Running out of battery far from an outlet is a common stressor. Keeping a portable power bank in your bag can provide peace of mind, but choosing the right one isn't always easy given the huge variety on the market. We've tested dozens of power banks over several years to find the best portable chargers for different needs—whether you want a compact top-up for your phone or a high-capacity brick that can keep a laptop running.

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 devices available, and the new standard makes this MagSafe-compatible model much faster than its predecessors. In testing, it took an iPhone 15 from nearly dead to 50% in 45 minutes, and delivered a full charge to about 70% on the second refill. It also comes with an LCD display showing remaining battery percentage and estimated time until full or empty. The strong magnetic connection and built-in kickstand make it easy to use your phone while charging, and it supports StandBy mode in landscape.

The MagGo also works with Android phones, though non-Qi2 devices like the Galaxy S23 Ultra charge at slower speeds. It has a USB-C port for wired charging of non-wireless devices.

• Pros: Fast Qi2 wireless charging, sturdy kickstand, helpful display
• Cons: Pricier than other MagSafe batteries

Best portable charger for Android: Anker Nano Battery (Foldable USB-C)

The Anker Nano Power Bank is a tiny 5,000mAh charger with a built-in foldable USB-C connector, making it one of the most portable options around. It also includes a USB-C port for connecting other devices or refilling the battery. In testing, it charged a Galaxy S23 Ultra from zero to 65% in about an hour. Its small size and sturdy connection make it comfortable to use while charging, and it's also great for topping up earbuds.

For a bit more capacity, Anker's 30W Nano Power Bank offers 10,000mAh and a built-in cable, but the standard version remains an affordable and compact choice.

• Pros: Very portable, affordable
• Cons: Small and easy to misplace

Best low-capacity power bank: Anker 10K Fusion

The Anker 10K Fusion stands out because it combines a 10,000mAh battery with a built-in USB-C cable and foldable wall prongs. That means you don't need to remember a separate cable or wall adapter to recharge the battery itself. It's slightly larger than a stick of butter yet delivers 30W of power. In testing, it charged a Galaxy S23 Ultra from 5% to full in just over an hour and brought an iPhone 15 from 5% to 45% in 20 minutes.

The battery also has an additional USB-C port, and its onboard display provides an accurate percentage readout. The textured grip and overall design make it practical for everyday carry.

• Pros: Built-in cable and wall prongs, accurate display, affordable
• Cons: iPhone charging slower than some competitors

Best medium capacity power bank: Belkin BoostCharge 20K with Integrated Cable

The Belkin BoostCharge 20K comes with a built-in, magnetized USB-C cable so you're never left without a way to connect a device. It has 20,000mAh capacity and outputs up to 30W. It charged a Galaxy S24 Ultra from empty to full in 1 hour 15 minutes and an iPhone 15 from 5% to 87% in just over an hour. The bank includes an additional USB-A port and a USB-C port, allowing up to three devices to be charged at once (with slower speeds).

It lacks a digital display, but its four LED indicators are accurate. The BoostCharge 20K is available in blue, pink, white, and black, and it's one of the more affordable options in this class.

• Pros: Handy built-in cable, multiple color options, great value
• Cons: Charging speeds could be faster

Best medium-high capacity power bank: Nimble Champ Pro

The Nimble Champ Pro is a 20,000mAh power bank that delivers exceptional speeds. It charged a Galaxy S23 Ultra from 5% to full in under an hour—faster than most other batteries we tested. It also refilled an iPhone and Galaxy device nearly three times each, and can charge an iPad more than once. The battery itself recharges quickly too, so you'll spend less time waiting near an outlet.

Nimble is a certified B-Corp that uses recycled plastics and encourages device recycling. The Champ Pro's compact design, sturdy build, and marbled aesthetic make it a reliable travel companion. It has two USB-C ports that both support input and output.

One minor caveat: the four indicator lights sometimes underestimate how much charge remains.

• Pros: Very fast charging, recycled materials, compact
• Cons: Indicator lights can be inaccurate

Best multi-device power bank: BioLite Charge 100 Max

The BioLite Charge 100 Max packs 25,000mAh into a compact, rounded chassis and includes a 15W wireless charging pad, two USB-C ports, one USB-A port, and an additional USB-C port. It can charge an iPhone 15 about five times, a Galaxy S23 Ultra about four times, an iPad Air about 2.2 times, and a MacBook Pro to about 75% in roughly an hour. The magnetic hold on the wireless pad is enough for stationary charging, but it may not stay in place if you're moving around.

The unit features ten LED indicator lights and a rubberized, yellow-accented design that's nicer to hold than typical black bricks. BioLite is also a climate-neutral certified B-Corp with a mission to provide energy access in underserved regions.

• Pros: Compact and colorful design, fast charging on all devices
• Cons: More expensive than similar-capacity options

Best laptop power bank: Anker Laptop Power Bank with Built-in Cable

The Anker laptop power bank with built-in cable solves the problem of forgetting a cable. It includes two attached USB-C cables—one on the side that also works as a carry handle and a retractable cord that extends up to two feet. Both cables support input and output, so you can charge your devices or the battery itself. The 25,000mAh capacity delivered about four to five iPhone charges and a 53-minute refill for a 16-inch MacBook Pro in testing.

