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.
Those who are always charging their phone when they are on the go will appreciate this ability for a power bank and phone to be in the same while freeing your hands for other things. However, with the iPhone stuck to the power bank, it’ll be slightly on the thicker side. Still, it’s much smaller than my existing one. So no complaints.
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.
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.
Best MagSafe portable battery packs and power banks for iPhone 12, 13 and 14
Portable power banks that charge your phone are popular, but wireless battery packs using Apple’s MagSafe technology offer a simpler and smarter cable-free solution for iPhone 12, 13 and 14 users.
Phone batteries are prone to run dry just when you’re heading away from a power source, so having a portable charging source is one of today’s necessities. Annoyingly, most power banks require you to carry around a cable, too.
Wireless power banks do away with cables but come with their own major limitation–the inefficiency of wireless charging means you need a high-capacity power bank to fully charge a drained iPhone.
I use one as a quick bedside iPhone charger so I can charge and use the phone at the same time without having to worry about cable length. And of course I carry one around with me in my bag for on-the-move recharging.
MagSafe is a technology that’s compatible with all iPhone 12, 13 and 14 models, from the mini to the Pro Max. It allows accessories to connect magnetically to the back of the iPhone.
The MagSafe connection is precise enough to make wireless charging more efficient as around 20% of Qi power loss is from poor placement of a phone and the wireless charging pad. WStandard Qi wireless charging can lose as much as 50% of the portable battery’s power, MagSafe wireless charging loses ‘just’ 30%.
While it’s not as efficient as using a cable to charge a phone, MagSafe is a tech that brings true wireless charging a step closer to doing away with cables altogether.
We have tested the best MagSafe chargers to find which is the right one for you and your iPhone. Here we have tested the best MagSafe battery packs.
Certified MagSafe or MagSafe compatible
Not all are officially certified MagSafe by Apple but we’ve included only those MagSafe-compatible battery packs that work as efficiently as the “Made for MagSafe” models. Official certification is more important for wired MagSafe chargers as the 15W charging power of MagSafe-certified chargers beats the 7.5W maximum for mere MagSafe-compatible accessories.
In comparison, the portable battery packs tested here can’t reach 15W, except those that can be charged simultaneously by wire and wireless, as the Apple MagSafe Battery Pack can.
We have listed the speeds at which each portable power bank can be charged itself (Input charger) and charge the iPhone (Output charger).
We’ve also included a few alternative non-magnetic options, including standard power banks and battery cases. MagSafe is cool but it isn’t always the best option.
After the list of our favorites, you’ll find more details on how MagSafe works and why you should be looking at a power bank’s capacity in Watt Hours rather than the mostly quoted Milliamp Hours.
Apple MagSafe Battery Pack – Smartest MagSafe battery
- MagSafe
- Compact
- Smarter battery features than rivals
- Cable plus wireless charging (15W)
Capacity: 11.13Wh (1460mAh/2920mAh)
Input charger: Lightning (27W)
Output charger: Wireless (5W) Lightning (15W combined)
MagSafe: Certified
Tested: Yes
Charged drained iPhone to: 60%
Weight: 114g
Dimensions: 9.6-x-6.4-1.1cm
Colors: White
Compatibility: iPhone 12/13 mini, iPhone 12/13/14, iPhone 12/13/14 Pro, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 12/13/14 Pro Max
Compatible with all models of iPhone 12, 13 and 14, the Apple MagSafe Battery Pack is an intelligent and convenient lightweight power pack that magnetically clamps to the iPhone.
While underpowered compared to the competition, it will charge a fading iPhone up to around 60%, which should be enough to get you through the day to when you have access to a power outlet.
Wireless charging isn’t the speediest at 5W, but unlike most other MagSafe chargers, the Apple Battery Pack can charge an iPhone at 15W using a wireless and a Lightning cable simultaneously.
Its Apple advantage is its Smart features that show onscreen battery power icons and safety features that stop charging when too hot or before the phone’s internal battery could be compromised – meaning it’s good practice to stop charging a phone battery at 90% for long-term battery health.
