The best power banks 2024: top portable chargers from Anker, Otterbox, and more

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Anker 733 power bank on TechRadar logo
(Image credit: Anker)

If you don't have one of the best power banks already, you need one. If you've snagged one of the best iPhones or best Androids recently, you're going to need a faster charger than you were using before, and you'll definitely want a battery pack to keep your phone topped up. We've got all the best power bank options, from massive batteries that can charge everything to pocket-sized power banks for discreet top-ups.

When we review the best power banks, we make sure to note the power-to-weight ratio. We measure how much power you get for the brick you'll be lugging around. A higher power-to-weight ratio means more battery for less bulk.

We've put all the best power banks through rigorous testing, evaluating not just their charging ability but also their durability. If a power bank showed wear and tear or broke down during our tests, you won't find it on this list. You can trust our recommendations because we've used these power banks extensively, and we'll continue to use them for ongoing reviews.

The quick list

Here's the best power banks you can buy, and no extra junk. We only recommend batteries that we have tested and reviewed – and you can read more in-depth details on each battery pack by following the links.

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The best power bank 2024

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

Below you'll find full write-ups for each of the best power banks in our list. We've tested each one extensively, so you can be sure that our recommendations can be trusted.

The best power bank for everything

1. Anker 733 Power Bank (GaNPrime PowerCore 65W)

The best power bank for charging everything, at home or on the go

Specifications

Capacity: 10,000mAh
Total Wattage: 65W
Number of Ports: 3
USB-C: 2 ports
USB-A: 1 port
Weight: 320g
Power-to-weight: 31.3mAh/g

Reasons to buy

+
Fast charging and battery in one
+
Power for a laptop and smartphone
+
Super convenient all-in-one design

Reasons to avoid

-
A bit heavy and cumbersome
-
Has trouble staying in an outlet 
-
More powerful plugged than unplugged
BUY IT IF

You travel a lot and need power: We never take flight without the Anker 733 in our carry on luggage. It replaces multiple wall chargers and gives us a large battery on the go.

You carry a small laptop and a phone: The Anker 733 is powerful enough to charge a laptop and a phone together. Or you can charge your phone, headphones, and smartwatch all at once.

DON'T BUY IT IF

You want a more portable option: Because of its combo nature, the Anker 733 is a bit bulky and cumbersome, but if you use it both ways, it's worth the trade-off in size to have such a useful device.

You only want to charge a phone: If you don't need to charge a laptop occasionally, or you only carry a phone with no accessories, the Anker 733 is more than you need.

The Anker 733 is a revelation, and though it isn't the most powerful or feature packed power bank on this list, it is the best overall power bank to carry if you charge multiple devices, no matter what those devices might be. It can charge an iPhone 15 at full 20W speed, and it can even power a Chromebook or small laptop like a Macbook Air whether it's plugged into a wall or not.

Speaking of that wall plug, it's the most useful feature ever on a power bank. Some power banks come with a built in USB-C cord, but this Anker comes with a two-prong power outlet plug. That makes it a wall charger as well as a power bank, and the utility can't be understated.

You might think that adding a 65W wall charger to a power bank would add a lot of bulk. Well, you're right, the Anker 733 is big, and it's power-to-weight ratio isn't as high as the heavy hitters on this list. On the other hand, you can charge the battery and three devices in a wall, then simply remove the Anker 733 and keep charging those devices with the built-in battery.

The Anker 733 has a 10,000 mAh battery inside, which is just shy of enough power to charge an iPhone 15 to 100% twice. It can charge a big Galaxy S23 Ultra to 100% once, then lift the battery to around 30% again.

There are two USB-C ports on the Anker 733, and both are capable of 65W charging when the power bank is plugged in to a wall outlet, or 30W when the battery is running the show. There's also a USB-A port for legacy devices. You can charge the Anker 733 by plugging it into the wall or you can plug in one of the USB-C ports to charge the battery.

The best power bank for power users

2. Anker Prime 27,650mAh Power Bank (250W)

The best power bank for power users who geek out about power

Specifications

Capacity: 27,650 mAh
Total Wattage: 250W
Number of Ports: 3
USB-C: 2 ports
USB-A: 1 port
Weight: 667g
Power-to-weight: 41.4mAh/g

Reasons to buy

+
Display gives up-to-date charge info
+
Can charge a MacBook Pro
+
Charge an iPhone for a week (almost)

Reasons to avoid

-
Very big, obviously
-
No built-in cords or prongs 
-
Some availability issues
BUY IT IF

You want the absolute best power bank: It has an app to monitor charging details, enough power to drive a MacBook or two, and fast recharging using both USB-C ports. Truly an unmatched power bank.