The LED display shows remaining capacity and output wattage, and it also provides an estimated time for recharging the bank. With a matte silver exterior, it feels more durable than previous Anker models with larger displays. It's only $15 more than Anker's popular PowerCore bank but offers the convenience of built-in cables.

• Pros: Two built-in cables, durable build, detailed display
• Cons: Screen picks up smudges

Best premium power bank: Anker Prime Power Bank 26K 300W

Anker's Prime Power Bank 26K is a 26,250mAh powerhouse with a 300W combined output and two USB-C ports that can each deliver up to 140W. It charged an iPhone 15 from empty to 60% in 30 minutes and provided more charge to a MacBook Pro than any other battery we tested. The bank offers five to 5.5 phone charges, and its compact design is smaller than most 27,000mAh batteries.

The built-in display shows remaining battery percentage and internal temperature. The optional charging base, sold separately, allows for convenient drop-and-charge recharging. The bank itself is sleek and premium, but it's pricey, especially with the base.

• Pros: Extremely fast charging, premium appearance, detailed display
• Cons: Expensive, especially with optional base

Best power bank for outdoors: Nestout 15,000mAh Outdoor Battery Power Bank

The Nestout 15,000mAh power bank is IP67-rated, meaning it can survive being submerged in up to a meter of water for 30 minutes. In our own test, the battery worked fine after five minutes underwater. It also survived multiple drops onto a hard surface. The waterproofing is achieved with screw-on caps that seal the ports.

Charging performance isn't as quick as some competitors, but it still gave an iPhone 11 two full charges and an iPad Air just over one charge. Nestout sells a range of accessories, including a lantern attachment and a small solar panel, both of which worked well in our tests.

• Pros: Waterproof, rugged design, useful add-ons
• Cons: Slower charging, included cable is short

What to look for in a portable battery pack

Battery type

Most power banks use lithium-ion batteries, which offer the best size-to-charge capacity. They don't suffer from the memory effect and have improved significantly in energy density over the past decade.

Flying with portable batteries

TSA rules allow external batteries rated at 100Wh or less in carry-on luggage only. Some airlines, like Southwest, have introduced additional rules requiring power banks to be visible when in use. Always check current regulations before traveling.

Capacity

Capacity is usually measured in milliamp hours (mAh). A 5,000mAh battery can top up a phone to 50-75%, while 10,000mAh models are good for one to two charges. Larger 20,000-25,000mAh batteries can charge laptops and multiple devices. Note that real-world output is lower than mAh ratings due to heat loss and voltage conversion; we've seen an average efficiency of around 60% in testing.

Wireless charging

Wireless charging is less efficient than wired but far more convenient. Qi2-certified chargers support up to 15W and include magnetic attachment, making them easy for iPhone and newer Pixel users. The latest Qi2 25W standard is now supported by some new phones and power banks.

Ports

USB-C ports are faster than USB-A, but both are still useful. Many power banks include a mix of connection types. Pay attention to the wattage of each port and make sure your charging cable can handle it. Some power banks now have built-in cables, which is a handy feature.

Design

Power banks now come in a variety of colors and styles, with features like kickstands, displays, and magnetic attachments. While these don't affect performance, they can make daily use more pleasant.

How we test power banks

We test each power bank by charging a range of devices, including iPhones, Android phones, iPads, and MacBook Pros. We start devices at five percent or lower and charge them until full or until the power bank dies. We also assess charging speed, build quality, portability, and extra features.

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, and a Bluetooth shutter release for remote photos. It's an interesting hybrid, but its charging speed is relatively slow.

Anker MagGo for Apple Watch Power Bank

This 10K power bank adds a pop-up Apple Watch charger. It's a niche product but can be very handy for keeping your watch alive on longer trips. It also charges phones via a built-in USB-C cable.

HyperJuice 245W

The HyperJuice 245W is a large 27,000mAh power bank with four USB-C ports. It charges devices quickly, but it lacks a USB-A port and is priced similarly to competitors with better port selection.

EcoFlow Rapid Magnetic Power Bank

EcoFlow's first power bank is a Qi2 magnetic charger with a 5,000mAh capacity. It has a stylish design and a built-in USB-C cable, but it didn't match the performance of our top MagSafe pick.

Mophie Snap+ Powerstation Mini

Mophie's compact 5,000mAh charger feels premium and has a sturdy stand, but it only provided a partial charge in our tests. Our current MagSafe pick offers more capacity and features for slightly more money.

Power bank FAQs

What's the difference between a portable power bank and a portable charger?

The terms are essentially interchangeable. Both refer to a lithium-ion battery that stores energy for recharging phones, tablets, laptops, and other devices. A power station is a larger unit that can't be taken on airplanes.

Does fast charging ruin your battery?

Not exactly. Heat is the main factor that degrades batteries. Fast charging generates more heat, but modern phones have safeguards to manage it. While there's little long-term data on phones, EV studies suggest a small capacity decrease with consistent fast charging. Overall, it's best to keep your devices cool while charging.

Can you use a power bank for all your devices?

It depends on the bank's capacity and your device's port. Small power banks won't charge laptops, while larger ones can provide partial refills. If your device uses a standard USB port, you'll likely find a compatible cable. Devices with AC plugs can be charged by some larger power banks with AC outlets.

Source: Engadget News