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The 14 Best Portable Chargers of 2024

We appreciate a good balance of speed and power while on the go.

travel battery charger cable

In This Article

  • Our Top Picks
  • Tips for Buying

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Marcus Millan

There’s nothing worse than grabbing your phone or laptop while traveling and realizing your battery is completely drained. A portable charger is one of the most useful travel items, especially when you find yourself in a tricky situation with no access to an outlet. Whether you’re exploring in a campervan and need a hefty charger to handle your laptop, or boarding a plane and in need of something super compact to charge your smartphone, there’s a portable charger for all types of travelers’ needs so you don’t find yourself in a powerless pickle. 

With so many choices on the market, we’ve narrowed down your search by prioritizing features like weight and size for portability, functionality, power, and battery capacity. These are the 14 best portable chargers of 2024 to make sure you stay connected wherever you go.

Best Overall

Nimble champ portable charger.

It’s lightweight and pocket-sized.

If you need more capacity, consider upgrading to the Pro version which provides 20,000 mAh.

The Nimble Champ is “smaller than a deck of cards” and incredibly lightweight, making it an ideal travel companion. This tiny but mighty backup charger comes in a spectrum of colors, allowing you to match it to your personality. It’s also extremely functional, with the ability to charge two devices at once and compatibility with a wide array of phones, tablets, Apple MacBooks, and fitness trackers. The dual USB-C power delivery offers high-speed charging to almost any device and the capacity to charge most smartphones up to three times. In fact, with this charger, you can get your smartphone back up to an 80 percent charge in just half an hour. The included lanyard makes it easy to tote around, whether on your wrist or attached to your bag. We also love that it’s crafted out of 90 percent certified recycled plastics with a free e-waste recycling option for your old, unused devices.

The Details: 3.38 x 2.28 x 0.98 inches  | 6.2 ounces | 10,000 mAh | 1 USB-C, 1 USB-A

Best With Built-in Cords

Charmast portable charger.

It can charge up to six devices at the same time.

The attached cords are short.

The slim and travel-friendly Portable Charger with Built-in Cables on Amazon is our top choice for those who need a variety of included cords for multiple devices. With six outputs and three inputs, this charging device is ideal for people with an array of different types of electronics, from smartphones to tablets, and micro devices. Its lightweight and slim profile make it easy to throw in your bag without taking up too much space. Each included cable can be tucked into the back of the device, keeping things organized so you don’t have to spend time untangling a mess of wires. Check the digital display screen to keep track of how much battery is left on your backup charger so you can plan appropriately (and it will take between four and a half to six hours to fully recharge). When at full capacity, this backup charger can power up your smartphone twice, your tablet up to 1.5 times, and much more.

The Details: 5.71 x 2.68 x 0.51 inches | 0.63 ounces | 10,000 mAh | USB-C, Micro USB, built-in charging USB-A cable (input); 2 USB-A and 1 USB-C and built-in Micro USB, USB-C, and Lightning cables (output)

Most Compact

Tntor portable charger for iphone.

It has a built-in lightning cable for charging iPhones.

Phones with USB-C ports (like Androids and newer iPhones) will need to supply their own C to C cable to charge.

The ultra slim Tntor Portable Charger for iPhone wins the award for “most compact” with a 6-millimeter thickness and credit card size. Specifically designed for iPhone users, the built-in cord means it’s ready to charge and you don’t have to tote around a separate cord. At 5,000 mAh, this charger is carry-on compatible and can charge not just your iPhone, but other lightning-equipped devices including an iPad, iPad mini, and AirPods. This is an ideal charger for those who don’t need to charge multiple devices and only need to top off their iPhone en route to their next destination. It offers one full charge when at 100 percent capacity and requires a three-hour charging time. The Intelligent Control Circuit feature protects your devices from overcharging, as well as other problematic issues such as over-voltage, short circuiting, temperature protection, and over-current.

The Details: 4.84 x 2.6 x .24 inches | 4 ounces | 5,000 mAh | USB-C (input); built-in Lightning cable (output)

Best Wireless

Podoru wireless portable charger.

Paired with a magnetic case, it can charge right on the back of your phone without a cord.

It will only work with a magnetic case (purchased separately) and is compatible with iPhone 12 series and higher.

Indulge in the luxury of leaving your cords behind with the Podoru Wireless Portable Charger that can power up to three devices with its magnetic charging capability. Compact with an impressive capacity to recharge your phone up to two and a half times, it’s an ideal option for travelers or those on the go for long stretches of time. The LED display shows how much battery is left in your charger — and, if you need to top off other devices in addition to your phone, two extra input and output ports allow you to do so. There are eight built-in low temperature ice cores and a protective safety system not just for temperature control, but also short circuit and overcharging protection as well. Thanks to its silicone shell, it’s easy to grip and with a soft exterior that won’t scrape your device when connected magnetically. 

The Details: 5.67 x 3.43 x 0.94 inches | 6.5 ounces | 10,000 mAh | USB-A (output); USB-C (input/output)

Best With Stand

Aoguerbe magnetic power bank.

The stand is foldable and compact.

It’s a little bulkier than other models we’ve seen.

We love the folding stand that’s built into the design of the Aoguerbe Magnetic Power Bank. It allows you to charge your iPhone without the hassle of a bunch of cords when paired with a magnetic phone case. Charge up to three devices at a time, with the capacity to bring your iPhone to 100 percent up to two times per fully charged power bank. The included stand folds down to keep the compact profile of the power bank and can be used to keep your phone upright in either a vertical or horizontal orientation. The charger also won’t block your camera lens, so you can easily continue to use your phone while it’s being charged. Built-in temperature control and other safety protection helps ensure this device won’t damage your phone or overheat. 

The Details: 4.09 x 2.68 x 0.86 inches | 6.7 ounces | 10,000 mAh | USB-C and Lighting (input); USB-C and USB-A (output)

Best for Tablets

Eggtronic laptop power bank.

It can charge your tablet up to four times.

  Due to its powerful capacity, it’s larger and heavier than comparable power bank models.

We love the powerhouse Eggtronic Laptop Power Bank for so many reasons: it has the capacity to charge multiple devices twice as fast as standard models, and boasts a relatively compact size and sleek design. This universally compatible power bank can refuel the battery on not just your smartphone or tablet, but also laptops, cameras, bluetooth devices, and more. The LCD display shows the current battery life so you can stay up to date on its capacity. This durable device is a great travel companion for anyone; from professionals that need to stay in touch on the road, to those exploring the great outdoors on a multi-day camping trip. When it’s time to recharge the power bank itself, it’ll only take about three hours which is impressive for such a powerful device. 

The Details: 6.75 x 4 x 0.63 inches | 1.34 lbs | 20,000 mAh | 2 USB-A (output); USB-C (input/output)

Best for Laptops

Anker 747 power bank.

It can fully charge an entire MacBook Air.

It’s rather heavy — and expensive — if not using it to charge laptops often.

For travelers who are working en route to their destination and need to keep their laptop consistently charged, the Anker 747 Power Bank is our top choice. Compatible with a wide range of brands including Dell and Apple, this power bank can refuel computer batteries in anywhere from two to three hours. Charge up to four devices at once, and enjoy the long-lasting capacity that can power an iPhone 13 Pro up to five times before needing to be charged itself. Paired with the included Anker 65W 515 wall charger, this power bank can reach 100 percent in two and a half hours versus more than 17 hours without. Built-in sensors offer advanced temperature control to make sure the device doesn’t overheat while the battery management system prevents overcharging. 

The Details: 7.2 x 3.23 x 0.95 in | 1.34 pounds | 25,600 mAh | 2 USB-C, 2 USB-A

Best Multi-device Charging

Anker prime 27,650mah power bank.

It charges three devices at once.

This charger is over the mAh limit for traveling on some airplanes, so it’s best to check with the airline before bringing it with you on board.

For those who need a power bank that can charge multiple devices (and fast), the Anker Prime 27,650 mAH Power Bank is a fantastic choice. While not necessary to use, the accompanying app shows you up-to-date stats, and can also help to locate your power bank with sound alerts should you misplace it. This exceptionally functional power bank can recharge a smartphone more than four times and a MacBook Air more than once before needing to be reloaded. Using the dual USB-C ports, the power bank itself can be recharged in less than 40 minutes. As a bonus, this soda-can-sized charging bank comes with its own travel pouch. The built-in active shield prevents the charger from overheating and other safety issues. 

The Details: 6.37 x 1.96 x 2.24 inches | 1.47 lbs | 27,650 mAh |  USB-C, Lightning (input); USB-C, USB-A (output)

Best Fast Charging

Ugreen 145w power bank.

It can charge a MacBook Air in 90 minutes.

While compact, it’s a bit heavier than other models.

Not only does the Ugreen 145W Power Bank charge devices quickly, but it also can be charged back to 100 percent in under two hours using the two-way fast charging. This requires an additional purchase of a 65W charger . Because it has 145 watts in output, it can recharge a laptop more than once and a smartphone more than five times all at a rapid speed. The smart digital display keeps you in the loop with how much battery is left in the power bank. It’s also compatible with so many devices, from smartphones to drones, that you won’t be limited with what you can charge as you travel. With three ports, you can charge a few devices at a time as well. 

The Details: 6.3 x 3.18 x 1.05 inches | 1.11 lbs | 25,000 mAh | 1 USB-C, 1 USB-A (output); 1 USB-C (input/output)

Best LED Display

Vnbbt magnetic wireless power bank.

The display shows both the available charge left on the device and the progress of the item it’s charging.

It’s not compatible with non-magnetic phone cases.

Take the guesswork out of charging when using the Vnbbt Magnetic Wireless Power Bank, thanks to its incredibly accurate LED display feature. It can be fully charged for your travels within two and a half to four hours. Its ultra compact, lightweight design makes it easy to bring along with you. The material is non-slip so you don’t have to worry about grip being an issue while using the magnetic charger paired with a magnetic phone case. The display is simple, quickly informing you of how much charge is left to go and how much is on the power bank itself so you can plan accordingly. Charge your iPhone in less than 45 minutes and power up two other devices at the same time. 

The Details: 7.87 x 3.94 x 0.79 inches | 8.1 ounces | 10,000 mAh | USB-C (input/output), USB-A (output), and magnetic wireless charging

Best for Android

Iwalk small usb c portable charger.

It’s lipstick-sized and very portable.

The battery life isn’t that impressive compared to other power banks.

Specifically designed for Android users, this tiny portable charger easily fits in a bag or even your pocket. The iWalk charger is cordless as well, so you don’t need to provide a cord or untangle wires when you want to use it; simply plug it directly into the USB-C port. Although there isn’t an LED display to show the percentage of battery left, there are indicator lights to track the power level. It’s designed to prevent over-charging, short circuiting, and temperature control while using as well, so you can have peace of mind if you need to step away. In general, it takes approximately two and a half hours to recharge this portable device. 

The Details: 3 x 1.8 x 1 inches | 0.071 ounces | 4,500 mAh | USB-C (input), USB-C (output)

Best With A/C Outlet

Sinkeu portable laptop phone charger.

It includes an actual plug as well as a cord for charging via a car cigarette lighter.

There are no slots for a USB-C.

For a power bank with an actual built-in plug, the SinKeu 65 Watt Portable Laptop Phone Charger is our top pick because of its portability and versatility. This power bank is fantastic for charging laptops, tablets, and other compatible devices like certain camera batteries (65 watts and under) that need a typical plug port. The 12V port is great for recharging speakers and other devices that require that output, while the 5V port is perfect for refueling your cell phone up to eight times before needing to be recharged itself. For compatible laptop models, it can provide a full charge twice, making this a great option for travelers with a wide array of devices. The included cigarette lighter plug makes it possible to recharge this power bank in your car as well. To fully recharge, it takes approximately four hours. 

The Details: 6.8 x 3.8 x 1.8 inches | 1.1 lbs | 24,000 mAh | 2 USB-A, 110V AC outlet, 15V (input), 12V (output)

Best Colors

Charmast small portable charger.

It’s small and comes in a fun spectrum of colors.

It’s difficult to plug your phone into the charger if you have a case.

We love the colors and size of the Charmast Small Portable Charger that can easily fit in your pocket or purse. This charger has the ability to be fully recharged within an hour and a half when using a 9V-2A fast charger (or three hours with a standard one). Although it doesn’t have the capacity to fully power your smartphone back to 100 percent, it can provide up to 65 percent charge which is a great option for most travelers who just need to top up a device throughout their journey. It can, however, recharge AirPods up to six times. With no additional cords needed, plug it directly into your phone’s lightning port (and it’s also offered with a USB-C instead for Google, Samsung or iPhone 15 devices). With colors like pink, green, blue, orange, black, and white, you can match this portable charger to your phone’s case (or whatever suits your mood!)

The Details: 1.38 x 3.03 x 0.97 inches | 4.7 ounces | 5,000 mAh | USB-C (input), Lightning port (output)

Best With Wall Plug

Brand q ultra slim portable charger.

It’s ultra slim and offers 5-in-1 types of charging.

The built-in cords are stiff and not easy to manipulate.

We love that the built-in wall plug on the Q Slim Portable Charger folds into the power bank to keep a slim profile for transport and that this option comes with its own case. With three included cords, this universal charger is ideal for all types of phones, and you won’t have to bring additional cords along on your adventures. Most phones can be charged between two and a half to four times before needing to recharge the power bank. The included “Intelligent Power Management IC” makes sure your devices will be protected from short circuit, overheating, and overcurrent issues while in use. Another great feature is that you can charge your phone from the power bank while also charging the power bank from the wall plug.

The Details: 6.29 x 2.95 x 0.6 inches | 12.1 ounces |  10,000 mAh | Micro USB, AC (input); Lightning, USB-C, Micro USB (output)

Tips for Buying Portable Chargers

Consider charge potential and timing.

When shopping for a portable power bank, one of the main features to look out for is the capacity for fully charging your devices, especially your smartphone. If you have long travel days with little opportunity to plug your phone in and your backup charger can only offer half a charge to top it off, that may not work for you. Another thing to consider is how long it will take to recharge each of your important devices, as well as the length of time it will take to recharge the power bank itself. Most people can recharge a power bank overnight if it takes more than a couple of hours, but you need to look at your precise needs while on the go.

Decide how much capacity you need

All of the numbers referring to capacity in mAh and watt hours can be a little tricky to understand when deciding what you’ll need. The term mAh means “milliampere-hour” and measures the units of electric charge, or how much power it can hold. This will be the difference between being able to charge just one device at a time versus multiple, and/or charging your phone multiple times or even a laptop at all. If you just need to top off your phone and keep it from getting to zero percent, something below 5,000mAh should do the trick. If you need to charge your phone constantly or have more than one device, something more than 10,000mAh might be for you.

Since the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) have rules for rechargeable batteries and power banks measured in the max watt hours allowed, you’ll need to know how to convert the mAh listed for the power bank or charger into watt hours to see if your device can come along with you. To do this, you’ll need to multiply milliamp hours by volts then divide by 1,000. So, if you take the Eggtronic Laptop Power Bank listed above, it’s 20,000mAh at 5V, making it equivalent to 100 watt hours. 

The FAA and TSA state that any spare battery with more than 100 watt hours or 27,000mAh needs to have approval from the airline.

Look at the types and numbers of ports

One of the most important aspects of choosing a power bank is to make sure it will be compatible with your devices. The last thing you want is to purchase a back-up charger that’s only suitable for an iPhone when you have an Android. There are numerous options that offer more than one type of port. The most common inputs and outputs are USB-A and USB-C, as well as lightning ports (for Apple devices). Some models offer a wall plug or cigarette lighter adapter as well, perfect for those who need to charge a device from the car or have to charge something with a physical plug. 

It’s important to note that regulations will have lightning ports outdated for future iPhones due to the European Union’s ruling that all smartphones need to have the USB-C charging port in common.

A portable charger or power bank is a great back-up solution to ensure you don’t run out of battery on your devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops. They provide an extra lithium-ion battery-powered source that can connect to a wide array of devices, depending on their ports or magnetic charging capabilities. When connected, they transfer their stored energy to the electronic device plugged in. Typically, they are small enough to fit in your bag without taking up too much space, and some are even compact enough to fit in your pocket.

Yes, it’s possible to bring most portable chargers on an airplane, though there are restrictions to abide by: it’ll have to stay in your carry-on luggage that you’ll have with you in the cabin, as it can’t be in a checked bag. It also can’t possess more than 100Wh (watt-hours) or 27,000 mAh capacity. If your power bank has a larger capacity than this, you’ll need approval from the airline.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

T+L contributor Lauren Breedlove used her first-hand experience as a travel writer and photographer on-the-go who often needs to keep her devices charged for all of her adventures. She tapped into her knowledge of using different power banks and backup charger brands to curate this list for every need, big and small.

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The 11 Best Portable Travel Chargers

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Sarah Schlichter

Deputy Executive Editor Sarah Schlichter's idea of a perfect trip includes spotting exotic animals, hiking through pristine landscapes, exploring new neighborhoods on foot, and soaking up as much art as she can. She often attempts to recreate recipes from her international travels after she gets home (which has twice resulted in accidental kitchen fires—no humans or animals were harmed).

