No matter where you are or what you’re doing, there is little chance that you won’t have at least one device with you. This includes a tablet, an iPod or other music device, a handheld gaming system, or most likely, a smart phone.
And sooner or later, these devices will need to be charged. But what if you’re away from an outlet, and need your phone to make a call, as a GPS, or to look up an address when on the road? That’s where a portable charger comes in.
These handy items can recharge one or more devices on-the-go, and the best power bank charger can do so repeatedly before its own power supply runs low.
| Product Name | Weight | Charge Time | Color | Travel Case | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anker PowerCore + 20100 | 16 oz | 8 hrs | Black | Yes | Check price on Amazon |
| IWalk Extreme Trio 10000 | 7.8 oz | 6 hrs | Black, White | No | Check price on Amazon |
| Jackery Bar Premium 6000 | 5.3 oz | 3 hrs | Black, Gold, Silver, Orange | Yes | Check price on Amazon |
| KMashi 10000 | 9.79 oz | 7 hrs | Black with Red | No | Check price on Amazon |
| PowerCore 20000 | 13 oz | 0.58 hrs | Black | Yes | Check price on Amazon |
| EC Technology 22400 | 15.8 oz | 14 hrs | Black with Red, White with Black, Black with Blue | No | Check price on Amazon |
| AIBOCN 10000 | 7.5 oz | 5 hrs | White | No | Check price on Amazon |
| PowerAdd Pilot X1 5200 | 4.5 oz | 4 hrs | Black | No | Check price on Amazon |
| EasyAcc 8000 | 8.5 oz | 8 hrs | Black | No | Check price on Amazon |
Features to Consider
When looking to purchase a power bank, there a few features you should look for to ensure you are getting the best quality for your money.
Size
When searching out a power bank, you want to be sure it is small enough to be carried conveniently in a pocket or bag. Lightweight ones are best, though the smaller the size of the charger, the less capacity for power it will have, so be sure not to go too small, especially if needed for long-term use.
Battery capacity
What kind of capacity you need for your power bank depends on how you intend to use it. If you’re carrying one only for use in an emergency, a charger with about 5000 mAh is more than enough to charge a device in this instance.
Of course, if you plan to use it regularly for multiple devices, 10,000 mAh or higher would be better suited for multiple uses, without needing to charge the power bank itself.
Output
Depending on what devices you plan on charging, you will need to look at the charging output for the power bank. Most smart phones use a 1A output to charge quickly. A tablet or other such device requires a 2.1A output for quick charging. You can use a lesser output port for these, but you sacrifice charge speed when doing so.
USB Ports
One port is handy if you only need one device charged at any given time, but if you have multiple devices being used regularly, having 2 or more ports to charge with is much more convenient.
Materials
If you’re planning to take one while camping, it is important to find one made of sturdy materials, such as aluminum or silicone, so it will not break easily and leave you with dead devices.
Input Cable
A power bank is useless if it can’t be charged itself, which is why most come with a Micro USB to USB charging cable. Some even include the adapter for an outlet, giving you multiple charging options, but this is not as common with all models and may need to be purchased separately.
Safety Features
Be sure your power bank has a few key safety features to be sure you won’t fry your charger or your devices when in use. These include a temperature control, over discharge protection, over voltage protection, and over current protection.
Solar Power
Though this is not necessary, it can be handy to have a solar panel on your charger, for those times when you are away from an outlet or computer, but would like to top up your charger power supply.
Keep in mind that solar power is not as quick or efficient as plugging your charger with its USB cable to a power source, but it can be handy for camping or other outdoor activities where you may not be near one.
Top Product Reviews
Now that you know what the features are most important for finding the best power bank chargers, it’s time to see which products customers are raving about.
Anker PowerCore+ 20100
Price: $65 – $100
Weight: 16 oz
Dimensions: 7.2 x 2.4 x 0.9 inches
Charge time: 8 hrs
Specific features: 60 cm USB-A to USB-C cable, 90 cm USB-C to USB-C cable, aluminum-alloy body, premium Panasonic power cells, travel pouch, and instruction guide
Best use: MacBook, Apple and Android smart phones, iPad, Nexus 7, Apple Watch, and many other devices that use USB charging
Description: The Anker PowerCore+ 20100 is a lightweight, premium charger for your devices. It is made of high quality aluminum-alloy that looks state-of-the-art and holds up well during travel. It is surge protected and prevents short circuits, so you never need to worry about damage to your charger or your devices when charging.
The high capacity, means you can charge any smart phone 7 times faster than other models, and allows you to charge up to 3 devices at once, without needing to recharge the power bank. When its battery finally drains, it only takes about 8 hours to be filled to capacity again.
