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We’ve all been there. You forgot to plug in your phone the night before, and you left the house without a way to recharge. You can do one of three things: run all the way back home and grab your charger. Spend $30 on a gas station knock-off that may or may not work. Or invest in the best power bank so this never happens again.
Power banks are ingenious gadgets that can save the day when your only line of communication has been compromised. In this day and age, it is vital that you can reach your loved ones and they can reach you.
That’s why we want to help ensure that you are protected from the low battery blues. Never again worry about breaking down without a way to call someone for help. We ranked 10 of our top picks to help you find the best power bank for your needs. Before we get to the reviews, check out a couple of our favorites below.
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With its affordable price and user-friendly design, Anker’s PowerCore 20100 is our favorite overall. It has stellar battery life and charges up your devices quickly. Don’t risk running out of battery power when there are great units like this to be had.
If you’ve ever been stranded without a way to charge your laptop, NOVOO’s Power Bank will forever change that. Equipped with USB and AC outputs, you’ll have plenty of power on tap at all times.
There are eight more innovative and exciting entries to go. We made sure to include some excellent budget-friendly options for those who just need the basics. But no matter your needs, we’re confident there’s one just for you.
The batteries in some of today’s smartphones and tablets are quite large. It can take a while to top them off if you aren’t equipped with the proper charger. This is especially true if you own one of the newer models. Regular third-party chargers often don’t do the trick.
This is where Anker comes in. They have the fix for your troubles, delivering a power bank that is built to accommodate the bigger and newer devices. The PowerCore 20100 is a large-capacity model that provides between 5 and 7 charges for Androids and iPhones.
With power like this, you’ll never again have to worry about getting stuck with a dead battery. Thanks to Anker’s VoltageBoost and PowerIQ technology, you can enjoy all the benefits your smart device has to offer in no time flat.
The PowerCore 20100 comes with a micro-USB cable for charging the unit. On a full charge, you can expect to get a week’s worth of usage. Keep it in your car or purse and you’ll have the backup your phone needs to get you through in a pinch.
Delivering such fast charging capabilities, the PowerCore does take quite a while to completely top off. It’s best to plug it in overnight, as it needs around 10 hours to do the trick. Thankfully, you need to do this only once a week or so and not every night.
It’s also a pretty large unit, about the size of an iPhone 11; just not as wide and twice as thick. You can carry it in your pocket, but it’s also twice the weight, making it rather cumbersome after a while.
The PowerCore 20100 is equipped with two USB ports, as well as one for a micro-USB. This lets you charge two devices at once. Four small LED lights let you know how much battery power is remaining on the bank, as well.
After the PowerCore is charged, simply plug your smart device into the bank just like you would a charging block. Soon, your device will be ready to use. It’s fast, straightforward, and effective.
As the most expensive charger among our rankings, NOVOO’s Power Bank also gives you the most ways to charge. Not only can you use the traditional USB route, but it’s also equipped with a 3-prong AC power outlet.
This means you can plug your laptop adapter directly into the bank for instant power. The USB outputs include a USB-C and a USB-A. And yes, you can use all three at the same time if you need them.
The NOVOO bank takes about 5 and a half hours to fully recharge. How many charges you get from it greatly depends on what you’re charging. You can charge a laptop 2 or 3 times. But if you’re charging up something smaller, like earbuds, that jumps up to around 40 times.
Smartphones should give you 12 or so charges. Regardless, it’s pretty impressive how much use you can get from this thing.
Design-wise, it’s a little bit bigger than a can of soda. It packs quite the punch in terms of what it offers, making it an excellent choice for the tech-centric users out there.
A single power button operates the NOVOO bank. A row of LED lights let you know how much battery life is left in the tank. To charge the unit, an AC/DC adapter is included.
NOVOO makes it easy to access all of the included charging options. It’s nice to see some variety that thinks outside the box. Being able to charge up your laptop in a pinch is a big plus. And it’s really convenient that you can use all 3 outputs at the same time.
You won’t find a built-in flashlight on this power bank, but that’s a small price to pay considering all that this thing is capable of. Sure, its unorthodox size and shape takes some getting used to. But it’s hard to imagine how else NOVOO could have designed this thing.
