Best Portable Power Bank [2019]

The RAVPower Portable Charger 20,000 mAh Battery Pack is straightforward and no-frills, but you get a lot of charging capacity at a great price. With the 20,000 mAh battery pack, you can charge multiple devices at once, and you will always know how much charge is left in this power bank, thanks to its digital display. It earned our top pick by hitting the sweet spot of reliability, capacity, value, and features.

POWERADD’s Pilot 4GS is our budget pick because of the many features you get for a great, low price. You can charge two devices at once and have plenty of capacity for most needs. It is available in multiple colors and is a great size for slipping into a pocket or bag.

We selected the Anker 26,800 PD model as our premium pick because of its wide range of features, high capacity, and ability to recharge faster than nearly any other model tested. Anker is a leader in portable power banks, and this option is the best choice for charging USB devices, especially USB-C laptops like the MacBook Pro.

How We Picked

Most people who need a portable power bank, also known as a power bank, are looking for ways to keep their portable electronics charged on the go. These types of chargers are batteries that store electricity for you to use when you can’t get to an electrical outlet. Portable power banks are great for keeping phones going all day long, for boosting your laptop battery when you are on the go, and for topping up your tablets and other devices.

Portable power banks need to be safe, reliable, and provide sufficient battery boost to whatever device you need to charge, and today’s power banks have a very high capacity, in many cases, to give you multiple full charges or the ability to charge several devices at once.

When looking for our top picks for portable power banks, we considered several crucial factors that are often of most importance to consumers. We examined their capacity, how quickly they can be recharged, the safety features that protect your electronic devices, their size or portability, and any notable features they may have. By examining the many online reviews, manufacturer’s specifications, customer ratings, and other essential data, we have come up with our list of the top 10 best portable power banks for this year. We have something for just about every need out there, so keep reading until you find your perfect match.

RAVPower Portable Power Bank 20,000 mAh Battery Pack

Specs:

• 20,000 mAh Capacity
• 2 charging ports
• 16.8 oz

RAVPower is an industry leader in portable charging technology, and this is one of their best all-around, multi-purpose chargers. With 20,000 mAh of charging capacity, you will have more than enough battery power to charge your compatible smartphone at least four times. This power bank has enough capacity to even fully charge your iPad more than once.

While the RAVPower Portable Charger has fewer bells and whistles than some of the other power banks on this list, it makes up for it in reliability and price. For the value, you still get three charging ports- two USB-A and one USB-C.

You can charge your battery pack using a lightening or micro-USD cable, which minimizes the amount of gear you need to carry. You even get a micro-USB included with the charger.

RAVPower is a trusted name in portable power banks because of their many safety and protection features. This model protects from voltage surge as well as overcharge and discharge, and it comes with internal temperature protections. You will feel safe using this power bank on all your sensitive and expensive devices.

What We Like

This RAVPower model comes with an LED digital display, so you know exactly how much juice is left in your portable battery, which means you will never be left guessing. Also, this power bank fully recharges in less than 6 hours, which is much better than most others of this capacity on the market.

This charger is compatible with most iOS and Android products, so if you use a USB-A or USB-C cable to charge, you are all set. While it can only charge one USB-C at a time, its quick charge function means you will not be waiting long before your device is ready to use.

While this RAVPower model is slightly larger than some of the other competitors on our list, it still is lightweight and portable enough to make it a reliable part of your travel or on-the-go gear. Its dependability and ease of use make it more desirable for those who need consistent power for multiple devices.

Overall

The RAVPower Portable Charger 20,000 mAh Battery Pack makes our top overall pick because it has everything you need and nothing you don’t. It has plenty of power to last you all day, it has enough ports for most users’ needs, and the digital display makes it easy to keep track of how much power you have left. And for a great price, you get a power bank you can take anywhere you need to go.

