You’re not a tech cowboy unless you roll with backup ammunition in the form of these portable power banks and chargers. At least one USB-C port is a must, but you’ll also want fast charging and plenty of battery capacity for multiple charges. Wireless charging is now a given, but we also have the proverbial big boys that feature an integrated AC port to provide a mobile outlet to charge your laptop and even power some appliances. You’ll find all of the above and then some on our list of the best portable chargers and power banks.
Best Portable Chargers at a Glance
Highlights from our list include:
- Best overall: Anker Nano Power Bank
- For value for money: Belkin BoostCharge Power Bank 20K
- For the longest battery life: Anker Prime 27,650mAh Power Bank
- For charging your phone: Anker Nano Power Bank
- For charging computers: GoalZero Sherpa 100AC
Now that we’ve looked at our favourites, let’s check out the complete list.
Table of contents
- Best Portable Chargers at a Glance
- 1. Anker Nano Power Bank
- 2. Belkin BoostCharge Power Bank 20K
- 3. Mophie Power Station
- 4. Anker Prime 27,650mAh Power Bank
- 5. UGREEN 145W Power Bank
- 6. ZAGG Powerstation Pro AC
- 7. Nimble CHAMP
- 8. Belkin BoostCharge Pro Fast Wireless Charger for Apple Watch
- 9. Satechi Duo Wireless Charger Power Stand
- 10. GoalZero Sherpa 100AC
- 11. TAU Emergency Keyring Power Bank
- 12. Nitecore NC10000
- Why You Should Trust Our List
- Alternatives To These Power Banks
- What to Look For in a Great Portable Charger
RELATED: These are the best wireless chargers we’ve tested.
1. Anker Nano Power Bank
Price: from AU$99.95
| Pros | Cons |
| Comes with a built-in cable, a 10,000mAh battery, and 30w charging capability, combining performance with a travel-friendly design. | Some users report that the included USB-C cable wore down too quickly, while others might find the price point a bit too high compared to the Belkin BoostCharge Power Bank 20K. |
Anker’s ultra-compact Nano Power Bank comes with a built-in USB-C cable for seamless connectivity to your smartphone, specifically Android devices and the new iPhone 15 line-up that uses USB-C. It can recharge your phone to 50% in 30 minutes thanks to a powerful 30w supply and can be recharged to 50% in 45 minutes. Standout features you’ll love include a colour display that indicates remaining battery capacity, a lightweight design made from 80% post-consumer recycled materials weighing 215 grams (less than an iPhone 15 Pro Max), and a compact pocket size that we found perfect for travel.
Ports: 1 built-in USB-C cable
Max charging power: 30W
Battery capacity: 10,000mAh
2. Belkin BoostCharge Power Bank 20K
Price: from AU$79.95
| Pros | Cons |
| With multi-port functionality and a 20,000mAh battery, Belkin’s BoostCharge squeezes big performance into a slim package. | While two USB-A ports can come in handy for certain users, others might find it a superfluous feature that doesn’t apply to most modern gadgets. |
When it comes to modern power banks and portable chargers, Belkin is easily one of the most trusted names in the game. Enter their new BoostCharge Power Bank 20K, which combines a slim design with a large 20,000mAh battery for charging your phone multiple times. Equipped with a USB-C port and two USB-A ports, it can quickly charge multiple devices, generating up to 78 hours of additional battery life. There’s also a built-in LED indicator light that allows you to track the power status as you go. Choose between three colourways: black, blue, and rose gold.
Ports: 1 USB-C and 2 USB-A
Max charging power: 15W
Battery capacity: 20,000mAh
3. Mophie Power Station
Price: from AU$79.95
| Pros | Cons |
| Mophie’s Power Station features two USB-C ports, making it effortlessly functional for modern consumers as they quickly charge up to two devices at up to 24W. | Certain users might bemoan the lack of a USB-A port. |
With its dual USB-C ports, the Mophie Power Station delivers the kind of multi-device charging that most owners will benefit from (as opposed to USB-A). It comes forged from lightweight aluminium and fits pretty much anywhere you want it to thanks to its portable design and shape. It has the same 10,000 mAh capacity as the ANKER unit mentioned above but offers just 24W of power output for charging so it’s slightly slower, albeit with more total ports. Nevertheless, it’s going to add up to 43 hours of charge to your smartphone. Call it the perfect travel companion and also one of the best portable power banks for your buck.
Ports: 2 USB-C
Max charging power: 24W
Battery capacity: 10,000mAh
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4. Anker Prime 27,650mAh Power Bank
Price: from AU$299.95
| Pros | Cons |
| Anker’s power bank goes the extra mile on multiple fronts by way of its three ports and large battery size. | This product might be a little too heavy and/or expensive for casual tech users. |
Anker’s Prime Power Bank will have you feeling the power indeed. Ideal for heavy tech users, it comes with two USB-C ports and one USB-A port to deliver multi-device charging, including laptops. Will this compact vessel weigh more than its standard counterpart? Yes, it will. In return, you get an impressive 27,650mAh battery and a deep well of energy from which to draw as you venture to destinations both near and far (it meets TSA requirements and can be taken on planes in your carry-on). An adjoining smart app not only keeps pace with battery life and other performance metrics but can also ping the power bank when you misplace it.
