Top 10 Best Power Bank Portable Chargers Compared for 2023
The best power bank should be light, portable, and capable of quickly charging all your devices. However, there are dozens of different models on the market, with varying levels of power capacity as well as different outputs and charging speeds.
To help you find the best power bank portable charger for you, we’ve reviewed and compared the 10 most popular models, looking at their charging efficiency, dimensions, and value for money, so you can make an informed decision and make the perfect pick.
The 10 Best Portable Power Banks Shortlisted
Here’s our list of the best power bank models in 2023:
- INIU Charger 10k mAh— Best portable power bank with a USB-C input/output port, 15-layer safe charging, TempGuard, and a 3-year Care Plan.
- Anker PowerCore Essential 20k mAh — Fast 2.4A charging with PowerIQ and VoltageBoost technologies, with trickle-charge mode for low-power devices.
- Miady 2-Pack 10k mAh — Two super-efficient power banks for the price of one. Safe to use with virtually any smartphone and fully rechargeable in just 5 hours.
- Anker PowerCore 20100 mAh — Sleek design and incredible power capacity, with two USB-C output ports for super-fast charging.
- Romoss 30k mAh — Best fast-charging power bank with three inputs and outputs, ideal for simultaneously charging your smartphone, iPad, and Nintendo Switch.
- Anker PowerCore 10k mAh — Affordable and compact, perfect for charging your phone when going on an all-day hike or camping.
- BLAVOR Solar Charger 10k mAh — Best solar power bank with a powerful dual LED flashlight, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Miisso 4.5k mAh — Petite and powerful, compatible with all iPhone models, iPads, and Airpods, as well as most wireless headsets and Bluetooth speakers.
- Anker 747 26k mAh — Great power bank for laptops, with an 87W max output, great heat dissipation, and a three-point protection system.
- Anker 626 MagGo — Wireless portable charger for newer iPhones, with a strong magnet, a foldable stand, and a USB-C In/Out port.
Reviews of the Top Power Bank Chargers
Here are detailed reviews of the best power banks on the market, so you can see how powerful different models are and what devices they’re comfortable with. This will help you make an informed decision and choose the one that’s best for you.
INIU Charger 10k mAh — Best Portable Power Bank With a USB-C Input/Output Port
The INIU Charger is one of the most versatile power banks on the market, capable of charging a wide variety of devices, such as smartphones, iPads, Airpods, and Bluetooth headsets.
This INIU power bank is among the 5% of portable chargers on the market that feature a USB-C input and output port. While most power banks can only be recharged via the USB-C port, the INIU Charger also lets you recharge all your USB-C-compatible devices directly.
Additionally, the INIU Charger features the 3A fast-charging technology, so you can charge your iPhone or Android smartphone from 0% to 78% in just one hour. This is twice as fast as power banks with 2.1A charging.
Not only does the INIU power bank charge your phone super-fast, but it also helps protect your phone’s battery. It features a proprietary 15-layer SmartProtect system alongside TempGuard to eliminate the risk of overheating and battery damage, so your device will function optimally for years to come.
Another advantage of this super portable power bank is that it is only 0.5″ thick and weighs just 7 ounces. You can easily slip it into your. backpack, or traveling bag and take it with you wherever you go.
To top it all off, the company offers a three-year care plan for the INIU Charger, offering a replacement on the off chance that it stops functioning properly during that time period.
Pros
- USB-C output
- 3A fast charging
- 15-layer safe charging and TempGuard
- Can charge up to three devices simultaneously
Comparison Table
Anker Power Banks
Choose If: You want a reputable brand with fantastic capacity-to-weight ratio
Anker is one of the best known brands for backpacking power banks (as well as other gear like portable solar panels). They have power banks in different capacities. All of them have a good weight-to-capacity ratio (or milliamps per ounce).
Another reason to choose Anker power banks is that they actually deliver close to their advertised efficiency. Whereas other power banks might only give 2/3 of their listed power, Anker gets up to 90% efficiency.
You can also expect advanced features like 2.4amp fast charging, durable design, and a good 18 month warranty. They are actually affordable too, so definitely worth buying instead of a knockoff brand.
Recommended Anker Power Banks for Backpacking:
Anker has dozens of different power banks. It’s actually confusing as heck trying to figure out the difference between them. For backpacking, these are their best options.
