Aukey vs Anker: Which Portable Power Bank Is Better?
Aukey vs Anker: Which power bank is best for you? The technical specs are nearly identical, so we break it down and give you the winner.
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Choosing the right portable power bank can be frustrating.
And that’s when you know all the technical specs!
There are a dizzying number of different models with myriad features and specs. How are you supposed to choose?
Really, it just comes down to your needs. Let me give you two short stories that illustrate my point.
Story 1: I was camping on the North Shore of Oahu and my phone battery was ticking down. At 9:03pm it was at 17%.
(I remember this moment vividly.)
That’s when I decided I needed to buy a small-to-medium sized power bank to get me through the night.
Story 2: It was 8:10am on Saturday, January 13, 2018. I was sitting in my kitchen — enjoying my coffee and checking my email — when my phone erupted with the alert I had dreaded receiving for months.
My fiance burst through the door into the kitchen with a look on her face I’ll never forget — a combination of panic and disbelief — that I hope never to see again.
We scrambled to get dressed and clumsily raced down eight flights of stairs into the cement basement of our apartment complex.
We hid there 38 minutes until Hawaii Governor David Ige issued a retraction.
“What happened today was totally unacceptable…Many in our community were deeply affected by this. I am sorry for that pain and confusion that anyone might have experienced.”
Our lives weren’t in danger. Someone just pressed the wrong button.
Real or not, that afternoon I put together my Nuclear Survival Kit. One of the top items on my list: The biggest portable power bank I could find.
What I’m saying with these two stories is that your needs for a portable power bank could vary wildly from mine. During my nuclear scare I decided I need to max out capacity for survival. Maybe you only need a little emergency backup power.
Whatever your needs, I’m here for you! Let’s look at the Aukey vs Anker power banks, two of the leaders in the portable power industry. We’ll compare 8 different power banks across 4 different categories.
Chances are the power bank you’re looking for is on this list!
Aukey vs Anker: The Quick Conclusion
In this Aukey vs Anker comparison, we pit the two manufacturers against each other across four categories. These were the categories (and the winners):
- For Large Electronic Devices: Anker 26800mAh
- For Multiple Small Device Recharges: Aukey 20000mAh
- For Single Device Recharges: Aukey 10000mAh
- For On-the-Go Emergency Power: Anker 3350mAh
Split decision from the judge!
When two competitors produce models with nearly identical specs, usually it’s the price that dictates our decision. When comparing Aukey vs Anker, Aukey almost always wins the price battle.
But I just can’t give them the nod on price alone.
While Anker power banks typically cost more for the same specs, they’re more reliable and last longer. Aukey power banks begin to see their charging power deteriorate faster than similar Anker models, often within the first few months. When I’m purchasing a portable power pack it’s because I want reliable recharging performance time and time again.
With Aukey I get what looks like a great deal.
With Anker, I get what I know is a great product.
So, Aukey or Anker? You already know who we picked for each category. Now read why we picked them as we compare detailed technical specs. Remember, the power bank we picked may not be the bets power bank for you.
Choosing the Right Portable Power Bank
By my estimation, there are 7 different factors to consider when choosing between Aukey vs Anker (or really any power bank):
- Capacity
- Max current
- Charging speed
- Included accessories and cables
- Dimensions and weight
- Cost
- Warranty
I explain these in more detail in my RAVPower vs Anker comparison, but for now here’s a cheat sheet:
Capacity // Measured in milli Ampere-hours (mAh), this is the amount of energy a battery stores.
Max current // Measured in amps (A), you’ll usually see 1A or 2.1A. 1A is serviceable for phone charging. You’ll need 2.1A current for larger devices, such as laptops.
Charging speed // How quickly the power bank charges. Note that some power banks have a turbo charge feature whereby they charge, say, 50% really quickly and then slow down for the last 50%.
Included cables and accessories // Make sure the power bank comes with the cables required to charge the devices you have.
Dimensions and weight // In general, lighter and smaller is better, but obviously you want enough juice to power your devices. For backpacking enthusiasts looking to keep weight down, note that a few extra ounces in a power bank may not be the place to cut back.
Cost // Spending less money is better than spending more money, but beware paying for an inferior product!
Warranty // A nice fall-back should something happen.
