The Best Power Banks of 2024 | GearJunkie Tested

Oct 22, 2024

Offering convenient on-the-go charging when we’re traveling or there’s no wall outlet available, the best power banks help keep us out on our adventures longer. From expanded battery capacities to faster and even wireless charging, power banks have never been more viable and efficient.

To compile this list of the best power banks, we combed the market for the most popular, innovative, and well-regarded models. Then, we conducted extensive testing at home, in the field, on vacation, in the office, and beyond to determine the best model for every need and budget. We’ve used and abused dozens of models and charged phones, cameras, laptops, and other electronics to get a clear understanding of which models are worth your consideration.

From top-rated performers like the Nestout 15,000mAh Outdoor Battery or a budget power bank like the Anker Powercore Slim 10,000, we’re confident this list comprises the best power banks on the market today. To learn more about what to look for when purchasing a power bank and our rigorous testing process, check out our comprehensive buyer’s guide, comparison chart, and price & value sections below.

Editor’s Note: On October 10, 2024, we updated this guide by adding five new products (all award-winners), re-testing and updating our other award-winners, and expanding our buyer’s guide with a new price & value section.

We’ve been using the Nestout 15000mAh Outdoor Battery ($60) for over a year for work and play, and it has more than earned the top spot on this list. In terms of capacity, at 15,000 mAh, it’s not the biggest battery on this list. However, considering that all three outputs are also inputs, and the power bank is waterproof, dustproof, and shockproof, it’s proven to be the most versatile battery that we have tested.

By having three ports available, the Nestout can charge up to three devices or be used in conjunction with the brand’s LED lamp or flash-style light. This added functionality turns the Outdoor Battery into a space-filling light that can last up to 26 continuous hours.

However, it should be noted that using either one of these lightning options will take away from the amount of times you can charge your smartphone. In testing, we found that the battery went from being able to charge an iPhone 14 Pro 4x down to 3x when using the light regularly.

In terms of just how waterproof the Nestout is, it comes with an IP67 rating which means it can be submerged in water for up to half an hour. The Dark Energy Poseidon is the only one on this list nearly as durable and equally rated for submersion. Overall, the Nestout 15,000mAh Outdoor Battery puts out 32W of power and can be fully recharged in 3½ hours. This makes it a durable and efficient power bank solution that can be recharged by a larger power station or solar panel when you’re out and about, as well as your standard wall outlet when you’re home.

It’s also the coolest-looking power bank in the pile. That may seem superfluous. But, when you combine its form factor with the aforementioned accessories and the included tripod, it really gives this little powerhouse a lot of appeal. That tripod also comes in handy when you’re working remotely and provides an opportunity for you to hang the Outdoor Battery from your pack, tent, or wherever you want.

What the Anker Powercore Slim 10,000 ($20) lacks in some of the technology contained in other power banks on this list, it makes up for in the proprietary technology Anker applies to their products to optimize charging, preserve battery life, and protect your devices from power surges.

It’s also one of the few currently available power banks to feature Micro USB, USB-A, and USB-C ports. However, the only output is the USB-A port. Is that a big deal? No. We didn’t find it to be an issue at all. There are still a plethora of charging cables out there that are USB-A to Lightning port or USB-A to USB-C.

We found that having the option to charge the Powercore Slim through Micro USB, USB-A, and USB-C was a bigger benefit and hardly missed the quicker charging speeds USB-C was designed to provide; especially considering the minimal investment.

The things we loved about the Powercore Slim were the Anker-specific bits of technology like PowerIQ and VoltageBoost. These two work in unison to compensate for differences in cable resistance as well as to optimize the charging of your device while making sure it’s using its own power optimally. Where we would have been more than happy with this power bank with these aforementioned aspects alone, there were still a couple of other features under the hood that blew us away.

The first was the fact that the Powercore Slim has a built-in surge protector. A little bit of protection against your device getting fried when you’re traveling goes a long way. The second feature of this affordable power bank that most manufacturers are moving away from is trickle charging.

This optimizes charging for lower-powered devices while preserving battery life on the power bank itself. It’s kind of an Easter egg that you’ll find if you press and hold the single button on the unit for 2 seconds (or read the instructions).

That being the case, we found that the Powercore Slim lasted longer than Skull Candy’s Fat Stash 2, which has also made it onto this list. Anker claims that the Powercore Slim is good for around 2 full charges of an iPhone and 1 charge of an iPad mini. While we can confirm that it’s only good for a single charge of the iPad, we were able to get almost 3 full iPhone charges out of it.

Though we’ve awarded the BioLite Charge 100 Max ($150) as the “Best for Laptops and Larger Devices,” it’s really an optimal solution for everyone from people working remotely to families going on vacation, and anytime you need to charge multiple devices at once. This is due in part to the fact that it can charge up to five devices at once, both wirelessly and fast.