- PowerCore Compact 5000 (5,000mAh, 4.8oz): The mAh per ounce on this power bank is actually pretty low (just 1,040mAh per oz.). However, a lot of people like this one because of the 2A charging (in and out). Get it if you need to recharge fast.
- PowerCore 10000 (10,000mAh, 6.35oz): This has a very high mAh per ounce of 1,575. That makes it one of the lightest backpacking power banks available. Note it is NOT compatible with devices with an input below 50mA, such as some GPS devices.
- PowerCore 10000 PD (10,000mAh, 7.52oz): It is slightly heavier than the previous version, but has two outputs so you can charge two devices at once.
- PowerCore 20100 (20,100mAh, 12.6oz): Choose this power bank if you need to charge multiple devices at once quickly. It’s got 2 outlet ports at 2.4A each. It’s also got a great mAh per ounce ratio.
NiteCore LC10
Choose If: You are an insane ultra-lightest and every ounce matters to you
This is very cool product. I love this as a solution for backpacking because it gives you so much flexibility at a very low weight. You really can’t get lighter than this for power.
It is basically an ultra-light charger for li-ion batteries. However, it works in both ways: Put a full battery cell in the charger and you can use it to charge micro-USB devices.
The charger itself only weighs 0.98oz. A single 3400mAh 18650 battery usually weighs around 1.8oz (using 18650 cells as a backpacking powerbank here.
What About Power Banks with Built-in Solar Panels?
I used to think these were awesome and practical. Then I actually tried one. Guess what? Turns out it is NOT a good idea to leave a power bank out in the blazing hot sun! The model I had worked for a while and then quickly died. I’ve heard the same from other users.
On top of that, most have no power display so there’s no way of knowing the charge level. You can easily over-charge the power bank, meaning it gets fried. But leave it out too little and it won’t have enough power for your needs.
If a reputable brand (instead of cheap Chinese generic brands) started making one of these, I might give it a try. Until then, I’ll keep my power bank and solar panel separate.
Power Bank Capacity and Backpacking
Power bank batteries have capacity measured in Milliamp hours, or mAh. This stands for how much power the battery can provide per hour.
For example, if your device requires 1000 Milliamps per hour, then a 3,000mAh battery will (in theory) keep it going for 3 hours.
Important: No power bank delivers its full capacity!
Because of efficiency issues, most power banks will only deliver 66-74% of the listed capacity. So, a 10,000mAh power bank may only really give you 6,666mAh. (1, 2)
Some better power banks are more efficient, like the Anker power banks that deliver around 80%-90% of their listed capacity. Take this into consideration when calculating your power needs.
What Capacity Power Bank Do I Need?
The amount of capacity you need for a backpacking trip ultimately depends on which devices you’ll bring and how often you use them.
To figure out how much power you need:
- Tally up the mAh/day amount for each gadget you are bringing.
- Multiply this number by the how many days your backpacking trip will be (or how long until a refuel).
- To play it safe, assume that the power bank will only deliver 66% of its advertised capacity.
- Divide the total mAh you need by 0.66.
Example: You need 3,000mAh of power to keep your phone charged for a 3-day backpacking trip.
3,000/0.66 = 4,545mAh
Other Things to Look At When Choosing a Backpacking Power Bank
Aside from capacity, you’ll also want to look at the weight of the power bank, you’ll want to look at:
- mAh per ounce
- Charging speed
- Number of outlet ports
- Brand quality
- Other features
mAh per Ounce
It’s pointless to get a lightweight power bank if it won’t meet your power requirements. So, when it comes to weight, you should really look at mAh per ounce. Aim for at least 1,400 mAh per ounce. If you need special features, then you might only get 1,000 mAh per ounce.
Charging Speed
Look at both the input and output speeds of the power bank. Most will be 1A to 3A. Note that, if there are multiple out ports, the speed is usually divided between the ports. So two devices plugged into a 3A power bank would only charge at 1.5A each.
Faster isn’t always better with power banks though. You’ll lose efficiency at higher speeds, meaning your power bank will drain much faster. You probably don’t need to charge anything quickly while backpacking, so a slow outlet speed is fine.
For long thru-hikes, recharge time matters!
If it takes forever to refill your power bank, you will go crazy waiting in town. One backpacker even noted how he had to stay at hotels in order to refill his power bank, so it ended up being expensive too.