If you want the charging power of the PowerCore 20100 but don’t want to lug around its bulky body, fear not. Anker has the perfect solution in the PowerCore 10000. The 20100’s little brother, this mighty device has certainly made a name for itself.
At around half the size, it provides about half the amount of charges as the 20100. You can expect to get around 3 days of power from a single charge. To top off the PowerCore 10000’s battery, you’ll need to charge it for about 4 to 5 hours.
Being so much more compact, we really like the convenience of the 10000. It provides ample juice when you need it. As where the 20100 is better suited for those who travel away from home more often, the 10000 is great for local trips.
You can carry this one around in your pocket much easier, too. It’s not very heavy at all and makes a great companion for long shopping trips, walks in the woods, camping, and much more.
You’ll find only one USB port on the 10000, meaning you can charge just one device at a time. Simply plug in the 10000 overnight for best results. Four small LED indicator lights let you know how much battery life is remaining.
The design of the 26800 is very similar to the PowerCore 20100. Even the LED battery lights look the same. The biggest difference is that you get 3 USB ports to piggyback off of. You’re going to spend a little bit more on this one, but the benefits are worth it.
Not only are you getting a lot more to work with, but the 26800 lasts longer, too. We’re talking up to 9 days of battery life at the ready. If you’re away from home for meetings and the like for several days, this is the power bank you want.
It’s powerful enough to charge most smartphones around 6 times before needing to be plugged in. We like that it recharges our devices twice as fast as standard chargers. This is a huge leg up when you need instant juice.
With this kind of power, however, it’s going to need lots of beauty rest. This is the 26800’s one and only real drawback. You’ll need to carve out 13 hours for it to completely top off.
It’s also a bit on the heavy side, weighing in at 1.06 pounds. This is understandable considering how much battery life you’re getting. But you probably don’t want to lug this thing around in your pocket all day.
The convenience you’re getting more than makes up for any complaints. Sure, you’re paying a little extra for that convenience. But if you’re stranded without a way to call anyone, you’ll probably be more than happy to pay the difference.
You’ll be impressed with how long the 26800 lasts you out in the wild. It’s heavy, so you’ll want to throw it in a purse or backpack and not your pocket. Having 3 USB ports is a much welcomed addition. For the tech-lovers out there, this one is right up your alley.
The EasyAcc MegaCharge offers a host of connectivity and features. Now you can charge smartphones, tablets, headsets, cameras, MacBooks, and more – all from the same power bank.
When the MegaCharge is charging at maximum, it looks like a squid. Cords sprout out from every angle, resembling many tentacles. And that’s precisely what this model was made to do. Its 20,000mAh battery supplies power to several devices at once.
It boasts 3 USB outputs and 1 USB-C output. All are rated at 15 watts except for one of the USB outputs. It is reserved at 18 watts so you can charge devices faster when you need instant power. For charging the bank, there are 2 inputs. You can use either a standard micro-USB or USB-C cable.
There’s also a built-in flashlight to help you see without having to fumble through your smartphone’s settings. It’s all very well made for greater versatility. The MegaCharge is equipped with 4 LED lights that let you know how much battery life is remaining.
It’s nice to see both a micro-USB and USB-C cable included with the power bank. Most brands and models don’t include the latter, so this is a welcomed change of pace.
Charging the MegaCharge takes a brisk 4 and a half hours. Considering how great the capacity is, this is quite impressive.
Having so many outputs readily available makes the MegaCharge a breeze to use. It’s very user-friendly thanks to its handy features and easy accessibility. Keep in mind you can’t charge the bank with both a micro-USB and USB-C.
Only one can be used at a time. However, you can use as many or as few of the USB outputs as you like. This will, of course, drain the MegaCharge’s battery quicker. So make sure to keep an eye on your usage.
Anker is back again with another excellent power bank. The Slim 10000 sees some handy updates that further expand its versatility and user-friendliness.
As you likely already guessed, this model is slimmer than its counterparts. It’s nearly identical in size to that of an iPhone X, yet it weighs quite a bit more.
You can charge only one device at a time, giving you between 2 and 3 charges for modern smartphones. Thankfully, charging the Slim 10000 takes just 5 and a half hours. You should get about 3 days of use from a single charge.
A nice addition on the Slim is the inclusion of a USB-C input. Now you can charge it up with either that or a standard micro-USB cable. This is handy if you have a newer device that uses the updated connection. You don’t have to keep swapping out cables from the charge block.
