Your iPhone is an essential lifeline for communication, work, and entertainment, but its battery life doesn’t always keep up with a busy day. Running out of power at a critical moment is a modern-day frustration we all know too well. A reliable portable charger is the perfect solution, ensuring you stay connected from your morning commute to your evening out.
The market is flooded with options, from minimalist magnetic batteries to high-capacity power stations. Choosing the right one depends on your specific needs, whether it’s a pocket-friendly backup for quick top-ups or a powerhouse capable of charging multiple devices for days. This review breaks down nine of the best backup battery options to help you find your ideal match.
The Best Portable Chargers for Your iPhone
- Anker 621 Magnetic Portable Charger (MagGo)
- VEGER Mini Portable Charger for iPhone
- ANKER Portable Charger, 20,000mAh Power Bank
- Anker MagGo Power Bank, Ultra-Slim 10,000mAh
- Krisdonia 50000mAh Laptop Power Bank
- INIU Portable Charger, Ultra Slim 10000mAh 45W PD
- Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300
- mophie powerstation-plus – XL
- Anker 737 Power Bank (PowerCore 24K)
Anker 621 Magnetic Portable Charger (MagGo)
The Anker 621 MagGo is the definition of convenience for iPhone users. Thanks to Anker’s innovative MiniCell technology, this 5,000mAh power bank is remarkably small and light, making it easy to carry. It snaps directly onto the back of your MagSafe-compatible iPhone with a strong magnetic hold.
This design allows for single-handed use, so you can comfortably make calls, take selfies, or use your phone while it’s charging. It’s the perfect pocket-sized companion for a quick battery boost during a day out, eliminating the need for cumbersome cables while you’re on the move.
VEGER Mini Portable Charger for iPhone
For those seeking a simple, cordless, and compact power solution, the VEGER Mini Portable Charger is a strong candidate. Its 5,000mAh capacity provides a solid charge for your iPhone, and with 20W Power Delivery fast charging, it refills your device’s battery quickly.
The minimalist design means there are no built-in cables to manage or get tangled, contributing to its highly portable form factor. It’s a straightforward and reliable backup battery that works with a wide range of iPhones and is also suitable for charging accessories like AirPods.
ANKER Portable Charger, 20,000mAh Power Bank
When you need extended power for multiple days or heavy usage, the Anker 20,000mAh Power Bank is a workhorse. With enough capacity to charge an iPhone 14 up to 4.3 times, this battery pack ensures your devices stay powered through long trips or busy workdays.
It features both a USB-C and a USB-A port, allowing you to charge two devices at the same time with a 15W max output. Built with Anker’s renowned reliability, this power bank is a trusted choice for anyone who needs substantial, dependable power without the bulk of larger units.
Anker MagGo Power Bank, Ultra-Slim 10,000mAh
This Anker MagGo power bank strikes an impressive balance between capacity and portability. Its ultra-slim, 10,000mAh design is both powerful and easy to carry, providing up to 1.8 charges for an iPhone 15 Pro. As a Qi2 certified device, it offers 15W ultra-fast MagSafe-compatible wireless charging.
The build quality is premium, featuring a sleek matte finish and a sturdy metal frame. It also includes a 30W USB-C port for fast wired charging and uses aerogel thermal insulation to keep the unit cool during operation, combining safety with a user-friendly experience.
Krisdonia 50000mAh Laptop Power Bank
The Krisdonia power bank is for users who need maximum power for all their devices, including laptops. With a massive 50,000mAh capacity, it acts as a true emergency battery backup for extended outdoor trips or situations where AC power is unavailable.
Its key feature is an adjustable DC output port that can charge a wide variety of laptops directly without their original charger. It also supports pass-through charging, meaning you can charge the power bank itself while it charges your other devices, adding a layer of convenience for stationary use.
INIU Portable Charger, Ultra Slim 10000mAh 45W PD
Speed is the defining characteristic of the INIU Portable Charger. It boasts a powerful 45W PD USB-C port that can charge an iPhone 16 to 60% in roughly 25 minutes, making it one of the fastest-charging options available. Despite this high-speed capability, it maintains an ultra-slim and lightweight profile.
This is achieved through INIU’s high-density TinyCell technology, which makes it 30% smaller and 15% lighter than many competing 10,000mAh power banks. It emphasizes safe charging, using high-grade materials to protect your devices during rapid power delivery.
Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300
The Jackery Explorer 300 is far more than a simple phone charger; it’s a portable power station designed for outdoor adventures and emergency preparedness. With a 293Wh capacity and pure sine wave AC outlets, it can safely power everything from iPhones and laptops to small appliances like mini-coolers or CPAP machines.
It offers immense versatility with multiple output ports, including a 60W USB-C PD port, and can be recharged via a wall outlet, a carport, or an optional solar panel. This makes it an ideal companion for camping, road trips, or as a home backup during a blackout.
mophie powerstation-plus – XL
mophie is a well-respected name in Apple accessories, and the powerstation-plus – XL continues that legacy. This model is known for its integrated Lightning cable, which is neatly stored in the body of the power bank, making it incredibly convenient for iPhone users who want to avoid carrying extra cords.
