The ultimate guide to the best power banks and portable chargers in 2026
Never be left with a dead battery again. After testing dozens of models, these are the portable chargers worth buying for your phone, laptop, and everything in between.
There are few feelings quite as anxiety-inducing as watching your phone battery tick down to single digits when you're nowhere near a wall outlet. Whether you're navigating an unfamiliar city, waiting for an important call, or simply commuting home, a dead phone can derail your entire day.
A portable power bank is the simplest solution—but with thousands of options on the market, finding the right one for your specific needs can be overwhelming. Do you prioritize size or capacity? Wireless convenience or raw charging speed? Built-in cables or maximum port flexibility?
I've spent years testing dozens of power banks across every category, from keychain-sized emergency top-ups to beastly laptop chargers that can keep you powered for days. After extensive hands-on testing with real devices—iPhones, Samsung Galaxies, iPads, and MacBooks—these are the absolute best portable chargers you can buy in 2026.
Why trust us?
has been testing and reviewing consumer tech since 2004. Our recommendations are based on hundreds of hours of real-world testing, not spec-sheet comparisons. We purchase the products we test (no manufacturer hand-picking here) and evaluate them on charging speed, efficiency, build quality, portability, and real-world usability. We also keep this guide continuously updated as new products launch—like Anker's latest Fusion series and the new wave of Qi2 25W chargers hitting the market.
Best power banks reviewed
Best overall magnetic power bank: Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K)
Best for: Wireless charging | Capacity: 10,000mAh | Key feature: Qi2 + kickstand + display
Anker's MagGo Power Bank was one of the first Qi2-certified products on the market, and it completely transforms the wireless charging experience. The new standard brings 15W fast charging to iPhones (and now Pixel 10 phones) with magnetic alignment, making this the most well-rounded magnetic battery I've tested.
Performance: In testing, it brought an iPhone 15 from near-dead to 50% in about 45 minutes. For reference, our previous top pick took an hour and a half to do the same. After that initial refill, it still had enough juice left to get the phone to 70% on a subsequent charge.
Standout features: The integrated LCD display shows exact battery percentage remaining and estimated time until full or empty—a huge upgrade from vague LED pips. The kickstand is surprisingly sturdy and lets you prop up your phone in portrait or landscape (StandBy mode works beautifully). The magnetic connection is strong enough that you can use your phone while it charges without fear of it detaching.
Who it's for: iPhone users who want cable-free convenience, especially those who've envied MagSafe's speed limitations in the past. Pixel 10 owners will also benefit from the new Qi2 support.
The catch: It's pricier than non-MagSafe alternatives, but the speed jump justifies the cost.
Check price at Amazon | Check price at Best Buy
Best ultra-portable power bank: Anker Nano Power Bank
Best for: Portability | Capacity: 5,000mAh | Key feature: Built-in USB-C connector
About the size and shape of a lipstick case, the Anker Nano is the power bank you'll actually carry every day. Its genius lies in the foldaway USB-C connector—no cable hunting required.
Performance: Despite its tiny size, it delivered 65% charge to a dead Galaxy S23 Ultra in just over an hour. That's impressive for a battery this small. The built-in connector is sturdy enough that you can use your phone while it charges without the awkward "brick dangling from a cable" experience.
Additional features: Four LED indicators show remaining charge, and there's a separate USB-C port if you need to use your own cable. It's also perfect for topping up earbuds or other small devices.
Who it's for: Anyone who wants a "grab and go" battery that lives in a pocket or small bag. It's insurance against emergencies, not a multi-day power solution.
The catch: At 5,000mAh, it'll only give most modern phones a partial charge. If you need a full refill, consider Anker's 30W Nano Power Bank (10,000mAh) with its clever built-in cable that doubles as a carry handle.
Best travel-friendly all-in-one: Anker 10K Fusion Power Bank
Best for: Travel convenience | Capacity: 10,000mAh | Key feature: Built-in cable + wall prongs
The hardest part about using a power bank is remembering to bring it—and a cable, and a wall adapter. Anker's 10K Fusion solves two of those problems with its attached USB-C cable and foldable wall prongs.