You need power for days and days: You could leave with your iPhone 15 on a Monday and use only this battery until you return on Friday. It has enough juice for days of charging, not hours.

DON'T BUY IT IF

You don't need all those extras: The Anker Prime power bank is pricey, and if you don't care about monitoring charge Wattage or days of battery life, find another option.

You want a compact battery: The Anker Prime power bank has a very high power-to-weight ratio (PWR), but it's still the heaviest battery on this list. It's more than three times the weight of our bargain pick.

The Anker Prime series of Power Banks, including the Anker Prime 27,650mAh Power Bank (250W) and the Anker Prime 20,000mAh Power Bank (200W), are for people who truly love to geek out on power banks. If you came looking for the absolute best power bank you can buy, this is the best we've tried.

First, let's start with the raw power. The big Anker Prime can power a MacBook Pro or any big laptop: it's USB-C ports are capable of 140W of power individually, and the entire battery pack can crank out 250W divided between the two USB-C and one USB-A port.

You can also charge the Anker Prime using both USB-C ports at the same time, for a combined recharging rate up to 170W. That means you can completely refill this whopping 27K mAh battery in under 40 minutes. I thankfully had an Anker 737 GaN Prime charger that was up to the task, and it's fun to see the percentage climb.

Think this is an amazing power bank? We're just getting started. The Anker Prime power bank has a built-in display, and it's no cheap LCD, it's a sharp OLED that gives you detailed information about the power going out or coming into the power bank. If that's not enough, there's also an Anker app you can download that gives you even more information about the battery on your smartphone.

That app is essential because there's a Find My feature built into the battery. It doesn't work like an AirTag over UWB, it's only Bluetooth, but it's useful if you misplace your battery in your office (or you have multiple batteries, like I do).

In terms of charging, this massive power bank can charge an iPhone 15 more than five times. It can charge a big Galaxy S23 Ultra's 5,000mAh battery three-and-a-half times. Best of all, it charges at the fastest speed available on most of your favorite phones (excluding Oppo/OnePlus's unusual SUPERVOOC battery).

Is the Anker Prime worth the high price? That's hard to say, since the larger battery has suffered from some availability issues, though the smaller version packs most of the same features, including the same maximum 140W charging speed in each USB-C port. If you want the best and you love to know about the power your devices are drawing, the Anker Prime Power Bank is the one to buy.

The best power bank for phones and more

3. Iniu PD 22.5w 20000mAh

The best power bank for phones and more

Specifications

Capacity: 20,000 mAh
Total Wattage: 22.5W
Number of Ports: 3
USB-C: 1 port
USB-A: 2 ports
Weight: 363g
Power-to-weight: 55.1mAh/g

Reasons to buy

+
Display gives up-to-date charge info
+
Can charge a MacBook Pro
+
Charge an iPhone for a week (almost)

Reasons to avoid

-
Very big, obviously
-
No built-in cords or prongs 
-
Some availability issues
BUY IT IF

You want a big battery for less money: While some power banks offer slightly higher capacity, they often come with a significantly higher price tag for a marginal gain in charging power. This option strikes an excellent balance between cost and capacity.

You want to charge a phone plus accessories: Equipped with USB-C and dual USB-A ports, the Iniu PD power bank provides simultaneous charging for multiple devices like phones, earbuds, and much more.

DON'T BUY IT IF

You want to charge as fast as possible: Despite its 20000mAh capacity, the Iniu PD power bank has a maximum output of 22.5W. This charging speed falls short of the capabilities of many modern Android phones.

You want a more compact battery: Weighing 12.8oz (363g), the Iniu PD 22.5w 20000mAh power bank is quite hefty. While pocketable, its weight might make it cumbersome for everyday carry. Consider lighter alternatives if portability is a priority.

With a big 20,000mAh Lithium Polymer battery, this power bank delivers multiple charges for all your devices. In our real-world testing, charging an iPhone 12 Pro to 100% once daily for three days depleted the power bank to only 54%, and we think this equals a week's worth of charge for typical usage.

The power bank supports 22.5W charging, which is fine for iPhones but falls short of the faster charging speeds supported by today's best Android phones (the OnePlus Nord 4 can charge up to 100W). It's also not powerful enough to charge a MacBook.

