As a frequent traveler across the country, I often find myself carrying a bag packed with technology. The challenge of keeping devices charged on the go is a common one, but thankfully, modern power banks have become highly efficient and portable, making it much easier to stay powered up. By ensuring my power bank is fully charged before leaving home, I can avoid the inconvenience of a dead phone in remote locations.

TL;DR – These Are the Best Power Banks:

Our Top Pick### Belkin Boost Charge Plus 10K

1See it at Amazon### Anker 737

2See it at Amazon### Charmast Portable Charger

4See it at Amazon### Anker MagGo

2See it at Amazon### Veektomx Mini Power Bank

0See it at Amazon### JSAUX Power Bank 20000mAh 65W

0See it at Amazon### Emperor of Gadgets Portable Power Bank

0See it at Amazon

With a plethora of power banks available on Amazon from lesser-known brands, it's important to choose wisely. While these devices are essentially large batteries and not overly complex, using a substandard one can lead to serious issues like overheating or swelling. Trusted brands like Anker, Belkin, and Mophie are known for their reliable power banks, and even Energizer is now entering the market. Many of these power banks now support Qi wireless charging, adding convenience for those who might forget their USB-C cable.

When selecting a power bank, capacity is crucial. A 20,000mAh battery pack can provide about two full charges for an iPhone and one for a tablet. For laptops, especially gaming ones, a power bank with at least 45W of output is necessary. Having tested numerous power banks, I'm here to guide you in choosing the perfect one for your next trip.

*Contributions by Danielle Abraham*

1. Belkin Boost Charge Plus 10K

Best Power Bank

Our Top Pick### Belkin Boost Charge Plus 10K

1

This 10,000mAh power bank comes with built-in cables, eliminating the need to remember to pack them. Its compact design, about the size of a smartphone and weighing just half a pound, makes it highly portable.

Product Specifications

PROS

CONS

With integrated Lightning and USB-C cables, the Belkin Boost Charge Plus 10K simplifies charging on the go. The cables tuck away neatly, ensuring a tangle-free experience. While it's limited to these two cables, it's versatile enough for most users, especially those with iPhones. The 10,000mAh capacity is sufficient for smartphones and some tablets, offering a quick 50% charge for iPhones in under 30 minutes. It supports simultaneous charging of two devices and pass-through charging, making it a versatile choice.

2. Anker 737 Laptop Charger

Best Power Bank for Charging Laptops

### Anker 737

2

This robust charger is ideal for keeping your laptop powered throughout the day. With a total output of 140W and 24,000mAh capacity, it can charge most laptops fully once or twice.

Product Specifications

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Laptops demand more power than phones or tablets, and the Anker 737 meets this need with its high output. Despite its bulkiness, weighing 1.39lbs and being thicker than many laptops, it's indispensable for professionals on the move, particularly at events like CES where power outlets are scarce.

3. Charmast Portable Charger

Best Budget Power Bank

### Charmast Portable Charger

4

This charger offers many features of premium models like the Mophie Powerstation Plus but at half the price. While it's bulkier and charges slower, its 20,000mAh capacity can charge a phone multiple times.

Product Specifications

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CONS

Affordable power banks like the Charmast model are a great option for those on a budget. While it may be thicker and slower to charge, it still provides ample power at a significantly reduced cost, making it an attractive choice for many.

4. Anker MagGo Power Bank

Best Power Bank with Wireless Charging

### Anker MagGo

2

The Anker MagGo offers efficient wireless charging on the go, despite its smaller 10,000mAh capacity. Its lightweight and thin design make it highly portable.

Product Specifications

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CONS

Wireless charging power banks are less common, and the Anker MagGo stands out with its Qi2 support, offering up to 15W of output for faster charging. Its compact size and light weight make it an excellent travel companion, despite its limited capacity.

5. Veektomx Mini Power Bank

Best Compact Power Bank

### Veektomx Mini Power Bank

0

This tiny yet powerful power bank offers a 10,000mAh capacity and three charging ports, making it perfect for those who need a compact solution.

Product Specifications

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The Veektomx Mini Power Bank is incredibly compact, resembling a deck of cards in size but thinner, and weighs just 5.8oz. Despite its size, it offers a full charge for most smartphones and includes versatile ports for various devices. Its tough build and LED battery indicator add to its appeal, all at a budget-friendly price.

6. Jsaux Power Bank 20,000mAh 65W

Best Power Bank for Steam Deck

### JSAUX Power Bank 20000mAh 65W

0

Designed for the Steam Deck, this power bank offers a 20,000mAh capacity and fast charging at 65W. Its built-in USB-C cable and additional ports make it versatile for other devices.

Product Specifications

PROS

CONS

The Steam Deck's battery life can be challenging, but the Jsaux Power Bank offers a solution with its high capacity and fast charging capabilities. It's designed to work seamlessly with the Steam Deck, providing at least one full charge and supporting multi-device charging. Its bulkier design is offset by the convenience of a built-in USB-C cable and compatibility with other handheld gaming PCs.

6. Emperor of Gadgets Portable Power Bank

Best Power Bank for Nintendo Switch

### Emperor of Gadgets Portable Power Bank

0

This power bank is specifically designed for the Nintendo Switch, attaching directly to it to extend playtime with its 10,000mAh capacity and built-in USB-C cable.

Product Specifications

PROS

CONS

The Emperor of Gadgets power bank is a perfect accessory for the Nintendo Switch, offering an additional nine hours of playtime. Its design allows for easy attachment and includes ports for charging other devices, making it a versatile choice for Switch users.

What to Look for in a Power Bank

Capacity

Capacity is the key factor when choosing a portable charger. Measured in milliamp-hours (mAh), you'll want a power bank with at least 3,000mAh to double the battery life of most smartphones. A 10,000mAh capacity is standard and can provide multiple charges on the go, though some power is lost during transfer.

Ports and charging speeds

Not all chargers are equal in terms of output. Look for chargers with Power Delivery (PD) support for faster charging. For smartphones, aim for at least 20W, and for iPads, 30W. Laptops require at least 45W, or even 60W for gaming models. Also, consider the charger's input speed to ensure quick recharging.

Power Bank FAQ

Should you drain your power bank before charging it again?

No, it's not necessary to drain lithium-based batteries before recharging. Doing so can damage the battery and reduce its capacity. Charge your power bank before it's fully depleted or every few months if not in use.

Can you bring portable power banks on a plane?

Yes, you can bring power banks on planes, but only in carry-on luggage. The TSA limits power banks to 100Wh or around 27,000mAh, so a standard 10,000mAh charger is generally fine.

How long do power banks last?

The lifespan of a power bank depends on usage, quality, and capacity. High-quality brands like Anker and Belkin typically last 2 to 4 years. To extend their life, avoid overcharging, store them in a cool, dry place, and charge them fully every three months.