The “XL” designation indicates a higher capacity, providing multiple full charges for your iPhone. It often includes additional USB-A ports for charging a second device, combining the brand’s sleek design with practical, user-focused features that Apple users appreciate.
Anker 737 Power Bank (PowerCore 24K)
The Anker 737 Power Bank is a high-performance charger built for demanding users and powerful devices. With a 24,000mAh capacity, it can handle multiple charges for smartphones and even power-hungry gadgets like the latest laptops thanks to its high-wattage output.
It typically features advanced technology like Power Delivery 3.0 and a digital display that shows the remaining battery percentage. This power bank is designed for professionals and tech enthusiasts who need reliable, high-speed charging for all their gear in a single, robust package.
Buying Guide: How to Pick the Right Portable Charger for Your iPhone
When I’m looking at the best backup battery options for my iPhone, the first thing I check is the battery capacity, measured in milliamp-hours (mAh). My iPhone has a battery around 3,000-4,000 mAh, so a 5,000 mAh power bank should give me one full charge, while a 10,000 mAh model can recharge it two to three times. It’s tempting to get the biggest number possible, but higher capacity means a larger, heavier physical size. I think about my daily routine: for a quick trip to the coffee shop, a slim 5,000 mAh battery is perfect for my pocket. For a full day out or a short trip, a 10,000 mAh model is my sweet spot. For camping or multi-day travel, I’d look at 20,000 mAh or more, accepting the extra weight.
Next, I pay close attention to the power output, measured in watts (W). All modern iPhones support faster charging, but to use it, you need a power bank with a high-wattage output, typically 18W or 20W and above. If the output is too low, say 5W or 10W, charging will be slow. I make sure the portable charger I choose has at least an 18W USB-C port to get a significant speed boost. Some advanced models even have 30W or more, which is great if I also need to charge an iPad or a MacBook Air.
The types and number of ports are also crucial. I prefer models with both USB-A and USB-C ports. The USB-C port is often used for both input (recharging the power bank itself) and output (charging my devices). A power bank with a USB-C input recharges much faster than older Micro-USB models. Having multiple ports is a bonus, allowing me to charge my iPhone and a friend’s device or my AirPods simultaneously.
Finally, I consider the design and extra features. A compact, pocket-friendly form factor is important for everyday carry. Some batteries have built-in Lightning or USB-C cables, which is incredibly convenient as it’s one less thing to forget. Others feature a digital display that shows the remaining battery percentage, which I find much more accurate than four blinking LED lights. For outdoor use, I look for rugged, water-resistant designs. By balancing these factors—capacity, output, ports, and design—I can find the perfect portable power solution that fits my specific needs and keeps my iPhone running all day long.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times can a power bank charge my iPhone?
This depends entirely on the capacity of the power bank and the model of your iPhone. To get a rough estimate, I take the power bank’s capacity in mAh and divide it by my iPhone’s battery capacity. For example, a 10,000 mAh power bank divided by an iPhone 15’s 3,349 mAh battery gives me just under three full charges. It’s important to remember that no charging process is 100% efficient due to heat loss and power conversion, so you always get slightly less than the theoretical maximum. In reality, that 10,000 mAh battery will likely give me two to two and a half full charges.
Can I take a portable charger on a plane?
Yes, you generally can, but there are strict rules. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) allows power banks in carry-on bags but forbids them in checked luggage. The capacity limit for most airlines is 100 watt-hours (Wh). You can convert mAh to Wh with a simple formula: (mAh * Voltage) / 1000. Almost all power banks under 27,000 mAh (at a standard 3.7V) fall under this limit. I always carry mine in my backpack and make sure the terminals are protected from short-circuiting.
What’s the difference between Power Delivery (PD) and Quick Charge (QC)?
Power Delivery (PD) and Quick Charge (QC) are two different fast-charging technologies. PD is a universal standard developed by the USB Implementers Forum and is the one that modern iPhones use. If you want fast charging for your iPhone, you need a power bank that supports USB-C Power Delivery. Quick Charge is a proprietary technology from Qualcomm, more commonly used by Android devices. For my iPhone, I always prioritize finding a power bank with Power Delivery support.
Why does my power bank charge my phone so slowly?
This is a common frustration. Slow charging can happen for a few reasons. First, check the output rating of your power bank’s port. If you’re using a low-output port (like 5W), it will be slow. Make sure you’re using a high-output port, like an 18W or 20W USB-C PD port. Second, you need a high-quality cable that supports faster data transfer and charging; a cheap, thin cable can bottleneck the process. Finally, if you are using your iPhone heavily while it’s charging, it will charge much slower as the device is consuming power at the same time it’s receiving it.
How should I store my power bank when I’m not using it?
Proper storage extends the life of your battery. I never store it completely empty or completely full for long periods. The ideal charge level for storage is around 50-60%. You should also keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Extreme heat is a lithium-ion battery’s worst enemy and can permanently reduce its capacity. I avoid leaving it in a hot car or on a windowsill. Following these simple steps helps maintain the health of one of the best backup battery options for my iPhone.