The 100 Max has a wireless pad, USB-A port, and USB-C port, all of which can charge your devices at a max of 15W of power. However, the two remaining ports are USB-C PD, which allows you to charge devices plugged into those ports up to 100W of power. What this equates to is efficiency. Smaller devices, like a cellphone, will charge quicker. For larger devices like a laptop, it will be charged efficiently — meaning that it won’t just kill the 25,000 mAh battery.

We’ve been using the 100 Max since May. It’s been all over New England and used for everything from writing articles like this on a MacBook Pro to charging three iPads at once so a dad and his two little girls could play Roblox, uninterrupted. Is it big? Yes. It’s the biggest power bank on this list. Is that a problem? No. Not unless you’re an ultralight runner and then this wouldn’t be the best option for you.

An added bonus when you purchase this biggie from BioLite is the included 100W USB-C PD cable. Not all cables are the same. Most max out at 15W. Adding this to the box not only saves the consumer money, but it proves that these ratings actually do exist and that only certain cables will charge at the full ability of the power bank.

If you’re someone who spends a lot of time in the outdoors, in the elements, or maybe even out on a raft for a crazy amount of time, you may want to pass on the 100 Max. As is the case with all of the BioLite power banks, this one is not waterproof like the Nestout 15,000mAh Outdoor Battery. We had no issues using it during a drizzle, but it’s safe to assume that if you get water into the ports, you’re going to turn this power bank into a bright yellow brick.

Read Review: Lighter, Cheaper, Faster: BioLite Charge 100 Max Review

The Dark Energy Poseidon Pro ($120) is one of the most durable power banks in this guide. According to the brand, it can be dropped from 75 feet in the air and frozen for up to 4 weeks.

Additionally, with its IP68 rating, it can be fully submerged in water for up to 45 minutes. Though we didn’t test these bold claims exactly, we used and abused the Poseidon Pro for several weeks, dropping it in the snow, tossing it loose into a backpack, and making no attempt to protect it from harm. It continues to look and perform like new.

The Poseidon Pro’s bulletproof nature does come with a slight weight increase. It’s about 3 ounces heavier than other power banks with comparable capacity. Still, that’s a small price to pay for reliable power in extreme conditions. If you’re heading to the ends of the earth, this is the right power bank to pack.

All power inputs and outputs on the Pro are hidden beneath a rugged mini door. Next to the USB-A and USB-C ports, a small LED flashlight sits. Four battery indicator lights relay the key information that users need. We managed to squeeze two full charges out of the Dark Energy Poseidon Pro with an iPhone 13 — competitive stats in the 10K mAh category.

The Goal Zero Flip 24 ($30) is one degree smaller than the common 10K mAh power bank size class. It’s about the same size as a 15-pack of gum, and it charged an iPhone 13 twice (almost 81% on the second charge). It’s a great value for $30, and it adds valuable peace of mind on long hikes and bike rides.

Unlike most power banks on this list, the Flip 24 only has USB-A input and output. It’s not surprising for such a small bank, but it might be annoying for folks without a compatible cable. Plus, USB-C charging tends to be faster than USB-A. The Flip 24 will charge your phone slower than most other options on this list.

On the plus side, the Flip 24’s built-in USB-A stick is quite convenient. It plugs directly into compatible ports and charges right up without a cord. The battery indicator lights light up when the user presses the USB stick, which doubles as a button — product design panache.

For phones, earbuds, and smartwatches, the Goal Zero Flip 24 is a nifty little backup battery. If you need to charge larger devices, go with a power bank with greater capacity, like the BioLite Charge Max 100.

The Skullcandy Fat Stash 2 ($40) almost beat out the Goal Zero Flip 24 for the Most Portable Power Bank until we realized that this little box packs quite a punch. Though the Fat Stash 2 tops out at 10,000 mAh, it has increased power delivery (PD) capabilities which allow it to pump out 20W of charging power.

Additionally, it has up to 40 hours of battery life. Essentially, you’re getting a power bank that fits in your pocket and can supply 50% battery life to your smartphone in roughly half an hour.

We had a lot of fun with the Fat Stash 2. Because it’s pocket-sized, it’s easy to bring wherever you go. This makes it ideal for kids as well. Though Skullcandy doesn’t state any durability or environmental ratings for the unit, we can personally tell you that it can be dropped a bunch of times and be splashed with water without any repercussions. In layman’s terms — it can withstand the active lifestyle of an 8-year-old in the middle of summer, so it’ll handle anything you do to it.

