Top Power Banks to Buy in 2025

As a frequent traveler across the country, I've learned the hard way that having a bag full of tech means nothing if it's all dead when you're far from an outlet. Thankfully, the evolution of power banks has turned this potential headache into a non-issue for me. By ensuring my power bank is fully charged before I leave, I can confidently avoid the dreaded scenario of being stranded with a dead phone.

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 AmazonA simple search on Amazon reveals hundreds of power banks from lesser-known brands. While these devices are essentially large batteries and not overly complex, choosing a substandard one can lead to serious issues, like overheating and swelling. It's crucial to opt for reputable brands like Anker, Belkin, and Mophie, which are known for their reliable power banks. Even Energizer is now making a mark in this space. The rise in popularity of these brands has also brought about features like Qi wireless charging, adding convenience, especially if you forget a USB-C cable.

The key to selecting a power bank is ensuring it has enough capacity to keep your devices powered. A 20,000mAh battery pack typically offers about two full charges for an iPhone and can charge a tablet once. For laptops, a power bank with at least 45W of output is necessary, with gaming laptops requiring even more.

Having tested numerous power banks, I'm well-versed in what to look for and am here to help you find the perfect portable charger 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

1This 10,000mAh power bank comes with built-in cables, eliminating the need to remember them. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsCapacity10,000mAhTotal output23WPorts1 x USB-C, 1 x LightningSize6.1" x 2.9" x 0.7"Weight0.5lbPROSIntegrated USB-C and Lightning cablesCan charge multiple devicesCONSNo additional ports for other devicesForget the hassle of packing cables by choosing a power bank with them built-in. The Belkin Boost Charge Plus 10K includes five-inch integrated Lightning and USB-C cables for added convenience. Worried about tangled wires? Belkin solves this with a slot on either side of the charger to neatly store the cables when not in use. Despite the built-in cables, it remains compact, similar in size to a smartphone and weighing just half a pound.

However, it's limited to these two cables, so you might need an adapter for less common devices. Fortunately, most modern electronics, including the latest iPhones, support USB-C charging, making this a non-issue for the majority.

With a 10,000mAh capacity, this power pack has enough juice to recharge smartphones and even some tablets. Its maximum output is 18W when charging one device via the Lightning or USB-C cable, which isn't ideal for laptops but can bring an iPhone to 50% in under 30 minutes. It supports simultaneous charging of two devices at a total output of 23W, and pass-through charging allows you to recharge the power bank and a device at the same time.

2. Anker 737 Laptop Charger

Best Power Bank for Charging Laptops

### Anker 737

2This powerful charger keeps your laptop running all day. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsCapacity24,000mAhTotal output140WPorts1 x USB-C, 1 x USB-ASize6.13" x 2.15" x 1.95"Weight1.39lbPROSHigh wattage for fast chargingInformational displayCONSLarger sizeLaptops demand more power than phones or tablets, necessitating robust charging solutions like the Anker 737. With a total output of 140W, it's sufficient for most laptops and even some lower-end gaming laptops. It's equipped with 24,000mAh of power, capable of fully charging most laptops once or twice.

The main drawback is its size; it's 6.13 inches tall and 1.95 inches thick, which is bulkier than most laptops it charges. Weighing 1.39lbs, it adds significant weight to your bag.

Despite its bulk, it's invaluable for working on the go, especially at events like CES where power outlets are scarce, and you need to keep working without interruption.

3. Charmast Portable Charger

Best Budget Power Bank

### Charmast Portable Charger

4This portable charger offers many features of the Mophie Powerstation Plus at half the price, albeit with more bulk and slower charging. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsCapacity20,000mAhTotal output20WPorts1 x USB-C/Micro combo, 1 x Lightning, 1 x USB-A Size5.91" x 2.83" x 1.09"Weight368gPROS20W fast chargingDigital display showing remaining powerCONSSlightly bulkyReliable power banks often come with a hefty price tag, around $80. However, you can find a cost-effective alternative by compromising on some premium features. The Charmast power bank is a great example, offering a 20,000mAh capacity that can charge your phone multiple times, but with a 20W output, it's slower than most premium chargers.

It resembles the Belkin Boost Charge Plus 10K in design but is thicker at about 1-inch and weighs more at 0.8lbs. While it's bulkier and slower, it's a good deal at half the price, even if it takes an hour and a half to charge your phone instead of one hour.

4. Anker MagGo Power Bank

Best Power Bank with Wireless Charging

### Anker MagGo

2The Anker MagGo may not boast the largest battery capacity, but it offers excellent wireless charging on the go. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsCapacity10,000mAhTotal output15W (Qi2), 30W (USB-C)Ports1 x USB-CSize4.09" x 2.78" x 0.58"Weight0.44lbPROSExtremely portable and lightweightQi2 wireless charging at 15WCONSOnly 10,000mAhWhile many power banks support wired charging, fewer offer wireless charging, and even fewer do it well. Most wireless charging power banks use the first generation of Qi, limited to 7.5W output, which charges slowly. The Anker MagGo, however, supports Qi2, boosting the output to 15W, nearly matching the speed of typical 20W fast charging.

