It’s an all-around great portable charger that can offer you peace of mind whenever wall outlets are out of reach.
After putting in hundreds of hours of research and testing, we’ve found that the Belkin Boost Charge Plus 10K is the best power bank to charge a phone, tablet, or another small, handheld device.
Whether you’re a glued-to-your-screen smartphone owner who can never make it through a day on a full charge, or you just need an occasional battery boost, USB power banks are a panacea for low-battery anxiety.
This power bank has a USB-C PD port to charge devices at top speed, as well as a USB-A port for older devices. It’s not as slim as we’d like, but it’s lightweight and can charge most phones three times.
This power bank is one of the smallest and lightest we’ve tested. It has a powerful USB-C PD port, built-in USB-C and Lightning cables, and a 3,000 mAh rated capacity. But it recharges slower than our other picks.
This power bank is small and light, and its rounded edges make it easy to slip into a pocket. It comes in only one color, but it has two built-in cables and enough capacity to charge most smartphones up to three times.
We chose power banks with a warranty of at least one year, giving you plenty of time to use it and ensure it’s not a dud.
We preferred power banks rated for at least 2,000 mAh and up to 10,000 mAh capacity, which tells you roughly how much battery life they hold.
We sought out power banks weighing 8 ounces (half a pound) or less, making them easy to carry around in a wallet, pocket, or bag.
We searched for power banks with enough wattage to ensure the fastest possible charging and recharging speeds.
The Belkin Boost Charge Plus 10K weighs about half a pound, and its rounded edges make it easy to hold or slip into a pocket.
Its USB-C Power Delivery (PD) port can charge most handheld devices and recharge itself at top speed (with the right USB-C cable and wall charger), and it can pass power to another device while being recharged from a wall outlet.
It only comes in one color, but it has enough capacity to fully charge most smartphones up to three times, as well as built-in USB-C and Lightning cables that are easy to slide in and out of their holsters.
The TravelCard Plus has less than a third of the Belkin’s capacity, but it’s much lighter and slimmer.
Its USB-C PD port, built-in USB-C cable, and built-in Lightning cable can fast-charge most smartphones or other handheld devices (though it recharges more slowly than our other picks).
It’s just as sleek-looking and sturdy as our top pick, and it comes in a wider variety of colors. Plus, as of this writing, it’s nearly half the price.
If money is tight, and you can live without the convenience of built-in cables, go for the Scosche GoBat 10K.
It’s on a par with the Belkin in terms of its power, capacity, build quality, and ease of use.
It has a fast-charging USB-C PD port (input and output) and a USB-A port (output only), and unlike our other picks it comes with a USB-C charging cable.
While it has a slightly chunky shape, which makes it a bit cumbersome to stow in small spaces, it weighs less than half a pound.
A great power bank is more than just a battery, it's peace of mind. Finding the right power bank can be hard because there are so many options available, especially at the big retail store and sites. We're going to make it very easy to find a great, affordable power bank to keep you going all day long, and maybe even days longer.
Frankly, there is one company that is making the best power banks by far, and that is Anker. Anker invested heavily in so-called GaN (gallium nitride) charging technology that makes chargers and even batteries thinner and more power efficient.
Anker also produces batteries and chargers that are simply higher quality than anything else you'll find. Its power banks include cool features and display screens that give you more information about your devices, and its USB-C ports charge at the highest speed the iPhone 15 and most of the best phones can handle.
We've only included wired power banks on this list that can charge at newer speeds, though wireless charging is more about convenience than speed, so some of our wireless power bank favorites are still a bit slow on the charge.
Even if you don't have an Apple iPhone, don't shy away from MagSafe-compatible battery packs. There are MagSafe-friendly cases for most phones from Samsung, Google, and more, and those will let you use MagSafe batteries for charging and other MagSafe accessories.
We've tested every power bank in this list, and many more, in order to bring you the best options. Below, you'll find everything from the very small to the very large; from the wired to the wireless; from innovative bricks to forms you wouldn't expect. Read on for our favorites.
The quick list
Want the simplest guide to the best power banks around? Here's our quick guide – and you can read more in-depth verdicts on each power bank by following the links.