Note: How fast a power bank can charge also has a lot to do with the cables. So make sure you invest in some good quality cables and not the cheap Chinese knockoff ones.
Number of Outlet Ports
If you need to charge multiple devices at once, you’ll need more than one outlet. Just note that charging speed typically reduces when you plug in multiple devices.
Brand Quality
I’ve learned my lesson about buying cheap knockoff brands of power banks. While some do work well (at first), they tend to lose their capacity quickly. I had one completely stop charging on me. Luckily it was on a camping trip and not a long backpacking trip.
Extra Features
Some other nice features which are worth paying extra for or even worth the extra weight are:
- Digital displays or power level indicators (LOVE this feature)
- Waterproof
- Durable casing (will add extra weight though)
- Wireless charging
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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.
Lion Trek Portable Solar Generator
Specs
- Capcity 27,000 mAh
- Weight 2.1 lbs
- Size 8.54 x 5.47 x 1.57
- Outputs USB-A (2x), USB-C (1x), 12V AC (1x)
- Inputs USB-C (1x)
- Included cables Wall outlet to USB-C
Pros
- Features an AC outlet for charging larger devices
- Durable casing
- Easy-to-read display
Cons
In both size and capacity, the Lion Trek Power Bank (229) is the largest power bank on this list. At 2.1 pounds and 8.5 inches long, it takes some liberties with its self-described “portable” nature. Still, this power bank justifies its size with a massive 27,000 mAh of capacity and a handy AC power outlet. Unlike most of the options on this list, the Lion Trek packs enough power for laptops, tablets, and small appliances like lamps, TVs, and coffee grinders. It’s the perfect size for a long-term solo road trip — especially when paired with a compatible solar panel.
We’ve been testing the Lion Trek for several months. Though it’s a bit too big and inconvenient for airline travel, it’s been our go-to power bank for car camping. On a single full charge, the Lion Trek recharged an iPhone 13 nine times. It kept a MacBook Air alive for three days of frequent use. According to its display, the Lion Trek only used 5% of its total battery life to fully charge a pair wireless earbuds.
For some folks on the go, an AC outlet is a must-have. The Lion Trek is one of the smallest banks to include one. Additionally, the unit houses two USB-A outputs and one in/out USB-C port. For mobile remote workers, the Lion Trek can function as an ultra-compact solution for the solar-powered off-grid lifestyle.
Power Bank Comparison Chart
Every power bank on this list has earned its place through rigorous hands-on testing in the same real-world scenarios you’re likely to face. In the winter of 2023, author Austin Beck-Doss didn’t plug his phone or laptop into a single wall outlet for several months. Instead, he charged his devices exclusively via power bank. Through daily use and a series of standardized tests at home and in the field, Austin assessed the durability, performance, and capacity of innumerable brands and models. The recommended products on this list are the very best money can buy.
Power bank brands make lots of lofty claims about capacity, durability, and performance. Instead of simply trusting the statistics written on the side of the packaging, Austin put manufacturer claims to the test. Every power bank was fully charged to determine exactly how many times it could fully charge an iPhone 13 before depleting. Austin also measured the total time that each depleted power bank took to fully recharge once plugged into a wall outlet.
Our durability test involved prolonged regular use indoors and out, and a standardized drop test. Every bank was dropped exactly 2 feet onto a hard concrete surface to simulate the classic electronics fumble that we all experience from time to time. Some power banks ceased to function after a single drop. Of course, none of those models made the list.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Power Bank
For better or worse, most folks today feel a wave of concern when their smartphone battery drops below 20%. Phones, tablets, laptops, and other portable electronics pack a lot of utility — and we’ve grown reliant on them to conduct our everyday affairs.
Power banks are physical stop gaps that prevent dreaded cases of DPS (dead phone syndrome). Whether you forgot to plug in overnight, or you’ve been traveling all day without access to an outlet, power banks are a lifeline for you and your portable electronics.
These days, power banks come in all shapes and sizes — from mini units that can dangle from a keychain to 25-pound behemoths. On this list, we focused on the most popular category: personal-use portable power banks. Portable is a subjective term. For this list, we only considered products that weigh about 2 pounds or less and fit easily into any backpack.
