Anker PowerCore 20100 review
The Anker PowerCore 20100 is one of the best power banks money can buy and it’s affordable too. Pick this one up if you’re looking for a portable charger to keep your phone and other gadgets pumped up.
Cons
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A power bank is a necessity for some to keep their phone charged up throughout a whole day, and there’s a huge selection of products on the market to choose from.
Anker is one of the most popular names in the portable charger space, and the Anker PowerCore 20100 is one of its best-selling products.
But is it the right size for you and will it suit you to recharge your phone, tablet and other accessories on a daily basis? We’ve made this mini review so you can get the answers to those questions.
Anker PowerCore 20100 price
The version of the Anker PowerCore 20100 we’ve tried costs 49.99 / £32.99 / AU89.95 from major retailers, but you’re sure to be able to find it for a bit less around sales periods.
Anker often puts its chargers on sale over Black Friday and other sales periods, so be sure to keep an eye out for price drops throughout the year.
Design and portability
The Anker PowerCore 20100 is very portable considering its capacity. The company has improved the design of its power banks a lot in recent years, and this version is the best we’ve seen yet.
The edges of this are rounded so it’s easy to carry, and considering how much battery is hidden inside here you’ll be impressed by how light it is at just over 350 grams.
Anker likes to compare this to the weight of a can of soup, and that’s a good way of understanding how heavy it’s going to be. It won’t be heavy enough to really notice in a bag, but it’s also not light enough to comfortably carry in your back even though it’ll probably fit.
There’s relatively little going on around the sides of the device. One of the rounded edges has a button to power on the device, and when you press that four lights will light up on the top side of the device.
This is to indicate how much charge is left inside, so if only two of them light up you’ll know there’s around 50% left. It’s not the most accurate way to tell how much charge you have left, but we found it to work well enough as a general gauge.
One end of the Anker PowerCore 20100 then has two USB ports so you can plug in your own charging cables and charge two devices at once. There’s also a micro USB slot for charging up the charger itself. You can buy a version with a USB-C slot, but that’s a touch more expensive at the moment.
We’d generally recommend opting for the USB-C version as it should be able to charge quicker and most top-end modern phones now use this universal standard for USB charging.
Charging
Our test for how quick you can charge up your device is to use an iPhone X and see how long each portable charger takes to charge it to 100% from 0. We ran our iPhone X down to dry and plugged in the phone and found it took two hours and 15 minutes to charge up our handset.
Your phone will likely charge quicker if you opt for a power bank with Qualcomm QuickCharge 3 technology and you’ve got a compatible device (which the iPhone X isn’t).
That’s not an option on all versions of the charger from Anker though, so it’s worth checking in the exact specs of the listing to know what features the charger has.
With 20,100mAh of battery inside, a fully charged Anker PowerCore 20100 will be able to charge up an iPhone X around seven times before it needs to be charged up again itself.
This may be slightly different depending on how quickly your phone will charge from the power bank, but you can be safe in the knowledge this charger will be able to recharge an iPhone X at least seven six times.
The iPhone X has a 2716mAh battery, which is relatively small for a smartphone in 2018. That probably means you won’t get seven charges for your phone, but it’ll still be quite a lot depending on how big the battery inside your device is.
The iPad Pro 11 comes with a 7800mAh battery inside, so this charger should be able to charge that up at least twice.
Charging up this charger itself is likely to take around 10 hours though, so you’ll have to wait quite a while for the power bank itself to charge up. Anker also says some lower amp charging cables will take even longer to charge it.
Anything else I should know?
There’s not much else to know about this charger as it doesn’t really have any exciting extra features. There’s often a micro USB cable in the box to help you recharge the charger itself, but it’s generally better to use the cables that came with your devices.
If you’re worried about the Anker Powercore overheating, the company has a technology used here called MultiProtect Safety System. It uses 11 different techniques for what the company believes ensures complete safety for all your devices.