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Best combo
7. Tylt Bottle 2
View at Amazon
The best power bank combo
If you carry a water bottle everywhere, and you also need a spare battery, why not carry both in one device? The Tylt Bottle has two USB ports and also charges wirelessly. Oh, and the bottle is fully insulated to keep your drinks cold.
Read more below
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Below you'll find full write-ups for each of the best power banks in our list. We've tested each one extensively, so you can be sure that our recommendations can be trusted.
The best power bank for everything
Image 1 of 2
(Image credit: Future / Philip Berne)
(Image credit: Future / Philip Berne)
The best power bank for charging everything, at home or on the go
Our expert review:
Average Amazon review:
Capacity:
10,000mAh
Total Wattage:
65W
Number of Ports:
3
USB-C:
2 ports
USB-A:
1 port
Weight:
320g
Power-to-weight:
31.3mAh/g
View at AmazonView at DellView at anker+
Fast charging and battery in one
+
Power for a laptop and smartphone
+
Super convenient all-in-one design
-
A bit heavy and cumbersome
-
Has trouble staying in an outlet
-
More powerful plugged than unplugged
BUY IT IF
✅ You travel a lot and need power: We never take flight without the Anker 733 in our carry on luggage. It replaces multiple wall chargers and gives us a large battery on the go.
✅ You carry a small laptop and a phone: The Anker 733 is powerful enough to charge a laptop and a phone together. Or you can charge your phone, headphones, and smartwatch all at once.
DON'T BUY IT IF
❌ You want a more portable option: Because of its combo nature, the Anker 733 is a bit bulky and cumbersome, but if you use it both ways, it's worth the trade-off in size to have such a useful device.
❌ You only want to charge a phone: If you don't need to charge a laptop occasionally, or you only carry a phone with no accessories, the Anker 733 is more than you need.
The Anker 733 is a revelation, and though it isn't the most powerful or feature packed power bank on this list, it is the best overall power bank to carry if you charge multiple devices, no matter what those devices might be. It can charge an iPhone 15 at full 20W speed, and it can even power a Chromebook or small laptop like a Macbook Air whether it's plugged into a wall or not.
Speaking of that wall plug, it's the most useful feature ever on a power bank. Some power banks come with a built in USB-C cord, but this Anker comes with a two-prong power outlet plug. That makes it a wall charger as well as a power bank, and the utility can't be understated.
You might think that adding a 65W wall charger to a power bank would add a lot of bulk. Well, you're right, the Anker 733 is big, and it's power-to-weight ratio isn't as high as the heavy hitters on this list. On the other hand, you can charge the battery and three devices in a wall, then simply remove the Anker 733 and keep charging those devices with the built-in battery.
The Anker 733 has a 10,000 mAh battery inside, which is just shy of enough power to charge an iPhone 15 to 100% twice. It can charge a big Galaxy S23 Ultra to 100% once, then lift the battery to around 30% again.
There are two USB-C ports on the Anker 733, and both are capable of 65W charging when the power bank is plugged in to a wall outlet, or 30W when the battery is running the show. There's also a USB-A port for legacy devices. You can charge the Anker 733 by plugging it into the wall or you can plug in one of the USB-C ports to charge the battery.
The best power bank for power users
Image 1 of 2
(Image credit: Future / Philip Berne)
(Image credit: Future / Philip Berne)
The best power bank for power users who geek out about power
Our expert review:
Average Amazon review:
Capacity:
27,650 mAh
Total Wattage:
250W
Number of Ports:
3
USB-C:
2 ports
USB-A:
1 port
Weight:
667g
Power-to-weight:
41.4mAh/g
Check Amazon+
Display gives up-to-date charge info
+
Can charge a MacBook Pro
+
Charge an iPhone for a week (almost)
-
Very big, obviously
-
No built-in cords or prongs
-
Some availability issues
BUY IT IF
✅ You want the absolute best power bank: It has an app to monitor charging details, enough power to drive a MacBook or two, and fast recharging using both USB-C ports. Truly an unmatched power bank.
✅ You need power for days and days: You could leave with your iPhone 15 on a Monday and use only this battery until you return on Friday. It has enough juice for days of charging, not hours.
