Choosing the correct portable charger comes down to three key criteria: capacity, size, and charging time.
Portable chargers run capacity anywhere from 2,000 mAh to 30,000 mAh. Small 5,000 mAh chargers are typically suitable for two full smartphone charges, whereas a 20,000 mAh portable charger can charge devices with larger batteries, like laptops, several times over.
In addition, portable chargers come in different sizes and weights. Pocket-sized portable chargers are easy to carry but generally have a single USB port. Larger capacity portable batteries weigh more but charge faster and hold additional USB ports to charge two or more devices simultaneously.
Lastly, charging time is important. Fast chargers can charge a smartphone from zero to full within 40 minutes, whereas pocket-sized and solar power chargers may take more time. You need to weigh charging time against the charger size in order to find the right product for you.
Consider the devices you plan on charging, your device’s capacity, the number of devices to charge, and how frequently you have to access a wall charger. A portable charger that doesn’t fit your needs will likely just sit at home unused, so definitely think about what you need.
Now, keep reading to learn more about our picks for the best portable chargers.
Best Portable Charger Overall: Anker PowerCore Slim 10000
The Anker PowerCore Slim 10000 Portable Charger takes our top award for the best overall portable charger. Its efficiency is on point, with 10,000 mAh good to charge an iPhone 12 two times.
✓ Sleek, minimalist design ✓ PowerIQ and VoltageBoost optimizes charging speeds✓ Fireproof casing, overcharge, and short circuit protection
✗ Limited capacity (18w output)
Recharging time from zero to full is modest, taking roughly 6 hours. It also rocks with an ultra-slim profile and fits comfortably in a front or back pocket. With a light, textured surface that mimics plaid, this portable charger also just plain looks good.
The PowerCore Slim also boasts a proprietary technology called PowerIQ, which identifies all connected devices and automatically adjusts voltage output to maximize charging speed.
A separate proprietary feature, VoltageBoost, also helps smoothen erratic voltage output due to cable resistance. Expect it to recognize your device and offer uninterrupted charging speeds this way.
Although not the most rugged option out there, the Anker PowerCore Slim 10000 carries all essential safety systems (e.,g. overcharge and short circuit protection), in addition to fireproof casing and temperature controls.
Our only downside with the Anker PowerCore Slim 10000 is that it can only charge a single device at a time. However, its exceptional build quality, fast/consistent charging, and valuer price point are well worth it.
Best Budget Portable Charger: Iniu Portable Charger
The Iniu Portable Charger is an excellent, cheap option for users with only one device to charge regularly. Using triple 3A outputs, it can charge up to three devices at the same time. From zero to full charge, its 10,000 mAh capacity is enough to power an iPad Air once and an iPhone 13 up to 3 times.
✓ Only 0. 5 inches thick ✓ Can power an iPhone 13 up to 3 times ✓ Displays
✗ Does not include plug for recharging✗ No integrated cables
Plus, unlike the Anker PowerCore Slim 10000, the Iniu Portable Charger comes with a power indicator. Curiously shaped like a pawprint, it lets you know how much remaining juice there is.
We also love the fact the Iniu Portable Charger is super slim. At only 0.5 inches thick, it is pocket and purse-friendly. For the price point, this portable charger offers a nice combination of capacity, size, and triple 3A outputs for multi-device charging.
Best Portable Charger for Laptops: Omni 20 Portable Charger
The Omni 20 Portable Charger is our preferred choice for laptops. It is an absolute monster of a portable charger, with a 20,000 mAh battery capacity, a USB-C port, a wireless Qi charger, and two USB-A ports.
✓ Includes wireless Qi charger ✓ Enables pass-through charging ✓ Comfortable, soft-touch rubber construction
✗ Unintuitive menu system
It also comes with pass-through charging, converting it into a universal power adapter that charges itself while charging other devices.
One of our favorite features of the Omni 20 Portable Charger is its design and construction. A sharp LCD shows remaining power, and a soft touch rubber construction helps absorb shock and provides grip in tight quarters.
