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The best iPhone power banks: Expert tested
Sure, iPhone batteries have gotten better over time, but here's the catch: we're glued to our iPhones more than ever. Gone are the days when we used them just for calls, texts, and apps. Now, they're our keys to unlock cars and homes and our wallets for making payments.
Finding yourself with a dead iPhone can really throw a wrench in your plans, and that's exactly why I always keep a power bank within reach. It's all about being prepared—better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
Also: The best MagSafe accessories for your iPhone
What is the best iPhone power bank right now?
I've put hundreds of iPhone power banks through the wringer, testing and checking out everything from their design and charge time to how many recharges they can handle, their power, the variety of ports and connections, safety features, and a whole lot more. This deep dive has let me ditch the duds -- the poor-quality ones, the rip-offs, and the absolute flops -- and home in on a lineup of the absolute cream of the crop.
My top pick for the best overall iPhone power bank is the Anker MagGo 6.6K Wireless Charger based on its lightweight build, foldable kickstand, and convenient charging options. Read on to learn more about my top picks and others.
Also: The best iPhone 15 cases
The best iPhone power banks of 2024
- Well priced
- Foldable clamshell design
- Lightweight and easy to hold
- Can charge your device while the charger itself is charging
- Either have to purchase a MagSafe-compatible case or remove your current case to use
- Only wired charging for older iPhones
This Anker battery pack offers 6,600mAh of battery capacity, features a USB-C port that is used both as an input and output, and has a compact design. With a single magnetic click, this battery pack can be stored in your pocket or propped up using its sturdy magnet as a stand. Additionally, you don't have to worry about charging your phone and your battery pack separately, as you can charge both simultaneously when the pack is connected to a power source.
Leveraging Qi2 technology, the MagGo Power Bank securely snaps onto the back of compatible Android and Apple phones and packs a 6.600 mAh battery capacity that can charge most phones at least once.
Also: Anker's new Qi2 MagGo Power Bank offers a bonus feature for iPhone users
This power bank also comes with a 2 foot USB-C-to-USB-C cable, which is always handy to have.
I like the clamshell design of this power bank, and it looks a lot like the Star Trek communicator from the days of old. It's a well made, durable power bank, exactly what I'd expect from an Anker product.
Online reviews for this product are strong, although I feel that some buyers are confused about what Qi2 offers and expect it to be faster than a MagSafe charger (which it isn't).
Anker 622 MagSafe Wireless Charger Features: Capacity: 6,600mAh | Charging port: USB-C | Price: $70
- Compatible with several both MagSafe iPhones and any device that can take a USB cable
- Easy integration with Apple devices
- Slim design
- The charge indicator LEDs can be a bit hard to see
Following its switch from Lightning to USB-C with the iPhone 15, Apple dropped its own MagSafe power bank (it charged using a Lightning cable). It was a great battery pack, but fear not, because the Baseus 20W 6000mAh magnetic power bank is a worthy replacement. In fact, as much as I liked Apple's own power bank, I preferred this one because it felt more solid.
Also: What is a MagSafe battery pack and which is the best for your iPhone?
I like this power bank because of how bare bones it is. There's no kickstand, no bells or whistles. It's just a power bank. I also love the strength of the magnet used for the MagSafe wireless charging, and I'm not alone, as many reviewers on Amazon mention this, praising the strong magnetic connection.
This one also comes with a cable, so you can keep the two together so you can top up the power bank as needed.
Baseus 20W Magnetic Power Bank Features: Capacity: 6,000mAh | Charging port: USB-C | Price: $34
- Compact design
- Good capacity
- Dual ports
- Wall charger not included
- Long charging time
A "not-too-big, not-too-small" power bank, this product falls into the Goldilocks zone -- big enough for a few rounds of recharging and still small enough to carry.
I'm a fan of the Anker brand, and this is another gadget that I've taken out and about in cities (and into the wild) in several countries. Anker power banks are well-built, robust, and highly reliable. This is a power bank that's built for daily use, or for throwing into a drawer or glovebox for when you need it.