The Fat Stash 2 comes with a 6” combo charging cable that has a USB-A male end and a Micro-USB/USB-C male end. While we like the short cable because you can stack your phone on top of the Fat Stash 2 and carry it around without a long tail, we would have rather had a USB-C PD cable that can handle the 18W-20W output.

One interesting feature that was hard to ignore was how long it takes to drain the internal battery, especially when it’s already low on fuel. There were a handful of times when the power bank was only at 12-15% of power and it was able to charge our iPhone 14 Pro to full capacity from 20% power before it finally ran out of juice.

Designed to work with Apple’s MagSafe-compatible devices, the Hinovo Magnetic Power Bank ($50) is both wireless and compact. You can easily attach it to the back of your smartphone and put it into your pocket. With 5,000 mAh of onboard power, you can quickly recharge your phone once and possibly twice, depending on the model.

We’ve been living with the Hinovo for months and appreciate its ease of use and straightforward design. The slim design immediately doubles a smartphone’s battery life without much added bulk. Additionally, the 15W of output power allows for a fast recharge of your device, while the 20W USB-C input lets you recharge the power bank quickly and efficiently.

While the Hinovo Magnetic Power Bank may not be designed to withstand the elements outdoors as well as the Nestout or the Poseidon Pro, its construction allows it to easily bounce around in your pocket all day, making it great for traveling. The one downside of this compact power solution is that it only works with certain Apple products. At this time, Hinovo has no plans to make a non-MagSafe wireless charging power bank.

The Wuben Lightok X3 Owl EDC Flashlight ($87) is more of a flashlight and less of a power bank, but in our testing, it proves reliable as both. So, in our mind, it’s nice to have around either for an emergency, as a backup power bank, or the power bank you take with you on short adventures. Whatever reason you would have to bring this compact, durable, and weatherproof gizmo along with you, rest assured it’ll prove its worth.

We initially tested and reviewed the X3 Owl as an EDC flashlight that had the added benefit of being able to power your smartphone. The power bank was a “nice to have” that we quickly found the benefit of.

At full charge, it was able to bring an iPhone 14 Pro up to 100% from 20% and still had 30% power left for its flashlight function. Essentially, with the X3 Owl, you are getting two important solutions that can keep you safe in sound if you get turned around in the outdoors.

To avoid any confusion, the power bank is located in the case and not in the flashlight itself. Additionally, the flashlight carries an IP65 rating that protects it from water and debris, but the case does not. However, the charging port on the case is protected from the elements, as is the inside of the case when the flashlight is inserted into it. After nearly a year of use in the outdoors, we have never had any issues while using it in the elements.

Overall, where the X3 Owl really shines as an EDC flashlight, the power bank feature shouldn’t be ignored.

Read Review: Stick It, Turn It, Hang It, Bang It: Wuben Lightok X3 Owl EDC Flashlight Review

Now in its second generation, the Nitecore NB10000 ($60) is a lightweight, no-frills power bank that seriously impressed during testing. This minuscule unit is one of the smallest 10,000 mAh banks on the market. It fits easily in any pocket, and it weighs just over 5 ounces — excellent stats for a power bank that fully charged an iPhone 13 to 100% two and a half times — exactly as the brand claims.

The NB10000 isn’t the most heavy-duty or luxurious power bank on the market, but it simply performs well in every category without any major flaws or weaknesses. Sure, the battery power indicator light isn’t the most precise, but that’s a nit-picky criticism in a compact power bank. Ultimately, the NB10000 provides reliable portable power for charging small devices.

Our 2-foot drop test didn’t leave a scratch on the Nitecore’s carbon fiber exterior, so we especially recommend this power bank for outdoor use. It’s light and packable enough for ultralight thru-hiking, and it contains enough power to keep a phone charged for quite a long time — depending on phone use, of course.

Compared to the first generation of the NB10000, the second generation offers increased USB-C output for faster charging. It also has a “low current mode,” which is useful for sensitive devices with small batteries such as smart watches and Bluetooth earbuds.

If you need to charge two devices at once — the Nitecore NB10000 has you covered. Additionally, it has “pass-through charging,” which allows users to tap into the NB10000’s outputs while it is plugged into a wall outlet.

During our testing for this roundup, we focused primarily on compact pocket-sized power banks in the 10-20k mAH range. Though these small devices are great for charging small devices on the go, they aren’t suitable for larger devices like laptops.

The Goal Zero Sherpa 100PD ($250) is larger than most power banks on this list. It weighs 1.5 pounds, and it won’t fit in a pocket. That said, it’s still relatively compact, and it’s the perfect choice for airline travel or car camping, especially when a charged-up laptop is essential.

Compared to the smaller banks we tested, the Sherpa boasts several significant upgrades. First, it offers wireless charging. Just set a compatible smartphone or another device on the charging pad and it’ll power up sans cable.