Sarah joined the SmarterTravel team in 2017 after more than a decade at the helm of IndependentTraveler.com. Sarah's practical travel advice has been featured in dozens of news outlets including the New York Times, the Chicago Tribune, USA Today, Budget Travel, and Peter Greenberg Worldwide Radio. Follow her on Twitter @TravelEditor .

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "A journal. Even years later, reading my notes from a trip can bring back incredibly vivid memories."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Road tripping and hiking through the rugged mountains of Patagonia."

Travel Motto: "'To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world.'—Freya Stark"

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Aisle. I get restless on long flights and like to be able to move around without disturbing anyone else."

Email Sarah at [email protected] .

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Travelers use their phones for just about everything—from navigating and translating to snapping photos and looking up the nearest place for great sushi—and sometimes there just isn’t enough battery life to get it all done. That’s why a good portable charger is a must-pack. The best portable chargers are lightweight and effective, and many even do double duty to truly earn their spot in your suitcase.

INIU Portable Charger

INIU portable charger.

If you’ve got more than one device to charge on the road, consider this offering from INIU . It features two USB ports so you can power up both your phone and something else (such as a tablet or e-reader, or your companion’s phone). It charges quickly, is compatible with most devices, and weighs less than half a pound. It’s also got a handy LED flashlight.

travel battery charger cable

Smartphone Charging Wristlet

smartphone charging wristlet.

To power up your phone discreetly, tuck it into this wristlet from Uncommon Goods . Made of vegan leather, the bag has a hidden USB power cord inside that will charge most iPhones and micro USB-compatible phones up to 1.5 times. It will automatically power on once connected.

travel battery charger cable

Anker PowerCore 10000

anker powercore 10000.

The Anker PowerCore 10000 is one of the most popular portable chargers on Amazon, compatible with both Android phones and iPhones as well as most tablets and laptops. It weighs less than seven ounces and is about the size of a deck of cards, making it easy to pack even if you’re traveling with only a carry-on.

PhoneSoap Go

PhoneSoap go battery-powered smartphone sanitizer.

Calling all germaphobes: You can charge and sanitize your phone at the same time with the PhoneSoap Go . The device uses UV light to kill more than 99 percent of bacteria and is compatible with just about any phone, even larger ones. Though the PhoneSoap Go was designed for phones, it will also sanitize any smaller items that fit into it, such as glasses, keys, or watches.

Auzev Charging Cable Bracelet

auzev charging cable bracelet.

Wear charging tech right on your wrist with this innovative bracelet from Auzev . It’s a charging cable for Apple devices that looks like a braided leather bracelet and weighs less than an ounce. See this page for all available sizes.

Metecsmart Power Bank

Jackery bolt.

With a built-in lightning cable, the Metecsmart Power Bank is designed to charge iPhones twice as fast as your phone’s original charging cable. It also has a built-in micro USB port for powering up Android and other devices. Thanks to pass-through technology, it can charge your devices while it’s also charging itself.

BigBlue 28W Solar Charger

BigBlue 28w solar charger.

Campers and hikers will appreciate this charger from BigBlue , which has multiple solar panels that stretch out nearly three feet to absorb the energy of the sun but then fold up to a relatively compact size when not in use. The included micro USB cable is compatible with most Android phones, some DSLR cameras, and most iPhones and iPads. The charger weighs 1.35 pounds and is waterproof.

Courant Carry Wireless Charger

Courant carry wireless charger.

Sick of traveling with a snarl of cables? It’s not cheap, but the Qi-certified Carry charger from Courant will power up your phone wirelessly. (It does come with a USB-C cable as well, just in case.) Encased in Italian leather, this sleek portable charger comes with a carrying bag and is compatible with a wide range of phones.

travel battery charger cable

Pocket Power 5K Power Bank

Belkin pocket power 5k bank.

This ultra-portable charger from Belkin weighs less than five ounces and measures just 4.86 x 2.49 x 0.51 inches, making it easy to slip into your pocket or purse. Its universal USB port is compatible with a variety of devices, including iPhones and iPads, Galaxy and Google phones, and Apple Watches. One nice feature: a warranty worth up to $2,500 if your device is damaged while connected to the charger.

travel battery charger cable

Mophie Juice Pack

Mophie juice pack portable charger.

Mophie’s Juice Pack will not only protect your phone but also provide up to 38 hours’ worth of extra power, thanks to a battery built into the case. You can power up the case without cables using any Qi-compatible wireless charger (not included). Cases are available for a variety of iPhones and Galaxy devices.

travel battery charger cable

RapidX X5 Car Charger

RapidX x5 car charger

The X5 Car Charger is one of the best travel chargers for road trips because it plugs into both cigarette lighters and 12v-24v outlets and can power up to five devices at once. It has an extended USB hub so everyone in the back seat can plug in as well. The charger is compatible with iOS, Android, and other devices.

More from SmarterTravel:

  • 8 Genius Ways to Preserve Your Phone’s Battery Life While Traveling
  • 8 Innovative Phone Cases and Accessories for Travel
  • 5 Smartphone Essentials You Should Never Travel Without

Follow Sarah Schlichter on Twitter @TravelEditor for more travel tips and inspiration.

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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The 9 Best Portable Chargers for Travelers

By Paris Wilson

9 Best Portable Chargers for Travelers

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

There’s nothing worse than getting through the hustle and bustle of airport security only to finally make it to your gate and realize that your phone is out of battery. Searching for an outlet can be a pain and more often than not leaves you stuck hovering over one awaiting your turn. A portable charger offers peace of mind and freedom that airport outlets, hotel lobbies, and coffee shops just can’t supply. Even when you're not traveling, they're useful to have on hand for days when you forget to charge your phone at night or notice it’s running low midday after too much time on Google Maps (or TikTok).

The best portable chargers are compact, portable, and have a battery life that can last you more than one charge (an especially helpful feature for group travel). Read on for full reviews of our editors’ longtime favorites, as well as more recently tested chargers we recommend.

How we tested:

Each new charger was tested for at least three weeks. While testing, we kept these key questions in mind: how long it took to charge devices, how many devices it could charge at one time (and which devices it’s compatible with), and how long it took to charge the charger itself. We also brought them on the road to see how they fared while traveling, and included reviews for chargers we've used long-term.

Can you travel with them?

Yes, portable chargers are safe to travel with, as long as you pack them in your carry-on. They range in size, but even the largest power banks will fit into a carry-on bag or tote.

What are the qualities to look for in a portable charger?

When looking for a portable charger, it’s important to keep in mind the mAh, size, and the devices you plan to charge with it. Some portable chargers have multiple cables that can be plugged directly into your device while others come with built-in ports for USB or USB-C cords. Consider whether you want something specifically for your phone, or a multipurpose power bank that can charge your computer, smartwatch, or earphones, too.

What does mAh stand for?

It stands for milliampere hours which is a unit of measurement that’s used to describe the capacity of a battery. The higher the number, the more battery power you have. Chargers can range from as low as 1,000 mAh to as high as 50,000. For everyday use, it’s fine to get something in the 3,000 to 4,000 range, but we recommend upping the capacity when you’d like to charge more than one device at a time or if you’re looking to use it on a device of five volts or higher.

Editor favorites

travel battery charger cable

Battery capacity: 20,000 mAh Dimensions: 11" x 5" x 2"

I never leave the house without my portable charger. I’m very meticulous about my phone battery and my portable charger is super easy to carry around all day. I’ve had it for five years and have had no use for anything else. It has two ports so I can charge multiple devices at once and it’s small enough to fit in my purse or my fanny pack while traveling. It’s quite thick so you don’t feel like it will break on you. Charging it is easy. There is a small cord that you plug into its side and then plug the charger into the wall, but any type of similar cord will work. It does take a while to charge, about a day if you want it to be full. However, the battery will last you at least three or four charges to your phone. — Kayla Brock , associate social media manager

travel battery charger cable

Battery capacity: 10,000 mAh Dimensions: 6" x 3" x 0.7"

I’ve had this BioLite charger for a year, and while there are smaller versions I prefer for day-to-day use (this one’s less than a pound, but about the same dimensions as my iPhone 13 Pro Max, which is to say a bit bigger than I’d like when carrying it in a purse), it’s a reliable option for trips when you know access to outlets may be infrequent, and can toss it in a backpack or tote. It has two USB slots and one USB-C slot, so I’ve used it to power up other devices like my Kindle, FitBit, and AirPods. You can get two to three full phone charges before needing to plug in the battery park; for more charge time—up to five hours—upgrade to the Charge 80 . — Madison Flager , senior commerce editor

travel battery charger cable

Battery capacity: 10,000 mAh Dimensions: 5" x 2" x 1"

I’ve had this portable charger for about nine months now. I was intrigued to find one that didn’t need a separate charger—it has a fold-down plug that you can stick directly into the wall when it’s running low. I’ve charged my laptop, phone, and even camera with it. It has three built-in fast-charging cables that are compatible with Android and Apple devices, and three different cable ports along the bottom. It usually takes about two to three hours to fully charge and when I’m using it passively that can get me through two charges. It’s on the larger side, about the size of a long bifold wallet. I’ve been able to charge my Apple watch, phone, and camera with it. This is always tucked away in my backpack or tote , especially on longer flights. — Paris Wilson , commerce producer

travel battery charger cable

Battery capacity: 5,000 mAh Dimensions: 5" x 2" x 3"

This charger is one of the first things I put in my bag when I’m on my way out the door, especially if I’m traveling. I’ve used it for about a year now and love it. It's slim which means it fits in all of my purses, even the smallest one, and is very lightweight and easy to carry around. It holds a pretty good charge so you can use it a few times before you need to recharge it. I like that the side shows four little lights which show how much battery life the power bank has left. I also appreciate the design which is pretty cute and much more stylish than any of the other phone banks I’ve used before. — Jamie Spain , travel bookings editor

travel battery charger cable

Battery capacity: 4,500 mAh Dimensions: 3" x 2" x 1"

I never go anywhere—to work, to dinner, to travel—without this tiny portable charger. It’s about the size of my AirPods case or my favorite lipstick, meaning I can pack it in nearly any fanny pack, sling bag, or tote I’m carrying. And while I love it most for its compact size, it also really works—giving my phone a full charge on the go. I’ve been using mine to charge my iPhone for years and have even gifted it to several family members and friends. — Meaghan Kenny , associate commerce editor

Newly tested chargers

travel battery charger cable

Battery capacity: 10,000 mAh Dimensions: ‎5" x 3" x 0.5" Charging power: Two full phone charges

Until being asked to test one for this story, I never really used a portable charger. This was not for lack of need—my phone’s battery is perennially in the orange, and no lifestyle changes or memory tricks have availed in fixing who I am as a forgetful person. Keeping this INIU power bank in my messenger bag has, quite simply, made my life a whole lot easier. The charge comes lightning-fast, and its charging port is the same as required for my Macbook, plus there are two USB out ports so you can charge two devices (even three, if you want to use the charging port as well!) at once. The little paw tracks how charged up it is at any given time, with little toes blinking blue from left to right, which is just icing on the cake. — Charlie Hobbs , editorial assistant, destinations

Pros : Can charge up to three devices at once, slim, charges devices quickly Cons : A bit heavy

travel battery charger cable

Battery capacity: 6,000 mAh Dimensions: 4" x 3" x 0.5" Charging power: One full phone charge

I was very impressed with this ultra-slim power bank. It’s about the size of a credit card and lightweight, easily fitting in my jacket pocket or purse. Conveniently, it features two built-in cables and a USB to charge an iPhone or other devices directly. These small built-in cables can be neatly tucked into the device when you’re not using them, so there’s no need to worry about tangled cords in your tech case. It gives my iPhone a full charge quickly, and can even charge multiple devices at one time. Another feature I love: There’s a small LED light on the device that lets you see how much charge the power bank has left. — M.K.

Pros : Small, built-in fast-charging cables  Cons : Power bank drains quickly

travel battery charger cable

Battery capacity: 5,000 mAh Dimensions: 4" x 3" x 0.5" Charging power: One full phone charge

For weeks, this foldable charger kept popping up on TikTok and Instagram—when I finally got my hands on one, it didn’t disappoint. The credit card-sized portable charger is probably the most compact one I own, and is magnetic, which means you don’t have to pull out a cord or deal with a tangle of wires in your bag or lap when using it. At first, I was doubtful of how strong the magnet would be, and found myself being delicate with my phone when moving through an airport while charging, but over time I’ve gotten used to the durability. I’ve taken it with me on a few recent flights, and have been using the kickstand when watching videos or shows on my phone—though of note, the kickstand angle is better for viewing your phone vertically rather than horizontally. — M.F.

Pros : Compact, good for in-flight or daily use, charges via a USB-C cable Cons : Can only charge a single device at once; requires MagSafe case; gets warm with extended use

travel battery charger cable

Battery capacity: 2,500 mAh power Dimensions: 5" x 3" x 0.5" Charging power: One full phone charge

Calpak is a Traveler team favorite, but I hadn’t had a chance to branch out to more of their travel accessories . Voila, the portable charger that not only charges your devices but is in a beautiful leather luggage tag that you can personalize. I’ve taken it on flights to Barcelona and Cleveland where I was met with different scenarios for each trip. Traveling to a different country, I was concerned that I would run into issues with trying to use an adapter, but that was not the case. It was my saving grace while in the airport, and was an everyday necessity when I was on walking tours. It’s smaller than an iPhone but just as thin, so it can fit into a jacket pocket or crossbody bag. You can only charge one device at a time and while it is helpful, it is not a charger you should rely on for more than a few hours or so. Also if you do decide to use it more as a luggage tag, you'll need to take the charger off before checking in your luggage at the airport. — P.W.

Pros : Small, thin, lightweight Cons : Only charges one device at a time

The best portable chargers and power banks in 2024

Here are the best portable chargers to keep your devices juiced up while you're on the go

  • Best overall
  • Best for USB-C
  • Best lightweight
  • Best compact
  • How to choose
  • How we test

Best Portable Chargers and Power Banks

1. The list in brief 2. Best overall 3. Best Anker 4. Best for USB-C 5. Best lightweight 6. Best compact 7. How to choose 8. How we test

The best portable chargers keep your electronics powered while you're out and about.

These handy peripherals can charge a wide range of devices, including the best phones , the best tablets , the best Kindles and even the best laptops . Because you'll inevitably find yourself with low battery life when outdoors, you'll need a reliable portable charger to keep your electronics going. Not having one could prove to be extremely inconvenient.

We've done a battery (pun intended) of tests on some of the most highly-rated portable chargers on the market. To that end, we've pulled from both big brands and popular competitors. While these specific portable chargers regularly appear on bestseller lists, they're all different in several important ways.

We've got these best portable chargers ranked in order of what we would buy, with shoutouts for the best portable charger, our favorite compact charger, and the best portable charger for USB-C.

Tony Polanco author photo

Tony is a computing writer at Tom’s Guide covering laptops, tablets, Windows, and iPadOS. During his off-hours, Tony enjoys reading comic books, playing video games, reading speculative fiction novels, and spending too much time on Twitter. His work has appeared in publications such as Laptop Mag, PC Mag, and various independent gaming sites.

The quick list

Here's a quick overview of the best portable chargers you can buy right now based on our testing and reviews.

INIU 10000mAh Portable Charger

The best portable charger overall

The INIU 10000mAh is one of the best portable chargers we've tested. If you're looking for the best power efficiency for your on-the-go lifestyle, this is it because you'll spend very little time charging your phone to get back a lot of battery.

Read more below

Anker PowerCore Slim 10000

The best Anker portable charger

The Anker PowerCore Slim 10000 is heavier than the INIU 10000 but it still charges phones extremely fast. In fact, you'll want to buy it if you intend on filling your phone all the way up to 100% because it does it faster than everything else we've tested.

INIU 20W 20000 mAh power bank

The best portable charger for USB-C

While INIU's 20-watt brick is a bit heavy (the second heaviest on this list), its dual-function USB-C port makes it a clear favorite for one of the best portable chargers for those charging with the reversible port. This way, you can both charge it and charge other devices with the same USB-C cables.

Anker PowerCore Essential 20000mAh

The best lightweight portable charger

Anker's 20,000 mAh brick is lighter than comparable bricks you'll want to get it because its USB-C ports offer speedier charges for all of your devices. And since it uses Anker's IQ charging tech, it will automatically detect what devices are connected and will optimize their charging.

Anker PowerCore 5000

The best compact portable charger

The PowerCore 5000 is one of the most compact portable chargers you can find, occupying very little space thanks to its cylindrical design. Don't let its small size fool you because it still packs a sizable 50,000 mAh battery inside it.

The best portable chargers you can buy today

Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.

