Almost everyone I cognize owns astatine slightest 1 powerfulness bank, and nan ubiquity of these portable chargers intends that you tin prime up inexpensive units successful state stations and dollar stores. But my extended testing suggests that these are mendacious economy, and you're very apt buying thing that astatine champion won't past long, aliases astatine worse could moreover beryllium dangerous.
This is why I urge buying powerfulness banks from reputable brands. Don't interest -- I still activity to support those brands honorable by extensively testing each powerfulness slope using an array of gadgets to make judge that they do what they opportunity they do connected nan box. If nan powerfulness slope claims h2o resistance, I trial that, and if location a durability claim, remainder assured that is besides tested to a precocious level, too.
What is nan champion portable charger correct now?
I've rigorously tested hundreds -- yes, virtually hundreds -- of portable chargers successful caller years, putting maine successful nan cleanable position to place which ones genuinely merit your hard-earned money. It takes a agelong clip to trial a powerfulness bank, testing that involves powerfulness meters to measurement capacity and powerfulness output, testing durability claims successful existent world tests, followed by a chunk of clip utilizing nan point connected a time to time basis. But astatine nan extremity of this, I cognize conscionable really bully a peculiar powerfulness slope is.
Also: Best MagSafe artillery packs of 2025: Expert tested
My prime for nan champion powerfulness slope wide goes to nan Anker Nano 10,000 mAh for its portability, value building (this powerfulness slope has been knocked astir by maine successful a fistful of countries), nan truth that it has USB-C and USB-A ports which intends it caters to some aged and caller devices. And to apical it each off, it comes pinch a ace useful built-in USB-C cable. And you get each that for $30.
While nan Anker Nano is my favorite, location are plentifulness of different options pinch different value points, features, and brands successful mind. For example, if you're looking for a powerfulness slope pinch sheer power, nan Cuktech P-series 25,000 mAh tin springiness you respective recharges of a smartphone aliases adjacent to a afloat recharge of a MacBook Pro, aliases there's nan astir indestructible Dark Energy Poseidon Pro, which tin return a hammering.
Also: Anker conscionable recalled different 5 powerfulness banks - really to get a refund aliases free replacement
And fearfulness not, I'm testing handfuls of powerfulness banks each period from large brands, looking for nan champion of nan champion portable chargers. Right now I'm testing a a fewer different powerfulness banks, and there's astatine slightest 1 that could beryllium making it to this database soon. For now, these are my favorites.
The champion powerfulness banks of 2025
Why we for illustration it: It's conscionable everything that astir powerfulness slope owners want from their powerfulness bank, and it really conscionable continues to beryllium nan 1 I urge to group who opportunity they "just want a bully powerfulness bank.". It offers decent to apical up a smartphone during nan day, it has some USB-A and USB-C ports truthful you're covered for each eventualities, and there's moreover a built-in USB-C cable, truthful you can't hide it!
And to apical things off, it's made by Anker, a institution pinch way grounds of making value hardware for a decent price.
Review: Anker Nano 10,000 mAh
Who's it for: Someone who want's a no-fuss, no-brainer powerfulness bank. And if you're nan benignant of personification who forgets their cablegram (or you cognize personification who does this) past this is nan powerfulness slope for them!
Who should look elsewhere: This is simply a spot mini for powering a tablet aliases laptop, and it doesn't make immoderate claims regarding durability, truthful those looking for thing bigger, much powerful, aliases much rugged should look elsewhere.
Anker Nano 10,000 mAh tech specs: Capacity: 10,000mAh | Ports: 1 x USB-C cable, 1 x USB-C, 1 x USB-A | Max output: 30W
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Why we for illustration it: It's tough! Really tough! I'm readying a agelong travel connected ft later this twelvemonth successful bluish Spain wherever it'll nary uncertainty beryllium bedewed and windy, and this is nan powerfulness slope that I spot coming pinch maine connected that expedition.