Maxoak Laptop Power Bank K2

Specs:

• 50,000 mAh Capacity
• 1 DC20V5A, 1 DC12V2.5A, and 4 USB outputs
• 43 oz

The Maxoak K2 may be a little overkill for some users, but anyone who needs to charge their laptop on the go will appreciate this portable power bank’s massive capacity.

We included this one on our list because, while most power banks can handle phone and tablet charging needs with no problem, few can meet the power demands of a laptop. With the Maxoak laptop power bank, you will be able to fully recharge most laptop batteries or keep your operating laptop going nearly all day without being tethered to a wall cable.

The size of this portable power bank is significantly larger than our other picks, but that extra heft is what gives you so much capacity. You will need to charge your Maxoak K2 with the provided power supply cable, and while you cannot charge USB-C connected devices from Apple right out of the box, you can purchase an adapter that makes that possible with ease.

What We Like

In addition to the portable power bank and power cable, you get a protective pouch as well as 14 different laptop adapters and a micro-USC cable. This gives you the ability to charge most laptops from day one.

This powerhouse of a charger also comes with low-current and overcurrent protection, which would keep your devices safe by shutting down the charger when a problem is detected. For laptops that require more than 60W of load power, the K2 will not be able to charge your laptop while you are using the device, but it will still charge your battery while your computer is turned off.

Despite its size, the K2 still recharges itself relatively quickly, usually in under 8 hours. And you can charge this power bank while you are using it, which makes it unique among many other competitors.

Overall

While the Maxoak Portable Laptop Charger K2 is not for everyone, it is a smart choice for those who need to keep their laptops charged no matter where they are. And with 50,000 mAh of power, you can charge your smartphone 14 times over before needing to recharge this power bank. For those with the need for maximum capacity, the K2 makes a great option.

Xiaomi Mi Slim Power Bank Pro

Specs:

• 10,000 mAh Capacity
• 1 charging port
• 8.5 oz

Xiaomi’s Mi Slim portable power bank is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a compact power bank to keep their mobile phone topped up. This portable power bank is less than one-half an inch thick, weighs just over 8 ounces, and will slide nicely into a pocket, purse, or backpack for instant power, wherever you are.

This power bank comes standard with one output USB-A port as well as one input USB-C port, which is used for charging the power bank itself. The simple, streamlined controls also include four LED indicators, which give you a rough idea of how much charge is left in the battery, with each representing about one-quarter of the charger’s capacity.

With 10,000 mAh, you get plenty of power to charge most phones more than once, and this portable battery also has a quick-charge feature, which shortens your charging window significantly. With pass-through charging, you can also charge this device while it is topping up your phone.

What We Like

With the Mi Slim charger, you get a unique two-in-one cable that is a standard micro-USB cable with an attached USB-C adapter that easily slides on for use with newer Android phones. That makes this power bank perfect for charging just about anyone’s phone, and your adapters will not get lost.

This efficient power bank looks great and is about the same size as most smartphones, making it easy to take with you anywhere. It is made from high-quality aluminum, which makes it lightweight but sturdy, so it can resist the bumps and bruises it will encounter on the road.

Overall

For a great price, you will get a stylish, slim, and efficient phone charger with enough capacity to meet most needs. The included cable makes charging any Android phone possible, and the reduced weight means you can take it anywhere without fuss. The Xiaomi Mi Slim Power Bank Pro is an excellent choice for anyone without high power demands looking for a quality portable power bank.

Anker PowerCore+ 26,800 PD with 30W Power Delivery Charger

Specs:

• 26,800 mAh Capacity
• 1 USB-C and 2 USB ports
• 21 oz

For those with USB-C laptops, including MacBook Pro, MacBook, and other compatible devices, the Anker PowerCore+ 26,800 PD is the perfect choice for a portable battery charger.

Anker is another industry leader in portable power, and this model is also an excellent choice if you need to charge other USB-C devices at up to 30 watts. While not compatible with some types of tablets and certain phones (check their listing for specifics), it works well with most popular devices and can even charge many laptops.

