Top Power Bank Reviews 2025: Find the Best Portable Chargers

The last thing a traveler wants is a dead cell phone. Be prepared with these top-notch power banks. Power banks are big rechargeable batteries with built-in USB ports, and their flexibility and portability make them one of the most useful accessories you can carry for keeping your devices topped up. We’ve tested more than 100 power banks over the years from brands including Anker, Samsung, Belkin and INIU, assessing how easy they are to use, their features and charging times. We’ve split our reviews between small, medium, and large power banks, with Best Buy recommendations in each category. Some of the best power banks can charge your smartphone in under 70 minutes. The most sluggish can take almost three and a half hours.

Key Features to Consider When Choosing a Power Bank

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’re charging, and the charging method (Qi wireless charging is less efficient).
• Charging Speed: Charging speed is determined not only by the charger output, but also by the charging rate the device (and charging cable) can accept. For a phone, a power bank that delivers 18W or more is considered fast-charging, meaning you can get your smart phone from 0 to 50 percent in about half an hour.
• Ports: Most power banks now use a USB-C port to recharge, although some models will have a micro-USB port as well to ensure compatibility with older chargers. Don’t worry if you don’t have the required cable, as one will usually be provided in the box.
• Passthrough Charging: If a power bank has “pass-through charging,” it is able to take in and distribute power at the same time. Pass-through equipped power banks can charge devices while plugged into a wall charger ¡ª a handy feature when you’re in a hurry.
• Durability: Durability is a major factor in how brands design products for our use and abuse. Every power bank on this list passed our standardized drop-testing onto concrete from 2 feet.

Top Power Bank Recommendations for 2025

Belkin BoostCharge Plus 10K

Our senior writer of powering coverage is always stocked up with chargers. But the sleek, portable Belkin BoostCharge Plus 10K is the one she uses most often. This portable charger is small, light, and easy to slip into a pocket. It comes only in black, but it has two built-in cables and enough juice to charge most phones up to three times. With its built-in cables, the BoostCharge Plus 10K can charge up to three devices. The BoostCharge Plus 10K is sturdily built and encased in a hard-plastic shell that’s resistant to most minor scuffs and scratches. It isn’t waterproof, though, so try to keep it dry. Also, use compressed air or a toothpick to keep the port and the metal cable tips free of lint and other debris that can cause the charger to malfunction. Buy on Amazon

Anker 737 Power Bank

This beast of a charger will keep your laptop running all day. Laptops are, by their very nature, much more powerful than any phone or tablet on the market, no matter what flashy advertising might tell you. But with all that power comes the need for much more robust charging solutions, like the Anker 737. This chunky power bank has a total output of 140W, which is more than enough for most laptops, and can even charge some lower-end gaming laptops. That output is paired with 24,000mAh of power, which should charge most laptops up to full once or twice. The only real downside is the size of this thing. Standing up, the Anker 737 is 6.13 inches tall and 1.95 inches thick, which is thicker than most of the laptops you’ll be charging with it. Buy on Amazon

Nitecore NB10000 Gen 3

One of the lightest, most efficient, and most portable power banks on the market, it is no wonder that the Nitecore NB10000 Gen 3 is one of our favorite models. While testing the Nitecore for several weeks, we had the opportunity to put it on our scale, run it through some efficiency and charging tests, and bring it along with us on backpacking trips in the San Juan Mountains. We love how easy it is to bring along due to its small size and it’s minor weight penalty makes it a fantastic choice for ultralight purists. It also packs a punch with the most number of Watt hours available per ounce of any power bank we tested. Buy on Amazon

Mregb Solar Power Bank Charger

For those who are embarking on a long journey without any electricity source such as hiking or camping trips, a solar charger is the way to go. The Mregb Solar Power Bank Charger is our top choice in this category. Although it’s heavier than other models, it has a very large capacity to charge mobile devices several times. We found it a great option for outdoor activities like hiking and camping, and appreciated the built-in, very effective flashlight. The LED display for battery level worked well. It also has multiple ports, providing various device charging options. Buy on Amazon

Comparison Table of Top Power Banks

Model	Capacity (mAh)	Output Ports	Weight	Charging Speed	Price
Belkin BoostCharge Plus 10K	10,000	1 USB-C, 1 USB-A, Built-in Cables	0.5 lbs	30W	$69.99
Anker 737 Power Bank	24,000	2 USB-C, 1 USB-A	1.39 lbs	140W	$149.99
Nitecore NB10000 Gen 3	10,000	1 USB-C, 1 USB-A	5.3 oz	18W	$59.95
Mregb Solar Power Bank	42,800	1 USB-C, 2 USB-A	1.1 lbs	15W	$39.99

Advantages and Disadvantages of Top Power Banks

Belkin BoostCharge Plus 10K

• Advantages: Compact and lightweight, built-in cables eliminate the need to carry extras, sturdy build quality, can charge up to three devices simultaneously.
• Disadvantages: Only available in black, not waterproof, requires regular maintenance to keep ports clean.

