Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Home / Technology / 5 Best Power Banks (2026); I’ve Tested More Than 1...
Technology

5 Best Power Banks (2026); I’ve Tested More Than 100

CN
CitrixNews Staff
·
5 Best Power Banks (2026); I’ve Tested More Than 100
CommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyCommentLoaderSave StorySave this story

Featured in this article

Best Power BankAnker Laptop Power BankRead more$120 $105 (13% off)

Anker

Best Smaller Power BankNimble Champ (Series 2)Read more$60

Amazon (Medium)

Best-Looking Power BankSharge Shargeek 170 Power BankRead more$169 $119 (30% off)

Amazon

Best Magsafe/Qi2 Portable ChargerAnker MagGo Power Bank (10K) (Qi2)Read more$90 $72 (20% off)

Amazon

I hate running out of power. Everybody does. While our gadgets have advanced in many ways, battery technology has been slow to improve. That’s why you’re looking to buy a power bank. A good portable charger is a handy backup that can keep your smartphone, tablet, and maybe even your laptop going for longer. I’ve been testing power banks for many years. I’ve tested more than 100 portable chargers. But you only really need one.

Most folks should buy one of the first four power banks I recommend, but there are a few other unique use cases, so I’ve included a few extra options. Read the Best MagSafe/Qi2 Power Banks for more magnetic wireless chargers, and Best Portable Power Stations for more power.

Updated March 2026: I revamped this guide, slimmed down my recommendations, added more testing impressions, removed some older picks, and updated prices.

Other Portable Chargers I Tested

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

Small Power Banks (5,000 mAh)Clutch V3, a flat black portable charger on wooden surface.Photograph: Simon HillSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Clutch

Pro

$50

Amazon (USB-C)

$40

Target (Lightning)

Super svelte, about the same size as a stack of credit cards, this charger slides easily into pockets and bags and offers a modest top-up for your phone.

  • Photograph: Simon Hill
  • Photograph: Simon Hill
ChevronChevronSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Anker

Nano Power Bank

$24 $22 (8% off)

Amazon

$27 $22 (19% off)

Anker

$30

Amazon (Lightning)

$30 $20 (33% off)

Best Buy

Anker’s dinky charger comes in fun colors and simply slots into the bottom of your phone via the built-in rotating USB-C or Lightning connector.

Image may contain: Camera, Electronics, Video Camera, Accessories, Strap, and Smoke PipePhotograph: Simon HillSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Nubia

Redmagic Go Power Bank

$69 $59 (14% off)

Walmart

$79 $59 (25% off)

Redmagic

Redmagic’s Go Power Bank combines a cool, modular look with a thoughtful and practical design, doubling as a 65-watt charger.

Medium Power Banks (10,000-20,000 mAh)
  • Photograph: Simon Hill
  • Photograph: Simon Hill
  • Photograph: Simon Hill
ChevronChevronSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Anker

Nano Power Bank With Instacord

$60

Amazon

$60

Anker

This model has a 2.3-foot retractable cable and the ability to charge devices at up to 45 watts.

Gomi Power Bank, a colorful rectangular-shaped portable charger sitting on wooden surface.Photograph: Simon HillSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Gomi

Power Bank

$95

Gomi

Handmade by a small indie business in Brighton, UK, from recycled plastic, Gomi claims at least 50 percent less CO2 emissions than other power banks.

  • Photograph: Simon Hill
  • Photograph: Simon Hill
ChevronChevronSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Ayaneo

Retro Power Bank

$40

Ayaneo

An adorable retro replica of Nintendo’s Super Famicom, better known as the SNES (Super Nintendo Entertainment System) in the US.

U-green Nexode Power Bank, a black rectangular charger with ports on the front.Photograph: Simon HillSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Ugreen

Nexode Power Bank

$90 $70 (22% off)

Amazon (20,000 mAh)

Not just a cute, wee robot face, this is also a super-speedy power bank offering up to 100 watts, unusual in a charger this size.

Big Power Banks (20,000 mAh and up)
  • Photograph: Simon Hill
  • Photograph: Simon Hill
  • Photograph: Simon Hill
ChevronChevronSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Ecoflow

Rapid Pro Power Bank

$220 $189 (14% off)

Amazon

Capable of delivering 300 watts, this power bank is close to the maximum capacity allowed on flights, and it can charge a couple of laptops and phones at the same time via the three USB-C ports (140W, 65W, 65W) and retractable 2-foot USB-C cable (140W).