Thanks to its Power IQ feature, coupled with VoltageBoost technologies, this charger provides you with the speediest charge possible, up to 2.4A for each of its ports. It also has a dual feature that gives you the option of charging the power bank from your device, or vice versa, depending on the need.
PROS:
- Charge 3 devices at once
- Durable and strong
- Surge protected
CONS:
- A little pricey
- Takes 8 hours to charge
Related: Anker also has a higher capacity power bank, the PowerCore+ 26800, with similar features, and an additional wall charger for added convenience. But with more power comes a larger size and heavier weight.
iWalk Extreme Trio 10000 Power Bank
Approx. price: $50
Weight: 7.8 oz
Dimensions: 3.1 x 0.5 x 5.7 inches
Charge time: 6 hrs
Specific features: Built-in lightning and micro-USB flexible cables, universal USB port, 10,000mAh li-polymer battery
Best use: Works with all smart phones and tablets
Description: iWalk Extreme TRIO 10000 Power Bank contains a 10,000mAh rechargeable Li-Polymer battery with the capacity to charge 3 devices at once without running out of juice. The built-in cables make traveling simple, and it has a universal USB port for added convenience.
The backlit LCD display shows you the battery level of the device, the device’s charging current, and the charging time for the TRIO, so you will always know how long you can leave it unattended. It is also designed with smart circuit protection, so you never overcharge your devices and leave your power bank drained unnecessarily.
When you do find your charger is running low, it only takes 6 hours to fill the battery again, and you can do so while continuing to charge your other devices. The iWalk Extreme Trio is not only lightweight, but has a stylish diamond pattern, and comes in both black and white.
PROS:
- Backlit LCD
- Charges 2 devices at once
CONS:
- Long
- Pricey for some
- Only comes in standard colors; black, white and gold
Related: iWalk has a smaller version of the TRIO, the iWalk Extreme Trio 6000 mAh, but its size also sacrifices its capacity, leaving it with only half the amount as the Extreme 10000. This means more charging of the power bank, and less of your devices, making it less convenient.
Jackery Bar Premium 6000
Approx. price: $20
Weight: 5.3 oz
Dimensions: 3.88 x 0.85 x 1.81 inches
Charge time: 3 hrs
Specific features: 1 Micro USB charging cable, aluminum case, 6000mAh Panasonic battery cells, user guide
Best use: Most Apple and Samsung products, as well as most android phones and tablets, Nexus, LG, PSP, GoPro, and many other products.
Description: The Jackery Bar Premium 6000 can fit in the palm of your hand, but is powerful enough to charge your devices multiple times before needing to be recharged.
It features numerous safety features, including over-charge and over-discharge protection, temperature resistance, short circuit protection, input and output over voltage protection, and even incorrect charger protection.
Using 4 LED lights, it keeps you well informed of the battery level, with 4 lights indicating 66%-100% charge remaining, down to 1 LED light to inform you there is less than 10% of battery life remaining.
This charger comes with the cord to charge it when it runs low, but remember to keep your devices cord handy, as you will need it to plug into the charger using the universal USB port. The Jackery Bar Premium charger comes in 4 colors, black, gold, silver and orange, and has a small LED flashlight on the body for added convenience.
PROS:
- LED lights
- Comes in black, white, orange and gold
- Fast starting
CONS:
- You cannot charge a device and the charger at the same time
- Some people experience a short where the charger will not charge itself.
Related: Jackery has another model of power bank that has double the capacity as the Bar Premium. This is the Giant+, which has 2 output ports for charging multiple devices at the same time. It comes in the same colors as the smaller model, but it is also double the size, and is less convenient to carry.
KMashi 10000
Approx. price: $20.00
Weight: 9.79 oz
Dimensions: 5.47 x 2.52 x 0.86 inches
Charge time: 7 hrs
Specific features: 1 Micro USB charging cable, smooth varnish finish, ultra-high density battery cells, user manual
Best use: Compatible with all Apple and Android smart phones, tablets, and many other USB charged devices
Description: You’ll never question when your charger power supply is running low, thanks to the 4 status LED lights on the exterior of this slim charger.
The KMASHI 10000 mAh Power Bank has dual charging ports, one for 2.1 amps and one for 1 amp output, you can charge two devices at once at super high speeds, though you should keep in mind that the connecting cords are not included, so you will need to keep your devices cords nearby.
The input is 5V/2 amp, so charging the power bank takes less than 7 hours to be filled to capacity and ready to go again. The safety features include both overcharge protection and short circuit protection.
Because it is compatible with so many different brands and types of devices, this handy charger will be the perfect accessory for any long trip, without the worry of losing power on your important devices, and with its black cover and red accents, it looks stylish, too.
PROS:
- Affordable
- 4 LED lights
- Super fast charge
CONS:
- Some users do not get an output after extended periods
- You may still lose battery while using a device.
Related: KMASHI also has a 15000 mAh External Battery Power Bank, but like all others with higher capacity, it sacrifices the small size for more charging power. Though great for long-term use, it is not as convenient when carrying in your bag for emergencies only.
PowerCore 20000 With Quick Charge 3.0
Price: $45 – $50
Weight: 13 oz
Dimensions: 6.5 x 2.3 x 0.9 inches
Charge time: 0.58 hrs
Specific features: Long-lasting battery cells, double-layer shell, fire-resistant polycarbonate, micro USB charging cable, travel pouch, welcome guide
Best use: Compatible with Samsung, iPhone, iPad, and many more USB capable devices.
Description: With a charging speed PowerCore 20000 with Quick Charge 3.0, Anker’s First Qualcomm Quick Charge is 4 times faster than other standard chargers, you can charge your smart phone up to 80% in just over half an hour.
With just one charging of the power bank, your iPhone can be restored to full power 7 times, your Galaxy S6 at least 5 times, or your tablet twice before this high capacity portable charger needs to be plugged in.
In fact, this handy power bank will last up to one week of charging your phone before requiring its own recharge. With its ultra-compact size, this handy power bank can fit easily into your pocket or bag, so it is perfect for traveling.
Its advanced safety features include power overload recovery, output current limiter, battery cell protection, temperature control, output and input voltage surge protection, and many more. Because it is vibration and impact tested, you can be sure it will last through any trip.
And, since it is backwards compatible with every other Qualcomm Quick Charge Anker has made, this type of power bank is even more convenient than ever before.
PROS:
- Quick charging of your devices
- High capacity of 20k MAH
- 18 month warranty
CONS:
- Take a while to completely charge the charger
- Some devices might get hot while charging
Related: Anker has a few different PowerCore portable chargers, such as the Anker PowerCore 13000 Portable Charger, which are smaller than this version, but also have less capacity, which means more charging of the charger, and less power for your devices.
EC Technology Portable Charger 22400
Price: $40 – $60
Weight: 15.8 oz
Dimensions: 6.2 x 3.1 x 0.8 inches
Charge time: 13 hrs
Specific features: 1 Micro USB charging cable, high-grade flame-retardant plastic shell, lithium-ion battery cells, user manual
Best use: Compatible with almost all smart devices that have an input of DC 5V
Description: The EC Technology Portable Charger 22400 mAh is the second generation of this model of power bank, with upgrades that includes more power in a smaller charger, as well as 3 USB ports for high-speed charging of multiple devices at the same time.
The intelligent LED battery indicator keeps you aware of the battery level as well as the charging status. This model also includes an LED flashlight, which has 3 handy modes. The SOS mode is for emergencies, the highlight mode is for extra brightness, and the average mode for short trips is less darkness.
Multiple protection features, such as over-voltage, over-charged, and short-circuit protection, keep your charger from frying your devices or itself. Don’t forget your own power cords for your devices, since this product only comes with its own charging cable.
Thanks to the built-in microchips and high quality lithium-ion battery, this charger can be used for more than 500 recharge cycles, so it will last for years. And the stylish red and black body looks great as well.
PROS:
- Comes in black with accent colors of blue, white and red
- Improved version
- 4 LED lights
CONS:
- Over time, it may lose its charging ability
- Bulky
Related: EC Technology has a 16000 mAh External Battery Pack that has similar features, such as the LED indicators, flashlight, and even case colors, but it will not have the same ability to charge your devices as often, due to its lower capacity.
AIBOCN Power Bank 10000
Approx. price: $20.00
Weight: 7.5 oz
Dimensions: 5.4 x 2 x 0.78 inches
Charge time: 5 hrs
Specific features: Rechargeable polymer battery, anti-slip surface, micro USB charge cable
Best use: Can be used with popular smart phones from Apple, Nokia, Samsung, LG, and many more, as well as common tablets and e-readers
Description: With 5 different colors to choose from with the Aibocn Power Bank 10000 you will always be able to find one to suit your personal style. There are 2 USB ports, one with a 2.1 Amp and the other a 1 Amp output, so you can charge two devices at the same time no matter where you are.
If left stranded by a car breakdown, or on a hiking or camping trip, this charger also has a bright backup flashlight, and with its high capacity, you won’t need to be worried about being left in the dark.
Though it has its own charging cable, you will need to have your own cables to plug in your devices, but you would carry these without the charger anyway, so it isn’t really an extra hassle. This is safe to use with your devices, as this charger also supports over-discharged, over-charged, short circuit and over-current protection.
And best of all, if you have any issues with your devices charging capabilities, the customer service at Aibocn is fantastic.
PROS:
- Several colors to choose from
- Anti fingerprint design
- Intelligent safety protection
CONS:
- Not scratch resistant
- Some users say the battery is not a great quality one
Related: If you want something slimmer, such as the DULLA M50000 Portable Power Bank, but with a little more power, you can certainly find them in various colors, like pink for the Dulla charger.
PowerAdd Pilot X1 5200
Approx. price: $15.00
Weight: 4.5 oz
Dimensions: 3.46 x 0.87 x 1.61 inches
Charge time: 4 hrs
Specific features: Grade A LG li-ion battery cells, 29” USB to micro USB charging cable, micro-AC charger
Best use: Can be used with most versions of iPhone, iPad, and iPod, as well as the Galaxy S4.
Description: The PowerAdd Pilot X1 5200 fits into the palm of your hand, which means it can also be tucked easily into your pocket or bag to charge your devices no matter where you are. It has an amazingly fast charging capability, charging an iPhone in less than 2 hours, and a Samsung smart phone in about half an hour more.
Its safety features include a high temperature control, so you don’t need to worry about it over-heating when being used with your devices, as well as a sleep function that activates to prevent over-charging. There is also a blue LED flashlight on the outer case, but it is not bright enough to be used outside of an emergency situation.
The 4 LED indicators let you know the battery level, when charging a device or when charging the power bank, and when there is only one light left blinking, it only takes about 6 hours to recharge your charger. This power bank comes in both black and white.
PROS:
- High conversion rate
- Lightweight and pocket sized
CONS:
- Faulty ones will not fully charge your device
- Some users said it did not charge despite the lights saying it was charging.
Related: With almost 4 times the capacity of this model, the Pilot X7 20000mAh Power Bank is fabulous for long-term camping trips away from any other power source. It also has two output ports, for added convenience, but this also requires a much larger charger to hold that much power, making it heavier to carry.
EasyAcc 8000 MAH Solar Power Bank
Approx. price: $20.00
Weight: 8.5 oz
Dimensions: 6.5 x 2.9 x 0.6 inches
Charge time: 8 hrs
Specific features: Micro USB charging cable, lithium polymer battery cells, climb bolt, protective rubber silicone case, user manual
Best use: Can be used with all iOS, android or other USB devices, including portable video games and drone controllers.
Description: EasyAcc 8000mAh Solar Power Bank has dual ports, each with up to 2.1 amps of current, you will be able to charge 2 devices at once without fear of draining the power bank’s high capacity battery. When the power bank needs to be recharged, just plug it in using the 2A input port, though you will need to purchase the 2A power adapter separately.
There is also a high-efficiency SunPower solar panel on one side of the charger, which is more efficient than other models and converts more energy to the power bank. On the other side is a bright flashlight, made of 32 LED bulbs that have 3 lighting modes, perfect for use at home or out in the woods.
The silicon cover is reversible, so you can leave either the solar panel or the flashlight out in the open as needed, and it also has a strap on the back and a climb bolt so you can hang it up when fixing the car or lighting your campsite.
PROS:
- Charge with solar power
- Useful LED lights
- Can charge iPhone 6 twice, with power to spare
CONS:
- Takes a long time to charge.
- Heavy
Related: If you want something from this company with a little more power, which means it will cost a little more, you can always check out something like the EasyAcc 20000mAh Rugged Power Bank.
Concluding Thoughts
Whether traveling across the country, or just spending the day hiking near your home, having a power bank is a convenient way to ensure your needed devices will keep you in touch with the outside world, or just entertained during a long flight.
They are handy and easy to carry in your pocket or bag, ready for use whenever you need them, and now when you know how to choose them properly and know which models are the best on the market, the only thing you have to do is pick one and never worry about your devices going dead on you when you need them the most.
If there is a model available that you feel is of high enough quality to be included in our list, please let us know in the comments section!
I was skeptical about buying the KMASHI 10000mAh External Battery Power Bank because I did not know the brand. However, I chose to trust the positive online review and I am happy I did so. It fully charges my iPhone up to four times. It is a little heavy but it is worth it.
Thanks for sharing your experience with the KMASHI. It is an excellent brand and like others with higher capacity, it tends to be heavier and less compact. I guess that’s the price for having additional “charging power” on your hands, right?
The Anker PowerCore+ power bank is simply amazing. My wife has this and I have borrowed it several times to charge my iPad and iPhone, without exhausting the power. The power bank can charge three devices at once which is a really good thing. Additionally, It is compact enough to be carried around without any trouble.
I love the great features of the Anker PowerCore+ power bank, don’t you? The sleek design is spot-on and you don’t have to worry about carrying something that weighs a ton. This power bank is light enough and won’t encumber your style, too.