By clicking on the featured links, visitors will leave NationalGeographic.com and be directed to third-party e-commerce sites that operate under different terms and privacy policies. As a participant in multiple affiliate marketing programs, National Geographic will earn a commission for certain purchases. See full disclaimer below.*Power banks offer pocket-size portable charging for electronic devices from watches to smartphones to laptops. They’re a convenient tool for topping up devices without having to search for a wall outlet while you’re traveling or enjoying the outdoors. As a professional mountain guide, I rely on power banks to keep my phone and satellite messenger charged in the backcountry. The best power banks are lightweight, reliable, and charge efficiently. The Nitecore NB10000 Gen II Power Bank has all those characteristics. It weighs just over five ounces, has a carbon fiber reinforced polymer frame, and charges my phone quickly and consistently. Here are all our top picks, from a great solar option to one that’s easy on your wallet. Read on for all the details on the best power banks to charge your electronics. Best power bank overall: Nitecore NB10000 Gen II Photograph Courtesy AmazonBuy it now on AmazonWhy we like it: Lightweight and built to withstand banging around, the Nitecore NB1000 charges quickly. A 10,000 mAh capacity provides two-to-three smartphone charges, and the USB-C charger delivers power quickly. The power bank also has pass-through charging, letting you replenish phones and laptops while they’re plugged into the wall, and a “low current mode,” designed to help protect items with small batteries, like watches and headphones. All of this comes in a tiny package (less than an inch thick), weighing just over five ounces.Despite the light weight, the Nitecore isn’t flimsy. The carbon fiber reinforced polymer frame—used in aerospace and automotive engineering—helps it handle just about anything you throw at it. Keep in mind: The battery power indicator lights offer only broad percentages, making them imprecise, according to some third-party reviews. Product details: Capacity: 10,000 mAh | Output ports: 1 USB, 1 USB-C | Input ports: 1 USB-C | Included cable: USB-C | Charge time: 4 hours | Number of charges: 2 smartphone charges Best solar power bank: Hiluckey HIS025 25000mAh Power Bank Photograph Courtesy AmazonBuy it now on AmazonWhy we like it: The Hiluckey Power Bank comes with four foldable solar panels, which the manufacturer says can reach up to six watts of power in direct sunlight. That makes it a great option for remote areas. With a full battery, this solar charger power bank can fuel a smartphone roughly seven times and multiple devices at once. We also like that it comes with a leather case for protecting it from the rigors of traveling and backpacking. Keep in mind: At 18.7 ounces, the Hiluckey is one of the heaviest power banks on this list. According to third-party reviews, the charge rate depends on the sun’s strength. Product details: Capacity: 25,000 mAh | Output ports: 2 USB, 1 USB-C | Input ports: 1 USB-C | Included cable: None | Charge time: 8 hours with a wall charger; solar depends on sun’s strength | Number of charges: 7 smartphone charges Best power bank charger for iPhone: Anker 321 MagGo Battery Photograph Courtesy AmazonBuy it now on AmazonWhy we like it: At under five ounces and about half the size of an iPhone, this Anker MagGo Battery is ideal for travel. The slim profile means it isn’t too cumbersome to use when it’s attached to the back of your iPhone (12-15 series). The 5,000 mAh capacity is enough for one charge. It also has a USB-C port for wired and pass-through charging, which tops up your phone as the power bank recharges. Keep in mind: Because this power bank is designed for iPhone magnetic cases, it may not be compatible with every phone or case. It does not come with a charging cord. Product details: Capacity: 5,000 mAh | Output ports: 1 USB-C | Input ports: 1 USB-C | Included cable: None | Charge time: 3 hours | Number of charges: 1 smartphone charge Best MagSafe portable charger: Anker 633 Magnetic Battery Photograph Courtesy AmazonBuy it now on AmazonWhy we like it: The Anker 633 Magnetic Battery has twice the capacity of other MagSafe chargers, offering two full smartphone charges. According to reviewers, the power bank’s magnet is strong enough to attach securely to your phone. We appreciate the kickstand on the back of the power bank, which lets you use your phone while it charges. It also has pass-through charging, so you can replenish the power bank while fueling your phone. Keep in mind: The wireless charging pad offers 7.4 watts, much slower than the ports at 20 watts. Product details: Capacity: 10,000 mAh | Output ports: 1 USB, 1 USB-C | Input ports: 1 USB, 1 USB-C | Included cable: 1 USB-C | Charge time: 1.8 hours | Number of charges: 2 smartphone charges Best high-capacity power bank: Anker 737 Power Bank Photograph Courtesy AmazonBuy it now on Amazon Why we like it: With a 25,600 mAh capacity, the Anker 737 Power Bank can quickly energize three electronics at once, from smartphones to tablets and laptops. Despite its power capacity, the 737 is compact and light enough to fit in a pocket or backpack. The single button interface makes it easy to use. It’s one of my favorites for longer trips and quick top-ups on my laptop. Keep in mind: Due to its high capacity, the Anker 737 is expensive and heavier than others. Product details: Capacity: 25,600 mAh | Output ports: 2 USB, 1 USB-C | Input ports: 1 USB, 1 USB-C | Included cable: 1 USB-C | Charge time: 2.5 hours | Number of charges: 5 smartphone charges Best medium-capacity power bank: Anker 313 Power Bank Photograph Courtesy AmazonBuy it now on AmazonWhy we like it: The Anker 313 Power Bank, with its 10,000 mAh capacity, is a great choice for those looking for two-to-three smartphone charges at a good price. With just one button featuring integrated battery indicator lights, the 313 is easy to use and has a trickle-charge mode to protect