Equipped with a USB-C port and two standard USB ports, the Iniu PD 22.5w 20000mAh allows simultaneous charging of up to three devices. This multi-device charging capability makes it versatile for users who carry multiple gadgets.

We really liked its sleek design. An LCD screen clearly displays the remaining charge, providing precise monitoring of power levels.

This power bank is relatively bulky and heavy. It lacks IP weatherproofing, so keep it dry. However, it's still pocketable and proved durable enough to withstand a music festival, including a day of heavy rain.

The Iniu PD 22.5w 20000mAh power bank excels in providing ample power at an affordable price. While it may not offer the fastest charging speeds or advanced features like wireless charging, its substantial capacity and multi-device charging capabilities make it a good option for users who want to keep multiple devices charged.

The best mini power bank

4. Anker Nano Power Bank (22.5W)

The best power bank for power users who geek out about power

Specifications

Capacity: 5,000 mAh
Total Wattage: 22.5W
Number of Ports: 1
USB-C: 1 port
USB-A: N/A
Weight: 100g
Power-to-weight: 50mAh/g

Reasons to buy

+
Very small and pocketable
+
Great accessory for new iPhone owners
+
Extra USB-C port to charge anything

Reasons to avoid

-
Not enough power for a full charge
-
Adds weight to the phone when attached 
-
Some availability issues
BUY IT IF

You just got a new iPhone and want the perfect accessory: What better way to celebrate having a USB-C port than buying a new power bank that uses it well.

You want a power bank that fits in a small pocket: The Anker Nano is the smallest power bank on our list, but it packs a big wallop for its small size, and that fold-down USB-C plug makes it easier to carry.

DON'T BUY IT IF

You need to charge back up to 100%: The Anker Nano carries a respectable 5,000 mAh of battery life, but the power lost in charging means it can't get an iPhone 15 or Galaxy S23 back to full power in a single charge.

You want to charge old stuff: We're not bothered by the lack of USB-A ports on this small charger, but if your watch or headphones requires it, every other charger on this list has on (including the water bottle charger).

Everybody on our gift list who got a new iPhone is going to get an Anker Nano Power Bank (22.5W) this year. This cute little charger is perfectly sized to sit beneath your favorite smartphone, plugged into the USB-C port with a little plug that opens out or hides away for a sleek look.

The Anker Nano is only 5,000mAh, but that doesn't mean it can fully charge a 5,000mAh phone battery like you'll find in the Galaxy S23 Ultra. Power banks are about 60-70% efficient, depending on the phone's technology, so this power bank is good for charging an iPhone 15 to nearly full, but that big Ultra will only get about 65% charge.

That's just fine, because this power bank is the perfect pocket companion to keep you going through a busy day. If you need more power, you'll have to carry a bag to hold a big battery, but the Anker Nano gives you enough power for busy digital living, without added bulk.

In fact, this is the most efficient battery on our list, in terms of power-to-weight ratios. At only 100g, the Anker Nano is the smallest, but it still packs in plenty of power for that weight. You could buy six Nano power banks and have more power for less weight than buying the big Anker Prime.

The Anker Nano used to be available in an Apple Lightning version, but those days are thankfully behind us. No matter what phone you are using, especially if you're enjoying the new iPhone 15, this is the power bank you should keep on you.

Before you buy, why not check out the latest Anker promo codes?

The best small power bank

5. Iniu B61 10000mAh

The best small power bank for people who need more than a nano battery

Specifications

Capacity: 10,000 mAh
Total Wattage: 22.5W
Number of Ports: 3
USB-C: 1 port
USB-A: 2 ports
Weight: 195g
Power-to-weight: 51mAh/g

Reasons to buy

+
Very small and pocketable
+
Great accessory for new iPhone owners
+
Extra USB-C port to charge anything

Reasons to avoid

-
Not enough power for a full charge
-
Adds weight to the phone when attached 
-
Some availability issues
BUY IT IF

You just got a new iPhone and want the perfect accessory: What better way to celebrate having a USB-C port than buying a new power bank that uses it well.

You want a power bank that fits in a small pocket: The Anker Nano is the smallest power bank on our list, but it packs a big wallop for its small size, and that fold-down USB-C plug makes it easier to carry.

DON'T BUY IT IF

You need to charge back up to 100%: The Anker Nano carries a respectable 5,000 mAh of battery life, but the power lost in charging means it can't get an iPhone 15 or Galaxy S23 back to full power in a single charge.