Anker recommends using this with all Apple and Android smartphones and tablets. It can also charge up some laptops and MacBooks, including the 12-inch MacBook 2015, but it’s worth noting not all devices will be compatible.
You can often find which devices the charger is compatible with on the online listing you’re set to purchase it from.
Verdict
The Anker PowerCore 20100 is a basic device that does exactly what it says on the tin. It can charge your phone quickly, although it may not be as speedy as you can recharge it from the wall.
The PowerCore 20100 should also be able to charge most small devices, like your smartphone, a few times over.
If you can find this Anker charger for a suitable price, it’s a good option to have sitting in the bottom of your bag for those times you’re going to need to pump up your devices.
Best Anker power banks: top 5 picks in 2022
Having a good portable power bank could make the difference between getting the call for that dream job and not; between binge-watching your favorite Netflix series during a long flight and staring at the seat in front of you; between conveniently navigating your way through a foreign country and having to gasp ask people for directions.
In other words, having a phone with a dead battery is not fun. Thankfully, we have power banks – an essential accessory for anyone who spends lots of time out and about… or just likes to use their phone snuggled in bed even while it’s charging. And Anker is the company making some of the best power banks on the market.
But what is the best power bank for you? How do you pick one and how do you make sense of all the technical specifications attached to every different model? Worry not as we’re here to help!
- Anker 737 Power Bank – best overall
- Anker 733 Power Bank – 2-in-1 wall charger and power bank
- Anker 525 Power Bank – a more compact solution
- Anker 633 Magnetic Battery – wireless, for iPhones with MagSafe
- Anker 511 Power Bank – compact and lightweight
With all that being said, we’ve compiled here a list of the best Anker power banks to help you choose which one to get for yourself.
Anker 737 Power Bank
The Anker 737 Power Bank is the first one on our list for a reason: it has a huge 24,000mAh battery capacity and on top of that, it allows you to charge three devices simultaneously. The generous 24,000 mAh battery can charge an iPhone 13 completely almost 5 times, a Galaxy S22 – 4 times and a half, or can even charge 1.3 times a MacBook Air with M1 from 2020! That’s an epic amount of battery life you can carry around in a relatively compact form.
But that’s not all this power bank has going for it. It features a Smart Display which shows you important metrics like how much battery it has left, how much time it has until it’s charged, as well as other useful metrics such as Battery Health and battery cycles. If you need ultra-fast charging, you’ll be delighted to learn that the Anker 737 supports 140W fast charging (your device should support that, keep in mind), which can charge a MacBook Pro 16-inch to 50% in just 40 minutes.
Anker 737 Power Bank (PowerCore 24K)
Featuring a 24,000mAh battery capacity: charge up iPhone 13 almost 5 times or a 2021 iPad Pro 12.9 1.3 times.
Anker 733 Power Bank
Another great power bank from the Series 7 power banks by Anker is the 733. It has a 2-in-1 design and can be used as a fast charger when connected to a wall outlet, or as a 10,000mAh battery bank when you’re on the go. And, on top of that, you don’t need a separate power brick to charge the power bank itself! Additionally, it is widely compatible with iPhones, Samsung Galaxy phones, Pixels, and other devices, and can charge 3 devices simultaneously.
And, on top of all of this, the Anker 733 Power Bank features Active Shield 2.0, which ensures there won’t be any issues with temperature: it monitors temperature daily 3,000,000 times! An epic power bank, we might add!
Anker 733 Power Bank: get 15% off now until November 15
65W power bank that can also be used as a wall charger. You can charge 3 devices simultaneously. Right now, until November 15, you can get 15% off using code ANKER1111 (apply it in the cart).
Anker 525 Power Bank
If you need a more compact solution, the Anker 525 is a great option. It still has a 20,000mAh battery, so it’s quite capable of delivering enough battery for your phone despite being a more compact option than the ones we listed above.
