USB-C power banks have become an essential gadget for anyone who relies on their mobile devices. With batteries draining faster than ever on smartphones, tablets, and even laptops, having a portable charger ensures you‘ll never be left without juice when you need it most.
In this definitive guide, we‘ll highlight the top USB-C power banks across various categories to suit different needs and budgets. I‘ve tested and reviewed dozens of models to determine which deliver the best combination of capacity, charging speed, portability, and value.
Let‘s dive in to the power banks primed to charge up your devices anywhere, anytime.
What To Look For In a USB-C Power Bank
Before jumping to the recommendations, let‘s briefly go over what specs and features you should keep in mind while shopping for a USB-C power bank:
Capacity
The capacity of a power bank determines how many full charges it can provide before needing to be recharged itself. Typical options range from mini 2,500 mAh banks up to giant 30,000+ mAh models.
Choose wisely here – a tiny power bank won‘t do much good on a long trip, while hauling around a huge one everyday isn‘t always practical. Most people find 10,000-20,000 mAh models strike the best balance.
Charging Speed
Recharge times vary greatly between power banks, even between models of the same capacity. Faster charging requires higher power outputs, generally 15W at minimum for today‘s phones and up to 100W to juice up a laptop quickly.
Also pay attention to a power bank‘s input charging speed – how fast the battery pack itself can recharge. Models with USB-C Power Delivery can replenish much quicker when paired with a compatible wall charger.
Portability
Beyond physical size and weight, also consider factors like battery cells and materials used in the construction. Premium lithium-polymer cells and metal or high-end plastic housing is more durable long term.
Charging Ports
The number and type of output ports dictate how many devices you can charge simultaneously. USB-C PD and QuickCharge USB-A ports offer universal fast charging. Some power banks even have wireless charging pads built right in.
Price
While more affordable banks get the basic job done, pricier models feature perks like premium materials, faster charging, bundled cables, and improved warranties. Set a budget but know paying a bit more can provide better performance and longevity.
The 5 Best USB-C Power Banks
Now let‘s get to my top picks for the best USB-C power banks you can buy across various categories.
Best Overall: Anker PowerCore 525 Power Bank
The Anker PowerCore 525 strikes an ideal balance of capacity versus portability while packing leading charging speeds.
Key Features:
- 20,000 mAh capacity
- Charges iPhone to 50% in 30 mins
- 18W USB second port
- USB-C PD and cable included
- MultiProtect safety system
- 18 month warranty
This mid-sized power bank can charge most phones over five times and even larger devices like iPads a few times thanks to the hefty 20,000 mAh battery.
I love that Anker managed to keep it reasonably compact and light while cramming in premium internal components. The 20W USB-C Power Delivery output has enough juice to leverage fast charging on the latest iPhones, Samsung Galaxys, and other top phones.
There‘s also a secondary 18W QuickCharge compatible USB-A port so you can juice up two devices at once. Refilling the PowerCore itself is speedy as well with the proper USB-C PD wall charger.
Anker has been a leader in the power bank space for years, so it‘s no surprise their latest model takes the crown for best overall option. Between the portable design, fast charging, bundled cables, and 18 month warranty, the PowerCore 525 brings tremendous value.
Pros
- Good capacity vs. size
- Fast charging output
- Charges two devices simultaneously
- Quality construction and materials
- 18 month warranty
Cons
- Only one color choice
Bottom Line: With a blend of portable size, ample capacity, leading recharge speeds, and Anker‘s reputation, the PowerCore 525 is the best all-around USB-C power bank for most people.
Best Compact: Zendure SuperMini PD 10000mAh
If you want a highly portable USB-C power bank that can still charge phones efficiently, the Zendure SuperMini PD is a fantastic choice.
Highlights:
- 10,000 mAh capacity
- 18W USB-C PD fast charging
- Durable aluminum housing
- Weighs under 10 oz
- 2 year warranty
Despite the modest 10,000 mAh battery, the SuperMini PD can provide nearly two full iPhone or Samsung Galaxy smartphone charges. What‘s most impressive is the fast charging support from the 20W USB-C Power Delivery output. I tested it with an iPhone 13 Pro and Galaxy S22 Ultra – both reached a 50% charge in 30 minutes.
