Best Power Banks in 2024
1. BEST COMPACT POWER BANK WITH BUILT-IN USB-C
Anker Nano Power Bank with built-in USB-C cable
PROS
- Useful display
- Great capacity and fast charging
CONS
- No included pouch
This pocket powerhouse may well be the only power bank you need for refuelling almost all your gadgets, with a small and lightweight design that packs in far more ability than you’d expect. The 10,000mAh capacity is one that we’d consider more than enough (that’ll almost get you two smartphone recharges) but it’ll also be enough to get a decent amount of juice back in your tablet, laptop or headphones.
The short built-in USB-C cable is super convenient, as is the surprisingly fast 30W power output. We used this to keep our iPad running while in use during our travels, and it couldn’t have been more handy. This is also solid, well-built and lightweight – we’d understand being concerned about the built-in cable getting damaged, but it’s reinforced well and doesn’t feel like it would be easy to harm.
We also love that it’s got a little built-in colour display to show off the current battery percentage. We’ve found that to be a reliable way to keep an eye on the battery level when we’re recharging the power bank itself too – it’s much more informative than the light-up dot system. Overall, we’d struggle to come up with real downsides to this, although it’s a shame it doesn’t come with a pouch like most portable chargers used to.
2. BEST LARGE POWER BANK
Belkin BoostCharge Power Bank 20K
PROS
- Massive capacity
- Can charge three devices at once
- Not too bulky for the capacity
CONS
- Rival options can be much faster
If you want a large capacity without the high price of Anker’s Prime power bank range or its 737, we’d recommend looking at this model which goes for about half the cost (if not even less). It gives you enough juice to deliver seven charges to an iPhone 8, and the ability to power three gadgets at once.
You miss out on super fast charging for laptops that you’ll get from pricer power banks, but the 15W available via the USB-C port here is enough to refuel an iPhone at a reasonable speed, which is all most of us need.
In addition to that port, it includes two USB-A ports, so you could use this to charge up your phone, earbuds and Apple Watch all at the same time.
3. BEST SMALL POWER BANK
Anker 321 (PowerCore 5K)
PROS
- Small and pocketable
- Lightweight
CONS
- Not that fast
A budget-friendly option that does the basics without overcomplicating things, the Anker 321 is the best power bank if you want a convenient model that’s only about the size of a small chocolate bar.
It’s super pocketable, making it easy to bring with you for an evening out or just to pop in your coat pocket for the day. The capacity here isn’t large, but it’s enough for a top-up to keep your phone going or to recharge your headphones if you notice they’re running low before a train journey.
The maximum output is 12W and that’s shared between its USB-A and USB-C ports, meaning it could end up being rather slow if used to power up two devices at once. If size matters most though, this is a top compact option.
4. BEST TINY POWER BANK
Anker 621 Power Bank with Built-In Lightning Connector
PROS
- Super small size
- Quick to charge
CONS
- Not the biggest capacity
Just need a little battery top-up from a power bank that’ll fit in your bag? This little helper is the one we’d recommend, especially because it has a built-in connector for your phone which is perfect if you tend to forget your cables or just don’t have the space for a tangled mess.
For iPhone users, this is a go-to power bank to pop into your work backpack for the day. It may not quite have enough capacity for a full phone recharge but it’ll have enough to restore some juice if you’re out for the evening and can’t get back to a mains charger in a hurry. It’s easy to use, and the simple flip-up connector charges more quickly than other convenient power banks that attach with magnets.
Don’t have an iPhone with a Lightning port and need an option with USB-C instead? You’re in luck – we also tested out the USB-C version of this power bank and it’s just as much of a lifesaver, with the added benefit that it can charge our earphones, Kindle, Bluetooth speaker and other gadgets.
5. BEST SMALL MAGNETIC WIRELESS POWER BANK WITH A KICKSTAND
Belkin BoostCharge 5K + Stand
PROS
- Convenient magnetic attachment
- Super compact and pocketable size
- Handy kickstand
CONS
- Not that fast compared to some rivals
- Marks with fingerprints easily
- Picks up lots of dust and lint
If you’re after a compact magnetic battery pack for newer iPhone models, we think this is the one we’d pick. It has half the capacity of a 10,000mAh version, but that’s enough to restore over half of the battery for most iPhones and may be all you need for a quick top-up.
An added bonus is that there’s a clever metal kickstand that folds flat from the back. It clicks into position well and would be good for positioning your phone for watching videos at your desk in either portrait or landscape mode.
It’s not the fastest, limited to 7.5W like a lot of magnetic chargers, but it did manage to get an iPhone 15 Pro back to 50% capacity from empty in an hour and 15 minutes. Once it reaches that point, though, it doesn’t last much longer, running out entirely after getting the phone to over 60%. It does get fairly hot in the process too, which is worth noting.
Not bothered about the built-in stand? We’d go with the Anker 321 PowerCore Magnetic 5K, which has the same 5,000mAh capacity, but is a little slimmer and lacks the kickstand.
6. BEST APPLE WATCH POWER BANK
Belkin BoostCharge Pro for Apple Watch + Power Bank 10K
PROS
- Built-in Apple Watch charger
- Simple and compact
- Great capacity
CONS
- Picks up dust and lint
- Other power banks are faster
Always forgetting to recharge your Apple Watch before you head out the door? We’d recommend picking a portable charger that includes a dedicated charging puck built-in for the watch, which will help if you’ve forgotten to bring yours. This neat solution from Belkin combines fast Apple Watch charging with a useful 10,000mAh capacity, a single USB-C port and a grippy silicone exterior.
Your Apple Watch Series 9 should last for about 18 hours of use, so it’s not unlikely that you’d need to refuel when you’re away from home. With this compact model, you’re able to do that at the same time as restoring the battery of your iPhone. With it having effective 20W speeds, it’s worth noting that the Apple Watch charger is also the fast version of this tech that’s suitable for the latest Apple Watch models like the Apple Watch Ultra and Ultra 2 — this will also work to wirelessly recharge the 2nd-generation AirPods Pro.
There are only a handful of downsides: it’s a fair bit more expensive than comparable models, the body of the charger picks up dust and lint, and you could get something with 30W speeds or faster for less money, ideal if you want to recharge more than just your phone. But, if your priorities are recharging your smartphone, Apple Watch and AirPods, this is a great fit.
