Best power banks for 2026

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, you'll find something fitting here.

Best MagSafe power bank

Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K)

Capacity: 10,000mAh | Maximum Output: 15W (wireless) | Ports: One USB-C in/out | Included cable: USB-C to USB-C | Charges iPhone 15: 1.64 times | Charge time iPhone: 4 to 100% in 2h 26m | Weight: 8.82 oz | Dimensions: 4.22 x 2.71 x 0.78 in

The Anker MagGo Power Bank was one of the first Qi2-certified products on the market, and the new standard has made the 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, compared to an hour and a half for previous top picks. After that initial refill, the MagGo 10K had enough left over to get the phone to 70 percent on a subsequent charge.

This wireless power bank adds an LCD display to show remaining battery percentage and charge time estimates. A strong MagSafe connection lets you use the phone while it charges, and the small kickstand creates a sturdy base for watching videos. New Pixel 10 phones with Qi2 support also benefit from faster wireless charging and magnetic alignment. The USB-C port is there for non-wireless devices.

• Pros: Qi2 fast wireless charging, sturdy kickstand, LED display
• Cons: More expensive than other 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 | Charges Galaxy S23 Ultra: 0.65 times | Charge time: 0 to 65% in 1h 2m | Weight: 3.5 oz | Dimensions: 3.03 x 1.45 x 0.98 in

The Anker Nano power bank delivers impressive power for its size. It's the exact shape of a lipstick case and has a built-in USB-C connector that folds down when not in use. That means you don't need to remember a cable. A built-in USB-C port can refill the battery or charge another device with an adapter. Four indicator lights show the remaining charge.

In testing, the 5,000mAh battery got a depleted Galaxy S23 Ultra back to 65 percent in about an hour. It's small enough to use your phone while charging without feeling awkward, and it's also a great pick for recharging earbuds. For more juice, Anker's 30W Nano Power Bank offers 10,000mAh, a display, and a built-in cable that doubles as a carry handle.

• 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 | Charges iPhone 15: 1.86 times | Charge time iPhone: 5 to 100% in 1h 53m | Charges Galaxy S23 Ultra: 1.45 times | Charge time Galaxy: 5 to 100% in 1h 2m | Weight: 8.8 oz | Dimensions: 4.25 x 2.0 x 1.22 in

The toughest thing about using a power bank is remembering to bring it, along with a cable and wall adapter. Anker's 10K Fusion solves those problems with its attached USB-C cable and foldable wall prongs. It's compact, just a smidge wider than a stick of butter, yet packs 10,000mAh capacity. The 30W output enabled Super Fast Charging on a Galaxy S23, taking it from 5 percent to full in just over an hour. In 20 minutes, it bumped a near-dead iPhone 15 to 45 percent.

There's an additional USB-C port for other cables, and both the built-in connector and the port can refill the power bank. The display shows remaining charge accurately, and the corduroy side texture is a nice touch. The previous pick in this category, the BioLite Charge 40 PD, is still excellent, but the 10K Fusion delivers faster charging and more features at a lower price.

• Pros: Built-in USB-C cable, built-in wall prongs, accurate display, affordable
• Cons: iPhone charging is slower than some rivals

Best medium capacity power bank

Belkin BoostCharge 20K with Integrated Cable — $50

Capacity: 20,000mAh | Maximum Output: 30W | Ports: One built-in USB-C in/out cable, one USB-A port, one USB-C port | Charges iPhone 15: 3 to 3.5 times | Charge time iPhone: 5 to 100% in 2h 6m | Charges Galaxy S23 Ultra: 2.5 to 3 times | Charge time S23 Ultra: 1h 15m | Weight: 14 oz | Dimensions: 6.06 x 3.0 x 0.99 in

An integrated cable is a hot new feature in portable chargers, and the Belkin BoostCharge 20K is a prime example. It outputs up to 30W, which isn't the fastest, but it charged a Galaxy S24 Ultra from dead to full in 75 minutes and an iPhone 15 from 5 to 87 percent in just over an hour. The 20,000mAh capacity delivers those numbers about three times over.

The built-in USB-C cable is conveniently magnetized, and there are two additional ports: an out-only USB-A and an in/out USB-C. You can charge three devices simultaneously, though speeds will drop. Instead of a digital screen, it has four accurate LED indicator lights. The BoostCharge comes in blue, pink, white, or black, and the matte finish repels smudges well.