We like the design Anker went with on this one. The power button shape and placement is very similar to that of an iPhone. This little round button is equipped with four LED lights that let you know how much battery life is remaining on the power bank.
If you’re an iPhone user, you’ll feel right at home with the Slim 10000. It looks and feels about the same. You simply hold down on its power button for a couple of seconds to turn it on. Once the LEDs light up, just plug in your device via the USB port and you’re good to go.
The Slim 10000 sports a textured pattern that makes it easy to grip and find in your purse or backpack. And at 7.5 ounces, it’s not so heavy that you can’t carry it in your back pockets if need be.
Anker’s big selling point of the Mini is that it’s about the size of lipstick. This compact design comes in really handy, as you can toss it in your purse or carry it in your pocket. You’ll barely notice it’s there thanks to its incredibly small stature.
We like that it charges up quickly. You need just 3 or 4 hours to top off the Mini. This will give you a couple of days of usage, making it a great travel companion around town.
Being so small, charging power varies greatly from device to device. The Mini simply can’t fully charge up certain high-end models. This works best as a quick fix until you can properly charge your device. If you’re in need of a power bank that can provide more power for longer stretches of time, you’ll want to look elsewhere.
The Mini is equipped with an LED indicator light. This changes color to let you know how much battery life is remaining on the unit.
Equipped with a standard USB and micro-USB port, charging is easy and straightforward. Recharging the Mini takes between 3 and 4 hours. This will last you about 2 days, making it a nice backup for short trips away from home.
GETIHU brings a capable charger to the table that’s both affordable and convenient. It has a slim design that makes it easy to carry in your pocket. It’s equipped with a bright LED flashlight to assist with finding your way around charging cables and the like.
Sporting a 10,000mAh internal battery, you can expect your smartphone to get around 3 full charges. Topping off the GETIHU charger takes close to 6 hours. It should last you a few days before needing to be plugged in.
The slim design works really well considering how large this charger is. It’s lightweight enough that it never gets in the way, making it perfect for travel or camping trips.
It has 2 USB ports, allowing you to charge more than one device at a time. A single power button operates both the charger and the built-in flashlight. If you’re on a budget or just need an inexpensive backup to get you through, GETIHU has you covered.
GETIHU’s portable charger is powered by a micro-USB cable. At less than 6 hours to fully charge, it’s relatively quick and convenient. The lightweight and slim construction make this an easy travel companion.
RAVPower’s massive 22,000mAh charger is built to give you plenty of juice when you need it. Regardless of whether you’re carrying a new iPhone or the latest Android, you can expect to get between 5 and 8 full charges.
That’s a lot of backup to have at the ready. And not only that, RAVPower gives you 3 USB ports for a wide variety of charging on the go. Whether you need instant power for your smartphone or Bluetooth headset, you always get the proper charge.
The shell of this portable bank is made from fire-resistant materials. This assures the flammable batteries inside the unit won’t catch fire and explode if they’re exposed to flames. This model is also safe to use on airplanes during travel.
Fully recharging the RAVPower bank takes between 10 and 11 hours. So you’ll need to plug it in a few hours before bedtime to safely top off for the next day and beyond.
At 15.2 ounces, it is rather heavy and somewhat bulky. You’ll likely want to carry this one around in a bag or purse – not your pocket.
A nice benefit to see is that you can use this bank to charge up 12-inch MacBooks. You don’t often come across that on portable chargers like these.
Having 3 USB ports makes a big difference here in usability. If you’re one who relies on several devices, RAVPower’s 22,000mAh power bank is just what you need to stay connected.
On a tight budget but in need of a quality battery backup bank? Aibocn delivers a highly-affordable unit that offers plenty of power and fast recharging. For such a low price, you’d expect this bank to be pretty limited.
Aibocn could have given us just a single USB port to work with, but they didn’t. They equipped it with 2 so you can charge up both a smartphone and a tablet if need be. And if your device is dead and you’re in need of its flashlight, the power bank has you covered there, too.
This is always a nice addition to have for camping, hiking, or when you just need to find your house key. And, this model ensures that your devices don’t overcharge. Regardless of what you’re charging, you never have to worry about your battery exploding.
