 100 Max is a 25,000mAh power bank with a 120W total output, four USB ports and a MagSafe-compatible 15W wireless charging pad. It can charge an iPhone about five times, a Galaxy S23 Ultra about four times, an iPad Air more than twice, and a MacBook Pro to about 75 percent in under an hour.
The design is compact and rounded, with a rubberized texture and yellow accents that stand out from typical black bricks. The magnetic wireless pad is strong enough to hold a phone in place, though you will want to keep it on a desk rather than carry it around while charging. The ten LED pips are accurate for checking remaining charge. BioLite is a climate-neutral-certified B-Corp that supports energy access programs around the world. The main downside is a higher price than similar-capacity batteries.
Pros
- Compact and colorful design
- Fast phone, tablet and laptop charging
- Climate-neutral certified company
Cons
- More expensive than comparable models
Best Laptop Power Bank: Anker Laptop Power Bank with Built-in Cable
This Anker model has a 25,000mAh capacity and a 165W maximum output. It includes two built-in USB-C cables: one on the side that works as a carry strap, and another retractable cord that extends up to two feet. Both cables support input and output, so you can charge a device or refill the battery itself.
The display shows remaining battery percentage, output wattage per port, and estimated time to full when recharging. The unit has a durable matte silver exterior, and it feels more rugged than earlier Anker Prime batteries. In testing, it charged an iPhone 15 four or five times, a Galaxy S23 Ultra in about 52 minutes, and a MacBook Pro to about 68 percent in 53 minutes. It costs only about 15 dollars more than Anker's popular PowerCore bank, and the built-in cables make it a better value.
Pros
- Two built-in USB-C cables
- Durable build
- Detailed charging display
- Fast charge delivery
Cons
- The screen picks up smudges easily
Best Premium Power Bank: Anker Prime Power Bank 26K 300W
Anker's Prime Power Bank packs 26,250mAh of capacity and a 300W combined output from two USB-C ports and one USB-A port. It can deliver up to 140W to each USB-C port, which is more than enough for high-powered laptops. In testing, it took an iPhone 15 from near-dead to 60 percent in just 30 minutes and delivered more charge to a MacBook Pro than any other battery we tested.
The display shows remaining charge, output power and battery temperature, which is useful for keeping an eye on lithium-ion heat. The design is sleek, with a glossy front panel and matte silver body. An optional charging base makes refilling the battery as simple as setting it down. The base costs extra and pushes the total above 300 dollars, but for users who want a truly premium setup, it is worth considering. The app connection works, but the on-device display already provides the most useful information.
Pros
- Extremely fast charging
- Sleek premium design
- Display shows charge and temperature
Cons
- Expensive, especially with the optional base
Best Power Bank for Outdoors: Nestout 15000mAh Outdoor Battery Power Bank
The Nestout portable charger has a 15,000mAh capacity, 32W maximum output, one USB-C in/out port, one USB-C input and one USB-A output. It is IP67-rated, meaning it can survive being submerged in about a meter of water for several minutes. In testing, a five-minute dunk in a bucket of water left the battery completely functional. Screw-on caps with silicone gaskets protect the ports, and the unit also survived multiple drops from chest height.
Charging speeds are not as fast as the Belkin 20K, but the Nestout still provided about three full charges for an iPhone 11 and more than one full charge for an iPad Air. The included cable is only seven inches long, so you will probably want a longer cord. Nestout also sells optional accessories, such as a clip-on work light, a small tripod, and a compact solar panel. The solar panel refilled the battery to 40 percent in under three hours, which is solid for a small panel.
Pros
- Waterproof when caps are closed
- Smart optional accessories
- Survived drop testing
Cons
- Not the fastest charging
- Included cable is very short
What to look for in a portable battery pack
Battery type
Most modern power banks use lithium-ion batteries. They offer a better size-to-capacity ratio than other common chemistries, and they have improved dramatically over the past decade. They also do not suffer from the memory effect that affected older rechargeable batteries.
Flying with portable batteries
Current TSA rules allow external batteries rated at 100Wh or less, which includes every pick in this guide. You can bring them on a plane, but only in carry-on luggage, not checked bags. Some airlines, including Southwest, now require passengers to keep power banks in clear view while using them to charge a device. If the pack is not in use, it can stay in a carry-on bag in the overhead bin.