INIU 10000mAh Portable Charger

1. INIU 10000mAh Portable Charger

Specifications, reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

A shocking upset for the top slot, Anker (the typical standard-bearer) loses to INIU's 10000 mAh charger. This brick is one of the best portable chargers. Not only did its charging times and speeds sit near the top of the chart but it's got 2 USB-A output ports to the Anker PowerCore Slim 10000's single USB-A charging port. And since that second port can be the difference between powering a secondary device while you charge your phone (or helping a friend out when they need it), we're giving the INIU the overall nod.

For a brand we're not that familiar with, this INIU charger stood up in 15-minute and 1-hour timed charging (at 22%, 78%), with times that were within 1-2 percentage points ahead of the PowerCore Slim's times. It only failed to beat the Anker to fill a complete phone once, putting up a 2-hour time, four minutes behind the Anker. Both chargers refilled about 2.2-2.25 iPhone 12s, so it's practically a tie. INIU also has a longer warranty: its 3-year plan is twice as long as Anker's 18-month window.

Anker PowerCore Slim 10000

2. Anker PowerCore Slim 10000

Our number 2 pick (still one of the best portable chargers) is the Anker PowerCore Slim 10000, which is a bit heavier than the INIU 10000 pack (7.3 ounces to 6.9 ounces). But it would have taken the top slot had it had that second USB-A output port. That's because its charging times were so close to the INIU brick (21% in 15 minutes, 76% in an hour) and its overall time to fill an iPhone 12 was 4 minutes shorter, at 1 hour and 56 minutes.

But it's so close to the INIU that we have to keep it as the #2-ranked portable charger. These bricks are so close, practically within margins of error in testing. If you only need to charge one device at a time, and the sale pricing makes the Slim 10000 that much cheaper than the INIU, go for it.

INIU 20W 20000 mAh power bank

3. INIU 20W 20000 mAh power bank

USB-C is no longer the port of the future, it's the port of the day. And while INIU's 20-watt brick is a bit heavy (the second heaviest on this list), its dual-function USB-C port makes it a clear favorite for one of the best portable chargers for those charging with the reversible port. This way, you can both charge it and charge other devices with the same USB-C cables, and you've also got two other USB-A ports for recharging other devices.

On top of that, it turned in the best performance in the 1-hour charging window, bringing our dead iPhone 12 to 81% of its charge. And its 1-hour and 57-minute time to bring that iPhone to a full charge is the second-best of the pack, only off by a minute from the PowerCore Slim 10000. Its high capacity of 20000 mAh also meant it refueled an iPhone more than most of these chargers, with 4.78 iPhone 12 refills.

Anker PowerCore Essential 20000mAh

4. Anker PowerCore Essential 20000mAh

Anker's 20,000 mAh brick is lighter than comparable bricks by a few ounces, but its charging scores are consistently behind by 3 to 4%. Its other win is seen in its USB-C input for faster charging of the brick, but since it only has USB-A output, you're going to be refueling at a lower rate than you might like. It also has one fewer USB-A output than competitors.

All that said, though, we could see an individual finding this to be the right charger for their needs. Anyone who is looking to primarily charge their own phone, and wants a high-capacity pack so they need to refuel less frequently will appreciate the more-portable weight. All you need is a pocket big enough to hold it, and you'll have juice for days.

=Anker PowerCore 5000

5. Anker PowerCore 5000

Compared to the higher-rated 5,000 mAh charger on our list (the Poweradd Slim 2) Anker PowerCore 5000 lags behind on speeds. It only refueled 62% of the iPhone 12 in the first hour of charging, which is the second-lowest score on the list.

The best aspect of the PowerCore 5000 is that it hit 19% after 15 minutes, which is 7% above the Miady power banks. There's nothing particularly wrong with this charger, but nothing impressive either. If you got it as a present, you might hold onto it and get a ton of use out of it. If it goes on sale for a deep discount, we wouldn't be against considering it. But at the end of the day, it's low on our list for a reason.

How to choose the best portable charger

Finding the right charger capacity: You'll often see a four to five-digit number, with the letters mAh following it, and that's your first big indicator of how much this charger is right for you. If you're constantly refueling your phone and other gadgets, go for at least 10,000mAh. For each extra device you charge, add at least 5,000 to the mAh rating you're looking for. Just need to prevent your device from hitting 0 on late nights out? You'll be good with something in the under 5,000 mAh rating, provided you remember to charge it often.

Be a ports authority: If you hold onto your devices forever, and don't already know what a USB-C port is, you can probably just get whatever fits your price. But if you're the kind who wants faster charging, look for a brick that has PD in its name. The best portable chargers, at least for my money, charge devices the fastest and use the Power Delivery (PD) standard. Also, their USB-C ports mean you can refuel these power banks with the same cords used to charge modern laptops.

How we test the best portable chargers

You want a charger that was put through the rigors of refueling, so we did just that. With timers in hand, we kept draining an iPhone 12 and then timed how much time it took for each power bank to refuel those phones. Along the way, we checked out how much of said iPhone 12 (the same one) were refueled after 15 and 60 minutes. We kept that iPhone at 100% brightness the whole time.

Our ranking also factored in the portability and designs of each model, as especially small and pocket-friendly chargers can't physically store as many mAh of battery power as their larger brethren. Similarly, the smaller a charger is, the less likely it has more than two ports (one for gaining a charge, the other for giving power).

Those looking to keep their tech protected throughout each and every charge should check out our guide to the best surge protectors .

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Tony Polanco

Tony is a computing writer at Tom’s Guide covering laptops, tablets, Windows, and iOS. During his off-hours, Tony enjoys reading comic books, playing video games, reading speculative fiction novels, and spending too much time on X/Twitter. His non-nerdy pursuits involve attending Hard Rock/Heavy Metal concerts and going to NYC bars with friends and colleagues. His work has appeared in publications such as Laptop Mag, PC Mag, and various independent gaming sites.

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  • Codeape Anker has 2 usb a output ports (even says so in your description)... -ve for that device says just one usb a output port... Reply
  • Marcel Bro Best power banks and chargers of 2023? And most of them only output USB A?! This article is heavily outdated. Reply
  • Arctic Strix This article was either done by a bad Ai, written within 5min by someone who searched for the most bought battery banks on Amazon, or reused from several years ago. The "best portable charger" is not a 10,000mAh USB-A 15W charger for $20, that's just one of the most purchased on Amazon. One of the best portable power banks is going to be the Anker 737 or the Ugreen 145w. They both feature two type C outputs and one type A output, the Anker 737 being able to output up to 140W compared to Ugreen maxing at 100W. Anker has a 24000mAh battery and PD3.1 complaint and Ugreen is 25000mAh with PD3.0; they both are compatible with all charging standards. These might be a bit overkill for the general user, but they are among the best, if not the best portable power banks. Reply
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travel battery charger cable

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The 11 Best Portable Power Bank Chargers for Travel [2024]

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The 11 Best Portable Power Bank Chargers for Travel [2024]

Table of Contents

Things to look for in a power bank, the 11 best portable power banks for travel, final thoughts.

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When you’re miles from anywhere, a portable power bank can quickly become your very best friend.

Giving an extra burst of battery life to your cell phone or iPad can keep you amused for longer, or more importantly, ensure that you’re always able to get in touch with the rest of the world.

Size and Weight

Power bank size

Your power bank is designed to be portable, otherwise, what’s the point?! With this in mind, the physical size and weight of it will be major factors in considering which one is right for you.

The charger should be able to fit neatly in the same space as your cell phone; otherwise, you’ll have one in your pocket while carrying the other in your hand — not cool!

Bottom Line: Look for one that will fit neatly in your pocket, purse, or backpack . While power banks should have a sturdy feel about them, they shouldn’t be uncomfortably heavy, so opt for one that’s light enough not to weigh you (or your pockets) down.

Milliamp (mAh)

The power capacity that your power bank kicks out is measured in milliamp-hours or “mAh.” The amount of mAh available will define how much charge you can expect to get out of your power bank.

Common capacity ratings range from 2,000mAh to 20,000mAh and in some cases, even as high as 40,000mAh. To give you a rough idea of how the amount of mAh juice in the bank affects what you can charge and how often, consider the following:

  • An iPhone 7 can be charged approximately 6 times with a 20,000mAh power bank
  • A Samsung Galaxy S8 can be charged approximately 4.5 times with a 20,000mAh power bank
  • An iPad mini can be charged approximately 4 times with a 20,000mAh power bank

Think about what devices you need a power bank for and how long you’ll be away from a power outlet. If you just need something to keep your phone topped up a couple of times a day, a 5,000mAh or 10,000mAh will do the job just fine and it will be physically smaller, too.

Hot Tip: Most airlines will cap power banks at 20,000mAh while some will allow larger. Always check with your airline as to what the maximum capacity requirements are.

Inputs (1A, 2A, or 2.4A)

Power Bank

At some point, your power bank will need charging up to ensure it can provide the backup charge power you need. What you want is a nice, quick recharge speed that means you can get back out there without having to be attached to a wall socket for hours on end.

The input charging speed is dependent on the type of wall charger used. A standard wall charger with a 2A output would recharge the power bank twice as fast as one with only a 1A output. For this to happen, your power bank would need to offer a 2A input.

While some do offer this, many still rely on a 1A input which will take longer to reach a full charge.

Hot Tip: Newer power banks can be charged even more quickly with the addition of a 2.4A input option. Look out for these if you want the fastest charge on the market. 

1. Pint-sized Perfection for Single-use Charging

BEST OVERALL: Anker PowerCore 5000 Power Bank

Anker PowerCore, 5000 mAh Ultra-Compact Portable Charger

Capacity: 5,000mAh

Lightweight and super useful, this tiny, compact charger is enough to provide 2 full charges for your iPhone 8 or 1 charge for your iPhone X or Samsung Galaxy S9.

Measuring 4.5 x 1.3 x 1.3 inches and weighing 4.8 ounces, you’ll have no problem fitting this handy charger in your pocket or purse on the go.

With a fairly impressive battery capacity of 5,000mAh, this product is well-made and is an excellent example of an established brand squeezing good-quality components into small packages.

The charger features PowerIQ technology that identifies the type of device it’s charging to optimize efficiency, as well as a VoltageBoost to overcome cable resistance for top-speed charging.

With both a USB and micro USB port and the ability to be fully recharged in as little as 3 to 4 hours, this small battery pack will be with you on every adventure.

As a one-off, emergency charger, this is one of the best in the business. When you need that little bit extra, you can retrieve this from your handbag to allow you to stay charged on the go.

There’s no real downside to this particular power bank, but if you want more power, you’ll need to invest in a model with more capacity. As with all Anker chargers, this model also comes with an 18-month warranty.

What We Like

  • Comes with a travel pouch

What We Don’t Like

  • Doesn’t include a USB-C cable

2. Superstar Power Bank Offering Dual Charging

UPGRADE PICK: Portable Charger Power Bank 25800mAh Huge Capacity

  • Lanluk Portable Charger Power Bank

Capacity: 25,800mAh

This is a popular and very impressive power bank from Lanluk. With 2 incredibly fast USB ports, powerful and efficient lithium-ion batteries, and a highly portable design, this is a great option for anyone who needs to boost their power on the go.

Measuring just 5.9 x 3 x 0.6 inches and weighing 12.3 ounces, the slightly heavy feeling in your pocket is more than made up for by the superfast charging capability it offers.

This power bank has 2 USB ports that can be used to charge multiple devices at the same time — 1 2.1A outport and 1 1A outport. The unit also offers Auto IC technology that very cleverly identifies your device for maximum charge efficiency .

Different devices will vary on how many times they can be charged, but to give you an idea, your iPhone 8 could be charged a whopping 7 times when this power bank is fully charged.

  • Charges 2 devices at once
  • Recharge of the power bank could be quicker

3. A Great Little Charger That Packs a Punch

TG90 Portable Charger

  • TG90 6000 mAh Portable Charger

Capacity: 6,000mAh

Compact and lightweight, this small power bank is incredibly portable. Weighing in at just 4.3 ounces and measuring only 4.1 x 0.5 x 2.6 inches, complete with cables, it’s one of the smallest 6,000mAh chargers available .

This TG90 power bank can easily fit in your pocket, purse, or day bag for easy charging on the go and its tiny size belies its powerful charging capabilities. Built-in iPhone and Android cables mean you don’t need to remember to bring your cables, and there are 2 additional 2A outputs (USB and Type-C) for charging multiple devices.

When it comes to charging your power bank back up, this can be done in as little as 3 hours without other connections, or you can charge up while charging your portable devices at the same time. If you happen to be short of light, this power bank also has a handy built-in LED flashlight.

This is a great power pack for the price, and should you run into any problems, you can relax knowing that it comes with a 12-month manufacturer’s warranty.

  • Small and lightweight to fit in any bag
  • Only holds a charge for 1 or 2 phones

4. A Great All-around Charger for Days Out and Long Journeys

Anker 321 Power Bank

  • Anker 321 Power Bank

Capacity: 5,200mAh

The Anker 321 Power Bank   offers a handy amount of extra capacity for keeping your iPhone, Android phone, iPad, or tablet topped up while you’re away from home.

Measuring just 3.78 x 1.78 x 0.91 inches and weighing 4.5 ounces, you’ll easily be able to take this everywhere with you.

Using Anker’s PowerIQ device-detection technology, charging times will be adjusted to help reduce charging time and increase efficiency, depending on what device you have plugged in.

With a USB-A and USB-C port, you can charge 2 devices at the same time and this compact portable charger has enough power to charge your iPhone 13 once. The bright LED indicators show the power level at a glance.

This is a great portable charger from one of the best brands on the market. Affordable and efficient, this won’t last you for weeks on end, but it will provide you with more than enough power for an extra charge or 2 when you need it the most.

  • Comes with an 18-month warranty
  • Doesn’t come with an iPhone charging cable

5. A Firm Favorite for Those Who Need Power

Anker PowerCore II Slim 10000

  • Anker PowerCore II 10000 Ultra Slim Power Bank

Capacity: 10,000mAh

The upgraded PowerCore II is an impressive power bank that features Anker’s new charging chip.

Being able to squeeze the power into a single chip makes for a lighter and more powerful charger that’s more portable than ever before. Measuring 5.39 x 2.6 x 0.59 inches and weighing just 7.52 ounces, you can easily pop this in your handbag, backpack, or pocket.

Kicking out 10,000mAh of power, you’ll be able to charge your iPhone 8/X/XS/XS Max/XR, Android smartphones, tablets, USB-C MacBook, or your iPad anywhere you go. When it comes to recharging the device itself, it can take between 4 and 10 hours, depending on the type of input you’re using.

The super-high-speed capacity means you can quickly and efficiently charge an iPhone X over 2.4 times, a Galaxy S9 2.2 times or an iPhone 8 over 3.6 times before the power bank’s battery is empty.

The PowerCore II looks as good as it functions, too, with a soft silicone surface that cushions your smartphone and helps to prevent scuffs and scratches, as well as a slim design that can rest perfectly next to your cell phone.

  • Super thin to fit easily into your carry-on or laptop bag
  • Only has 1 USB port

6. One of the Best-loved Power Banks Ever Made

Anker powercore 13000.

Capacity: 13,000mAh

This ultra-portable, 2-point power bank is robust enough to go anywhere with you while offering the capacity to keep your cell phone or devices topped up on the go.

Measuring 3.8 x 3.1 x 0.9 inches and weighing just 8.47 ounces, this lightweight charger is small enough to fit in your pocket, purse, or wallet alongside your cell phone.

With enough oomph to charge an iPhone 8 almost 5 times, an iPhone X or Samsung Galaxy S8 3 times, or an iPad Air 2 1 time, this is useful for anyone on the move.

The patented PowerIQ technology ensures intelligent high-speed charging for all your devices, while the VoltageBoost prevents cable resistance from slowing your charging speeds.

With simultaneous dual-port charging, you can be off on your adventures again in no time. As some of the most popular and best-selling portable chargers in the world, the PowerCore range is fast to charge up. You can have a fully charged power bank in 4 to 10 hours, depending on the cable speed.

30% lighter than other comparable power banks and just the right size to take anywhere, this is a solid option for anyone looking for more power away from home.

  • Has 2 high-speed USB ports
  • No wall charger included

7. A Great Choice for Charging Small Laptops on the Go

Sikon AC Outlet Portable Laptop Power Bank

  • Sikon AC Outlet Portable Laptop Power Bank

Capacity : 31,200mAh

This is a veritable beast of a power bank that provides a whopping 31,200mAh, an AC outlet, and 3 additional USB outputs (5V/2A, and Type-C output and input 5V/3A,) all wrapped up in a thin, highly portable power bank.

Weighing in at 2.4 pounds and measuring 2.8 x 2.8 x 8.6 inches, it’s too big to fit in your pocket but should fit just fine in a large purse or laptop case. If you want to work on your laptop on the go and keep it powered up, this is a reasonably compact choice, given the amount of power it can provide you with.

While the Sikon Power Bank is compatible with numerous devices, its primary function is to keep your laptop operational no matter where you are .

It works best in association with smaller laptops such as MacBooks, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Microsoft Surface Pro, Dell XPS, HP TPN-C116, and THINKPAD E430, as well as some others that operate at no more than 85 watts.