Weighing just 0.44lbs and only 0.58 inches thick, the MagGo is incredibly portable. Its downside is a capacity of only 10,000mAh, offering one or two full iPhone charges. Nonetheless, it charges quickly whether using wireless or the USB-C port, which supports 30W output.

5. Veektomx Mini Power Bank

Best Compact Power Bank

### Veektomx Mini Power Bank

0This tiny yet powerful power bank offers a 10,000mAh capacity and three charging ports. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsCapacity10,000mAhTotal output22.5WPorts1 x USB-C, 1 x USB-A, 1 x MicroUSBSize4.2" x 2.7" x 0.6"Weight0.36lbPROSUltra-compact dimensionsLED battery indicatorCONSIncludes older microUSBWhile most power banks are designed for portability, some excel in compactness. The Veektomx Mini Power Bank is one such option, as small as a deck of cards but thinner and weighing only 5.8oz. Despite its size, it packs a 10,000mAh battery, capable of fully charging most smartphones.

It offers three charging ports: USB-A, USB-C, and microUSB, supporting fast charging with outputs of 18W to 22.5W for a single device, and pass-through charging for the power pack itself.

The Veektomx Mini Power Bank is not only compact but also durable, with a solid plastic body and ribbed design for a secure grip. It features an LED battery level indicator, and all this comes at a budget-friendly price of around $25.

6. Jsaux Power Bank 20,000mAh 65W

Best Power Bank for Steam Deck

### JSAUX Power Bank 20000mAh 65W

0This 65W charger ensures fast charging for the Steam Deck and other devices, featuring a built-in USB-C cable and additional ports. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsCapacity20,000mAhTotal output65WPorts1 x USB-C (cable), 1 x USB-C, 2 x USB-ASize6.26" x 2.68" x 1"Weight1.1lbPROS65W PD supportBuilt-in USB-C cableCONSBulkier designThe Steam Deck's battery life can be challenging, and even with improvements in the Steam Deck OLED, demanding games can drain it quickly. The Jsaux Power Bank 20,000mAh 65W is a great accessory, providing a 20,000mAh capacity that can charge the Steam Deck at least once.

With a maximum output of 45W, it can charge the Steam Deck from 0% to 100% in about three hours. It includes a built-in USB-C cable, eliminating the need to carry an extra cable. Additionally, it has a USB-C port and two USB-A ports for charging other devices, though multi-device charging may reduce speeds slightly.

While it's bulkier, weighing around 1lb and an inch thick, it's still manageable and fits easily into a bag. Jsaux also offers a ModCase for the Steam Deck with a strap to attach the power bank, ensuring the built-in USB-C cable reaches the device's port perfectly.

This power bank also works well with other handheld gaming PCs.

6. Emperor of Gadgets Portable Power Bank

Best Power Bank for Nintendo Switch

### Emperor of Gadgets Portable Power Bank

0This 10,000mAh portable battery straps onto your Switch, offering a built-in USB-C and additional ports for charging other devices. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsCapacity10,000mAhTotal output15WPorts1 x USB-C (cable), 1 x USB-C, 1 x USB-ASize5.3" x 2.8" x 0.7"Weight0.47lbPROSAttaches directly to SwitchIncludes USB-C cable and additional portsCONSAdds bulk to SwitchWith the Switch's battery life maxing out at around nine hours, a portable charger is essential for extended play. The Emperor of Gadgets power bank is designed specifically for the Switch, attaching directly to it while adding minimal bulk. It doubles your playing time with its 10,000mAh capacity.

The Switch charges at 18W, so a 15W output from this power bank is sufficient for quick charging. It includes an integrated USB-C cable, perfectly sized to reach the Switch's port when mounted.

This power bank isn't limited to the Switch; it works with other devices, including the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. It also features additional USB-C and USB-A ports.

What to Look for in a Power Bank

Capacity

Capacity is the key spec to consider in a portable charger, measured in milliamp-hours (mAh). Most flagship phones have a 3,000mAh battery, so you'll want a charger with at least that capacity to double your phone's battery life. A 10,000mAh capacity is standard and can provide three or more full charges. Keep in mind that some power is lost during transfer, so you won't get the full capacity.

Ports and Charging Speeds

Not all chargers are equal; some support higher charging speeds using standards like Power Delivery (PD). You'll want to match the charger's output capabilities with your device's supported charging speeds. For quick phone charging, aim for at least 20W, though 30W is preferable for larger phone batteries. For iPads, a minimum of 30W is recommended, and for laptops, 45W to 60W is necessary. Also, consider the charger's input speed, as a 20,000mAh battery with a 5W input will take a long time to recharge.

Power Bank FAQ

Should you drain your power bank before charging it again?

No, it's not necessary to drain lithium-based batteries, which are used in most power banks. Fully discharging them can damage the battery and reduce its capacity. Charge your power bank before it's completely 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 a plane, but they must be in carry-on luggage or as a personal item due to fire risk concerns. The TSA limits them to 100Wh or about 27,000mAh, so a standard 10,000mAh charger should be fine.

How long do power banks last?

Power banks typically last 2 to 4 years, depending on usage, build quality, and capacity. To extend their lifespan, avoid overcharging, store them in a cool, dry place, and charge them fully every three months.