You want to charge old stuff: We're not bothered by the lack of USB-A ports on this small charger, but if your watch or headphones requires it, every other charger on this list has on (including the water bottle charger).

Everybody on our gift list who got a new iPhone is going to get an Anker Nano Power Bank (22.5W) this year. This cute little charger is perfectly sized to sit beneath your favorite smartphone, plugged into the USB-C port with a little plug that opens out or hides away for a sleek look.

The Anker Nano is only 5,000mAh, but that doesn't mean it can fully charge a 5,000mAh phone battery like you'll find in the Galaxy S23 Ultra. Power banks are about 60-70% efficient, depending on the phone's technology, so this power bank is good for charging an iPhone 15 to nearly full, but that big Ultra will only get about 65% charge.

That's just fine, because this power bank is the perfect pocket companion to keep you going through a busy day. If you need more power, you'll have to carry a bag to hold a big battery, but the Anker Nano gives you enough power for busy digital living, without added bulk.

In fact, this is the most efficient battery on our list, in terms of power-to-weight ratios. At only 100g, the Anker Nano is the smallest, but it still packs in plenty of power for that weight. You could buy six Nano power banks and have more power for less weight than buying the big Anker Prime.

The Anker Nano used to be available in an Apple Lightning version, but those days are thankfully behind us. No matter what phone you are using, especially if you're enjoying the new iPhone 15, this is the power bank you should keep on you.

Before you buy, why not check out the latest Anker promo codes?

The best MagSafe power bank

6. Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K)

The best magnetic power bank for MagSafe and wireless charging

Specifications

Capacity: 10,000 mAh
Total Wattage: 27W
Number of Ports: 1
USB-C: 1 port
Weight: 250g
Power-to-weight: 40mAh/g

Reasons to buy

+
Very strong magnet for MagSafe
+
Wireless charging works with any phone
+
Built-in stand is great for StandBy mode

Reasons to avoid

-
Glossy finish attracts fingerprints
-
Only one extra port for charging 
-
Slow charging, wired and wireless
BUY IT IF

You want a premium MagSafe power bank: The Anker MagGo power bank looks and feels ultra premium. The display shows battery life as a percentage, which is obviously useful, and time remaining, so you know how much juice is left.

You want a durable power bank: The Anker MagGo power bank feels sturdy and solid, with a strong magnet capable of holding onto an iPhone tightly. The flip stand even felt secure.

DON'T BUY IT IF

You want a lighted battery: This isn’t a very light or thin power bank, so it may bulge in your pocket if you try to charge on the go.

You have an Android: Unless your Android phone lines up perfectly with Apple's MagSafe magnets, skip this one and get a battery pack without magnets instead.

The Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K) is a versatile charging solution with a 10,000mAh capacity, capable of delivering 27W of wired power and 15W wirelessly. Its key feature is MagSafe compatibility, allowing it to magnetically attach to iPhones from the iPhone 12 series onwards for secure and efficient charging.

The strong magnetic hold supports both vertical and horizontal mounting, and despite the unpadded wireless zone, it didn't scratch my phone or power bank during my review period.

Adding to its functionality, the MagGo Power Bank incorporates a foldable stand, providing a stable platform for propping up your iPhone during charging or content viewing. This thoughtful design element enhances its usability beyond basic charging.

In our tests, the Anker MagGo Power Bank charged an iPhone 13 Pro from 50% to 100% in approximately two hours, suggesting a full charge in roughly four hours. This process depleted the power bank to 73%, so we figure it can deliver multiple phone charges.

A smart display provides useful information, showing the power bank's battery level and estimated remaining running time or charging time. However, this estimation tends to fluctuate, making it somewhat unreliable.

The MagGo Power Bank boasts a sleek and understated design with a robust build and premium materials, contributing to its overall durability. While it may be somewhat thick and heavy, its reliable charging performance and convenient smart readout make it a suitable travel companion. However, its size might make it less ideal for carrying in a pocket with an iPhone attached.

The best cheap MagSafe power bank

7. Baseus Magnetic Foldable Power Bank 20W 10000mAh

The best cheap magnetic power bank for MagSafe and wireless charging

Specifications

Capacity: 10,000 mAh
Total Wattage: 20W
Number of Ports: 1
USB-C: 1 port
USB-A: N/A
Weight: 220g
Power-to-weight: 45.45mAh/g

Reasons to buy

+
Very strong magnet for MagSafe
+
Wireless charging works with any phone
+
Built-in stand is great for StandBy mode

Reasons to avoid

-
Glossy finish attracts fingerprints
-
Only one extra port for charging 
-
Slow charging, wired and wireless
BUY IT IF

You want a powerful magnetic charger: The Baseus Magnetic Foldable Power Bank is a high-capacity battery built onto a very strong magnet. It holds onto an iPhone tightly, even in landscape mode.