Aukey vs Anker by Charging Category
It’s nearly impossible to compare Anker vs Aukey for every power bank the two companies make — that would take forever, and you wouldn’t want to read it! But we can compare Anker vs Aukey across a few different power bank categories. Here’s what I’m thinking:
- Aukey vs Anker for Large Electronic Devices
- Aukey vs Anker for Multiple Small Device Recharges
- Aukey vs Anker for Single Device Recharges
- Aukey vs Anker for On-the-Go, Emergency Power
What do you think about those categories? Basically we’ll be looking at (1) large capacity power banks, (2) mid-sized power banks to give you cell phone or Bluetooth speaker a few recharges, (3) smaller power banks for when you only need a single recharge, and (4).sized, emergency power.
If you think I’m missing one, comment at the bottom and I’ll see if I can add it!
A Note About the Number of Recharges!
For all power banks I’ll estimate the number of recharges for a cell phone, tablet, and laptop. The exact number of recharges will depend on the battery size of your device, so for all estimates below I’ll assume the following battery sizes:
- Cell Phone: 3500mAh (Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge)
- Tablet: 8800mAh (9.7″ iPad released in 2017)
- Laptop: 10000mAh (14″ Lenovo Thinkpad T480)
I’ll also assume 85% efficiency to account for battery resistance, voltage differences, loss to cables, etc.
Aukey vs Anker for Large Electronic Devices
The Situation: For when you need to recharge a large electronic device, such as your laptop, or when you expected to need several small device recharges for multiple devices.
The Comparison: Aukey 30000mAh vs Anker 26800mAh
Sure, 26800mAh is less than 30000mAh, but both capacities are large enough for multiple recharges of even your largest devices. Anker gets the big edge here in 3 places:
- Dual power bank recharging for lightning fast recharge speeds as fast as just 6.5 hours!
- 3 outputs with up to 6A of combined current
- It comes with 3 different cables: Micro USB, USB-C, and Lightning
If you’re going with a power bank this large, you want something powerful and versatile. Anker bests Aukey in every category.
Aukey vs Anker for Multiple Small Device Recharges
The Situation: For extended stays, such as multi-day camping, or for when you have multiple devices that will need to be recharges, such as a Bluetooth speaker and your cell phone.
The Comparison: Aukey 20000mAh vs Anker 20100mAh
I’ll be honest: This showdown was close.
All things equal I think Anker makes better power banks than Aukey. In my experience they’re more energy efficient and last longer. Why did I give Aukey the slight nod?
- 3 different charging inputs should be compatible with nearly any cable you have
- 4 charging ports with 2 different output types
Even though I give Aukey the broad category win here, there are times the Anker 20100mAh power bank might be better for you:
- If you only need the 1 Micro USB input
- If you only need to charge 1 or 2 devices; Anker’s combined 4.8A max current beats Aukey’s 3A max current
This one was nearly a draw. It really depends on your specific needs.
Aukey vs Anker for Single Device Recharges
The Situation: For when you’re staying overnight and know you’ll need to pack a little power to recharge your phone.
The Comparison: Aukey 10000mAh vs Anker 10000mAh
These two power banks are identical except for one difference: Aukey allows simultaneous charging of up to 2 devices.
If you only want to charge your phone — no tablet, Bluetooth speaker,, or significant other’s phone to worry about — then I’ll go with Anker. Their 3A max current means your phone will charge more quickly. And as I said in the previous category, I think Anker makes better, more efficient, longer lasting products.
Aukey vs Anker for On-the-Go, Emergency Power
The Situation: For when you’re going out for the day — maybe to the bar, a sporting event or concert, or just to a friend’s house — and you aren’t sure your phone will make it.
The Comparison: Aukey 5000mAh vs Anker 3350mAh
Shocking choice! Aukey has more capacity (5000mAh) and allows you to charge up to 2 devices simultaneously. What the hell am I thinking?!
This is the “On-the-Go, Emergency Power” category, so 3 things jump out at me:
- I’m not trying to maximize capacity. For my emergency needs, 3350mAh is plenty.
- The Anker 3350mAh power bank comes with 2 different charging cables.
- The Anker 3350mAh power bank is more compact, lighter, and more portable.
If you want to maximize capacity, even for an on-the-go power bank — and there are situations where that may be prudent! — then go with the Aukey 5000mAh. But I give Anker the slight edge here.
Do you own a power bank from either manufacturer? What do you like and dislike about it? Let us know below!
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.
RS Recommends: The Best Small Power Banks For Travel
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Popular on Rolling Stone
If you still leave home without a small power bank or portable charger — you’re packing your everyday carry wrong.
There is no move more cringe-inducing than stretching your whole body across the bar, phone on three-percent battery in hand, and saying to the bartender, “Excuse me, can you plug this in behind you?” In the very best-case scenario, the bartender does have a charger and keeps your phone in phone-purgatory behind the bar and you have to get their attention every time you want to check your emails. Worst case, they direct you to the cash-operated phone charging station in the corner.
