Confession time: I’m the person who always forgets to charge their phone. And I’m guessing I’m not alone! If you’re constantly searching for an outlet or begging friends for a power boost, a portable charger is a lifesaver. But let’s face it, not all chargers are created equal. Some are bulky, some are slow, and some are just plain confusing. Don’t worry, we’ve done the research for you. In this article, we’ll review 6 top-rated portable chargers that are actually worth your money, so you can finally ditch that low battery anxiety.
The King of Power: Anker 737 Power Bank (PowerCore 24K)
Photo credit: anker.com
If you’re the type who always has multiple devices running low on battery, the Anker 737 Power Bank is here to save the day. This powerhouse packs a whopping 24,000mAh capacity, which means you can charge your phone multiple times, your tablet, or even give your laptop a serious boost. It’s like having a backup power outlet in your pocket.
But what sets this charger apart is its cutting-edge technology. It boasts two USB-C ports capable of delivering an impressive 140W of power when plugged into a wall outlet. That means you can juice up even the most power-hungry devices like laptops and tablets in a flash. Plus, it has a USB-A port for your other gadgets. It’s also equipped with Power Delivery 3.1, the latest fast-charging standard, so your devices get back to full power in no time. And the handy OLED screen gives you real-time information on output and input power, as well as the estimated time for the power bank to fully recharge.
Pros
- Massive 24,000mAh capacity: Enough power for multiple charges on several devices.
- Blazing-fast 140W charging: Get back to full power in no time.
- Power Delivery 3.1: Supports the latest fast-charging standard.
- Smart OLED display: Keep track of your charging progress with detailed information.
- Three ports (2x USB-C, 1x USB-A): Charge up to three devices at once.
Cons
- A bit bulky: Not the smallest charger out there.
- Pricey: Power like this doesn’t come cheap.
The Slim and Chic Option: Anker 313 PowerCore Slim 10K
Photo credit: anker.com
If carrying a brick in your pocket isn’t your style, but you still need a reliable power boost on the go, say hello to the Anker 313 PowerCore Slim 10K. This sleek little number is about as thick as a smartphone and light as a feather, you might forget it’s even in your pocket (but your phone will thank you later).
Don’t let its size fool you, though. This little charger packs a 10,000mAh punch, which means you can juice up your phone two or three times before needing to recharge the PowerCore itself. And thanks to its USB-A output port and Anker’s proprietary PowerIQ and VoltageBoost technologies, you can charge up efficiently. (For you techies out there, that means it supports up to 12W output through the USB-A port – not the fastest, but still decent for its size.) It’s also equipped with trickle-charging mode to safely charge low-power devices like headphones and wearables.
Pros
- Slim and stylish: It’s like a fashion accessory for your phone.
- Surprisingly powerful: 10,000mAh capacity for multiple phone charges.
- Efficient charging: Anker’s PowerIQ and VoltageBoost technologies for optimized charging.
- Trickle-charging mode: Safely charges low-power devices.
- Wallet-friendly: A great value for its performance.
- Dual input ports: Micro USB and USB-C input for flexible recharging.
Cons
- Only one output port (USB-A): Limits simultaneous charging to one device.
- Not for power-hungry laptops: This one’s best for phones and tablets.
- 12W max output: Not the fastest charging option available.
Wireless Warriors: Two Top Contenders for Cable-Free Charging
If you’re ready to ditch the charging cables and embrace the freedom of wireless power, we’ve got two top contenders to consider, each with its own strengths:
For the Samsung Fanatic: Samsung 25W Wireless Portable Battery
Photo credit: samsung.com
This sleek and compact portable charger is a dream for those with Samsung phones, offering the convenience of both wired and wireless charging. Its standout feature is the super-fast 25W wireless charging speed, specifically optimized for Samsung devices. If you’re always on the go and want a quick power boost without the hassle of cables, this is a great option.
Pros
- Slim and portable design
- Fast 25W wireless charging for Samsung devices
- Two-in-one charging: Use it wired or wirelessly, whichever suits you best.
Cons
- Lower capacity (10,000mAh) compared to some options
- Wireless charging speed may vary for non-Samsung devices.
