That 5% battery warning hits different when you're nowhere near an outlet. Your phone becomes a ticking clock, and suddenly every app feels like a gamble.
That 5% battery warning hits different when you're nowhere near an outlet. Your phone becomes a ticking clock, and suddenly every app feels like a gamble. A portable charger eliminates this anxiety entirely.
Modern power banks pack serious capacity into pocket-sized packages. Some charge phones multiple times over. Others power laptops for hours. The trick is matching the charger to your actual needs—too small and you're still stranded, too big and you're lugging unnecessary weight.
Let's find your perfect portable power solution.
Understanding Power Bank Specs
Capacity (mAh)
Milliamp-hours measure total energy storage:
| Capacity | Phone Charges | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 5,000 mAh | 1-1.5 | Emergency backup |
| 10,000 mAh | 2-3 | Daily carry |
| 20,000 mAh | 4-6 | Heavy users, travel |
| 26,800+ mAh | 6+ | Laptop charging, extended trips |
Reality check: You won't get 100% of rated capacity. Energy loss during conversion means a 10,000 mAh bank delivers roughly 6,000-7,000 mAh to your device.
Output Power (Watts)
Higher wattage means faster charging:
- 5W: Basic charging (very slow)
- 10-12W: Standard charging
- 18-20W: Fast charging for most phones
- 25-30W: Fast charging for newer phones
- 45-65W: Laptop charging capable
- 100W+: High-power laptop charging
Charging Protocols
Different devices use different fast-charging standards:
- USB Power Delivery (PD): Universal standard, best compatibility
- Quick Charge (QC): Qualcomm standard, Android phones
- Apple Fast Charge: iPhones (uses PD)
- Samsung Super Fast: Samsung devices (uses PD)
USB Power Delivery is the safest bet—it works with iPhones, Android phones, tablets, and laptops.
Top Portable Chargers for 2026
Best Overall: Anker 737 Power Bank
Anker's flagship balances capacity, speed, and features perfectly.
- Capacity: 24,000 mAh
- Output: 140W max (USB-C)
- Features: Smart display, PowerIQ 3.0
- Price: ~$110
The display shows remaining capacity, output wattage, and estimated time to empty/full.
Best Value: Anker 325 Power Bank
Solid performance at an accessible price.
- Capacity: 20,000 mAh
- Output: 20W (USB-C), 12W (USB-A)
- Features: Dual ports, compact design
- Price: ~$40
Charges most phones 4+ times. The slim design fits in pockets despite the capacity.
Best Compact: Anker Nano Power Bank
Tiny enough to forget you're carrying it.
- Capacity: 5,000 mAh
- Output: 22.5W
- Features: Built-in USB-C connector, foldable plug
- Price: ~$30
The integrated connector means no cables to carry. Perfect for emergency backup.
Best for Laptops: Baseus Blade
Thin enough for laptop bags, powerful enough for MacBooks.
- Capacity: 20,000 mAh
- Output: 100W (USB-C)
- Features: Ultra-slim design, dual USB-C
- Price: ~$90
At just 0.7 inches thick, it slides into laptop sleeves easily.
Best for Travel: Zendure SuperTank Pro
Maximum capacity for extended trips.
- Capacity: 26,800 mAh
- Output: 100W total
- Features: OLED display, 4 ports
- Price: ~$150
The 26,800 mAh capacity is the TSA maximum for carry-on luggage.
Best Budget: INIU Portable Charger
Impressive specs at a fraction of premium prices.
- Capacity: 10,000 mAh
- Output: 22.5W
- Features: Built-in cables, flashlight
- Price: ~$20
Built-in cables for USB-C, Lightning, and micro-USB eliminate cable hunting.
