Running out of battery away from an outlet is stressful, but a good portable charger removes that worry. With hundreds of power banks on the market, picking the right one takes time. We've tested many over several years to determine the best models for different situations. Whether you need a small battery for an afternoon out or a high-capacity charger for a work trip, this guide includes a recommendation for you.

Best power banks for 2026

Best MagSafe power bank: Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K)

Anker's MagGo Power Bank was among the first Qi2-certified accessories, and it makes MagSafe-style wireless charging faster. In testing, it recharged an iPhone 15 from dead to half in about 45 minutes—significantly quicker than older models. It also has a strong magnetic connection, a built-in kickstand for hands-free viewing, and a clear LCD showing the battery percentage remaining. A USB-C port provides wired charging for non-Qi2 gadgets. The MagGo is a top choice for iPhone owners who want wireless convenience without slow speeds.

Pros: Fast Qi2 charging, sturdy kickstand, informative display. Cons: More expensive than some MagSafe competitors.

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

This very small 5,000mAh bank fits easily in a pocket and has a built-in folding USB-C connector, so you never need a cable. It filled a Galaxy S23 Ultra to 65 percent in around an hour. The integrated connector doubles as a way to refill the battery when plugged into a USB-C port. It also has a second USB-C port for cable charging. This is a solid, affordable option for a quick Android top-up.

Pros: Extremely portable, low cost. Cons: Easy to misplace.

Best low-capacity power bank: Anker 10K Fusion

The 10K Fusion combines a power bank with foldable wall prongs and a built-in USB-C cable. This means you can recharge the battery itself straight from an outlet and charge your phone with the integrated cord, leaving a spare USB-C port for other devices. Its 10,000mAh capacity is practical for daily phone charging, and the 30W output is enough to fast-charge many Android flagships. An LED display shows the remaining charge. It's a good all-in-one solution for those who want minimal accessories on the go.

Pros: Built-in cable and plug, accurate display, good value. Cons: iPhone charging was slower than some rivals.

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

Belkin's BoostCharge 20K has 20,000mAh of capacity, enough for multiple phone refills. It includes a magnetic USB-C cable attached to the unit, plus another USB-C port and a USB-A port. Charging speeds are moderate—it filled a Galaxy S24 Ultra in about 75 minutes—but the capacity is a strong value for the price. It comes in four colors, which is a nice change from the typical black. If you want an easy-to-carry multi-charger for a weekend away, this is a solid choice.

Pros: Convenient integrated cable, multiple color options, affordable. Cons: Not the fastest charging.

Best medium-high capacity power bank: Nimble Champ Pro

The Nimble Champ Pro packs 20,000mAh and can output 65W, making it one of the fastest chargers we've tested. It filled a Galaxy S23 Ultra from near dead to full in under an hour and gave an iPad Air more than one full charge. The battery uses 90 percent post-consumer recycled plastic and ships in eco-friendly packaging. The Champ Pro has a slim, durable body and two USB-C ports, both of which support input and output. It's a premium performance pick at a competitive price.

Pros: Very fast charging, recycled materials, compact design. Cons: Indicator lights underestimated remaining charge in initial tests.

Best multi-device power bank: BioLite Charge 100 Max

BioLite's Charge 100 Max has three USB-C ports and one USB-A port, plus a 15W magnetic wireless pad. The 25,000mAh capacity can refill a phone four times or a MacBook Pro most of the way. In our testing, it charged an iPhone 15 to full in under two hours via cable. The rounded, textured design is easy to pack and gives it a distinctive look. BioLite is a B Corporation, and its mission includes providing energy access to communities without reliable power. This bank is ideal for trips where many devices need charging.

Pros: Compact design, fast device charging, socially conscious brand. Cons: Pricey for the capacity.

Best laptop power bank: Anker Laptop power bank with built-in cable

High-capacity laptop power banks usually require you to bring a separate USB-C cable. Anker's laptop bank adds two built-in USB-C cables: one acts as a carry handle, and the other retracts up to two feet. The 25,000mAh battery and 165W maximum output can charge a MacBook Pro in under an hour. A built-in screen shows remaining battery level and output wattage. While the display scratches easily, the battery itself feels durable and offers excellent convenience for laptop users.

Pros: Two integrated cables, detailed display, solid build. Cons: Display can pick up smudges and scratches.

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

Anker's Prime Power Bank combines a 26,250mAh capacity with 300W total output across two USB-C ports and one USB-A port. It can deliver up to 140W per USB-C port, making it possible to charge two high-power laptops simultaneously. In testing, it delivered the most charge to a MacBook Pro of any portable battery we've tried. The display includes remaining battery, temperature, and an app pairing option. The optional charging base lets you drop the battery on it instead of plugging in cables. This is the most feature-rich power bank on the list, but it costs significantly more than others.

