Running out of battery when you most need your devices is extremely frustrating. Power banks promise extra battery life to keep you powered up and connected. With so many options on the market, how do you determine which power bank is right for you?
I evaluated dozens of power banks across various factors to select the top 5 best options available today. My rankings are based on capacity, charging speed, price, portability and extra features. I‘ll provide detailed pros, cons and usage recommendations to help you find your perfect portable charger.
#1 Best Overall: Anker PowerCore 26,800mAh
The Anker PowerCore 26,800mAh is my choice for best overall power bank because it offers an immense capacity able to charge phones over 8 times yet remains reasonably portable. With a 45W USB-C port, it can charge devices rapidly. Though pricey, for the massive 26800mAh battery, fast charging speeds and 18 month warranty, it provides excellent value.
Key Features:
- 26,800mAh capacity
- 45W USB-C port for fast charging
- Can charge a phone over 8 times per charge
- Still reasonably portable at 1.6 lbs
Pros
- Massive capacity
- Fast charges devices
- 18 month warranty
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy compared to lower capacity banks
Best For:
Frequent travelers and those with multiple devices to charge. It can keep phones, tablets and many laptops powered up for days.
My Rating: 4.8 / 5
Buy the Anker PowerCore 26,800mAh on Amazon
#2 Best For Portability: Anker PowerCore Slim 10,000mAh
Weighing just 7.5 oz, the ultra-slim Anker PowerCore Slim 10,000mAh is perfect for tossing in your bag or pocket to charge phones on the go. Despite its small size, a 20W USB-C port provides rapid charging. With a durable, sleek design, safety features and 18 month warranty, it balances portability and functionality.
Key Features:
- 10,000mAh capacity
- Super slim, lightweight 7.5oz design
- 20W USB-C charging
Pros
- Extremely portable
- Fast charges latest model phones
- Durable build
- 18 month warranty
Cons
- Lower capacity than thicker models
Best For:
Those needing a highly portable, pocket-sized bank for phone charging. The slim design makes it perfect for everyday carry.
My Rating: 4.7 / 5
Buy the Anker PowerCore Slim 10,000mAh on Amazon
#3 Best For Power: Zendure SuperTank 27,000mAh
Boasting a mammoth 27,000mAh battery, 100W USB-C output and ability to charge while charging devices, the rugged Zendure SuperTank lives up to its name. Though expensive and heavy, it can charge phones over 10 times and even charge laptops at full speed – completely justifying the price for power users.
Key Features:
- 27,000mAh capacity
- 100W USB-C for extremely fast charging
- Rugged, durable build
Pros
- Huge battery capacity
- Incredibly fast charging
- Can charge while charging devices
Cons
- Expensive
- Bulky and heavy
Best For:
Frequent travelers with multiple devices. It offers desktop-level charging on the go to keep phones, tablets, Nintendo Switches, MacBooks and more powered indefinitely.
My Rating: 4.8 / 5
Buy the Zendure SuperTank 27,000mAh on Amazon
#4 Best Budget Power Bank: INIU Portable Charger 10,000mAh
The INIU 10,000mAh power bank provides a solid mid-sized capacity in a lightweight, durable aluminum shell. While not the fastest charger, it can charge phones 2-3 times per charge and features trickle charging to safely power small devices. Best of all, it comes at an extremely affordable price – less than $15.
Key Features:
- 10,000mAh capacity
- Trickle charging mode
- Durable aluminum build
Pros
- Very affordable
- Lightweight, portable
- Attractive design
Cons
- Not the fastest charging
Best For:
Anyone needing an extra phone charge while out and about. It‘s reliable, durable, and offers great value – perfect as an everyday carry charger without breaking the bank.
My Rating: 4.3 / 5
Buy the INIU Portable Charger 10,000mAh on Amazon
#5 Best For Multiple Devices: Anker 313 Portable Charger
With 3 USB ports putting out a max of 65 watts, the Anker 313 can charge up to 3 devices simultaneously. The 20,000mAh battery provides over 5 full phone charges. With PowerIQ adjusting charging speed by device, fast charging USB-C/A ports, foldable plug and 18 month warranty, it ticks all the boxes at a fair price.
Key Features:
- 20,000mAh capacity
- 3 USB ports with 65W shared output
- Foldable plug
Pros
- Can charge 3 devices at once
- Generous capacity
- Well-priced
Cons
- Bulky compared to lower-capacity banks
Best For:
Great for juicing up multiple phones, tablets, headphones and other USB charged gear on trips and travels where wall outlets are scarce.
My Rating: 4.4 / 5
Buy the Anker 313 Portable Charger on Amazon
How to Choose the Best Power Bank
Keep these tips in mind when choosing a power bank:
Intended Use
Select capacity to suit your needs. Smaller 10,000mAh banks offer 1-2 phone charges and are highly portable everyday carry items. 20,000+ mAh models charge phones 4+ times and can even charge tablets and small laptops, but are larger and heavier.
Charging Speed
Faster charging USB-C models cost a bit more but charge devices quicker. This is worthwhile for frequently topping devices up while on the go.
Number of Ports
If you need to charge multiple devices simultaneously while traveling, get a bank with at least 2-3 ports sharing a high max output like the Anker 313.
Brand Reputation & Warranty
Reputable brands generally make better quality, safer products. Look for at least a 1 year warranty for peace of mind should anything go wrong. Anker is a market leader renowned for quality.
Protection Features
Advanced protections like overcharge, short circuit and surge protection help avoid battery faults and electrical damage to your devices. These are very worthwhile bonus features.
In Summary
Having a portable charger in your gadget arsenal lets you stay powered up anywhere, anytime. Whether you need a pocket-friendly phone charger for everyday use or a high capacity charger to keep a multi-device family powered on vacations, I hope this guide has helped you find your perfect match!
Let me know in the comments if you have any other great power bank recommendations.