DON'T BUY IT IF
❌ You don't need all those extras: The Anker Prime power bank is pricey, and if you don't care about monitoring charge Wattage or days of battery life, find another option.
❌ You want a compact battery: The Anker Prime power bank has a very high power-to-weight ratio (PWR), but it's still the heaviest battery on this list. It's more than three times the weight of our bargain pick.
The Anker Prime series of Power Banks, including the Anker Prime 27,650mAh Power Bank (250W) and the Anker Prime 20,000mAh Power Bank (200W), are for people who truly love to geek out on power banks. If you came looking for the absolute best power bank you can buy, this is the best we've tried.
First, let's start with the raw power. The big Anker Prime can power a MacBook Pro or any big laptop: it's USB-C ports are capable of 140W of power individually, and the entire battery pack can crank out 250W divided between the two USB-C and one USB-A port.
You can also charge the Anker Prime using both USB-C ports at the same time, for a combined recharging rate up to 170W. That means you can completely refill this whopping 27K mAh battery in under 40 minutes. I thankfully had an Anker 737 GaN Prime charger that was up to the task, and it's fun to see the percentage climb.
Think this is an amazing power bank? We're just getting started. The Anker Prime power bank has a built-in display, and it's no cheap LCD, it's a sharp OLED that gives you detailed information about the power going out or coming into the power bank. If that's not enough, there's also an Anker app you can download that gives you even more information about the battery on your smartphone.
That app is essential because there's a Find My feature built into the battery. It doesn't work like an AirTag over UWB, it's only Bluetooth, but it's useful if you misplace your battery in your office (or you have multiple batteries, like I do).
In terms of charging, this massive power bank can charge an iPhone 15 more than five times. It can charge a big Galaxy S23 Ultra's 5,000mAh battery three-and-a-half times. Best of all, it charges at the fastest speed available on most of your favorite phones (excluding Oppo/OnePlus's unusual SUPERVOOC battery).
Is the Anker Prime worth the high price? That's hard to say, since the larger battery has suffered from some availability issues, though the smaller version packs most of the same features, including the same maximum 140W charging speed in each USB-C port. If you want the best and you love to know about the power your devices are drawing, the Anker Prime Power Bank is the one to buy.
The best mini power bank
Image 1 of 3
(Image credit: Future / Philip Berne)
(Image credit: Future / Philip Berne)
(Image credit: Future / Philip Berne)
The best power bank for power users who geek out about power
Our expert review:
Average Amazon review:
Capacity:
5,000 mAh
Total Wattage:
22.5W
Number of Ports:
1
USB-C:
1 port
USB-A:
N/A
Weight:
100g
Power-to-weight:
50mAh/g
View at AmazonView at AmazonView at Target+
Very small and pocketable
+
Great accessory for new iPhone owners
+
Extra USB-C port to charge anything
-
Not enough power for a full charge
-
Adds weight to the phone when attached
-
Some availability issues
BUY IT IF
✅ You just got a new iPhone and want the perfect accessory: What better way to celebrate having a USB-C port than buying a new power bank that uses it well.
✅ You want a power bank that fits in a small pocket: The Anker Nano is the smallest power bank on our list, but it packs a big wallop for its small size, and that fold-down USB-C plug makes it easier to carry.
DON'T BUY IT IF
❌ You need to charge back up to 100%: The Anker Nano carries a respectable 5,000 mAh of battery life, but the power lost in charging means it can't get an iPhone 15 or Galaxy S23 back to full power in a single charge.
❌ You want to charge old stuff: We're not bothered by the lack of USB-A ports on this small charger, but if your watch or headphones requires it, every other charger on this list has on (including the water bottle charger).
Everybody on our gift list who got a new iPhone is going to get an Anker Nano Power Bank (22.5W) this year. This cute little charger is perfectly sized to sit beneath your favorite smartphone, plugged into the USB-C port with a little plug that opens out or hides away for a sleek look.
The Anker Nano is only 5,000mAh, but that doesn't mean it can fully charge a 5,000mAh phone battery like you'll find in the Galaxy S23 Ultra. Power banks are about 60-70% efficient, depending on the phone's technology, so this power bank is good for charging an iPhone 15 to nearly full, but that big Ultra will only get about 65% charge.
