Best Power Banks (2026): My Picks After Testing Over 100
This article was sourced from Wired Tech and processed by our automatic pipeline.
Featured in this article
Anker
Amazon
Amazon
Anker
I hate running out of power. Everybody does. While our gadgets have advanced in many ways, battery technology has been slow to improve. That’s why you’re looking to buy a power bank. A good portable charger is a handy backup that can keep your smartphone, tablet, and maybe even your laptop going for longer. I’ve been testing power banks for years. I’ve tested more than 100 portable chargers. But you only really need one or two.
Most folks should buy one of the first four power banks I recommend, but there are a few other unique use cases, so I’ve included a few extra options. Read the Best MagSafe/Qi2 Power Banks for more magnetic wireless chargers, and Best Laptop Power Banks or Best Portable Power Stations for more power.
Updated July 2026: I added power banks from Nimble, Baseus, Cuktech, and Pisen, removed some older power banks, and updated prices.
Best Power BankPhotograph: Simon HillPhotograph: Simon HillChevronChevronSave to wishlistSave to wishlistAnkerLaptop Power Bank$120 Anker$120 $105 (13% off) Amazon$120 $105 (13% off) Best BuyThis is the only power bank you need. Anker combines style and substance with this versatile power bank that packs a whopping 25,000-mAh capacity and is capable of delivering up to 165 watts to two devices (100 watts for a single device connected via USB-C). I love the rounded edges, the retractable, flat 2.3-foot USB-C cable up top, and the clever braided 1-foot USB-C cable that doubles as a carry loop. It has a display to show the remaining battery, charging rate in and out, battery temperature, and health. It supports pass-through charging and takes around two hours to recharge.OK, you don’t really need this many stats, but having a precise idea of how much power remains is useful and reassuring. I love the built-in cables, because they ensure you’re never caught without one. This is also below the limit for power banks on flights, so you can travel with it. Anker’s Laptop Power Bank fast-charged everything I tested it with, including multiple smartphones, an iPad, a Poco tablet, a MacBook Air, and a Chromebook. You can charge four devices simultaneously without any issues. After a year of use, mine still performs perfectly.SpecsPorts:USB-C x 1, USB-A x 1, built-in USB-C cables x 2Capacity:25,000 mAhCharges:Most phones at least four timesWattage:165 wattsWarranty:18 monthsBest Smaller Power BankPhotograph: Simon HillSave to wishlistSave to wishlistNimbleChamp (Series 2)$60 Amazon$60 Nimble (All)You don’t always need big capacity, and you don’t always have room for a big power bank. If you want something more portable, go for the Nimble Champ Pro. At 6.2 ounces, it’s one of the lightest on the market. It’s smaller than a deck of cards and can deliver 20 watts to charge two devices at once via a USB-C port on either end. It feels durable, comes in a snazzy new range of speckled color finishes, and has a bright lanyard loop that makes for easy carrying and helps you pick it out of your backpack. The Pro version is bigger but doubles the capacity (to 20,000 mAh) and has a similar design with two USB-C ports that go up to 65 watts. There’s also a smaller version with a 5,200-mAh capacity that tops out at 15 watts.Another reason I like Nimble is its environmental efforts. Batteries are not environmentally benign. They use lithium, cobalt, and other rare metals whose supply chains are environmentally and socially questionable at best. But Nimble’s use of bioplastics and plastic-free minimal packaging at least reduces the environmental impact where it can be reduced. This version uses 90 percent recycled plastic (up 25 percent from the original) and comes in smaller plastic-free packaging. Nimble includes a 3.3-foot USB-C to USB-C cable in the box.SpecsPorts:USB-C x 2Capacity:10,000 mAh (5,200 mAh or 20,000 mAh)Charges:Most smartphones two or three timesWattage:65 wattsWarranty:2 years
Best Power Bank
Photograph: Simon HillPhotograph: Simon Hill
Anker
Laptop Power Bank
Anker
Amazon
Best Buy
This is the only power bank you need. Anker combines style and substance with this versatile power bank that packs a whopping 25,000-mAh capacity and is capable of delivering up to 165 watts to two devices (100 watts for a single device connected via USB-C). I love the rounded edges, the retractable, flat 2.3-foot USB-C cable up top, and the clever braided 1-foot USB-C cable that doubles as a carry loop. It has a display to show the remaining battery, charging rate in and out, battery temperature, and health. It supports pass-through charging and takes around two hours to recharge.
OK, you don’t really need this many stats, but having a precise idea of how much power remains is useful and reassuring. I love the built-in cables, because they ensure you’re never caught without one. This is also below the limit for power banks on flights, so you can travel with it. Anker’s Laptop Power Bank fast-charged everything I tested it with, including multiple smartphones, an iPad, a Poco tablet, a MacBook Air, and a Chromebook. You can charge four devices simultaneously without any issues. After a year of use, mine still performs perfectly.