According to nan shaper this tin withstand a 50-foot driblet onto concrete, a shotgun blast, 1,500 lbs of crushing force, and moreover nan blast from 1.5 lbs of explosives. It's besides IP68 rated for particulate and h2o resistance, tin of handling submersion for 45 minutes, and temperature-tested to strengthen conditions ranging from 40°F to -15°F.
I didn't person a shotgun aliases explosives handy, truthful I dropped it, threw it around, drove complete it, and dropped bricks connected it from a height, and it survived that maltreatment pinch thing much than a fewer scratches.
Review: Dark Energy Poseidon Pro
Who's it for: This is nan powerfulness slope for those who expect their cogwheel to brushwood nan toughest conditions!
Who should look elsewhere: Anyone who's not expecting their powerfulness slope to person to past a 50 ft drop, being changeable at, aliases an explosion!
Dark Energy Poseidon Pro tech specs: Capacity: 10,200mAh | Ports: 1 x USB-C, 1 x USB-A | Max output: 18W
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Why we for illustration it: It's thin, light, and highly portable.
At 120 grams and 8.8 millimeters thin, this is thing that feels for illustration it blends successful pinch nan artistic of nan iPhone erstwhile it's snapped onto nan MagSafe ring. There were plentifulness of times erstwhile I forgot that it was attached to my iPhone.
The high-strength c fibre is lighter than aluminum and stronger than steel, making nan CarbonMag 5K a durable package. When successful Marrakesh, Morocco, I dropped excavation onto cobbled streets doubly from astir 1 meter, and nan powerfulness slope was wholly unscathed.
Review: Sharge CarbonMag 5K
Who's it for: The adventurers retired location who want to support their smartphone topped up passim nan day.
Who should look elsewhere: 5,000mAh is good for a time (or 2 astatine a push) of keeping your smartphone going, but if you person aggregate devices to charge, you're going to request thing pinch 10,000mAh aliases supra capacity.
Sharge CarbonMag 5K tech specs: Capacity: 5,000mAh | Ports: 1 x USB-C, 15W MagSafe | Max output: 20W
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Why we for illustration it: The Ugreen Nexode 20,000mAh powerfulness slope is simply a powerhouse of functionality. It offers a monolithic 20,000mAh capacity, tin of charging modern smartphones aggregate times and moreover providing much than 1 afloat complaint for a laptop. Despite its size and weight (1 pound), it remains hose travel-friendly.
The TFT show is simply a standout feature, providing elaborate accusation specified arsenic artillery capacity, inputs/outputs, real-time voltage, current, and powerfulness curve.
Additionally, nan 130W mixed output crossed its 3 ports (two USB-C and 1 USB-A) ensures accelerated and versatile charging.
Review: Ugreen Nexode 20,000mAh 130W
Who's it for: This powerfulness slope is perfect for predominant travelers, tech enthusiasts, and professionals who request to complaint aggregate devices connected nan go, including laptops and smartphones. Its precocious capacity and accelerated charging capabilities make it cleanable for those who trust heavy connected their devices passim nan day.
Who should look elsewhere: If you prioritize portability and lightweight design, this powerfulness slope mightiness not beryllium nan champion prime owed to its chunky size and 1-pound weight. Those who only request a powerfulness slope for occasional smartphone charging whitethorn find this instrumentality overkill for their needs, while those connected a tight fund mightiness want to research much affordable options, arsenic this powerfulness bank's precocious features and precocious output travel astatine a premium price.
Ugreen Nexode 20,000mAh, 130W tech specs: Capacity: 20,000mAh | Ports: 2 x USB-C, 1 x USB-A | Max output: 130W
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Why we for illustration it: The Cuktech P-series 25,000mAh powerfulness slope is simply a existent standout successful a oversea of mean powerfulness banks. Its premium creation and precocious exertion make it a game-changer. With a monolithic 25,000mAh capacity, it's cleanable for extended trips, and its durability ensures it tin grip dense use.
And a graphical show of input and output wattages is conscionable a pat away, making it a dream for tech enthusiasts.
