Anker PowerCore Magnetic Wireless Power Bank Review [5000mAh] – The best wireless power bank to-date?
Ever get frustrated when you go out and your phone battery starts dying? And to top it off, you brought your power bank with you, but forgot your cable? This has often happened to me, and thus I decided to hunt for a good wireless power bank for my phone. After doing some research I decided to try the Anker PowerCore Magnetic Wireless Power Bank.
I’m using an iPhone, and one of the best features Apple has introduced for their phones is the MagSafe feature. MagSafe, if you do not know, makes wirelessly charging the iPhone possible, up to 15W of power. Another plus point the ability to attach various accessories onto your phone magnetically. One of these accessories is the Anker PowerCore Magnetic Wireless Power Bank.
| Did you know? Anker is the global leader in charging technology. They have pioneered Power Delivery technology to charge phones, tablets and laptops at unprecedented speeds. |
Anker PowerCore Magnetic Wireless Power Bank
| – Compact and light – Slip-proof and magnetic | – Magnetic function only works well with MagSafe compatible covers – The packaging box could be better |
| Specifications: – Battery: 5000 mAh – Wireless output: 5W – USB-C output: 10W, 5V=2A – USB-C input: 11W, 5V=2A – Total output: 10W Max |
Why I like the Anker PowerCore Magnetic Wireless Power Bank?
It’s compact and light!
This power bank by Anker is really compact in size! If you are constantly running out of battery juice and are always on the move, a compact power bank makes a world of difference. The Anker Powercore Magnetic Wireless Power Bank is about 9.3 cm x 6.2 cm x 1.6 cm in size. And that makes it compact enough to fit in my This means your phone can sit in your and charge at the same time.
It’s also pretty light, weighing about 130 grams. For people who have to carry their laptops, or maybe a book or two and a tumbler of water with them, any trimming of excess weight would be welcomed. This is because when you have to walk a distance or so to catch your transport, any reduction of weight would make a difference. I can make a comparison as my mom has a Qi Energizer power bank which feels like a behemoth to my Anker.
It’s slip-proof and magnetic – snap and go!
Another reason why I like this Anker power bank is because it’s coated with a rubberised surface that prevents it from slipping easily. It’s also magnetic and will stick to your phone / MagSafe compatible phone covers. If you look around, you often see people holding their phones to their power bank.
Sometimes, you might even catch one or two incidents where the battery (or phone) will slip off. It is often becomes a tricky manoeuvre when you have other things to hold. So having a power bank with the ability to somewhat cling to your phone in a way merges 2 items into 1. That makes a lot of difference when you are on the move. This feature makes the Anker Powercore Magnetic Wireless Power Bank a power bank that is worth your consideration by a mile.
The design is well thought out too. It doesn’t block the camera, meaning you still can take pictures whilst charging your phone! How often have you seen people, fumbling to keep their power bank just because they wanted to take a shot of something. So, a power bank that sticks to your phone and is lightweight will enable you to shoot away with minimal fuss.
What I wish the Anker PowerCore Magnetic Wireless Power Bank did better at?
Magnetic function only works well with MagSafe compatible covers
The magnetic function does not work well with non-MagSafe phone cases, such as those thick cases like Otterbox defender cases, or UAG cases. So, the power bank limits your choice of phone cases.
If your phone casing is MagSafe compatible, the magnetic hold is fairly strong and requires a bit of force to take it off. I like this because keeps your phone secure and you need not worry about it slipping off just because you got a bit careless.
The packaging box could be better
I’d say the initial impression of the packaging box of this Anker Powercore Magnetic Wireless Power Bank gave a poor impression of the product. It’s minimalistic but I don’t have an issue with that. However, it looked and felt poorly designed. One cannot tell the features and specifications of the power bank has by just looking at the front box. If you closely to the details on the box’s back, you can’t even tell the battery capacity! Great product, but real poor design. The manufacturer could do a better job at this.
Inside the box, there’s the power bank itself, a USB-C to USB-C cable and a user manual.
