Key facts at a glance

Portable power banks have improved dramatically in recent years. Qi2 wireless charging, built-in cables, digital displays and 100W-plus USB-C power delivery are now common even in mid-priced models. The best choice depends on what devices you carry and how much weight you are willing to add to your bag.

• Best MagSafe power bank: Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K) — 10,000mAh, 15W wireless output, one USB-C in/out port.
• Best portable charger for Android: Anker Nano Battery (Foldable USB-C) — 5,000mAh, built-in USB-C connector, 22.5W max output.
• Best low-capacity power bank: Anker 10K Fusion — 10,000mAh, wall prongs, built-in USB-C cable, 30W max output.
• Best medium-capacity power bank: Belkin BoostCharge 20K with Integrated Cable — 20,000mAh, 30W max output, built-in USB-C cable.
• Best medium-high capacity power bank: Nimble Champ Pro — 20,000mAh, 65W max output, recycled build.
• Best multi-device power bank: BioLite Charge 100 Max — 25,000mAh, 120W total output, wireless pad, four USB ports.
• Best laptop power bank: Anker Laptop Power Bank with Built-in Cable — 25,000mAh, 165W output, attached retractable USB-C cable.
• Best premium power bank: Anker Prime Power Bank 26K 300W — 26,250mAh, 300W combined output, display with temperature readout.
• Best power bank for outdoors: Nestout 15,000mAh Outdoor Battery Power Bank — IP67 waterproof rating, 32W output, drop resistant.

Best MagSafe power bank

Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K)

Anker's MagGo Power Bank was one of the first Qi2-certified products on the market. Qi2 raises wireless charging to 15W and includes magnetic alignment, so iPhones snap into place the same way they did with MagSafe. The Anker model adds a kickstand and an LCD display. The display shows remaining battery percentage and estimates how much time is left before the pack is full or empty. In testing, it took an iPhone 15 from near-zero to half full in about 45 minutes, a big improvement over previous MagSafe batteries. It delivered 1.64 full charges to an iPhone 15 and was also able to provide a partial charge to an Android phone through its USB-C port. It is more expensive than simpler magnetic packs, but the faster charging, sturdy kickstand and useful display justify the price for iPhone owners.

Best portable charger for Android

Anker Nano Battery (Foldable USB-C)

The Anker Nano Battery is basically a pocket-size backup with a built-in USB-C connector that folds away when not in use. With 5,000mAh of capacity and 22.5W maximum output, it is small enough to live in a purse or jacket pocket. In our tests it brought a Galaxy S23 Ultra from completely dead to 65 percent in about an hour. That is not a full charge, but the compact shape makes it easy to keep using the phone while it is plugged in. It also works well for recharging earbuds. The main downside is obvious: a 5,000mAh cell can be misplaced easily because it is so small, and it will not refill a larger phone more than once. If you need more capacity, Anker's 30W Nano Power Bank provides 10,000mAh, a foldable USB-C cable and a display.

Best low-capacity power bank

Anker 10K Fusion

The Anker 10K Fusion is a clever design that removes two common excuses for not carrying a power bank: it has a built-in USB-C cable and a foldable wall plug. That means it can be refilled directly from an outlet, and the attached cable is ready whenever a phone needs power. Despite those additions, it is only slightly wider than a stick of butter and weighs 8.8 ounces. The 10,000mAh cell delivered 1.86 charges to an iPhone 15 and 1.45 charges to a Galaxy S23 Ultra. It recharged a depleted Galaxy phone from five percent to full in just over one hour and brought an iPhone 15 to 45 percent in 20 minutes. It has an extra USB-C port, a detailed percentage display and a textured finish that feels comfortable to hold. It is less ideal if you usually charge iPhones from extremely low battery, since the final stretch of the charge is slower than some rivals.