The Omni 20 isn’t the cheapest portable charger around, but it’s worth the price of admission.
Best Portable Solar Charger: Goal Zero Nomad 7
The Goal Zero Nomad 7 Portable Charger is a smart option for the outdoors, where you are often without access to power outlets.
✓ Rugged construction ✓ Depicts solar power strength using LED indicators ✓ Includes holes for hanging
✗ Cannot fold entirely flat✗ Slower charging time than traditional portable chargers
Unlike traditional brick-style portable chargers, this portable solar charger offers a folding 7-watt solar panel with a detachable kickstand for positioning to make sure you catch the sun’s rays. It also comes with a vented pocket to prevent overheating. There’s also a LED indicator, which uses a series of 4 LED lights to indicate how strong solar power is at the moment.
Note, however, this unit only provides power when exposed to sunlight and does not hold an actual charge. That’s an unfortunate downside, but you can pick up a different portable charger to make sure you have a battery pack when needed.
Best Rugged Portable Charger: Techsmarter 20,000mAh Rugged Power Bank
If you need a portable charger that’s rugged enough to take wherever you go, Techsmarter’s Rugged & Waterproof Power Bank is a great choice. It offers a large 20,000mAh cell that’s suitable for at least five full charges of most modern Android phones (and more for iPhone users), and it comes with three outputs, including an 18W USB-C Power Delivery port.
✓ 20,000mAh cell is big enough for plenty of recharges✓ 18W USB-C Power Delivery port✓ Rugged design✓ Built-in flashlight
✗ No fancy solar-powered features✗ No wireless charging
What makes this charger special is its design, which is built to withstand up to three-foot drops without getting damaged. It comes with IP66 certification which helps to protect it against water and dirt, and its rubberized construction makes it robust enough to toss in a backpack while on the go. It even comes with a built-in LED flashlight with High Torch, Low, Strobe, and SOS settings.
Other chargers offer faster speed, and there’s no fancy solar-powered recharge feature or wireless charging, but this power pack will certainly get the job done for anyone who needs extra power on the go.
Best Small Portable Charger: Anker 321 PowerCore 5K
The Anker 321 PowerCore 5K is a small portable charger that packs enough power to fully recharge most phones at least once. And, thanks to its 12W power output, it can do so in just a couple of hours. The small size and low weight make it perfect for use when traveling or just as some emergency power to carry around in your daily life.
✓ Small and lightweight✓ Both USB-C and USB-A ports✓ Trickle charge mode✓ 12W output for faster charging
✗ Only has 5200mAh capacity
The 5200mAh power bank has both a USB-C and USB-A port for charging—allowing you to charge two devices simultaneously. Trickle charge mode is a button away if you need to power smaller devices like Bluetooth headphones without overcharging. The power bank itself can be recharged in a couple of hours.
Overall, the Anker 321 is smaller than most lipstick-style portable chargers, and the flatter design makes it easier to carry in your pocket. As long as you aren’t expecting to be able to charge your iPhone 14 multiple times, or fast charge your Samsung Galaxy S22, it’s a great battery backup.
Best Portable Charger for iPhone: Mophie Snap+ Juice Pack
The Mophie Snap+ Juice Pack is our favorite iPhone charger. It contains a 5,000mAh battery, which is good enough to charge an iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro from 0 to 100 almost two times.
✓ Super slim and compact ✓ Nice button placement ✓ Wireless charging limited to 7. 5W output
✗ Only one color option✗ Not effective with fabric cases
Where the Mophie Snap+ shines with its compactness and design. It measures only 2.64 by 4.41 by 0.49 inches with a gunmetal aluminum texture, with all buttons and ports strategically placed on the bottom. A MagSafe attachment allows it to attach to the back of your iPhone as well, letting it charge wirelessly without a charging cable.
Mophie’s charger might not be the biggest battery pack, but it’s simply great for the iPhone. This portable charger is compatible with the iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, and the iPhone 13 Pro Max.