Best Smaller Power Bank
Nimble
Champ (Series 2)
Amazon
Nimble (All)
You don’t always need big capacity, and you don’t always have room for a big power bank. If you want something more portable, go for the Nimble Champ Pro. At 6.2 ounces, it’s one of the lightest on the market. It’s smaller than a deck of cards and can deliver 20 watts to charge two devices at once via a USB-C port on either end. It feels durable, comes in a snazzy new range of speckled color finishes, and has a bright lanyard loop that makes for easy carrying and helps you pick it out of your backpack. The Pro version is bigger but doubles the capacity (to 20,000 mAh) and has a similar design with two USB-C ports that go up to 65 watts. There’s also a smaller version with a 5,200-mAh capacity that tops out at 15 watts.
Another reason I like Nimble is its environmental efforts. Batteries are not environmentally benign. They use lithium, cobalt, and other rare metals whose supply chains are environmentally and socially questionable at best. But Nimble’s use of bioplastics and plastic-free minimal packaging at least reduces the environmental impact where it can be reduced. This version uses 90 percent recycled plastic (up 25 percent from the original) and comes in smaller plastic-free packaging. Nimble includes a 3.3-foot USB-C to USB-C cable in the box.
Best-Looking Power BankPhotograph: Simon HillSave to wishlistSave to wishlistShargeShargeek 170 Power Bank$169 $110 (35% off) AmazonMaybe you want a large-capacity power bank that can handle all your portable gadgets, but you’re tired of gray bricks. I am a sucker for Sharge’s transparent designs and cyberpunk aesthetic, but this prism-shaped power bank is more than just a pretty face. With a maximum output of 170 watts, a whopping 24,000-mAh capacity, and an IP66 rating for water resistance (fine in the rain, but best not to submerge), the Sharge 170 has form and function. The smart display shows battery life as a percentage, time remaining, and the input or output in watts. It supports many standards, including Power Delivery 3.1, Quick Charge 4.0, and PPS, and it fast-charged most of the devices I tested, including the iPhone 15 Pro, Pixel 8, Xiaomi 14 Ultra, and MacBook Air. You can simultaneously charge three devices at fast speeds.The box includes a braided USB-C cable and a somewhat pointless wee velvety bag (does anyone use these?). It can recharge completely in an hour via USB-C at up to 140 watts (with the right cable and charger). I’ve tested some of Sharge’s newer power banks, but I still prefer the 170. The triangular design is unique and means the display is always angled perfectly to glance at. You are paying a premium for the aesthetic, but I’ve used mine often over the last few months. It’s built to last.SpecsPorts:USB-C x 2, USB-A x 1Capacity:24,000 mAhCharges:Most phones around five times or a laptop onceWattage:170 wattsWarranty:1 yearBest Magsafe/Qi2 Portable ChargerPhotograph: Simon HillSave to wishlistSave to wishlistAnkerMagGo Power Bank (10K) (Qi2)$90 Anker$90 Amazon$90 Walmart$90 Best BuyThis entry in Anker’s MagGo range was the first Qi2 power bank I tested, and it’s still the best. The Qi2 wireless charging standard borrows elements of Apple’s MagSafe, enabling supported phones to connect with perfect alignment using a ring of magnets. Qi2 brings faster wireless charging rates of up to 15 watts, but is also backward compatible, so older Qi devices can still charge, albeit more slowly. This compact portable charger has a handy kickstand, a two-way USB-C port on the left edge, and a power button with an LED display showing remaining power as a percentage of charge time on the right. Anker now offers it in a range of fun colors. You can stick Qi2 or MagSafe phones in portrait or landscape orientation (it works with Apple’s StandBy mode). I tested with an iPhone 14 Pro and got 25 percent in around 20 minutes.Despite a large capacity, it falls short of two full charges for your iPhone when charging wirelessly. You might squeeze out a little more if you plug in the short USB-C cable provided. It’s also quite bulky, but if you have an iPhone or another Qi2 phone, we recommend several slimmer alternatives in our Best Qi2 and MagSafe Power Banks guide.SpecsPorts:USB-C x 1, Qi2 wireless charging pad x 1Capacity:10,000 mAhCharges:Most smartphones one or two timesWattage:15 watts (wireless), 27 watts (wired)Warranty:2 years
Best-Looking Power Bank
Sharge
Shargeek 170 Power Bank
Amazon
Maybe you want a large-capacity power bank that can handle all your portable gadgets, but you’re tired of gray bricks. I am a sucker for Sharge’s transparent designs and cyberpunk aesthetic, but this prism-shaped power bank is more than just a pretty face. With a maximum output of 170 watts, a whopping 24,000-mAh capacity, and an IP66 rating for water resistance (fine in the rain, but best not to submerge), the Sharge 170 has form and function. The smart display shows battery life as a percentage, time remaining, and the input or output in watts. It supports many standards, including Power Delivery 3.1, Quick Charge 4.0, and PPS, and it fast-charged most of the devices I tested, including the iPhone 15 Pro, Pixel 8, Xiaomi 14 Ultra, and MacBook Air. You can simultaneously charge three devices at fast speeds.
