Top Power Banks for 2025 Unveiled

As someone who frequently travels across the country with a bag packed full of tech, I've learned the hard way about the importance of keeping my devices charged. Power banks have been a game-changer, eliminating the worry of a dead phone when I'm far from an outlet. Just make sure to charge your power bank before you head out, and you'll stay powered up on your adventures.

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 Amazon

When browsing Amazon, you'll discover hundreds of power banks from various brands, many of which you might not recognize. While these devices are essentially giant batteries and aren't overly complicated, choosing a substandard one can lead to serious issues like overheating or swelling. It's wise to opt for reputable brands like Anker, Belkin, and Mophie, which have established themselves as reliable manufacturers. Energizer is also entering this space, bringing more options to the market. A notable trend is the inclusion of Qi wireless charging in many power banks, a convenient feature if you forget your USB-C cable.

Capacity is crucial when selecting a power bank. A 20,000mAh battery can charge an iPhone twice or a tablet once before needing a recharge. If you're looking to power a laptop, you'll need at least 45W of output, with gaming laptops requiring even more. Through my extensive experience with numerous power banks, I've honed in on what truly matters when choosing the perfect portable charger for your travels.

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 devices

Opt for a power bank like the Belkin Boost Charge Plus 10K, which includes five-inch integrated Lightning and USB-C cables, simplifying your travel kit. Belkin's design ensures the cables remain organized and tangle-free, tucking neatly into slots on the sides when not in use. Despite the built-in cables, the power bank remains compact, similar in size to a smartphone and weighing just half a pound.

While this power bank is limited to charging via the two integrated cables, it's suitable for most users as many modern devices, including the latest iPhones, support USB-C charging. The 10,000mAh capacity is ample for charging smartphones and some tablets. With a maximum output of 18W per cable, it's not ideal for laptops but can get an iPhone to 50% in under 30 minutes. It supports simultaneous charging of two devices at a total output of 23W and allows pass-through charging, so you can recharge the power bank and a device simultaneously.

2. Anker 737 Laptop Charger

Best Power Bank for Charging Laptops

### Anker 737

2This powerful charger ensures your laptop stays powered 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 displayCONSSignificant size and weight

Laptops require robust charging solutions due to their higher power demands. The Anker 737, with its 140W output, is perfect for most laptops and even some gaming models. Its 24,000mAh capacity can fully charge a laptop one or two times. However, its bulkiness is a drawback; at 6.13 inches tall and 1.95 inches thick, it's larger than many laptops and weighs 1.39lbs, which can add significant weight to your travel bag.

Despite its size, the Anker 737 is invaluable for working on the go, especially during events like CES, where access to power outlets is limited. It's a must-have for those who can't afford to run out of battery mid-project.

3. Charmast Portable Charger

Best Budget Power Bank

### Charmast Portable Charger

4This charger offers features similar to the Mophie Powerstation Plus but at half the cost, though it's bulkier and charges slower. 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 bulkier design

Quality power banks can be pricey, often costing around $80. However, opting for the Charmast Portable Charger, you can get a 20,000mAh capacity for half the price. Although it's limited to 20W output and is bulkier, weighing 0.8lbs and about 1-inch thick, it's a great value if you're willing to compromise on speed and size. Your phone may take an hour and a half to charge instead of an hour, but the savings are significant.

4. Anker MagGo Power Bank

Best Power Bank with Wireless Charging

### Anker MagGo

2While not the largest in capacity, the Anker MagGo excels with its wireless charging capabilities. 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 15WCONSLimited to 10,000mAh capacity

Wireless charging power banks are less common, and those that are effective are even rarer. Most use the older Qi standard, limited to 7.5W. The Anker MagGo, however, supports the newer Qi2 standard, offering 15W output for near-fast charging speeds. Its compact design, weighing just 0.44lbs and only 0.58 inches thick, makes it highly portable. The downside is its 10,000mAh capacity, which might only provide one or two full charges for an iPhone, but it charges quickly via both wireless and USB-C methods.

5. Veektomx Mini Power Bank

Best Compact Power Bank

### Veektomx Mini Power Bank

0This tiny yet powerful charger offers a 10,000mAh capacity with three versatile 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 sizeLED battery indicatorCONSIncludes older microUSB

The Veektomx Mini Power Bank is one of the most compact options available, about the size of a deck of cards but thinner, and weighing just 5.8oz. Despite its size, it packs a 10,000mAh battery, capable of fully charging most smartphones. It features three charging ports—USB-A, USB-C, and microUSB—supporting fast charging up to 22.5W and pass-through charging. Its durable plastic body, ribbed for grip, and an LED battery level indicator make it a practical choice, especially at around $25.

6. Jsaux Power Bank 20,000mAh 65W

Best Power Bank for Steam Deck

### JSAUX Power Bank 20000mAh 65W

0This charger offers fast charging for the Steam Deck and other devices, with 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 design

The Steam Deck, even with the OLED model's improved battery life, can drain quickly during gaming. The Jsaux Power Bank 20,000mAh 65W is an essential accessory, providing a full charge or more with its 20,000mAh capacity. Its 45W charging speed can fully charge the Steam Deck in about three hours. The built-in USB-C cable simplifies travel, and additional ports allow for multi-device charging. Though slightly bulkier at 1lb and an inch thick, it's manageable and can be paired with Jsaux's ModCase for a seamless integration with the Steam Deck. 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 charger straps directly onto the Nintendo Switch, offering a built-in USB-C cable and additional ports. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsCapacity10,000 mAhTotal 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 some bulk to the Switch

The Nintendo Switch's battery life, especially when playing demanding games, can be a limitation. The Emperor of Gadgets Portable Power Bank, designed specifically for the Switch, straps onto it, adding minimal bulk while doubling playtime with its 10,000mAh capacity. Its 15W charging capability is sufficient for the Switch's 18W maximum, and the integrated USB-C cable is perfectly sized for the handheld's port. This power bank also supports other devices, including the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, and features additional USB-C and USB-A ports for versatility.

What to Look for in a Power Bank

Capacity

Capacity is the most crucial aspect of a power bank. Measured in milliamp-hours (mAh), you'll want a charger with at least 3,000mAh to double the battery life of most smartphones. A 10,000mAh power bank, which is common, can provide three or more charges on the go. Keep in mind that some power is lost during transfer, so you won't get the full capacity.

Ports and Charging Speeds

Power banks vary in their charging capabilities. Some use standards like Power Delivery (PD) to maximize energy transfer. For quick smartphone charging, aim for at least 20W, ideally 30W, to handle larger battery sizes. For iPads, a minimum of 30W is recommended, while laptops may require 45W or 60W to keep up with their power consumption. Consider the charger's input wattage too, as a higher input will recharge the power bank faster.

Power Bank FAQ

Should you drain your power bank before charging it again?

No, it's not necessary to fully drain lithium-based batteries in power banks. Doing so could damage them and reduce their capacity. Instead, charge your power bank before it's completely depleted or every few months if it's not in use.

Can you bring portable power banks on a plane?

Yes, you can bring power banks on a plane if they use lithium-ion or lithium-metal batteries. The TSA allows them in carry-on luggage or as personal items, not in checked bags, due to fire risk. The size limit is around 100Wh or 27,000mAh, making a standard 10,000mAh charger perfectly acceptable.

How long do power banks last?

The lifespan of a power bank depends on usage, build quality, and capacity. Reputable brands like Anker and Belkin typically last 2 to 4 years. Cheaper models may vary in longevity. Higher-capacity batteries often last longer. To maximize lifespan, avoid overcharging, store in a cool, dry place, and charge fully every three months.