That's just fine, because this power bank is the perfect pocket companion to keep you going through a busy day. If you need more power, you'll have to carry a bag to hold a big battery, but the Anker Nano gives you enough power for busy digital living, without added bulk.
In fact, this is the most efficient battery on our list, in terms of power-to-weight ratios. At only 100g, the Anker Nano is the smallest, but it still packs in plenty of power for that weight. You could buy six Nano power banks and have more power for less weight than buying the big Anker Prime.
The Anker Nano used to be available in an Apple Lightning version, but those days are thankfully behind us. No matter what phone you are using, especially if you're enjoying the new iPhone 15, this is the power bank you should keep on you.
The best MagSafe power bank
Image 1 of 3
(Image credit: Future / Philip Berne)
(Image credit: Future / Philip Berne)
(Image credit: Future / Philip Berne)
The best magnetic power bank for MagSafe and wireless charging
Our expert review:
Average Amazon review:
Capacity:
10,000 mAh
Total Wattage:
20W
Number of Ports:
1
USB-C:
1 port
USB-A:
N/A
Weight:
220g
Power-to-weight:
45.45mAh/g
View at Amazon+
Very strong magnet for MagSafe
+
Wireless charging works with any phone
+
Built-in stand is great for StandBy mode
-
Glossy finish attracts fingerprints
-
Only one extra port for charging
-
Slow charging, wired and wireless
BUY IT IF
✅ You want a powerful magnetic charger: The Baseus Magnetic Foldable Power Bank is a high-capacity battery built onto a very strong magnet. It holds onto an iPhone tightly, even in landscape mode.
✅ You want a portable StandBy dock: If you have an iPhone 12 or newer running iOS 17, you can use the Baseus Magnetic Foldable as a dock for your iPhone in StandBy mode, giving you a cool desk clock with notifications or a digital photo frame.
DON'T BUY IT IF
❌ You don't have a magnetic phone: You don't need an iPhone to enjoy the magnetic charging, but you'll need a case that lines up your phone with Apple's MagSafe wireless configuration, or else your phone won't charge properly.
❌ You need to charge quickly: The Baseus Magnetic Foldable Power Bank is a strong magnet and a big battery, but it charges very slowly, whether wired or wireless. If you don't mind your iPhone wearing a backpack, that's not a problem.
There are plenty of wireless power bank options on the market, but the Baseus Magnetic Foldable Power Bank impressed me with its incredibly strong magnet. I have the official Apple MagSafe battery pack, and it's magnetic attraction is much weaker than this Baseus power bank. While the Apple battery fell off my phone occasionally, the Baseus Magnetic power bank held tight with less worry.
That means I could twist my phone sideways into landscape mode and use the Baseus power bank as a portable stand for Apple's new StandBy mode, which is one of my favorite features on iOS 17, and certainly the one I use the most often.
The Baseus Magnetic power bank can't charge very quickly; the company says it can only charge an iPhone at 7.5W, which is half the wattage a MagSafe iPhone is capable of handling. That was not problem, because this is a power bank that can stick to your phone for a while, so speed won't be of the essence.
For the price and performance, the slower charging speed is a fine trade off. The Baseus Magnetic Foldable power bank had the second highest power-to-weight ratio on our list, and Baseus chargers are potent and affordable, a good mix.
If you have more than just your smartphone to charge, the Baseus Magnetic power bank has a USB-C port as well, and it can charge up to 20W, which is faster than the magnetic charging, if you really need a speed boost.
With 10,000 mAh inside, it can charge an iPhone 15 to 100% just short of twice. A Galaxy S23 Ultra will get back to 100% charge once with an extra 35% or so on top of that.
The best cheap power bank
Image 1 of 3
(Image credit: Future / Philip Berne)
(Image credit: Future / Philip Berne)
(Image credit: Future / Philip Berne)
The best affordable power bank with all the features you need
Our expert review:
Average Amazon review:
Capacity:
10,000 mAh
Total Wattage:
20W
Number of Ports:
3
USB-C:
1 port
USB-A:
1 port
micro-USB:
1 port
Weight:
245g
Power-to-weight:
40.82mAh/g
Check Amazon+
Charges an iPhone 15 at full speed
+
Plenty of battery for the price
+
USB-C, USB-A, and even micro-USB ports
-
Too big for most pockets
-
No wires built-in or wireless charging
-
Not the fastest charging speed
BUY IT IF
✅ You need more power for less money: The Baseus Airpow power bank starts at $20 in the US and is on sale often, including Black Friday, so it's a real steal.