Portable Charger Comparison
| Charger | Capacity | Max Output | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anker 737 | 24,000 mAh | 140W | 1.3 lbs | $110 |
| Anker 325 | 20,000 mAh | 20W | 0.8 lbs | $40 |
| Anker Nano | 5,000 mAh | 22.5W | 3.5 oz | $30 |
| Baseus Blade | 20,000 mAh | 100W | 0.9 lbs | $90 |
| Zendure SuperTank | 26,800 mAh | 100W | 1.4 lbs | $150 |
| INIU | 10,000 mAh | 22.5W | 0.5 lbs | $20 |
Choosing the Right Capacity
Match Capacity to Usage
| Usage Pattern | Recommended Capacity |
|---|---|
| Emergency backup | 5,000 mAh |
| Daily commute | 10,000 mAh |
| Full day away | 20,000 mAh |
| Multi-day travel | 26,800 mAh |
| Laptop charging | 20,000+ mAh |
Device Battery Sizes (Reference)
- iPhone 15: ~3,349 mAh
- iPhone 15 Pro Max: ~4,422 mAh
- Samsung S24: ~4,000 mAh
- Samsung S24 Ultra: ~5,000 mAh
- iPad Air: ~7,600 mAh
- MacBook Air: ~52,600 mAh
Travel Considerations
TSA Regulations
Lithium batteries have airline restrictions:
- Under 100Wh: Carry-on allowed, no limit on quantity
- 100-160Wh: Carry-on allowed, airline approval may be required
- Over 160Wh: Not allowed on passenger aircraft
Calculating Wh: mAh × Voltage ÷ 1000 = Wh Example: 26,800 mAh × 3.7V ÷ 1000 = 99.16 Wh (just under the limit)
International Travel Tips
- Keep power banks in carry-on (required)
- Bring appropriate cables for your devices
- Consider a wireless charger for hotel convenience
- Check destination country regulations
Charging Speed Explained
Input Speed (Recharging the Power Bank)
Faster input means less time tethered to a wall outlet:
- 10W: 6-8 hours for 20,000 mAh
- 18W: 4-5 hours
- 30W: 2-3 hours
- 65W+: Under 2 hours
Output Speed (Charging Your Devices)
Match output to your device's maximum charging speed:
- iPhone 15: 27W max (USB-C)
- Samsung S24: 25W max
- MacBook Air: 30W typical, 67W fast
- MacBook Pro 14": 67W typical, 96W fast
Pass-Through Charging
Some power banks charge devices while being charged themselves. Useful for:
- Overnight charging of everything
- Limited outlet situations
- Keeping devices topped up during long charges
Features Worth Having
Smart Display
Shows remaining capacity, output wattage, and charging status. More useful than LED indicators.
Multiple Ports
Charge phone, earbuds, and watch simultaneously. Look for at least 2 ports.
Built-in Cables
Eliminates cable hunting but limits flexibility. Good for dedicated phone charging.
Wireless Charging
Some power banks include Qi wireless charging. Convenient but slower than wired.
Got Questions About Portable Chargers? Let's Clear Things Up.
How many times will a power bank charge my phone?
Divide usable capacity by phone battery size. A 10,000 mAh bank with ~65% efficiency delivers ~6,500 mAh. For a 3,500 mAh phone, that's about 1.8 full charges. Manufacturers often overstate this.
Why does my power bank charge my phone slowly?
Common causes: low-wattage output, incompatible fast-charging protocol, or using USB-A instead of USB-C. Check that your power bank's output matches your phone's fast-charging requirements.
Can I charge my laptop with a portable charger?
Yes, if the power bank outputs enough wattage via USB-C Power Delivery. Most laptops need 30-100W. Check your laptop's charging requirements and match accordingly.
How long do portable chargers last?
Quality power banks last 2-4 years or 300-500 charge cycles. Capacity gradually decreases over time. Avoid extreme temperatures and don't store fully depleted.
Is it safe to leave a power bank charging overnight?
Yes, with quality brands. Modern power banks have overcharge protection. Avoid cheap, no-name brands that may lack safety features.
A portable charger is essential gear for modern life. Start with the Anker 325 for excellent value, or the Anker 737 for maximum capability. For stationary charging, check our wireless charger guide.
Discussion
Sign up or sign in to join the conversation.