Available in white only, the Apple MagSafe Battery Pack is smarter but more expensive compared to third-party alternatives.
Belkin BoostCharge Power Bank 5K Stand – Best MagSafe battery pack with stand
Capacity: 18Wh (5000mAh)
Input charger: USB-C (18W)
Output charger: Wireless (7.5W) USB-C (10W)
MagSafe: Compatible
Tested: Yes
Charged drained iPhone to: 90%
Weight: 152g
Dimensions: 9.4-x-6.4-1.4cm
Colors: Black, White, Lavender Purple (US), Blush Pink (US)
Compatibility: iPhone 12/13 mini, iPhone 12/13/14, iPhone 12/13/14 Pro, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 12/13/14 Pro Max
The battle to be the best MagSafe-compatible power bank that also boasts a kickstand is a close run thing between the Belkin BoostCharge and the Anker MagGo 622. Both have 5000mAh batteries but the Belkin won in our head-to-head tests, recharging a faded iPhone 13 Pro by 90%, compared to Anker’s 80%.
The Belkin’s kickstand is easier to use and feels more robust, and the battery pack itself is marginally smaller. We still love the Anker 622 but the Belkin wins the battle of the MagSafe kickstand power banks.
It also beats Apple’s 5W wireless charging with 7.5W when clamped to the back of an iPhone, and while it doesn’t hit 15W on simultaneous wired and wireless charging like the Apple MagSafe Battery Pack, it can be charged with a cable at a chippy 10W.
The Pink and Purple colors are available in the U.S. only. Everyone else gets either Black or White models to choose from.
Anker MagGo 622 Magnetic Battery – MagSafe battery pack with stand
Capacity: 19.13Wh (5000mAh)
Input charger: USB-C (12W)
Output charger: Wireless (7.5W)
MagSafe: Compatible
Tested: Yes
Charged drained iPhone to: 80%
Weight: 146g
Dimensions: 10.5-x-6.6-x-1.3cm
Colors: White, Gray, Purple, Green, Blue
Compatibility: All iPhone 12, 13 and 14, except mini
The Anker MagGo 622 Magnetic Battery is cheaper than the Apple MagSafe Battery Pack, has a larger battery capacity and is available in multiple muted colours: white, purple, green, blue and gray.
It works with all MagSafe iPhone, but sits a little over the smaller iPhone mini when magnetically attached.
We love that the Anker 622 comes with its own built-in fold-out stand, which with MagSafe’s pulling power will hold your iPhone securely in either portrait/vertical or landscape/horizontal mode. The Belkin BoostCharge 5K, reviewed above, has a tougher metal pull-out stand, and also offer another 10% of charge on the better-looking Anker 622.
The stand folds away so that it can be popped in a to be magnetically clamped to the phone when you need it most – and operates just like the Apple battery pack.
In our battery tests, the 622 managed to charge a drained iPhone to 80% of full power, which is a significant jump on Apple’s MagSafe Battery Case and the UAG Lucent Charger (also with kickstand) that both powered the iPhone to just 60%.
The Anker battery is rated at 19.13Wh (5,000mAh) but, like all the other wireless chargers loses a decent chunk of that power to environmental factors. As its battery is larger than Apple’s, it actually loses a little more but has plenty in reserve to make up for this.
The Anker battery charges wirelessly at 7.5W–faster than Apple’s 5W charge, although the Apple battery can use the wireless Qi and cabled USB-C power simultaneously to speed charging at up to 15W.
It ships with a 60cm USB-C cable.
UAG Lucent Wireless Portable Charger with Kickstand – Best small magnetic power bank
Capacity: 15.4Wh (4000mAh)
Input charger: USB-C (18W)
Output charger: Wireless (7.5W)
MagSafe: Compatible
Tested: Yes
Charged drained iPhone to: 62%
Weight: 129g
Dimensions: 10.5-x-6.6-1.3cm
Colors: Black, Deep Ocean, Marshmallow, Orchid
Compatibility: iPhone 12/13 mini, iPhone 12/13/14, iPhone 12/13/14 Pro, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 12/13/14 Pro Max
A third-party alternative to Apple’s MagSafe Battery Pack is Urban Armor Gear’s Lucent Wireless Portable Charger. Like the Apple Battery Pack, it’s not the highest capacity battery on test here, but it is dinky—just a little larger and heavier than Apple’s.