It may be an older model, but its reliability and compact design are why it is listed as a part of the best Anker power banks that you can get right now. It has a 20W USB-C port which can fast-charge your iPhone, and it also features an 18W USB port for when you need to charge a second device.
Anker 525 Power Bank (PowerCore 20K): save 18
A more compact solution with 20,000mAh. 20W USB-C port to fast-charge your iPhone, and an 18W USB port for a second device. Right now, Anker has a great deal on it and you can save 18 with code WS7DQUI047.
Anker 633 Magnetic Battery
If you’re looking for something different than your standard power bank, the Anker 633 Magnetic Battery is one option to look into. However, keep in mind that you can take advantage of its magnetic capabilities only with an iPhone, which supports MagSafe, such as an iPhone 12 and above. It has a 10,000mAh battery and uses magnets to attach to your iPhone – and charges it wirelessly.
On top of that, it has a built-in kickstand so you can charge your phone and place it in a way that’s easy-to-view – on a table, for example. And, last but not least, it sports a compact and trendy design with multiple color options to choose from.
Anker 511 Power Bank
For an ultra-compact and lightweight solution, we have the 5,000mAh Anker 511 Power Bank. It is relatively smaller, and despite having a bit less in terms of battery capacity, it entices with its compactness. For a little (but much-needed) battery life, the Anker 511 Power Bank is more than enough. And, it is a cheaper solution in case you’re on a budget.
But that’s not all this power bank has going for it. It also has built-in prongs that you can use to plug it into a wall outlet and use it as a charger.
How to choose the best Anker power bank for you
Choosing the best Anker power bank for you is a process that requires you to take into account several aspects:
- How often do you plan to carry it?
- How much mAh do you really need?
- Do you need the power bank to be able to charge simultaneously more than one device?
Let’s address why those (and similar questions to ask yourself) are important. First off, some Anker power banks can be quite heavy (bigger battery capacity, or mAh, means heavier power bank), so if you’re the type of person to carry around a lot of stuff, you should take into consideration the added bulk and weight.
Additionally, you should think do you really need to charge simultaneously three devices, or do you need it only for your phone? Basically, if a power bank can charge more devices at the same time, it will have more ports – and this can make it more expensive. Think about how many ports you need exactly and, if you need it just for your phone, you can go for a solution that has only one port.
On the other hand, the mAh is important to be able to figure out how many charges you will be carrying with the power bank. Each power bank has its battery capacity listed in the specs. The higher the number, the more juice it can store. For example, a more unassuming option (like the 5,000mAh Anker 511) will be able to charge your phone completely just once or one and a half times, depending on your phone’s battery capacity, while big solutions (like 24,000mAh ones) will offer several charges, needed for people with a more busy schedule and more time outside (and heavier phone use when out!).
How we pick the best Anker power bank
The power banks that we listed here are picked across a wide Anker portfolio in order to answer most people’s needs. We’ve selected all-out Anker power banks for busy people and people who need to charge more devices, like phones and smartwatches, simultaneously on the go. But that’s not all – we’ve also thought about people who use their phone less often and would like to just have a piece of mind when out and about so that they won’t run out of battery.
That’s why we’ve picked the best power banks for both use cases. We’ve also taken into account the bulkiness, the extras, the price (for what you get) and even the looks.
We’ve focused our attention on selecting Anker products from the latest series the company has. We want to help you get the most up-to-date experience and the best Anker can offer in terms of design, mAh, fast charging, and added functionality.
Do Anker power banks work with both Android and iPhone devices?
Anker power banks are famous for offering wide compatibility with different devices. All the power banks here (except the MagSafe wireless one) are compatible with Android phones and iPhones. Of course, you need to have a cable with the respective connector to charge your iPhone or Android phone. Most of the power banks listed here come without a cable for your phone, so do check that in the What you get section on Anker’s website for the power bank you have in mind.
On top of that, many of the solutions Anker offers can also charge tablets and, some of them, even laptops.
Are Anker power banks safe for my phones?