It provides fast and effective charging capabilities, although 1.8 full charges of your laptop will drain the power bank entirely, meaning you’ll need to plug it into a wall socket somewhere before you head out again.

It will also charge your phone, GoPro, iPad, and even gaming gadgets, so while it works well with laptops, it’s not limited to just their use.

  • The display shows the percentage of charge remaining
  • The cooling fan is quite loud

8. Best Value Power Bank for Outdoor Adventures

BLAVOR Solar Power Bank

BLAVOR Solar Power Bank

Great for outdoor explorers, this 10,000mAh portable power bank comes complete with carabiner, compass, and a built-in flashlight to help you stay connected and on track wherever you are.

Measuring 5.9 x 2.9 x 0.9 inches and weighing 9.3 ounces, this is a great choice for anyone needing extra power on the go.

This power bank also doubles as a Qi wireless charging device.

This power bank has a choice of micro USB, USB-A and USB-C connections. It can efficiently charge 3 devices simultaneously and most cell phones between 2 and 2.5 times on 1 full charge.

While it does offer solar power capabilities, it’s advised that this function is used as backup and that the power bank be fully charged before you set off on your next adventure.

Designed to last, this sturdy charger is IPX5 waterproof, dustproof, and shockproof and covered in flameproof material, making it a durable outdoor addition to your camping, hiking, or trekking equipment to ensure that you can reliably keep in touch with the rest of the world when you head off the grid.

The only downside to this particular model is that the solar panel seems like a bit of a gimmick, but if that doesn’t worry you, it’s still a useful little charger for using away from home.

  • Great for camping or other outdoor adventures
  • The solar panel isn’t something to rely on

9. 2 Power Banks for all Your Charging Needs

2-Pack Miady 10000mAh Dual USB Portable Charger

2-Pack Miady 10000mAh Dual USB Portable Charger

Capacity: 10,000mAh each

This 2-pack of Miady power banks will ensure that your devices never run out of juice. While not in the same leagues as the more expensive, bigger brand power bars and banks on the market, the Miady portable charger is a nifty bank that will see you right for an extra charge when you need it most.

Keep both chargers for yourself or gift the second to your partner or friend. You can choose between a set of black and white power banks or a couple of other brightly colored combinations.

This power bank can charge cell phones and small devices quickly and offers 10,000mAh capability. There are 2 USB outputs on both devices, both rated at 2.4A, and a micro USB port rated at 2A.

4 LEDs light up to indicate the percentage of power remaining (each light represents 25%) and the power bank automatically powers off if no device has been connected for 30 seconds.

  • Available in a few different color combinations
  • Doesn’t always start charging automatically when plugged in

10. Great for Gamers on the Go

Marval.P GuliKit Battery Master

  • Antank Power Bank For Nintendo Switch

With enough power to charge up your Nintendo Switch even while you play it, this is a medium-sized charger that measures 6.1 x 3.2 x 1.9 inches and weighs 8.8 ounces. It was the first power bank to neatly attach directly to the back of a Switch , so there’s no need to hold it awkwardly while you play.

This nifty power bank will give you between 8.5 and 12 hours of total charge playing some of your favorite Nintendo Switch games.

While this power bank has a built-in Type-C cable to connect to your Switch, there’s also a Type-C port and a USB (3A) to charge up your iPhone and other devices.

  • Can be used and charged simultaneously
  • Can feel quite weighty on the back of the Switch

11. Great for Vacations and Overnight Stays

VimPower Portable Charger

  • VimPower Portable Charger 22000mAh Battery Pack

Capacity: 22,000mAh

Made from 2 high-density, lithium polymer batteries, this multi-device charging power bank is an effective and affordable way to keep your cell phone, iPhone, or iPad fully charged on the go.

Weighing just 1.1 pounds and measuring 7.5 x 4 x 1.3 inches, this clever pack will easily fit in your purse, backpack, or laptop bag.

This power bank features 2 USB A ports, 1 Type-C port, and 2 micro USB ports, which can charge multiple devices at the same time, and it comes with a couple of charging cables, too. The highly efficient 22,000mAh capacity battery can charge most phones over 5 times, and most tablets over 4 times, meaning you can keep entertained and in touch wherever you go.

The 15W and 30W ports supply super-quick charge times that are 2 to 3 times faster than traditional power banks , and to give you an idea of this speed — an iPhone XS Max can be charged to 50% in just 30 minutes.

For its size and capability, this power bank is to back to full charge in as little as 7 hours, and should you experience problems, it does come with a full 3-year warranty from the manufacturer.

  • 30W ports can charge some laptops
  • Different ports aren’t clearly marked with charging capabilities

There are plenty of reasons why you should invest in a portable power bank and there are just as many types and variations for you to choose from.

Before you commit, look for a model that can charge your devices quickly and efficiently and that doesn’t take days on end to charge itself.

An efficient power bank will completely transform the way you use our portable devices when you’re away from home. Choose wisely, and you will be able to extend the battery life of your cell phone, tablet, laptop, and even small gaming consoles, literally anywhere in the world.

Love streamlining your travel tech? Don’t miss out on these other product reviews:

  • The Best Portable and Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspots for Travel
  • The Best Portable Bluetooth Speakers for Travel
  • The Best Travel Electronic Organizers for Your Cables and Cords
  • Best Travel Products – Tech & Photography Focus

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i bring a power bank on a plane.

Power banks can only be transported on a plane in a carry-on and cannot be in your checked luggage.

Airlines usually allow a 100Wh power bank with a 5V output, which equates to 20,000mAh.

Some airlines will allow 160Wh power banks if you declare it beforehand. Always check with your airline before you fly.

What is the best portable power bank?

Some of the best portable power banks that we recommend are:

  • Anker PowerCore 1300
  • Anker PowerCore 5000 mAh Ultra-Compact Portable Charger
  • Qi Solar Power Bank

Is 20,000mAh good for a portable charger?

20,000mAh is a fairly common capacity for many portable chargers, which equates to around 6 full charges of an iPhone 7.

How many mAh is good for a portable charger?

How do i choose a portable charger.

The important things to consider when choosing a portable charger are:

  • The size and weight, so it’s not too bulky for your needs
  • The power capacity that the power bank kicks out (measured in milliamp-hours or “mAh”)
  • The input charging speed

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About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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The 18 Best Portable Chargers for All of Your Devices

Portable chargers

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Small rounded rectangular bright blue device beside a black rectangular device both with strap handles

Best Overall Nimble Champ (Series 2) Read more

Silver rectangular device with small screen showing the charging percentage sitting on a wooden surface

The Upgrade Pick Anker 737 Power Bank Read more

Small black rectangular device with a USB stick sticking out of one side

Best for Phones Anker Nano Power Bank Read more

Einova Ultra Fast Power Bank 63 charging two smartphones and an AirPods case

Best for Tablets Einova Eggtronic Ultra Fast Power Bank (63W) Read more

Portable devices have a Murphy’s law–like ability to run out of power at the least convenient moment: as you step on the bus, right in the middle of an important meeting, or just as you get comfortable on the couch and press Play. But if you keep a battery-powered portable charger handy, all those situations are a thing of the past.

There are hundreds of portable battery packs, and picking one can be confusing. To help, we've spent years working our way through all of them. This obsession started when Scott Gilbertson lived off-grid in a vintage RV , powered primarily by solar panels. But even if you're not living in an off-grid solar setup, good power banks will come in handy. These are our favorites. Be sure to check out our Best MagSafe Power Banks guide for Apple-specific portable chargers, and our Best Portable Power Stations guide if you need more power.

Updated April 2024: We added power banks from Raycon, Sharge, and Fans Dreams, among others, removed several sold-out or discontinued chargers, and updated prices throughout.

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Best Overall

The Nimble Champ topped this list for years, and now its successor is taking over by combining everything that made the original so good and bringing some welcome improvements. At 6.2 ounces, it's one of the lightest on the market. It's smaller than a deck of cards and can deliver 20 watts to charge two devices at once via a USB-C port on either end. While Scott used the original for years, the new version has only just landed, but so far, so good. It feels durable, comes in a snazzy new range of speckled color finishes, and has a bright lanyard loop that makes for easy carrying and helps you pick it out of your backpack. The Pro version is bigger but doubles the capacity (to 20,000 mAh) and has a similar design with two USB-C ports that go up to 65 watts. There's also a smaller version with a 5,200-mAh capacity that tops out at 15 watts.

The other reason we like Nimble best is because of its environmental efforts . Batteries are not environmentally benign. They use lithium, cobalt, and other rare metals whose supply chains are environmentally and socially questionable at best. But Nimble's use of bioplastics and plastic-free minimal packaging at least reduces the environmental impact where it can be reduced. This new version uses 90 percent recycled plastic (up 25 from the original) and comes in smaller plastic-free packaging. Nimble includes a 3.3-foot USB-C to USB-C cable in the box.

Two USB-C ports (20 W). Can charge most smartphones two or three times (10,000 mAh).

The Upgrade Pick

For folks who don’t mind paying for quality, the Anker 737 is a versatile and reliable beast with a whopping 24,000-mAh capacity. With Power Delivery 3.1 support, this power bank can send or receive up to 140 watts to charge phones, tablets, and even laptops. You can charge it from zero to full within an hour. It’s relatively compact for its capacity, but it weighs almost 1.4 pounds. Tap the circular power button on the side once, and the snazzy digital display shows the remaining battery percentage; tap it again, and you get stats including the temperature, total output, cycles, and more. The screen also displays watts in or out when you plug something in and a remaining time estimate based on the current rate. It fast-charged everything I tested it with, and you can charge three devices at once without a problem.

Two USB-C ports (140 W) and one USB-A (18 W). Can charge most phones at least four times (24,000 mAh).

Best for Phones

If you want a compact charger in a fun color that simply slots into the bottom of your phone for a top-up, Anker’s dinky charger is tough to beat. This power bank has a built-in rotating USB-C or Lightning connector (MFi certified), so you don’t need to worry about cables. It packs 5,000 mAh of energy (enough to fully charge most phones). I tested the USB-C version with several Android phones and found it stayed in place, enabling me to use my phone more or less as normal. There’s a USB-C port for recharging the power bank, and it comes with a short cable. It might not be a good pick if you use a thick case.

One USB-C (22.5 W) or Lightning (12 W) connector and one USB-C port for charging only. Can charge most phones once (5,000 mAh).

Best for Tablets

WIRED reviews editor Julian Chokkattu has been enjoying his time toting around this 20,000-mAh charger. It's slim, fits easily into the padded sleeve of most backpacks, and has enough capacity to recharge an 11-inch tablet twice from zero percent. It's capable of dishing out 45 watts of power for fast charging via the USB-C port, and 18 watts from the middle USB-A port. In a pinch, you can use it to recharge a laptop (as long as it's not a power-sucking machine like a MacBook Pro). It has a lovely fabric material on the exterior, and there's an LED that shows how much juice is left in the tank.

Two USB-A ports (18 W and 10.5 W) and one USB-C (45 W). Can charge most tablets two times (20,000 mAh).

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Goal Zero Sherpa 100 portable charger

Best for Laptops

Goal Zero updated its Sherpa line of portable chargers with better wireless charging capabilities: 15 watts, up from 5 watts in the previous model. I tested the Sherpa AC, which features two USB-C ports (60-watt and 100-watt), two USB-A ports, and a 100-watt AC port for those devices that need a pronged plug. It strikes a good balance between power storage (93 watt-hours in my drain test) and weight (2 pounds). It’s enough to charge up my Dell XPS 13 almost twice.

You get a nice color LCD display that shows how much power you've got left, how many watts are coming in, how many are going out, and a rough guess as to how much longer the battery will last (if conditions remain the same). Recharge times vary depending on whether or not you have the Sherpa wall charger (sold separately), but I was able to get it to recharge in under three hours no matter what power source I used. There's also an 8-mm port on the back for attaching a solar panel if you have one. The Sherpa is not cheap, but if you don't need the AC out and can live with a single USB-C (100-watt out, 60-watt in), the Sherpa PD is otherwise the same thing for $200.

Two USB-C ports (60 W and 100 W), two USB-A (12 W), and one AC (100 W). Qi wireless charging (15 W). Can charge most laptops one to two times (25,600 mAh).

Ugreen Power Bank

Best for Fast Charging

Ugreen's new charger is, as the name suggests, a 145-watt charger with a 25,000-mAh battery. It's surprisingly compact for the power it provides, although at 1.1 pounds, it's definitely not ultralight. There are two USB-C ports and one USB-A port. What sets the Ugreen apart is that you can actually draw 145 watts while charging. That works out to one USB-C port at 100 W and the other at 45 W. Very few other batteries we've tested are capable of that feat, and none that I know of at this size. If you want to charge fast, this is the power bank for you (although it's worth noting that reviews around the web suggest it doesn't support Samsung's fast-charging tech). There's a small LED readout on the side of the battery with the current charge state of the battery. I'd have liked to see some charging info on that screen as well, but that's a small quibble with what's an otherwise outstanding option if you need to keep your laptop charged up wherever you are.

Two USB-C ports (100 W and 45 W) and one USB-A. Can charge most phones around five times or a laptop once (25,000 mAh).

Long tubeshaped device with clear case showing the internal pieces and an external facing screen

Best Looking Power Bank

I am a sucker for Sharge’s transparent designs and cyberpunk aesthetic, but this prism-shaped power bank is more than just a pretty face. With a maximum output of 170 watts, a whopping 24,000-mAh capacity, and an IP66 rating for water resistance (fine in the rain, but best not to submerge), the Shargeek 170 has form and function. The smart display shows battery life as a percentage, time remaining, and the input or output in watts. It supports many standards, including Power Delivery 3.1, Quick Charge 4.0, and PPS, and it fast-charged most of the devices I tested, including the iPhone 15 Pro, Pixel 8, Xiaomi 14 Ultra, and MacBook Air. You can simultaneously charge three devices at fast speeds, and the box includes a braided USB-C cable and a wee velvety bag. It can also recharge completely in an hour via USB-C at up to 140 watts (with the right cable and charger). The only thing I don’t like is the relatively high price.

Two USB-C ports (165 W) and one USB-A (30 W). Can charge most phones around five times or a laptop once (24,000 mAh).

Satechi Duo wireless charger with iPhone

Folding Wireless Charging

With an unusual design that features a fold-up wireless charging stand for phones and a charging spot behind it for your wireless earbuds case (if it supports Qi wireless charging), plus a USB-C port to plug in a third device, the Satechi Duo is a handy power bank to have in your bag. It has a 10,000-mAh capacity with LEDs to show how much juice is left. The downside is that it is slow, offering up to 10 watts of wireless charging power for phones (7.5 watts for iPhones), 5 watts for earbuds, and 10 watts from the USB-C port. It takes three hours to refill the battery with an 18-watt charger.

One USB-C (10 W) and two Qi wireless charging spots (up to 10 W). Can charge most phones one to two times (10,000 mAh).

Anker MagGo Qi2 Charger

Best Qi2 Portable Charger

The latest entry in Anker’s MagGo range is the first Qi2 power bank we have tested. The Qi2 wireless charging standard borrows elements of Apple’s MagSafe, enabling supported phones to connect with perfect alignment using a ring of magnets. Qi2 brings faster wireless charging rates of up to 15 watts, but is also backward compatible, so older Qi devices can still charge, albeit more slowly. This compact portable charger has a handy kickstand, a two-way USB-C port on the left edge, and a power button with an LED display showing remaining power as a percentage of charge time on the right. It can accommodate Qi2 or MagSafe phones in portrait or landscape orientation (it works with Apple’s StandBy mode ). I tested with an iPhone 14 Pro and got 25 percent in around 20 minutes. Despite a large capacity, it falls short of two full charges for your iPhone when charging wirelessly. You might squeeze a little more if you plug in the short USB-C cable provided.

One USB-C port (27 W) and Qi2 wireless charging (15 W). Can charge most smartphones one or two times (10,000 mAh).

Anker 633 MagGo portable charger

Best MagSafe

One of the biggest problems we run into with portable chargers is forgetting to charge them, so this clever gadget from Anker is one of our favorite iPhone accessories . Ostensibly, it’s a wireless charging stand with MagSafe support that includes a charging spot for your AirPods on the base. The clever part, earning it a place here, is the detachable portable charger that slides out of the stand when you need to go. It stays stuck to the back of any MagSafe iPhone (and Android phones using MagSafe cases ) and continues to charge it wirelessly. You can also recharge the power bank or charge another device with it via the USB-C port. The Anker MagGo 622 ($50) is a good alternative if you just want a MagSafe power bank, and it has a wee foldable stand built in. We recommend some alternatives in our Best MagSafe Power Banks guide .

One USB-C (12 W) and Qi wireless charging (7.5 W). Can charge most phones to between 50 and 80 percent (5,000 mAh).

Belkin BoostChargePro Power Bank

Best for Apple Watch

Remembering to take a power bank with you for a night away is a real achievement, but what about your Apple Watch ? It may be one of the best smartwatches , but the battery rarely lasts beyond a full day. This compact, black power bank from Belkin has a soft-touch finish and an Apple Watch charger built in at one end. Even better, it can fast-charge your Apple Watch, and there’s enough capacity to charge your iPhone or AirPods via USB-C at the same time, making this the perfect portable charger to stow away in your bag or pocket. You get a 1-foot USB-C to USB-C cable in the box.

