In our hyper-connected world, a dead phone battery isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a disruption. Whether you’re navigating a new city, capturing travel memories, or simply trying to make it through a long commute, having a reliable source of backup power is essential. A portable power bank is the perfect solution, providing peace of mind and keeping you online when you need it most.
With countless options available, selecting the right power bank can be challenging. Factors like capacity, charging speed, portability, and the number of ports all play a crucial role. This roundup simplifies your search by highlighting ten of the best portable power banks for phones, designed to meet a variety of needs and lifestyles, from the casual user to the frequent traveler.
The Best Portable Power Banks for Your Phone
- Portable Charger 40000mah Power Bank, USB-C (22.5W) Fast Charging
- Portable Charger 40000mAh Power Bank, 22.5W Fast Charging with Built-in Cable
- Anker Portable Charger, 325 Power Bank (PowerCore Essential 20K)
- INIU Portable Charger, Slimmest Fast Charging 10000mAh USB C
- Anker Prime Power Bank, 27,650mAh 3-Port 250W Portable Charger
- mophie Powerstation XL Power Bank 2023-20,000 mAh Large Battery
- Anker 737 Power Bank, 24,000mAh 3-Port Laptop Portable Charger
- Krisdonia 50000mAh Laptop Power Bank with QC3.0 USB-A Port
- UGREEN Power Bank 25,000mAh 145W Laptop Portable Charger
- RAVPower 20000mAh Portable Charger
Portable Charger 40000mah Power Bank, USB-C (22.5W) Fast Charging
For those who need extended power away from an outlet, this IAPOS power bank delivers a massive 40,000mAh capacity. Its 22.5W fast charging speed maximizes efficiency, making it significantly faster than many conventional chargers. You can keep multiple devices running simultaneously with its triple-port setup, featuring two USB-A ports and one versatile USB-C port.
Despite its high capacity, the design is surprisingly compact, roughly equivalent to the weight of two phones. This makes it a reliable companion for camping trips, travel, or as a home emergency backup. It is important to note that due to its large capacity, this power bank is not permitted on airplanes.
Portable Charger 40000mAh Power Bank, 22.5W Fast Charging with Built-in Cable
KEOLL’s power bank combines high capacity with exceptional convenience. The built-in USB-C cable means you are always ready to charge your iPhone or other USB-C device without searching for a separate cable. This model also supports two-way fast charging at 22.5W, allowing for quick power delivery to your devices and a swift recharge of the power bank itself.
Its rectangular, space-efficient design allows for upright placement, and the high-density battery technology makes it lighter than many competitors with similar capacity. This is an ideal pick for users who value having a cable integrated directly into the power bank for on-the-go use. Please be aware that this 40,000mAh power bank cannot be taken on flights.
Anker Portable Charger, 325 Power Bank (PowerCore Essential 20K)
Anker is a trusted name in charging technology, and the PowerCore Essential 20K lives up to that reputation. With a substantial 20,000mAh capacity, it can charge an iPhone 15 nearly four times on a single charge. The bi-directional USB-C port offers flexible 15W input and output, while the additional USB-A port lets you charge two devices at once.
Anker’s PowerIQ and VoltageBoost technology ensure that your devices receive a fast, safe, and optimized charge every time. A trickle-charging mode is also included for safely powering low-power accessories like Bluetooth earbuds. This model is a solid, reliable choice for everyday use from a leading brand.
INIU Portable Charger, Slimmest Fast Charging 10000mAh USB C
If portability is your top priority, the INIU power bank stands out with its slim, lightweight design. It doesn’t sacrifice speed for size, offering 22.5W fast charging that can rapidly fuel your devices. INIU emphasizes safety and quality, backing this power bank with a 3-year warranty, which provides significant peace of mind.
A unique and handy feature is the built-in phone holder, which pops out to prop up your device. This allows for hands-free viewing while your phone charges, perfect for video calls, streaming, or following along with tutorials. It’s an excellent combination of compact form, fast charging, and practical utility.