✅ You need more than one USB port: Most batteries with this many USB ports cost much more, so having two USB-C and one USB-A port will help you charge everything you carry.
DON'T BUY IT IF
❌ You're trying to keep it simple: The Baseus Airpow doesn't have any built in wires or wireless charging, so you'll need to carry extras when it's time to power up.
❌ You want to charge fast: While the 20W charging is respectable and can keep up with the new iPhone 15 USB-C port, most Android phones can charge faster than that, so a faster battery pack would help.
If you haven't heard of Baseus, the company makes a healthy lineup of affordable, well-designed battery packs that don't feel nearly as cheap as their prices would indicate. The most affordable of the bunch, the so-called Airpow Power Bank, starts at $20 in the US but is available on sale often, including a 25% Black Friday discount.
With three USB ports, including a USB-C port capable of 20W charging and a USB-A port for legacy devices, this battery is surprisingly feature-packed for such an inexpensive power bank.
The Airpow is not a small power bank, but Baseus makes efficient gear that doesn't take up too much space. It's power-to-weight ratio is on par with the best battery packs from Anker and others. At 245g (more than half a pound), it's bulky, and you'll need to carry extra wires, but it's sleek and nice looking enough to keep in a hand bag.
With 10,000mAh of power inside, the Baseus Airpow can charge an iPhone 15 once to 100% then once again to nearly full. It can charge a Galaxy S23 Ultra to full once, then add another quarter of a charge.
It's not the fastest battery, but that's expected for this price range. While a flagship phone like the Galaxy S23 Ultra can accept a charging speed up to 45W, the Baseus Airpow can only hit 20W maximum. That's enough for the iPhone 15, though the iPhone 15 Pro has an unpublished charging speed in excess of 20W.
If you need more, Baseus has plenty of options available in a range of capacity sizes with a variety of features. The options aren't quite as fast or polished as the best power banks from Anker, but the prices are better, and Baseus doesn't add more bulk for less bucks.
The best Apple Watch power bank
Image 1 of 3
(Image credit: Future / Philip Berne)
(Image credit: Future / Philip Berne)
(Image credit: Future / Philip Berne)
The best power bank to charge your Apple Watch
Our expert review:
Capacity:
3,000 mAh
Total Wattage:
15W
Number of Ports:
1
USB-C:
1 port
Wireless:
Apple Watch magnet
Weight:
183g
Power-to-weight:
16.4mAh/g
View at NeweggView at OtterBoxCheck Amazon+
Charges an Apple Watch magnetically
+
Extra USB-C port for more charging
+
Makes a cute desk clock while charging
-
Not strong enough for some watch bands
-
Charging isn't very fast
-
Heavy for the power it offers
BUY IT IF
✅ You worry more about your Apple Watch battery: Big iPhones have a big battery, but your watch might not last the day. You don't need a big phone battery when this cute 2-in-1 charger makes a great option instead.
✅ You want your watch to be a desk clock: The Apple Watch has a charging made that makes it a small clock, and this battery turns your watch into a timekeeper that won't get in the way while you're typing, while also keeping your battery full.
DON'T BUY IT IF
❌ You have a watch that isn't from Apple: The Otterbox 2-in-1 Power Bank only attaches magnetically to the Apple Watch. Other smartwatches, like the Pixel Watch, won't work with this one, not at all.
❌ You need power for your phone: The 3,000mAh battery inside is plenty to keep your Apple Watch going, but that isn't enough power to get you even halfway charged on an iPhone 15, and even less on bigger phones.
The Otterbox 2-in-1 Power Bank with Apple Watch is a unique solution to a common problem. Your phone lasts longer than ever before, but wearable batteries haven't quite caught up to the all-day promise. With this cute little power bank, you don't need to bring the special Apple Watch charging cable or a larger battery. This little doodad does the trick.
