Finding yourself far from a wall socket when your phone hits five percent is positively nerve-wracking. If you stash a portable battery in your bag, you can avoid that feeling altogether. But there are thousands of power banks out there, and it can be tough to pick the right one for what you need. We've spent years testing dozens of batteries and found the best power banks for different scenarios. Whether you need a quick re-up for your phone or a huge brick to keep your laptop alive, there's something fitting here.
Best Power Banks for 2026
Best MagSafe Power Bank: Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K)
Capacity: 10,000mAh | Maximum Output: 15W (wireless) | Ports: One USB-C in/out | Weight: 8.82 oz
Anker's MagGo Power Bank was one of the first Qi2-certified products to hit the market, and the new standard has made the brand's popular MagSafe/kickstand model much faster. It's the most well-rounded MagSafe battery we've tested. It brought an iPhone 15 from near-dead to half-full in about 45 minutes. For reference, it took our former top pick in this category an hour and a half to do the same. It's similarly faster than Anker's previous generation of this model. After that initial refill, the MagGo 10K had enough left over to get the phone up to 70 percent on a subsequent charge.
In addition to faster charging speeds, this wireless power bank adds an LCD display to indicate the battery percentage left in the bank, plus the approximate amount of time before it's full or empty. A strong MagSafe connection makes it easy to use the phone while it charges, and the small kickstand creates a surprisingly sturdy base for watching videos. If you twist the phone to landscape, StandBy mode kicks in. The power bank also does a fine job of charging Android phones that lack Qi2 support, though handsets like the Pixel 10 will charge faster and benefit from magnetic alignment. The MagGo also has a USB-C port for devices without wireless capabilities.
Pros: Fast Qi2 wireless charging, sturdy kickstand, clear display. Cons: More expensive than some MagSafe packs.
Best Portable Charger for Android: Anker Nano Battery (Foldable USB-C)
Capacity: 5,000mAh | Maximum Output: 22.5W | Ports: One USB-C and one USB-C connector | Weight: 3.5 oz
The Anker Nano power bank has impressive power delivery for its size. It's the exact size and shape of a lipstick case and has a built-in USB-C connector that folds down when not in use. That means, in addition to being ultra-portable, you don't need to remember a charging cable when you toss it in your bag. There's also a built-in USB-C port that can refill the battery or be used to charge another device. Four indicator lights let you know how much charge remains.
In testing, the 5,000mAh battery provided enough charge to get a depleted Galaxy S23 Ultra back up to 65 percent in about an hour. That's relatively quick, but the Nano is also small enough that, with its sturdy connection, you can use your phone while charging without feeling too awkward. The charger's small size also makes it a good pick for recharging earbuds. For a little more juice and an equally clever design, Anker's 30W Nano Power Bank is a good option with a larger capacity and built-in cable.
Pros: Very portable, affordable. Cons: Small enough to get misplaced.
Best Low-Capacity Power Bank: Anker 10K Fusion
Capacity: 10,000mAh | Maximum Output: 30W | Ports: One USB-C in/out port, one USB-C in/out cable, wall prongs | Weight: 8.8 oz
The toughest thing about using a power bank is remembering to bring it along. You also have to remember a cable and, if you want to refill the bank itself, a wall adapter. Anker's 10K Fusion solves two of those problems with its attached USB-C cable and foldable two-prong plug for charging the bank itself. Despite the attachments, it's compact, just a smidge wider than a stick of butter, yet still packs a 10,000mAh capacity. The 30 watts of power enabled the "Super Fast Charging" message on a Galaxy S23 and got it from five percent to full in just over an hour. In just 20 minutes, the 10K Fusion bumped a near-dead iPhone 15 to 45 percent.
There's an additional USB-C port for charging devices that may require a different cable, and both it and the built-in connector can be used to refill the power bank. The cable makes a neat loop that looks a lot like a handle. The onboard display indicates the Fusion's remaining charge as a percentage and was one of the more accurate readouts we've tested. The corduroy texture along the sides is a nice touch.
Pros: Built-in cable, wall prongs, accurate display, affordable. Cons: iPhone charging is slower than some rivals.
Best Medium-Capacity Power Bank: Belkin BoostCharge 20K with Integrated Cable
Capacity: 20,000mAh | Maximum Output: 30W | Ports: One built-in USB-C in/out cable, one USB-A port, one USB-C port | Weight: 14 oz
An integrated cable seems to be the hot new feature in portable chargers, and we're all for it. There have been times when we've had a dead phone and power bank, but no way to connect the two. The Belkin BoostCharge 20K with Integrated Cable is one such bank we've tested and also one of the more affordable examples. It can output a maximum of 30 watts, which doesn't make it the fastest charger around, but it wasn't a slouch. It charged a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra from near-dead to full in an hour and 15 minutes and bumped an iPhone 15 from five to 87 percent in just over an hour. The 20,000mAh capacity means it can achieve those numbers around three times over.