Ports: 2 USB-C and 1 USB-A
Max charging power: 250W
Battery capacity: 27,650mAh
5. UGREEN 145W Power Bank
Price: from AU$199.99
| Pros | Cons |
| This portable powerhouse is carry-on compliant and equipped with a robust battery, 145W of output, bi-directional charging technology, and three ports for multi-device charging. | Users who prefer a slim and lightweight power bank might find this one to be a bit too clunky. |
If you’re looking for a good alternative to the expensive ANKER unit mentioned above, this bi-directional power bank from UGREEN is quick to recharge (up to 145W) and happy to pay it forward by fast charging devices while still fast charging itself (65W PD charger sold separately). When unplugged and at full capacity, it can recharge a 14″ MacBook Pro up to 1.3 times, an iPhone 14 up to 5.6 times, and a Nintendo Switch up to 4.3 times before needing a refill. It works with not just Apple and Nintendo products but also smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy line-up and Windows-based laptops such as the HP Spectre. Check the built-in LED smart display to track battery life as you game on the go, and don’t leave home without one.
Ports: 2 USB-C and 1 USB-A
Max charging power: 145W
Battery capacity: 25,000mAh
6. ZAGG Powerstation Pro AC
Price: from US$199.99
| Pros | Cons |
| In addition to the standard ports, this nimble 27,000 mAh power station uses an AC port to charge traditional appliances (US plug, not compatible with Australian standard plug). | Some customers report that the battery drains too quickly and that the product itself isn’t worth the high price tag compared to the options we’ve listed from ANKER and UGREEN. |
The ZAGG Powerstation Pro AC makes good on its name by adding an AC port to its stealthy arsenal, which also includes two USB-C ports and a USB-A port. Use it to power multiple devices at once and we’re not just talking laptops and smartphones, but appliances that work at less than 100W of power draw. Throw in quick-charging times and a formidable 27,000mAh internal battery and you get a true pro indeed. Note: the AC power is only compatible with US standard plugs.
Ports: 2 USB-C, 1 USB-A, and 1 AC
Max charging power: 100W
Battery capacity: 27,000mAh
7. Nimble CHAMP
Price: from US$44.95
| Pros | Cons |
| Value meets performance meets sustainability on the Nimble CHAMP, a carbon-neutral power bank that can quick-charge two devices at a time. | More dedicated tech users might find that the charger doesn’t offer enough power or versatility to suit their needs. You won’t get much more than a single recharge to your iPhone. |
For a trusty portable USB-C charger at a terrific price, look no further than the Nimble CHAMP. It gives casual tech users exactly what they need by way of dual USB-C ports, PD technology, and an internal 10,000mAh battery. Compatible with Apple and Android devices, it’s also constructed from 90% Certified Recycled Plastic and packaged in post-consumer scrap paper. And did we mention that this thing is brilliantly compact, as in no bigger than a deck of cards? Get one and go!
Ports: 2 USB-C ports
Max charging power: 20W
Battery capacity: 10,000mAh
8. Belkin BoostCharge Pro Fast Wireless Charger for Apple Watch
Price: from AU$139.95
| Pros | Cons |
| You’ll love the go-anywhere attitude of this lightweight power bank, which features a USB-C port and doubles as a wireless charging bed for your Apple Watch or AirPods. | If you don’t have an Apple Watch or AirPods, then this power bank will seem quite expensive compared to others. |
This slim and lightweight power bank is more than meets the eye in that it’s both a traditional USB-C charger but also a magnetic charging bed for your Apple Watch or AirPods. Not just reliable during travel, it allows for pass-through charging when plugged into the nearest outlet, meaning you can still charge your Apple Watch while refuelling the power bank itself. The 10,000mAh capacity isn’t massive if you want to change multiple devices to full, but it’s enough for a quick top-up on long-haul flights.
Ports: 1 USB-C port and an integrated charging bed
Max charging power: 20W
Battery capacity: 10,000mAh
9. Satechi Duo Wireless Charger Power Stand
Price: from US$99.99
| Pros | Cons |
| Satechie dials up the functionality with this portable power station, which unfolds to become a charging stand for Qi-compatible and USB-C devices. | This product only offers multi-device charging in the unfolded position and also costs more than plenty of other 10,000mAh power banks. |
Satechi’s Duo Wireless Charger Power Stand is almost like an entertainment centre on the go with the charging ability to match. Compact at first glance, it folds out to become a holding dock for your smartphone, positioning the device at a perfect angle as you stream videos or make hands-free calls. Simultaneous fast-charging for Qi-compatible devices such as AirPods is part of the package and so is a USB-C port and blue LED battery indicator.