Capacity
Capacity is listed in milliamp hours, or mAh. A 5,000mAh battery is good for a partial phone charge, while 10,000mAh packs will usually fill a phone once or twice. Batteries over 20,000mAh can charge tablets and laptops multiple times. Keep in mind that real-world capacity is lower than advertised because of heat loss and voltage conversion. In our tests, a 10,000mAh battery delivered roughly 5,800mAh to a phone, a 20,000mAh pack delivered about 11,250mAh, and a 25,000mAh pack delivered around 16,200mAh.
Wireless
Wireless charging is less efficient than wired charging, but it is very convenient. Qi2-certified power banks support 15W wireless speeds and magnetic alignment, which makes them much more useful than older magnetic chargers. Apple's MagSafe technology helped popularize the feature, and Google's Pixel 10 phones now support the same standard. The latest Qi2 25W standard is already appearing in newer phones and accessories.
Ports
USB-C ports are faster and more flexible than USB-A, but Type-A ports are still useful for older cables and accessories. Larger power banks may list different wattages for each port, so check the labels near the ports. The cable you use also matters: a 60W cable cannot deliver 100W speeds. Many of the best power banks now include built-in USB-C cables, which removes the worry of forgetting a cord.
Design
Power banks come in many colors, shapes and finishes now. Some have built-in stands, wall plugs, displays or magnetic charging pads. A good indicator of remaining charge is essential; most models use LED lights, but some newer ones have a digital display with a percentage readout. Choose a design that fits how you plan to use it, since you may be carrying it often.
How we test power banks
We test each battery with iPhones, Android phones, tablets and laptops. Devices are drained to between zero and five percent, then charged until they are full or the battery dies. We record charge times, total charges delivered, and note any features that make the pack easier to use. We also check the accuracy of displays and indicator lights. Our testing devices have included the iPhone 11, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 15, iPhone 16, Galaxy S22 Ultra, iPad Air and a 16-inch MacBook Pro. Because new batteries appear regularly, this guide is updated as products are released.
Other power banks we tested
Belkin Stage PowerGrip
The Belkin Stage PowerGrip is a 9,300mAh power bank with a wireless charging pad, a built-in cable, a Bluetooth shutter button and a tripod thread. It works like a camera grip for iPhone photography. As a charger, it is slow, taking about two hours to charge an iPhone 16 from three to 98 percent, but it is still useful for a full day of shooting.
Anker MagGo for Apple Watch Power Bank
This 10,000mAh battery combines a USB-C cable with a pop-up Apple Watch charger. It is a niche product, but it saved us on a few trips by refilling an Apple Watch before a hike and during a week away from home. It also charges a phone with its built-in cable.
HyperJuice 245W
Hyper's 27,000mAh power bank is sleek and fast, with four USB-C ports and 245W output. It charged a Galaxy S24 Ultra in just over an hour. However, it costs the same as some rivals with better port variety and built-in cables.
EcoFlow Rapid Magnetic Power Bank
The EcoFlow Rapid is a Qi2-enabled 5,000mAh magnetic charger with a pull-out stand and attached USB-C cable. It looks and feels premium, but it did not outperform the Anker MagGo in charging speed or total delivered charge.
Mophie Snap+ Powerstation Mini
The Mophie Snap+ Powerstation Mini is well built and compact, but its 5,000mAh capacity means only a partial charge for most newer phones. Our top MagSafe pick has double the capacity, a stand and a display for only 20 dollars more.
Power bank FAQs
What is the difference between a portable power bank and a portable charger?
The terms are interchangeable. Power banks, portable chargers, external battery packs and USB chargers all refer to the same thing: a lithium-ion battery that stores power for recharging phones, tablets, earbuds, controllers, laptops and other devices. What matters is capacity, size, weight and output ports.
Does fast charging ruin your battery?
Not exactly. Heat is the main enemy of battery longevity, and fast charging generates more heat. Modern phones use heat shields, heat sinks and software to keep temperatures in check. Studies on electric-vehicle batteries show only a slight capacity decrease from regular fast charging, with ambient heat making a bigger difference. In practice, the safeguards in today's devices make the impact negligible for most users.
Can you use one power bank for all your devices?
It depends on capacity and port compatibility. A 5,000mAh battery is best for phones and small gadgets, while a 20,000mAh or larger pack can partially charge a laptop. Most devices with a USB port will work. Very large power stations can power appliances with AC outlets, but they are too big for air travel.
Source:Engadget News