A small display screen keeps the user informed on outgoing wattage, remaining battery life, and more. It’s far more informative than the standard series of indicator lights that most small power banks have.

The Sherpa charged an iPhone 13 from dead to 100% a whopping seven times using a USB-C to USB-C cord. The brand advertised eight full charges, but this figure depends on many variable factors. In any case, the Sherpa is about four times more powerful than most 10k mAh power banks in this regard. Using the wireless charging surface, the phone fully charged in about 100 minutes.

The Goal Zero Sherpa 100PD fully charged a MacBook Air over two times before it ran out of steam — more than enough for a weekend of off-grid computing.

Anker has a solid reputation for simple, long-lasting, and fast-charging power banks. The Anker PowerCore III Elite ($130) boasts an impressive 25,600 mAh of capacity — an excellent figure for a power bank that’s only about 7 inches long.

Most power bank users can get by with 10K mAH — a perfectly suitable capacity for a weekend’s worth of phone and earbud charging. The PowerCore III Elite is a major step up — it contains more than double the capacity of most of the power banks on this list. It’s potent enough to charge laptops and tablets, and it still manages to fit into most pants pockets.

Of course, the extra capacity has to come from somewhere. The PowerCore III weighs 1.3 pounds, which is a bit heavy for backpacking. Still, compared to similar capacity options like the Goal Zero Sherpa 100PD, the PowerCore is relatively svelte.

The PowerCore III fully charged an iPhone 13 just over six times. Anker claims it can charge three devices simultaneously. During testing, it easily charged two smartphones at the same time.

The Anker PowerCore III Elite dented easily during our 2-foot drop test, but it went on working without issue. It’s a great compact choice for photographers or remote workers on the go.

It’s tough to beat the performance and generous capacity of the UGREEN 145W power bank ($150) for the price. Offering 25,000 mAh of storage, this battery brick has enough juice to charge three small devices at once.

While the UGREEN may be a little hefty for backpacking, it’s great for road trips and air travel. During testing, we charged two smartphones and a Kindle all at once, and the UGREEN still had over 50% power left over.

We like that this simple power bank is free of frivolous features. It serves its purpose perfectly and doesn’t pretend to be anything more than a reliable power bank. The easy-to-read LED display allowed us to keep accurate tabs on its battery life. Its rate of power delivery is right up there with the best banks on the market, but the bank itself is fairly low to charge.

Unlike many of the smaller banks on this list, the UGREEN 145W power bank is potent enough to support a laptop. It doesn’t support Samsung Super Fast Charging, but it seems to thrive when paired with Apple products.

The Otterbox Fast Charge ($35) is available in three sizes: 10k, 15k, and 20k mAh. We tested the 10k version, though all three models have the same design and two-port layout. With just one in/out USB-C and one USB-A out, it’s a simple and effective power bank that works best with smartphones and small devices.

The “Fast Charge” moniker sets up high expectations. This power bank fully charged an iPhone 13 from dead to 100% in just over 90 minutes. While this stat is competitive for a small power bank, it’s about the same as several other top performers on this list. This Otterbox is a reasonably fast-charging product, but it’s on par with its peers on this list, not necessarily superior.

Compared to the more durable options we tested, the Fast Charge has an all-plastic casing that feels a bit delicate and cheap to the touch. It survived our drop test and continued to function, but it just doesn’t have the feel of excellent build quality. Still, it’s a perfectly usable power bank.

The 15k version of the Otterbox Fast Charge ($45) is a nice middle ground between common power bank sizes. We expect it could charge a newer iPhone three or four times, a meaningful improvement over the 10k version.

This unassuming powerhouse came to be one of our tester’s favorite power banks by accident. After getting his sleek, lightweight Anker charger stolen on a recent climbing trip, the BioLite Charge 80 PD ($80) — his backup bank — found its way into his backpack on several ultralight treks and long road trip adventures.

It takes a lot for a power bank weighing over a pound to end up in a backpacking kit, but for super remote excursions where energy efficiency was a must, this thing was a lifesaver for our tester. Despite its 16.4-ounce weight, it can charge a smartphone over 5 times (tested with an iPhone 11), a tablet twice (tested with an iPad Pro), and even a computer once (tested with a MacBook Pro).

While you don’t need all these devices on a backpacking trip, this is a welcome power source for road trips, wilderness photo/video shoots, or international travel. And, for those backpacking jaunts that have you off the grid for five days or more, it’s hard to beat the power-to-weight ratio that this delivers.

The two USB-A Quick Charge and single USB-C PD ports offer exceptionally fast charging. The bank also only takes 4.5-5 hours to fully charge, which is better than some other models with similar capacity we’ve tried. Its durable plastic shell gives it an indestructible feel, and we haven’t noticed a scratch on it after many miles of rough use.