The box includes a braided USB-C cable and a somewhat pointless wee velvety bag (does anyone use these?). It can recharge completely in an hour via USB-C at up to 140 watts (with the right cable and charger). I’ve tested some of Sharge’s newer power banks, but I still prefer the 170. The triangular design is unique and means the display is always angled perfectly to glance at. You are paying a premium for the aesthetic, but I’ve used mine often over the last few months. It’s built to last.
Best Magsafe/Qi2 Portable Charger
Anker
MagGo Power Bank (10K) (Qi2)
Anker
Amazon
Walmart
Best Buy
This entry in Anker’s MagGo range was the first Qi2 power bank I tested, and it’s still the best. The Qi2 wireless charging standard borrows elements of Apple’s MagSafe, enabling supported phones to connect with perfect alignment using a ring of magnets. Qi2 brings faster wireless charging rates of up to 15 watts, but is also backward compatible, so older Qi devices can still charge, albeit more slowly. This compact portable charger has a handy kickstand, a two-way USB-C port on the left edge, and a power button with an LED display showing remaining power as a percentage of charge time on the right. Anker now offers it in a range of fun colors. You can stick Qi2 or MagSafe phones in portrait or landscape orientation (it works with Apple’s StandBy mode). I tested with an iPhone 14 Pro and got 25 percent in around 20 minutes.
Despite a large capacity, it falls short of two full charges for your iPhone when charging wirelessly. You might squeeze out a little more if you plug in the short USB-C cable provided. It’s also quite bulky, but if you have an iPhone or another Qi2 phone, we recommend several slimmer alternatives in our Best Qi2 and MagSafe Power Banks guide.
Best for Apple WatchPhotograph: Simon HillSave to wishlistSave to wishlistAnkerMagGo Power Bank for Apple Watch$90 Anker$90 Amazon$90 WalmartMy Apple Watch usually makes it to bedtime, but for super busy days and overnight trips, it’s nice to have a power bank capable of charging it up. This Anker power bank has a handy pop-up Apple Watch charger that can deliver 5 watts and supports Nightstand mode. It also has a built-in USB-C cable and a USB-C port, so you can deliver up to 30 watts to your phone or another small device. A display lights up beneath the surface to show you the remaining power as a percentage, and the current charging rate. It’s nice and compact, with a generous 10,000-mAh battery capacity, and comes in black, white, green, or pink. Anker supplies stickers to stop your Apple Watch from sliding, but I didn’t find that to be a problem.SpecsPorts:USB-C x 1, Apple Watch wireless charger, USB-C cableCapacity:10,000 mAhCharges:Apple Watch eight or nine timesWattage:30 wattsWarranty:2 yearsBest Shareable Power BankPhotograph: Simon HillPhotograph: Simon HillPhotograph: Simon HillPhotograph: Simon HillChevronChevronSave to wishlistSave to wishlistNimbleSharePower$80 Nimble$80 AppleInnovative and genuinely useful, I love the Nimble SharePower, a 10,000-mAh, modular power bank that you can snap in half to get two separate, fully functional 5,000-mAh chargers. This clever design allows you to share power with friends and family. The two halves connect magnetically with tiny pogo pins (it’s satisfying to pull them apart and reconnect). One has a built-in USB-C cable that doubles as a carry loop, and the other has a fold-out USB-C connector. Put them together, and the remaining power is split evenly between the two halves. My daughter pinched this soon after it arrived in my home because it enables her to share the power with her friends, and I’m having trouble getting it back.SpecsPorts:USB-C x 1, USB-C cable, USB-C connectorCapacity:10,000 mAh (2x 5,000 mAh modules)Charges:Most smartphones one or two timesWattage:35 wattsWarranty:2 years
Best for Apple Watch
Anker
MagGo Power Bank for Apple Watch
Anker
Amazon
Walmart
My Apple Watch usually makes it to bedtime, but for super busy days and overnight trips, it’s nice to have a power bank capable of charging it up. This Anker power bank has a handy pop-up Apple Watch charger that can deliver 5 watts and supports Nightstand mode. It also has a built-in USB-C cable and a USB-C port, so you can deliver up to 30 watts to your phone or another small device. A display lights up beneath the surface to show you the remaining power as a percentage, and the current charging
Originally published on Wired Tech. Sourced by DRISATECH.
Engr Idris Adeiza, Aliyu is a Materials Engineer, technology professional, data and AI enthusiast, and entrepreneur.
He holds both Bachelor and Master’s degree in Engineering from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and is currently pursuing his second Master’s degree in Disaster and Risk Management. His interests include AI, Data Engineering, Business Intelligence, Sustainable Engineering, and Emerging Technologies.
Engr. Idris founded Drisa Engineering Solutions Limited and Drisa FarmDepot & Agric Solutions, developing practical engineering and technology solutions.
His writing explores AI, Data, Sustainable Engineering, Digital Transformation, and Technology Developments in Nigeria and Globally.