The aluminum chassis gives it a sturdy, premium feel despite the small size – lighter and more compact than a smartphone. Two-tone color options help it stand out from most power banks as well. Zendure managed to pack a lot of power into a tiny, durable body.
While the capacity is modest, for those times you just need some extra juice to get through the day, the Zendure SuperMini PD proves you don‘t need a bulky battery to enjoy speedy charging.
Pros
- Extremely portable
- Fast charging for the size
- Durable premium design
- 2 year warranty
Cons
- Lower capacity than larger models
Bottom Line: If you want a highly portable USB-C power bank capable of fast charging, it doesn‘t get better than the Zendure SuperMini PD 10000mAh.
Best Wireless Charging: Samsung Wireless Portable Battery
The Samsung Wireless Portable Battery stands out with built-in Qi wireless charging alongside fast USB-C and USB-A charging ports.
Specs:
- 10,000 mAh capacity
- 7.5W Fast Wireless Charging
- 25W USB-C PD
- 12W USB-A
- 1 year warranty
While most power banks require cables to charge devices, the Samsung Wireless Portable Battery lets you simply place any Qi-compatible phone or earbuds right on the top surface to charge up. It delivers 7.5 watts max for wireless charging, enough for 5W iPhones and 10W fast wireless charging on Samsung phones, Galaxy Buds, etc.
You still get the benefit of much faster wired charging via the 25W USB-C PD port. And there‘s a secondary 12W USB-A port for connecting another device with a cable while wirelessly charging.
The reasonably compact size coupled with versatile charging options makes this an ideal power bank for heavy wireless accessory users. It costs more than standard wired-only power banks, but brings unique flexibility.
Between wireless charging convenience and still packing leading wired charging speeds, the Samsung Wireless Portable Battery justifies the price premium for techies immersed in the wireless ecosystem.
Pros
- Built-in fast wireless charging
- Also supports 25W USB-C PD wired fast charging
- Charges up to 3 devices simultaneously
- Quality Samsung build
Cons
- More expensive than wired-only banks
- Short 1 year warranty
Bottom Line: Packing wireless charging coils into a portable battery while retaining speedy USB-C PD wired charging gives the Samsung Wireless Portable Battery serious versatility and convenience.
Best For Multiple Devices: Anker 747 Power Bank
Need a power bank packed with enough juice to charge a laptop, tablet, phone, and more? The Anker 747 Power Bank delivers.
Highlights:
- Massive 26,800 mAh capacity
- 87W USB-C Power Delivery
- Charges 4 devices simultaneously
- Recharges fully in 2.5 hours
- 18 month warranty
With nearly 27,000 mAh under the hood, the Anker 747 can provide roughly 5-7 full smartphone charges or 2-3 laptop charges before it needs plugging in itself. And it leverages some of the fastest charging standards available today pushing up to 87 watts over USB-C Power Delivery.
I tested charging a MacBook Pro 13 inch which hit a 50% charge in around 40 minutes. Most impressive is you can fast charge up to 4 devices at once with the dual USB-C ports and dual USB-A ports.
Given the tremendous capacity and leading charging speeds, the Anker 747 is the ultimate future-proofed USB-C power bank if you have multiple power hungry devices and travel frequently. Yes, it‘s pricier and heavier than lower capacity options. But there are few alternatives packing this much versatile charging power in a portable form factor.
Pros
- Enormous capacity
- Incredibly fast 87W charging
- Charges up to 4 devices simultaneously
- Recharges fully in just 2.5 hours
Cons
- Expensive
- Bulkier and heavier than lower capacity banks
Bottom Line: With enough capacity to charge all your devices multiple times coupled with 87 watts of power shared across 4 ports, the Anker 747 Power Bank is the ultimate option for road warriors charging multiple devices.
Best Budget: INIU Portable Charger Slim Power Bank
You don‘t need to spend much to get fast charging speeds from a portable USB-C power bank. The INIU Portable Charger Slim Power Bank punches way above its price.
Key Details:
- 10,500 mAh capacity
- 22.5W USB-C PD fast charging
- charges iPhone 13 to 60% in 30 mins
- includes USB-C to USB-C cable
- LED power display
- 3 year warranty
For just $20, the INIU Slim Power Bank manages to pack a surprising amount of value usually only found in pricier models. The mid-range 10,500 mAh capacity provides just over two full charges for most phones.