With a 20k mAh capacity, it has the inherent cons of being quite heavy and comparatively large, but is on par with other banks in its category. We do find the battery indicator to be somewhat lacking. It is a bit hard to gauge exactly how much power is left, and we don’t like that the light remains on while charging. Some energy could be saved by having it switch off after it’s been plugged in for a second, and it can get annoying at night if it’s not covered up.

These slight gripes aside, we think that the BioLite Charge 80 PD delivers reliable power in a packable, durable design. If pure ultralight minimalism is what you’re after, there are better options out there. But, for the adventurer in need of a bit more juice on their excursions for multiple devices, this would be a solid pick.

The Lion Trek Power Bank ($149) is the largest power bank on this list in both size and capacity. At 2.1 pounds and 8.5 inches long, it takes some liberties with its self-described “portable” nature. Still, this power bank justifies its size with a massive 27,000 mAh capacity and a handy AC power outlet.

Unlike most of the options on this list, the Lion Trek packs enough power for laptops, tablets, and small appliances like lamps, TVs, and coffee grinders. It’s the perfect size for a long-term solo road trip — especially when paired with a compatible solar panel.

We’ve been testing the Lion Trek for several months. Though it’s a bit too big and inconvenient for airline travel, it’s been our go-to power bank for car camping. On a single full charge, the Lion Trek recharged an iPhone 13 nine times. It kept a MacBook Air alive for 3 days of frequent use. According to its display, the Lion Trek only used 5% of its total battery life to fully charge a pair of wireless earbuds.

For some folks on the go, an AC outlet is a must-have. The Lion Trek is one of the smallest banks to include one. Additionally, the unit houses two USB-A outputs and one in/out USB-C port. For mobile remote workers, the Lion Trek can function as an ultra-compact solution for the solar-powered off-grid lifestyle.

We tested all the power banks on this list thoroughly in daily life, outdoors adventuring, and even some travel. Our three testers, Nick LeFort, Katie Davis, and Austin Beck-Doss, admit they didn’t use a wall outlet for any of their electronics for the duration of these tests.

Lead tester Nick LeFort has been writing for over 30 years but has spent 10 years writing professionally about gear, knives and tools, off-roading, overlanding, and outdoor living. He took the assignment one step further and let his two daughters use the power banks he was testing.

Not only are kids tough on darn near everything they get their hands on, but they are also perpetually charging their smartphones and tablets. In his mind, they were going to use and abuse these products well beyond anything he had planned.

Power bank manufacturers make some exaggerated claims about the capacity, performance, and durability of their products. After noting the specifications of each power bank, our testers took them to task. As a baseline, we fully charged every power bank right out of the box. Then, we set them up to see how many times they could charge an iPhone before depleting their internal battery.

We split our durability test between prolonged regular use indoors and outdoors and a standardized drop test. Each power bank was dropped exactly 2 feet onto concrete to simulate the classic fumble when our hands stop doing what our brains tell them to. It happens. Don’t deny it. The power banks that didn’t pass this test didn’t make it on this list.

Regarding waterproofing — or at least water resistance — if the manufacturer claimed its power bank was designed to meet a specific rating, we tested it. However, it wasn’t a universal test because most power banks aren’t rated to get wet and definitely not to be submerged.

Between Nick, Katie, and Austin, we vetted 40 different power banks. It was a massive undertaking as no two power banks are built the same. Yes, during testing, patterns emerged that told us which power bank should be more durable. In some cases, based on the inputs and outputs alone, we determined which power banks were going to make it past the first round of testing because they indicated a higher level of efficiency.

That being said, you can rest assured that the power banks on this list are the best of the best and the most current. With technology always evolving in the world of electronics, it’s important for us to revisit and refresh this list from time to time to make sure we’re showing you the cream of the crop right from the start.

For better or worse, most folks today feel a wave of concern when their smartphone battery drops below 20%. Phones, tablets, laptops, and other portable electronics pack a lot of utility — and we’ve grown reliant on them to conduct our everyday affairs.

Power banks are physical stop gaps that prevent dreaded cases of DPS (dead phone syndrome). Whether you forgot to plug it in overnight or you’ve been traveling all day without access to an outlet, these are a lifeline for you and your portable electronics.

These days, they come in all shapes and sizes — from mini units that can dangle from a keychain to 25-pound behemoths. On this list, we focused on the most popular category: personal-use portable power banks. Portable is a subjective term. For this list, we only considered products that weigh about 2 pounds or less and fit easily into any backpack.