Performance: It triggered "Super Fast Charging" on a Galaxy S23, taking it from 5% to full in just over an hour. An iPhone 15 hit 45% in 20 minutes, though charging slowed toward the end of the cycle. The attached cable delivers 30W, and there's a second USB-C port for other devices.
Smart design: The cable loops neatly and feels sturdy enough to use as a carry handle (though I'm still cautious about dangling a battery by its cord). The digital display is one of the most accurate I've tested, showing exact percentage remaining. The corduroy-textured sides add a nice tactile touch.
Who it's for: Travelers who hate juggling multiple cables and adapters. It's perfect for hotel stays—just plug it directly into the wall to recharge overnight.
The catch: iPhone charging is slightly slower than dedicated iPhone-focused banks, but still perfectly acceptable.
Best value mid-capacity bank: Belkin BoostCharge 20K with Integrated Cable
Best for: Value | Capacity: 20,000mAh | Key feature: Integrated USB-C cable
Integrated cables are becoming the must-have feature in power banks, and Belkin's BoostCharge 20K delivers one of the most affordable implementations. The built-in USB-C cable is magnetized to stay neatly in place when not in use.
Performance: It charged a Galaxy S24 Ultra from dead to full in 1 hour 15 minutes, and took an iPhone 15 from 5% to 87% in just over an hour. With 20,000mAh capacity, you'll get those results around three times over before the bank itself needs a recharge.
Port options: In addition to the built-in cable, there's a USB-A port for older devices and a USB-C in/out port. You can charge three devices simultaneously, though speeds will drop accordingly.
Design touches: It comes in four colors—black, blue, pink, and white. The matte finish on my pink test unit resisted smudges well, and any marks wiped off easily with alcohol.
Who it's for: Budget-conscious shoppers who want the convenience of a built-in cable without breaking the bank.
The catch: 30W charging isn't the fastest available, but it's perfectly adequate for phones and tablets.
Best sustainable fast charger: Nimble Champ Pro
Best for: Speed + sustainability | Capacity: 20,000mAh | Key feature: 65W fast charging
The Nimble Champ Pro delivers screaming-fast charging while maintaining strong environmental credentials. It's a certified B-Corp made from 90% post-consumer recycled plastic, with packaging from paper scrap.
Performance: It charged a Galaxy S23 Ultra from 5% to full in under an hour—faster than every other battery I tested except Anker's premium laptop bank (which costs $30 more). It also refilled an iPhone 11 nearly three times and juiced an iPad Air more than once. The battery itself recharges from empty noticeably faster than competitors.
Build quality: The marbled effect from recycled plastics looks genuinely attractive, not "eco-friendly compromise." It's narrower than a smartphone and about as long, with a sturdy feel and an adjustable lanyard that's cute but optional.
The catch: The four LED indicator lights were conservative—dropping to one pip while still delivering a full charge plus a top-off. I actually appreciate under-promising, and accuracy improved after a few charge cycles.
Who it's for: Eco-conscious users who refuse to sacrifice performance. Also anyone who wants laptop charging speeds without paying laptop-bank prices.
Best compact high-capacity bank: BioLite Charge 100 Max
Best for: Versatile travel | Capacity: 25,000mAh | Key feature: Wireless charging + compact design
BioLite's Charge 100 Max packs massive capacity into a surprisingly compact, rounded design that's more packable than typical brick-shaped batteries. The company is a climate-neutral certified B-Corp that helps bring energy to underserved communities.
Performance: It delivered fast charges across the board: iPhone 15 to full in 1 hour 52 minutes (wired), Galaxy S23 Ultra in 1 hour 4 minutes, iPad Air in 2 hours 20 minutes, and a MacBook Pro to 75% in 57 minutes. The MagSafe-compatible wireless pad outputs 15W, though the magnetic hold isn't strong enough to carry the bank around while charging.