Best medium-capacity power bank

Belkin BoostCharge 20K with Integrated Cable

Belkin's BoostCharge 20K hits a good sweet spot for price, capacity and convenience. It has a built-in USB-C cable that tucks magnetically into the side, plus a USB-A port and a second USB-C port. The 20,000mAh capacity gives an iPhone roughly three to 3.5 full charges and a Galaxy S23 Ultra around 2.5 to 3 charges. While the 30W maximum output is not the fastest we measured, it still charged an iPhone 15 from five percent to full in about two hours and six minutes, and a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra from near-dead to full in one hour and 15 minutes. The soft matte finish resists smudges, and it comes in blue, pink, white or black. There is no digital screen, but the four LED indicator lights are accurate enough for day-to-day use.

Best medium-high capacity power bank

Nimble Champ Pro

The Nimble Champ Pro is one of the fastest mid-sized power banks we have tested. It has a 20,000mAh cell and 65W maximum output, which means it can refill a phone quickly and also provide substantial power to tablets and some laptops. In our testing, it charged a Galaxy S23 Ultra from five percent to full in under an hour, nearly three full charges to both an iPhone and a Galaxy, and more than a full charge to an iPad Air. The battery itself refills from a wall outlet faster than many comparable models. Nimble is a certified B-Corp, and this model is made with 90 percent post-consumer recycled plastic. It feels solid, has both USB-C ports capable of input and output, and includes a lanyard. The only real critique is that the four indicator lights under-reported remaining charge in our first testing cycle, though accuracy improved afterward.

Best multi-device power bank

BioLite Charge 100 Max

The BioLite Charge 100 Max has a 25,000mAh capacity and a total output of 120W. It includes a MagSafe-compatible wireless charging pad on one side, two USB-C ports with up to 100W output, a standard USB-A port and an additional 15W USB-C port. This flexibility makes it a strong travel companion for a phone, tablet, earbuds and even a laptop. In testing, it handed an iPhone 15 about five full charges, a Galaxy S23 Ultra four full charges and an iPad Air more than two charges. It also refilled a MacBook Pro from near-dead to 75 percent in 57 minutes. The rounded, compact design and bright yellow accents stand out from the usual black bricks. BioLite is a climate-neutral certified B-Corp, which adds to its appeal. The main downside is the price; it costs more than comparable 25,000mAh batteries with similar power output.

Best laptop power bank

Anker Laptop Power Bank with Built-in Cable

Anker's 25,000mAh laptop bank solves one of the most annoying power-bank problems by including two built-in USB-C cables. One cable attaches to the outer edge and can double as a carry strap, while the other retracts and extends up to two feet. Both support input and output, so you can charge your phone, laptop or the battery itself with the same cords. The maximum output is 165W, which made it one of the fastest laptop-capable banks in our test lineup. It delivered 0.68 of a charge to a 16-inch MacBook Pro, taking the laptop from near-empty to full in about 53 minutes. The display shows remaining charge and wattage being delivered to each port. It is more durable than earlier Anker models with large, scratch-prone glass displays. The matte silver body feels sturdy, and the integrated cables mean you will rarely be left without a way to connect a device.

Best premium power bank

Anker Prime Power Bank 26K 300W

The Anker Prime Power Bank 26K is the most feature-rich model Anker currently sells. It has a 26,250mAh capacity, 300W combined output and two USB-C ports capable of 140W each, plus one USB-A port. In practical terms, it will charge phones, tablets and laptops at very high speeds. It gave an iPhone 15 from five percent to full in one hour and 41 minutes, and delivered more usable power to a MacBook Pro than other batteries at similar capacity. The built-in display shows the remaining charge and battery temperature, and it can connect to an app for more detailed telemetry. An optional charging base lets you recharge the battery simply by setting it down, but the base costs extra. The full setup is expensive, yet for anyone who wants an elegant, powerful and versatile bank, the Anker Prime delivers.

Best power bank for outdoors

Nestout 15,000mAh Outdoor Battery Power Bank

If your activities involve water, dust or rough terrain, the Nestout Outdoor Battery is a better fit than most conventional power banks. It has an IP67 rating, which means it can survive being submerged in up to one meter of water for 30 minutes. We verified the water resistance by leaving it in a bucket for five minutes; it worked perfectly after being dried off. The bank also survived repeated drops from chest height onto a hard surface. It has a

Source:Engadget News