Best portable chargers for 2026
Updated June 2026Independently researchedNo paid placement.
The Anker 325 Power Bank (PowerCore 20000) is our top pick for most people, balancing capacity, reliability, and price better than anything else.
For budget buyers the Anker 313 delivers surprising performance at a low cost; the Anker 737 is the power-hungry road warrior’s premium choice; the RAVPower 20000mAh is a close runner-up; and the Belkin BoostCharge is the sleekest option for travelers who value portability above all.
A dead phone at the wrong moment isn‘t just annoying – it can derail a workday, cancel a trip, or leave you stranded. A good portable charger is the simplest insurance you can buy, but the market is flooded with models that exaggerate capacity or cut corners on safety. The key is matching the battery size to your actual needs: a 10 000 mAh pack easily tops up a phone once or twice and fits in a pocket, while a 20 000 mAh or larger bank can handle tablets, earbuds, and multiple recharges over a weekend. Look for reputable brands with proven power-management chips – Anker, RAVPower, and Belkin all have strong track records. Check that the output ports (USB‑A vs. USB‑C) match your devices, and consider whether you need fast charging (Power Delivery or Qualcomm Quick Charge). Capacity is only half the story: a 20 000 mAh bank that takes 12 hours to recharge itself is a liability. These five picks earned their spots through years of positive owner feedback and consistent expert praise.
Anker 325 Power Bank (PowerCore 20000)
the ultimate all-rounder
4.8out of 5The Anker 325 PowerCore 20000 hits the sweet spot: enough capacity for two full phone recharges plus accessories, yet still compact enough for a day bag. It charges reliably via both USB‑A and USB‑C, and its build quality outlasts cheaper alternatives. For most people this is the one to buy.
Price range: $$
Check price on Amazon →Anker 313 Power Bank (PowerCore 10000)
the reliable budget companion
4.5out of 5If you only need to top up a phone once and want something pocket-friendly, the Anker 313 is the best low-cost option. Its 10 000 mAh capacity is honest, and the slim shape slides into a jeans pocket. You give up fast recharging and a second port, but at this price those trade‑offs are easy to accept.
Price range: $
Check price on Amazon →Anker 737 Power Bank (PowerCore 24K)
the power-hungry traveler‘s dream
4.6out of 5The Anker 737 is a beast: 24 000 mAh, two fast USB‑C ports with Power Delivery, and a smart digital display that shows remaining charge and estimated recharge time. It can fast‑charge a laptop, tablet, and phone simultaneously. The trade‑off is weight and cost – this is for people who truly need the extra capacity and speed.
Price range: $$$
Check price on Amazon →| Award | Model | Our score | Price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Anker 325 Power Bank (PowerCore 20000) | 4.8 / 5 | $$ | Anyone who wants a reliable, everyday power bank with enough juice for a weekend trip with | Check price → |
| Runner-up | Anker 313 Power Bank (PowerCore 10000) | 4.5 / 5 | $ | Budget-conscious users or those who just need a backup battery for a single phone during a | Check price → |
| Best value | Anker 737 Power Bank (PowerCore 24K) | 4.6 / 5 | $$$ | Digital nomads, frequent travelers, or anyone who needs to charge a laptop plus multiple d | Check price → |
| Runner-up | RAVPower 20000mAh Portable Charger | 4.4 / 5 | $$ | Buyers who want a reliable 20 000 mAh bank with USB‑C input and are willing to save a bit | Check price → |
| Best for travel | Belkin BoostCharge 10000mAh Power Bank | 4.3 / 5 | $$ | Frequent flyers and minimalists who value small size and an all‑in‑one design over maximum | Check price → |
The picks in detail
1. Anker 325 Power Bank (PowerCore 20000): the ultimate all-rounder
Best overallThe Anker 325 PowerCore 20000 hits the sweet spot: enough capacity for two full phone recharges plus accessories, yet still compact enough for a day bag. It charges reliably via both USB‑A and USB‑C, and its build quality outlasts cheaper alternatives. For most people this is the one to buy.
Pros
- Generous 20 000 mAh capacity without being a brick
- Dual USB‑A plus a USB‑C input/output port
- MultiProtect safety system prevents overheating and overcharging
- Consistent fast charging with PowerIQ and VoltageBoost
Cons
- No Power Delivery support for faster laptop or tablet charging
- Recharges itself slowly (takes several hours with a standard charger)
- Plastic body feels less premium than metal models
Who it’s for
Anyone who wants a reliable, everyday power bank with enough juice for a weekend trip without spending too much.Who should skip it
You need to charge a laptop or require the fastest possible self‑recharge times – look at the Anker 737 instead.2. Anker 313 Power Bank (PowerCore 10000): the reliable budget companion
Runner-upIf you only need to top up a phone once and want something pocket-friendly, the Anker 313 is the best low-cost option. Its 10 000 mAh capacity is honest, and the slim shape slides into a jeans pocket. You give up fast recharging and a second port, but at this price those trade‑offs are easy to accept.