Verdict
Other than the poor packaging design, the Anker PowerCore Magnetic Wireless Power Bank ticks my requirements for its compactness and seamless wireless charging features. That said, it is also always more convenient to bring a power bank that doesn’t require a cable.
So far, I’ve not noticed any issues with the wireless charging connection with my phone or the charging efficiency of the battery. Charging the power bank itself doesn’t take long, taking approximately 2-3 hours for it to fully charge from zero.
It’s also equipped with all the safety precautions including foreign object detection, short circuit protection, and temperature control (which is also not stated on their packaging box). I would highly recommend this power bank if you’re looking for something compact and magnetic (assuming your phone and phone case supports MagSafe).
Links to buy it now on Shopee or Lazada!
I got mine from Anker’s official store on Shopee. I’m not sure why, but goods always seem to be cheaper on Shopee rather than on Lazada. It’s RM162 on Shopee, as compared to RM179 on Lazada.
Alternatively, if you’re not a fan of shopping on Shopee, here’s the link of Anker’s official store on Lazada.
ANKER POWERCORE MAGNETIC 5K WITH BRACKET WHITE
Anker’s exclusive MiniCell houses a powerful and faster portable charger that’s smaller than ever before.
Superior Safety
Anker’s exclusive MultiProtect safety technology provides complete protection for you and your devices.
USB-C Compatible
Built-in bi-directional USB-C ports provide flawless compatibility and optimal charging speeds for virtually all USB-C powered devices.
Choose the Right Accessories
Using iPhone-compatible magnetic cases and the right charging accessories are important to ensure a smooth user experience.
The magnetic portable charger holds your iPhone 13/12 in place while charging and combines it with a kickstand that can unfold to function as a phone stand.
Consisting of USB-C input and output ports, you can now quickly recharge the portable charger or power up any compatible USB-C devices.
Anker’s exclusive MultiProtect technology comes with advanced safety features like temperature control, overload protection, and more to let you charge with zero worries.
iPhone 13 / iPhone 13 Pro / iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 12 / iPhone 12 Pro / iPhone 12 Pro Max with a magnetic phone case.
The Best Portable Chargers To Keep You Going On Long And Busy Days
Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own.
Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own.
It’s happened to all of us. You go out and realize you didn’t put the phone on the charger and your phone’s battery is low. Or you’re out all day, using power-hungry features like the camera, display or GPS, and now the battery is low and there’s no outlet in sight. Perhaps you’re simply working from a cafe that lacks outlets, and you want to power your laptop for the afternoon. The best portable chargers, like our pick for the best overall, the INIU B62 Power Bank, can keep you powered up and ready to go anytime, anywhere.
Carrying a portable charger is a great way to make sure you never miss a beat and always have available power for your most important devices, like your phone, tablet or laptop. For frequent travelers, a portable charger is a must have device. And since portable chargers come in a range of capacities and sizes, each with varying abilities, you may choose to keep multiple portable chargers on hand for different situations. Here are our top picks for the best portable chargers you can buy in 2023.
- Best Portable Charger Overall:INIU B62 Power Bank
- Best Portable Charger For iPhone: Apple MagSafe Battery Pack
- Best Portable Charger With AC Outlet: Mophie PowerStation Pro AC
- Best Portable Charger With Built-In Cables: Mophie PowerStation Plus
- Best Portable Charger For Laptops: Baseus Laptop Power Bank
- Best High-Power Portable Charger For Laptops: Anker 737 Power Bank
- Best Portable Charger For Adventures: Anker 548 Power Bank
- Best Qi Wireless Portable Charger: LionEnergy Eclipse
Best Portable Charger Overall
INIU B62 Power Bank
Battery capacity: 15,000mAh | Output ports: 2x USB-A, 1x USB-C | Size: 5.8 x 2.8 x 0.9 inches | Weight: 11.7 ounces | Display: Yes
Best for: Charging smartphones and tablets quickly.
