In our hyper-connected world, a dead device battery can feel like a minor emergency. Whether you’re a digital nomad, a frequent traveler, or just someone trying to get through a long commute, a reliable battery pack is no longer a luxury—it’s an essential piece of modern gear. The right power bank can keep your smartphone, tablet, and even laptop running, ensuring you stay productive and entertained wherever you are.
However, with so many options on the market, choosing the best one for your needs can be a challenge. Capacity, charging speed, portability, and the number of ports all play a critical role. This roundup cuts through the noise to highlight eight of the best battery packs, from ultra-portable options to heavy-duty power stations, helping you find the perfect on-the-go power solution.
The Best Portable Power Banks for Every Need
- Anker 737 Power Bank, 24,000mAh 3-Port Laptop Portable Charger
- Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300, 293Wh Backup Lithium Battery
- Anker Prime 27,650mAh Power Bank (250W)
- INIU 25000mAh Portable Charger 65W PD Fast Charging
- Anker PowerCore Slim 10000 PD
- Shargeek Storm2 100W Portable Charger
- Anker 325 Power Bank (PowerCore 20K)
- MAXOAK 50,000mAh Laptop Portable Charger
Anker 737 Power Bank
For users who need serious power for demanding devices like laptops, the Anker 737 is a top-tier choice. Its substantial 24,000mAh capacity can charge an iPhone 16 Pro over four times, making it ideal for long trips or heavy workdays. The inclusion of 140W fast charging with Power Delivery 3.1 technology means you can rapidly power up a MacBook or quickly recharge the power bank itself, minimizing downtime.
A standout feature is the smart digital display, which provides real-time data on power input, output, and estimated recharge time. This level of insight keeps you fully informed about your power status. With three ports, it can handle multiple devices at once, ensuring your phone, tablet, and laptop are all ready to go.
Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300
The Jackery Explorer 300 is more than a power bank; it’s a compact portable power station designed for outdoor adventures and emergency preparedness. With a 293Wh capacity and 300W output, it can power a wide range of devices, including those that require a standard AC outlet. This makes it perfect for camping trips, tailgating, or as a home backup during a blackout.
It offers remarkable versatility with its array of ports: two AC outlets, a 60W USB-C PD port, a USB-A port, and a DC car port, allowing you to charge up to six devices simultaneously. The pure sine wave AC outlets ensure a safe and stable power supply for sensitive electronics like cameras and drones. You can recharge it via a wall outlet, a car socket, or an optional solar panel for complete off-grid freedom.
Anker Prime 27,650mAh Power Bank (250W)
Pushing the boundaries of portable power, the Anker Prime is built for users with the highest performance requirements. Its 27,650mAh capacity is coupled with a massive 250W output, making it one of the most powerful portable chargers available. This level of power is sufficient for charging power-hungry laptops and other devices at their maximum possible speed.
This power bank is designed for efficiency and speed, significantly cutting down the time needed to charge both your devices and the power bank itself. It is an excellent solution for professionals who rely on multiple high-wattage gadgets and cannot afford to wait for a slow charge. The advanced technology ensures that you have a reliable and robust power source wherever your work takes you.
INIU 25000mAh Portable Charger
The INIU portable charger strikes an impressive balance between high capacity and fast charging at an accessible point. With a 25,000mAh battery, it provides multiple full charges for smartphones and can also handle tablets and smaller laptops. The 65W PD fast charging capability ensures that compatible devices power up quickly, saving you valuable time.
This model is built with a focus on safety and durability, incorporating advanced protection features to safeguard your devices against overcharging and short circuits. Its design is both practical and reliable, making it a solid choice for everyday use, travel, or as a dependable backup power source for a variety of electronics.
Anker PowerCore Slim 10000 PD
For those who prioritize portability above all else, the Anker PowerCore Slim 10000 PD is an ideal companion. Its slim, lightweight design easily slips into a pocket or a small bag, making it perfect for daily commutes or minimalistic travel. Despite its compact size, it doesn’t compromise on modern charging standards, featuring Power Delivery for fast charging compatible phones and other devices.
This power bank is specifically designed for smartphone users who need a reliable boost throughout the day without the bulk of a larger battery. It provides enough power for a full charge and a half for most modern phones, ensuring you are never caught with a dead battery when you are on the move.
Shargeek Storm2 100W Portable Charger
The Shargeek Storm2 stands out with its unique transparent design, showcasing the internal components for a tech-centric aesthetic. Beyond its looks, it delivers robust performance with 100W output, capable of fast-charging most laptops and phones simultaneously. It’s a conversation starter that doesn’t sacrifice function for form.
This power bank is geared towards tech enthusiasts who appreciate a bold design and high performance. The clear shell allows you to see the intricate circuitry at work, while the high-power ports ensure your devices are charged quickly and efficiently. It’s a perfect blend of art and engineering for the power user.
Anker 325 Power Bank (PowerCore 20K)
The Anker 325, also known as the PowerCore 20K, is a classic and reliable choice for everyday power needs. Its 20,000mAh capacity offers several charges for a smartphone, making it a dependable partner for day trips, festivals, or as a permanent fixture in your backpack. The design is straightforward and built with Anker’s renowned reliability.
This model focuses on providing consistent, safe power without complicated features. It’s an excellent no-fuss option for anyone who needs a trustworthy battery pack that simply works. The high capacity ensures you can share power with friends or keep multiple devices running throughout a long day away from an outlet.
