After spending weeks testing portable chargers — draining them, timing them, stuffing them in bags, and charging everything from iPhones to MacBooks — we've narrowed it down to the 10 best power banks you can buy right now. Whether you need something pocket-sized for commuting or a beast that can charge your laptop twice, we've got you covered.
Here's what actually matters when picking a portable charger: real-world capacity (not the inflated number on the box), charging speed under load, port selection, and whether you'll actually want to carry it. We tested all of these factors.
#1 Best Overall
Anker 737 Power Bank (PowerCore 24K)
★★★★★ 4.8/5
Price: $95–$110
The Anker 737 has been our top pick for over a year now, and nothing has knocked it off. The 24,000mAh capacity is genuinely useful — we got 5.5 iPhone 15 Pro charges and a full MacBook Air charge from a single fill. The 140W output means your laptop charges at full speed, not the trickle you get from lesser power banks.
The digital display is genuinely helpful, showing real-time wattage in and out, estimated time remaining, and battery percentage. Build quality is exceptional — this thing feels like it could survive being dropped off a desk (we tested that too). The only real downside is weight: at 1.3 lbs, it's not something you'll forget is in your bag.
Pros
- 140W output charges laptops at full speed
- 24,000mAh real-world capacity
- Smart digital display with wattage readout
- Three ports (2 USB-C, 1 USB-A)
- Recharges in 1.5 hours
Cons
- Heavy at 1.3 lbs
- Premium price point
- Too bulky for pants pockets
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#2 Best for Laptops
Baseus Blade 100W Power Bank
★★★★★ 4.7/5
Price: $70–$90
If you primarily need to charge a laptop on the go, the Baseus Blade is remarkable. It's thinner than a smartphone — seriously, we measured it at just 0.7 inches — yet delivers 100W output. That's enough for most USB-C laptops including the MacBook Pro 14".
The 20,000mAh capacity won't give you multiple laptop charges, but it'll add 50-60% to most ultrabooks. Where it really shines is the recharge speed: plug it into a 100W charger and it's full in about 50 minutes. For business travelers who can top up at the airport, this is ideal.
Pros
- Incredibly thin (0.7") design
- 100W output handles most laptops
- Recharges in under an hour
- Great value for the specs
- LED display
Cons
- Display is basic compared to Anker 737
- Only 20,000mAh
- Gets warm under sustained 100W load
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#3 Best Value
Anker 525 Power Bank (20,000mAh)
★★★★☆ 4.6/5
Price: $40–$55
Not everyone needs 140W output or laptop charging. If you just want a reliable power bank that keeps your phone alive for a weekend trip, the Anker 525 is the sweet spot. At $40-55, you get 20,000mAh of capacity, dual USB-C ports, and Anker's legendary reliability.
We got 4.5 full iPhone 15 charges from this thing, and it charged at a respectable 45W via USB-C PD. It won't win any speed records, but it's the power bank equivalent of a Toyota Camry — it just works, every time, without drama.
Pros
- Excellent price-to-capacity ratio
- Dual USB-C + USB-A ports
- Reliable Anker build quality
- TSA-friendly for flights
- 18-month warranty
Cons
- Max 45W output — no fast laptop charging
- No display screen (just LEDs)
- Takes 5+ hours to recharge
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#4 Most Portable
Nitecore NB10000 Gen3
★★★★☆ 4.5/5
Price: $50–$65
Backpackers and ultralight travelers, this one's for you. The Nitecore NB10000 Gen3 weighs just 5.3 ounces — less than a deck of cards — thanks to its carbon fiber shell. Despite the tiny size, it packs 10,000mAh and delivers 50W via USB-C.
We took this on a 3-day hiking trip and it kept a phone and GPS watch charged the entire time. The carbon fiber construction isn't just for show — it survived being dropped on rocks without a scratch. If weight is your primary concern, nothing else comes close.
Pros
- Only 5.3oz — lightest in its class
- Carbon fiber construction
- 50W USB-C PD output
- Perfect for hiking and travel
- Extremely durable
Cons
- Only 10,000mAh (2 phone charges)
- Premium price for the capacity
- Only two ports
Buy on Amazon