In addition to the built-in and conveniently magnetized USB-C cable, there are two other ports: an out-only USB-A and an in/out Type-C. That means you can technically charge three devices at the same time, though charge speeds will drop. There's no digital screen, just four indicator LEDs, but the lighted pips are accurate and useful. The matte finish stays clean, and color options include black, blue, pink, and white.
Pros: Built-in cable, multiple colors, affordable, great capacity. Cons: Charge isn't as fast as other banks.
Best Medium-High Capacity Power Bank: Nimble Champ Pro
Capacity: 20,000mAh | Maximum Output: 65W | Ports: Two USB-C in/out | Weight: 12.9 oz
Nimble's Champ Pro battery delivers a screaming fast charge and got a Galaxy S23 Ultra from five percent to full in under an hour. That's faster than every other battery we tested except for our premium pick, and that model costs $30 more. It lent nearly three full charges to both an iPhone and Galaxy device and has enough juice to refill an iPad more than once. The battery pack itself also re-ups from the wall noticeably faster than other models. Nimble is a certified B-Corp, and the Champ Pro uses 90 percent post-consumer plastic with packaging made from paper scrap.
The unit feels sturdy and has a compact shape that's a little narrower than a smartphone and about as long. The attached adjustable lanyard is cute, and the marbled effect from the recycled plastics gives it a nice aesthetic. You can charge devices from both USB-C ports simultaneously. Our only qualm was the four indicator lights, which underestimated the remaining charge on the first cycle, though accuracy improved after subsequent depletions.
Pros: Super fast charging, recycled materials, sturdy design. Cons: Indicator lights underestimate charge initially.
Best Multi-Device Power Bank: BioLite Charge 100 Max
Capacity: 25,000mAh | Maximum Total Output: 120W | Ports: Wireless pad (15W), two USB-C (100W), one USB-A (15W), one USB-C (15W) | Weight: 1.28 lbs
The compact and rounded design of the BioLite Charge 100 Max makes it more packable and conducive to travel than many larger batteries. It was also a touch faster in refilling most devices. In addition to four USB ports, it has a MagSafe-compatible wireless charging pad on one side with a maximum output of 15 watts. The magnetic hold is enough to keep it in place as it charges, but we wouldn't carry it around during a refill.
The 10 LED pips indicate the remaining charge and were pretty accurate. The rubberized texture and yellow accents are a welcome aesthetic change from the techy black look of most larger batteries. BioLite is a climate-neutral-certified B-Corporation that helps bring lights and cook stoves to energy-impoverished areas around the world.
Pros: Compact design, quick charging, climate-neutral company. Cons: More expensive than similar-capacity batteries.
Best Laptop Power Bank: Anker Laptop Power Bank with Built-in Cable
Capacity: 25,000mAh | Maximum Output: 165W | Ports: Two built-in USB-C in/out cables, one USB-A port, one USB-C port | Weight: 1.31 lbs
The only thing worse than needing a power bank and not having one is having one but no way to connect it to your device. The Anker laptop power bank with built-in cable forgoes any clever naming scheme, but ensures you're never left without a way to charge your stuff. It has two attached USB-C cables: one attached to the side that acts as a carrying cable and another retractable cord that extends up to two feet. Both handle in/out functions.
The display tells you the amount of charge remaining in the battery pack as well as the output wattage funnelling to your devices from each port. When refilling the battery, you can see an estimate of how long it will be until the unit is full. It's an attractive, high-capacity bank with a matte silver exterior and a smaller display area than previous models. It's worth it at just $15 more than Anker's popular PowerCore bank, as that bank doesn't have built-in cables.
Pros: Two built-in cables, durable build, detailed display, fast charge. Cons: Screen picks up smudges easily.
Best Premium Power Bank: Anker Prime Power Bank 26K 300W
Capacity: 26,250mAh | Maximum Combined Output: 300W | Ports: Two USB-C (140W), one USB-A (22.5W) | Weight: 1.32 lbs
Anker's latest Prime Power Bank stands out, but not because of its app. Yes, the app works, letting you see remaining charge and power output data, but the same numbers are available on its built-in display. What's actually impressive are the speeds, the large capacity, and the convenient optional charging base. The three ports can be used at once, with the two USB-C ports delivering up to 140 watts each. It's tough to think of a scenario where that actually happens, but if you ever need to partially charge two high-powered laptops at the same time, you can.
More commonly, the battery will give phones, tablets, and laptops speedy refills. It got a near-dead iPhone 15 to 60 percent in a half hour and delivered more charge to a MacBook Pro than any other battery we've tested. The display not only shows remaining charge, but also has a temperature gauge. The attractive, sleek design has a shiny black front and matte silver body, and it's more compact than most 27,000mAh batteries. The charging base is a separate purchase at $110, but it makes recharging extra convenient. If you want a truly premium power bank, this is it.
Pros: Super fast charging, sleek design, temperature gauge. Cons: Pricey, especially with optional base.