Ports: 1 Qi charger, 1 Qi AirPods charger, and 1 USB-C port
Max charging power: 10W
Battery capacity: 10,000mAh
10. GoalZero Sherpa 100AC
Price: from US$299.95
| Pros | Cons |
| The third generation of GoalZero’s Sherpa is compatible with solar inputs and equipped with an integrated AC inverter, making it a perfect choice for outdoor enthusiasts. | While marketed for its durability and outdoor appeal, the Sherpa is also known to underperform as a backup power source when put to the test as the 25600mAh capacity is sub-par for powering high-draw devices for longer periods. |
This adventure-ready (and airline-approved) power bank comes with a standard USB-C port but also an integrated AC inverter (US plugs only), functioning as a wireless outlet for laptops, cameras, drones, and other devices. Three times faster than the preceding models, it’s purpose-built to endure a full spectrum of outdoor terrains, complete with a 2-year warranty. Pair it with a compatible solar panel (sold separately) and you can harness the power of the sun for a relatively quick recharge.
Ports: 1 USB-C port and an integrated AC inverter
Max charging power: 100W
Battery capacity: 25,600mAh
11. TAU Emergency Keyring Power Bank
Price: from US$29.00
| Pros | Cons |
| The world’s smallest power bank squeezes three connectivity options into a supremely compact and lightweight design. | With a small size comes a small battery, meaning this charger won’t serve intensive energy needs. |
Meet the world’s smallest power bank. It comes with integrated Lightning and Micro USB cables along with a USB-C port to power up a slew of modern devices and hold your keys in the process. Slip one into your pocket for a multi-functional backup charger that could save you in a pinch but won’t do the trick if you want a full refuel. When you get home, recharge the power bank via the magnetic charging dock, which can be mounted on the wall or affixed to a countertop. Easy breezy.
Ports: 1 USB-C port, Lightning cable, and Micro USB cable
Max charging power: 5V
Battery capacity: 1,400mAh
12. Nitecore NC10000
Price: from AU$89.95
| Pros | Cons |
| Lightweight, sturdy, and weather-resistant, Nitecore’s NC10000 uses a high-grade lithium battery for improved performance in high altitudes. | This portable charger might run on an efficient internal battery, but it’s nevertheless less powerful than a slew of counterparts and also limited to just one port. |
The Nitecore NC10000 (10,000 mAh) runs on a 21700 Li-ion lithium battery which offers greater resistance to high altitudes and low air pressures as a result. An IPX5 rating, dual LED lights, and a single-button interface dial up the usability and endurance making it our pick for those exploring the outdoors. The product is also lightweight, app-compatible, and small enough to fit in your pocket during travel.
Ports: 1 USB-C
Max charging power: 24W
Battery capacity: 10,000mAh
Why You Should Trust Our List
This list was compiled through Man of Many’s expert knowledge of all things tech that spans more than a decade. Whether in the office or out in the wilderness, our team is rarely if ever without a device or a backup power source. While most of these products were selected based on personal experience, some were chosen after careful research.
Alternatives To These Power Banks
- Apple MagSafe Battery Pack (from AU$139): Now discontinued, we removed the Apple MagSafe Battery Pack from our list as it was (quite frankly) useless. It’s overpriced, charges very slowly, and doesn’t outperform any powerbanks on our list.
- Otterbox Fast Charge (from US$54.95 ): The Otterbox Fast Charge is outshined by the competition from Belkin in the BoostCharge Power Bank 20K that offers more ports, faster charging, and the same 20,000 mAh battery capacity.
What to Look For in a Great Portable Charger
When buying a portable power bank, one should consider the internal performance but also the exterior design. Sturdy construction is important but so too is a travel-friendly layout, the kind that can easily fit inside your pocket. Of course, if you’re charging laptops or appliances, you should scale up accordingly and expect a little more size and weight. As for things like battery performance and charging speeds, use the following specs as a reference.
Battery Capacity
If you want to recharge your smartphone you’ll want at least 10,000 mah to get it back to full. If it’s for a laptop you’ll want to find a portable charger that has a capacity of at least 20,000 mAh. This is because most laptops have a battery capacity of around 10,000 mAh and take more than this to recharge. More important, however, is charging output wattage.
Charging Speed
Speed and power output are more important if you’re shopping for a power bank to recharge your laptop as they often require at least 60W of power to recharge. However, this can vary amongst manufacturers. In doing our testing and research, we’ve included several options on our list that have more than enough power to recharge new Apple Macbooks and Windows-based laptops. If you’re shopping for a fast portable charger for your iPhone or Android look for powerbanks that use USB-C PD for over 20W of output.
Travel and Legal Capacity Limits
Lithium-ion (i.e. rechargeable) batteries and portable batteries that contain lithium-ion can only be packed in carry-on baggage during air travel. On most airlines, each battery is limited to a rating of 100Wh (or 27,000 mAh). You can potentially bring two larger spare batteries (up to 160 Wh) but only after receiving airline approval. We often remove these from our bags at security to avoid any scrutiny from bag staff.
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