INIU is a less recognizable name, but its lineup of power bank and charging accessories stands out from the crowd. The INIU B62 has a single USB-C port that supports up to 45-watt output with USB Power Delivery. That means you can use this versatile battery for charging a low-power laptop or a portable gaming system.
This model supports a range of fast-charging protocols, but it only handles up to Qualcomm’s Quick Charge 3.0. If you want to charge a QC 4.0 device, look at the INIUs B5 Power Bank, which has a similar physical design, adds QC 4.0 and can charge three devices simultaneously (but it lacks enough power output to charge a laptop). The B62 has a large LCD that shows your remaining power, and it has a grippy texture that resists scuffs and grit. Bonus: It comes with a nifty pull-out stand that works well to prop up a phone while it’s charging.
What the editors say: Tech editor Melissa Perenson notes, “This battery is a workhorse, handily charging up devices with surprising speed. It recharges quickly, too. It’s a little thick, but its rectangular design pairs well with a smartphone.”
Anker PowerCore III 10K
Battery capacity: 10,000mAh | Output ports: 1x USB-A, 1x USB-C | Size: 5.9 x 2.7 x 0.8 inches | Weight: 8.6 ounces
Best for: Mix of wired and wireless charging, in a slim design and mid-range capacity.
The Anker PowerCore III 10K hits a good balance between features, performance and price. The svelte, candy bar design houses 10-watt Qi wireless charging, with one each of USB-A and USB-C ports on the top edge. This model is slim, but not as slim as one Anker model. Nor does it have the magnetic attachment of Anker’s newer MagGo series. Or the power to handle charging a laptop or gaming system.
Despite those caveats, the PowerCore III 10K stands out for its balance of charging features and its performance—which was faster for both wired and wireless charging than on some competing models. This battery pairs well with a standard rectangular phone design, and it’s lightweight, too. The unit itself has a textured plastic case that did a better job withstanding scuffs than some of Anker’s other models. The chassis also has a built-in stand—a simple pull-out bracket to prop up your phone. However, the recessed power button is a bit awkwardly placed.
What the editors say: “This model’s Qi wireless gives it an edge over the typical portable charger with the same capacity,” says tech editor Melissa Perenson. “I especially liked this battery’s light weight, and how easy it was to hold alongside an iPhone or Android phone.”
- Textured case keeps fingerprints and scuffs away
- Qi wireless charging at 10 watts
- Built-in stand
Best Portable Charger For iPhone
Apple MagSafe Battery Pack
Battery capacity: Unavailable | Ports: MagSafe (wireless) only | Size: 3.8 x 2.5 x 0.4 inches | Weight: 6.4 ounces
Best for: iPhone users who want a small MagSafe battery pack.
The Apple MagSafe Battery Pack is a bit pricey, but it is the Apple-branded battery—and it has a simplicity to it not found elsewhere. This compact battery pack attaches to the back of any iPhone 12 or later smartphone. It provides additional power when you need to extend the life of your smartphone. Thanks to its MagSafe compatibility. you can use the battery pack on its own or in conjunction with any Apple MagSafe phone case. It won’t, however, work with non-MagSafe cases.
This battery is a bit pricey considering it will only recharge your iPhone once—and only between 40 percent and 70 percent. However, that’s enough juice to keep your phone operational for a few hours more.
- Compact design for any iPhone (12 and later)
- Compatible with all MagSafe cases
- Genuine Apple product
Best Portable Charger With AC Outlet
Mophie PowerStation Pro AC
Battery capacity: 27,000mAh | Output ports: 2x USB-C, 1x USB-A, 1x AC | Size: 10.8 x 5.9 x 1.4 inches | Weight: 2.6 pounds
Best for: Capacious charging via USB and a 3-prong AC outlet.
The Mophie PowerStation Pro AC makes it easy to charge four devices simultaneously. At 27,000mAh, this model is at the maximum limit for transporting a single battery onto a plane. All that battery capacity matters, though, since it can recharge an iPhone five times. The 3-prong AC outlet is one reason this model stands out; with an outlet, you can then charge things like camera batteries, or run a laptop or other device that uses AC power.