While this is a list of power banks for iPhones, and for that category of product you could get away with a single USB port, I have to admit that I do like the fact that this power bank comes with USB-A and USB-C ports. If you have earbuds that need charging alongside the iPhone, this is perfect pairing.
Despite the relatively large 10,000mAh capacity and two USB ports, this is still a portable power bank that's compact and lightweight enough to slip into a pocket or bag. It also fits great both in the hand and pocket, a sentiment echoed in reviews I've read on Amazon and Reddit.
Anker PowerCore Features: Capacity: 10,000mAh | Charging port: USB-C | Price: $35
- Charge two devices at once
- Slim design
- LED indicators
- Pricey
- Slow to charge devices
The biggest downer is reaching into your bag and discovering that you have a power bank without a cable. The Belkin Boostcharger removes this possibility because it features built-in Lightning and USB-C cables, separating it from the competition -- a feature that many reviewers on Amazon and B&H Photo also love.
This power bank also features passthrough technology, which means you can charge your iPhone with speeds up to 18W while charging the power bank.
This passthrough charging feature might not seem like much, but I've found this to be super useful both for use on a desk or nightstand and when traveling. It means I can have one small wall charger charging up the power bank, and then have the power bank simultaneously charging up a couple of devices. This not only saves on space and how many power outlets I need, also streamlines what i need to carry, which is really appreciated when traveling.
The 10,000mAh capacity also means that it's not too big to be slipped into a pocket or bag.
Belkin Boostcharge Features: Capacity: 10,000mAh | Charging port: Integrated Lightning (MFI) and USB-C cables plus USB-C port | Price: $69
- Ample ports
- Excellent capacity
- Great selection of power output
- Wireless charging capable
- AC output
- Bulky
- LCD screen is small and can be difficult to read
The Omni 20+ 20,000mAh is more like a charging computer than a power bank. Yes, it's overkill for just charging an iPhone, but if you're traveling with a tablet, laptop, and earbuds -- as many of us now do -- then this is a fantastic choice.
The display on this power bank gives us a lot of information as to what the ports are outputting, and how much power the unit has available, and it contributes a lot to the usability of the Omni 20+, and this is a feeling repeated in the reviews I've read of this unit on Amazon and Reddit.
The 20,000mAh power bank outputs AC power and DC power, has USB-A and USB-C, and supports wireless charging, and I've found this to be fantastic when traveling because I can use it to create a makeshift office when on the move.
This unit is definitely better suited to being carried in a bag or suitcase, and the capacity is such that it can be legally taken onto an aircraft without needing to inform the airline.
Omnicharge Omni Features: Capacity: 20,000mAh | Charging port: USB-A and USB-C | Price: $249
- Affordable
- Super portable
- No cables
- Six color options
- Charges slowly
- Not as much power as other options
- Expensive considering the low capacity
- Lightning only (so not compatible with the iPhone 15)
Sometimes small and simple is key, and they don't get much more simple than the iWalk Mini power bank. It's essentially a battery with a lightning connector attached.
This is a lightweight portable charger (2.6 ounces) that you simply plug into your phone and charge on the go. The charger can easily carry this in your pocket or handbag until you need it, and holds its charge for months. You can check the power status by pressing the button on the charger. Then, to power off the charger, double-press the button.
For the fashion conscious, this power bank comes in six different colors so you can match it to your phone case or outfit. The bright striking colors are something that a lot of reviewers on Amazon compliment.
It's worth noting that this only works with iPhone 14 handsets and earlier that have the Lightning port.
iWalk Mini Features: Capacity: 3350mAh | Charging port: USB-C | Price: $20
What is the best iPhone power bank?
The Anker MagGo 6.6K battery pack is our pick for the best overall iPhone power bank, because the functional design makes it a multi-tasking winner. Plus, it offers easy integration with Apple devices. Here's how the best iPhone power banks compare based on pricing, capacity, and quick charge capabilities:
| iPhone power bank | Price | Capacity | Quick charge? |
| Anker MagGo 6.6K | $70 | 6,600mAh | Yes |
| Baseus 20W | $25 | 6,000mAh | No |
| Anker PowerCore | $35 | 10,000mAh | No |
| Belkin Boostcharge Plus | $70 | 10,000mAh | Yes |
| Omnicharge Omni 20+ | $249 | 20,000mAh | Yes |
| iWalk Mini | $20 | 3,350mAh | No |
*Lowest price at the time of writing. Please note that prices may vary based on retailer and available promotions, sales, or discounts.