Design highlights: The rubberized texture and yellow accents are a welcome departure from standard tech-black. Ten LED pips accurately indicate remaining charge. It feels premium in hand while being noticeably easier to pack than similarly specced competitors.
Who it's for: Travelers who need serious capacity but don't want to haul a cinderblock. Also anyone who appreciates companies with genuine social missions.
The catch: At $180, it's $50 more than the similar-capacity Mophie Powerstation. You're paying for the compact design and BioLite's mission.
Check price at Amazon | Check price at REI | Check price at Backcountry
Best laptop power bank with built-in cables: Anker Power Bank (Built-In Cable)
Best for: Laptop charging | Capacity: 25,000mAh | Key feature: Built-in cables + display
The only thing worse than having a dead power bank is having one with no way to connect it to your device. Anker solves this with two built-in USB-C cables: one side-attached cable that acts as a carry handle, and a retractable cord that extends up to two feet. Both handle input and output.
Performance: It charged a MacBook Pro from near-dead to 68% in 53 minutes—impressive for a non-laptop-specific bank. Galaxy S23 Ultra went from 5% to full in 52 minutes, and iPhone 15 got four to five full charges. The digital display shows remaining percentage, output wattage per port, and estimated recharge time.
Build quality: The matte silver exterior feels durable and premium. The display area is smaller than Anker's previous Prime bank (which scratched easily), making this model more resilient for travel.
Who it's for: Laptop users who hate carrying extra cables. Also anyone who's ever found themselves with a dead power bank and no way to charge it.
The catch: At $150, it's $15 more than Anker's popular PowerCore bank—but that model lacks built-in cables. The screen does pick up smudges, though they wipe off easily.
Best premium performance: Anker Prime Power Bank (300W)
Best for: Maximum performance | Capacity: 26,250mAh | Key feature: 300W output + app connectivity
Yes, it has an app. Yes, that's mostly unnecessary. But the Anker Prime 300W is still the most impressive power bank I've tested—not because of the connectivity, but because of raw performance.
Performance: This thing is a beast. It delivered more charge to my MacBook Pro than any other battery I've tested (83% in just over an hour). An iPhone 15 hit 60% in 30 minutes. The two USB-C ports can each output up to 140W simultaneously—enough to fast-charge two high-powered laptops at once, though that's an extreme scenario.
Design: It's wider and flatter than previous Prime models, making it easier to handle and surprisingly elegant. The display shows remaining charge and battery temperature (useful for monitoring lithium-ion health). The optional charging base ($110 extra) lets you recharge by simply setting the bank down—luxuriously convenient but expensive.
Who it's for: Power users who need to charge multiple high-drain devices simultaneously. Content creators, digital nomads, and anyone who's ever been frustrated by a bank that can't keep up.
The catch: It's expensive, especially with the base. Most people don't need 300W of output.
Check price at Amazon | Check price at Best Buy
Best rugged/waterproof power bank: Nestout Portable Charger
Best for: Outdoor adventures | Capacity: 15,000mAh | Key feature: IP67 waterproof (submersible)
Most "rugged" power banks offer drop protection but fail at the one thing that ruins electronics: water. The Nestout Portable Charger has genuine IP67 rating, meaning it can survive submersion in up to one meter of water for 30 minutes.
Testing: I dropped it in a five-gallon bucket for five minutes, dried it off, and it worked perfectly. The screw-on caps with silicone gaskets do the job, though you must remember to tighten them before any water exposure. It also survived repeated drops from chest height onto concrete.
Accessories: Nestout offers delightful add-ons: a dimmable LED worklight that snaps on top, a tiny tripod, and a compact solar panel that charged the 15,000mAh bank to 40% in under three hours (impressive for its size).
Performance: Charging speeds are adequate but not class-leading. It took longer to charge an iPhone 11 to 80% than the Belkin took to reach the same with an iPhone 15. The included cable is just seven inches long—bring your own.
Who it's for: Backpackers, boaters, campers, and anyone whose power bank might face rain, splashes, or accidental dunks.