In this comprehensive buyer’s guide, we break down everything you need to know about power banks; capacity, charge times, inputs, outputs, solar capability, you name it. Our hope is that by using this guide, you’ll be able to hone in on the perfect portable power bank to suit your everyday needs.
What Is a Power Bank?
A power bank is a rechargeable battery that can transfer power to other electronic devices. Power banks are like wall outlets that you can take with you. Simply plug in your phone or laptop via a standard USB-A or USB-C cable, and boom, you have instant portable power. People carry power banks for the same reason remote freight drivers carry extra cans of gasoline: If the main supply runs out, there’s extra fuel on board.
Size and Capacity
Powerbanks are available in many sizes. The smallest power banks are small enough to fit on a key chain and typically will only deliver a quick hit of power per charge. The largest power banks in existence can charge EVs — but those aren’t exactly portable.
Generally, power bank capacity is measured in milliamps per hour — mAh. This unit indicates how many milliamps of electric current a given power bank can deliver per hour.
All smartphone manufacturers utilize different batteries and charging systems. The working capacity of any power bank entirely depends on the device it is charging. Most fully charged smartphones contain 3,000 to 4,000 mAh, That means, on paper, a 10,000 mAh power bank can recharge a smartphone about three times.
Most of the power banks on this list hold around 10,000 mAh — a standard size for recharging small devices like smartphones, Bluetooth headphones, and smartwatches. Though brands often claim their 10,000 mAh power banks can recharge smartphones five, six, or seven times — they rarely live up to those claims.
Smartphone batteries are becoming larger and more efficient. In our experience, 10,000 mAh power banks will charge a modern smartphone between two and three times. On this list, the Nitecore NB10000 is the most impressive 10k mAh power bank that we tested. It fully charged an iPhone 13 two and a half times.
If you are looking for a power bank for something like a long backpacking trip, it’s important to find an appropriate weight-to-capacity ratio for your adventure. You’ll also want one that fits comfortably in your backpacking backpack, and doesn’t add too much bulk to your kit.
Compact 10k power banks are rightfully popular. They fit easily into most s, and they have plenty of capacity to keep a small device or two alive for a few days.
The next standard portable power bank size is 20,000 mAh. Not all power banks in the 20k range will have a capacity of exactly 20,000 mAH — that’s just a handy benchmark figure. Naturally, 20k power banks are bigger and heavier than their 10k little siblings. Most 20k banks weigh at least one pound and are roughly the size of a small tablet or jumbo candy bar.
Though 20k power banks are a bit cumbersome for everyday carry, they offer much more utility. Most banks of this size can fully recharge a smartphone six or more times. Plus, many 20k power banks can charge multiple devices at the same time. If you’re looking for a power bank to charge multiple personal devices over the course of a multi-day backpacking trip, 20k is your best bet.
Power banks above 20k mAh start to get fairly heavy and less portable, but they’re great for folks looking to charge a larger device such as a laptop on the go. If you’re searching for a bank that can handle the demands of laptop charging, around 20k mAh is the bare minimum capacity you should consider. On this list, the Goal Zero Sherpa has an impressive capacity of 25,600 mAh. The Lion Trek is another excellent high-capacity power bank — and it even sports a standard three-prong AC outlet.
FAQ
If treated properly, the power banks on this list should perform reliably for several years. All batteries degrade with time and regular use. Most modern power banks can be fully charged and discharged about 1,000 times before they no longer function. For most users, this equates to 3-5 years’ worth of use.
All of the power banks on this list are relatively small and portable. The majority of power bank users pick 10,000 mAh power banks, a good choice for recharging a personal smartphone. Compact 10,000 mAh power banks like the Nitecore NB 10000 offer a nice balance between utility and portability. They fit in a pant. and they pack enough power to keep a smartphone alive for several days without a wall outlet.
If you plan to charge larger devices like a tablet or laptop, we recommend sizing up to the 20,000 mAh range. These power banks typically weigh 1-2 pounds, and they’re still compact enough for hiking, traveling, etc. On this list, the Anker PowerCore III Elite has a strong battery that easily recharges a laptop — or multiple small devices at once.
Most small portable power banks can be carried onto an airplane. According to TSA, power banks cannot be kept in checked luggage. Certain airports don’t allow passengers to travel with more than 27,000 mAh in total battery storage.