MAXOAK 50,000mAh Laptop Portable Charger
When you need maximum endurance, the MAXOAK 50,000mAh charger is a true powerhouse. This unit is built for extended trips where access to power is limited or nonexistent. Its enormous capacity can charge a laptop multiple times and keep an array of smaller devices powered for days, functioning like a compact power station.
While it is larger and heavier than standard power banks, its exceptional capacity is unmatched for specific use cases like cross-country travel, film production on location, or extended camping. It includes multiple output ports, including a high-wattage AC outlet, making it a versatile and essential tool for anyone who needs serious, long-lasting power.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Battery Packs for On-the-Go Power
Finding the right portable battery pack can feel like a chore with so many options. I have tested my fair share, and the key is to match the power bank to your specific habits. Let me walk you through the main things I consider before I buy one.
The first and most obvious spec is capacity, measured in milliamp-hours (mAh). This tells you how much charge the battery holds. A small, 5,000 mAh pack is great for a quick phone top-up and slips easily into a pocket. For a full charge for a smartphone and maybe some for a tablet, look at 10,000 mAh. If you are a heavy user, travel often, or need to power multiple devices over a weekend, a 20,000 mAh or larger model is your best bet. Just remember, higher capacity means a bigger, heavier brick in your bag.
Next, pay close attention to output power, measured in watts (W). Standard charging for most phones is fine with a 5V/2.4A (12W) port. However, if you want to charge your modern smartphone, laptop, or a Nintendo Switch much faster, you need Power Delivery (PD) technology. Look for a USB-C PD port that supports 18W, 30W, 45W, or even higher. My laptop, for example, needs at least a 45W PD power bank to charge effectively while I use it. Check what your devices require and choose accordingly.
The number and types of ports matter more than you think. I always look for at least two output ports, usually a USB-C and a USB-A, so I can charge my phone and earbuds at the same time. Some advanced packs even have AC outlets for laptops or DC ports for cameras, but these are more niche and bulky. Also, think about how you will recharge the power bank itself. A model that recharges via USB-C, especially with PD, will fill up much faster than one using an old Micro-USB cable.
Finally, consider the physical design and extra features. A slim, lightweight design is perfect for everyday carry, while a more rugged, rubberized case is better for outdoor adventures. An integrated digital display that shows the remaining battery percentage is incredibly useful—no more guessing how much juice is left. For the frequent traveler, a power bank with a capacity under 100Wh (about 27,000 mAh) is usually allowed in carry-on luggage, but it is always smart to check your airline’s specific rules. By thinking about your capacity needs, output requirements, and portability, you can find one of the best battery packs for on-the-go power that fits your life perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times can a power bank charge my phone?
This is a common question, and the math is pretty straightforward, though not perfect. First, you need to know your phone’s battery capacity. Let us say you have a phone with a 4,000 mAh battery and a 10,000 mAh power bank. In a perfect world, that would give you two full charges (10,000 / 4,000 = 2.5). However, you lose some power to heat and conversion inefficiencies. A good rule of thumb is to assume about a 30% loss. So, in reality, that 10,000 mAh bank will likely give you around 1.5 to 1.7 full charges for your 4,000 mAh phone. Always check the real-world reviews for a more accurate picture.
Can I take a power bank on a plane?
Yes, you can, but there are very important rules you must follow. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and most international airlines require that you carry power banks in your carry-on luggage; they are not allowed in checked bags. There is also a limit on their capacity. Power banks with a rating of 100 watt-hours (Wh) or less are generally approved without any special permission. You can calculate the Wh by multiplying the mAh by the voltage and dividing by 1000 (e.g., 20,000 mAh * 3.7V / 1000 = 74Wh). Most common power banks fall under this limit. Anything between 100Wh and 160Wh may require airline approval.
What is the difference between Power Delivery (PD) and Quick Charge (QC)?
This is all about fast-charging standards. Power Delivery (PD) is a universal standard that uses USB-C and is now common on most new smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Quick Charge (QC) is a technology developed by Qualcomm, primarily for Android phones. While both are designed to charge your devices faster, they are not always cross-compatible. A phone that supports QC might not charge at its fastest speed with a PD-only power bank, and vice-versa. For the most versatile and future-proof option, I look for a power bank that supports multiple protocols, including both PD and QC.
Is it bad to leave my power bank charging overnight?
Modern power banks are pretty smart and have built-in protection circuits that stop them from overcharging. Once they hit 100%, they will typically stop drawing power. So, while it is generally safe and I have done it myself without issue, it is not a habit I would recommend making every single night. Consistently keeping any lithium-ion battery at a 100% charge for extended periods can, over a very long time, contribute to a slight reduction in its overall lifespan. For the best long-term health, I try to unplug it once it is full.
Why does my power bank feel warm when I use it?
A little bit of warmth is completely normal. When energy is being transferred at high speeds, some heat is generated as a byproduct. This is especially true when you are using fast-charging technologies like PD or QC. However, you should be concerned if the power bank becomes hot to the touch. Excessive heat can be a sign of a faulty battery, a problem with the device you are charging, or using the power bank in a very hot environment. If it feels unusually hot, unplug everything and let it cool down in a safe place. For keeping your gadgets running, one of the best battery packs for on-the-go power will manage heat effectively.