  • Photograph: Simon Hill
  • Photograph: Simon Hill
ChevronChevronSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Baseus

EnerCore CR11 Power Bank

$63

Best Buy

This charger delivers up to 67 watts, with 2.3 feet of built-in USB-C cable when fully extended, but you can pull and stop at shorter lengths, and there’s also a USB-C port.

Aohi Starship Power Bank, a black rectangular-shaped portable charger, with a long narrow digital screen.Photograph: Simon HillSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Aohi

Starship Power Bank

$150 $110 (27% off)

Amazon

$190 $170 (11% off)

Amazon (40,000 mAh)

Looking like a power bank from the Nostromo, this can deliver a chart-topping 240 watts for two devices via the USB-C ports (140 watts and 100 watts), making it a good choice if you want to charge two laptops simultaneously.

Image may contain: Electronics, Mobile Phone, and PhonePhotograph: Simon HillSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Anker

Prime Power Bank

$230 $200 (13% off)

Amazon

$230 $172 (25% off)

Anker

Feature-packed with 26,250 mAh at 300 watts across two USB-C ports and one USB-A, a smart display and app control, and a 3.3-foot USB-C cable.

Ugreen Power BankPhotograph: UgreenSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Ugreen

145W Power Bank

$100 $70 (30% off)

Amazon

Surprisingly compact for a 25,000-mAh battery, this weighs 1.1 pounds and has two USB-C ports and one USB-A port.

Image may contain: Electronics, Hardware, Computer Hardware, Adapter, Electrical Device, and MicrophoneCourtesy of CuktechSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Cuktech

15 Ultra Power Bank

$69

Amazon

This has a 20,000-mAh capacity for charging at up to 165 watts and supports many fast-charging protocols including PPS, QC, PD3.1, FCP, SCP, and MiPPS.

Power Banks for Travel
  • Photograph: Simon Hill
  • Photograph: Simon Hill
ChevronChevronSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Infinacore

P3 Pro

$130

InfinaCore

Travel plug adapters cover trips to the UK, Europe, and Australia, among other places. It also has three ports and a magnetic Qi2 wireless charging pad.

  • Photograph: Simon Hill
  • Photograph: Simon Hill
ChevronChevronSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Statik

SmartCharge 5-in-1 Travel Power Bank

$56

Amazon

You get slide-on Type C, I, and G plug adapters for travel, a magnetic wireless charger (up to 15 watts), USB-A and USB-C ports, and built-in USB-C and Lightning cables.

Noco Boost Jump StarterCourtesy of NocoSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Noco

Boost Plus GB40 Jump Starter

$125 $100 (20% off)

Amazon

$139 $100 (28% off)

Walmart

This 1,000-amp, 12-volt battery pack comes with jump leads and has a USB-A port to charge your phone and a built-in 100-lumen LED flashlight.

Power Banks for Camping
  • Photograph: Simon Hill
  • Photograph: Simon Hill
  • Photograph: Simon Hill
ChevronChevronSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Elecom

Nestout Rugged Power Bank

$45

Amazon (5,000 mAh)

$55 $44 (20% off)

Amazon (10,000 mAh)

$67

Amazon (15,000 mAh)

Thoughtfully designed power banks with an IP67 rating, built-in shock absorbers, and screw-on caps for the ports.

Side view of Anker Solix C300 DC Portable Power Station, a grey upright charger with handle sitting on wooden surface.Photograph: Simon HillSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Anker

Solix C300 DC Portable Power Station

$250 $180 (28% off)

Amazon

$250 $160 (36% off)

Anker

This portable charger has a whopping 90,000-mAh capacity, a pop-up lantern, and a versatile array of ports.

Biolite Charge 100 Max, a grey rounded rectangular device with an orange edge.Photograph: Simon HillSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

BioLite

Charge 100 Max

$180

Amazon

$180

REI

The Charge 100 Max can simultaneously charge up to five devices, and the wireless charging pad on top is handy in the dark when you don’t want to fumble with cables.