Anker 737 Power Bank

• Advantages: High capacity suitable for laptops, fast 140W charging, multiple ports for simultaneous charging.
• Disadvantages: Bulky and heavy, higher price point, not ideal for pocket carry.

Nitecore NB10000 Gen 3

• Advantages: Ultralight and portable, high efficiency, ideal for backpacking, durable design.
• Disadvantages: Higher price for its capacity, limited to smaller devices, fewer ports compared to competitors.

Mregb Solar Power Bank

• Advantages: Massive capacity, solar charging for off-grid use, built-in flashlight, multiple ports.
• Disadvantages: Heavy, slower charging speed, solar charging dependent on weather conditions.

Testing Scenarios and Performance

We tested power banks and portable chargers for speed, weight, portability, power, design and extra features. We timed how fast they could revive a dead phone, tablet and laptop, checking if they lived up to their fast-charging claims. We also looked at weight and size – whether they were easy to slip into a pocket or better suited for chucking in a bag. For power, we checked the battery capacity (mAh) and how many full charges they could manage before needing a top-up themselves. Design was another key factor, from overall sturdiness to whether they felt like they’d survive being knocked about in a bag. We also considered extras such as built-in cables, wireless charging and digital displays. To see how they held up in real life, we took them on holiday, relying on them as our only source of power.
During my testing, the BoostCharge Pro topped up an Acer laptop at the sort of speeds I’d normally expect from a mains-powered charger. And it was no slouch when it came to charging smartphones. I was impressed to note that charging didn’t slow down much when I plugged in two devices at once. The power bank is a stout, minimalistic device that will make a subtle addition to your tabletop. In our tests, the battery supplied 21.15W to our Honor test smartphone and 27.87W to a laptop. This is not just a solid affordable wireless charger, but a strong choice if you need a fast wired top up on the move.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Power Bank

These days, “small” portable batteries have a capacity of around 5,000mAh, which means they easily fit into your pocket and still have enough power to fully top up your phone once. Meanwhile, a 10,000mAh battery can give today’s flagship phones two full charges. A 20,000mAh battery can charge two phones twice or a phone twice and a tablet once. Some power banks have enough juice to power laptops. Of course, a higher capacity often translates to a heavier, larger, and more expensive battery. In the end, it’s best to assess your typical needs before buying. If your phone hits the red zone by mid-afternoon and you only need enough juice to get you to the end of the workday, a 5,000mAh battery should be plenty. Generally speaking, you charge the battery itself via USB-C (input). Speeds differ depending on the battery you choose.

• Assess Your Needs: Don’t fall into the trap of thinking a 3,000mAh power bank will give your 3,000mAh battery smartphone a full charge, and that a 9,000mAh power bank will charge it three times. No portable charger runs at 100% efficiency. In truth, most average between 60-70%, with the best-performing models able to reach 80-90%.
• Check Compatibility: For those with a compatible device, make sure the battery pack is Quick Charge 2.0, 3.0, or PD certified. Depending on your smartphone, this can make a big difference in performance.
• Consider Portability: Most baseline power banks now start at a 5,000-mAh capacity, which should give you at least one full charge for an Android phone. Chargers with 10,000 mAh or more are available, but they weigh more.
• Look for Extra Features: Passthrough charging allows you to simultaneously charge devices connected to a power bank and the power bank itself. It’s a very handy solution if you are short on mains power outlets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between mAh and Wh?

mAh (milliampere-hour) measures the battery’s charge capacity, indicating how much current it can supply over time. Wh (watt-hour) measures energy, accounting for both voltage and current. To convert, use: Wh = (mAh × Voltage) ¡Â 1000. Most power banks list mAh, but Wh is useful for airline regulations, which often limit batteries to 100Wh.

Can I bring a power bank on a plane?

Yes, power banks are allowed in carry-on luggage, but they must not exceed 100Wh (approximately 27,000mAh). Check with your airline for specific rules, and always carry them in your hand luggage, not checked bags, due to lithium battery safety regulations.

How long does a power bank last?

A power bank’s lifespan depends on its quality and usage, typically lasting 2-3 years or 300-500 charge cycles. To prolong its life, avoid extreme temperatures, charge it every few months, and use high-quality cables and chargers.

Is wireless charging less efficient than wired?

Yes, wireless charging is generally less efficient, often achieving 50-70% efficiency compared to 80-90% for wired charging. This is due to energy loss during wireless power transfer, so wired options are faster and more energy-efficient.

How do I know if a power bank is safe?

Choose power banks from reputable brands like Anker, Belkin, or Nitecore, and look for safety certifications like UL or CE. Avoid cheap, unknown brands, as they may lack proper safety features, risking overheating or damage to your devices.

Conclusion

You’ll never have to worry about running out of battery, with the best power banks and portable chargers, tried and tested from Anker, Belkin and JBL. Whether you need a compact charger for daily use or a high-capacity model for extended trips, our recommendations cover a range of needs. Explore these top picks to stay powered up on the go. For more tech insights, check out TechRadar or WIRED.