With this power bank, you can charge multiple devices at once, thanks to the two USB-A and one USB-C port. If you are using the higher voltage capabilities to charge a laptop, your phone charging will slow a bit but still be delivered at an acceptable pace.

What We Like

For the capacity, this power bank is also highly portable, weighing just over one pound and including a rounded-edge design that makes it easy to slip in and out of pockets. With this power bank, you get Anker’s Power Delivery charger, which will bring your battery to full capacity in 4.5 hours. This same charger can be used to plug your Apple laptop into the wall to charge, as well. You also get a micro-USB and a USB-C cable and a carrying pouch to keep everything together.

The Anker PowerCore+ 26,800 PD tells you how much charge it has left using a series of 10 LED indicators, with each representing 10 percent of the remaining charge. Anker is a reputable and trusted manufacturer, and they offer an 18-month warranty on this model, giving you peace of mind.

Overall

The Anker PowerCore+ 26,800 PD earned the honor of our premium pick because of its large capacity, impressive capabilities, and helpful features. This power bank offers the ability to charge USB-C laptops as well as other USB-compatible devices, and with over 26,000 mAh of capacity, you have enough power to charge all your devices several times. From a leader in portable chargers, Anker gives you a power bank that can handle high-power output in a small, compact package.

RAVPower AC Outlet External Battery Pack Travel Charger

Specs:

• 20,100 mAh Capacity
• AC output plus 1 USB-C and 1 USB port
• 30 oz

This, our second RAVPower pick of the list, is another excellent choice for those with higher battery-charging needs.

Not only can you charge two devices at once using the included USB ports, but you can also plug your laptop or other power cords into the AC plug, allowing you to charge up to three devices at the same time. This is the perfect charger for traveling or to have on hand in case of emergencies.

This RavPower model looks less like a power bank and more like a small speaker or portable shaver, but its unique design allows for easy use of the AC plug while simultaneously charging other devices. It is still compact enough to carry in your bag, and you get a pouch that includes the charger for your power bank as well as two micro-USB cables of varying lengths and a carabiner. You also get a hard-sided case that holds everything.

What We Like

The standard USB port on this power bank offers quick charging for any of your compatible devices, and you can use the USB-C port to charge your Apple laptop or other iOS products. A rubberized cap covers the AC outlet to keep dust and debris out while it rides around in your bag, too.

Because this portable power bank includes a standard AC outlet, you can use it to power anything that has a plug that uses less than 60W, although some things may not run at full capacity due to the conversion to DC power. That means you can power a small fan, your laptop, or other smaller electronics using this charger, as well.

Overall

RAVPower has many models from which to choose, and we selected the AC Outlet External Battery Pack Travel Charger because of its adaptability to many situations. With a more substantial capacity, quick charge function, fast recharging time, and ability to power more than just USB-compatible devices, it is an excellent choice for travelers or anyone who wants to be prepared.

POWERADD Pilot 4GS External Battery Charger

Specs:

• 12,000 mAh Capacity
• 2 USB ports
• 9.5 oz

The POWERADD Pilot 4GS is a power bank perfect for those who love to look stylish while also keeping their phone at full capacity. The 4GS has a modern, rounded design that is slim and lightweight, and it comes in a variety of colors, which means your charger can even match your phone!

This small but powerful power bank is perfect for iPhone users, as its input is a lightning port, which means you only need to carry around one cable. Android users can still benefit from this portable power bank, though, but it will mean keeping the provided lightning cable around, too.

The Pilot 4GS has enough power to fully charge your iPhone, Galaxy, or other leading smartphone at least twice, and the speed at which it will recharge your battery is impressive. You can recharge this power bank in a respectable 8 hours. For a great price, you get enough charging power to get you through your day with a stylish design you will not mind carrying around.

What We Like

This power bank automatically detects your device’s power requirements, which makes it more efficient. You can charge two devices at once, and both will charge quickly. Each of the USB ports is 3A, which is the maximum capacity you can find today.