Pros
- Very compact and lightweight – truly pocketable
- Trusted Anker build quality with safety protections
- Single USB‑A port delivers decent charging speed for phones
- Often on sale for a very low price
Cons
- Only one output port – inconvenient for multiple devices
- Slow self‑recharge via micro‑USB (no USB‑C input)
- Not enough capacity for tablets or overnight trips
Who it’s for
Budget-conscious users or those who just need a backup battery for a single phone during a night out.Who should skip it
You carry a tablet or multiple devices, or you want USB‑C input – step up to the Anker 325 or RAVPower.3. Anker 737 Power Bank (PowerCore 24K): the power-hungry traveler‘s dream
Best valueThe Anker 737 is a beast: 24 000 mAh, two fast USB‑C ports with Power Delivery, and a smart digital display that shows remaining charge and estimated recharge time. It can fast‑charge a laptop, tablet, and phone simultaneously. The trade‑off is weight and cost – this is for people who truly need the extra capacity and speed.
Pros
- Massive 24 000 mAh capacity with Power Delivery
- Dual USB‑C ports allow charging two devices at high speed
- Clear digital display shows percentage, voltage, and time to empty
- Can charge most ultrabooks and Nintendo Switch while gaming
Cons
- Heavy and bulky – not something you‘ll carry daily
- Expensive – costs significantly more than the 20 000 mAh models
- Self‑recharge is fast with the right charger, but the included cable is short
Who it’s for
Digital nomads, frequent travelers, or anyone who needs to charge a laptop plus multiple devices on the go.Who should skip it
You only need to charge a phone – you‘ll pay for capacity you won‘t use and carry extra weight.4. RAVPower 20000mAh Portable Charger: a solid alternative
Runner-upRAVPower‘s 20 000 mAh charger is a close competitor to the Anker 325, often costing a little less while offering a similar feature set. It has two USB‑A ports and a USB‑C port that also serves as input. Build quality is good, though the brand‘s customer service has been less consistent in recent years.
Pros
- Great value – similar specs to the Anker 325 at a lower price
- USB‑C input for faster self‑recharging (USB‑C to USB‑C cable included)
- Compact enough for a carry-on bag
- Dual USB‑A outputs with iSmart auto-detection
Cons
- No USB‑C output – can‘t charge newer laptops or tablets natively
- Some units have reported finicky auto‑detection with certain cables
- Brand reputation less bulletproof than Anker for long-term support
Who it’s for
Buyers who want a reliable 20 000 mAh bank with USB‑C input and are willing to save a bit over the Anker.Who should skip it
You need USB‑C output for a laptop or premium build – stick with the Anker 325 or 737.5. Belkin BoostCharge 10000mAh Power Bank: the travel-ready compact
Best for travelBelkin‘s BoostCharge 10 000 mAh power bank is designed for air travel and everyday portability. It’s one of the slimmest 10 000 mAh chargers you can buy, with a sleek finish and a built‑in USB‑C cable. The trade‑off is that the integrated cable is short and the overall capacity won‘t satisfy heavy users.
Pros
- Very slim and lightweight – easy to slip into a passport pouch
- Integrated USB‑C cable means one less thing to carry
- Power Delivery support for fast iPhone and Android charging
- Trusted Belkin brand with a 2‑year warranty
Cons
- Built‑in cable is short and not detachable
- 10 000 mAh capacity means only one full phone recharge for larger phones
- Costs more than many competitors with the same capacity
Who it’s for
Frequent flyers and minimalists who value small size and an all‑in‑one design over maximum capacity.Who should skip it
You need to charge multiple devices, a tablet, or want a longer cable – get the Anker 325 instead.Best for specific needs
Best for travel
Frequent flyers need a charger that slips into a pocket or small bag without weighing them down – and must comply with airline battery limits. The Belkin BoostCharge 10 000 mAh is the most portable pick here, with a built‑in USB‑C cable that eliminates the need to carry a separate cord. It’s an ideal companion for a weekend trip when you only need one top‑up per day. Our pick: Belkin BoostCharge 10000mAh Power Bank.
Best for heavy use
If you’re a digital nomad, gamer, or field worker who relies on a laptop and multiple devices all day, the Anker 737 is the only choice that keeps everything running without searching for an outlet. Its 24 000 mAh capacity and 60W Power Delivery can fast‑charge a MacBook Air while simultaneously topping an iPad and an iPhone. Yes, it’s heavy, but it delivers where others fall short. Our pick: Anker 737 Power Bank (PowerCore 24K).
Best for budget
Not everyone needs to charge a laptop or carry a brick. For the lowest possible price, the Anker 313 gives you a genuine 10 000 mAh of reliable power in a truly pocketable size. It’s perfect for keeping in a glovebox or gym bag for emergency phone recharges. You sacrifice speed and input convenience, but the value is unmatched. Our pick: Anker 313 Power Bank (PowerCore 10000).
Our verdict
No matter your needs, the right portable charger comes down to capacity, speed, and portability. For most people the Anker 325 PowerCore 20000 is the clear winner – it’s affordable, reliable, big enough for a weekend, and small enough to carry daily. If you’re on a strict budget, the Anker 313 gets the job done for less. And if you need to power a laptop or demand the fastest charging, the Anker 737 is worth every penny. Stick with trusted brands and honest ratings, and you’ll always have juice when you need it most.