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The 5 best portable power banks: Keep your devices juiced on the go
Sometimes there isn't a power outlet conveniently at hand to give our devices a top-up, and that's when the best power banks come in handy.
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Whether you're trekking in the wilderness or strolling between coffee shops, a power bank can make the difference between staying connected or going silent.
Here is a selection of portable chargers to keep your devices charged up when you're away from a power outlet.
Also: The 5 best iPhone power banks
- Ample power
- Flight safe
- Four USB-C ports
- Enough power to recharge a MacBook Pro
- Heavy
- Expensive
- No USB-A (except using an adapter)
Features: Dimensions: 4.9 x 2.9 x 1.8 inches (124 x 74.5 x 45.5 millimeters) | Weight: 20.5 oz / 580 g | Capacity: 26,800mAh | Cells: 8 Samsung high-density electric-vehicle battery cells | Flight safe: Yes (rated at 96.48 watt-hours) | Total DC Output: 138W | Display: OLED Screen | Material : Aluminum shell with ABS & polycarbonate midframe
This is my favorite portable charger of all time. It's been with me in a number of off-grid situations in various countries, and it has never let me down. It has enough capacity to keep my devices topped up between proper recharges, and enough power to charge everything from my earbuds to laptop.
And it's still small enough to fit into cargo pants pocket, although you'd better have a belt!
If you want a big power bank and the ability to charge four devices simultaneously, the Zendure SuperTank Pro is among the best portable chargers.
Connectivity:
Input | Output |
|
|
- Ample power and outputs
- OLED display packed with information
- Rugged
- Expensive
- Big and heavy
Features: Battery: Cell Type: 18650 Li-ion battery | Capacity: 20,000 mAh, 72Wh ±5% | AC/HDVC Outlet: Output: 100W (120V/60Hz US model, 230V/50Hz EU model) | Wireless charging: Output: 10W max | Weight 1.4 lbs. | Dimension: 5.0 x 4.8 x 0.91 inches | Flight Safe: Yes
Everything about the Omnicharge Omni 20+ is designed around power and ruggedness.
The exterior ABS/rubberized shell is capable of taking a pounding, the ports are well-designed, and the screen offers everything from at-a-glance information, to a deep dive into what's going on.
Think of this power bank as a recharging computer.
The Omni 20+ is great choice for when I want an AC outlet away from civilization but don't want to take a big power station.
Connectivity:
USB-C Port | USB-A Output |
|
|
- Compact
- Can power compatible laptops
- Robust
- Expensive
Features: Dimensions: 4.5 x 2.8 x 1 inches (114 x 71.1 x 25.4 millimeters) | Weight: 1.15 pounds | Capacity: 27,000mAh | Flight safe: Yes (rated at 54 watt-hours) | Total DC Output: 60W | Material: ABS & polycarbonate
The Zendure SuperTank is an everyday portable power bank, with more than enough power to keep your smartphone and tablet alive for an extra day. Nice and slim and packed with ports, it's perfect for recharging multiple devices simultaneously. And it has enough power to extend a laptop battery life by hours!
Connectivity:
Input | Output |
|
|
- Recharges quickly
- USB-A and USB-C outputs
- Space saver when traveling (works as a charger and power bank)
- Bulky design
Features: Dimensions: 4.72 x 3.23 x 1.39 inches | Capacity: 10,000mAh | Flight safe: Yes | Total DC Output: 5V/3A | Material: Polycarbonate
Is it a portable power bank or a wall charger? It's both!
You can keep the Anker PowerCore Fusion 10000 plugged in and use it as a charger. Or, take it on the go when you want to use it as a power bank.
I have one of these next to my bed. It charges my smartphone at night, and is always ready in case of a power cut, and when I need a power bank in a hurry.
Input | Output |
|
|
- Large capacity
- Ample charging options
- Easy to read display
- Big, bulky, and angular
- Pricey
Features: Capacity: 25000mAh / 92.5Wh | Magnetic Wireless Charger Output: 15W Fast Charge (10W for Android and non iPhone 12 devices) | Apple Watch Wireless Output: 5W | Maximum Power Output: 190W | Batteries: 5 x 21700 Panasonic Lithium Polymer Graphene Composite Battery Cells | Time to full charge from empty: 1 hr 10 min (with 100W input) | Dimensions: 6.24 x 3.4 x 1.12 inches | Weight: 1.28 pounds
The Flash Pro Plus is a chunky pack of aircraft-grade anodized aluminum and batteries. It weighs a reassuring 1.2 pounds, so it's big. But it's been with me in a lot of places where it isn't easy access to a power outlet.