Don't Bother

These portable chargers I tested aren't necessarily terrible, but you can do better.

Image may contain Computer Electronics Laptop Pc Computer Hardware Hardware Mobile Phone and PhonePhotograph: Simon Hill

OnePlus Slim Magnetic Power Bank for $70: Sleek in silver-gray aluminum with a chamfered edge, this power bank looks lovely, but the 5,000-mAh capacity is just over half that after inefficiency takes a bite.

Denvix PowerX Power Bank for $180: This beefy 25,000-mAh power bank can put out up to 200 watts via two USB-C ports, one USB-A, and a Qi wireless charging pad, but the finish is a little too smooth, and it gets very warm when charging multiple devices.

Iniu Portable Charger for $22: It's very small for a 10,000-mAh capacity. You can charge at up to 45 watts from either of the USB-C ports or 18 watts from the USB-A, but recharging is slow, it fell short of the stated capacity, and the display sometimes failed to update correctly.

Sharge Flow Mini a silver rectangular power bank.Photograph: Simon Hill

Sharge Flow Mini for $30: With a similar design to Anker’s Nano Power Bank and the same 5,000-mAh capacity, 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. The charging rate maxes out at 12 watts.

FansDreams MChaos for $46: 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, but recharging is slow, and you’ll be lucky to get one full charge for your phone.

iWalk Portable Charger for $27: The 4,800-mAh capacity won't come close to fully refilling your device, but it's tiny enough to keep in a bag at all times.

What Features Should I Look for in Power Banks?

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

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

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). You will never get the maximum capacity. We try to provide a minimum estimate of what you’ll get in terms of charges for devices.

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 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 Supply) that goes up to 45 watts. 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.

Your device will need pass-through support if you want to charge your power bank and use it to charge another device simultaneously. The Nimble, GoalZero, Biolite, Mophie, Zendure, and Sharge portable chargers listed support pass-through charging. Anker discontinued support for pass-through in some of its products because it found that differences between the output of the wall charger and the input of the device being charged can cause the power bank to cycle on and off rapidly and shorten its life. 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.

Can I Take a Power Bank on a Plane?

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

It’s safe to fly with a power bank, but there are two main 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), and it must not exceed 100 watt-hours (WH). 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.

Some airlines introduced stricter rules in 2025, so always check with your chosen airline before you travel. For example, some airlines prefer you not to use or charge power banks during a flight, some require power banks to be in your hand luggage under the seat in front of you and not in the overheads, and some limit the number of power banks you can have onboard.

Why You Should Avoid Cheap Power Banks

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

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 lithium-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 through testing dozens and dozens of batteries are these:

  1. Avoid cheap cords, chargers, and outlet adapters;
  2. Make sure batteries aren't exposed to excessive heat (above 110 degrees Fahrenheit);
  3. 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.

How We Test Power Banks

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

I've been testing power banks for close to two decades, and my home office has stacks of ’em at any given moment. I test every portable charger that comes in for at least two weeks. I always check how many times it can fully charge my test phone (currently an iPhone 16). I'll also try charging my Pixel 10 Pro XL and Samsung Galaxy S24+ to test charging speeds, and whatever else I have in. For larger-capacity power banks, I test-charge an iPad Mini and a MacBook Air. I test how long it takes to recharge each empty power bank.

Aside from standard tests, I try to use the power banks in my everyday life, just to see how they feel, and my wife and kids often help out and share their opinions. For some of our top picks, I continue to test over months to get a sense of their reliability and durability, though it's not possible to do this for every device that lands on my desk. Beyond function, I take form and usability into account. I keep an eye on user reviews and consider the warranties and customer service of each manufacturer.

How Does WIRED Select Power Banks to be Reviewed?

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

I often scan the latest releases to seek out worthy prospects, whether from an unknown new brand or an established favorite like Anker. I also get pitched many power banks every week. I sometimes reach out to these companies to ask for the product but never promise any kind of editorial coverage—that would be against WIRED's editorial policies. While WIRED usually earns affiliate revenue if you purchase a power bank using our link, this is not factored into the decision process when ranking.