The battery can handle 100 watts, while the USB ports handle 20 watts each and the USB Power Delivery port is at 60 watts. One drawback lies with its weight: The PowerStation Pro AC is a hefty 2.6 pounds. The battery has a loop that makes it easier to grab, which is good since its casing is smooth hard to hold.
Omnicharge Omni 20
Battery capacity: 20,000mAh | Output ports: Qi wireless, 1x USB-C, 2X USB-A, 1x AC/HVDC, 1x barrel | Size: 5.0 x 4.8 x 1.0 inches | Weight: 1.3 pounds
The Omnicharge Omni 20 is highly versatile, especially considering its relatively compact size. It includes a 20,000mAh capacity battery, fast 18-watt charging over USB-A, 60-watt charging over USB-C and 10-watt Qi wireless charging. The 100-watt AC/HCDC outlet provides power to laptops, drones and cameras that don’t support USB charging.
The Omni 20 has a built-in OLED display that shows the total power left in the charger, as well as the demands of each connected device. It even supports pass-through charging, so you can continue to charge your array of devices even when recharging the Omni itself.
- Offers pass-through charging
- 20,0000mAh capacity battery
- Portable and convenient
Best Portable Charger With Built-In Cables
Mophie PowerStation Plus
Battery capacity: 10,000mAh | Output Ports: 1x USB-C | Built-in cables: 1x USB-C, 1x Lightning | Size: 5.8 x 0.7 x 2.8 inches | Weight: 8 ounces
Best for: Charging a phone or tablet with a Lightning or USB-C port.
The Mophie PowerStation Plus conveniently integrates cables into the sides of the portable charger. This otherwise nondescript rectangle has smooth front and back surfaces, and it has a rubberized layer around the edges. The Lightning and USB-C cables tuck neatly into the top of the unit with a snug fit, and little tabs to help you free them when needed. The cables are long enough for you to plug them into a phone and stack the charger neatly beneath it.
This charger’s dedicated USB-C Power Delivery port delivers 20 watts of power, and a total of 25 watts shared. The USB-C port charges faster than the integrated cables.
Best Portable Charger For Laptops
Baseus Laptop Power Bank
Battery capacity: 20,000mAh | Ports: 2x USB-C, 2x USB-A | Size: 6.4 x 5.3 x 0.7 inches | Weight: 1.1 pounds | Display: Yes
Best for: Charging a laptop or mobile device.
The Baseus Laptop Power Bank stands out for delivering 100 watts of power in a thin and lightweight square design that’s highly portable. Most competitors’ portable chargers that output 100 watts are larger, thicker and heavier than this Baseus model. The low profile makes it easy to slide this charger alongside a laptop when traveling.
This fast, portable charger has a textured plastic front, with a large, monochromatic digital display that shows its remaining battery power and charging status. It can handle small current devices like earbuds and smartwatches as well as it can a phone or laptop. The ports are all along the top edge, with two USB-A and two USB-C ports, each labeled with their output levels. The unit comes with a carry case, and a 100-watt USB-C to USB-C cable, for use with a laptop.
What the editors say: “I like the stylish yet functional industrial design of this charger,” says tech editor Melissa Perenson. “It was easy to carry around while charging multiple devices quickly.”
- Slim, lightweight design
- Informative display
- Charges four devices simultaneously
Best High-Output Portable Charger For Laptops
Anker 737 Power Bank
Battery capacity: 24,000mAh | Output Ports: 2x USB-C, 1x USB-A | Size: 6.1 x 2.1 x 1.9 inches | Weight: 1.4 | Display: Yes
Best for: Charging a laptop and mobile devices.