One USB-C port (20 W) and one Apple Watch fast charger (7.5 W). Can charge most smartphones two or three times (10,000 mAh).

Biolite Charge 20

Best for Outdoors

If you are hiking, camping, cycling, or running, the BioLite is a handy companion. This durable power bank is lightweight, a good size to slip into a pocket, and has a nice grippy textured finish. The yellow plastic makes it easy to spot in a bag or crowded tent, and it indicates the port end, making it easier to plug in when the light is fading. The smallest size is enough to fully charge most phones, and the USB-C handles 18 watts in or out. Two additional USB-A out ports let you simultaneously charge up multiple devices, though you will probably want to size up to the 10,000-mAh Charge 40 ($60) or the 20,000-mAh Charge 80 ($80) if you plan on doing that.

Two USB-A ports (18 W) and one USB-C (18 W). Can charge most phones at least once (6,000 mAh).

Small black squareshaped device with small strap handle and 2 wires tucked into its side sitting on wooden surface

Best Wall Charger Power Bank

Hybrid devices are great when space is limited. This wall charger and power bank in one is a solid hybrid option. WIRED reviewer Eric Ravenscraft raved about it, and after testing, I have to agree. The display shows you what percentage of the 10,000-mAh capacity remains, there's a USB-C port, a USB-A port, and two built-in cables (USB-C and Lightning). But that’s not all. Turn it on its side, and you have a magnetic wireless charger. There’s even a wee slide-out phone stand and a strap for easy carrying. While you can technically charge five devices at once, it’s awkward, and the battery will die quickly. Still, this is a handy multipurpose power bank to have in your bag. You can refill it by plugging it straight into the wall or via the USB-C port, but it takes a few hours to fully charge from empty.

One USB-C port (20 W), one USB-A port (22.5 W), one USB-C cable (15 W), one Lightning cable (12 W), and Qi wireless charging (15 W). Can charge most phones one or two times (10,000 mAh).

Flat black device on wooden surface

Most Portable

The svelte Clutch, available in black, white, or pink, is about the same size as a stack of credit cards and weighs around 2 ounces. It’s designed to slide easily into pockets and bags and offers a modest top-up for your phone’s flagging battery. The third version of the super-slim portable charger packs a larger battery than its predecessors, at 3,300 mAh. You charge it via the USB-C port, and there is a built-in charging cable (there's a different Lightning model). It’s slow, it gets quite warm when plugged in, and a full Clutch added only around 40 percent to my iPhone 14 Pro’s battery. You can get higher capacities and more efficient chargers for less, but portability is the point of the Clutch V3, and it’s a handy size to tuck away in your bag for emergencies.

One USB-C port and a built-in Lightning or USB-C cable. Can top up your phone (3,300 mAh).

Shargeek Storm 2 portable charger

Cyberpunk Style

If you loved the clear craze that gave us a wave of translucent electronics in the 1990s, then you will immediately see the appeal of Shargeek’s power banks. A see-through case provides a clear view of the ports, chips, and bundled rechargeable Samsung Li-ion batteries inside this portable charger. The color display gives you a detailed readout of the voltage, current, and power flowing in or out of each port. If you dig into the menu, you can find stats showing temperature, cycles, and more.

The DC barrel port is unusual, and you can specify the voltage and current you want to suit different devices; it can deliver up to 75 watts. The first USB-C supports PD PPS and can go up to 100 watts (enough to charge a laptop), the second USB-C goes to 30 watts and supports PD 3.0 and Quick Charge 4 standards, and the USB-A port is QC 3.0 and puts out 18 watts. In short, this power bank will fast-charge most devices. It comes with a yellow 100-watt USB-C to USB-C cable and a wee bag. If you don’t care about the DC port, you might prefer the Shargeek Storm 2 Slim ($200) .

Two USB-C ports (100 W and 30 W), one USB-A (18 W), and a DC barrel port. Can charge most laptops once (25,600 mAh).

Panasonic Eneloop Pro Rechargable Batteries

Best for the Rest

Got devices that don't charge via USB? Yes, they're still around. I have an old, but still great, GPS device that runs on AA batteries, headlamps that take AAA batteries, and countless other odds and ends that need batteries. After running through several brands, I've found Eneloop rechargeable batteries to be the longest-lasting and most reliable. The fast Panasonic charger can recharge any combination of AA and AAA batteries in less than three hours, and you can sometimes get it bundled in a pack that includes four AA Eneloop rechargeable batteries.

The standard AA Eneloop batteries hold around 2,000 mAh each, with AAA batteries holding 800 mAh, but you can upgrade to Eneloop Pro (2,500 mAh and 930 mAh, respectively) for more demanding gadgets, or go for Eneloop Lite (950 mAh and 550 mAh) for low-power devices. They come precharged with solar energy, and Eneloop recently switched to plastic-free cardboard packaging.

Rechargeable batteries are a smart idea, and Eneloop are the best , but if you need alkaline batteries for some reason and you are in Europe, check out the Itson range . They are made in the EU from recycled materials, and they are very affordable.

Noco Boost Jump Starter

Best for the Car

It’s a horrible feeling when your car refuses to start because the battery is dead, but if you have a portable battery pack like this one in your trunk, you can give yourself a jump-start. WIRED reviewer Eric Ravenscraft  called it a roadside lifesaver after it jump-started his car several times on a long trip home from out of state. The Noco Boost Plus is a 1,000-amp, 12-volt battery pack with jump leads. It also has a USB-A port to charge your phone and a built-in 100-lumen LED flashlight. It’s a good thing to have in your trunk, but you must remember to charge it every six months. It’s also IP65-rated and good for temperatures from –4 degrees Fahrenheit up to 122 degrees.

One USB-A port. Can jump-start a car up to 20 times.

Large grey square batteryshaped device with handle on top outlets on the front face and a small screen

A Portable Power Station

Folks seeking more power for camping or a long road trip should pick up the Jackery Explorer 300 Plus. This cute and compact battery has a fold-out handle, packs a 288-Wh capacity, and weighs 8.3 pounds. It has two USB-C ports (18 W and 100 W), one USB-A (15 W), a car port (120 W), and an AC outlet (300 W, 600 W surge). There is plenty of power to keep your small gadgets going for a few days. There’s also an AC input, or you can charge it via USB-C. The fan kicks in sometimes, but the Silent Charging Mode keeps it below 45 decibels. You can manage it with Jackery’s app via Bluetooth, and it also has a handy flashlight. We have found Jackery gear reliable and durable, and you can expect to get at least a decade out of this battery. Go any bigger than this and portability gets debatable. We have a separate Best Portable Power Stations guide with recommendations for folks who need a lot of power.

If you want charging options for going off-grid, you can get the 300 Plus with a 40-W book-sized solar panel ($300) . It took me around eight hours to charge the battery with this panel in blue sky sunshine. If you want a faster charge and have the space for a larger panel, consider the 300 Plus with 100-W solar panels ($500) .

Two USB-C ports (100 W and 18 W), one USB-A (1 5W), one car port (120 W), and an AC outlet (300 W). Can charge most phones more than 10 times or a laptop three times (288 Wh).

Green charger device beside silver tubeshaped device both on a wooden surface

Honorable Mentions

There are so many portable chargers out there. Here are a few more we like that just missed out on a place above for one reason or another.

  • Fans Dreams MChaos for $59 : I love the idea of a wearable power bank, and this one comes in lime green with a carabiner that makes it easy to attach to a bag. It also has a built-in, retractable, 28-inch USB-C cable to charge your phone at up to 20 watts. Recharging the power bank is a little slower at 18 watts. The colored LED gives you a sense of remaining juice as it goes from green to orange to red, but the 5,000-mAh capacity means you’ll be lucky to get one full charge for your phone, and even the discounted price feels a little high.
  • Sharge Flow Mini for $20 : With a similar design to Anker’s Nano Power Bank above and the same 5,000-mAh capacity, you might be tempted to go for this instead. It comes with interchangeable USB-C to USB-C or Lightning connectors (which I worry will be easy to lose) and has a built-in USB-C cable that doubles as a strap, though it’s tricky to pull out. There’s a power button with four LEDs to show the remaining power, and it only takes an hour and a half to refill, but the charging rate maxes out at 12 watts either way.
  • Infinacore Pandora Portable Power Global Wireless Charger for $50 : This was our pick for the best wall charger power bank, but the Raycon that replaced it packs more power and charges faster. This is still a decent charger that plugs directly into the wall, and it has the advantage of optional EU and UK plug adapters for an extra $10, making it a handy travel companion. It offers 8,000 mAh via one USB-C port, two USB-A ports (18 W total), and Qi wireless charging (5 W).
  • Baseus Blade 2 for $100 : With an extremely thin design, this 12,000-mAh-capacity power bank is easy to slip into a backpack and can charge most phones a couple of times or top up a laptop at up to 65 watts. It has a display showing battery life as a percentage or time remaining and the input or output for both USB-C ports. We've tried many products from up and down the Baseus product line. While they are generally reliable, we do think there are better options.
  • Iniu Power Bank BI-B64 for $100 : Offering relatively low prices, Iniu is a power bank brand on the rise. This portable charger packs a 27,000-mAh capacity, can put out up to 140 W, and charges three devices at once via the two USB-C ports and a single USB-A port. We also tested the very similar BI-B63 ($60) , which has a slightly lower capacity at 25,000 mAh but seems like a better value. Unfortunately, both fell slightly short of the stated capacity when tested. We also like the color options available in the company's slimmest version .
  • Anker Prime Power Bank for $130 : With a total combined output of 200 W and a hefty 20,000-mAh capacity, this is a solid choice for charging any device; you could even use it to charge two laptops at once via the two USB-C ports. There is a USB-A port, too, and a digital screen like the 737 listed above. You can also buy a Power Base ($70) for this, which enables you to stick the power bank on top and charge it via pogo pins. The base makes it easy to keep the power bank topped up and is handy for desktop charging with two USB-C ports and one USB-A port (combined max output 100 W). I tried the UK version (£130) , which worked great, but WIRED reviews editor Julian Chokkattu had issues with the US base failing to charge the power bank.
  • Anker Nano Power Bank 10,000 for $45 : Another solid option from Anker (also available for £50 from Amazon UK ), this power bank has a built-in USB-C cable that doubles as a loop for easy carrying and a further one USB-C and one USB-A port. It has a 10,000-mAh capacity, good for just shy of two full charges for most phones. It maxes out at 30 watts each way and can be fully charged in around two hours.
  • Acefast Fast Charge Power Bank M1 for $45 : The see-through design and fun colors (we got purple) make this worth a look. It has a 10,000-mAh battery inside, supports Power Delivery, and can go up to 30 watts. The display shows the remaining power as a percentage, and you can recharge it in less than two hours.
  • OtterBox 2-in-1 Power Bank with Apple Watch Charger for $50 : Finished in durable aluminum, this clever OtterBox power bank has a built-in Apple Watch charger. The rubberized bottom helps it stick to surfaces, and Nightstand mode makes it a handy bedside clock. But the limited 3,000-mAh battery means it runs out fast if you use the USB-C to top up your iPhone.
  • Juice 3 Portable Charger for £20: An environmentally conscious alternative for folks in the UK, Juice power banks come in lots of colors, are made from 90 percent recycled plastic, and come in 100 percent recycled packaging. The series is numbered based on roughly how many charges you can expect to get out of it for the average smartphone, so the Juice 3 holds three full charges.
  • Rugd Power Brick for $40 : Also available from Amazon UK (£40) , this shock- and water-resistant (IP67 certified) charger doubles as a bright 16-LED with an SOS mode, and has a hefty 10,050-mAh capacity (one USB-C at 18 W and a USB-A that supports QC). It’s also bright orange, weighs just 280 grams, and comes with a carabiner for easy attachment, all of which make it an excellent camping buddy.
  • Mpowered Luci Pro Lux for $36 : This solar-powered inflatable lantern boasts 10 LEDs and emits a lovely warm glow that’s perfect for camping or walking at night. It is IP67-rated and packs down flat for easy carrying. While it’s not primarily a power bank, the 2,000-mAh battery in the Luci Pro can charge your phone in an emergency. A nearly full Luci Pro boosted my Pixel 6 Pro by around 25 percent. It takes at least 14 hours to charge back up using the solar panels, or you can plug into an outlet and recharge in three.
  • Mophie Powerstation , Powerstation XL , and Powerstation Pro AC for $50+ : Mophie's 2023 update to its Powerstation line has three devices in 10,000-, 20,000-, and 27,000-mAh capacities. They're bulky, nondescript devices with USB-C and USB-A ports, but the latter has an AC port and is great for travel. WIRED reviews editor Julian Chokkattu used the XL during his trip to Japan and had no trouble keeping his Switch Lite and Pixel 7 Pro topped up. There are LEDs to indicate remaining battery life, but there's otherwise nothing special about 'em.
  • Excitrus Magnetic Wireless Power Bank for $120 : Power banks can be dull, so I like the unusual green fabric skin here, and a display embedded in the black plastic frame shows the remaining power percentage. This 20,800-mAh-capacity power bank has two USB-C ports (100 W and 45 W), a USB-A (18 W), and a wireless charging top (10 W) that works with Apple’s MagSafe. On the downside, it’s big, and it seems to drain slowly, even when not in use.
  • iWalk Portable Charger for $40 : WIRED reviews editor Julian Chokkattu used the Lightning version of this power bank while covering the Apple event and it reliably topped up his iPhone. The 4,800-mAh capacity won't fully refill your device, but it's tiny enough to keep in a bag at all times. There's an LED that shows the remaining percentage of power left. The company also has a MagSafe power bank ($30) .

High angle view of a person sitting in woods and charging smart phone with power bank

What to Consider

There are a few things worth thinking about when you’re shopping for a portable charger.

Capacity : The capacity of a power bank is measured in milliampere-hours (mAh), but this can be a little misleading because the amount of power you get out depends on the cable you use , the device you are charging, and the charging method (Qi wireless charging is less efficient). You will never get the maximum capacity. We try to provide an estimate of what you’ll get in terms of charges for devices.

Charging speeds and standards : The charging rate for devices like smartphones is measured in watts (W), but most power banks list the voltage (V) and the amperage (A). Thankfully, you can calculate the wattage yourself simply by multiplying the voltage and amperage. Unfortunately, getting that maximum rate also depends on your device, the standards it supports, and the charging cable you use. Many smartphones, including Apple’s iPhones , support the Power Delivery (PD) standard, meaning you can use higher-power power banks to recharge the device with no issues. A few phones, such as Samsung’s Galaxy S range, support a supplementary PD protocol called PPS (Programmable Power Standard) that goes up to 45 W. Many phones also support Qualcomm’s proprietary Quick Charge (QC) standard. There are also other proprietary fast-charging standards, but you won’t generally find power banks that support them unless they come from the smartphone manufacturer.

Pass-through : If you want to charge your power bank and use it to charge another device simultaneously, it will need pass-through support. The Nimble, GoalZero, Biolite, Mophie, Zendure, and Shargeek portable chargers listed support pass-through charging. Anker discontinued support for pass-through because it found that differences between the output of the wall charger and the input of the device charging can cause the power bank to cycle on and off rapidly and shorten its lifespan. Monoprice does not support pass-through charging, either. We would advise caution when using pass-through, as it can also cause portable chargers to heat up.

Travel : It’s safe to travel with a power bank, but there are two restrictions to keep in mind when you board a flight: You must have the portable charger in your carry-on luggage (it cannot be checked in), and it must not exceed 100 Wh (watt-hours). If your power bank has a larger capacity than 27,000 mAh, you should check with the airline. Below that should not be a problem.

Lithium Ion Batteries

Why You Should Avoid Cheap Stuff

Many years ago, the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 gained notoriety when its batteries caught fire in a series of incidents. There's been a steady stream of similar, though isolated, incidents ever since. However, despite the high-profile coverage of batteries gone wrong, the vast majority of Li-ion batteries are safe.

The chemical reaction that occurs inside a lithium-ion cell is complex, but as in any battery, there's a negative and a positive electrode. In lithium batteries, the negative is a lithium-carbon compound, and the positive is cobalt oxide (though many battery makers are moving away from cobalt). These two compounds cause a reaction that is safe when controlled and delivers energy to your devices. When the reaction gets out of control though, you end up with earbuds melting in your ears. What changes a safe reaction to an uncontrolled reaction can be any number of things: excess heat, physical damage during use, physical damage during manufacture, or using the wrong charger. 

The three basic rules that have kept me safe (thus far) through testing dozens and dozens of batteries are:  

  • Avoid cheap cords, chargers, and outlet adapters.
  • Make sure batteries aren't exposed to excessive heat (over 110 degrees).
  • Regularly inspect batteries for signs of damage.