Which iPhone power bank is right for you?
The best iPhone power bank gives you enough mobile power to keep your phone running until you can plug it in. Here's a further breakdown if you're trying to decide which power bank is best for you since all vary in power, price, and even port availability.
Choose this iPhone power bank... | If you need... |
Anker MagGo 6.6K | A multi-tasking, all-around solid power bank. |
Baseus 20W | A slim, wireless power bank. |
Anker PowerCore | An affordable power bank with dual ports. |
Belkin Boostcharge Plus | A power bank with integrated charging cables. |
Omnicharge Omni 20+ | A high-end power bank that can handle anything. |
iWalk Mini | A budget-friendly iPhone power bank that's portable. |
Factors to consider when choosing an iPhone power bank
Here are some factors I suggest you consider when choosing a power bank for your iPhone:
- Size: It's no good having a power bank if you're going to end up leaving it at home. Sure, if you're going off grid for a few days, you're going to need something big, but most people are looking for something to top up their phone during the day before going home, and for this a power bank with a 4,000mAh capacity is more than enough.
- Wired or wireless: If you don't want the hassle of having to carry a charge cable and a power bank, go for a unit that feature wireless MagSafe charging.
- Safety: I test every power bank for a number of safety issues, including checking for overheating in use and whether the case is robust enough to protect the internal batteries. I recommend sticking with name brands and avoiding dollar store power banks.
How we test iPhone power banks
I chose these iPhone power banks through a combination of extensive research and using the products ourselves to charge everyday devices. I paid attention to:
- Customer reviews and ratings: Evaluating personal experiences and ratings of the included products to take note of strengths, weaknesses, and overall customer satisfaction with each battery pack.
- Pricing: I considered battery packs with a varied price range to ensure there is a product for everyone, with most battery packs costing between $20-$100.
- Renowned brands: I selected battery packs manufactured by trusted and ZDNET-reviewed brands to ensure the recommended picks were of quality and standard.
- Capacity: Battery packs can differ in the amount of power (measured in milliamp hours or mAh) contained in the battery. I use a USB power meter to test the capacity of every power bank listed to ensure that it delivers what it says on the spec sheet.
- Overheating: I use a thermal camera to check for overheating, both when the power back is in use, and when it is being charged.
Does charging your battery from a power bank damage the battery on the iPhone?
Some cheap power banks and chargers can harm your smartphone. But overall, power banks are safe and work using the same technology as a regular charger. We trust any of the picks above to be quality power banks that won't damage your iPhone's battery.
Are these power banks allowed on an airplane?
According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), portable chargers or power banks containing a lithium-ion battery must be packed in a carry-on bag, rather than in checked baggage. Most airlines allow a power bank with a battery of up to 27,000mAh.
You can find a power bank for $5, so why should you spend more?
Those power banks work. However, in my experience, they don't offer the capacities that they claim and don't last as long as a decent power bank from a reputable manufacturer, don't deliver the power stated, and can overheat in use..
The phrase "you get what you pay for" applies to iPhone accessories. That's why it's better to spend more money to get something that'll enhance your phone's productivity and last.
Is a wireless power bank better?
A wireless power bank can be very helpful, since you don't have to remember to bring any cords or cables with you. Just set your iPhone on the power bank and start charging.
However, they're not ideal for use while you're actually traveling, since there isn't a way to secure your phone to the power bank. When flying or driving, your phone could slip off the charger without you noticing, leaving you with a dead or dying phone when you reach your destination.
What size power bank do you need to charge an iPhone?
It depends on how fast you want your iPhone to charge. The Apple's now discontinued MagSafe battery pack had a capacity of 1460mAh, which was plenty of power to charge your phone. The MagSafe alternatives here have greater capacities, allowing them to keep your iPhone running for longer.
When it comes to speed of charging, it's a common misconception that bigger power banks charge faster.