You want a portable StandBy dock: If you have an iPhone 12 or newer running iOS 17, you can use the Baseus Magnetic Foldable as a dock for your iPhone in StandBy mode, giving you a cool desk clock with notifications or a digital photo frame.

DON'T BUY IT IF

You don't have a magnetic phone: You don't need an iPhone to enjoy the magnetic charging, but you'll need a case that lines up your phone with Apple's MagSafe wireless configuration, or else your phone won't charge properly.

You need to charge quickly: The Baseus Magnetic Foldable Power Bank is a strong magnet and a big battery, but it charges very slowly, whether wired or wireless. If you don't mind your iPhone wearing a backpack, that's not a problem.

There are plenty of wireless power bank options on the market, but the Baseus Magnetic Foldable Power Bank impressed me with its incredibly strong magnet. I have the official Apple MagSafe battery pack, and it's magnetic attraction is much weaker than this Baseus power bank. While the Apple battery fell off my phone occasionally, the Baseus Magnetic power bank held tight with less worry.

That means I could twist my phone sideways into landscape mode and use the Baseus power bank as a portable stand for Apple's new StandBy mode, which is one of my favorite features on iOS 17, and certainly the one I use the most often.

The Baseus Magnetic power bank can't charge very quickly; the company says it can only charge an iPhone at 7.5W, which is half the wattage a MagSafe iPhone is capable of handling. That was not problem, because this is a power bank that can stick to your phone for a while, so speed won't be of the essence.

For the price and performance, the slower charging speed is a fine trade off. The Baseus Magnetic Foldable power bank had the second highest power-to-weight ratio on our list, and Baseus chargers are potent and affordable, a good mix.

If you have more than just your smartphone to charge, the Baseus Magnetic power bank has a USB-C port as well, and it can charge up to 20W, which is faster than the magnetic charging, if you really need a speed boost.

With 10,000 mAh inside, it can charge an iPhone 15 to 100% just short of twice. A Galaxy S23 Ultra will get back to 100% charge once with an extra 35% or so on top of that.

The best cheap power bank

8. Baseus Airpow Power Bank 20W 10000mAh

The best affordable power bank with all the features you need

Specifications

Capacity: 10,000 mAh
Total Wattage: 20W
Number of Ports: 3
USB-C: 1 port
USB-A: 1 port
micro-USB: 1 port
Weight: 245g
Power-to-weight: 40.82mAh/g

Reasons to buy

+
Charges an iPhone 15 at full speed
+
Plenty of battery for the price
+
USB-C, USB-A, and even micro-USB ports

Reasons to avoid

-
Too big for most pockets
-
No wires built-in or wireless charging 
-
Not the fastest charging speed
BUY IT IF

You need more power for less money: The Baseus Airpow power bank starts at $20 in the US and is on sale often, so it's a real steal.

You need more than one USB port: Most batteries with this many USB ports cost much more, so having two USB-C and one USB-A port will help you charge everything you carry.

DON'T BUY IT IF

You're trying to keep it simple: The Baseus Airpow doesn't have any built in wires or wireless charging, so you'll need to carry extras when it's time to power up.

You want to charge fast: While the 20W charging is respectable and can keep up with the new iPhone 15 USB-C port, most Android phones can charge faster than that, so a faster battery pack would help.

If you haven't heard of Baseus, the company makes a healthy lineup of affordable, well-designed battery packs that don't feel nearly as cheap as their prices would indicate. The most affordable of the bunch, the so-called Airpow Power Bank, starts at $20 in the US but is available on sale often.

With three USB ports, including a USB-C port capable of 20W charging and a USB-A port for legacy devices, this battery is surprisingly feature-packed for such an inexpensive power bank.

The Airpow is not a small power bank, but Baseus makes efficient gear that doesn't take up too much space. It's power-to-weight ratio is on par with the best battery packs from Anker and others. At 245g (more than half a pound), it's bulky, and you'll need to carry extra wires, but it's sleek and nice looking enough to keep in a hand bag.