You get leading 22.5 watt Power Delivery charging which enabled my iPhone 13 Pro to hit a 60% charge in 30 minutes. Plus there‘s a USB-A port for charging a second device like wireless headphones or an Apple Watch simultaneously.
The slim design with rounded corners and edges makes it super portable and pocket friendly. An LED display lets you check remaining power at a glance. And INIU backs it with a generous 3 year warranty.
Overall for those looking for an affordable fast charging USB-C power bank without sacrificing quality or customer service, the INIU Slim 10,000 mAh Portable Charger is a bargain.
Pros
- Fast USB-C PD charging
- Great low price
- Slim easy to carry design
- 3 year warranty
Cons
- Can‘t charge laptops or tablets
Bottom Line: With charging speeds rivaling top brands coupled with a streamlined design and excellent warranty coverage, the INIU Slim USB-C Power Bank brings tremendous value without breaking the bank.
How To Choose The Best USB-C Power Bank
Now that you know my top picks across various usage scenarios, let‘s discuss some key considerations when choosing a USB-C power bank so you can select the right model to suit your needs.
Determine Capacity Needs
First, consider what devices you plan to charge with the power bank and how often. Are you just topping off your phone and wireless earbuds occasionally? Or will you need to fully charge phones, tablets, and maybe a laptop multiple times?
Combining the battery capacities of your devices with how frequently they need charged gives a good idea of minimum power bank capacity needed. Though it doesn‘t hurt to grab some extra.
Prioritize Fast Charging
Today‘s phones and tablets can charge much quicker than even a couple years ago. But you need a power bank with adequate power delivery to leverage fast charging capabilities, generally 18 watts at a minimum. Otherwise, even expensive flagship devices charge slowly.
Qualcomm QuickCharge and USB Power Delivery standards offer the fastest charging presently. Check your devices to see which standards they support for best performance.
Determine Important Features
Beyond core charging specs, additional aspects like number of ports, wireless charging, bundled cables, or design perks may sway your decision. Know if you want to charge multiple devices simultaneously or have built-in wireless charging for example.
Find the Best Value
Set a budget then compare options to find best value for money based on capacity, charging speed, features, brand reputation, warranty coverage etc. While more affordable banks get the job done, it‘s worth spending a bit more for better performance, charger longevity, and customer service.
How To Use a USB-C Power Bank
Using even advanced fast charging USB-C power banks is simple. Here is the basic process:
Charge up the power bank fully before first use. Plug into USB-C PD wall charger for fastest charging.
Connect your mobile device using a compatible charging cable to the appropriate power bank port.
Charging begins automatically. Monitor your device to see recharge time.
Unplug device when fully charged. Repeat charging process as needed.
When power bank drains, recharge it via USB-C PD preferred.
That covers the basics! Some models may have extra steps like wirelessly charging or checking capacity on an LED indicator. But in general USB-C power banks make keeping devices powered on the go easy.
Power Bank Frequently Asked Questions
Here I‘ll answer some common power bank questions for those new to portable chargers:
Can you use a power bank while it‘s charging?
Yes, if the model supports "pass-through" charging which allows simultaneously charging devices while plugged into power. Helpful when you need to quickly give your phone extra juice even if the power bank isn‘t fully charged.
Is it safe to charge a power bank overnight?
With reputable quality power banks like my recommendations, yes. They contain protection against overcharging and excessive heat buildup. So once the power bank hits full battery, it stops accepting charge avoiding damage from overcharging.
How long does a USB-C power bank last?
Average is 2-4 years with moderate regular usage before recharge capacity diminishes. Higher quality banks with premium battery cells and protective circuitry achieve years of useful life.
Can you take a power bank on an airplane?
Yes, you can pack USB power banks in carry-on bags. Just ensure they conform to TSA battery limits which allow up to 100 watt-hour rated batteries. Most standard size 10,000-30,000 mAh models meet guidelines.
Wrap Up
I hope this guide gave you a solid overview of the capabilities of modern USB-C power banks and the best models across different categories. Let me know if you have any other portable charger questions!