The catch: Slower charging and short included cable. You're paying for ruggedization, not speed.
What to look for in a portable power bank
Capacity and real-world efficiency
Manufacturers list capacity in milliamp hours (mAh), but don't expect a 10,000mAh bank to fully charge a 5,000mAh phone twice. Energy loss through heat dissipation and voltage conversion means you'll get roughly 60% efficiency in real-world use. Based on my testing, a 5,000mAh bank delivers about 3,000mAh to devices (50-75% of a modern phone), while a 10,000mAh bank delivers about 5,800mAh (1.5-1.8 phone charges). Jump to 20,000mAh and you'll get approximately 11,250mAh (3-3.5 phone charges), and 25,000mAh banks deliver around 16,200mAh (4-5 phone charges).
Choose capacity based on your needs: 5,000mAh for emergency top-ups, 10,000mAh for daily carry, 20,000mAh+ for multi-day trips or laptop charging.
Charging speed and protocols
Wattage (W) determines charging speed. For reference, 5-10W is slow charging fine for earbuds or overnight use, while 15-18W delivers standard phone charging (iPhone basic speed). For fast phone charging that enables "Super Fast Charging" on Samsung devices, look for 20-30W. Tablet and laptop charging speeds start at 45W+, and high-speed laptop charging with multiple devices simultaneously requires 100W+.
Look for Power Delivery (PD) support for USB-C devices. For Android phones, check if the bank supports your device's proprietary fast charging (Samsung Super Fast Charging requires 25W+ PD PPS).
Wireless charging and Qi2
Qi2 is the game-changer for wireless power banks. It brings 15W fast charging (double the old 7.5W standard for iPhones), magnetic alignment that eliminates the hunt for the sweet spot, and interoperability that works with iPhone MagSafe and Google's new Pixel 10 magnetic system.
New Qi2 25W chargers are emerging for iPhone 17 and Pixel 10 Pro, but adoption is still early. If you buy a wireless bank today, ensure it's Qi2-certified for future compatibility.
Ports and connectivity
USB-C is king—it delivers faster charging and works across devices, and most modern banks use USB-C for both input and output. Built-in cables are increasingly common and genuinely useful; they eliminate the "I have power but no cable" problem and reduce what you need to pack. USB-A ports remain useful for older devices, specialty cables (cameras, some earbuds), or when you need to lend a cable to someone with an older device.
When it comes to charge indicators, digital displays showing exact percentage are more useful than four LED pips, especially on larger banks. Some newer displays also show output wattage and estimated recharge time.
Air travel considerations
TSA regulations allow lithium-ion batteries rated at 100Wh or less in carry-on luggage only—never checked bags. All recommendations here fall under 100Wh (our largest is 26,250mAh ≈ 97Wh). Note that Southwest Airlines now requires power banks to be kept in clear view when in use; otherwise they can stay in carry-on bags.
How we test power banks
Testing isn't about spec-sheet comparisons. I use each battery in real-world scenarios:
Discharge testing: I drain test devices (iPhone 15, Galaxy S23 Ultra, iPad Air, MacBook Pro) to 0-5%, then charge them fully while tracking time at 25% intervals.
Capacity verification: I compare claimed mAh against actual device charges delivered, accounting for each device's battery capacity.
Multi-device testing: For banks with multiple ports, I charge combinations of devices to test power distribution and speed drops.
Recharge testing: I time how long each bank takes to refill from empty using appropriate wall chargers.
Real-world usability: I evaluate build quality, portability, feature usefulness (displays, stands, cables), and any unique selling points.
I continuously update testing as new products release—this guide reflects the latest 2026 models where relevant.
Other notable power banks
Belkin Stage PowerGrip: A fascinating niche product for mobile photographers. It's a 9,300mAh power bank with wireless charging, but also a Bluetooth shutter remote with a quarter-inch tripod thread. The design mimics a camera grip—attach your phone magnetically and you've got a stable shooting platform. Charging is slow (two hours for an iPhone 16), but the shutter is responsive and it doubles as a stand. Best for iPhoneographers who want extended shooting sessions.