While the Pilot 4GS looks similar to many on the market today (what is commonly referred to as the candy bar design), it does have some nice finishing touches that make it stand out from the pack, including being resistant to fingerprints.

This power bank also includes some essential safety features which prevent overcharging and over-voltage problems, and it comes with short-circuit protection. You will get over 500 charges with the Pilot 4GS battery life.

Overall

For a great price, you get the ability to charge two devices at once very quickly. The POWERADD Pilot 4GS External Battery Charger is the perfect size for slipping in a pocket, and you get enough capacity for most needs. Choose among the many colors to find the one that matches your style best.

EasyAcc 20,000 mAh Portable Power Bank

Specs:

• 20,000 mAh Capacity
• 4 USB ports
• 13 oz

When you want to be sure you have plenty of capacity for powering multiple devices, this portable charger from EasyAcc makes an excellent choice. With 4 output ports, you can charge a lot of devices at once with this power bank, and with smart-detect technology, the EasyAcc power bank will optimize its output for each of your devices.

With 20,000 mAh of capacity, you can fully charge your iPad twice or your smartphone at least five times before you need to plug in this power bank. And because this portable charger regains its full strength in just under six hours, you will be able to use it again and again with ease.

EasyAcc is a leading producer of accessories for mobile devices, and they offer excellent customer support, should you have any troubles.

They also include all the safety features you want to prevent damage to your portable devices.

What We Like

Few portable chargers can power this many devices at once, all at full speed. You will get the fastest available recharging time on each device you plug into this power bank, and by charging four at once, you will be ready to enjoy all your devices in no time.

This portable charger also includes an LED light, which is excellent for helping you get all your devices plugged in late at night or when you need a flashlight in a pinch. It would be great for using to find things in the dark recesses of your bag or locating your charging cables in the dark when you are trying not to wake others.

Overall

EasyAcc is a known and trusted manufacturer of portable device accessories, and the 20,000 mAh Portable Charger is one of their top-of-the-line products. You will get tons of capacity, unmatched ability to charge all your devices at once, and a slim, lightweight package that looks great as well as functions admirably.

Anker PowerCore+ Mini

Specs:

• 3,350 mAh Capacity
• 1 USB port
• 2.8 oz

The Anker PowerCore+ Mini made our list as the smallest, most lightweight charger from a trusted manufacturer.

While the Mini has a smaller capacity than others on our list, it is also the perfect size to go anywhere you need, making it the most portable out there. It has just enough power to fully charge your smaller-screen phones or top off your larger devices until you can get to a power cord. And its lipstick style design is perfect for slipping into a pocket.

When you purchase the PowerCore+ Mini, you get a micro-USB for charging your power bank, which will take less than four hours.

We chose this small but fast charger because it is the perfect option to have on hand when you need some emergency power backup. It takes up hardly any room in a backpack or purse, so you will not mind carrying it around, and it gives your phone or headphones the extra boost they need until you can use your wall charger.

What We Like

Anker’s Mini design is iconic and stylish. While the shape of this charger is dramatically different than the others on our list, it is extremely easy to carry and can even slide into a shirt pocket or back pocket while on the go. Available in five assorted colors and at a great price, this little power bank is battery insurance for anyone on the move.

You get high-speed charging for your USB-compatible devices, and because Anker makes it, you still get the benefit of their 18-month warranty and customer support. Plus, they still managed to pack essential safety features into this tiny, power bank.

Overall

While you will not get hours of charging for multiple devices with Anker’s PowerCore+ Mini, you do not always need a big battery that will weigh you down. With this small charger, you get enough power to last you in a power bank that can go anywhere you do. And at a low price, you will not mind purchasing one (or more) to keep in your briefcase, backpack, or purse to save you in those battery crises we all know and hate.