In this comprehensive buyer’s guide, we break down everything you need to know about power banks; capacity, charge times, inputs, outputs, solar capability, you name it. Our hope is that by using this guide, you’ll be able to hone in on the perfect portable one to suit your everyday needs.

A power bank is a rechargeable battery that can transfer power to other electronic devices. It is like a wall outlet that you can take with you. Simply plug in your phone or laptop via a standard USB-A or USB-C cable, and boom, you have instant portable power. People carry them for the same reason remote freight drivers carry extra cans of gasoline: If the main supply runs out, there’s extra fuel on board.

Power banks are available in all shapes and sizes. The smallest ones are small enough to fit on a keychain, but deliver minimal power so they’re reserved for emergencies. The largest ones in existence can charge an EV or even a house — but those aren’t exactly portable.

Generally, capacity is measured in milliamps per hour, or mAh. This unit indicates how many milliamps of electric current a given power bank can deliver per hour.

Power bank capacities can get down below 3,0000 mAh, but generally, that’s as low as you should consider going. Even if you plan on just using it for an emergency, you might find yourself unable to get a single full charge for your smartphone. In the last couple of years alone, we’ve seen capacities grow and move away from anything below 5,000 mAh. The most common size is 10,000 mAh.

All smartphone manufacturers utilize different batteries and charging systems. The working capacity of any power bank entirely depends on the device it is charging. Most fully charged smartphones contain 3,000 to 4,000 mAh.

That means, on paper, a 10,000 mAh power bank can recharge a smartphone about three times. Most of the products on this list hold around 10,000 mAh. This is a standard size for recharging small devices like smartphones, Bluetooth headphones, and smartwatches.

Smartphone batteries are becoming larger and more efficient. In our experience, 10,000 mAh power banks will charge a modern smartphone between two and three times. The Nestout and Dark Energy Poseidon Pro 10200 are the two most impressive power banks tested in this capacity range. They are both durable and resistant to the elements. The Poseidon Pro is good for two to two and a half charges on an iPhone 13 and two on an iPhone 14 Pro. The Nestout (15,000 mAh) gets up to four full charges at half the price of the Poseidon Pro.

Fr a long backpacking trip, it’s important to find an appropriate weight-to-capacity ratio for your adventure. You’ll also want one that fits comfortably in your backpacking backpack and doesn’t add too much bulk to your kit. Power banks in this capacity range fit easily into most pockets. They also have plenty of capacity to keep a small device or two alive for a few days.

The next popular portable size is 20,000 mAh. Naturally, 20k power banks are bigger and heavier than their smaller 10k siblings. Most 20k banks weigh at least one pound and are roughly the size of a small tablet or jumbo candy bar.

Though 20k power banks are a bit cumbersome for everyday carry, they offer much more utility. Most banks of this size can fully recharge a smartphone six or more times. Plus, many 20k versions can charge multiple devices at the same time. If you’re looking for a product to charge multiple personal devices over the course of a multi-day backpacking trip, 20k is your best bet.

In the last year, we’ve seen a rise in the number of 25,000 mAh + power banks. Though many people find this to still be portable, they’re designed for base camps and remote work. You can totally throw one in your backpack. But, they’re great for folks looking to charge a larger device, such as a laptop on the go.

For a bank that can handle the demands of laptop charging, around 20k mAh is the bare minimum capacity to consider. We would recommend you bump up to something like the BioLite Charge 100 Max. At 25,000 mAh and with the ability to charge 5 devices at once, you can be a real hit at the local campground.

The best products are quick to store power and equally quick to dispense it. Combined with the appropriate modern charging cable, all of the power banks on this list perform well in this aspect.

These days, many devices, including phones, power banks, tablets, and cables, claim to support “fast charging.” In reality, there is no universal standard for what “fast charging” really means. Each individual device has specifications that determine how much wattage delivery it can handle. Every element in the charging system — phone, power bank, and cable — plays a role in the rate of power delivery.

All batteries operate with a specific voltage and can input and output a maximum amount of current. Fast-charging options can quickly pump more power into the receiving device.

For example, early iPhones came with a 5W power adaptor in the box. Those 5W adaptors took over two hours to charge standard smartphones. On this list, the speedy Nestout 15,000mAh Outdoor Battery delivers 32W power. With this, it can fully charge an iPhone 14 Pro in around an hour.

In general, any charging source that can deliver around 15W or more could be considered “fast charging.”

While fast charging is highly sought after, it can also be a detriment to your long-term battery health. Certain small devices, such as headphones and fitness watches, have relatively low maximum tolerable power delivery.

If you charge a pair of earbuds with a superpowered fast-charging wall port or power bank, it can cause irreversible damage to the battery life of those headphones. Many modern power banks — such as the OtterBox Fast Charge — can decrease their output to meet the needs of a small device or fragile battery.

