Getting one of the best power banks is essential if you want your devices to always be topped up when you're not near a power socket. We use technology for so many day-to-day activities, like contactless pay on your phone, or Google maps to get around. A dead battery would be sure to ruin your day, so investing in a portable power source is the perfect way to avoid that.
Most power banks are very similar in theory: they all supply power to another device once charged. But with so many varying features, price points and brands it can get confusing when choosing what will be the best power bank for you. Our below list clearly details the differences between each product including battery capacity, power ports and physical size to help you pick as well as some pros and cons. If you're still unsure about the details of power banks and what exactly they do, scroll down to the bottom of this page to find a handy breakdown of frequently asked questions.
If you're a creative on the go wanting to further improve your artistic talents, we have a guide to the best video editing software available right now. If you're looking for some extra storage for your devices, we also have a list of our top picks for the best external hard drives. For now, let's look at the best power banks for your tech.
The best power banks available today
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We've just slotted in the INIU 10000mAh Portable Charger into the top spot for a couple of reasons. First of all, we received reader feedback by a user that couldn't say enough positive about it. That user also mentioned that the INIU 10000mAh Portable Charger has not only two USB-A output ports to the below Anker PowerCore 20100, it also has a USB-C input and output port too (and the Anker doesn't even have one USB-C port).
Looking into the INIU offering, we are also impressed with the relatively lower price tag (perhaps because it's by a lesser know brand?) The rub? It has half the capacity of the below Anker PowerCore, so it won't give your phone a huge number of charges before it needs charging itself. But then it's a handy slim device when out and about.
So ultimately, with all things considered, we think it deserves the top spot in our list of the best power banks out there. Of course, if you're wanting a larger power bank that has more re-charging in it, especially for larger appliances like laptops, then it's worth looking at the second entry. But for most users, we think this is the best option.
Reaching a decision on our number one choice was easy was easy (before the new kid on the block crashed the party – see above). Having tried out the Anker PowerCore 20100 power bank extensively at Creative Bloq, we're still certain it's one of the best power banks you can buy right now, especially if you want a large capacity.
In terms of charge speed, connectivity and price, it's absolutely top-notch. With a hefty battery capacity of 20,100mAh, you'll get a good few charges out of it before needing to top it up.
Slimline and sleek, the Anker PowerCore 20100 power bank can charge two devices simultaneously via its pair of 2.4 Amp USB ports, and if those devices use PowerIQ or VoltageBoost, it'll charge them all the faster. And here's the best compliment we can pay this power bank: after trying it out for a little while, our writer went out and bought one of their own.
If the main thing that you're after is great value in your power bank, we can heartily recommend the iMuto Ultra High Capacity portable charger. Don't care too much about getting flexibility and features? This may be the power bank that suites your needs the best.
Sure, it's a little on the heavier side, clocking in at around 100g heavier than the above top pick. And, yes, there's less capacity than the above too (only by 100mAh). But if you look at the price, and the money that you'll be saving, we think these are good trade offs. Of course, you may not like the chunky design (we do), and the charging options are limited. But for the majority of users who want a decent power bank for a decent price, the iMuto 20,000mAh power bank is brilliant option.
If you have a power-hungry device, or just need to charge a normal smartphone or tablet multiple times on a long journey, you might need something more heavy-duty than our number one choice. In which case, let us introduce the Anker PowerCore III Elite 25600.
This power bank is named for its 25,600mAh of battery capacity. That's even enough power to fully gas up a MacBook, if you're so inclined, making this an ideal power bank for those who prefer to work on the go.
Able to charge up to three devices at once, the Anker PowerCore III Elite 25600 has a 60W USB-C port and a pair of USB-A ports capable of delivering a total output of 18W between them. There's also a trickle-charging function that's useful for low-power devices.
As you might expect, this is a pretty hefty power bank, weighing in at more than half a kilo. Its price tag is quite hefty too. But if you need the kind of power it's offering, we reckon it does represent good value.
We love the look of these Casely 'power pods'. With a great range of cool designs, that all pack a decent punch, this is a fresh entry into this list of the best power banks. It's important to note these are only available in the US.
Just to be clear (and as the small size may suggest), the Casely Power Pods are designed for charging smart phones, not laptops or bigger tablets. However, with a USB-C to USB cable (which is included), this is a versatile device. The Casely Power Pod is compatible with Qi Wireless charging phones, and that includes all iPhone from the 8 onwards, as well as Samsung and Google phones, and AirPods 2, AirPods Pro, and AirPods 3.
You can also match a cool phone case with you Power Pod, which is a really nice touch. If you're bored of the matt black look of many of the power banks on this page, this is a welcome chance to get some colour in your charging device.
The Mophie Powerstation Plus is the perfect choice for anyone with an iPhone or older iPad that needs the occasional boost, as it has a built-in Lightning cable so you don't need to remember to bring one with you.