Pros: Extremely fast charging, premium design, detailed display. Cons: Expensive, especially with the base.

Best power bank for outdoors: Nestout 15000mAh Outdoor Battery Power Bank

Most power banks aren't waterproof, but the Nestout is IP67 rated, meaning it can survive immersion in up to a meter of water for 30 minutes under the right conditions. We tested it by dropping it in a bucket of water for five minutes and it kept working. It also survived repeated drops from chest height. The 15,000mAh battery charges phones and tablets at moderate speeds, and there are optional accessories like a worklight, tripod, and solar panel. If you hike, camp, or spend time near water, this rugged power bank is a great pick.

Pros: Waterproof, drop resistant, clever accessories. Cons: Slower charging and short included cable.

What to look for in a portable battery pack

Battery type

Most power banks use lithium-ion cells. They offer a high energy density relative to their size, and they don't suffer from the memory effect that affects older battery chemistries.

Flying with portable batteries

Most external batteries rated at 100Wh or less are allowed in carry-on bags only. Checked luggage is generally prohibited. Some airlines have started requiring that power banks remain visible and not used to charge devices in the overhead bin. Check current airline rules before you fly.

Capacity

Battery capacity is measured in milliamp hours (mAh). A 5,000mAh bank can partially charge most phones, while 20,000mAh and larger models can charge laptops and fill phones multiple times. Remember that rated capacity doesn't translate one-for-one to device charge because of heat losses and voltage conversion, so expect roughly 60% efficiency in many cases.

Wireless

Qi2 wireless charging has made magnetic power banks faster and more reliable. Qi2 supports 15W of output and includes a magnetic alignment like Apple's MagSafe. Newer Qi2 25W chargers are also beginning to appear. Wireless charging is convenient, but it's still less efficient than wired.

Ports

USB-C is the standard for fast charging, and most good power banks have at least one USB-C port. USB-A is still useful for older devices. Check the wattage ratings and in/out capabilities because some ports are input only. Built-in cables are a nice feature because they ensure you always have the right connection.

Design

Modern power banks come in many colors and shapes. Beyond aesthetics, consider convenience features like a kickstand, display, wall prongs, or integrated cables.

How we test power banks

We test power banks with real devices, including iPhones, Samsung Galaxy phones, iPads, and laptops. We drain the devices to near zero, then see how long the bank takes to refill them and how much capacity remains. We also test wireless efficiency and evaluate build quality, portability, and extra features. This guide is updated regularly as new products launch.

Other power banks we tested

Belkin Stage PowerGrip

This is a 9,300mAh bank with a wireless pad, integrated cable, and a Bluetooth shutter button for remote photos, plus a tripod mount. It's a clever accessory for iPhone photographers, but it charges more slowly than the top picks.

Anker MagGo for Apple Watch power bank

This accessory combines a 10,000mAh phone charger with a built-in Apple Watch charger that pops up from the top. While it's niche, it has saved our Apple Watch in a pinch and also works as a phone power bank.

HyperJuice 245W

Hyper's 27,000mAh bank delivers up to 245W and has four USB-C ports. It's fast and sleek, but its lack of USB-A and high price keep it out of the top recommendations.

EcoFlow Rapid magnetic power bank

EcoFlow's first power bank is a Qi2 magnetic charger with a 5,000mAh capacity and pull-out leg. It looks nice, but it didn't match the charging performance of our top MagSafe pick.

Mophie Snap+ Powerstation Mini

This is a well-made 5,000mAh MagSafe power bank with a sturdy stand, but it only offers partial charging for most modern phones, and it lacks a display for the same price as better-equipped models.

Power bank FAQs

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

The terms are used interchangeably, and both refer to a battery pack that stores energy for recharging smartphones, tablets, earbuds, laptops, and more. Pay attention to capacity, size, and output wattage to decide which one fits your needs.

Does fast charging ruin your battery?

Heat degrades lithium-ion batteries faster. Fast charging generates additional heat, but modern phones use thermal management and software to keep temperatures safe. The difference is minimal for most users. To preserve battery health, try to keep your device from overheating.

Can you use a power bank to charge all your devices?

If your devices use USB-C, USB-A, or a compatible cable, a power bank will work. A larger capacity bank is required for laptops. Some proprietary charging ports aren't compatible, and not every power bank has the wattage needed to charge a laptop. Check the bank's maximum output and your device's requirements.

Source: Engadget News