Review: Cuktech P-series 25,000mAh
Who's it for: This powerfulness slope is cleanable for tech enthusiasts and predominant travelers who request a high-capacity, reliable powerfulness source. Its stylish creation and futuristic features will entreaty to those who admit cutting-edge gadgets. The elaborate TFT show makes it perfect for users who want to show their powerfulness usage successful existent time. If you're personification who values some functionality and aesthetics, this powerfulness slope is simply a awesome choice.
Who should look elsewhere: If you're looking for a lightweight and compact powerfulness bank, nan Cuktech P-series mightiness not beryllium nan champion fresh owed to its ample capacity and size. Additionally, users who only request a powerfulness slope for occasional smartphone charging whitethorn find this exemplary overkill. Those connected a tight fund mightiness besides want to research much affordable options!
Cuktech P-series tech specs: Capacity: 25,000mAh | Ports: 2 x USB-C, 1 x USB-A | Max output: 210W
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Why we for illustration it: The Nitecore NW5000 is simply a powerfulness slope built for adventure, from its IPX5 water-resistance standing to nan c fiber-clad creation is not only ultra-durable but besides keeps it ultralight and ultra-thin. Weighing successful astatine conscionable 4.23oz and measuring 0.42 inches thick, it delivers a 20W maximum output complete nan USB-C cable, and besides features a Qi2 wireless charging pad that's bully for up to 15W.
It is clad successful c fibre that's stylish, fingerprint-resistant, highly durable, and resistant to corrosion and wear. The corners are nicely rounded connected nan portion truthful they don't excavation into flesh, pockets, aliases done nan delicate cloth of your backpack.
Review: Nitecore NW5000
Who's it for: This powerfulness slope is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, campers, and anyone who spends extended clip successful environments without entree to outlets. Its waterproof, rugged, and nan lightweight and slim floor plan intends it's easy to transportation for days connected end, making it a awesome prime for travelers and adventurers looking for a reliable, durable powerfulness root -- arsenic agelong arsenic they person nan expertise to recharge it each time aliases so.
Who should look elsewhere: If you request a powerfulness slope pinch higher capacity for charging aggregate ample devices aliases sustaining powerfulness complete respective days, nan NW5000's 5,000mAh capacity isn't going to beryllium enough.
Nitecore NW5000 tech specs: Capacity: 5,000mAh | Ports: 1 x USB-C, 1 x Qi2 wireless charging, | Max output: 20W
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Which is nan champion powerfulness slope really depends connected what you want from a powerfulness slope -- for some, portability is nan main feature, for others it mightiness beryllium having nan maximum imaginable output power. For others, it mightiness beryllium really galore ports it has.
Power bank | Price | Ports | Max output |
Anker Nano 10,000mAh | $49 | 1 x USB-C cable, 1x USB-C, 1 x USB-A | 30W |
Dark Energy Poseidon Pro | $120 | 1x USB-C, 1x USB-A | 18W |
Sharge CarbonMag 5K | $59 | 1x USB-C, 1x Qi2 wireless charging pad | 20W |
Ugreen Nexode 20,000mAh | $89 | 2 x USB-C, 1 x USB-A | 130W |
Cuktech P-series 25,000mAh | $93.50 | 2 x USB-C, 2 x USB-A | 210W |
Nitecore NW5000 | $69 | 1 x USB-C, 1x Qi2 wireless charging pad | 20W |
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As always, it depends connected your needs and what you're looking for. Some group want elephantine powerfulness banks for multi-day adventures, others want thing mini to get them retired of an emergency. Some want thing stylish and sleek, while others want full geekery and get thing that's much for illustration a charging machine than a elemental powerfulness bank.