Avoiding cheap wall-outlet adapters, cords, and chargers is the most important. These are your most likely source of problems. Those chargers you see on Amazon for $20 cheaper than the competition? Not worth it. They probably got the price down by skimping on insulation, leaving out power-management tools, and ignoring the basics of electrical safety. Price alone is no guarantee of safety, either. Buy from reputable companies and brands.

Then there's heat. Too much of it can cause all manner of problems, both in terms of discharge and in terms of safety. Avoid heat, and pay attention to your batteries when they're charging. If your device gets overly hot when charging, this can be a sign of problems. Similarly, beware of any swollen, bulging, or otherwise misshapen batteries.

travel battery charger cable

Medea Giordano

Our Favorite Outdoor Security Cams for Your Home or Business

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The best portable chargers for 2022

Smartphones are getting larger and more powerful, and smartphone batteries have increased in size, too, with some phones now exceeding 5,000mAh in capacity. Most of us consistently get a day's use out of our smartphone before it needs recharging. Heavier use pushes that down, and if you're having a particularly active day, you may need to plug your phone into a charger or park it on a wireless charging pad for a while.

But plugging your phone into a charging outlet isn't always possible, especially if you're on the move, or simply far away from any power sources. That's when a portable charger, portable battery, or power bank is a godsend. Simply plug your phone into your portable charger and top up your device without being tethered to one location. Whether you need a big, bulky charger with power for days or a slim power bank that can slip into your bag and give your phone a quick top-up, there's a charger for you. Here are the best portable chargers we've found.

Champ Portable Charger on desk with iPhone.

Nimble Champ Portable Charger

Best for those needing a pocketable charge.

  • Can charge two devices at once
  • Huge 10,000mAh battery
  • Compact and light
  • Ecological production materials and techniques
  • Doesn't ship with a wall adapter

The Nimble Champ provides a 10,000 mAh battery for up to three days of power. An ultra-compact 6.4 ounces and 3 inches at its longest point, the Champ is one of the lightest and smallest battery chargers available. It can charge two devices at once via USB-C and USB-A to keep your iPhone or Android phone running for several days. It features 18W Power Delivery and QC 4.0, compatible with Apple and Android fast-charge protocols to charge up to 80% in 30 minutes. It includes a USB-A to USB-C cable but no wall adapter. The company emphasizes its ecological priorities by using certified recycled plastic for the product and biodegradable plastic-free packaging.

Imuto 20000mAh Portable Charger

Best for anyone who wants to track power levels.

  • 20,000mAh, high capacity battery
  • Pass through charging
  • Built-in LED flashlight
  • Heavy and bulky

This Imuto is a 20,000mAh, high capacity beast in a compact-sized package that supports pass through charging. The charger features two USB ports, wherein both detect your device intelligently to deliver a faster charge or charge two devices simultaneously. You get around six smartphone charges or 1.5 tablet charges. It is powered by high-quality lithium polymer batteries with multiple smart protection tech, to keep your devices safe from over-charging, over-voltage, over-current, and short-circuiting. The smart digital display shows the remaining power in digital format so you always know when the unit is fully charged and how much power remains. There's even a built-in LED flashlight for low-light locations. All this power gets a little heavy and bulky, but the benefits are worth it.

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Charmast 26,800mAh Slim Portable Charger

Best for business travelers who use more than one device.

  • Can charge the average phone five times
  • Slim and compact
  • Versatile with numerous inputs and outputs
  • Heavier than it looks
  • Doesn't support pass through charging

If want to make sure your smartphones and tablets don't run out of juice, this power bank from Charmast is up to the task. With a capacity of 26,800mAh, it can charge the average phone five times while also charging earlier MacBooks and iPads twice or three times over. It also requires only nine hours of charging time, so you can replenish it overnight. Even though it offers a high capacity, it's also slim and manageable, weighing only 15 ounces. It's a great all-around machine, and with four outputs (USB-C and 3 USB-A) and three inputs (Micro USB, USB-C, and Lightning), it provides plenty of versatility.

Iniu Portable Charger

Best for travelers with multiple devices who need a powerful charger.

  • Digital display tracks battery levels
  • Uses Quick Charge technology
  • Three ports can be used simultaneously
  • Bulky and heavy
  • Stops charging if the digital display is switched off

Here's a 20,000mAh power bank that won't break your bank. It offers three USB ports (two USB-A, one USB-C), two of which use QC (Quick Charge) technology, which can recharge the latest iPhones from 0% to 60% in just over half an hour. It features 20,000mAh of juice, so it can help multiple devices before needing a refill itself. One of its most noteworthy features is the digital display, which tells you just how much of its own battery it has left. Also works with a variety of other devices beyond smartphones and tablets, including AirPods, Bluetooth headphones, and fitness trackers, while all three of its ports can be used simultaneously to recharge devices.

Yelomin Solar Charger Power Bank

Best for the sunlit outdoors.

  • Extremely high capacity power bank
  • Can recharge via its own solar panel
  • Rugged and waterproof
  • Solar power charging is slow

If you're planning a trek across the Sahara desert anytime soon, Yelomin's Solar Power Bank may be the portable solar phone charger for you. At a stunning 20,000mAh, this high-capacity power bank can be recharged using a regular outlet, or you can simply point the built-in solar panel at the sky so the sun can do all the work. It comes with two standard USB-A ports that can be used to charge two devices simultaneously, although you'll see faster performance if you charge one device at a time. While its use of the sun is convenient if needed, it takes noticeably longer than usual for the charger itself to recharge using solar power. Still, it is a highly rugged, waterproof, and reliable portable charger, made of a mix of PC, silicone, and ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), with an advertised lifecycle of more than 900 recharges. It also offers an LED-based flashlight, just in case you're without a torch.

Mophie Powerstation Plus

Best as an iphone accessory.

  • Compact, lightweight, and portable
  • Features a built-in Lightning cable
  • Can pinpoint the fastest charging speed per device
  • Reports of slow charging

The Mophie Powerstation Plus is a highly compact, lightweight portable charger that packs a considerable amount of extra power for your device. At 6,000mAh, it provides a whole extra charge for most major smartphones and many tablets. The charger is particularly suited to iPhones because it comes with a built-in Lightning cable as well as a USB-A port. It charges at an output of 2.1A and maximum wattage of 18W and has an adaptive charging technology that can identify the fastest charging speed for your device. Mophie says the Powerstation Plus can recharge the average iPhone from 0% to 50% in around 30 minutes. It has a slimline aluminum finish and comes in four colors.

Infinacore Pandora P3 Global Wireless Power Bank

Best for frequent travelers with multiple devices.

  • Unit has four outputs
  • Can charge several devices at once
  • It has pass through charging
  • LED screen tracks power percentage
  • Less powerful than some competitors
  • Indicator lights may be too bright for some

Consider the Infinacore Pandora P3 if you're looking to go truly wireless or want to accommodate a wide range of devices. There are three outputs — four if you count the wireless charger: A single USB-C port with PD, a QuickCharge USB 3.0 port, and a regular USB 2.0 port, and recharges at a maximum of 18W. The wireless charger tops out at 10W. It works with multiple devices, so you can charge several at once. It'll pass through power while recharging, so you can use it as a charging adapter while it's plugged into a wall socket. An LED screen on the device lists the charge percentage and a power button beneath. It feels solid and comes with a soft-touch coating that adds a lot of grip. While an 8,000mAh battery is a little small and 18W also is a little slow when flagships are pulling 25W or even 45W from their standard chargers these days, this small charger is the perfect accompaniment for shorter trips.

Elecjet PowerPie Power Bank

Best for those who need power in a sleek package.

  • Massive 20,000mAh battery
  • Supports pass-through charging
  • Heavy and chunky
  • Optimal performance requires a wall charger

Elecjet PowerPie Power Bank has a massive 20,000mAh battery, which should be enough to charge most phones three times over. It supports the USB-C Power Delivery 3.0 standard, so it can output up to 45W through the USB-C port. The Elecjet PowerPie can charge two devices at once and supports pass-through charging. It ships with a short USB-C to USB-C cable, but the supplied cable doesn't seem to support 45W charging, so you'll need a wall charger and USB-C to USB-C cable rated at 45W to get optimal performance. It's quite heavy and chunky and finished in a plain, soft-touch, matte black plastic that's comfortable to hold.

Omnicharge Omni 20

Best for those with multiple devices.

  • Four powerful charging options
  • OLED screen displays various power readouts
  • Versatile unit powers all types of devices
  • Larger in physical size
  • Relatively expensive

When you need to charge every device you own, but still want something reasonably portable, the Omni 20 does the trick. This unassuming square with sloping corners packs a multitude of speedy charging options. There's a proper AC outlet, just like a wall outlet, capable of putting out 100W to a laptop or other large device — even a TV. A DC outlet can put out 70W and two USB ports — rated at 5V/3A or Quick Charge 3.0 — so whatever smartphone you own it should charge at top speed. An OLED screen shows the remaining power, how much power is coming in or going out, how much time before it runs out of juice, and the temperature. A rocker turns on the USB ports and the AC outlet. The DC port can act as an output, but it's also the best way to charge the Omni 20 and, if you use the adapter and cable provided, it can charge up fully in just three hours — not bad for a 20,400mAh capacity device. It's on the expensive side and quite large for the capacity offered, but as a one-stop charging solution for every device you own, it's hard to top.

Frequently Asked Questions

The answer generally depends on how often you travel. If you're a frequent traveler (or heavy commuter) and tend to go for relatively long spells between visits to a normal charger, portable chargers definitely are worth it. While some of the heftier chargers can be fairly pricey, they're still a good purchase if you really need to be on your phone while away from a wall socket. At the same time, many portable chargers with smaller capacities are available for reasonable prices, so even infrequent voyagers may find they're worthwhile.

The answer to this question depends on how many devices you intend to power while you're away from a wall charger. If you're using a phone and a tablet, then a portable charger with 10,000mAh or more may be worthwhile. Some people need portable chargers that offer at least 100% of their smartphone's battery, while others need even more or less. It's best to find out the battery size of your device and choose accordingly. For some people, even a smaller portable charger that offers 2,000mAh (around 50% of the average flagship smartphone) is enough, while some people who travel extensively will need at least 5,000mAh, 10,000mAh, or even more.

Most good portable chargers should last for at least a few hundred charges before beginning to deteriorate. Longevity varies among devices, so it's best to do your research and check with a charger's manufacturer (or seller) before making a purchase.

You can bring your portable charger onto an airplane. However, remember that any portable chargers must be taken as carry-on luggage, and should not be checked in with your larger suitcases and stored in the hold of the plane. This holds for the vast majority of airlines operating today. If in doubt, call your airline's customer service number to confirm their policies beforehand.

You can buy portable chargers from pretty much the same outlets as smartphones, tablets, and other devices. Apple and Samsung's official websites stock a number of portable chargers, while you can also find plenty from online retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy.

Editors' Recommendations

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Jackie Dove

Jackie is an obsessive, insomniac tech writer and editor in northern California. A wildlife advocate, cat fan, and photo app fanatic, her specialties include cross-platform hardware and software, art, design, photography, video, and a wide range of creative and productivity apps and systems. Formerly senior editor at Macworld and creativity editor at The Next Web, Jackie now writes for a variety of consumer tech publications.

Are you looking for Samsung Galaxy S20, S21, or S22 deals? Since Samsung introduced the Galaxy S22, this is a better time than ever to shop for cheap Samsung Galaxy S20 deals -- and Galaxy smartphone deals are exactly what we've got. From the big-box online stores to mobile network service providers, we've combed the web to bring you all the best Samsung Galaxy S20 deals, bundles, and carrier offers available right now with discounts that can save you hundreds on a new Samsung Galaxy S20, S21, and S22 models. If you love all things Samsung and want to see what else is on offer at the moment, then head on over to these Samsung Galaxy Note 20 deals once you're done here. We may see supply chain issues, shipping delays, low inventory, and even more materials shortages -- like what's happening with the computer chip market. If you're ready to see what's available, check out our top picks below. Today's best Galaxy S20 deals

Samsung Galaxy S20

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are in the books, but that doesn't mean deals have ceased to exist. You have another week of slowly diminishing Cyber Monday deals to take advantage of. There are still some truly epic Cyber Monday Apple Watch deals out there, so whether you're eyeing the Apple Watch SE or want to save money on the expensive Ultra, we've rounded up the best deals right here. Not in the market for an Apple Watch? Check out our Cyber Monday smartwatch deals for money off other brands. Don't forget, this is the last major sales event of 2022, so the only way to ensure you get your new watch in time for the holidays is to order today. Apple Watch SE (GPS, 40mm) -- $149, was $279

The Apple Watch SE 1st Gen has a large screen, and great features for the price. WatchOS is as pleasant as ever to use thanks to Apple's incredible software engineering. It also features an all-day battery life, which is certainly welcome. It's a solid entry point if you've never owned a smartwatch or an Apple Watch before.

If you're a certified road warrior or hardcore traveler, mobile hotspots are now essential gear. Whether you’re traveling to a remote place and need to stay up to date with your emails or visiting a city and wish to avoid public Wi-Fi, mobile hotspots are for you. While your new smartphone likely has a mobile hotspot built-in, standalone Wi-Fi hotspots are more flexible, especially for multiple devices and phones with network data caps. With a hotspot, you can connect your laptop, phone, tablet, or Wi-Fi-connected camera without component battery drain. We found some excellent hotspots for you to choose from.

The proliferation of 5G networks has increased the prevalence of 5G hotspots. If 4G LTE is not cutting it for your needs, have a look at our list of the best 5G hotspots.

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The Best Portable Chargers and Power Banks for Phones and Tablets

Our three picks for the best portable chargers and power banks, two of which are plugged into a MacBook and an iPhone.

By Sarah Witman

Sarah Witman is a writer focused on batteries and charging accessories. She has spent countless hours charging, discharging, and recharging batteries.

Whether you’re a glued-to-your-screen smartphone owner who can never make it through a day on a full charge, or you just need an occasional battery boost, USB power banks are a panacea for low-battery anxiety.

After putting in hundreds of hours of research and testing, we’ve found that the Belkin Boost Charge Plus 10K is the best power bank to charge a phone, tablet, or another small, handheld device.

It’s an all-around great portable charger that can offer you peace of mind whenever wall outlets are out of reach.

Everything we recommend

travel battery charger cable

Belkin BoostCharge Plus 10K

The best power bank for phones, tablets, and more.

This power bank is small and light, and its rounded edges make it easy to slip into a pocket. It comes in only one color, but it has two built-in cables and enough capacity to charge most smartphones up to three times.

Buying Options

travel battery charger cable

TravelCard Plus

A boost of power in an ultra-thin package.

This power bank is one of the smallest and lightest we’ve tested. It has a powerful USB-C PD port, built-in USB-C and Lightning cables, and a 3,000 mAh rated capacity. But it recharges slower than our other picks.

Budget pick

travel battery charger cable

Scosche GoBat 10K

Plenty of power, but no built-in cables.

This power bank has a USB-C PD port to charge devices at top speed, as well as a USB-A port for older devices. It’s not as slim as we’d like, but it’s lightweight and can charge most phones three times.

What we look for

We searched for power banks with enough wattage to ensure the fastest possible charging and recharging speeds.

We sought out power banks weighing 8 ounces (half a pound) or less, making them easy to carry around in a wallet, pocket, or bag.

We preferred power banks rated for at least 2,000 mAh and up to 10,000 mAh capacity, which tells you roughly how much battery life they hold.

We chose power banks with a warranty of at least one year, giving you plenty of time to use it and ensure it’s not a dud.

The Belkin Boost Charge Plus 10K weighs about half a pound, and its rounded edges make it easy to hold or slip into a pocket.

Its USB-C Power Delivery (PD) port can charge most handheld devices and recharge itself at top speed (with the right USB-C cable and wall charger ), and it can pass power to another device while being recharged from a wall outlet.

It only comes in one color, but it has enough capacity to fully charge most smartphones up to three times, as well as built-in USB-C and Lightning cables that are easy to slide in and out of their holsters.

  • Rated capacity: 10,000 mAh (36 Wh)
  • Weight: 8.4 ounces
  • Tested input: 19 watts (USB-C PD port or built-in USB-C cable)
  • Tested output: 18 watts (USB-C PD port, built-in USB-C cable, or built-in Lightning cable)

The TravelCard Plus has less than a third of the Belkin’s capacity, but it’s much lighter and slimmer.

Its USB-C PD port, built-in USB-C cable, and built-in Lightning cable can fast-charge most smartphones or other handheld devices (though it recharges more slowly than our other picks).

It’s just as sleek-looking and sturdy as our top pick, and it comes in a wider variety of colors. Plus, as of this writing, it’s nearly half the price.

  • Rated capacity: 3,000 mAh (15 Wh)
  • Weight: 2.7 ounces
  • Tested input: 7 watts (USB-C PD port or built-in USB-C cable)
  • Tested output: 15 watts (built-in USB-C cable) or 10 watts (built-in Lightning cable)

If money is tight, and you can live without the convenience of built-in cables, go for the Scosche GoBat 10K .

