Keep your phone, tablet, and other devices charged on the go with the best power banks.
When your phone, tablet, or laptop’s battery is running low, the best power bank can be invaluable. Instead of searching for a Starbucks (and then a free outlet), you can simply plug in your device and recharge it, whether you’re on the bus or hiking up a mountain.
But which power bank is best for your specific needs? That depends on the devices you want to charge, how much extra capacity you want to carry, and how much money you want to spend. (For more information, see our section on How to Choose a Power Bank.)
To assist you in making the best decision, we’ve compiled a list of the best power banks and explained what each has to offer. We list the advantages and disadvantages of each option, and our live deals widget also pulls in the best prices.
We’ve divided our article into two parts because not all power banks are available on both sides of the Atlantic. We’ll start with the best power banks in the United States, then move on to the best power banks in the United Kingdom. Also, if you require storage as well as power, see our guide to the best external hard drives and SSDs.
The best power banks available today
01. Anker PowerCore 20100 power bank
It was simple to settle on our first choice. After extensive testing of the Anker PowerCore 20100 power bank at Creative Bloq, we are confident that it is the best power bank available right now.
It’s absolutely fantastic in terms of charge speed, connectivity, and price. With a battery capacity of 20,100mAh, you’ll get several charges out of it before needing to recharge it.
The Anker PowerCore 20100 power bank is slim and stylish, and it can charge two devices at the same time via its pair of 2.4 Amp USB ports. If those devices support PowerIQ or VoltageBoost, it will charge them even faster. And here’s the best compliment we can pay this power bank: after a brief trial period, our writer went out and bought one of their own.
02. Anker PowerCore III Elite 25600 PD 60W
If you have a power-hungry device or simply need to charge a normal smartphone or tablet multiple times on a long journey, you may require something more robust than our top pick. In that case, meet the Anker PowerCore III Elite 25600.
This power bank is named after its battery capacity of 25,600mAh. That’s even enough juice to fully charge a MacBook, if you so desire, making this an ideal power bank for those who prefer to work on the go.
The Anker PowerCore III Elite 25600 has a 60W USB-C port and two USB-A ports capable of delivering a total output of 18W, allowing it to charge up to three devices at once. There’s also a trickle-charging feature for low-power devices.
This is a fairly large power bank, weighing in at more than half a kilogram. Its price is also quite high. However, if you require the kind of power it provides, we believe it is a good buy.
03. INIU 10000mAh Portable Charger
Lacking funds? Then you’ll appreciate the INIU 10000mAh Portable Charger’s low price. With half the capacity of the Anker PowerCore, it won’t charge your phone very many times. However, it’s a handy slim device for when you’re out and about, and it’s ideal for low-power devices like Bluetooth headphones, Fitbits, and smartwatches.
It has both USB-A and USB-C outputs and can charge up to three devices at the same time. This power bank is ideal for a quick end-of-day power boost if you’re using an older phone that’s starting to lose charge.
04. Anker PowerCore II 10,000mAh power bank
Choosing the best power bank frequently necessitates a trade-off between battery capacity and portability. The Anker PowerCore II is the best compromise between the two in our opinion. It’s about the size of a deck of cards, so it should fit in any pocket. However, with a capacity of 10,000mAh, it should be able to charge most phones two or three times.
To be clear, you should not rely on this power bank for more than a few days. However, if you need something to quickly charge your smartphone a couple of times while on the go, this provides an excellent balance of size and capacity.
05. Mophie Powerstation Plus with built-in cables
The Mophie Powerstation Plus is ideal for anyone with an iPhone or older iPad that requires a quick charge, as it includes a Lightning cable that eliminates the need to remember to bring one with you.
Models range in capacity from 6,000mAh at the low end to a more generous 12,000mAh, which is enough for more than four additional charges on your iPhone or one extra charge on a tablet. A second USB port allows you to charge two devices simultaneously. All of this leads us to believe that it is the best portable charger for iPhones.
What is a power bank?
A portable electronic device that can transfer power from its built-in battery to other devices is known as a power bank. This is typically accomplished via a USB-A or USB-C port, though wireless charging is becoming more popular. Power banks are primarily used to charge small USB-connected devices such as smartphones, tablets, and Chromebooks. They can, however, be used to charge a wide range of USB-powered accessories, such as headphones, Bluetooth speakers, lights, fans, and camera batteries.
Power banks are typically recharged using a USB power supply. Some power banks support passthrough charging, which allows you to charge your devices while the power bank recharges.
What should I look for when buying a power bank?
The first consideration when selecting the best power bank for your needs should be battery capacity. Take into account how long you’ll be on the road and how many devices you’ll be using. You should also consider how much energy those devices consume, as a laptop or camera will require more power to recharge than a phone or tablet.
After you’ve determined how much battery capacity you require, the next consideration is weight. Weight usually increases in proportion to capacity, so you may want to strike a balance and sacrifice some battery capacity for the added portability of a lighter power bank.
Compatibility is another important consideration. You must ensure that the power bank will charge the devices you intend to charge. Consider connectivity as well. If you expect to need to charge multiple devices at the same time, you should look into how many charging points the power bank has.
Many power banks have two or three ports, but some have as many as six. It’s also worth investigating what kinds of ports are available. USB-A ports will do the job, but not very quickly, whereas if you can find a power bank with a USB-C PD port, your devices will charge quickly.
What’s the best power bank brand?
We believe that Anker is frequently the best power bank brand, which is why the Anker PowerCore 20100 power bank is at the top of our list. It’s a no-brainer with its large capacity, fast charging, and excellent value, unless you need a really high capacity or specific compatibility. The PowerCore 20100 is incompatible with a few devices.
Maxoak, Mophie, and Belkin are also excellent power bank manufacturers. Be wary of brands you’ve never heard of, especially if the name sounds like someone grabbed a handful of tiles from a Scrabble bag and tossed them on a table. There are thousands of them on Amazon, each offering a lot of power for a low price. While some of them may be genuine bargains, you run the risk of purchasing something that will seriously under-deliver and then fail on you in short order.