Anker MagGo for Apple Watch: This 10,000mAh bank combines a built-in USB-C cable with a pop-up Apple Watch charger. It saved me on a hike when my watch hit 10% before the trailhead, and later when my travel charging station failed on a trip. The phone charging via the built-in cable works well too. Best for Apple Watch users who want one device to charge everything.
HyperJuice 245W: A gorgeous 27,000mAh brick with four USB-C ports (all output, two input-capable). It charged a Galaxy S24 Ultra in just over an hour and got a MacBook Pro to 75%. But at the same price as Mophie's Powerstation (with better port variety) and higher than Anker's built-in-cable laptop bank, it's hard to recommend. Best for USB-C purists who want maximum port count.
EcoFlow Rapid Magnetic: EcoFlow's first power bank is a Qi2-enabled 5,000mAh magnetic charger with a pull-out stand and attached USB-C cable. It looks great and works well, but doesn't outperform Anker's MagGo in speed or capacity. Best for EcoFlow brand loyalists wanting a matching ecosystem.
Mophie Snap+ Powerstation Mini: Beautifully built 5,000mAh magnetic bank with a full-width stand. It feels premium and is very compact, but our top MagSafe pick offers double the capacity, a display, and a stand for just $20 more. Best for those prioritizing absolute premium feel over value.
Power bank FAQs
What's the difference between a power bank and a power station?
Power banks are portable lithium-ion batteries designed for phones, tablets, and sometimes laptops—they're TSA-approved for carry-on. Power stations are much larger units (often car-battery sized) that can power appliances, CPAP machines, or multiple devices for days, but they cannot be taken on airplanes.
Does fast charging damage my battery?
Not significantly in modern devices. The real enemy is heat, and phone manufacturers have implemented sophisticated thermal management (heat shields, software throttling) to keep fast charging safe. Studies on EV batteries (same lithium-ion tech) show minimal capacity loss from fast charging alone—ambient temperature during charging actually matters more. Modern phones also learn your habits and optimize charging to reduce wear (like Apple's Optimized Battery Charging).
Can I charge my laptop with any power bank?
Check wattage requirements. Most laptops need 45W+ for meaningful charging. A small 5,000mAh bank won't do anything, but a 20,000mAh bank with 45W+ output can give a partial charge. For full laptop charging, look for 65W+ output and 20,000mAh+ capacity. Also ensure the bank supports Power Delivery (PD) over USB-C—that's the standard most laptops use.
Why don't I get the advertised number of charges?
Energy conversion isn't 100% efficient. Power banks store energy at different voltages than phones use, and conversion creates heat loss. You'll typically get 60-70% of the rated capacity delivered to devices. A 10,000mAh bank charging a 3,500mAh phone will deliver roughly 5,800mAh—about 1.6 charges, not 2.8.
Can I take a power bank on a plane?
Yes, but with restrictions. Batteries under 100Wh (roughly 27,000mAh) are allowed in carry-on luggage only—never checked bags. Batteries between 100-160Wh require airline approval and still must be in carry-on. Batteries over 160Wh are not allowed on passenger aircraft. All our recommendations are under 100Wh. Note Southwest Airlines now requires power banks to be kept in view when in use.
The bottom line
The best power bank is the one you actually have with you when you need it. For most people, that means balancing capacity against portability.
For iPhone users, the Anker MagGo 10K delivers Qi2 speeds and a handy stand. Minimalists will appreciate the Anker Nano that disappears in a pocket. Travelers should consider the Anker 10K Fusion that eliminates cable and adapter headaches. Laptop users need the Anker Built-In Cable bank to ensure they're never left disconnected. And for adventurers, the Nestout survives what would kill other batteries.
Prices continue to drop as features improve—built-in cables, digital displays, and faster wireless charging are becoming standard rather than premium. Whatever your needs, there's a perfect power bank waiting to keep you juiced up and anxiety-free.