Yes. Anker takes safety seriously and virtually all its charging products are equipped with a technology called MultiProtect, which monitors voltages to ensure your devices and you are protected and safe. Additionally, the more expensive power banks we’ve selected include the ActiveShield 2 technology, which also monitors the temperature to prevent overheating when charging. You can read more about Anker‘s MultiProtect here.
Anker PowerCore Essential 20000 PD Review
Summary The Anker PowerCore Essential 20000 PD offers the large capacity of a laptop power bank. But by limiting its output Anker is able to pass on cost savings. Ideal for anyone needing to charge handheld devices for long periods of time.
User Review
- Fast charges iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, LG, and Motorola phones
- Charges Switch while you play
- Can be recharged by Nintendo Switch AC Adapter
- Fits in most Switch carrying cases, but takes up most of the accessory
- 15V power output better supports some devices
- Trickle charge mode
- Includes a USB-C to USB-C cable
- Within FAA limits for lithium batteries and flights
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I purchased the product in this review.
Tech Specs:
Anker PowerCore Essential 20000 PD specs
- Ports: USB-C, USB-A
- USB-C Output:
- 18W USB-C Power Delivery 3.0 (5V/3A, 9V/2A, 15V/1.25A)
- 18W PowerIQ 2.0 (Anker’s tech, but compatible with the standards below)
- Quick Charge 3.0
- Samsung Adaptive Fast Charging
- Huawei FCP
- Apple 2.4A
Included In Box:
Anker PowerCore Essential 20000 PD box and contents
- Anker PowerCore Essential 20000 PD
- USB-C to USB-C 2.0 cable, 3 feet
- Travel pouch
Good For:
- Commute
- Travel
- iPhone
- Android
- Nintendo Switch (handheld)
- iPad Pro (pre-2018)
Estimated Number of Charges:
- iPhone 6/7/8/SE: 7 charges
- iPhone Plus/X/XR: 4 charges
- iPhone 11, Samsung Galaxy S8/S9: 4 charges
- Samsung Galaxy S10: 4 charges
- Nintendo Switch (2017): 9 hours of play
- Nintendo Switch (2019): 12 hours of play
- Nintendo Switch Lite: 9.5 hours of play
First Impression
The Anker PowerCore Essential 20000 PD fills a niche of higher capacity for smaller devices. While a 30W/20,000mAh could do the same job limiting the output to 18W saves on production cost. Allowing Anker to offer this model for 20 less MSRP than its previous USB PD supporting 20,000mAh model.
The Essential has a large, round button on top. Used for checking capacity and activating trickle charge mode. Unlike some older models, there are only 4 LEDs on the button, not 8-10. Don’t expect the circle to fill when recharging, the LEDs cover less than half of the curve. The top also has a grip-friendly surface. But the bottom doesn’t, lessening the gripping surface’s effectiveness.
Compared To Similar Power Banks
are from Amazon Product Advertising API, last updated on 2023-06-26.
Device Testing
Check with your device’s manufacturer to verify which charging standards it supports.
USB Power Delivery Quick Charge 4 Phones
- Apple iPhone 8/X/XR/XS/11/SE
- Essential Phone
- Google Pixel
- LG ThinQ/V30
- Razer
- Samsung Galaxy S8/S9/S10/S20
- Samsung Galaxy Note 8/9/10
- Xiaomi Mi 8/9
- ZTE Axon Pro 9/10
Using an iPhone 8 for testing we find USB PD phones will fast charge over the USB-C port. iPhones will need to use a USB-C to Lightning cable, not included. And Android phones will need a USB-C to USB-C cable, which is included.
For older and newer iPhones the USB-A port supports Apple 2.4A. An older, but still functional fast-charging standard. Older iPhones (4-7) can fast charge using USB-A. Newer iPhones will charge ~15 minutes faster using USB-C.