Power Delivery, or “PD,” has become something of a buzzword in the portable electronics world. It refers to how much output a charging source or cable can deliver. As our electronics have grown to be bigger and bolder in terms of power consumption, our needs have grown.

Most power banks are designed to provide up to 25W of power. However, smaller power banks will likely deliver less than that. We have found in our testing that an output rating of 15W-25W is the sweet spot. In that range, you will get efficient power delivery and quicker charging times on the go. However, a larger capacity power bank, like the BioLite Charge 100 Max, can provide you up to 100W of output power.

We realize that sounds insane. And if this were 2022, it might be insane. But, these products are innovating faster than their brand’s marketing team can keep up with their product blurbs.

Anyway, this brings us to power cables.

That $5 cable at the gas station is going to do just fine. But, you’re not going to get the most out of most power banks on this list. In fact, the standard Apple USB-A to Lightning cable can only handle up to 9W of power. By today’s standards, that’s going to be slow as well. Both Apple and Android have been pushing up the power limits able to charge their smartphones. This has created a whole line of new cables that can handle upwards of 100W.

With this push, there has been an increased demand for higher-capacity USB-C cables, which has brought down prices considerably. We recommend that when you pick out your power bank, you head over to Amazon.com and find something that can handle that output, if not more. These cables will generally have a “PD” in their name, for example, “USB-C PD.” Save yourself some money by checking out the specs.

Nearly all small electronic devices, including smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, earbuds, headphones, and laptops, charge via one of four standard input ports: Micro USB, USB-A, USB-C, and USB-C PD. However, we have a feeling that the “PD” distinction that some manufacturers use for their higher output USB-C ports may soon disappear, as almost all USB-C ports today deliver those desirable outputs.

Micro-USB ports are growing obsolete, but they’re still relatively common on power banks today. USB-A ports are typically used as outputs, though some small products such as the Goal Zero Flip 24 do have USB-A inputs, which eliminate the need for a charging cable.

The Skullcandy Fat Stash 2 is unique in that, although it has two USB-A outputs and one USB-C, it comes with a USB-A cable with a Micro-USB/USB-C combo end.

USB-A is still a popular port type because it’s been around since 1996 and is widely adopted on a wider array of electronics. However, USB-C is on track to become the most common input port. It’s what’s found on most modern smartphones around the world and offers higher transfer rates – which equate to faster charging times.

Another, less common port, on larger power banks like the Lion Trek Portable Solar Generator, is the North American-specific AC, three-prong plug. Yes, it’s the same outlet you have in your home and in the bed of your Toyota Tacoma, seen here in all its 12V glory.

Though these are less common on power banks (and really common on Power Stations), they provide a power solution for people who need to charge laptops, fill up massive inflatable mattresses, and those of us who want to run a blender remotely (we feel seen).

Some larger power banks are equipped with wireless charging capability. On this list, both the BioLite Charge 100 Max and Goal Zero Sherpa 100 PD come with a wireless charging pad that can deliver up to 15W of power to compatible devices. In general, wireless charging from a power bank will be slower than using a cable. But, it’s highly convenient in certain situations.

Some power banks attach directly to smartphones via magnetic connection. These power banks are compact units that typically pack just enough power to recharge a compatible smartphone a single time. On this list, the Hinovo Magnetic Charger is a highly functional and convenient option. It essentially doubles your phone’s battery — no cable required. Of course, only some smartphones are magnetic charging enabled.

If a power bank has “pass-through charging,” it is able to take in and distribute power at the same time. Pass-through equipped power banks can charge devices while plugged into a wall charger — a handy feature when you’re in a hurry. Many power banks on this list have pass-through charging, including our top pick the Nestout 15,000mAh Outdoor Battery

Believe it or not, most power bank manufacturers aren’t overly concerned with water resistance and waterproofing. They assume that you won’t be using their products in the middle of the rainforest, in a rainstorm, or rafting through the rapids. But durability is a major factor in how they go about designing their products for our use and abuse.

Every power bank on this list passed our standardized drop-testing onto concrete from 2 feet. Most of them carry ratings that will protect the power bank from taller heights. This type of rating is important because accidents happen. Even if you’re carrying something in a sling pack, if you drop that pack, it could impact the power bank inside.

Depending on your needs, waterproofing may be a necessity. If you plan to use your power bank for outdoor applications such as hunting, backpacking, and off-roading, we recommend one that’s built to withstand rugged use. On this list, the Nestout 15,000mAh Outdoor Battery, Dark Energy Poseidon Pro 10200, and Wuben Lightok X3 Owl EDC Flashlight are all rated to withstand getting wet.