With 10,000mAh of power inside, the Baseus Airpow can charge an iPhone 15 once to 100% then once again to nearly full. It can charge a Galaxy S23 Ultra to full once, then add another quarter of a charge.

It's not the fastest battery, but that's expected for this price range. While a flagship phone like the Galaxy S23 Ultra can accept a charging speed up to 45W, the Baseus Airpow can only hit 20W maximum. That's enough for the iPhone 15, though the iPhone 15 Pro has an unpublished charging speed in excess of 20W.

If you need more, Baseus has plenty of options available in a range of capacity sizes with a variety of features. The options aren't quite as fast or polished as the best power banks from Anker, but the prices are better, and Baseus doesn't add more bulk for less bucks.

The best Apple Watch power bank

9. Otterbox 2-in-1 Power Bank with Apple Watch Charger

The best power bank to charge your Apple Watch

Specifications

Capacity: 3,000 mAh
Total Wattage: 15W
Number of Ports: 1
USB-C: 1 port
Wireless: Apple Watch magnet
Weight: 183g
Power-to-weight: 16.4mAh/g

Reasons to buy

+
Charges an Apple Watch magnetically
+
Extra USB-C port for more charging
+
Makes a cute desk clock while charging

Reasons to avoid

-
Not strong enough for some watch bands
-
Charging isn't very fast 
-
Heavy for the power it offers
BUY IT IF

You worry more about your Apple Watch battery: Big iPhones have a big battery, but your watch might not last the day. You don't need a big phone battery when this cute 2-in-1 charger makes a great option instead.

You want your watch to be a desk clock: The Apple Watch has a charging made that makes it a small clock, and this battery turns your watch into a timekeeper that won't get in the way while you're typing, while also keeping your battery full.

DON'T BUY IT IF

You have a watch that isn't from Apple: The Otterbox 2-in-1 Power Bank only attaches magnetically to the Apple Watch. Other smartwatches, like the Pixel Watch, won't work with this one, not at all.

You need power for your phone: The 3,000mAh battery inside is plenty to keep your Apple Watch going, but that isn't enough power to get you even halfway charged on an iPhone 15, and even less on bigger phones.

The Otterbox 2-in-1 Power Bank with Apple Watch is a unique solution to a common problem. Your phone lasts longer than ever before, but wearable batteries haven't quite caught up to the all-day promise. With this cute little power bank, you don't need to bring the special Apple Watch charging cable or a larger battery. This little doodad does the trick.

The front of the battery is a magnet, and it can hold the Apple Watch standing up. The Apple Watch offers a standby screen with a clock when it's charging, making this power bank effectively a small desk clock, which can be a useful tool if you need to keep time but hate wearing a watch while you type.

Unfortunately, that magnet isn't quite strong enough for the fanciest Apple Watch bands I own. I have a gorgeous titanium Apple Watch band sent from Nomad, and it was too heavy to hang onto the Otterbox Power Bank's magnet, even though its titanium is incredibly lightweight compared to other metal bands. That's not a big surprise, there are a few chargers this larger band won't fit.

Frankly, the power-to-weight ratio for this little power bank isn't very impressive, it's heavy for the slim 3,000mAh power that it offers. Instead of efficiency, you get to leave your extra-long, super-annoying Apple Watch cable at home and instead just pop your watch onto this cute little thing. It's a worthwhile trade, at least if Watch power is your biggest concern.

There isn't quite enough power in the Otterbox 2-in-1 power bank to recharge a phone fully, but you're welcome to try. Besides the Apple Watch magnet, it also has a USB-C port that can charge up to 15W, so you can feed some headphones or get a few more hours of screen time in a pinch.

The best power bank combo

10. Tylt Bottle 2

The best combination power bank and water bottle

Specifications

Capacity: 5,700mAh
Total Wattage: 10W
Number of Ports: 2
USB-C: 1 port
USB-A: 1 port
Wireless: 5W
Weight: 540g
Power-to-weight: 10.6mAh/g

Reasons to buy

+
Combination insulated bottle and battery
+
Power bank with wireless charging
+
Space to carry a small wire inside

Reasons to avoid

-
Not a huge battery
-
Not a huge water bottle 
-
Not very fast charging
BUY IT IF

You were already planning on carrying both: A lot of people carry a water bottle every day, and often bring a power bank along for extra charging. Why not carry both in one device?

You work or study from a library or cafe: The Tylt Bottle 2 is really the perfect device for students in a library or working from a cafe. Rest your phone on the wireless puck and let it charge while you work, without fussy wires and outlets.