• Pros: Built-in cable, four color options, affordable, great capacity for the price
• Cons: Not the fastest charging

Best medium-high capacity power bank

Nimble Champ Pro — $100

Capacity: 20,000mAh | Maximum Output: 65W | Ports: Two USB-C in/out | Charges iPhone 11: 2.95 times | Charge time iPhone: 5 to 100% in 1h 39m average | Charges Galaxy S22 Ultra: 2.99 times | Charge time Galaxy: 5 to 100% in 59m average | Charges iPad Air: 1.83 times | Weight: 12.9 oz | Dimensions: 5.92 x 2.48 x 1.00 in

Nimble's Champ Pro delivers a screaming fast charge. It got a Galaxy S23 Ultra from 5 percent to full in under an hour, faster than every other battery we tested except for the premium Anker Laptop Power Bank. It provides nearly three full charges to an iPhone or Galaxy device and can refill an iPad more than once. The battery itself recharges from the wall noticeably faster than other models.

Nimble is a certified B-Corp that uses 90 percent post-consumer recycled plastic and eco-friendly packaging. The unit feels sturdy, with a compact shape and an adjustable lanyard. Both USB-C ports are in/out, letting you charge two devices at once. The only downside: the four indicator lights underestimated the remaining charge in early testing, though accuracy improved over time.

• Pros: Super fast charging, made from recycled materials, sturdy compact design
• Cons: Indicator lights underestimate charge

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) | Charges iPhone 15: 5 times | Charges Galaxy S23 Ultra: 4 times | Charges iPad Air: 2.2 times | Charges MacBook Pro: 0.75 times | Weight: 1.28 lbs | Dimensions: 5.5 x 4.4 x 1.38 in

The BioLite Charge 100 Max has a compact, rounded design that's great for travel. It has four USB ports (three USB-C and one USB-A) plus a MagSafe-compatible wireless charging pad with 15W output. The magnetic hold is strong enough to keep it in place, though not for carrying around. The 10 LED pips are accurate, and the rubberized texture with yellow accents is a welcome change from typical black bricks.

The bank delivers quick charges to phones, tablets, and laptops. BioLite is a climate-neutral-certified B-Corp that helps bring energy to underserved areas. It costs more than some similar-capacity competitors, but the design and brand mission justify the premium.

• Pros: Compact colorful design, fast charging for multiple devices, 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 | Charges iPhone 15: 4 to 5 times | Charges Galaxy S23 Ultra: 3.75 to 4 times | Charges iPad Air: 1.75 to 2 times | Charges MacBook Pro: 0.68 times | Weight: 1.31 lbs | Dimensions: 6.18 x 2.12 x 1.93 in

The Anker laptop power bank makes sure you're never without a way to charge. It has two attached USB-C cables: one on the side that acts as a carrying handle and a retractable cord that extends up to two feet. Both are in/out, so they can power devices or recharge the bank itself. The display shows remaining charge, output wattage per port, and estimated time to full when refilling.

It's an attractive, durable unit with a matte silver exterior. The display is smaller than the previous Prime bank, which was prone to scratches. At just $15 more than Anker's popular PowerCore bank, the built-in cables make it well worth the extra cost.

• Pros: Two built-in cables, durable build, detailed display, fast charging
• Cons: Screen picks up smudges

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) | Charges iPhone 15: 5 to 5.5 times | Charges Galaxy S23 Ultra: 4.3 times | Charges iPad Air: 2.5 times | Charges MacBook Pro: 0.83 times | Weight: 1.32 lbs | Dimensions: 6.3 x 1.5 x 2.5 in

The Anker Prime Power Bank stands out with its app connectivity, but the real stars are the speeds and capacity. The two USB-C ports can deliver up to 140W each, enough to charge two high-powered laptops simultaneously. It got a near-dead iPhone 15 to 60 percent in 30 minutes and delivered more charge to a MacBook Pro than any other battery we've tested.

The display shows remaining charge and battery temperature, a wise feature for lithium-ion packs. The sleek design has a shiny black front and matte silver body, and it's more compact than most 27,000mAh batteries. An optional charging base ($110) makes recharging effortless—just set the battery down and walk away. It's expensive, but for a truly premium power bank, this is it.

• Pros: Super fast charging, sleek premium design, display with 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 | Charges iPhone 11: 2.99 times | Charges iPad Air: 1.17 times | Weight: 12.8 oz | Dimensions: 5.0 x 1.25 x 3.0 in

The Nestout Portable Charger has an IP67 rating, meaning it can survive submersion in a meter of water for 30 minutes. We tested by dropping it in a five-gallon bucket for five minutes, and it performed perfectly after drying off. The water resistance comes from screw-on caps with silicone gaskets. It also survived repeated drops from chest height onto hard surfaces.