You need a small power bank. And not just for dead phones.
The best portable chargers and power banks can boost a wide range of electronics including your laptop or tablet. They come in handy if you’re out of range of a wall outlet, if you’re camping in the great outdoors, or if you’re working remotely from a library or cafe. They’re also great for road trips or plane rides, where you may not be able to plug in to charge your devices.
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What Are The Best Small Power Banks?
Capacity: First and foremost, make sure the portable charger you use has the capacity to fully charge your device in one go. So take into consideration what devices you’re going to need the charger for, and for how long you’re going to be away from an outlet and will need it. Check the power bank for mAh (milliamp hours), and compare it to what you really need, whether that’s a small 3,000 mAh battery (great for phones), or a robust 20,000 mAh model (powerful enough for laptops).
Size: The idea behind the portable charger is that it should be, you know, portable. So don’t forget to think about the size and weight of the power bank when shopping around. Are you carrying a bag or do you want something to slip in your back ?
Compatibility: Keeping in mind what kind of device you need to charge, and how many devices you’ll want to charge at once, which will make a difference when shopping. All of our chargers work with both iPhones and Androids, though be sure to note the type of cable you’ll need to connect to your device.
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Keep in mind the power bank itself will need to be charged up after it juices your devices. The best power banks can dispense enough charge to power up a phone 2-3 times, or fully charge a laptop once. After that, they will need to be plugged in to recharge, a cycle that could take a few hours.
Anker PowerCore Fusion 10000
If you only need something to quickly power up your phone while you’re out and about or in an emergency,we like Anker’s PowerCore Fusion.
The 5,000mAh battery can fully recharge an iPhone 12 Pro once, and its ultra-fast USB-C power can charge it from 0 to 50% in about 30 minutes. The PowerCore Fusion also has a USB-A port, so you can charge two devices at the same time.
We like Anker’s PowerCore Fusion because it has a power plug built into it, so you don’t have to carry around a separate power adapter to charge its battery. You can also use this model to charge your devices while it’s connected.
It may not have the highest battery capacity, but the PowerCore Fusion’s convenience more than makes up for that.
Mophie Power Boost Mini
At four inches long Mophie’s Power Boost Mini is the smallest battery pack we’re recommending, and a great pick if size is your main concern.
The Power Boost Mini has a capacity of 2,600mAh, so you should expect it to extend the life of a typical smartphone by three or four hours. This is a battery pack to keep in your during a night out, not an international flight.
The Power Boost Mini has a single USB-A port, so you can plug in a phone or tablet, and a MicroUSB port for charging. Four LEDs on the side of the battery pack indicate how much juice it has left, so you can know when to charge it.
It may not have as much power as the other battery packs we’re recommending, but its small size makes it the best choice if you don’t want to feel weighed down by your tech.
Nimble Champ Portable Charger
Nimble’s Champ Portable Charger is the smallest battery pack we’ve ever tried but doesn’t skimp on any features.
The 10,000mAh battery can fully charge an iPhone and has two USB ports, so you can top up two gadgets at once. The battery supports Quick Charge 4.0 technology, which it says can charge devices up to three times faster than normal.
We’re recommending Nimble’s Champ because of its performance, but it’s also the most eco-friendly pick in our guide. The power bank’s case is made out of 72.5% post-consumer plastic, and its packaging is completely plastic-free.
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If you want a fast-charging battery pack you can feel good about getting, Nimble’s Champ is the clear choice.
AUKEY 20000mAh USB-C Power Bank
AUEKY’s USB-C Power Bank is the most fully-featured small battery pack we recommend, and is basically the Swiss Army Knife of on-the-go charging.
At 6.26-inches long it’s the largest battery pack we’re recommending, but it’s still small enough to fit comfortably in the front of a backpack, or inside a purse. It has a 20,000mAh capacity, which AUKEY says can fully recharge an iPhone XS over five times. It has a USB-A port and a USB-C PD (power delivery) port, which can output up to 18W (Watts) of power.
The USB-C PD port allows you to fast charge an iPhone or Android Phone, or extend the battery life of a larger gadget like the Nintendo Switch. You can use both ports to charge two devices simultaneously.
Besides being a traditional battery pack AUKEY’s USB-C Power Bank is also a portable wireless charger. You can set your device on top of the battery to use it as a charging pad, or prop the battery up using its built-in kickstand to use it as a wireless charging stand. It can output up to 10W of power as a wireless charging pad, which means it can charge an iPhone or Android phone at full speed. You can use this battery pack’s wireless charging feature while your phone is in a case, but it will slow the charging speed down.