The front of the battery is a magnet, and it can hold the Apple Watch standing up. The Apple Watch offers a standby screen with a clock when it's charging, making this power bank effectively a small desk clock, which can be a useful tool if you need to keep time but hate wearing a watch while you type.
Unfortunately, that magnet isn't quite strong enough for the fanciest Apple Watch bands I own. I have a gorgeous titanium Apple Watch band sent from Nomad, and it was too heavy to hang onto the Otterbox Power Bank's magnet, even though its titanium is incredibly lightweight compared to other metal bands. That's not a big surprise, there are a few chargers this larger band won't fit.
Frankly, the power-to-weight ratio for this little power bank isn't very impressive, it's heavy for the slim 3,000mAh power that it offers. Instead of efficiency, you get to leave your extra-long, super-annoying Apple Watch cable at home and instead just pop your watch onto this cute little thing. It's a worthwhile trade, at least if Watch power is your biggest concern.
There isn't quite enough power in the Otterbox 2-in-1 power bank to recharge a phone fully, but you're welcome to try. Besides the Apple Watch magnet, it also has a USB-C port that can charge up to 15W, so you can feed some headphones or get a few more hours of screen time in a pinch.
The best power bank combo
Image 1 of 3
(Image credit: Future / Philip Berne)
(Image credit: Future / Philip Berne)
(Image credit: Future / Philip Berne)
The best combination power bank and water bottle
Our expert review:
Average Amazon review:
Capacity:
5,700mAh
Total Wattage:
10W
Number of Ports:
2
USB-C:
1 port
USB-A:
1 port
Wireless:
5W
Weight:
540g
Power-to-weight:
10.6mAh/g
View at Amazon+
Combination insulated bottle and battery
+
Power bank with wireless charging
+
Space to carry a small wire inside
-
Not a huge battery
-
Not a huge water bottle
-
Not very fast charging
BUY IT IF
✅ You were already planning on carrying both: A lot of people carry a water bottle every day, and often bring a power bank along for extra charging. Why not carry both in one device?
✅ You work or study from a library or cafe: The Tylt Bottle 2 is really the perfect device for students in a library or working from a cafe. Rest your phone on the wireless puck and let it charge while you work, without fussy wires and outlets.
DON'T BUY IT IF
❌ You need a lot of power: Thankfully, the battery on the Tylt Bottle 2 isn't so big it adds too much weight, but that also means it isn't powerful enough for multiple charges.
❌ You need fast power: This is a very slow charger, whether wired or wireless, so it's better for casual charging while you sip your water and read a book.
There are plenty of combination power bank and some other device, but the Tylt Bottle 2 actually makes sense because we're usually carrying an insulated water bottle anyway, so we might as well screw a battery onto the bottom. With a 5,700mAh capacity, the Tylt Bottle 2 is just enough to get us through a very busy day, or keep the phone powered while we play games at the cafe.
The bottle is actually a nice, insulated affair, and it kept ice in cold water for 12 hours, which is all that we need. It has a good, strong strap to carry the bottle, though we would have liked a lid that was easier for sipping.
You can buy the Tylt Bottle with just a power bank attached, but our review sample from AT&T had the full wireless charging treatment. It's easy to set up a phone to charge while studying, working out, or working away from home: all places we take a water bottle and need a full phone battery.
Tylt could have just added a wireless charging feature and called it a day, but the Tylt Bottle 2 has a few surprises on board. First of all, in addition to wireless charging, you still get both a USB-C and USB-A port for charging just about anything you have.
Tylt also wisely left enough of a gap between the battery and the bottle that you can coil a small USB-C cord (included) into that space. That way, even if you're not charging wirelessly, you're not adding a lot of extra bulk to your bag. It's a smart setup.
Admittedly, making a battery that also fills up with water is a quick way to make a heavy battery, so we won't knock Tylt for being a heavy power bank. If you were already carrying both, the Tylt Bottle 2 power bank insulated water bottle combo is a fun, smart way to keep your kit charged.
This bottle isn't available on Amazon, but you can find it elsewhere, including directly from AT&T as one of the accessories they offer when you buy a phone. Maybe that means we'll see it offered in a bundle deal sometime soon.
