Encountering low battery on your phone while away from an outlet can create significant anxiety, particularly at just 5% power. Carrying a compact battery pack eliminates this concern entirely. However, the market offers countless options, making selection difficult. Over several years of evaluating numerous models, I've identified the most suitable power banks for various situations. From rapid smartphone top-ups to substantial units for extending laptop runtime, suitable choices appear below.
Leading Power Banks for 2026
Key Considerations for Choosing a Portable Battery
Battery Composition
The vast majority of available rechargeable power packs, along with most consumer electronics, utilize lithium-ion cells. These outperform alternative technologies in balancing compactness with storage capacity and have seen their energy density rise eightfold over the last 14 years. Additionally, they avoid the memory effect that shortens lifespan from incomplete charging cycles.
Traveling with Portable Batteries on Flights
Concerns about lithium-ion batteries igniting due to overheating have circulated, including an incident that delayed a Hong Kong flight after a battery malfunctioned in luggage storage. TSA guidelines permit carry-on transport of external batteries up to 100Wh—all featured recommendations comply—but prohibit placement in checked baggage. Southwest Airlines recently pioneered stricter measures, requiring visible placement of active power banks during use on flights, though inactive ones may remain in overhead carry-on compartments.
Storage Capacity
Producers typically specify power bank capacity in milliamp-hours (mAh). Units around 5,000mAh serve as effective smartphone chargers, restoring 50-75% on a typical phone. For laptops, tablets, or repeated phone charges, capacities surpass 25,000mAh, with a dedicated guide available for those larger models.
As expected, higher mAh ratings correlate with increased costs, along with greater bulk and weight, given the physical nature of energy storage. Expect higher expenses and added load for enhanced power.
A 10,000mAh pack might seem capable of fully charging a 5,000mAh phone twice, but inefficiencies prevent this. Energy losses occur via heat and voltage adjustments, reducing delivered power. Producers often indicate expected charges per phone model. Testing revealed 10,000mAh packs providing about 5,800mAh to devices, 20,000mAh yielding roughly 11,250mAh, and 25,000mAh delivering around 16,200mAh, reflecting approximately 60% overall efficiency.
Wireless Charging Options
Cordless charging via power banks or stationary pads proves less effective than direct cable methods, though it offers ease of use, allowing phone handling during refill with a magnetically secured pack.
Wireless power banks have advanced considerably. A few years back, tested models lacked sufficient efficiency for inclusion. The advent of Qi2 standard-compliant batteries in 2023 brought notable enhancements.
Qi2 certification demands support for up to 15W speeds and magnetic alignment features. Initially exclusive to iPhones via MagSafe, compatibility now extends to Google Pixel 10 series through Pixelsnap technology, which enables faster rates and secure attachment. Samsung could introduce similar capabilities in upcoming models.
The newest wireless standard, Qi2 25W, works with iPhone 17 models and the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL. Compatible 25W Qi2 power packs are emerging, led by the Ugreen MagFlow as the pioneer.
Connection Ports
USB-C interfaces support quicker charging compared to USB-A, and most recommended models feature Type-C ports. USB-A remains useful for devices requiring specific cables, such as certain cameras with micro-USB adapters.
USB-C ports vary in output; multi-port banks may specify distinct wattages per jack. For instance, a three-port unit might include two 65W and one 100W option. Each bank has at least one bidirectional port for recharging the pack or powering devices. Ratings appear beside ports, often in minuscule print—use your phone's zoom if needed.
Similar to wall adapters, port wattage dictates compatible devices. Smartphones charge efficiently from 100W ports, but laptops need at least 15W minimum. Cables must match max wattage; a 60W-rated one limits to that speed despite a higher-output port.
Conveniently, top models sometimes integrate a USB-C cable, guaranteeing compatibility and reducing items to pack.
Build and Aesthetics
Traditional power banks featured uniform black, rectangular forms, but modern versions offer diverse hues, contours, and premium textures. While aesthetics don't impact function, they matter for a frequently used item. Extras like MagSafe integration, fold-out prongs, or stands enhance utility. Charge levels typically show via LED indicators near the button; advanced models display precise percentages on screens.