I’ve tested this power bank for myself, and all of these features work very well. It’s rare to find a single charging gadget that supports wireless charging, fast charging, and multi-device charging, but AUKEY’s USB-C Power Bank manages to nail all three with no obvious downsides. It may be a little bigger than the other battery packs on this list, but its features more than make up for it.
I NIU Portable Charger
If you’re looking for a budget pick that doesn’t compromise on power or features, go with the I NIU Portable Charger.
It’s extremely thin and light, weighing just seven ounces, meaning you can carry it with you while you travel or when you’re commuting for work. It’s also got a 10000mAh power capacity, putting it on par with some of the pricier power banks on this list. This is enough capacity to fully charge up an iPad Air at least once, according to the brand.
You’ve also got both a USB-C input and output, allowing you to easily charge up any devices that may require that. There are also two other USB ports built-in, allowing you to charge up to three devices at once. You’ll even get a travel pouch as well as a USB-C cable to help you charge on the go.
AUKEY PB-Y25 Sprint Wireless Review
Summary The AUKEY PB-Y25 Sprint Wireless offers USB Power Delivery, Quick Charge 3.0, Qi wireless, and trickle charging. All in a power bank no bigger than other on the go sized power banks.
User Review
- Fast charges iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, LG, and Motorola phones
- Charges Switch while you play
- Fits in most Switch carrying cases
- Qi wireless charging
- Trickle charge mode for Fitbit and earbuds
- Includes a USB-C to USB-C cable
- Charge two devices at once, but not with fast charging
- Within FAA limits for lithium batteries and flights
- Can’t fast charge with two devices connected at once
- Can’t be recharged by Nintendo Switch AC Adapter
- Doesn’t include a USB-C to USB-A cable for Quick Charge devices
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. AUKEY provided the product in this review.
Available from:
Tech Specs:
- Ports: USB-C, USB-A x2, micro-USB
- USB-C Output:
- 18W USB-C Power Delivery 2.0 (5V/3A, 9V/2A, 12V/1.5A)
- 18W Quick Charge 3.0
- Huawei FCP
- Apple 2.4A
- 12W USB (5V/2.4A)
- Apple 2.4A
- 5W Qi
AUKEY PB-Y25 Sprint Wireless box and contents
Included In Box:
Good For:
- Commute
- Travel
- iPhone
- Android
- Nintendo Switch (handheld)
- iPad Pro (pre-2018)
Estimated Number of Charges:
- iPhone 6/7/8: 3 charges
- iPhone Plus/X/XR: 2 charges
- Samsung Galaxy S8/S9: 2 charges
- iPhone 11, Samsung Galaxy S10: 1.8 charges
- Nintendo Switch (2017): 3.5 hours of play
- Nintendo Switch (2019): 5.25 hours of play
- Nintendo Switch Lite: 5 hours of play
First Impression
The AUKEY PB-Y25 Sprint Wireless is a lithium polymer power bank. With a similar design to the AUKEY PB-Y13 10000 USB-C. The two look alike at first glance. But the PB-Y25 is a bit heavier. And it gives up 2,000mAh in capacity to allow for wireless charging coils. The flat design makes it easy to hold your phone and power bank together. And with the addition of wireless charging means no dangling cable.
The USB-C and two USB-A ports are on the “front” side of the power bank. The Quick Charge supporting USB-A port is orange and easy to identify. A micro-USB port (input only) is around the corner. And around the other corner is the button and LED indicators. The button comes into play with this power bank more than others.
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
- Essential Phone
- Google Pixel
- LG ThinQ/V30
- Razer
- Samsung Galaxy S8/S9/S10
- Samsung Galaxy Note 8/9
- 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 iPhones both of 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 orange USB-A port. Any QC supporting Android phone with USB-C can use the included USB-C to USB-A cable.
The black USB-A port charged the Moto G6 faster than the USB-C. But that could vary depending on your model phone. Regardless the orange USB-A port is where you want to plug in a Quick Charge enabled phone.
Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch and Switch Lite charge near their max rates, 18W and 13W respectively. It’ll fast charge while you play. Its charge rate while sleeping is also normal. This charger can also power the Switch’s dock.
If you have any original model Nintendo Switch (before August 2019) then its power draw will be less, due to its design. But still more than enough to charge while you play the most demanding games.
Qi Wireless Charging
AUKEY PB-Y25 Sprint Wireless with iPhone 8
To activate wireless charging you need to push the side button twice. Then place your phone or other wireless charging device on the side with the AUKEY logo. Wireless charging will work with another device plugged into a USB port. But charging two devices may slow down wireless charging further. You cannot wirelessly charge a device while charging the power bank.