Jackery Bolt 6,000 mAh Portable Charger Power Outdoors

Specs:

• 6,000 mAh Capacity
• Integrated lightning and micro-USB charging cables
• 5.3 oz

This portable charger’s design is unlike any other on our list because it includes two built-in charging cables, which prevent the need for carrying any with you.

This one is a favorite because it has plenty of power, with 6,000 mAh, is convenient to use, and still comes in a small package. Whether you are an iOS or Android user, this is the phone charger for you.

Because it weighs just a shade over 5 oz, this power bank is light enough to carry with you everywhere you go. It has enough power to recharge your phone and another device or give you multiple top-ups on one device.

And you will be ready to go again quickly with this power bank, which takes around three hours to reach a full charge. With pass-through charging, you can even charge another device while charging this power bank.

What We Like

The Jackery Bolt 6,000 makes it impossible to leave home without your charging cable, as it has both an iOS-compatible lightning cable and a micro-USB charging cable built in. These fold up and stow along the sides of the power bank, so they will not get tangled up on other things in your pocket or bag, too. There is even a standard USB port you can use for other devices or to charge more than one thing at a time. That makes it one of the most versatile chargers on our list.

You will get an integrated LED flashlight, micro-USB cable, and wall charger with your Bolt 6,000. It is available in two color options, including a bright orange that will make it easy to locate in your bag or purse.

Overall

This power bank gives you a lot for your money and has few drawbacks. While it is not the largest capacity charger on our list, it is one of the smallest and most portable. The integrated cabling makes it easier to charge, and with high-performance charging capacity and quick recharging time, you can’t go wrong with the Jackery Bolt 6,000.

Omni 20+ AC/DC/USB-C/Wireless Charging Portable Power Bank

Specs:

• 20,000 mAh Capacity
• 1 AC Outlet plus 1 USB-C in/out and 2 USB ports
• 22 oz

This, our final choice for our list of top portable power bank, is perhaps the most versatile of all the power banks we have featured.

The Omni 20+ is really like having four chargers in one. You can charge compatible devices wirelessly, you can use one of the quick-charge USB ports, you can charge your iOS laptop using the 60W USB-C port, or you can power any small electrical device using the standard AC plug. All in all, there is not much that this portable charger can’t power.

While this power bank is more expensive than some of the others on our list, you get a lot for your money. Being able to charge just about any portable device with this power bank frees you from worrying about running out of juice. And because you can run small electronics that need up to 100W, you can use it to power small projectors, larger laptops, and other devices you may need on the road. Plus, you get two cables, one USB-A to USB-C and one USB-C to USB-C.

And the wireless charging feature is also unique on our list. Simply lay your compatible phone or other device on top of the power bank for a battery boost in no time.

What We Like

Even though this is a large-capacity, full-service power bank with the ability to charge many devices, it is still quite portable. It weighs a little over a pound, and it has a nearly square design that is just over an inch thick, which means it still fits nicely into a jacket pocket or bag.

The Omni 20+ also has an LCD screen that will tell you what is happening with all the various inputs and outputs. It gives you an accurate readout of your remaining power as well as shows you which ports have been activated by the two power buttons.

This device also charges faster than any other, clocking in at just under two hours, so you will not need to wait long to begin using it after it is fully drained.

Overall

The Omni 20+ AC/DC/USB-C/Wireless Charging Portable Power Bank offers charging solutions for just about any device you have to run, and it gives you the flexibility of powering other devices that have a standard electrical plug. You get a lot for your money with this premium power bank, and its efficient design is also highly portable and easy-to-use.

Buyer’s Guide to Finding the Best Portable Charger

Capacity

Power bank capacity is measured in milliamp-hours (mAh). This is a measure of how much power the battery can hold. The more it holds, the more devices you can charge or the more often you can charge your devices without needing to recharge the power bank. In general, larger capacity will result in a larger, more cumbersome device. Some of your portable electronics, like laptops and tablets, will use a lot of power, so you may not be able to fully charge these with a smaller-capacity power bank.