The battery capacity appears a lot larger in the specs, but Apple’s Smart magic means they both tested in real life around the same–raising a dead iPhone to just over 60% charge.
This UAG portable magnetic charger beats Apple on having a handy built-in kickstand and a choice of colors, as well as faster charging at 7.5W. And it’s also a decent amount cheaper.
It ships with a 1m USB-C cable, although it’s old-school USB-A on the wall-plug end.
Moft Snap Stand Power Set – Best wallet/stand magnetic battery pack
Capacity: 13.1Wh (3400mAh)
Input charger: USB-C (10W)
Output charger: Wireless (7.5W)
MagSafe: Compatible
Tested: Yes
Charged drained iPhone to: 50%
Weight: 120g
Dimensions: 9.9-x-6.6-x-1.2cm
Colors: Black, Blue, Brown, Purple
Compatibility: iPhone 12/13 mini, iPhone 12/13/14, iPhone 12/13/14 Pro, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 12/13/14 Pro Max
The Moft Snap Stand Power Set is a clever combination of magnetic battery pack with a detachable stand that also holds up to three travel or credit cards.
The faux leather stand took me a few goes to work out how it works, but once you’ve mastered it, it’s easy. Previously, I haven’t seen a stand that can hold cards at the same time, so this is smarter than most MagSafe stands.
The supplied USB-C cable also links magnetically to the battery pack, which will charge a connected iPhone first before the power bank itself. While the battery pack offers only a 50% charge, that will likely be enough for most trips away from a fixed power source. If you need more portable battery capacity, look at an alternative such as the Anker MagGo 622 (80% charge).
It is MagSafe-compatible but curiously boasts a usually only-MagSafe-certified feature, where there’s a visual representation of available charge on the iPhone itself.
Anker MagGo 633 Magnetic Wireless Charger – Best multi-function MagSafe charger
- Battery capacity
- Portable power bank and dual-device charging stand
- 7.5W
- Colors
Capacity: 19.13Wh (5000mAh)
Input charger: USB-C (25W)
Output charger: Wireless (7.5W)
MagSafe: Compatible
Tested: Yes
Charged drained iPhone to: 84%
Weight: 132g
Dimensions: 10.6-x-6.6-x-1.2cm
Colors: White, Blue, Gray
Compatibility: All iPhone 12, 13 and 14, except mini
The Anker MacGo 633 Wireless Charger is more than just a MagSafe charger. It’s also an adjustable stand that charges the iPhone when in place, and also keeps the 633 battery charged for when you need to slip it out of its holster for portable use.
And the base of the stand is also Qi-enabled so can wirelessly charge an Airpods case or similarly sized Qi-ready device.
As a portable battery charger that magnetically attaches to the iPhone it is similar to its non-charge-stand sibling, the Anker MagGo 622. And it has the same 19.13Wh (5000mAh) battery that offers a greater charge potential than Apple’s own MagSafe Battery Pack.
In our tests, it charged an empty iPhone 13 Pro up to 84%, beating the 622’s 80% and Apple’s 60%.
It charges the iPhone at a decent 7.5W–the same as the 622 and 1.5x better than the Apple – and comes with a 25W wall charger and 1.5m USB-C cable.
The Anker MagGo 633 is great value as it offers so many functions: desktop charger, portable power bank, Airpods charger, and adjustable viewing stand, and is doesn’t compromise on any of those roles.
ESR HaloLock Kickstand Wireless Power Bank
Capacity: 37Wh (10000mAh)
Input charger: USB-C (18W)
Output charger: Wireless (7.5W), Wired (20W)
MagSafe: Compatible
Tested: Yes
Charged drained iPhone to: 149%
Weight: 219g
Dimensions: 10.4-x-6.9-x-2cm
Colors: White, Black
Compatibility: All iPhone 12, 13 and 14
The ESR Halolock Kickstand Wireless Power Bank might not mention its magnetism in its name, but it is a worthy alternative to Apple’s MagSafe Battery Pack.