In the age of thin, lightweight devices, this thing is a monster! It's also incredibly rugged, having survived a number of falls.
It houses five 21700 Panasonic lithium polymer graphene composite cells holding 25,000mAh of power. The power bank can push that power out of four ports and two wireless charger pads.
Yes, that's right, ports and wireless.
This isn't the largest capacity power bank here by far -- in fact, given its size, the capacity is actually very low -- but the recharge capability makes it a great choice for those in a hurry.
Connectivity:
Interface |
|
100W USB-C Power Delivery 3.0 Input |
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60W USB-C Power Delivery 3.0 Output |
|
20W USB-C Power Delivery 3.0 Output |
|
50W USB-A 1 Output |
|
Which is the best power bank?
The Zendure SuperTank Pro is ZDNET's top pick based on its capacity, connectivity options, and price. However, we also chose options with different price points and power capacities. This includes the Zendure portable charger, which can power laptops for hours.
We found less expensive options that pack plenty of power to keep your mobile devices juiced. Below is a look at the best options and how they compare:
Power bank | Price | Capacity |
Zendure SuperTank Pro | $170 | 26,800mAh |
Omnicharge Omni 20+ bundle | $236 | 20,000mAh |
Zendure SuperTank | $129 | 27,000mAh |
Anker PowerCore Fusion 10000 | $55 | 10,000mAh |
Chargeasap Flash Pro Plus | $319 | 25,000mAh |
Which is the right portable power bank for you?
One size doesn't fit all. And with so many options out there, it can be confusing to determine which power bank is the right fit for you. Most likely, the devices you need charged on the go will play a primary role in your choice. Power capacity and price will likely be factors in your decision. This table can help you make sense of your options:
Choose this power bank… | If you want or are… |
Zendure SuperTank Pro | A huge power bank that can keep everything powered |
Omnicharge Omni 20+ bundle | A power bank that can output AC power |
Zendure SuperTank | A compact power bank capable of charging laptops |
Anker PowerCore Fusion 10000 | A power bank you can also connect to a main outlet to charge |
Chargeasap Flash Pro Plus | A chunky power bank with wireless charging for your iPhone and Apple Watch |
How did we choose these portable power banks?
These are all products that I've tested and have been using for several months. I always have a power bank or two with me when I'm traveling, and this means that they get prolonged testing.
Here are some of the criteria that I look for:
- The power capacity is as stated by the manufacturer.
- The power bank outputs the power stated in the specification sheet.
- The product is durable and withstands prolonged use.
What size power bank do I need?
Tough question. If you want an emergency power bank to act as a backup, then a small 5000mAh power bank will do the job. If you want a lot of power, and perhaps the ability to charge up a laptop, then the bigger the better (and as big as you want to carry!).
Or, you might be looking for the Goldilocks of portable power banks. With these, you gain enough power to charge tablets or phones on the go.
What's the largest power bank I can take on an aircraft?
Power banks up to 100Wh (100,000mAh) can be carried without approval. For power banks that fall between 100Wh and 160Wh, you will need permission from the airline.
Typically, you can contact the airline's customer service ahead of your flight. Doing so this helps you understand their process for approval and can save you a lot of time at the airport, as customer service lines can be longer than a digital queue for Taylor Swift tickets.
Also, when going through normal screening at TSA, treat your power bank as you would a laptop, gaming console, or phone.
Are power banks waterproof?
There are some power banks that claim to be water-resistant. However, I've never been comfortable with the idea of getting a pack filled with lithium batteries wet. I always keep them dry. You should also keep them in a waterproof bag. That way, you prevent them from incurring water damage during rainy weather.
What do you think of power banks that have a built-in solar panel?
I have yet to come across a good one. I'm also not comfortable baking rechargeable batteries in the sun for extended periods. We've analyzed the best portable solar chargers that you can consider as an alternative.
However, keep in mind these are more suited for outdoor use. As solar technology continues to evolve, it's possible that solar panels will be built into power banks moving forward.
Are there alternative power banks worth considering?
Yes there are. Check out the alternatives below: