MOBILE

The best power banks 2023

In this day and age, we’re always on the go and our favorite devices aren’t always equipped to stay charged for as long as we need. The best power banks on the market to meet all of your portable power needs, and can charge phones, headsets, consoles, and more on the go. We’ve found the top power banks to charge your devices, including the latest from established brands like Belkin and Anker, and options if you’re exploring the world of MagSafe charging with ESR.

We tested the best portable chargers for a range of different scenarios, budgets, and devices. Power banks start at under $25 and can reach anywhere up to $200, but our first choice is around $30 – proving you don’t need to spend a fortune. The capacity of a power bank, measured in mAh (milliampere per hour), lets you know how much juice one bank has compared to another. The higher the mAh capacity, the longer its battery will last.

Whether you want to charge a gaming phone, your Nintendo Switch console, or one of the best portable gaming consoles, the best power banks in this guide support a wide range of devices. They’ll give you an extra burst so you never run out of power again.

Here are the best power banks in 2023:

Best power banks: A light pink Belkin power bank with two USB-A rectangular ports and one smaller USB-C port. The power bank is pasted on a mango background

1. Belkin Power Bank 20K

The best power bank for charging multiple devices at once.

Belkin Power Bank 20K specs:

Capacity 20,000mAh
Ports One USB-C and two USB-A (input and output)
Wireless charging? Yes

Pros: 

  • Supports USB-C, USB-A, and wireless charging devices
  • Large capacity
  • Stylish design

Cons:

  • No fast charging
  • Doesn’t support laptop charging

If you’re anything like us, you’ll know the sheer distress of all of your devices running out of battery at once. That’s why a powerful charger like the Belkin Power Bank 20K can be a great resource. Whether you’re part of a family on a road trip or a group of friends tackling the city’s Pokémon Go raids, this power bank’s two USB-A ports and USB-C ports have got you covered. The Belkin 20K’s 20,000mAh capacity means you can comfortably charge up to three devices up to full at the same time.

The Belkin 20K also supports MagSafe wireless charging for a huge range of iPhones, iPads, and Samsung Galaxy products. Although there’s enough capacity to provide over 78 hours of battery life, you won’t get access to that power as quickly as some competitors as there’s no fast charging support.

Another downside is that despite the USB-C port, the Belkin 20K isn’t able to charge your USB-C MacBook or large devices. Despite these drawbacks, it’s a great option for the price and definitely worth considering, especially if you’re partial to pink electronics.

Best power banks: The Anker 622 MagGo in lilac pasted on a mango background

2. Anker 622 MagGo

The best wireless charging power bank.

Anker 622 MagGo specs:

Capacity 5,000mAh
Ports One USB-C (input and output)
Wireless charging? Yes

Pros:

  • Handy kickstand
  • Sleek design
  • Not too bulky

Cons:

  • Doesn’t support fast charging
  • Not guaranteed to charge to full

If you’ve got a MagSafe-compatible phone and you’re just looking for a little extra battery power throughout your day without fiddling about with wires, the Anker 622 MagGo is the power bank for you. This handy little thing simply snaps to the back of your phone and starts charging, fitting in practically any pocket. If you’re worried about style, Anker has got your back there too. The 622 MagGo comes in five colors (we’re partial to the Lilac Purple option) which is, well, four more than Apple offers for its magnetic battery pack.

The 5,000mAh capacity should in theory be able to charge your phone 1.5 to two times over, but wireless charging isn’t an exact science and often loses some of the power along the way. To guarantee a full charge, you’re better off using the 622 MagGo’s USB-C port and reserving the wireless functionality for top-up throughout the day. It’s also worth noting that you can’t simultaneously charge the power bank and your device either, which may be a deal breaker for you.

Overall, the Anker 622 MagGo is a handy little power bank, with added flair for those who care about it and a useful kickstand that supports the battery pack and your device at the same time, making it a good option for long business meetings or catching up with the family over FaceTime.

Best power banks: The Anker PowerCore Slim in black pasted on a mango background

3. Anker PowerCore Slim

The best slimline power bank.

Anker PowerCore Slim specs:

Capacity 10,000mAh
Ports  One USB-A and one USB-C (input and output)
Wireless charging?  No

Pros: 

  • High capacity in a small package
  • Fast charging capability

Cons:

  • No wireless charging
  • Only two ports

Power banks can be unnecessarily bulky and with pocket real estate at a premium, you need something that can slide in alongside your phone without weighing you down. The Anker PowerCore Slim is a great combination of slim design and powerful charging capacity. The USB-C output allows for fast charging and this particular power bank is one of the most compact 10,000mAh models on the market.

There are a couple of downsides – the PowerCore Slim isn’t equipped for MagSafe wireless charging and only has two ports, one of which is USB-A. While it might not be the best match for the best gaming iPhone, it’s a powerful and portable option for mode mid-range devices.

Best power banks: The Anker PowerCore Elite III in black pasted on a mango background

4. Anker PowerCore III Elite 25600 PD 60W

The best power bank for a Nintendo Switch or laptop.

Anker PowerCore III Elite 25600 PD 60W specs:

Capacity 25,600mAh
Ports One USB-C and two USB-A (input and output)
Wireless charging? No

Pros: 

  • Massive capacity
  • Can charge multiple devices at once

Cons: 

  • Bulky
  • No wireless charging

Standard power banks made for smartphones aren’t made to charge your Nintendo Switch or your laptop, but sometimes you need access to that kind of power on the go. For example, what if you’re challenging all of the Zelda Tears of the Kingdom shrines on a long-haul flight with no plug sockets in sight? Luckily for you, the Anker PowerCore III Elite is made specifically for charging high-power pieces of tech.

Not only that, but it can charge up to three devices simultaneously with its two USB-A ports and one USB-C port. The 25,600mAh capacity is huge but still falls under the standard safe flight limit, so you’re good to take it on your next international trip.

Of course, a power bank this beefy is also quite bulky and takes up a lot of valuable bag space. It’s probably not the best option for a day-to-day power bank, especially without any wireless charging options, but if you need a solid brick of power for a long trip, or your favorite cafe runs out of tables with plug sockets on a busy workday, the Anker PowerCore III Elite could be a lifesaver.

Best power banks: The ESR Halolock case on two different iPhones: the black design is on a black iPhone that is turned landscape, and the silver and tan design is on a white iPhone that is held portrait by the kickstand. These are pasted on a mango background

5. ESR Halolock Power Bank Wallet

A power bank that’s so much more.

ESR Halolock Power Bank Wallet specs:

Capacity 5,000mAh
Ports One USB-C (input and output)
Wireless charging? Yes

Pros:

  • Stylish design
  • Wireless charging
  • Multi-functional

Cons: 

  • Only one port
  • Low capacity

Like the Anker 622 MagGo, the ESR Halolock Power Bank Wallet is a more affordable and stylish alternative to Apple’s MagSafe power bank. The ESR features a luxurious-looking vegan leather finish on its kickstand, which is also a card wallet big enough to fit your credit card and ID for a night out.

The ESR’s three-in-one design makes it a great companion for events, which we detailed in our ESR Halolock Power Bank Wallet review. Simultaneously store your essential cards, keep your phone topped up, and take group photos using the kickstand, all without needing to bring a bag out with you.

Again, as a low-capacity MagSafe power bank, you’re probably not guaranteed a full charge using the wireless mode. The USB-C port allows for fast wired charging if you’re willing to bring a cable with you, but otherwise, just remember that the ESR is more of a top-up power bank than a full revive for your device.

Best power banks: The Biolite SolarPanel portable charger charging an iPhone on a mango background

6. BioLite SolarPanel

The best solar-powered power bank.

BioLite SolarPanel specs:

Capacity 3,200 mAh
Ports One USB-A (output)
Wireless charging? No

Pros:

  • Great for remote camping trips
  • Super thin and portable

Cons:

  • Only one port
  • Dependant on good weather

Sometimes you find yourself in a situation where you really need to charge your phone but your standard power bank is out of charge. That’s where the BioLite PowerBank comes in. It’s a completely solar-powered power bank which is perfect for taking on camping trips and other outdoor activities.

Its wire-loop kickstand is great for finding the perfect sunny spot to expose the 5W solar panel to as much light as possible. You can hook it over your backpack on a hike, hang it from a tree, or prop it up on the floor of your campground. As useful as this little gadget is, it does only have one USB-A port so you’ll need to choose carefully which device is the most important to you.

How we chose the best power banks

There are a lot of different things to consider when choosing a power bank. We looked at a range of factors that affect your everyday life, such as price, portability, charging capacity, and charging efficiency. We also took a look at the fun things too, like colors and styles. Whoever said a power bank has to be boring?

Whether you’re after a brick of power that can handle it all, or a stylish magnetic charger to match your date night fit, we’ve aimed to provide something for everyone, that gets the job done and doesn’t break the bank. Find out more about product selection on our how we test page.

Once you’ve decided on a charger, you need something to charge. We’ve got a whole range of hardware guides to explore, covering the best Xiaomi phones, the best Sony phones, the best Google Pixel phones, and the best Motorola phones.

If you’re looking for a new phone plan, why not take a look at our best Verizon phones, best Mint Mobile plans, and best AT&T phones guides? We’ve also got an in-depth look at Samsung’s flagship smartphone with our Samsung Galaxy S23 review.

Original Source Link

Related Articles

Back to top button