It’s MagSafe compatible rather than certified, so charges at 7.5W instead of 15W, but its 10000mAh battery capacity is significantly greater.
It also boasts a robust metal kickstand that can be used in both portrait and landscape modes.
That and its giant capacity positions it as a competitor to the SWIO/CAVN Magnetic Wireless Portable Charger (reviewed above). While it’s more expensive, it did power our faded iPhone for longer and has a tougher kickstand. It’s also a little smaller, but a tiny bit heavier.
Passthrough charging lets you charge your phone and power bank at the same time.
SWIO Magnetic Wireless Portable Charger – Highest capacity attachable MagSafe battery pack
Capacity: 38.5Wh (10000mAh)
Input charger: USB-C (22W)
Output charger: Wireless (7.5W) USB-C (22W combined)
MagSafe: Compatible
Tested: Yes
Charged drained iPhone to: 136%
Weight: 210g
Dimensions: 10.4-x-6.6-x-2.1cm
Colors: Black, Blue
Compatibility: All iPhone 12, 13 and 14 models
The SWIO/CAVN Magnetic Wireless Portable Charger boasts a giant battery, with 38.5Wh (10,000mAh) capacity. This colossal capacity means it is a bit of a colossus itself, significantly fatter than other portable chargers tested here.
It’s chunky thickness will fit in a while clamped to a phone but only just. It’s more a charger on the table type of power bank.
Indeed, with its handy built-in stand, you can settle down to watch a movie while your phone is re-energized.
It recharged our test iPhone 13 Pro to 100% and then another 36% above that, so it can charger a couple of flagging phones, or iPhone and Airpods (via cable), or just keep juice spare for a decent top up later. It will charge a non-Pro 12, 13 or 14 even further. It’s even capable of giving a respectable charge to an iPad Pro.
iWalk Magnetic Wireless Power Bank – Best MagSafe battery with LED display
Capacity: 22.2Wh (6000mAh)
Input charger: USB-C (18W)
Output charger: Wireless (7.5W), USB-C (18W)
MagSafe: Compatible
Tested: Yes
Charged drained iPhone to: 105%
Weight: 158g
Dimensions: 10.3-x-6.5-x-1.8cm
Colors: Black, White, Pink
Compatibility: All iPhone 12, 13 and 14 models
The iWalk Magnetic Wireless Power Bank has a couple of features not found on other magnetic battery packs.
The most obvious is the finger ring, which is meant to mean safer holding but we prefer to grip our phone using a whole hand. But it does double-up as a kickstand for the iPhone so you can place it in a horizontal/landscape viewing position–horizontal feels more stable.
Even more useful is the LED battery-charge indicator that shows you exactly how much charge is in the power bank. This is way more helpful than the usual array of four tiny LEDs that most battery packs come with and especially more informative than Apple’s single Orange (not full) or Green (full) LED that lights up only when cable- connected to a power source.
The iWalk power bank also boasts a sizeable battery, with 2.2Wh (6000mAh) capacity. It recharged our test iPhone 13 Pro to 100% and then another 5% above that, so, in reality, a full charge with a little over for expected battery drain if left sitting in your bag for a few days. And it will charge a non-Pro 12, 13 or 14 even further.
As such, it’s heavier and fatter (including the pull-out ring) than most other magnetic power banks tested here.
It can charge while magnetically clamped to the iPhone and also (but not simultaneously) by USB cable at an impressive 18W, although you’ll need a USB-C-to-Lightning cable for wired charging.
it comes with a USB-C-to-USB-C cable for charging the pack itself, and also a Magsticker to attach to non-MagSafe phones for the same battery-pack functionality.
Review: Anker PowerCore III Sense 10K PowerCore III 10K Wireless
When we think about power banks or portable chargers, Anker comes to mind simply because of their reliability and trusted build quality. Anker has recently refreshed their PowerCore series with the new PowerCore III Sense 10K and PowerCore III 10K Wireless.