Anker Prime Power Bank, 27,650mAh 3-Port 250W Portable Charger
The Anker Prime is a premium, high-performance power bank designed for users with demanding devices. It delivers an impressive 250W of total output, capable of charging a laptop at 140W while simultaneously powering a tablet and phone. This makes it one of the most powerful and versatile portable chargers available.
It features a smart app that lets you monitor charging status and even locate the power bank. With a capacity of 27,650mAh (99.54Wh), it is TSA-approved for carry-on travel, a key advantage for frequent flyers who need to power laptops and other high-drain devices on the go.
mophie Powerstation XL Power Bank 2023-20,000 mAh Large Battery
From the well-known brand mophie, this Powerstation XL offers a reliable 20,000mAh of power in a travel-friendly design. The 20W USB-C Power Delivery port provides fast charging, giving your phone a significant boost in a short amount of time. This is ideal for quick top-ups before you head out for the day.
With two USB-A ports and one USB-C port, you can charge up to three devices simultaneously. This eliminates the need to prioritize which device gets power first, making it a great option for sharing with friends and family or for powering your own small ecosystem of gadgets.
Anker 737 Power Bank, 24,000mAh 3-Port Laptop Portable Charger
The Anker 737 (GaNPrime PowerCore) is a feature-packed power bank for tech-savvy users. It boasts a 24,000mAh capacity and a massive 140W output, enabling you to quickly charge demanding devices like laptops. A smart digital display provides real-time information on power levels and input/output wattage, so you always know the status.
This power bank supports rapid two-way charging, meaning it can be recharged just as quickly as it charges your devices when used with a compatible 140W charger and cable. It’s a powerful and intelligent solution for professionals and power users who need to keep their high-performance gear running.
Krisdonia 50000mAh Laptop Power Bank with QC3.0 USB-A Port
The Krisdonia power bank is a beast with a massive 50,000mAh capacity, designed to act as an emergency battery backup for extended outdoor use or power outages. Its most distinctive feature is the adjustable DC output port, which can be set to various voltages to directly charge a wide range of laptops without their original charger.
It also supports pass-through charging, allowing you to charge the power bank itself while it charges your devices. While it is larger and heavier than typical phone power banks, its unique ability to power laptops and other high-voltage devices makes it a specialized tool for specific needs.
UGREEN Power Bank 25,000mAh 145W Laptop Portable Charger
UGREEN’s Nexode power bank packs high capacity and high speed into one unit. With a total output of 145W and a single USB-C port capable of 140W, it can rapidly charge a 16-inch MacBook Pro. The 25,000mAh battery provides ample power for multiple device charges, making it suitable for long trips.
This power bank also features two-way fast recharging, allowing it to be fully powered up in just two hours with a 65W charger. This combination of large capacity, ultra-fast output, and quick recharge times makes it a very efficient and powerful option for laptop and phone users alike.
RAVPower 20000mAh Portable Charger
RAVPower has long been a respected name in the portable power space, known for offering reliable performance. This 20,000mAh portable charger provides a substantial amount of power to keep your phone and other small devices running throughout the day. It’s a capacity that strikes a good balance between extended use and reasonable portability.
While specific features for this model are not listed, RAVPower products typically include multiple ports and reliable charging technology. This power bank is a solid contender for anyone seeking a dependable, brand-name backup battery from a company with a proven track record.
Buying Guide: How to Choose Your Portable Power Bank
So, you need a portable power bank for your phone. You look online and see hundreds of options with all sorts of numbers and specs. It can be a bit overwhelming. I have been through it, and I am here to help you figure out what actually matters. Let us break down the key things to consider before you spend your money.
First up, and this is the big one: capacity. This is measured in milliamp-hours (mAh). Think of it as the size of the gas tank. A bigger number means more charges for your phone. A standard phone battery is around 3,000 to 5,000 mAh. So, a 10,000mAh power bank should give you about two full charges, a 20,000mAh model around four, and so on. But remember, no power bank is 100% efficient. You will always lose a little bit of energy to heat and the conversion process, so factor in about a 20-30% loss. If you just need a quick top-up during the day, a smaller, lighter 5,000-10,000mAh bank is perfect. For long trips or charging multiple devices, you will want 20,000mAh or more.