Quick Charge 3.0 Phones
- HTC
- LG
- Motorola
- Nokia
- Samsung Galaxy
- Sony
- Xiaomi Mi 5/6
- ZTE
Using a Moto G6 for testing we see Quick Charge will fast charge over the USB-A port. Anker uses their own PowerIQ 2.0 technology, which mimics Quick Charge. As such it is considered QC compatible and works with Samsung AFC technology.
The USB-C port is strictly USB PD, so no fast charging there for Quick Charge phones.
Nintendo Switch
Works well for all model Nintendo Switch in handheld/tabletop mode.
- Nintendo Switch (original) – Charges near its max rate while playing and sleeping.
- Nintendo Switch (2019 update) – Charges near its max rate while playing and sleeping.
- Nintendo Switch Lite – Charges near its max rate while playing and sleeping.
It will not support the Switch’s dock, as it doesn’t offer the required output.
If you have an original model Switch (pre-August 2019) Anker’s product outperforms the rest. Their support of a 15V power profile instead of 12V allows for faster charging of the original Switch. Due to an underdraw issue of that model Switch.
Trickle Charge Mode
Anker PowerCore Essential 20000 PD in trickle charge mode
Trickle charge mode is for low power devices. Such as a Fitbit or wireless earbuds. These small accessories draw little current (60mA). So much so a power bank thinks charging is complete, and shutdowns to save power. This means a low power draw device could get only minutes of charging.
Trickle charge mode corrects for this, by forcing the power bank to stay on for a couple of hours. Allowing small accessories time to charge.
For Anker’s power bank you double press the button to activate the mode. A green LED will turn on in place of one of the blue LEDs. After two hours the power bank will switch back to regular mode. Shutting down completely shortly afterward. Or you can double press the button again to exit from trickle charge mode. There’s no harm in allowing the power bank to stay in trickle charge mode for the full duration.
No Fast Charging With Two Devices
If you connect two devices to the power bank it will disable all fast charging tech.
Both ports only support 5V. Which removes fast charging options outside of Apple 2.4A standard. There is a 15W total output limit shared between the two USB ports.
When you connect a second device you’ll notice the charging resets on the first. This is the power bank stepping down to a lower output level. If you disconnect the second device you’ll want to unplug and replug the first. To make sure fast charging turns back on.
This limitation is typical of many power banks. A few can allow for one fast charging and one regular charging. Fewer still allow for dual fast charging, and those are always large and heavy. There is a limit to how much current can cross its circuits without extra hardware. Which adds size, weight, and cost.
Whether you should fast charge one device or regular charge two depends on battery levels and your immediate needs. The closer both devices are to 100%, the less impactful not fast charging becomes.
Summary
The Anker PowerCore Essential 20000 PD is a good value option for some, depending on your devices and needs. It works bests with smaller devices, from Bluetooth earbuds up to Nintendo Switch and small tablets. Its higher capacity offers up to twice the run time as a 10,000mAh model. Good if you’re charging several devices on a day trip. Or charging one device over several days.
Anker PowerCore Essential 20000 PD ports
For phones, it fast charges all iPhones and most Androids. Notably Samsung, Google, LG, and Motorola models.
For the Nintendo Switch, it charges in handheld mode as fast as any other option. The original Switch charges faster with the Essential than its peers from AUKEY or RAVPower. But the power bank cannot power a docked Switch.
By limiting the output to 18W Anker saves on production costs, and passes that on to you. The Anker PowerCore Speed 20000 PD has the same capacity, but 30W output (and no PowerIQ 2.0). It costs 20 more MSRP as of this posting. If you need to charge a small laptop that extra 20 gets you that performance. But if you only have handheld devices the Essential gives you the same performance at a lower cost.
If you don’t need the extra capacity you’ll find a better value with an 18W/10,000mAh power bank. Such as the Anker PowerCore 10000 PD Redux. It offers the same output features. But in a small and cheaper package.
About Anker
Anker has U.S. based support (web, email, phone) and an 18-month warranty. And their own online community with forums. They are a beloved brand within many USB-C communities.