Unboxing
In the PowerCore III Sense 10K box, you will find the following:
- PowerCore III Sense 10K power bank
- Anker USB-A to USB-C cable
- Pouch
- User manual
In the PowerCore III 10K Wireless box, you will find the following:
- PowerCore III 10K Wireless power bank
- Anker USB-A to USB-C cable
- Pouch
- User manual
Design and build quality
The PowerCore III Sense 10K power bank has a fabric-like finish on the top and a smooth matte plastic on the back. There are 4 different colours you can choose from – Sun-kissed Coral, Steel Blue, Winter Sage, and Venetian Red. The unit I have is the Steel Blue colour variant.
The PowerCore III 10K Wireless power bank has a textured finish on the top with an anti-rubber rubber ring to keep phones steady when charging wirelessly. The back has a smooth matte finish which seems to pick up fingerprints more easily than the PowerCore III Sense 10K.
One interesting design aspect about the PowerCore III 10K Wireless is that is has a hook like thing at the corner of the power bank. That hook like thing is actually a phone stand which you can prop your phone up at 70º – 80º angle. You can charge your phone while charging if you set the phone in landscape mode.
Comparing both power banks, they are about the same size – height is about the same as an iPhone 11. The PowerCore III 10K Wireless is slightly thicker. With regards to build quality, both power banks feel really well built and the buttons are all responsive and tactile.
Both power banks also come with pouches in the packaging. The pouch that comes with the PowerCore III 10K Wireless is made of a stretchy mesh-like material, while the one that comes with the PowerCore III Sense 10K is a smooth silk-like fabric.
Tech specs
Both the PowerCore III 10K Wireless and PowerCore III Sense 10K are rather similar, only that the PowerCore III 10K Wireless is capable of Qi-wireless charging. Both have a single USB-A and USB-C port. The USB-C port is capable of delivering 18W of power and has Anker’s proprietary PowerIQ 3.0 technology which offers high-speed charging to a wide range of mobile devices. The USB-A port on the other hand, supports charging speeds of up to 12W.
For the PowerCore III 10K Wireless, the wireless charging speed is up to 10W. Both power banks is able to be fully charged via the USB-C port in just 4.5 hours if you use at least a 18W power adapter such as the Anker PowerPort III Nano.
Functionality
Anker states that you can charge your iPhone 11 with the 18W USB-C port to 50% in 30 minutes. For my testing, both power bank averaged around 42 minutes to get my iPhone 11 from 3% to 50%.
Wireless charging with the PowerCore III 10K Wireless took longer due to its 10W cap, I got my iPhone 11 to 50% in about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Conclusion
It’s hard not to like the Anker PowerCore III Sense 10K Wireless and PowerCore III 10K Wireless. They have great build quality, exude a premium design, and have trusted charging technologies so that you can feel safe charging your phone without worrying about any battery health impacts.
Currently, only the PowerCore III Sense 10K is available for purchase in Singapore and it retails for S69.90. It is quite expensive for a 10,000mAh power bank, but Anker do offer a 18-month warranty period which should sweeten the deal.
Review: Anker Powerwave Fast Wireless Charging Stand
Most of the wireless chargers on the market feature Fast Wireless charging and what that means is that they’re able to charge Samsung Qi Compatible smartphones at a 10W charging speed. That’s really it, as Fast wireless charging is only compatible with Samsung smartphones and just one other wireless charging compatible smartphone. That would be the iPhone X and the iPhone 8.
There are very few wireless chargers on the market that use Fast wireless charging for the iPhone X and the iPhone 8. Mophie and Belkin are the two main brands that create wireless chargers that feature this charging for the new iPhone X and iPhone 8.
One brand that we were waiting for to make a move on Fast Wireless charging for the iPhone X and the iPhone 8 was, Anker. They finally have released their Anker PowerWave wireless charger that also caters to the new Qi compatible iPhones. So let’s see what it’s capable of.
Output Charging:
When it comes to Fast wireless charging, you must use a Quick Charge wall charger to power your wireless charger. Thankfully, this Anker PowerWave wireless charging stand comes with a 1-port Quick Charge wall charger that you can use to power it. As a result, you’re able to experience the best wireless charging has to offer.