DON'T BUY IT IF

You need a lot of power: Thankfully, the battery on the Tylt Bottle 2 isn't so big it adds too much weight, but that also means it isn't powerful enough for multiple charges.

You need fast power: This is a very slow charger, whether wired or wireless, so it's better for casual charging while you sip your water and read a book.

There are plenty of combination power bank and some other device, but the Tylt Bottle 2 actually makes sense because we're usually carrying an insulated water bottle anyway, so we might as well screw a battery onto the bottom. With a 5,700mAh capacity, the Tylt Bottle 2 is just enough to get us through a very busy day, or keep the phone powered while we play games at the cafe.

The bottle is actually a nice, insulated affair, and it kept ice in cold water for 12 hours, which is all that we need. It has a good, strong strap to carry the bottle, though we would have liked a lid that was easier for sipping.

You can buy the Tylt Bottle with just a power bank attached, but our review sample from AT&T had the full wireless charging treatment. It's easy to set up a phone to charge while studying, working out, or working away from home: all places we take a water bottle and need a full phone battery.

Tylt could have just added a wireless charging feature and called it a day, but the Tylt Bottle 2 has a few surprises on board. First of all, in addition to wireless charging, you still get both a USB-C and USB-A port for charging just about anything you have.

Tylt also wisely left enough of a gap between the battery and the bottle that you can coil a small USB-C cord (included) into that space. That way, even if you're not charging wirelessly, you're not adding a lot of extra bulk to your bag. It's a smart setup.

Admittedly, making a battery that also fills up with water is a quick way to make a heavy battery, so we won't knock Tylt for being a heavy power bank. If you were already carrying both, the Tylt Bottle 2 power bank insulated water bottle combo is a fun, smart way to keep your kit charged.

This bottle isn't available on Amazon, but you can find it elsewhere, including directly from AT&T as one of the accessories they offer when you buy a phone. Maybe that means we'll see it offered in a bundle deal sometime soon.

The best sustainable power bank

11. Gomi Power Bank

The best sustainable power bank

Specifications

Capacity: 10,000mAh
Total Wattage: 18W
Number of Ports: 2
USB-C: 1 port
USB-A: 1 port
Weight: 270g
Power-to-weight: 37mAh/g

Reasons to buy

+
Made with re-used batteries and plastics
+
Lifetime repair and battery swap available

Reasons to avoid

-
Very expensive
-
Not as much power as other batteries
BUY IT IF

You care about the environment: Batteries are bad for the environment, but Gomi takes batteries from the landfill and uses them until they are truly depleted

You love that swirly style: It helps that the Gomi Power Bank is one of the coolest around, with plenty of colors available. You can even customize, if you order enough of them.

DON'T BUY IT IF

You want a cheap battery: The Gomi Battery pack costs four times what a normal pack costs, but you also get to save the planet.

You need fast power: With only 18W of power delivery, the Gomi Battery pack isn't the fastest charging battery on our list.

The Gomi Power Bank comes from a small company in the UK that doesn't just recycle, it actually re-uses old batteries that were destined from the landfill. By testing the batteries from discarded e-bikes, Gomi salvages the cells that are still good and uses them in the power bank, cutting down on e-waste in a unique way.

Even the plastic is re-used, not just recycled. Gomi says it uses plastic bags that cannot be recycled. It adds color and presses them into the cool swirly patterns you see. You can also get a Bluetooth speaker, or even artwork and trophies, in the same style, all made from re-used plastic.

If you live in the UK, you can easily get your battery repaired or swapped when it finally loses its charge. Even international customers can make the swap, but it isn't as easy if you're not local.

If you care about the environment, and everybody must, then solutions like the Gomi Power Bank need to become more common, even if they cost a bit more.

You can buy the Gomi Power Bank directly from Gomi.

The best ultra-slim power bank

12. TravelCard Plus

The best ultra-slim power bank

Specifications

Capacity: 3,000mAh
Total Wattage: 10W
Number of Ports: 2
USB-C: 1 port
Lightning: 1 port
Weight: 59.5g
Power-to-weight: 50.4mAh/g

Reasons to buy

+
Incredibly slim and light
+
Comes with charging plugs attached

Reasons to avoid

-
Small battery, less than 50% charge
-
Do you still need Lightning?
BUY IT IF

You need a battery that fits in a front pocket: The TravelCard Plus is truly pocket-sized, its as thick as six or seven credit cards, and it comes with its own cords attached.