Choose this power bank… | If you want… |
Anker Nano 10,000mAh | The champion powerfulness slope overall. It's portable, good built, and offers some USB-C and USB-A ports, and that built-in USB-C cablegram is cleanable for those who ever hide to battalion a cable! |
Dark Energy Poseidon Pro | This is simply a powerfulness slope designed to past everything from prolonged submersion to explosions and shotgun blasts. I tried to break this powerfulness bank, and couldn't! |
Sharge CarbonMag 5K | This is simply a powerfulness slope for those who want much smartphone artillery life, but pinch minimal weight aliases bulk. This is nan benignant of portable charger that you tin connect to your iPhone and hide astir it. |
Ugreen Nexode 20,000mAh | The champion powerfulness slope for its ample artillery capacity and power, and a show that is clear and readable. One of my all-time favorites and is disposable for $70. |
Cuktech P-series 25,000mAh | A big, powerful powerfulness slope pinch a awesome futuristic look. It features a really elaborate show that will entreaty to those who want to cognize everything that's going on, and nan 210W max powerfulness output tin support up pinch anything. |
Nitecore NW5000 | A sleek, stylish, and lightweight powerfulness slope that's besides water-resistant. I peculiarly for illustration nan rounded corners that won't excavation through my rucksack aliases rainjacker. This is cleanable for usage erstwhile camping, hiking, aliases moving outdoors. |
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A assortment of factors effect nan value and usability of powerfulness banks. Here are immoderate things to return into information earlier buying one:
- Battery size: Power banks scope from giving your instrumentality a azygous complaint to respective charges, and whitethorn summation successful size and value accordingly. I deliberation of thing beneath 7,500 mAh arsenic a mini powerfulness slope that cleanable for topping up a smartphone, 7,500 to 20,000 mAh arsenic a mean powerfulness slope bully for a fewer recharges, and possibly an emergency top-up of a laptop, and 20,000 and supra arsenic a large powerfulness slope amended suited to those wanting to complaint laptops and specified aliases who are going to beryllium distant from a powerfulness outlet for a fewer days.
- Portability: Some group want elephantine powerfulness banks for multi-day adventures, while others want thing mini they tin clasp successful their pouch aliases purse for regular charging aliases emergencies.
- Design: Some want thing stylish and sleek, while others want thing much for illustration a charging machine than a elemental powerfulness bank.
- Weight: Big powerfulness banks tin really propulsion connected your pouch aliases bag, truthful take wisely if you intend to transportation it astir pinch you.
- Ports: Do you want 1 aliases 2 aliases much ports? Do you request USB-A aliases will USB-C beryllium fine? These are points to see earlier making a purchase.
- Passthrough: Do you want to beryllium capable to complaint nan powerfulness slope while it is charging different devices? I find this a useful characteristic erstwhile walking because I tin usage nan powerfulness slope arsenic a charger for aggregate devices truthful I only request a mini wall charger.
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I trial and reappraisal a batch of powerfulness banks, and this allows maine to select done hundreds of units to find nan champion of nan best. On apical of that, I usage powerfulness banks a batch erstwhile walking aliases going off-grid for hiking and camping. This allows maine to get real-world, hands-on acquisition of nan merchandise for extended periods of time. Finally, each merchandise that I use, test, aliases reappraisal is thoroughly information tested to make judge that you'll beryllium buying a reliable, safe product.
Here are nan cardinal factors I see erstwhile testing powerfulness banks:
- Capacity: I've seen plentifulness of companies make exaggerated claims astir their powerfulness bank's capacity. I complaint and discharge each powerfulness slope respective times to trial nan rated capacity to make judge that this corresponds pinch nan capacity stated connected nan box.
- Power output: A batch of cheaper powerfulness banks mightiness beryllium capable to deed nan rated powerfulness output for short periods, but this tin return a dive nether dense load aliases erstwhile nan powerfulness slope gets warm. I trial each powerfulness slope nether dense load to make judge that it tin output nan maximum stated output powerfulness for extended periods.
- Safety: If nan powerfulness slope overheats successful usage aliases erstwhile charging, it doesn't make this list. Plain and simple.
- Robustness: How does nan powerfulness slope guidelines up to regular use? Does nan ammunition defy scratches and knocks? Are nan ports precocious value and durable? If it's going to make this list, it must beryllium reliable capable to put up pinch dense use.
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Latest info connected powerfulness banks successful 2025
What are nan tariffs successful nan US?