The Anker 737 Power Bank PowerCore 24K packs 140 watts, one of the highest power outputs you can buy in a such a portable design. This model stands at about 2 inches square, and is 6 inches long, making it shaped like a square tower (if you stand it on its end) or a very thick battery that fits in your hand. Inside sits a high capacity 24,000mAh battery, which is just below the maximum 27,000mAh you can bring on a plane.
Along the length sits a useful, easy-to-read color digital display which shows the power use and remaining battery/recharge time. The charger has three inputs, all on one end, and includes USB Power Delivery 3.1 support. It includes a 140-watt USB-C to USB-C cable for use with a laptop.
Best Portable Charger For Adventures
Anker 548 Power Bank (PowerCore Reserve)
Battery capacity: 60,000mAh | Output ports: 2x USB-C, 2x USB-A, Solar input | Size: 4.5 × 4.5 × 7.7 inches | Weight: 5.1 pounds
The Anker 548 Power Bank (PowerCore Reserve) packs a 60,000mAh battery capacity, which makes this power bank best for use at home or on adventures that don’t require a flight. Its rugged design makes it the perfect complement to outdoor adventures, with a retractable LED lamp and SOS beacon for use in emergencies. It has two USB-C and two USB-A ports, and the USB-C ports can handle 60-watt and 27-watt output (only one of the two handles input and output both). The front panel has an additional, uncommon port—for jacking in a solar panel for recharging. The EV-grade batteries can handle up to 3,000 recharging cycles.
The unit has a useful color digital display above the array of ports that shows charging status and remaining power. In between sit the buttons for the light and the SOS beacon. At 5.1 pounds, it feels sturdy, and it comes with a pliable handle. You get a USB-C to USB-C cable for charging, but you need to buy a wall charger and solar charging cable yourself.
What the editors say: “I love the pop-up light, with its retractable silicone design,” notes tech editor Melissa Perenson. “It’s surprisingly bright (though dedicated lanterns may be better), and it automatically lights up in the dark. The light’s inclusion makes this so much more than just a power bank on steroids. I also liked how the woven handle makes it easy to carry.”
Best Qi Wireless Portable Charger
Lion Eclipse
Battery capacity: 27,000mAh | Output ports: Qi wireless, 2x USB-A, 1x USB-C | Size: 8.5 x 3.5 x 1.3 inches | Weight: 1.6 pounds
Best for: Charging a phone, earbuds and watch wirelessly in a rugged device.
The Lion Eclipse stands out for its inclusion of three Qi wireless charging pads, at 10-watts, 5-watts and 2-watts. This means you can charge a phone, earbuds and a watch wirelessly, something most portable power banks with Qi can’t do. The power button and three ports—two USB-A and one USB-C with Power Delivery up to 85 watts—sit under a rubberized protective cover. These ports can handle a laptop or a portable gaming console, and they deliver simultaneous fast charging. This portable charger uses a 27,000mAh battery, the maximum size you can take on a plane.
While the Lion Eclipse Power Bank will fit easily within a backpack or briefcase, it’s too cumbersome to fit comfortably in a purse and too large for a It has a 5-year warranty and a lifecycle of over 1,000 charges.
- Simultaneously charges multiple devices
- High battery capacity
- Three Qi wireless charging pads
Which MagSafe battery pack is best? 6 Expert Picks
ZDNET tested the best MagSage battery packs on the market to see which can best power your iPhone. Compare leading models from Apple, Anker, and more.
Jason Cipriani is based out of beautiful Colorado and has been covering technology news and reviewing the latest gadgets as a freelance journalist for the past 13 years. His work can be found all across the Internet and in print.
Lena Muhtadi Borrelli has several years of experience in writing for insurance domains such as Bankrate, allconnect, Healthline, Reviews.com, HomeInsurance.com, My Slumber Yard and MYMOVE. She is a financial expert who previously worked for Morgan St.
Sean Jackson is a creative copywriter living in Florida. He’s had work published with CNET, Realtor.com, theScore, ESPN, and the San Francisco Chronicle.