Bottom Line
The Anker PowerCore Essential 20000 PD is perfect for charging small, handheld devices for long periods of time. It’ll fast charge iPhones, most Androids, iPad, and Nintendo Switch. At a cost less than a similar power bank made for small laptops.
Buy if you:
- Need to fast charge iPhone, popular Androids, iPad Pro, or Nintendo Switch for long trips or over a weekend
- Want to charge an original model Switch as fast as possible
- Prefer the Anker brand and customer support
Don’t buy if you:
- Need to also charge a laptop on the go
- Only need to support a single device for a few hours
You’ll want a USB-C wall charger to quickly recharge this USB-C power bank. I recommend the Anker PowerPort III Nano. A small charger for your large power bank.
Be sure to check the Deals page to see if this or a similar charger is on sale.
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Amazon just dropped a huge sale on Anker charging accessories — save as much as 60%
A cellphone that’s on 1% while you’re stuck in traffic. A tablet that runs out of juice during a long and dreary commute. A laptop that decides to die while you’re trying to get work done on the go. These are all unpleasant scenarios that teach you never to leave home without a spare charger. Luckily, you can save up to 60% right now on select Anker charging accessories — including lightweight power banks, durable cords and more.
Anker 321 Power Bank (PowerCore 5K)
This compact power bank is perfect for keeping in a bag for an emergency charge — and even better, it’s 25% off.
I don’t know how many people have this same issue, but its always a battle for me to get daughters (ages 20 22) to take power banks with them when they go on their adventures (travel, concerts, etc.). I have at least 10 Anker power banks (including all of the latest). But I can’t get them to take of them with them because they are too big. They wont take either of the two MagSafe chargers i have either because although small, it means they have to remove their MagSafe wallets. But this one is finally small enough that now I win that debate! said one parent. So that peace of mind alone gets a five star rating from me! And because it’s an Anker, I don’t have the same fears I would have from any of the no name small chargers. So it’s only good for 1 charge for an iPhone 12, but that a lot better than zero. For me, that’s the whole point of this.
Anker 626 Magnetic Battery (Blue)
The kickstand with battery connects magnetically to your phone so that it stays charged and at the perfect viewing angle.
With enough juice to give almost a second full charge, this magnetic battery snaps securely to your phone and doubles as a stand. Keep your phone at the perfect viewing angle and within easy reach while it charges. It comes with a 24-month warranty to cover any potential damage. In addition to purple (shown), it’s also on sale in blue and white.
Love the color! Love the size! Love the power it has! Have I said I love this charger? one ecstatic customer said.
Anker 100W USB-C 2-Port Charger for MacBook Pro/Air
This charger is meant for MacBooks, but it will work with almost any device. And right now, it’s nearly 60% off, which makes it a fantastic deal — especially if you’ve ever looked at the price of a replacement Mac charger.
I really like this charger because it is so powerful. I can use my laptop and charge my S22 Ultra in record time. It has a nice solid feel to it. Foldable plug to slip easily into a backpack or laptop bag, said one on-the-go user. I wish it was a little smaller for traveling, but I imagine that is the price you pay for having 100 watts of power. I own many Anker products and this does not disappoint.
Anker Portable Charger
This 10,000mAh power bank can charge your phone from zero to full at least once and, depending on the model, sometimes twice.
This handy Anker Portable Charger is compatible with most modern devices and provides an extra 10,000mAh of charge. That equates to basically a full charge for your phone. An iPhone 12 can actually get two full charges, but newer devices with higher power requirements may only get one. Still, that’s a full charge without being tied to an outlet.
This charger is the answer for a quick, portable and reasonably sized charger. Great for traveling, at the beach or anywhere that an accessible method for charging is unavailable, one user said. The size is comparable to most cell phones and is perfect in a. backpack or purse. Comes with a mesh carry bag, a USB-C to USB-C cord along with a USB-C to USB cord.
If you have Amazon Prime, you’ll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of 25 or more.)
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.