Charging speeds aren't the fastest, but they're adequate. The included USB-A to USB-C cable is just seven inches long, so you'll likely want your own cord. Nestout offers clever accessories, including a snap-on LED worklight, a small tripod, and a portable solar panel that refilled the battery to 40 percent in under three hours.

• Pros: Waterproof with caps secured, clever accessories, survived drop tests
• Cons: Not the fastest, short included cable

What to look for in a portable battery pack

Battery type

Nearly every rechargeable power bank contains a lithium-ion battery. These beat other battery types in size-to-charge capacity and have increased in energy density by eightfold over the past 14 years. They also don't suffer from the memory effect that plagued older nickel-based batteries.

Flying with portable batteries

Lithium-ion batteries can overheat and catch fire, so there are restrictions on air travel. Current TSA rules allow external batteries rated at 100Wh or less (all our recommendations are) in carry-on luggage only—never in checked bags. Some airlines, like Southwest, now require power banks to be kept in clear view when actively charging a device.

Capacity

Capacity is listed in milliamp hours (mAh). A 5,000mAh battery can fill a smartphone to between 50 and 75 percent. Larger 20,000mAh and 25,000mAh packs can recharge laptops or give phones multiple charges. Note that efficiency is around 60 percent due to heat loss and voltage conversion. A 10,000mAh bank typically delivers about 5,800mAh to a device, while 20,000mAh delivers around 11,250mAh.

Wireless

Wireless charging is less efficient than wired, but it's convenient. Qi2-certified batteries support speeds up to 15W and include magnetic attachment points. MagSafe iPhones were the first Qi2-compatible devices, and now Google's Pixel 10 phones support the standard. The new Qi2 25W standard is supported by iPhone 17 and Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Qi2-25W power banks are starting to appear.

Ports

USB-C ports deliver faster charges than USB-A. Most modern power banks have Type-C connections, but Type-A jacks are still useful for older cables. Larger banks may list different wattages per port. The port's wattage determines what you can charge; a 15W port won't do much for a laptop. Cables must also match the maximum wattage. Some of the best power banks include built-in cables, so you're never without the right cord.

How we test power banks

We start with trusted brands and customer reviews, then acquire promising candidates for hands-on testing. For each battery, we charge an iPhone and an Android phone, plus an iPad and a MacBook Pro for larger units. Devices are drained to between 0 and 5 percent, then charged until full or until the power bank dies. We note charge times, the number of charges delivered, and the battery's efficiency. We continuously update this guide as new products are released.

Other power banks we tested

Belkin Stage PowerGrip: A 9,300mAh power bank with wireless charging, a built-in cable, Bluetooth shutter, and tripod thread. It's clever for photographers but slow, taking two hours to charge an iPhone 16 to 98 percent.

Anker MagGo for Apple Watch Power Bank: A 10K battery with a built-in USB-C cable and a pop-up Apple Watch charger. It's niche but saved us on trips when the watch was dying.

HyperJuice 245W: A sleek 27,000mAh brick with four USB-C ports. It's fast and powerful but lacks a USB-A port, and it's more expensive than comparable options with built-in cables.

EcoFlow Rapid Magnetic Power Bank: A Qi2-enabled 5,000mAh charger with a pull-out stand and attached cable. It looks nice but didn't outperform the top MagSafe pick.

Mophie Snap+ Powerstation Mini: A well-built 5,000mAh MagSafe battery with a sturdy stand, but only a partial charge for most phones. The current MagSafe pick offers double the capacity and a display for just $20 more.

Power bank FAQs

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

The terms portable battery, portable charger, external battery pack, and USB charger are used interchangeably. They all mean a lithium-ion battery that stores a charge to refill devices. Power stations, on the other hand, are much larger units—often the size of a car battery—that can't be taken on airplanes.

Does fast charging ruin your battery?

Not exactly. The real enemy is heat. Fast charging generates more heat, but modern phones have heat shields, heat sinks, and software to manage temperatures. Studies on EV batteries show a slight capacity decrease with fast charging, but ambient heat matters more. In short, fast charging is slightly harder on a battery, but built-in safeguards make the difference negligible.

Can you use a power bank for all your devices?

It depends on the bank's capacity and your device's battery size. A small 5,000mAh battery won't charge a laptop, but a 20,000mAh pack will give your computer a partial refill. Port compatibility matters too. If your device uses a DC or AC port, you won't be able to use a standard USB power bank.

Source:Engadget News