There are too many power banks for me to test everything, so I tend to stick to reputable brands, but there's always room for something new if it has a compelling new feature or price, and I cover as many as I can. (Leave a comment or send me an email if you want me to test a power bank from a certain brand!) Once testing is complete, I typically donate power banks to a local charity. I try to hang on to some of our top picks for comparison purposes and to test their longevity.

Power up with unlimited access to WIRED. Get best-in-class reporting and exclusive subscriber content that's too important to ignore. Subscribe Today.

Comments

Back to topTriangleSimon Hill is a senior writer for WIRED and has been testing and writing about technology for more than 15 years. You can find his previous work at Business Insider, Reviewed, TechRadar, Android Authority, USA Today, Digital Trends, and many other places. He loves all things tech, but especially smartphones ... Read MoreSenior writer and reviewerTopicsShoppingbuying guidesportablechargingchargersBatteriesbatteryTravelaccessoriesAccessories and PeripheralsThese Are the Best Wireless Headphones in 2026From workout-ready earbuds to gaming over-ears, these WIRED-tested picks sound like a million bucks.Ryan WaniataThe Best Theraguns and Therabody Devices for Rest and RelaxationFrom massage guns to compression boots and LED face masks, these are the top performers in Therabody’s wellness lineup.Boutayna Chokrane Breathe Easy—We Found the Best Air PurifiersProtect your home against dust, pets, allergies, and more with air purifiers tested firsthand by WIRED.Lisa Wood ShapiroThe Best Headphones for Working Out, Traveling, and Putzing AroundRock your inner jock with a pair of sturdy, sweatproof, and tangle-proof headphones. Here are our favorites.Adrienne SoThe Best Gravel Running Shoes for Travel, Hiking, and MoreThe best new shoes in this hybrid, niche footwear style can take you from your front door, down the asphalt, and into the trees.Kieran AlgerFlip, Rotate, and Detach: These Are the Best 2-in-1 LaptopsThese 2-in-1 computers upgrade the norm with touchscreen displays, 360-degree hinges, and detachable keyboards.Luke LarsenThe Best Android Phones, Tested and ReviewedShopping for a phone can be an ordeal. That’s why we’ve tested almost every Android phone, from the smartest to the cheapest—even phones that fold—to find the ones worth your money.Julian ChokkattuThe Best Computer Monitors to Upgrade Your Desk SetupThe Gear team spends countless hours in front of displays while writing for you. So we reviewed those too (including a portable screen).Luke LarsenThe Best Laptop Docking Stations to Supercharge Your WorkstationLaptop docking stations expand what your laptop can do, and I’ve been testing the best of the best to see which you should buy.Luke LarsenThe Best Smart Rings for Tracking EverythingA svelte smart ring can track important activity, sleep, and health metrics. Unlike some smartwatches, a ring doesn’t need to be charged every day.Adrienne SoThe Best USB Hubs for Connecting All Your GadgetsDitch the dongles. These multiport USB hubs will maximize your connectivity options.Luke LarsenThe 5 Best Coffee Grinders, as Determined by Particle Analysis and TastingWe used particle size analysis and real-world testing to find the best conical burr, flat burr, and blade grinders for every budget and style of coffee drinker.Matthew Korfhage

Wired Coupons

https://www.wired.com/coupon-element/static/shop/52309/logo/squarespace_promo_code.pngSquarespace Promo Code

Squarespace Promo Code: 20% Off Annual Acuity Subscriptions

https://www.wired.com/coupon-element/static/shop/52280/logo/lg_promo_code.pngLG Promo Code

LG Promo Code: 20% Off Your First Order

https://www.wired.com/coupon-element/static/shop/52269/logo/dell_coupon_code.pngDell Coupon Code

10% Off Dell Coupon Code for New Customers

https://www.wired.com/coupon-element/static/shop/52261/logo/samsung_promo_code(2).pngSamsung Promo Code

30% Samsung Coupon - Offer Program 2026

https://www.wired.com/coupon-element/static/shop/52272/logo/canon_promo_code.pngCanon Promo Code

10% Off Canon Promo Code + Up to 30% Off

https://www.wired.com/coupon-element/static/shop/52689/logo/doordash_promo_code.pngDoordash Promo Code

50% Off Doordash Promo Code for New & Existing Users

Originally reported by Wired