It’s on a par with the Belkin in terms of its power, capacity, build quality, and ease of use.

It has a fast-charging USB-C PD port (input and output) and a USB-A port (output only), and unlike our other picks it comes with a USB-C charging cable.

While it has a slightly chunky shape, which makes it a bit cumbersome to stow in small spaces, it weighs less than half a pound.

  • Weight: 6.4 ounces
  • Tested input: 25 watts (USB-C PD port)
  • Tested output: 20 watts (USB-C PD port) or 17 watts (USB-A port)

The research

Why you should trust me, who this is for, how we picked and tested, our pick: belkin boost charge plus 10k, also great: travelcard plus, budget pick: scosche gobat 10k, other good power banks, what to look forward to, the competition.

I’ve been a science journalist for nearly a decade, covering a wide variety of topics from particle physics to satellite remote sensing.

Since joining Wirecutter in 2017, I’ve reported on surge protectors , portable power stations , and more. For this guide alone, I’ve spent more than 100 hours cumulatively researching and testing power banks.

Most people can find use for a USB power bank (also called an external battery pack, backup battery, or portable charger) to keep phones and other devices charged while on the go.

Rather than tracking down a wall outlet, owning a USB power bank allows you to enjoy a conveniently portable (albeit limited) power supply.

The question is, which one best fits into your habits? Some might need only a small battery to give their phone a boost at the end of the day, while those who travel a lot may be looking to power multiple devices over the course of several days.

A wallet-sized power bank is great to keep on hand for those unexpected (yet critical) moments when your phone is dying and no outlets are nearby.

But if you want something for weekend trips or a regular commute, the picks in this guide offer one or more full charges for most smartphones but can still fit easily in laptop bags, totes, purses, or even large pockets.

These power banks are robust yet portable, allowing you to charge small devices such as wireless headphones , computer mice , keyboards , vaporizers , digital cameras , and more.

Strategically placing a few of these around the house isn’t a bad idea either: You can keep one in your foyer to grab as you’re running out the door, or one near the couch for when you’re curled up cozily under a blanket and really, really don’t want to get up to plug in your phone.

For laptops and other large devices that charge via USB-C or AC , we have separate guides for power banks with much higher capacity ratings than the chargers we recommend here.

Our top three picks for the best portable chargers and power banks.

With tons of brands and models to choose from, we checked out major retailers to find the most widely available options and narrowed the scope of our search using the following criteria:

  • Powerful charging and recharging: For models with USB-C output or input, we preferred those rated for at least 15 watts. That’s the minimum wattage needed for full USB-C charging and recharging speeds (though devices that support the even faster USB-C standard— USB Power Delivery , or USB PD—need at least 18 watts). Likewise, for models with USB-A output or Micro-USB input, we looked for those rated for 8 watts or more. Anything less powerful would be painfully slow.
  • No heavier than half a pound: Power banks should be small and lightweight, making them easy to tote around in a wallet, pocket, or bag for an entire day. We preferred to test power banks weighing 8 ounces or less, since we don’t think most people want to carry something in their pocket or purse that weighs much more than a smartphone (for reference, an iPhone 14 weighs 6.1 ounces and a Pixel 7 weighs 6.9 ounces ).
  • Capacity rating of 2,000 to 10,000 mAh: The capacity rating listed on the power bank tells you roughly how much power it can hold. Since batteries with a capacity rating of more than 10,000 mAh tend to be bigger, heavier, and more expensive, for this guide we focused primarily on those with enough capacity to give your phone a boost of power or to fully charge it several times.
  • At least a one-year warranty: A year is plenty of time to use your power bank and make sure it’s working properly, although longer warranties are always preferable.
  • Brand reputation: We favored brands that we’ve had good experiences with in the past when it comes to responsive customer support and product reliability. We discounted models still undergoing a crowdfunding campaign, as well as brands lacking a visible web presence.
  • Price: We used a ratio of capacity (mAh) per dollar to break ties between otherwise similar models.
  • Built-in cables: We preferred power banks with some type of built-in cable or plug. This type of feature is indispensable when executed well, since separate charging cables (even if they’re neatly coiled up) take up more space in a bag.

A power bank in the midst of being tested, plugged into a smart phone and a video game to charge both simultaneously.

We tested the performance of each power bank in a few key areas, including the following:

  • Weight: We used an Escali Primo Digital Scale to confirm the advertised weight of each power bank.
  • Size: Rather than measure the dimensions of each power bank, we considered size in terms of whether a power bank fit inside a wallet, a pocket (we tried a variety of pants, skirt, and jacket pockets), or an accessories pouch .
  • Look and feel: We took note of each power bank’s bulk and exterior texture, and considered how easy and intuitive its features were to use.
  • Charging output of USB-A ports: We connected a half-charged power bank to a Drok USB load tester , turned up the amperage as far as it could go without overloading the power bank, and recorded the measured maximum output (watts) from each USB-A port.
  • Charging input and output of USB-C ports: We used a Total Phase USB Power Delivery Analyzer to measure the maximum output (watts) from each USB-C port
  • Device compatibility: Because some devices can be finicky when it comes to charging, we plugged each of the power banks into a half-charged Nintendo Switch, iPhone 14, and pair of Jabra wireless headphones to make sure they could successfully top them off.

The Belkin Boost Charge Plus 10K portable power bank.

The Belkin Boost Charge Plus 10K is compact, sleek, and powerful. It has a USB-C PD port, built-in Lightning and USB-C cables, and as much battery life as any model we tested. It’s on the pricey side, but no other model we’ve tested matches its unique combination of features.

It has built-in cables. In addition to a fast-charging USB-C PD port, the Belkin’s built-in Lightning and USB-C cables can charge most phones or other handheld devices (or recharge the unit itself) at top speed.

It packs a lot of power. We measured up to 19 W flowing into the power bank through either the USB-C PD port or built-in USB-C cable, and up to 18 W flowing out through the USB-C PD port, built-in USB-C cable, or built-in Lightning cable. With two devices plugged into the power bank, we measured a total maximum output of 24 W—more than twice as much power as some models we tested.

It has passthrough charging. While recharging the Belkin, you can simultaneously charge another device (we measured up to 15 W of passthrough charging power). This is a highly convenient, yet somewhat rare, feature.

It has great battery life. With a capacity rating of 10,000 mAh, the Belkin has enough juice to fully charge an iPhone 14 (and most other smartphones) up to three times, while some models we tested struggle to bring a phone from empty to full just once.

It won’t weigh you down. Weighing 8.4 ounces, or just over half a pound, the Belkin doesn’t add a lot of extra bulk to a backpack or purse. Plus, its built-in cables negate the need to carry additional charging cables.

It’s enjoyable to use . The best-designed products are those you barely notice, and the Belkin is no exception. It has a streamlined, minimalistic look that blends in easily with its surroundings. Its rounded edges make it comfortable to hold and easy to slip into a pocket, while the textured plastic shell offers some extra grip.

While the same is true of nearly every model we tested, this power bank is effortless to use: A single button turns it on and off (it also powers down automatically when not connected to anything), and four small LEDs indicate how much battery life remains.

It’s sturdily built. The Belkin has a rugged build quality, and the attached cables slide seamlessly in and out of their holsters without showing signs of straining or tearing.

Belkin offers a long warranty and good customer support. Belkin’s two-year warranty gives you more than enough time to use the power bank and ensure it’s in working order. We’ve found the company’s customer support to be responsive, too.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

  • At the time of this writing, the Boost Charge Plus 10K costs $70, making it one of the priciest models we tested.
  • This model doesn’t come with a wall charger, or any other accessories. But since most people already have a compatible wall charger (or several) at home, and they’re fairly inexpensive, we don’t think it’s a major issue. (Plus, it helps reduce e-waste .)
  • Lastly, as of this writing, this power bank is only available in black. That’s unfortunate for those who haven’t embraced the soft goth aesthetic , but we’ll give it a pass. (It’ll likely spend most of its time inside the dark depths of a backpack, purse, or pants pocket anyway.)

The TravelCard Plus portable power bank.

If you want an ultra-compact power bank that can fit in a small crossbody bag or clutch, the TravelCard Plus is your best bet.

It doesn’t have enough capacity to fully charge most smartphones, but it’s one of the lightest models we’ve tested, and like our top pick it has built-in USB-C and Lightning cables. Plus, it comes in a wider variety of colors than our other picks.

It’s powerful for its size (though it recharges at a snail’s pace). The TravelCard Plus isn’t quite as powerful as our top pick, but it still has plenty of juice to charge most devices (or recharge itself) at a steady clip.

This model lacks passthrough charging, but the built-in USB-C cable can pass up to 15 W to connected devices, and the built-in Lightning cable can pass up to 10 W.

We measured up to 7 W while recharging the power bank from either its USB-C PD port or built-in USB-C cable. That’s pretty sluggish compared to our top pick (although, since the capacity is so much lower, it still only takes about an hour to fully recharge).

It’ll keep your phone from dying (but might not fully charge it). With a rated capacity of 3,000 mAh, the TravelCard Plus is well within our desired range for battery life. Although it doesn’t have quite enough capacity to bring most smartphones from 0% to 100% charged, it can easily top off or revive a dying device.

It’s super lightweight. Weighing just 2.7 ounces—roughly akin to five sheets of notebook paper—the TravelCard Plus is one of the lightest power banks we’ve tested.

It’s sleek yet sturdy. The TravelCard Plus is a tad bigger than a typical credit card (3.6 inches by 2.4 inches), and about as thick as four credit cards stacked (0.3 inch). Not only is it slimmer than most power banks we’ve tested, but it’s sturdily built and has a sleek look with rounded edges and a polished-metal finish. The built-in cables are dainty, but they showed no signs of tearing in our testing, and they slide smoothly in and out of their holsters.

It’s easy to use. Like our other picks, this power bank has just one button (to turn the unit on and off) and four battery-status indicator lights.

It’s well-supported. Despite a relatively small web presence, TravelCard backs its products with a two-year warranty, and we’ve had generally good experiences with its customer support.

It’s relatively affordable. Like our top pick, the TravelCard Plus doesn’t come with a wall charger or other accessories, but it’s nearly half the price of that model. Plus, most people likely already have a compatible charger that came with their phone or another device, and don’t need a surplus.

It comes in a wide range of colors. Most models we tested come in just one or two colors, but the TravelCard Plus has eight options: black, white, silver, gray, red, teal, blue, or indigo.

The Scosche GoBat 10K portable power bank.

If funds are limited, and you can stand to carry a separate charging cable or two, the Scosche GoBat 10K is a less-expensive alternative to our top pick.

It’s comparable in terms of power, capacity, and build quality. And while it’s chunkier in shape, and lacks built-in cables, it’s also a bit smaller and lighter.

It’s supremely powerful. This power bank edged out the rest of the bunch in terms of input, and it was also one of the best performers when it came to output. We measured up to 25 W flowing into its USB-C PD port, up to 20 watts out of its USB-C PD port, and up to 17 watts from its USB-A port.

It has great battery life. Just like our top pick, the Scosche has a rated capacity of 10,000 mAh, so you can fully charge a phone up to three times.

It weighs less than a roll of quarters. At just 6.4 ounces, the Scosche is a couple ounces lighter than our top pick, though still not as light as the TravelCard Plus.

It’s sturdily built. Encased in a hard plastic shell, the Scosche is relatively rugged, and it has a sturdy build quality.

It’s comfortable to hold (and easy on the eyes). This power bank’s blocky shape makes it a bit tougher to slip into small pockets or purses, but it’s still quite compact, and its rounded edges feel comfortable in the hand.

The power bank has a sophisticated look overall, though it only comes in black (we’d also prefer the company’s logo on top of the unit to be a bit subtler, but it’s not super splashy).

It has a great warranty. Scosche is a brand we trust, and its three-year warranty (longer than our other picks’ two-year warranties) gives you plenty of time to use your power bank and ensure it’s not a dud.

It’s relatively affordable. This model costs nearly half as much as our top pick, as of this writing, and it comes with a USB-C charging cable (which is handy if you don’t already have one or want a backup).

If you need maximum power and don’t mind a less-streamlined unit that costs a bit more than our picks: Get the Mophie Powerstation Plus . Offering slightly more power than any of our picks, it has a built-in USB-C PD cable (up to 30 W output), built-in Lightning output cable (up to 18 W output), and USB-C PD port (up to 20 W output and 23 W input) with passthrough charging.

Like our top pick, it has a 10,000 mAh capacity rating and weighs 8.4 ounces (just over half a pound). Also, it’s backed by a two-year warranty, and comes from a brand we trust.

Unfortunately, it only comes in black, and it's the costliest model we tested ($80 at this writing, with no included accessories). Plus, while it has a generally good look and feel, its built-in cables are maddeningly difficult to slide in and out of their holsters. For some people, though, the extra power might make these sacrifices worthwhile.

If you want a power bank that doubles as a wall charger: Get the Anker PowerCore Fusion 10000 . In addition to its handy fold-up input plug, it has a USB-C PD port and USB-A port to charge up to two devices with 20 W of combined output power. And like our top and budget picks, it has a rated capacity of 10,000 mAh.

It comes in either black or white, its plastic exterior has a pleasantly grippy texture, and convenient battery-status lights tell you when it needs to be recharged. It’s ruggedly built and backed by a brand we trust, and it has an ample 18-month warranty.

On the downside, it’s pricier than most of our picks ($50 at this writing), and you’ll need to supply your own charging cables. It’s also significantly bigger and heavier than our picks, weighing a whopping 9.6 ounces. But if you want more versatility, and can live with the extra bulk, it’s a great option.

If you want a wide range of color options and can live without built-in cables: Get the Zendure SuperMini 20W . A former top pick, it has a USB-C PD port with up to 19 W output and 20 W input, as well as a USB-A port with up to 17 W output. It also has passthrough charging and a rated capacity of 10,000 mAh. Weighing just 6.4 ounces, its rounded edges make it easy to hold and slip into a pocket. It is intuitive to use and ruggedly built, and thick ridges on its outer shell make it easy to grip (or locate at the bottom of a cluttered bag).

Zendure backs this model with a two-year warranty, and we’ve generally had good experiences with its customer support. It costs more than most of our picks ($48 at this writing), but it comes with a USB-C cable and it’s available in more colors than any of our picks, including red, white, silver, blue, light green, light purple, and light pink.

If you want recycled materials and packaging and can live without built-in cables: Get the Nimble Champ . It has a USB-A port (up to 16 W output) and USB-C PD port (up to 18 W output and 16 W input) with passthrough charging, and a capacity rating of 10,000 mAh.

Weighing just 6.5 ounces, it’s sturdily built and has a chunky yet compact shape. It’s easy to use, comes from a reputable brand, and has a two-year warranty. Sadly, it's more expensive than most of our picks ($50 at this writing), and the charging cable that comes with it only supports up to about 12 W. But it’s one of the only options we tested containing (at minimum) 72% post-consumer recycled plastic, and with entirely plastic-free packaging.

It also comes with a free e-waste recycling kit (we have more tips on how to recycle used electronics here ), making it a slightly more sustainable option overall.

If you want a power bank with replaceable batteries and don't mind sacrificing some power: Get the Panasonic BQ-CC87 . Powered by up to four AA or AAA rechargeable batteries , this power bank has an unusual design that allows you to reuse it indefinitely—making it more sustainable than most power banks, which become useless when the internal battery wears out.

The BQ-CC87 is fairly lightweight (around 3.1 ounces with four AA batteries inserted), and it comes in two colors (black or white). It's made by a reputable company and backed by a two-year warranty. And costing just $25 at this writing, it’s the least expensive model we tested.

On the downside, its charging ports are less powerful than those of other models we tested (we measured just 5 W flowing into its Micro-USB port and out of its USB-A port), and it has only about 2,550 mAh of battery life (with four AA batteries inserted) to top off a phone or other small device.

Lastly, this unit has a blockier shape than most models we tested, and the plastic cover is relatively flimsy (we strongly recommend stowing it in a pocket or bag organizer to keep the batteries from popping out of their slots in transit). But if you’re someone who already uses rechargeable AA and/or AAA batteries, this could be a versatile addition to your charging setup.

Hyper announced the HyperJuice 5,000mAh Capsule Power Bank with Cables at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January 2024, and we’re planning to test it against our current picks. Its unique design includes a 1-foot USB-C cable on one end, a 3-foot USB-C cable on the other, and a built-in cable clip to keep them tidily wrapped up. It can charge up to two devices at once, or charge a single device while recharging itself, and it has a rated capacity of 5,000 mAh. It’s set to sell for $50 when it becomes available in fall 2024.

Several other companies—including Anker, Belkin, ESR, Mophie, and more—have recently released power banks with Qi2 wireless charging capabilities , which allows compatible devices to take advantage of the new standard’s faster charging speeds and secure magnetic connection. We plan to test as many Qi2 power banks as we can get our hands on in the coming months, and we’ll add our testing notes to our guide to the best wireless portable chargers and power banks as soon as we can.

This is not a comprehensive list of every power bank we’ve tested. We’ve removed models that no longer meet our requirements or are discontinued.