Size and Weight

Power banks should be portable, and your definition of this term will depend on how much weight you are willing to tolerate. You may want a device that slips into a pocket or fits easily into your purse, but this could limit your capacity. Look carefully at the dimensions and weight of any charger you like to see if it will be something you can comfortably carry in a way that meets your needs.

Number of Ports

Most of us have more than one portable device these days, including phones, tablets, wireless headphones, speakers, and much more. If you want to be able to charge more than one thing at a time, be sure to look for a power bank with multiple ports. The smaller the power bank, the fewer ports it is likely to have.

Compatibility

Not all power banks can charge all portable devices. Some, like laptops and certain models of Android phones, require a higher voltage than many power banks can deliver. You should always check the manufacturer’s specifications before buying a power bank to ensure that you will be able to charge all your current devices with it.

Speed

When it comes to portable chargers, there are two speeds to consider. The first is how quickly will the power bank charge your device. Does it come with a quick-charge feature or option? And can you charge your device while also charging the power bank?

The other speed that will be important to many busy people is how long it takes to fully recharge the power bank itself. While most will charge overnight with no problems, if you need a faster turnaround, be sure to look for this detail.

Safety Features

Nearly all models available today offer some protection against short-circuiting, overloads, and too much current. In most cases, the portable power banks will turn off automatically. Some companies even offer money-back guarantees against damage to your electronics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What do you mean by mAh?

A: mAh is an abbreviation for milliamp hours, which is a measure of how much charge your portable battery can hold. Manufacturers state the capacity of their power banks using this measurement, which is standard and allows you to compare one device to another. The higher the number, the more charge it can hold.

Q: How do I know if my power bank will last?

A: When it comes to these types of devices, you will get a longer life from those with higher-quality batteries with technology that optimizes their charging cycles. The higher the output of the ports, the fewer times (theoretically) you will need to charge a device, which improves your charger’s lifespan. Smaller capacity batteries need to be recharged often, which often reduces battery life, as well.

Power banks, like all types of batteries, will start to degrade over time. Usually after a few years, you may notice a drop in performance, but the charger will continue working for a long time before it finally can no longer hold a charge.

Q: Are power banks safe for my expensive devices?

A: Power banks today are the safest they have ever been. Reputable manufacturers include many safety features and fail-safes that prevent damage to your electronics, but you should always view their specifications to ensure this is the case.

Q: What kind of battery is inside my power bank?

A: Most power banks today use a lithium-ion or a lithium-polymer battery. Check with your manufacturer’s specifications to know for sure which is used.

Q: Can I travel on a plane with my portable charger?

A: Most power banks on our list are well under the allowable limit of 100-watt hours for air travel today. The largest capacity units may put you over the limit for checked baggage, but you may still be able to have it in your carry-on. Check with your airline if you are in doubt.

Q: How can I make my portable charger last as long as possible?

A: When charging your power bank, it is best to do so when it is fully discharged. If you do not use your portable charger often, be sure to charge it at least every few months. Storing your power bank in a cool, dry place will also extend the life of your battery. Keep your portable charger away from extreme temperatures or direct sunlight, as well.

Conclusion

For many, having a portable power bank is nice to have, but for those who travel a lot or work out of the office frequently, knowing you will not run out of charge on your critical devices is essential. Power banks are useful tools for ensuring you never run out of power on your phone, tablet, and other portable devices. And with the wide range of options available, there is a power bank that meets your needs and budget, for sure.

Selecting among our list of top 10 best portable power banks gives you options for capacity, versatility, portability, style, and speed. And while a larger budget will provide you with more options and features, you don’t have to spend a lot on a power bank to get reliable, safe charging capacity that will help you until you get home or back to the office.

Today’s charging technology just keeps getting better, and with batteries lasting longer than ever before, there has never been a better time to invest in a power bank for your personal or professional use. We feel confident you can find the perfect one for you among our top ten choices.

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