When it comes to charging Samsung Qi Compatible smartphones, they’re able to charge at 10W with this charger. So there is Fast Wireless Charging for Samsung smartphones. Of course, the main innovation with this charger is the use Fast Wireless charging for the iPhone X and the iPhone 8 because it’s able to output 7.5W of charging power to those smartphones.
If you’re charging a Non-Samsung or Non-iPhone with this wireless charger then they will charge at 5W, which is normal as those two types of smartphones are only compatible with Fast Wireless charging.
Input Charging:
The input port that this Anker PowerWave is powered from is a Micro-USB input port. We realize that most wireless chargers on the market use Micro-USB anyways, That said, this being Anker, we would have hoped the charger actually use a USB-C input port to keep up with the times.
You must use a Quick Charge wall charger to power this wireless charger, and you can use the one that comes with the PowerWave.
Size and Weight:
The size of this wireless charger is actually quite large and we’ve gotta say that it’s actually a good thing because you have more of an area to place your smartphone. The charger has a height of 4.6 inches, a width of 3 inches and a depth of about 2.6 inches. The weight of the charger is 12 Ounces.
So not something very large and perfect for a desktop.
Functional Components:
Using this charger is very simple. As all you have to do to power it is connect a Micro-USB charging cable into it and then it’s powered and you can place your smartphone on the charger to power it. Once you place your smartphone on top of the charger and it begins to charge, there’s a small Blue LED light at the front that turns on for about 10 seconds to indicate that your smartphone is charging, then it turns off so it’s not a disturbance while you sleep.
Also, since this is a charging stand, you’re able to place your smartphone either vertically or horizontally while it wirelessly charges. That’s because it uses two Charging coils, with one at the bottom and one at the top.
Structure and Material:
The build quality fo this PowerWave charger is quite good. With the top charging part and the base being a single part. With most wireless charging stands, tend to be two completely separate pieces.
Tech:
Something strange but very cool (literally) with this charger is that it actually uses a cooling fan at the base. So, unlike most wireless chargers that do heat up, this charger actually stays very cool. There are fans vents at the back of the charger.
Reliability
This is a very reliable wireless charger if you own either a Samsung Qi Compatible smartphone or the iPhone X or iPhone 8. That’s because those smartphones are able to make use the Fast Wireless charging. If you have a Non-Compatible Fast Wireless charging smartphone and plan to get this charger, well don’t.
It’s not really worth it because you’re likely able to get a great wireless charging stand that features a lower price. We recommend:
Summary:
Power:
The best part about this Anker PowerWave Wireless Charger is that it features Fast Wireless charging for both Samsung smartphones and the iPhone X and iPhone 8.
Design:
This charger is very easy to use and its use of a coil at the top and bottom of the charter make charging more constant as you can place your smartphone your either vertically or horizontally.
Build:
Its build quality is great and that’s something that’s a given when it comes to Anker’s products. This charger even uses a fan and has airs vents at the back.
Reliability:
It’s a very reliable charger if you have a smartphone that can make sure of the Fast Wireless charging, that said, if you don’t, then it’s best to go with one that just features standard wireless charging.
Specs of the Anker Powerwave Fast Wireless Charging Stand:
Samsung Qi Compatible Smartphones: 10W
iPhone X and iPhone 8: 7.5W
Standard Qi Wireless Charging: 5W
Micro-USB: Quick Charge
- LED Power Indicator: 4 White LED Power Capacity Indicators
- Size: 4.6 x 3 x 2.6 inches
- Weight: 12 Ounces
Conclusion:
Anker’s PowerWave Fast Wireless charging stand has proven itself to be a powerful Fast wireless charger for iPhone X and iPhone 8, and we recommend getting it if you want the best in wireless charging tech.
The Best Portable Chargers and Power Banks for 2023
Is your phone, tablet, or laptop typically in the battery red zone before the day’s end? These portable chargers and power banks give you the most boost when you’re out of juice.