Depending largely on the type of device you’re charging, you can expect to get between 1 to 3 charges from this model. It does charge up your devices rather quickly, too, which is nice to see. However, recharging the Aibocn is going to take close to 11 hours. So make sure you give yourself plenty of time to do so.
The construction feels pretty cheap compared to other entries. But for such an inexpensive bank, you expect some corners to be cut. The capacity isn’t the greatest, either. After a full charge, it should last for a few days before needing to be topped off again.
This is your typical candy bar-style power bank that you’ve seen countless times already. It has 4 LED lights that indicate its battery life. A standard micro-USB cable charges the unit, and one is included for good measure.
A single power button controls both the charger and the built-in flashlight. With 2 USB ports, it’s handy for charging a smartphone and tablet simultaneously. Although you can charge any combination of devices you please, including headsets.
Just the needed amount of power is supplied to each device, so you needn’t worry about overcharging or overheating.
Having a power bank that is as mobile as you are is important in today’s society. We are all connected.
Losing that connection to the rest of the world isn’t a good feeling, but it can be avoided with a good portable charger.
But, before you can purchase a portable charger or a power bank, you need to know what to look for. The choices are great, but not all of the choices are correct ones.
We have spent a lot of time researching power banks, and the result is a short article in front of you. You don’t have to waste your time doing the researching, we have done it for you!
Before you can have the power to charge your devices anywhere you are, you need to be aware of a few features. The following features can make or break your new power bank, so consider them carefully.
Most of the portable chargers come with the information related to its power. The information comes in the form of a number that tells you the number of mAh (milliamp-hours) of the portable charger.
The number directly relates to the power of the charger – bigger number means more power. Plenty of portable chargers are capable of 2000mAh, but you should go for more. Good portable chargers offer over 10,000mAh, while the best ones offer 20,000mAh and then some.
Basically, 10,000mAh should be enough to charge an iPhone up to 3 times. Always go for a higher number, and try to avoid cheap power banks with only 2000mAh.
You will be using the USB port to charge your smartphone or a tablet. But, the amount of power that a USB port can provide varies.
The power output is shown in amps. Basically, if you see a power bank that offers 1 amp of power, then you can assume that the charging is slow.
On the other hand, 2.4 amps are enough to charge a smartphone quickly. Some of the portable chargers are capable of charging two devices at the same time. Those portable chargers have a power output of 3.4 amps and more.
To put it short, look for a portable charger that offers at least 2.4 amps of power output.
More powerful portable chargers offer you to charge more than one device at the same time. They manage to do it by giving you two, or more, USB ports.
So, if you want to charge your GoPro and your tablet at the same time, look for a power bank that comes with more than one USB port. Bear in mind the importance of power output. Don’t buy a portable charger that offers only one amp of power with two USB ports.
It doesn’t matter if your portable charger is powerful if the cables are low-quality. High-quality cables allow you to power your devices quickly, and protect from power surges and overheating.
Your power bank needs to be charged as well. So, make sure that the cable for charging your power bank is of high quality.
When it comes to the cable that connects to the device you want to charge, the same rule applies. The problem is that some power banks come with a hard-wired cable. Since the cable can’t be removed, the portable charger is less versatile.
The best power banks allow you to switch cables, so look for a model that lets you use different cables. That way you can easily switch a faulty cable with a new, high-quality one.
Since power banks are portable devices, the size plays an important role in choosing a high-quality product.
You will be carrying your power bank with you, so make sure that you have the means to carry it with you. Smaller ones can fit into your pocket, but the larger ones are way too big to carry around in a pocket. There are some “mini” versions of power banks that are a great fit for small pockets. Unfortunately, most of the power banks that can charge two devices require to be carried in a backpack or a purse.
The best power banks come with a warranty that not only covers the power bank but connected equipment as well.
You will notice that most of the warranties are limited, which means that they cover the portable charger only for a limited period of time. Some companies give you a limited lifetime warranty, which may vary from one company to the others.
If you can, always look for a power bank with a connected equipment warranty. That way, you can have your connected devices repaired if they get damaged during the charging. Bear in mind that connected equipment warranties come with clauses that you should check out carefully.
Never purchase a portable charger that doesn’t come with quality assurance. You don’t want to compromise your safety for a lower price. Make sure that your new power bank is safe by checking out whether certain tests have been performed on it.