The recent US tariffs on imports from countries for illustration China, Vietnam, and India purpose to boost home manufacturing but are apt to thrust up prices connected user electronics. Products for illustration smartphones, laptops, and TVs whitethorn go much costly arsenic companies rethink world proviso chains and measurement nan costs of shifting production.
Also: Tariff warfare has tech buyers wondering what's next. Here's what we know
Accessories specified arsenic powerfulness banks are predominantly manufactured successful these regions, are now taxable to tariffs arsenic precocious arsenic 54% connected Chinese imports and 46% connected Vietnamese goods. As a result, consumers whitethorn spot value increases of astir 20% connected these items.
Manufacturers are exploring options for illustration relocating accumulation to countries pinch little tariffs, but specified shifts are analyzable and whitethorn not supply contiguous relief. In nan short term, shoppers should expect higher costs for accessories owed to these waste and acquisition policies.
Right now, it looks for illustration immoderate tech whitethorn beryllium exempt from nan issued tariffs, but since it's ever changing and developing, we are keeping an oculus connected it and will update you connected nan latest.
This is simply a immense question.
On nan whole, yes. I've tested hundreds of powerfulness banks and portable chargers from a myriad of companies, and arsenic agelong arsenic you steer clear of nan inexpensive no-name junk that you mightiness find successful dollar stores and state stations you should beryllium safe.
You nary uncertainty noticed I said "should" there. Let maine explicate what I mean.
First, moreover nan champion powerfulness slope makers tin and do suffer from manufacturing issues, and these tin consequence successful recalls. There were a fewer past year, and a bully logic to bargain your powerfulness banks from Amazon is that this institution sends retired emails to customers erstwhile this happens.
Another rumor is that powerfulness banks tin get damaged, and damaged powerfulness banks tin beryllium unpredictable. While modern lithium batteries person a number of built successful information features to forestall thing catastrophic from happening, sometimes things tin still spell wrong. One of nan worst things that you tin expose a powerfulness slope to is moisture, arsenic this tin origin short circuits, which successful move tin origin fires.
But remember, location are hundreds of millions of powerfulness banks retired there, and incidences are very rare. On nan expansive strategy of things, lithium batteries are incredibly safe.
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There is, but fearfulness not, because it's really rather a generous limit.
FAA rules (and this norm is mirrored by astir aviation authorities) let you to return a powerfulness slope pinch a capacity up to 100Wh aliases 27,000mAh without declaring it. Beyond this, you must cheque pinch nan hose and state nan powerfulness bank.
Note that each powerfulness banks and thing pinch a lithium artillery must beryllium taken arsenic transportation and NOT put successful nan hold.
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Most modern powerfulness banks person a characteristic called pass-through charging that allows you to complaint it and usage it to complaint different devices simultaneously. This is simply a useful characteristic if you person constricted number of powerfulness outlets and what to complaint aggregate devices -- for example, erstwhile traveling.
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Lithium-ion batteries -- nan batteries recovered successful astir powerfulness banks -- are bully for astir 800 recharge cycles. This intends if you utilized a powerfulness slope daily, and each time you ran it quiet earlier recharging it for nan adjacent day, you'd get much than 2 years of life.
In reality, group easy get 5 years from a powerfulness bank, and normally, it's exertion moving guardant and making nan powerfulness slope obsolete that kills it, not usage.
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The bigger nan powerfulness bank's capacity, nan longer it will usually return to charge. However, this depends connected a batch of factors -- from whether it charges utilizing USB-A aliases USB-C, to nan powerfulness output of nan charger doing nan charging.
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Other powerfulness banks to consider
Here are a mates of replacement powerfulness banks to see -- each from reputable manufacturers and each offering safe, reliable charging.
Latest Updates:
- In nan latest April update, we tested Dark Energy's Poseidon Pro rugged powerfulness bank, adding it arsenic nan cleanable prime for those looking for a rugged powerfulness slope that tin past beautiful overmuch everything that Mother Nature tin propulsion astatine it.