I love portable technology—if you can put it in a or a bag, I’m probably into it. I’ve covered phones and tablets of all shapes and sizes, and reviewed everything from game consoles to laptops in my decade-plus career. Prior to joining PCMag, I wrote articles for Android Authority, How-To Geek, MUO, New Atlas, Tom’s Hardware, and plenty of other tech publications.
Apple MagSafe Battery Pack (Credit: Steven Winkelman)
Watching your phone or tablet steadily run out of power when you’re nowhere near an outlet is stressful. Fortunately, third-party portable batteries are available in many sizes and capacities. Some power banks offer fast charging, wireless charging, built-in cables, AC adapters, and LED flashlights—and even the ability to jump-start your car. Regardless of your budget, you can find a portable charger that keeps your device going when your battery icon starts to dip into the red.
But with so many options to choose from, how do you know which one is right for you? Read on for our tips, followed by the most important points to consider as you shop.
Recommended by Our Editors
Best Affordable PD Power Bank
Anker PowerCore Slim 10000 PD
Why We Picked It
Despite its reasonable price, the Anker PowerCore Slim PD 10000 offers high-end features like USB Power Delivery for fast charging, as well as both types of USB ports.
Who It’s For
This 10,000mAh charger doesn’t have the highest capacity, but it’s more than enough for people who need just a little extra power throughout the day and don’t have the patience for slow charging speeds.
Best Ultra-Portable Power Bank
Anker 321 Power Bank (PowerCore 5K)
Why We Picked It
A huge battery capacity is convenient, but sometimes you need a small device that you can carry around without a backpack. The 5,200mAh Anker 321 Power Bank fits that need perfectly, especially because it offers both a USB-A and USB-C port.
Who It’s For
This is ideal for people who care more about portability than capacity. It won’t charge your phone multiple times, but it can still get you through a long day.
Best for Charging Laptops
Anker 737 Power Bank
Why We Picked It
The Anker 737 features 140W output, which means it can charge bigger, more power-hungry devices like a laptop just as effortlessly as it can juice up a phone or tablet.
Who It’s For
If you often need to charge a laptop when you’re nowhere near an outlet, this 24,000mAh backup battery can lower your stress levels. It’s more expensive than other options on this list, so people who tend to charge smaller devices like phones or tablets are better off with the more affordable choices.
Apple MagSafe Battery Pack
Why We Picked It
True to its name, Apple’s MagSafe Battery Pack is notable for its MagSafe support. You can simply stick it to the back of your phone to charge it wirelessly.
Who It’s For
If you need to keep your iPhone running while away from home, you won’t find a more convenient solution. People with older iPhones (before the iPhone 12) need to look at other options, though, as MagSafe isn’t supported.
Best High-Capacity Power Bank
Mophie Powerstation XXL
Why We Picked It
The Mophie Powerstation XXL does it all—it has a considerable 20,000mAh capacity, 18W PD charging, and both USB-A and USB-C ports.
Who It’s For
If you’re looking to recharge a phone or tablet several times on the go (and quickly), this is a top choice. The only drawback is that it doesn’t support larger devices like laptops.
Most Durable PD Power Bank
Otterbox Fast Charger Power Bank
Why We Picked It
Many people know Otterbox for its durable phone cases, but the company is now bringing that expertise to the world of power banks. In addition to its strong build quality, the Otterbox Fast Charger Power Bank has all the key features you need, such as fast charging with PD, both types of USB ports, and several options for battery capacity.
Who It’s For
If you are worried about damaging your backup battery when you travel or commute, this is one of the safest bets. It also comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
Best Solar-Powered Portable Charger
QiSa Solar Charger
Why We Picked It
The QiSa Solar Charger can use the sun to recharge itself, supports both wired and wireless charging, and even has a built-in flashlight. Best of all, it offers a massive 38,800mAh capacity.
Who It’s For
If you spend a lot of time outdoors, this is among your best choices for keeping your devices running while off of the grid. In other words, it’s camping approved.
What Size Battery Do You Need?
On the.friendly front, most smaller batteries have a capacity of around 5,000mAh, which is typically enough to top up most phones once.