Overall, none of the power banks on this list will stop working if they get a couple of drops of water on them so we see no problems with you using them in the outdoors. That said, unless they’re rated for water resistance, do your due diligence to protect them from the elements.

Pro Tip: To preserve the integrity of the battery, power banks should be plugged in and charged once every few months.

There’s an old adage that you “get what you pay for.” While that may have been true with electronics a few years ago, many brands now aim to provide their customers with the most innovative solutions possible. Because of this, pricing structures aren’t as easy to understand.

Take, for instance, the Dark Energy Poseidon Pro. At $120, that’s actually a really good price when you consider that you’re getting a 10,000 mAh power bank rated for extreme outdoor conditions. However, Elcom, a lesser-known brand, offers its Nestout 15,000mAh Outdoor Battery for half that price. It boasts the same weather protection features and durability but has one more outlet and contains a 15,000 mAh battery.

Where there’s no clear way to define which of these is premium, budget, or even mid-tier in terms of classifications, we can tell you what to expect to pay for a power bank based on its capacity and features.

Sub-10,000 mAh

As we’ve said throughout this guide, power banks that are less than 10,000 mAh are usually purpose-built for smaller devices. These are great for things like earbuds and fitness trackers. They can also give a smartphone a single full charge, making them great in emergencies. Additionally, based on their size and purpose, they generally only have one output.

The Hinovo Magnetic Charger has 15W wireless charging, but it can only charge an iPhone. This power bank has no additional outputs and is, therefore, purpose-built.

The Goal Zero Flip 24 fits this mold because, at 6,700 mAh, it will bring a smartphone back from near death to a full charge one time before it needs to be recharged. It has one USB-A input for recharging and a single USB-A output for charging your devices.

For power banks like this, you can expect to pay less than $50.

10,000 mAh-15,000 mAh

Power banks in this range are the most common and the most diverse. These are designed to charge a wider variety of devices from earbuds to tablets. They can even come in handy in a pinch if you need to get a little juice to your laptop.

These power banks could have a wide array of inputs (Anker Powercore Slim 10,000) or outputs (Skullcandy Fat Stash 2). This makes them more versatile, either in being recharged or in charging more than one device.

These power banks, which are also aimed at portability, may have some extra features like durability and water resistance. The Nestout 15000mAh Outdoor Battery and Anker Powercore Slim 10,000 have a wider array of inputs and outputs but are also rated for use and abuse in the outdoors. These power banks have been rated for higher drops and being submerged in water.

For this range of power banks, you can pay anywhere from $20 to $160.20,000 mAh and Larger

Power banks with a capacity rating of 20,000 mAh or larger are the most versatile of the group. They offer the greatest array of inputs and outputs as they are designed to charge multiple devices at once or charge a single device multiple times.

These power banks are less portable and designed to go in your backpack instead of your pocket. They’re great for remote work, as they can keep your laptop up and running when there’s no wall outlet around. They’re also great for base camp or vacation, as they can service all the electronics in your party.

The BioLite Charge 100 Max fits this mold perfectly. At over 1 pound, you won’t want to carry it around in your pocket (unless you have a really good belt), but it can sufficiently charge up to five devices. We’re seeing a larger assortment of this size power bank hit the market as more people are working remotely and more of our devices require more power.

You can expect to pay between $80 and $250 for power banks in this range.

If treated properly, the power banks on this list should perform reliably for several years. All batteries degrade with time and regular use. Most modern products can be fully charged and discharged about 1,000 times before they no longer function. For most users, this equates to 3-5 years’ worth of use.

All of the power banks on this list are relatively small and portable. The majority of users pick 10,000 mAh to 15,000 mAh power banks, a good choice for recharging a personal smartphone.

Compact 10,000 mAh options like the Skullcandy Fat Stash 2 and the Nitecore NB 10000 offer a nice balance between utility and portability. They fit in a pant pocket, and they pack enough power to keep a smartphone or satellite messenger alive for several days without a wall outlet.

If you plan to charge larger devices like a tablet or laptop, we recommend sizing up to the 20,000+ mAh range. These products typically weigh 1-2 pounds and are still compact enough for hiking, traveling, etc. On this list, the BioLite Charge 100 Max is our top choice for these situations.

Most small portable option can be carried onto an airplane. According to TSA, power banks cannot be kept in checked luggage. Certain airports don’t allow passengers to travel with more than 27,000 mAh in total battery storage.

It’s been a long-standing, widely accepted fact that electricity on water do not mix. However, with electronics becoming more prevalent in our day-to-day lives, power bank manufacturers are realizing that their products will be used outside.

Power banks like the Dark Energy Poseidon Pro 10200 are designed to deliver power to your devices in the worst weather conditions. It carries an IP68 rating and all of its ports can be covered when the device is not in use.

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