The Anker PowerCore Fusion 5000 is our former pick for people who want a power bank that doubles as a wall charger. It has a rated capacity of 5,000 mAh, a handy fold-up plug, and a pocketable size and shape. However, its charging ports (two USB-A output ports and a Micro-USB input port) are much less powerful than those on our top and budget picks.

We tried the Clutch V3 Lightning , Clutch V3 USB-C , and Clutch Max in our latest round of testing, and all three were disappointing. Despite costing nearly twice as much as comparable models, their built-in cables are flimsy (we literally ripped one out of its socket), and the Clutch Max failed to charge past 25% (we gave up after three attempts).

The Mophie Powerstation Hub is a power bank that can also be used as either a wall charger or wireless charging pad. However, its rated capacity (6,000 mAh) is significantly lower than our top and budget picks’ ratings, and its angular shape makes it less comfortable to hold or slip into a pocket. Plus, it costs $100 at this writing, which is far pricier than comparable models.

The Mophie Powerstation PD is super lightweight, weighing just 5.2 ounces, and has a pleasantly pocketable shape and grippy texture. However, it offers significantly less capacity (6,700 mAh) than our top pick , which is just a few ounces heavier.

The Mophie Powerstation Plus (USB-C) and Mophie Powerstation Plus Mini (USB-C) are sleek-looking and lightweight. But the built-in USB-C cables are especially tricky to get back into their slots, which we think would drive most people up the wall.

The RAVPower 10000mAh Power Bank (RP-PB186 ) is on a par with our budget pick in terms of its capacity (10,000 mAh) and charging options (one USB-C PD port and one USB-A port), but it has rough ridges at each of its seams that make it less comfortable to hold.

The TG90° Portable Charger 6000mAh External Battery Pack is one of the smallest and lightest power banks we’ve tested, weighing just 4.1 ounces, and its capacity rating (6,000 mAh) is higher than those of power banks we’ve tested that are twice its size. As a major added convenience, it has two built-in cables (USB-C and Lightning) that slide in and out of their holsters easily, as well as a USB-C input port. It’s also relatively sturdy and well built. Despite these attributes, however, we don’t feel comfortable recommending this model without long-term testing; aside from its Amazon storefront , the company has no web presence.

The Tronsmart Trim 10000mAh USB-C Power Bank has the same capacity rating (10,000 mAh) as our top and budget picks, plus it adds a Micro-USB input port. However, we don’t think an extra (and slower-charging) input option offers a significant benefit for most people, and we prefer the look and feel of our picks.

This article was edited by Ben Keough and Erica Ogg.

Meet your guide

travel battery charger cable

Sarah Witman

Sarah Witman is a senior staff writer who reports on powering and charging technology for Wirecutter. She previously worked as a writer, editor, and fact checker for several science magazines. Though she researches and tests chargers for a living, her phone battery is usually low.

Further reading

Our picks for best USB phone charger displayed on a pink surface next to an iphone with a charging cable plugged in.

The Best USB Phone Charger

by Sarah Witman and Nick Guy

No matter what kinds of USB-powered devices you own, we have picks to power them at their fastest charging speeds.

A laptop with different kinds of power banks surrounding it.

The Best Power Banks for Laptops With USB-C

by Sarah Witman

The Anker 747 PowerCore 26K is our favorite power bank for charging modern laptops as fast as possible while you’re on the go—no need to hunt for a power outlet.

Our two picks for best Portable Solar Battery Charger, displayed next to each other in front of a purple background.

The Best Portable Solar Battery Charger

The Allpowers SP012 Solar Panel 100W is the best choice for charging a phone and other essential devices in the great outdoors.

Three of our picks for the best portable power station, the EcoFlow Delta 1300, the Jackery Explorer 1000, and the Jackery Explorer 300.

The Best Portable Power Station

Our top pick for three years running, the Jackery Explorer 1000 is the best portable power station for going off the grid or prepping for an emergency.

Warning

FREE SHIPPING on most orders of $35+ & FREE PICKUP IN STORE

Battery Jump Starters

  • Battery Tender
  • Schumacher Electric
  • Super Start

Amperage (A)

  • 2, 6, 40 Amp

Voltage (V)

  • 12, 24 Volt

Peak Amperage (A)

  • 3000, 1500 Amp
  • 3400, 1700 Amp
  • User Determined

Battery Type

  • Capacitor, Lithium Ion
  • Lead Acid, AGM, Lithium, GEL
  • Lithium Ion
  • Lithium Polymer
  • No Internal battery

DC Port Included

Light included, super start jump starter, schumacher electric jump starter, schumacher electric 2000 peak amp lithium jump starter, schumacher electric ultracapacitor hybrid jump starter, schumacher electric battery charger.

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Travel Adaptor for Russia

Russia travel adaptors.

Whether you’re a new or returning visitor, this beautiful country never fails to impress. Whatever type of holiday you’re planning in Russia, it’s important to do your research beforehand, to ensure you have a hassle-free trip.

Russia travel adaptors: which type do I need?

You will need to consider what to pack, to ensure you can use your personal electrical appliances safely whilst abroad. This normally includes the use of a  travel adaptor , which is a device that simply allows you to plug any UK electrical appliance into a foreign electrical socket. It is important to note that it does not convert the voltage or frequency.

For Russia there are two associated plug types, C and F. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins and plug type F is the plug which has two round pins, with two earth clips on the side. Russia operates on a 220V supply voltage and 50Hz.

Voltage converters and transformers

Electricity supplies worldwide can vary from anything between 100V and 240V. It can be extremely dangerous to use an electrical appliance that is rated at a voltage different from the supply.

As voltage can differ from country to country, you may need to use a voltage converter or transformer whilst in Russia. If the frequency is different, the normal operation of an electrical appliance may also be affected. For example, a 50Hz clock may run faster on a 60Hz electricity supply.  Most voltage converters and transformers come supplied with plug adaptors, so you may not need to buy a separate travel adaptor.

All converters and transformers will have a maximum power rating (AMPS or WATTS) so make sure that any appliance you intend to use does not exceed this rating.

Dual voltage rated appliance

You can determine whether you’ll need to use a converter or transformer, by looking at the appliance rating plate.

A dual voltage rated appliance will display for example ‘INPUT: 110-240V’ on the body of the appliance or its power supply. This means that you will not need a converter or transformer but just a travel adaptor, because Russia operates on a 230V supply voltage, which is within the 110-240V range that the dual voltage appliance operates on.

Single voltage rated appliances

In Russia the supply voltage is 230V. If the appliance is a single voltage rated appliance, it will need to operate at the same voltage as the supply voltage of the country i.e. 230V. If this is not the case it should be used alongside a voltage transformer or converter to allow the appliance to work safely and properly.

Converters and transformers perform a similar function, but their applications differ. Converters are typically used with appliances that operate for a short duration (1-2hours), whilst most transformers can be used alongside appliances that operate continuously.

It’s important to understand that some travel adaptors are not suitable for any appliances that require an earth connection. These types of travel adaptors should only be used with double insulated equipment, which will be clearly marked with the symbol shown below.

Double -insulated -symbol

We recommend you check your appliances before embarking on your journey, to understand the requirements in Russia.

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Home » News » L-Charge’s 1st Mobile EV Charger Starts Patrolling Moscow’s Streets

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L-Charge’s 1st Mobile EV Charger Starts Patrolling Moscow’s Streets

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Highlights :

  • The company will provide on-demand charging service to electric vehicles in Moscow, Russia.
  • The mobile charger can be summoned via an app to any location in Moscow and takes just 8 minutes to charge an electric car to a range of 100 km, said L-Charge.

L-Charge’s 1st Mobile EV Charger Starts Patrolling Moscow’s Streets

Russian engineering firm L-Charge has announced that its first mobile EV charger has started to patrol Moscow city streets to provide on-demand charging service to electric vehicles. It can be summoned via an app to any location in Moscow and takes just 8 minutes to charge an electric car to a range of 100 km, a world record, said the company.

L-Charge also plans to build 4-5 EV charging units to launch them as a mobile charger in Paris, Berlin,  New York , Amsterdam and London.

travel battery charger cable

All mobile electric car chargers available in the market today operate on power bank principle and themselves need to be recharged, stated the company. What makes the Russian invention fundamentally different is that it is a mobile mini power station which itself generates energy, stores it and enables other vehicles to recharge without needing to be connected to the grid, said L-Charge. The energy is generated from liquefied natural gas, but the option to switch to hydrogen is already in place.

The company offered this solution – a super fast mobile EV charger – at a product launch in Moscow.

“Around 90% of atmospheric pollution in Moscow is caused by vehicles, and Moscow is a leader in the development of public transport. To significantly reduce hazardous emissions, private and commercial vehicles must be switched to electricity. Natural gas is the cleanest source of renewable energy available today, and in the case of our charger, generation of energy is even 5-7% cleaner than in gas thermal power stations – in other words, it is cleaner than charging a vehicle from the grid or a socket.As a result, we can cut the level of pollution from vehicles by at least one third right now,” said Dmitry Lashin, CEO of L-Charge.

Lashin noted that given the way electric vehicles are developing today, it is simpler to address the issue of moving the chargers than to create a large number of stationary chargers across the city.

“We could continue developing the network of charging networks connected to the grid, spending a huge amount of resources, both time and money. But the problem of inadequate infrastructure can be resolved straight away by deploying a network of autonomous charging stations,” he added.

Moscow has already implemented a list of measures aimed at supporting EV development, making parking for EV’s free of charge, as well as providing free charging at public chargers. A spokesman for the Moscow Department of Transport reportedly said that Moscow is ready to support developers’ initiatives through the allocation of grants.

Together Moscow transport authorities and local business are planning to help car owners to shift to EVs in the upcoming years.

travel battery charger cable

Soumya Duggal

Soumya is a master's degree holder in English, with a passion for writing. It's an interest she has directed towards environmental writing recently, with a special emphasis on the progress being made in renewable energy.

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  4. This is the BEST Battery Charger!

  5. battery charger cable

  6. TC4400/TC4200 Extended Travel Battery

COMMENTS

  1. The 14 Best Portable Chargers of 2024

    Best With Built-in Cords: Charmast Portable Charger at Amazon ($30) Jump to Review. Most Compact: TNTOR Portable Charger for iPhone at Amazon ($20) Jump to Review. Best Wireless: podoru Wireless ...

  2. The 11 Best Portable Chargers for Travel

    Anker PowerCore 10000. Amazon. The Anker PowerCore 10000 is one of the most popular portable chargers on Amazon, compatible with both Android phones and iPhones as well as most tablets and laptops ...

  3. Amazon.com: Portable Travel Charger

    Portable Charger with Built in Cables, Portable Charger with Cords Wires Slim 10000mAh Travel Battery Pack 6 Outputs 3 Inputs 3A Fast Charging Power Bank for Samsung Google Pixel LG Moto iPhone iPad. 13,852. $2999. Join Prime to buy this item at $19.99. FREE delivery Wed, Oct 11 on $35 of items shipped by Amazon. Or fastest delivery Tue, Oct 10.

  4. The 10 Best Travel Adapters (2024): Plug and Universal Adapters

    Don't forget to pack USB-C charging cables. Updated January 2024: We added the OneBeat Travel Plug Adapter, mentioned the OneWorld135 and OneWorld30, added a note on our OneAdaptr recommendations ...

  5. The Best Travel Plug Adapter of 2024

    Ougrand (green): Same shape as the Unidapt, but with a USB-C in place of one of the regular USB connections; 3.4 amp max total. Huanuo (currently unavailable): A bit bulky, with three regular USB ...

  6. 9 Best Portable Chargers for Travelers (2024)

    Anker 5,000 mAh Foldable magnetic wireless portable charger. Battery capacity: 5,000 mAh. Dimensions: 4" x 3" x 0.5". Charging power: One full phone charge. For weeks, this foldable charger kept ...

  7. Portable Charger with Built in Cables, Portable Charger with Cords

    Portable Charger with Built in Cables,10000mAh Slim USB C Power Bank,5 Output 3 Input LED Display High Speed External Battery Pack Travel Phone Charger for iPhone Samsung Pixel LG Moto iPad,White. dummy. Charmast Power Bank 20000mAh, Fast Charging Portable Charger with Built-in Cables, 20K USB C Battery Pack, Slim Portable Phone Charger Backup ...

  8. The best portable chargers and power banks in 2024

    Best for USB-C. 3. INIU 20W 20000 mAh power bank. View at Amazon. The best portable charger for USB-C. While INIU's 20-watt brick is a bit heavy (the second heaviest on this list), its dual ...

  9. The 11 Best Portable Power Bank Chargers for Travel

    TG90 6000 mAh Portable Charger. Capacity: 6,000mAh. Compact and lightweight, this small power bank is incredibly portable. Weighing in at just 4.3 ounces and measuring only 4.1 x 0.5 x 2.6 inches, complete with cables, it's one of the smallest 6,000mAh chargers available.

  10. The Best Portable Chargers and Power Banks for 2024

    The foldable and portable Statechi Duo Wireless Charger Power Stand lets you replenish your phone and AirPods at the same time without wires via its 10,000mAh battery. There's even an extra 18W ...

  11. 18 Best Portable Battery Chargers (2024): For Phones, iPads, Laptops

    The third version of the super-slim portable charger packs a larger battery than its predecessors, at 3,300 mAh. You charge it via the USB-C port, and there is a built-in charging cable (there's a ...

  12. Amazon.com: Travel Chargers

    Portable Charger with Built in Cables, Portable Charger with Cords Wires Slim 10000mAh Travel Battery Pack 6 Outputs 3 Inputs 3A Fast Charging Power Bank for Samsung Google Pixel LG Moto iPhone iPad. 4.5 out of 5 stars. 18,147. 10K+ bought in past month. $29.99 $ 29. 99.

  13. The best portable chargers for 2022

    By Jackie Dove May 11, 2022. Nimble Champ Portable Charger. Best for those needing a pocketable charge. Jump to details. Imuto 20000mAh Portable Charger. Best for anyone who wants to track power ...

  14. The Best Portable Chargers and Power Banks for Phones and Tablets

    The Tronsmart Trim 10000mAh USB-C Power Bank has the same capacity rating (10,000 mAh) as our top and budget picks, plus it adds a Micro-USB input port. However, we don't think an extra (and ...

  15. Amazon.com: Portable Charger With Built In Cables

    Portable Charger with Built in Cables, Portable Charger with Cords Wires Slim 10000mAh Travel Battery Pack 6 Outputs 3 Inputs 3A Fast Charging Power Bank for Samsung Google Pixel LG Moto iPhone iPad ... Portable Charger with Built in Cables,10000mAh Slim USB C Power Bank,5 Output 3 Input LED Display High Speed External Battery Pack Travel Phone ...

  16. The Best Fast iPhone Chargers for 2024

    Check out our favorite fast iPhone chargers to top off your battery in a flash. ... Because Apple only began shipping USB-C-to-Lightning cables with the iPhone 12 in 2020, people with older phones ...

  17. Go Anywhere

    Stay charged anywhere you go, with access to our global charging networks. Explore a route and we'll find the best locations to keep you charged along the way and upon arrival.

  18. Battery Jump Starters

    O'Reilly Auto Parts carries a selection of portable car battery chargers and jump starter options. Check out our selection to find the right jump starter for your needs. O'Reilly Auto Parts has the parts and accessories, tools, and the knowledge you may need to repair your vehicle the right way. Shop O'Reilly Auto Parts online.

  19. Amazon.com: Best Travel Charger

    Portable Charger with Built in Cables, Portable Charger with Cords Wires Slim 10000mAh Travel Battery Pack 6 Outputs 3 Inputs 3A Fast Charging Power Bank for Samsung Google Pixel LG Moto iPhone iPad. 4.5 out of 5 stars. 17,652. 10K+ bought in past month. Limited time deal. $19.99 $ 19. 99.

  20. Travel Adaptor for Russia

    A dual voltage rated appliance will display for example 'INPUT: 110-240V' on the body of the appliance or its power supply. This means that you will not need a converter or transformer but just a travel adaptor, because Russia operates on a 230V supply voltage, which is within the 110-240V range that the dual voltage appliance operates on.

  21. L-Charge's 1st Mobile EV Charger Starts Patrolling Moscow's Streets

    The mobile charger can be summoned via an app to any location in Moscow and takes just 8 minutes to charge an electric car to a range of 100 km, said L-Charge. Russian engineering firm L-Charge has announced that its first mobile EV charger has started to patrol Moscow city streets to provide on-demand charging service to electric vehicles. It ...

  22. Amazon.com: Portable Charger With Built In Cable

    Portable Charger with Built in Cables, Portable Charger with Cords Wires Slim 10000mAh Travel Essentials Battery Pack 6 Outputs 3A High Speed Power Bank for iPhone Samsung Pixel LG Moto iPad ... Lightweight Portable Phone Charger Travel Battery Pack for iPhone, Samsung, Tablets. 4.3 out of 5 stars. 136. 50+ bought in past month. $19.99 $ 19. 99 ...