Next, pay close attention to output power, measured in watts (W). This determines how fast you can charge your phone. Standard charging is often 5W or 10W. But if your phone supports fast charging (like iPhones with Power Delivery or Samsung phones with Quick Charge), you will need a power bank that also supports that specific technology. Look for specs like “18W PD” (Power Delivery) or “25W Super Fast Charging” to make sure you are not stuck with a slow charge when you are in a hurry. For most modern smartphones, an 18W output is a good baseline. If you have a laptop or tablet you might also want to charge, you may need a more powerful bank with 45W, 60W, or even 100W outputs.
Portability is another key factor. There is a direct trade-off between capacity and size/weight. A massive 30,000mAh power bank will keep you going for days, but it will be heavy and bulky in your bag. A slim 5,000mAh bank will slide easily into your pocket. Think about your daily carry. Do you have a backpack with you, or are you trying to keep things light? Finally, consider the number and type of ports. Having at least two USB ports (either USB-A or USB-C) is incredibly useful for charging your phone and a friend’s device or another gadget like wireless earbuds at the same time. A built-in charging cable can also be a nice convenience, saving you from forgetting yours at home. By balancing these factors—capacity, speed, and portability—you can find the perfect one of the 10 best portable power banks for phones that fits your specific lifestyle.
FAQ
Can I take a power bank on a plane?
Yes, you usually can, but there are very important rules. The key restriction is on the capacity. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and most other international aviation authorities allow power banks in your carry-on luggage only. You are not permitted to pack them in checked baggage. The capacity must be less than 100 watt-hours (Wh). For a typical power bank, you can convert mAh to Wh. A 27,000mAh power bank at 5V is about 135Wh, which would be too large. Most common power banks, like 10,000mAh, 20,000mAh, and even 26,800mAh models, are well under this limit, but it is always good to check the fine print on your specific model before you fly.
How do I know when my power bank is fully charged?
Most power banks have a series of LED lights that indicate the charge level. For example, four lit LEDs might mean 100% charged, while one blinking light could mean it is below 25%. Some newer models have a digital percentage display, which is very precise. The manual that comes with your power bank will explain what the light patterns mean. As a general rule, when you plug it in to charge, the lights will often blink or cycle while charging and then become solid or turn off once the internal battery is full.
Why is my power bank charging my phone so slowly?
This is a common frustration. A few things could be causing this. First, check the output of your power bank and the input of your phone. If you are using a low-output port (like 5W) on a phone that can handle 18W, it will charge slowly. Make sure you are using the correct, high-output port on the power bank. Second, the cable matters a lot. A cheap or damaged cable can severely limit charging speed. Try using the cable that came with your phone. Finally, if you are using your phone heavily while it is charging—streaming video, playing games—it will charge much slower because you are using power almost as fast as you are putting it in.
Is it bad to leave my power bank plugged in all the time?
Modern power banks are pretty smart. They have built-in circuits that stop the charging process once the battery is full, which prevents overcharging. So, leaving it plugged in overnight or for a day is generally not going to cause a catastrophic failure. However, for long-term battery health, it is best not to keep it at 100% charge constantly. Just like with your phone, keeping the battery between 20% and 80% is ideal for maximizing its lifespan over the years. If you are storing it for a long time, give it about a 50% charge.
What is the difference between mAh and Wh?
This is a great technical question. mAh, or milliamp-hours, is a unit of electric charge. Wh, or watt-hours, is a unit of energy. Think of mAh as the size of the fuel tank, but Wh tells you the total energy in that tank. To convert mAh to Wh, you need the voltage (V). The formula is (mAh * V) / 1000 = Wh. Most phone power banks have a internal battery voltage of 3.7V, but they output at 5V. This voltage conversion is a big part of why you get less charge out than the mAh rating suggests. Wh is a more accurate measure of total energy capacity, which is why airlines use it for their regulations. When you are comparing your options for the 10 best portable power banks for phones, knowing this can help you make a more informed choice.