I don’t have a tester to measure wireless charging rates. The specs (which are accurate in my other testing) states 5W output is supported. Which is on the low end for Qi wireless chargers. And reasonable for a power bank of this size.
A 5W wireless charge will take about an hour longer than a 7.5W wireless charger. And will charge slower than a 5W USB charger. Due to the inefficiencies involved with any wireless charging. All phones will get a faster charge using a wired option over wireless. With this power bank fast charging is available to many phone models. Provided to plug into the correct port and skip wireless.
The benefit of wireless charging is convenience. You don’t need to carry a cable. You can hold the phone and power bank together with a cable dangling. And if you only have on cable you can plug in one phone and wireless charge another. And is a must have feature for anyone with an Apple Watch or other device which only charges wirelessly.
Wireless charging is not for everyone. If you have no expectation of using it you may want to check out the AUKEY PB-Y13 10000 USB-C. It offers 20% more capacity in the same form factor.
Trickle Charge Mode
AUKEY PB-Y25 Sprint Wireless LEDs 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.
To deal with this trickle charge mode forces a power bank to stay on for a couple of hours. Allowing small accessories time to charge.
For AUKEY’s power bank you press and hold the button for two seconds. A white LED will turn on, indicating it is in trickle charge mode is active. After two hours the power bank will switch back to regular mode. And then shutdown if no charging is detected. There’s no harm in allowing the power bank to stay in trickle charge mode for the full duration.
No Fast Charging With Two or Devices
If you connect two or more devices to the power bank it will disable all fast charging tech. That includes the wireless charging pad. When you connect the second device you’ll notice the charging resets on the first. This is the power bank stepping down to a 5V 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 most power banks. The few I’ve seen which allow for two fast charging devices are unusually large. There is a limit to how much current can cross its circuits without extra hardware. Which adds size, weight, and cost.
Most smaller devices will revert to their normal charging rate. Which will continue to charge the battery while they are in use. Total charge time for two devices is about the same. Whether you fast charge them one at a time. Or charged them at a slower rate together.
Summary
AUKEY PB-Y25 Sprint Wireless ports
The AUKEY PB-Y25 Sprint Wireless is a small and slim power bank, fitting wherever your phone fits. It offers a unique combination of fast charging, wireless charging, and trickle charging. A combination not found for only 7 ounces of weight. It has plenty of ports (plus the wireless coils). But it works best charging only one device at a time.
The USB-C port is best for iPhone 8/X/XR/XS/11, newer Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, and Nintendo Switch. Any smaller device that supports USB Power Delivery.
The orange USB-A port supports Quick Charge 3.0 Best for LG, Motorola, and other Android phones with QC support. It also works well for older iPhones and iPads as it supports Apple 2.4A, too.
Qi wireless charging under performs wired charging. But it is convenient. And a few devices only charge via wireless. Just don’t forget to double push the button to enable wireless charging.
Trickle charge mode works best with Fitbit, wireless earbuds, and similar small accessories. Their low power draw prevents some power banks from staying on long enough to charge them. In trickle charge mode the power bank stays on for two hours to ensure charging completes.
This is the first AUKEY power bank I’ve tested which does not support pass through charging. That’s where you can charge the power bank, and have it charge (slowly) a device. This isn’t a big loss. I don’t recommend doing pass through charging on a regular basis as it isn’t good for the power bank’s long term health.
This may become my new grab-n-go power bank for my iPhone. I don’t have to worry about also carrying a cable if fast charging isn’t important. And it’ll fit in my bag or jacket
About AUKEY
AUKEY has U.S. based support (web and email) and a 24 month warranty. You must have purchased the product either from them or through Amazon for support.
Bottom Line
The AUKEY PB-Y25 Sprint Wireless is a wired and wireless power bank. Designed to keep your handheld devices charged on the go. What is loses in capacity it gains in charging options and convenience.
Buy if you:
- Have been looking for a wireless charging power bank that doesn’t weigh a ton
- Need a widely compatible power bank for all day outings
- Want to charge your Fitbit or Apple Watch along with your phone
Don’t buy if you:
- Have no intention of using wireless charging
- Need to also charge a laptop
- Want pass through charging as an option
You’ll want a USB-C wall charger to quickly recharge this USB-C power bank. I recommend the AUKEY PA-Y18 18W PD. It’ll support the same type of devices, as well as the power bank.
Be sure to check the Deals page to see if this or a similar charger is on sale.
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