smaller electronic devices. Keep in mind: According to reviews, the micro-USB port is slow to charge and becoming outdated. Product details: Capacity: 10,000 mAh | Output ports: 1 USB | Input ports: 1 USB-C, 1 micro-USB | Included cable: 1 micro-USB | Charge time: 4.7 hours | Number of charges: About 2-3 smartphone charges Best low-capacity power bank: Goal Zero Flip 12 Photograph Courtesy Cabella’sBuy it now at Cabela’sWhy we like it: By far the smallest power bank in this guide, the Goal Zero Flip 12 is a great portable power bank to slip into your back pocket. The 3,350 mAh capacity provides for one smartphone charge, making the Flip 12 ideal for emergencies. Because of its small size, it’s quick to recharge. Bonus: You don’t need a cable; the flip-out USB port plugs into a wall charger. It also integrates with Goal Zero’s solar panels, allowing you to charge the Flip 12 in the backcountry. Keep in mind: Some reviewers note that the squared edges can make carrying the Flip 12 in your pocket uncomfortable. Product details: Capacity: 3,350 mAh | Output ports: 1 USB | Input ports: 1 USB | Included cable: None | Charge time: 3 hours | Number of charges: 1 smartphone charge Best cheap power bank charger: Miady 10000mAh Dual USB Portable Charger Photograph Courtesy AmazonBuy it now on AmazonWhy we like it: The Miady 10,000 mAh Portable Charger comes with two power banks, making it a great budget option. Each bank holds two-to-three smartphone charges and comes with two USB output ports, so you could potentially charge four devices at once. Despite the low price, the manufacturer says they have all the standard safety features, including protection for over-heating, surges, over-charging, and short circuiting. Keep in mind: While these power banks are affordable, they are not the most durable. Some reviewers say the cases are prone to scuffing and separating. Product details: Capacity: 10,000 mAh | Output ports: 2 USB | Included cable: 2 USB cables | Input ports: 1 USB-C, 1 micro-USB | Charge time: 5 hours | Number of charges: 2 smartphone charges How we chose the best power banks In researching the best power banks, we considered several factors. We looked at these qualities in particular: Third-party reviews: We considered third-party reviews from sources other than company websites for unbiased opinions. Brand reputation: We looked for trusted brands known for making quality, durable portable power banks. Weight: We chose power banks that are lightweight and portable. Durability: Power banks are great gadgets for traveling and hiking, so we looked for power banks that could handle some wear and tear. Capacity: We picked power banks with a range of capacities to suit different charging needs. Tips for buying portable chargers Capacity Most power bank chargers have capacities between 3,500 mAh to 25,000 mAh. Fully charged smartphones typically have 3,000 mAh to 4,000 mAh, so a medium-sized power bank with a 10,000 mAh capacity provides two-to-three smartphone charges. Capacity depends on your charging needs and how long you plan on being away from typical charging methods. Look for power banks with 20,000 mAh or more for longer trips or multiple devices. Charging and recharging speeds The best portable power banks recharge and fuel electronics quickly. Most take two-to-four hours to recharge; solar power banks can take longer, depending on the sun’s strength. How fast a portable power bank can charge electronics largely depends on ports. Power banks with USB-A ports are the slowest, while USB-C ports are the fastest. Types of in and out ports Most small electronic devices use three standard ports: USB-A, USB-C, and micro-USB. Micro-USBs are slow and are being phased out. USB-A is the most common input and output port on portable power bank chargers. UBS-C ports are the most efficient and are becoming more common. Power banks with multiple ports let you charge many devices at once. Pass-through charging Some power banks, like the Nitecore NB10000, have “pass-through charging,” which lets you use the power bank to charge a device while the power bank is charged through a wall outlet. Pass-through charging is useful when you’re short on time and need to make the most of charging capabilities. Fast charging Fast-charging devices usually deliver 15 watts or more of power. While suitable for larger devices, that much wattage can damage small electronics like headphones and watches. Frequently asked questions Is 5,000 mAh better than 10,000 mAh? Five thousand mAh will charge a smartphone once, whereas 10,000 mAh is enough to provide two charges. Choose a 5,000 mAh capacity power bank if you prioritize portability and weight. What is a good power bank size? All the power banks in this guide are small and portable. We recommend choosing the smallest power bank for your needs, particularly if you are taking it on a hike or while traveling. What is a good power bank capacity? If you plan on buying only one power bank, start with one that has 10,000 mAh capacity, which will provide two-to-three smartphone charges. If you only need one for emergencies, a smaller power bank, between 3,000 and 5,000 mAh, should be enough for one charge. Alternatively, if you need to charge multiple devices or tablets, look for a power bank with over 20,000 mAh capacity. Chelsey Cook is an Alaska-based writer and mountain guide. She writes about the outdoors, travel, and conservation for Wide Open Spaces, Matador Network, and National Geographic. *Although we are sharing our personal opinions of these experiences or products with you, National Geographic is not endorsing these experiences or products on behalf of anyone. It has not performed product safety testing on any of these products, did not manufacture them, and is not selling, or distributing them and is not making any representations about the safety or caliber of these products or experiences for individual consumers. Prices and availability are subject to change from the date of publication.
The best power banks and portable chargers in 2024
