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
Buy on Amazon
#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
Buy on Amazon
#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
Buy on Amazon
#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
#5 Best for iPhone
Mophie Powerstation XXL
★★★★☆ 4.4/5
Price: $55–$75
Mophie has been making iPhone accessories since the original, and the Powerstation XXL shows that expertise. It's optimized for Apple's charging protocols, delivers consistent 20W PD to iPhones (the max they accept), and the premium fabric finish looks great next to Apple products.
With 20,000mAh, you're looking at 4-5 full iPhone charges. It's not the fastest or most feature-rich option, but if you're deep in the Apple ecosystem and want something that "just works" with your devices, Mophie delivers.
Pros
- Optimized for Apple devices
- Premium fabric finish
- 4-5 full iPhone charges
- Trusted brand with solid warranty
- Priority+ charging for connected devices
Cons
- Only 20W max output
- Can't charge laptops
- Slower than USB-C PD competitors
Buy on Amazon
#6 Best Budget
INIU 10000mAh Slim Power Bank
★★★★☆ 4.3/5
Price: $18–$25
Under $25 and genuinely good? The INIU slim power bank proves you don't need to spend big for reliable portable charging. It's thin enough to slip into a back pocket, delivers 22.5W fast charging, and the built-in LED display shows exact battery percentage.
At 10,000mAh you'll get about 2 full phone charges, which is plenty for a day out. The build quality won't match Anker or Nitecore, but for the price, it's hard to complain.
Pros
- Incredible value under $25
- Slim, pocketable design
- 22.5W fast charging
- LED percentage display
Cons
- Only 10,000mAh
- Plastic build feels cheap
- No USB-C to USB-C cable included
Buy on Amazon
#7 Best MagSafe
Anker MagGo 10K MagSafe Battery
★★★★☆ 4.4/5
Price: $45–$60
If you have an iPhone 12 or newer, a MagSafe power bank is genuinely life-changing. The Anker MagGo snaps onto the back of your phone magnetically and charges wirelessly — no cables needed. At 10,000mAh, it gives you about 1.8 full charges.
The magnetic hold is strong enough that we used our phone normally (including taking photos) without it falling off. It also has a USB-C port for wired charging when you need speed over convenience. The kickstand is a nice bonus for video calls.
Pros
- Magnetic snap-on convenience
- No cables needed
- Built-in kickstand
- Also works as wired charger
Cons
- iPhone only (MagSafe)
- Wireless charging is slower (7.5W)
- Adds bulk to phone
Buy on Amazon
#8 Best High Capacity
Anker Prime 27,650mAh Power Bank
★★★★☆ 4.5/5
Price: $130–$155
When you need maximum capacity and don't mind the weight, the Anker Prime is a monster. 27,650mAh with 250W total output across three ports means you can charge a laptop, tablet, and phone simultaneously without any of them slowing down.
The ActiveShield 2.0 temperature monitoring gives peace of mind with that much power flowing, and the smart display shows detailed stats for each port. This is overkill for most people, but if you're a digital nomad or content creator working from cafes, it's a game-changer.
Pros
- Massive 27,650mAh capacity
- 250W total output
- Charge 3 devices at full speed simultaneously
- Temperature monitoring
Cons
- Heavy at 1.6 lbs
- Expensive
- Borderline for TSA (99.5Wh)
Buy on Amazon
#9 Best Rugged
BLAVOR Solar Power Bank 20,000mAh
★★★★☆ 4.2/5
Price: $35–$50
Built for the outdoors with IP67 water resistance, a solar panel, and a rubberized shell that can take a beating. The solar charging is more of an emergency backup than a primary charging method (it takes 40+ hours in direct sun for a full charge), but the rugged build is the real selling point.
If you work construction, go camping regularly, or just tend to destroy electronics, this is your power bank. It also has a built-in flashlight and compass — gimmicky, but occasionally useful.
Pros
- IP67 waterproof and dustproof
- Survives drops and impacts
- Solar panel for emergency charging
- Built-in flashlight
Cons
- Solar charging is extremely slow
- Bulky and heavy for the capacity
- Only 18W max output
Buy on Amazon
#10 Best with Built-in Cable
Charmast 10400mAh Slim with Cables
★★★★☆ 4.1/5
Price: $22–$30
Tired of forgetting cables? The Charmast has built-in USB-C and Lightning cables tucked into its slim body. Just grab the power bank and go — no digging through drawers for the right cable. At 10,400mAh it's good for about 2 phone charges.
The trade-off is that built-in cables can't be replaced if they wear out, and the 20W output is modest. But for the "throw it in your bag and forget about it" use case, the convenience factor is hard to beat.
Pros
- Built-in USB-C and Lightning cables
- No extra cables needed
- Slim and lightweight
- Affordable
Cons
- Cables can't be replaced
- Only 20W output
- 10,400mAh is modest
Buy on Amazon
How We Test Portable Chargers
Every power bank on this list went through our standardized testing process:
- Capacity verification: We fully charge each power bank, then discharge it through a USB power meter to measure actual deliverable capacity (which is always less than the rated number due to conversion losses).
- Speed testing: We measure charging speed to an iPhone 15 Pro and a MacBook Air M3 at 25%, 50%, and 75% battery levels.
- Recharge time: How long to go from 0% to 100% using the fastest compatible charger.
- Heat testing: Surface temperature after 30 minutes of maximum output.
- Real-world use: Each power bank gets at least a week of daily carry to assess ergonomics, durability, and reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size portable charger do I need?
For phones, 10,000mAh gives 2-3 charges. For tablets, aim for 20,000mAh. For laptops, you need at least 20,000mAh with 60W+ output. Most people are well-served by a 20,000mAh bank — it's the sweet spot of capacity vs. portability.
Can I bring a power bank on a plane?
Yes, but only in carry-on luggage (never checked bags). TSA allows power banks up to 100Wh (about 27,000mAh at 3.7V) without special approval. Between 100-160Wh requires airline approval. Above 160Wh is prohibited. All power banks on this list are TSA-compliant.
How long do portable chargers last?
Most quality power banks last 500+ charge cycles before capacity degrades noticeably. That's typically 2-3 years of daily use. Cheaper brands may degrade faster. Storing at 50% charge when not in use extends lifespan.
Is USB-C better than USB-A for charging?
Yes, significantly. USB-C supports Power Delivery (PD) which enables much faster charging speeds — up to 240W vs USB-A's max of about 12W. In 2026, there's no reason to buy a power bank without at least one USB-C port.
Do portable chargers lose charge when not in use?
Yes, but slowly. A quality power bank loses about 1-2% per month when idle. If you charge it fully and leave it in a drawer for 3 months, expect it to be around 94-97%. Cheaper brands may lose charge faster.
Can a portable charger damage my phone?
No, not if you buy from reputable brands. Modern phones and power banks negotiate charging speed automatically. The phone will only accept as much power as it can safely handle. Stick to brands like Anker, Baseus, Nitecore, and Mophie and you'll be fine.