Best Power Bank for Outdoors: Nestout 15000mAh Outdoor Battery Power Bank
Capacity: 15,000mAh | Maximum Output: 32W | Ports: One USB-C in/out, one USB-C in, one USB-A | Weight: 12.8 oz
Plenty of battery packs are built to withstand drops and other abuse, but very few are waterproof or even water-resistant. The Nestout Portable Charger has an IP67 rating, which means it can handle being submerged in water for a number of minutes. To test, we dropped the battery in a five-gallon bucket of water for five minutes. After drying it off, the unit performed as if it had never been wet. The water resistance comes courtesy of screw-on caps with silicone gaskets. The company also claims the battery lives up to a military-standard shock/drop specification. It survived repeated drops from chest height onto a hard surface.
As for charging speeds, it wasn't quite as quick as our mid-capacity recommendation, but it's still serviceable. The supplied cable is short, just seven inches, so you'll likely want your own cord. Nestout also makes accessories like a dimmable LED worklight that snaps on top and a small tripod. A portable solar panel refilled the 15,000mAh bank to 40 percent in under three hours, which is impressive given the panel's compact size.
Pros: Waterproof with caps secured, clever accessories, survives drops. Cons: Not the fastest charge times, included cable is short.
What to Look For in a Portable Battery Pack
Battery Type
Nearly every rechargeable power bank contains a lithium-ion battery. These beat other current battery types in size-to-charge capacity and have increased in energy density by eight-fold in the past 14 years. They also don't suffer from a memory effect.
Flying with Portable Batteries
Current TSA restrictions allow external batteries rated at 100Wh or less to fly with you, but only in your carry-on luggage; they can't be checked. Some airlines have added further restrictions, such as keeping power banks in clear view when in use.
Capacity
Power bank manufacturers almost always list capacity in milliamp hours (mAh). Smaller batteries with 5,000mAh capacity make good phone chargers and can fill a smartphone to between 50 and 75 percent. Larger batteries that can recharge laptops or give phones multiple charges can exceed 25,000mAh. Prices, size, and weight go up with capacity. In our tests, 10,000mAh of battery capacity translated to roughly 5,800mAh of device charge, and 20,000mAh delivered about 11,250mAh. That's an average efficiency rate of around 60 percent.
Wireless
Wireless charging is less efficient than wired connections, but it's convenient. Qi2-certified devices support speeds up to 15 watts and include magnetic attachment points. The latest Q12 25W standard is supported by newer iPhones and Pixel phones, and compatible battery packs are starting to hit the market.
Ports
USB-C ports can deliver faster charges than USB-A, but Type-A jacks are still handy for specialized cables. Larger banks may list different wattages for each port. Remember, the cable has to match the maximum wattage. A 60W cable won't deliver 100W speeds. Built-in USB-C cables solve this problem and mean one less thing to remember.
How We Test Power Banks
We considered brands that have been tested by our staff over the years and checked customer ratings on retail sites. We then acquired the most promising candidates and tested them in a home office. For testing, we used each battery to charge an iPhone, an Android phone, an iPad, and a MacBook Pro for larger packs. Devices were drained to between zero and five percent and then charged until full or until the power bank died. Test device battery capacities include the iPhone 11 (3,110 mAh), iPhone 15 (3,349 mAh), Galaxy S23 Ultra (4,855 mAh), iPad Air (7,729 mAh), and 16-inch M1 Pro MacBook Pro (27,027 mAh). We continuously update this guide as new products are released.
Other Power Banks We Tested
Belkin Stage PowerGrip: This clever accessory is a 9,300mAh power bank with a wireless charging pad, built-in cable, and Bluetooth shutter with a tripod thread. As a power bank, it's slow, but useful for photographers.
Anker MagGo for Apple Watch Power Bank: Combines a 10K battery with a built-in USB-C cable and a pop-up Apple Watch charger. It's niche, but great for Apple Watch wearers.
HyperJuice 245W: A sleek 27,000mAh bank with four USB-C ports and fast charging. It's comparable to our laptop pick but lacks a USB-A port.
EcoFlow Rapid Magnetic Power Bank: A Qi2-enabled 5,000mAh magnetic charger with a pull-out leg. It looks nice but didn't outperform our top MagSafe pick.
Mophie Snap+ Powerstation Mini: Well-built and compact, but only 5,000mAh, which gives a partial charge to most newer phones.
Power Bank FAQs
What's the difference between a portable power bank and a portable charger?
They mean the same thing: a lithium-ion battery that stores a charge to refill smartphones, tablets, earbuds, laptops, and more. Pay attention to capacity, size, and weight. Power stations are larger units that can't be taken on airplanes.
Does fast charging ruin your battery?
Not exactly. Heat is the real enemy of battery longevity. Modern phones have safeguards like heat shields and software that slows down processes generating too much heat. Fast charging could be slightly harder on your battery, but the difference is fairly negligible for most users.
Can you use a power bank for all your devices?
It depends on the bank's capacity and your device's needs. A 5,000mAh battery isn't strong enough for laptops, but a 20,000mAh bank will give a laptop a partial refill. Port compatibility matters too; if your device has a USB port, you can likely connect it to a power bank.
Source:Engadget News