How to choose the best power bank for you
The most important question to consider when buying a power bank is what will you be charging? If you are charging a small smartphone and that's all, a simple power bank will suffice. If you plan on charging a laptop occasionally as well, or many devices at once, you'll want something with more power and more features.
If you have a newer Android phone, or the latest iPhone 15 models, you'll want a power bank with faster charging speeds to get your battery full faster. Charging speed is measured in wattage, and the iPhone 15 can charge just a bit faster than 15W, while the Galaxy S23 Ultra can charge up to 45W.
The next question is how you want to charge your device. You can find a power bank that charges your phone (or even your Apple Watch) wirelessly. These will usually charge slower, but they can be very convenient if you want to leave wires at home.
There are also cool additional features to consider. Our favorite power bank has a built in charging plug so it can go right into a wall outlet. Some power banks have data about your charging devices. Some are just super small and cute.
The best power banks we have tried have all come from Anker, but that doesn't mean Anker is the only brand you should consider. All of the power banks on this list passed our testing, traveling with us on the road and powering our devices at home. Anker is the best, but these batteries from Baseus and Otterbox performed well.
The reason Anker is the best is because it packs more power into its batteries at a lower weight. Its batteries charge faster than most competitors, and our favorite can even charge using two USB-C ports at once. Its small Nano battery has the best power-to-weight ratio of any battery on our list.
When you pick a power bank, you also want to choose the fastest charging your device supports, if that matters to you. All of our larger picks can charge an iPhone 15 at full speed, but only the Anker power banks can also charge a Galaxy S23 Ultra at its faster charging wattage.
We wish there wasn't such an easy answer to this question, because competition is better for everybody, but Anker is making the best power banks right now by far. It offers the best power-to-weight ratio, the fastest charging, and the most useful features.
Anker batteries also look great and are built with high quality parts. The display on our best battery for power users is bright and sharp OLED display, totally unnecessary for a power bank, but that's what makes Anker the best. It far exceeds our expectations of what's necessary to make power banks that are great.
There are plenty of other power bank makers around, and most of them have not caught up to the faster charging speeds available on the iPhone 15 family, let along even faster Android phones. Except for unique form factors or serious bargains, we stayed away from recommending power banks from reputable makers if they couldn't charge at 2023 speeds.
We expect this competition will heat up next year as more power bank makers catch up and make faster charging batteries. Until then, Anker is the dominant brand, and if you want the best it's an easy choice.
Our favorite power bank has a 10,000mAh battery, and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has a 5,000mAh battery, so the math should be simple, right? It charges twice. Except that's not how it works. Power banks are not 100% efficient, and even though you start with plenty of power, a lot of it is lost in the charging process.
In fact, our testing confirms what battery makers usually claim. A battery maker will claim between 60% and 70% efficiency, so that 10,000mAh battery will only give your phone around 6,000mAh of extra battery charge, at the least. In practice we find around 65% efficiency, though occasionally we can do even better.
Apple doesn't publish its battery capacity, but teardowns have shown that the iPhone 15 has a battery with around 3,350mAh of battery life. That means a 10KmAh battery can charge that phone twice ... almost. You may not get to 100% the second charge, but you'll be in the 90% range.
What that means is any power bank that is 5,000mAh or smaller will probably not guarantee 100% charge on an iPhone 15. If you have a big battery phone like the Galaxy S23 Ultra, which packs 5,000mAh inside, you'll need a power bank closer to 8,000mAh or more if you want a full recharge.
How we test the best power banks
We have tested the best power banks by using them to charge a variety of devices, including Apple iPhone, Google Pixel, and Samsung Galaxy phones. We have also charged Apple iPad tablets, and small laptops including a Pixelbook Go and a Surface Laptop Go.
We used the best power banks extensively while traveling to see how well they fit in our luggage and their relative utility versus the weight add to our pack.
To test charging times and claims, we charged a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and an Apple iPhone 15 to determine how many charges each battery offers these devices. We chose a common smaller battery phone as well as our best phone overall for this purpose.
Using the Anker Prime power bank, we were also able to test the charging speed claims of other power banks, as the Anker Prime will report charging speed in wattage.