You only need a little more power: If you just need to top-up at the end of the day, the TravelCard Plus is just the right amount of power.

DON'T BUY IT IF

You need to charge your phone fully: With only 3,000mAh of battery power, you'll get less than a 50% charge on most new phones with the TravelCard Plus.

You don't need Lightning: The TravelCard Plus has USB-C and Lightning cords attached, even if you don't need Lightning any more. Not a big deal, but I'd trade that cord for more battery.

If you're looking for that elusive power bank that can also fit in a (large) wallet, the TravelCard Plus is the battery you need. It's incredibly thin and light: about the same size as seven credit cards stacked. It doesn't have much power, but it doesn't waste space either, so you get just enough battery to keep your phone going a few more hours.

How many hours? With a 3,000 mAh cell, the TravelCard Plus will take a smaller iPhone 15 to about 60% battery life, but any larger phone, like an iPhone 15 Pro Max, won't even get a 50% charge from this diminutive pack.

That's fine with us, because the TravelCard Plus has an excellent power-to-weight ratio, which means its not wasting space to shrink down small. You get all the battery that can fit in such a small pack, plus it comes with convenient USB-C and Lightning cords already attached.

You may not have a Lightning iPhone any more, but your AirPods (or Magic Mouse) might still use Lightning, and then you'll be thankful for a battery pack that still gives your older Apple gear some juice.

You can buy the TravelCard Plus directly from TravelCard.

How to choose the best power bank for you

How do I choose the best power bank for me?

If you are charging a small smartphone, a simple power bank will suffice. If you plan on charging a laptop occasionally as well, or many devices at once, you'll want a power bank with more power and more features.

If you have a newer Android phone, or the latest iPhone models, you'll want a power bank with faster charging speeds to get your battery full faster.

You can also find a power bank that charges your phone (or even your Apple Watch) wirelessly. These will usually charge slower, but they can be very convenient if you want to leave wires at home.

Which power bank is the best quality?

Anker makes the best power banks we have tested so far, but batteries from Baseus and Otterbox also performed well. All of the power banks on this list passed our testing, traveling with us on the road and powering our devices at home.

Anker is the best in part because it packs more power into its batteries at a lower weight. Its batteries charge faster than competitors. Its small Anker Nano battery has the best power-to-weight ratio of any battery on our list.

Which brand is best for power banks in 2023?

Anker is making some the best power banks right. It offers the best power-to-weight ratio, the fastest charging, and the most useful features. We have also been impressed by power banks from Iniu, which have done very well in our hands-on tests.

How many times can my power bank charge my phone?

A 10,000mAh battery will give your phone around 6,000mAh of extra battery charge. That means a 10,000mAh battery can charge that phone twice ... almost. You may not get to 100% the second charge, but you'll be in the 90% range.

Any power bank that is 5,000mAh or smaller will probably not guarantee 100% charge on an iPhone 16 or larger phone. If you have a big battery phone like the Galaxy S24 Ultra, which packs 5,000mAh inside, you'll need a power bank closer to 8,000mAh or more if you want a full recharge.

How we test the best power banks

We have tested the best power banks by using them to charge a variety of devices, including Apple iPhone, Google Pixel, and Samsung Galaxy phones. We have also charged Apple iPad tablets, and small laptops including a Pixelbook Go and a Surface Laptop Go.

We used the best power banks extensively while traveling to see how well they fit in our luggage and their relative utility versus the weight add to our pack.

Using the Anker Prime power bank, we were also able to test the charging speed claims of other power banks, as the Anker Prime will report charging speed in wattage.

Philip Berne
US Mobiles Editor

Phil Berne is a preeminent voice in consumer electronics reviews, starting more than 20 years ago at eTown.com. Phil has written for Engadget, The Verge, PC Mag, Digital Trends, Slashgear, TechRadar, AndroidCentral, and was Editor-in-Chief of the sadly-defunct infoSync. Phil holds an entirely useful M.A. in Cultural Theory from Carnegie Mellon University. He sang in numerous college a cappella groups.

Phil did a stint at Samsung Mobile, leading reviews for the PR team and writing crisis communications until he left in 2017. He worked at an Apple Store near Boston, MA, at the height of iPod popularity. Phil is certified in Google AI Essentials. He has a High School English teaching license (and years of teaching experience) and is a Red Cross certified Lifeguard. His passion is the democratizing power of mobile technology. Before AI came along he was totally sure the next big thing would be something we wear on our faces.