Testing Methodology for Top Power Banks
Selection began with brands familiar to Engadget's team through prior reviews, cross-referenced with user feedback from sites like Amazon and Best Buy. Promising units were purchased for in-office evaluation.
Amy Skorheim for Engadget
Each pack charged an iPhone, Android phone, iPad, and MacBook Pro (for capacious models). Devices drained to 0-5% before full recharges or pack depletion.
Test devices' capacities include: iPhone 11 at 3,110mAh, iPhone 14 Plus at 4,325mAh, iPhone 15 at 3,349mAh, iPhone 16 at 3,561mAh (iPhone 17 at 3,692mAh), Galaxy S22 Ultra at 4,855mAh, iPad Air at 7,729mAh, 16-inch M1 Pro MacBook Pro at 27,027mAh.
This guide receives ongoing updates with new releases.
Additional Tested Power Banks
Several models fell short of top spots but merit attention.
Belkin Stage PowerGrip
Ideal for mobile iPhone photographers, this 9,300mAh unit includes a wireless pad and integrated cable, plus Bluetooth remote functionality with a 1/4-inch tripod mount. Its camera-like ergonomic design ensures stable magnetic phone attachment (use MagSafe case or none). The shutter placement aids quick captures, like pet antics, and it doubles as a stand in both orientations. Charging speed is modest—two hours for iPhone 16 from 3% to 98%—but capacity suffices for full top-ups plus extras during extended shoots.
Anker MagGo for Apple Watch Power Bank
This 10,000mAh pack features a built-in USB-C cable and retractable Apple Watch charger. Though niche and unformally assessed, it proved invaluable twice: recharging a low watch en route to a hike and sustaining it during a trip with faulty gear. It handles phone charging adequately via the cable, but excels for Apple Watch owners.
HyperJuice 245W
Hyper's stylish, high-capacity 27,000mAh brick refills a test phone four times and boosts a near-dead MacBook Pro to 75%. Equipped with four USB-C ports, it lacks USB-A for legacy devices. The 245W output enables rapid charging, like a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra in over an hour. However, it matches our Mophie laptop pick in price and size but offers fewer port types. Anker's alternative costs less, includes cables, and boasts similar capacity and design appeal.
EcoFlow Rapid Magnetic Power Bank
EcoFlow, known for power stations and home backups, debuted this 5,000mAh Qi2 magnetic charger with sleek silver and soft gray finishes. A fold-out leg supports phone viewing, and the included USB-C cable refuels devices before retracting. It underperformed our MagSafe leader in speed and delivered charge.
Mophie Snap+ Powerstation Mini
This compact 5,000mAh MagSafe bank boasts premium construction with a rubberized pad and full-width stand for stability. It provides partial charges for modern large phones. Our primary MagSafe choice doubles capacity, adds a stand and display for $20 more.
Frequently Asked Questions on Power Banks
How Do Portable Power Banks Differ from Portable Chargers?
Various labels apply, such as portable batteries, external packs, or USB chargers (confusingly overlapping with wall units). All refer to lithium-ion storage for recharging gadgets like phones, tablets, earbuds, controllers, e-readers, or laptops with internal batteries.
Focus on mAh capacity, dimensions, and weight to balance recharge needs with mobility. Power stations differ as larger, multi-device units unsuitable for air travel, often car-battery sized.
Does Rapid Charging Damage Batteries?
Not directly; heat primarily shortens lifespan. Faster charging produces more heat, but contemporary phones incorporate cooling via shields, sinks, and software throttles. Manufacturers prioritize safe fast charging.
No extensive phone studies exist, but EV battery research indicates minor capacity decline from exclusive fast charging, with temperature exerting greater influence. Fast modes may marginally stress batteries more, but built-in protections minimize impact. Optimize by avoiding overall heat exposure.
Can Power Banks Charge Every Device?
Viability hinges on pack size and device battery demands. 5,000mAh units won't suffice for laptops, but 20,000mAh offers partial computer refills. Port matching is key; USB-equipped devices connect easily. Unique ports like DC prevent use, while AC-plug devices work with select large packs featuring outlets for charging or powering items like printers.