For the iPhone Enthusiast (and More): Anker 633 Magnetic Battery (PowerCore Magnetic 10K Wireless)
Photo credit: anker.com
This versatile portable charger is a perfect match for iPhone users, thanks to its MagSafe compatibility. It snaps onto the back of your iPhone for secure and convenient wireless charging. But it doesn’t stop there – it even has a foldable stand for hands-free viewing. Plus, its 10,000mAh capacity means you’ll have plenty of power to spare. It can charge up to three devices at the same time: one wirelessly via MagSafe, one wired via the USB-C port, and one wired via the USB-A port.
Pros
- MagSafe compatibility for iPhones
- Built-in foldable stand
- Larger capacity (10,000mAh)
- Can charge three devices simultaneously (MagSafe wireless + 2 wired)
Cons
- Slightly bulkier than the Samsung option
- Not as fast as Samsung’s 25W wireless charging (for Samsung devices)
The Ultimate Power Station: UGREEN 145W 25000mAh Power Bank
Photo credit: ugreen.com
If you need to charge a whole squad of devices, the UGREEN 145W 25000mAh Portable Quick Charging Power Bank is a powerhouse with a massive 25,000mAh capacity. It boasts a powerful 145W output, which means you can charge multiple devices simultaneously at lightning speed. This makes it an excellent choice for travel or when you need a reliable power source for your laptop and other devices.
Pros
- Gigantic capacity: Can charge multiple devices numerous times.
- Powerful 145W output: Offers super-fast charging for laptops and other devices.
- Multiple charging ports: Includes 2 USB-C and 1 USB-A ports for charging various devices simultaneously.
- May include charging cable: Check product details to see if a cable is included.
Cons
- Bulky and heavy: Due to the large capacity.
The Tiny Titan: Anker Nano Power Bank (12W, Built-In Lightning Connector)
Photo credit: anker.com
Sometimes, the best things come in small packages. The Anker Nano Power Bank (PowerCore 5000) is proof of that. This tiny titan is incredibly compact and lightweight, making it the perfect companion for those who are always on the move.
This little portable charger packs a 5,000mAh punch, which is enough for most people to fully charge their phone once or give a tablet a partial boost. Plus, the built-in foldable USB-C connector eliminates the need for extra cables, making it even more convenient.
Pros
- Ultra-compact and lightweight: Perfect for slipping into your pocket or bag.
- Built-in foldable USB-C connector: No need to carry extra cables.
- Affordable: A great value for its size and convenience.
Cons
- 5,000mAh capacity may not be enough for everyone: If you need to charge multiple devices or larger devices like tablets, consider a higher capacity power bank.
- 12W max output: Not the fastest charging option available.
FAQs
How safe are portable chargers?
Look for certifications like UL 2085 to ensure safety. Avoid extreme temperatures and moisture while using the charger.
Can portable chargers damage my devices?
Reputable brands with safety features are unlikely to damage devices. To prevent overheating, choose a charger with an output wattage appropriate for your device.
How much capacity do I really need in a portable charger?
It depends on your usage! Lighter users (occasional phone charging) can do well with 5,000mAh-10,000mAh, moderate users (regular phone charging, occasional tablet) with 10,000mAh-20,000mAh, and heavy users (frequent phone/tablet charging, occasional laptop) with 20,000mAh or more.
Are portable chargers airplane-safe?
Yes, all reputable portable chargers, including those mentioned, are airline-safe as they meet FAA carry-on requirements (under 100Wh).
What features should I look at when choosing a portable charger besides capacity?
Consider features like the number of ports (for charging multiple devices), the presence of an AC outlet (for direct laptop charging), and wireless charging capabilities (if desired).
How long do portable chargers take to recharge themselves?
Recharge time depends on the charger’s capacity and input power. Generally, larger-capacity chargers take longer to recharge.
Which portable charger is the best for portability?
The Anker Nano Power Bank is ultra-compact and lightweight at 5,000mAh, perfect for slipping in your pocket. It has a built-in foldable USB-C connector for easy use.
Which portable charger is best for wireless charging?
The Samsung 25W Wireless Portable Battery offers both wired and wireless charging, with support for Samsung’s fast 25W wireless charging.
Which portable charger is best for charging multiple devices?
The UGREEN 140W 25000mAh Portable Quick Charging Power Bank boasts a massive 25,000mAh capacity and a 140W output, enabling rapid charging of multiple devices.
Which portable charger is best if I need the most charging power?
The Anker 733 Power Bank offers a massive 24,000mAh capacity and a powerful 140W output, enough to charge laptops and phones super-fast.
