The Best Power Banks

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Also sometimes called an external battery or pocket charger, power banks are an absolute must when traveling. Snapping selfies 💁🏽 and using maps 🗺 are big drains on a phone's battery. If you couldn't take a selfie there, did you really go?

What we look for
  • Ouput of at least 2 amps (ideally 2.4) so devices charge quickly (general rule: the more amps the faster it charges)
  • Integrated cables if possible so one less thing to worry about
  • Surge and short circuit protection to keep your devices safe

Disagree? Know of another great option?

Jackery Bolt

Best overall: pocket sized, charges quickly, integrated cables

There are smaller chargers with integrated cables, but this one has the best balance of features while still being small enough to carry in your pocket on the go (although maybe not that comfortably for some people).

  • 6000 mAh: 2.5 charges for iPhone XS
  • Charges quickly at 2.4 amps (pretty much fastest for these)
  • Both a Lightning (MFi certified) and Micro USB cable
  • Bonus LED flashlight
  • Need more power? Jackery offers a similar 10,050 mAh version
Jackery Bolt

Anker PowerCore Slim 5000

Best slim power bank without integrated cables

If you don't care about integrated cables, this slim option (slimmer than the Jackery Bolt) fits easily into pockets while still charging quickly (2 amps) and with enough juice. Smaller options don't provide enough power for most people while not being much smaller either.

  • 5000 mAh: 2 charges of an iPhone XS
  • Anti-slip material for a better grip
  • Combine with a 6 inch 2-in-1 cable and it can basically charge any device without much extra bulk
  • Red Dot design award winner (we're suckers for design awards 😍)
Anker PowerCore Slim 5000

Anker PowerCore Speed 20000

Best big power bank for 4+ phone charges

If you need more power for a longer trip or a trip with friends, this power bank has a lot of juice in a fairly small package with fast charging speeds. You could fit it into a bigger jacket pocket, but it's probably better suited in a bag.

  • 20,000 mAh: 6 charges for an iPhone XS
  • 2 USB ports that can both charge devices quickly (2.4 amps) vs. others that slow down when more devices are plugged in
  • Support QuickCharge 3.0, the latest fast charging standard
Anker PowerCore Speed 20000

RAVPower 20100mAh 45W USB-C PD

Best option for charging more power hungry USB-C devices like laptops

Until a short year or two ago, charging bigger devices like MacBooks or Nintendo Switches required you to plug into a wall. However, today there are larger power banks with higher wattage that can now let you take these devices anywhere so you can be truly untethered.

This power bank from the ever reliable RAVPower can push 45W to USB-C devices, which is as high as it gets today and means it can charge any MacBook except the largest 15" Pro at full speed.

RAVPower 20100mAh 45W USB-C PD

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