Jason Cipriani is based out of beautiful Colorado and has been covering technology news and reviewing the latest gadgets as a freelance journalist for the past 13 years. His work can be found all across the Internet and in print.
Lena Muhtadi Borrelli has several years of experience in writing for insurance domains such as Bankrate, allconnect, Healthline, Reviews.com, HomeInsurance.com, My Slumber Yard and MYMOVE. She is a financial expert who previously worked for Morgan St.
Sean Jackson is a creative copywriter living in Florida. He’s had work published with CNET, Realtor.com, theScore, ESPN, and the San Francisco Chronicle.
No matter how much Apple touts the longevity of the latest iPhone’s battery, users know it never seems to last all day.
Wireless battery packs that employ Apple’s MagSage technology offer an even more compact solution to the ever-helpful portable power banks, so you can ditch the wires entirely to power your iPhone 12-14 generation model on the go.- including the mini and Pro Max.
ZDNET went hands-on with the best and latest MagSafe battery packs on the market, testing them for efficient charge rate, portability, and charging pass-through capabilities to help you confidently decide which is the most practical and powerful option for your phone. Our first pick, the myCharge MagLock Magnetic Powerbank is budget friendly, has a built-in speaker that signals charge level and connection, and has a unique design that keeps the pack from overheating. Read on to see how other models compare and which is right for you.
myCharge MagLock Magnetic Powerbank
Best MagSafe battery pack overall
- Comprehensive functionality
- USB-C port
- Built-in speaker signals charge level and connection
- Budget-friendly
Features: Capacity: 3,000mAh, 6,000mAh, 9,000mAh | Charging Port: USB-C | Power button: Yes
The latest company to offer a MagSafe compatible battery pack is myCharge with its MagLock lineup. The MagLock lineup has three different options, ranging in capacity and price. A 3,000mAh option is 50, 6,000mAh is 60 and the 9,000mAh pack is 70.
The MagLock has a unique raised design where the pack connects to the phone. According to myCharge, the gap between the phone and the battery pack allows both devices to remain cooler than the competition, which leads to better efficiency and faster charging rates. When you connect the pack to your phone, it plays a short sound to let you know the pack is in use. Another sound plays when you remove the pack from your iPhone.
There’s also a power button, but I haven’t had to use it. I just attach the pack to my phone, let it charge, and then remove it. The MagLock is charged via a USB-C connection, and functions as a wireless charging pad if you place your phone on the pack while it’s plugged in.
Apple MagSafe battery pack
Best MagSafe battery pack for native integration
- Deep integration with iOS takes full advantage of the battery pack
- Smart charging ensures proper iPhone and battery pack charging
- Your iPhone uses reverse wireless charging to charge the pack
- Compact size
Features: Capacity: 1,460mAh/ 11.13Wh | Charging Port: Lightning | Power button: No
Apple’s MagSafe battery pack is the second smallest battery pack I tested, even though pictures can make it look big. Inside are two battery cells with 11.13 Wh of capacity. Don’t expect the battery pack to charge your iPhone from 0 to 100. Wireless charging is highly inefficient due to several factors (heat being one of them). You’re more likely to get around a 60% charge on the iPhone 12 Pro, and for most, that’s more than good enough to get through a long day at work or when traveling.
At 100, the MagSafe battery pack is the most expensive pack of the lot. Its tight integration can arguably justify Apple tax with iOS 14.7 and above; when you place the pack on a compatible iPhone, you’ll see an animation on your screen letting you know how much of a charge the pack has. It will automatically begin charging your phone. The first time you attach one to your phone, you’ll also see an alert letting you know it will keep your phone at 90% to protect your battery. The battery widget built into iOS will show the pack’s current charge level, right alongside your iPhone and other accessories.
Charging the battery pack is done via a Lightning connector on the bottom of the pack. If you use a 20W adapter, you can charge both the pack and the iPhone at the same time by plugging the connector into your iPhone. Your iPhone will then use reverse wireless charging to top off the battery pack.- the first time we’ve seen such a feature in use from any iPhone model.