Models range from a 6,000mAh capacity at the most economic end up to a more generous 12,000mAh, which is enough for more than four additional charges on your iPhone or one extra charge for a tablet. A second USB port means you can charge two devices at the same time. All this makes it our clear choice as the best portable charger for iPhones.
Not worried about price, and just want a premium power bank that can charge loads of things at the same time? Then this could well be the option for you. It has two USB-C ports and two USB-A ports as well as offering wireless charging. It's compatible with the MacBook Pro. And it features an OLED display to let you know how much power's available and how fully charged your devices are.
It charges fast – in under three hours when plugged in by itself. You can also charge the power bank itself while your devices are charging. And while it's a lot more expensive than most of the other power banks on our list, if you need to use your devices a lot the investment could pay off, by allowing you to keep going for longer.
We'll be clear, the Omni 20 is going to overkill for most people. It's heavy and gives you a lot less power than you'd expect for the price. But if you need to charge multiple devices, and want a lot of flexibility, it's a winner.
If you're going to be outdoors a lot, but don't want to go completely off grid, a solar power bank is a great way recharge your phone when you're away from civilisation. The Kilponen Solar Power Bank 26800mAh offers an impressive capacity, will fit in a pocket easily, and the LED indicator system shows how much power you have left. There are only two ports – both USB-A – but otherwise, it's a great option, both for practical and environmental reasons.
Hunting for a mid-range power bank, that offers the perfect balance between price and capacity? Then you'll find Anker’s PowerCore+ 26800 offers excellent value. Its huge 26,800mAh battery should be enough to recharge the iPhone 8 around 10 times, a Samsung Galaxy S8 more than six times, and most tablets at least twice.
You can charge up to three devices at one time. And a full recharge of the power bank itself takes around six hours with a wall charger (not included). Note, though, that it does not support passthrough charging, ie it can't charge your devices while it’s being charged itself.
The thing most people are looking for in a power bank is, well, power. And with a huge 50,000mAh on offer, the Maxoak Power Bank is certainly packed with that. It's also versatile, with six ports letting you charge almost everything at once.
Sadly, though, it won't charge a MacBook, which could rule out this power bank for many creatives. However if you have a laptop from Fujitsu, Sony, Acer, Asus, IBM, Dell, HP, NEC, Samsung or Lenovo then you're good to go.
The massive capacity and multiple ports make this an ideal power bank for a trip with colleagues who'll need to charge their devices at the same time, or if you simply have a lot of devices yourself. Be aware, though, that this is the heaviest model on our list, and one of the most expensive. It's frequently in and out of stock on Amazon, but keep an eye on our live pricing widgets for stock updates.
How to choose a power bank
What is a power bank?
A power bank is a portable electronic device that can transfer power from its built-in battery to other devices. This is typically done through a USB-A or USB-C port, although wireless charging is also increasingly available. Power banks are mainly used for charging small devices with USB ports such as smartphones, tablets and Chromebooks. But they can also be used to top up a variety of USB-powered accessories, including headphones, Bluetooth speakers, lights, fans and camera batteries.
Power banks usually recharge with a USB power supply. Some offer passthrough charging, which means you can charge your devices while the power bank itself is recharging.
What should I look for when buying a power bank?
When choosing the best power bank for your needs, the first consideration should be battery capacity. Consider how long you’ll be on the move and how many devices you'll be using. You'll also need to bear in mind how much energy those devices consume as a laptop or camera will need more power to recharge than a phone or tablet.
Once you've decided what battery capacity you need, the next factor is weight. Usually weight increases in line with capacity, so you might want to strike a balance and sacrifice some battery capacity for the extra portability that comes with a lighter power bank.
Another important factor is compatibility. You need to make sure the power bank will actually work with the devices you want to charge. Also think about connectivity. If you're likely to need to charge several devices at the same time, you'll want to check how many charging points the power bank has.
Many power banks come with two or three ports, but some power banks offer up to six. And it's worth checking what sort of ports are on offer; USB-A ports will do the job but not every quickly, while if you can find a power bank with a USB-C PD port then you'll find your devices charge nice and quickly. If you're looking for the best phone power bank, you won't need to worry too much about multiple ports.
What's the best power bank brand?
We feel that Anker is often the best power bank brand, which is why the Anker PowerCore 20100 power bank tops our list above. With its big capacity, fast charging and excellent value, it's a no-brainer, unless you're looking for really high capacity or specific compatibility. There are a few devices the PowerCore 20100 won’t work with.
Maxoak, Mophie and Belkin are also great power bank brands. Be wary, though, of brands that you've never heard of, particularly if the brand name reads like someone grabbed a handful of tiles out of a Scrabble bag and chucked them on a table. You'll find thousands of them on Amazon offering loads of power at a knockdown price. But while some of them might be genuine bargains, you're running a real risk of buying something that'll seriously under-deliver then fail on you in short order.
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