Meanwhile, a 10,000mAh battery can give today’s flagships two full charges. A 20,000mAh battery can charge a flagship four times, or two phones two times. Some power banks have enough juice to power laptops. Of course, a higher capacity often translates to a heavier, larger, and more expensive battery.
Most companies advertise how many times their products can recharge popular phones, but if you want to calculate that number for yourself, RAVPower has a useful guide (Opens in a new window) that can give you an estimate.
In the end, it’s best to assess your typical needs before buying. If your phone hits the red zone by mid-afternoon and you only need enough juice to get you to the end of the workday, a 5,000mAh battery should be plenty.
What’s the Difference Between Power Input and Output?
You’ll find three types of ports on today’s portable batteries:
Generally speaking, you charge the battery itself via micro USB or USB-C (input). Some batteries charge faster than others and USB-C charges much faster than micro USB.
Nearly all batteries include a standard USB-A port (output). This is for plugging in USB-A-to-micro-USB, USB-A-to-Lightning, or USB-A-to-USB-C cables for charging your iPhone or Android device.
Some batteries include built-in output cables and these generally have micro USB, USB-C, or Lightning connectors.
The most important thing to do is to match the battery’s output to your phone’s input. For example, if you have an iPhone, be sure the battery has its own Lightning connector or supports USB-A-to-Lightning or USB-C-to-Lightning cables.
Larger batteries with higher capacities might include a multitude of ports to support input and multiple outputs at the same time. You may see two USB-A and two USB-C ports, for example, though micro USB ports are becoming less common.
If you picked up an iPhone 13 or iPhone 14 and were surprised by the lack of an included wall charger, see our article on charging your iPhone.
What Is Fast Charging?
Another factor to consider is how quickly a power bank can charge your device. Battery output is measured in voltage and amperage. Amperage (or current) is the amount of electricity that flows from the battery to the connected device, while voltage is the amount of potential energy. Multiplying volts by amps gives you wattage, the measure of total power. To make devices charge faster, most manufacturers either vary the voltage or boost the amperage.
Today’s devices support a wide range of Rapid-charging technology, such as Qualcomm QuickCharge, USB Power Delivery, or proprietary fast-charge systems.
Quick Charge works by increasing voltage rather than amperage. This standard typically allows you to charge supported phones to 50 percent capacity in 30 minutes, which is especially helpful when you need power in a pinch.
Power Delivery is a newer protocol in which two compatible devices negotiate on the fastest charging option available based on the charger, cable, and circuitry. It also allows for power to flow both ways.
The most common devices (Apple iPhones and Samsung Galaxies) support charging rates of 27W and 45W, respectively. It’s best to look for batteries that can support charging in that range.
Is Pass-Through Charging Safe and Useful?
Pass-through charging is another feature to consider; with it, you can charge devices and the portable power bank simultaneously. That’s convenient if both your phone and backup battery are running on empty. You shouldn’t encounter any safety issues if the manufacturer of the portable battery you buy advertises pass-through charging as a feature, but the power output might change in this mode.
How Does Wireless Charging Work?
Wireless charging has become popular because it allows you to power up compatible devices without a cable. Qi is the dominant standard for compatible Android phones (up to 18W) while Apple iPhones rely on MagSafe charging (up to 15W). iPhones will charge wirelessly on Qi chargers, but only at 7.5W.
Some battery makers have built Qi or MagSafe-compatible wireless charging into the surfaces of their portable batteries. Such batteries mean you can leave the cables at home.
Should You Buy a Battery Case Instead of a Power Bank?
If you find that you often forget to carry your backup battery when you need it most, you should consider a dedicated battery case instead. These combine the portability and protection of a case with additional battery capacity to keep your phone topped off at all times.
There are several drawbacks. First, they have limited additional capacity on board. Second, they are limited in terms of the number of phones they support (mostly just iPhones, Galaxies, and Pixels). Third, you can’t charge much else with them.
The Best Wireless Chargers
Why fumble around for a charging cable when you can rest your phone on a wireless charging pad? Whether you’re an Android user or an iPhone fan, check out our roundups of the best wireless chargers and the best MagSafe chargers to help you cut the cord.
Steven Winkelman contributed to this story.