The best power banks for 2026: Keep your phone alive
These affordable portable chargers, starting at just $20, make sure you never run out of juice.
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There's a very specific dread that comes when your phone starts to die and you're nowhere near an outlet. Power banks can help make that feeling scarce by providing a portable refill (or three). These handy bricks come in a range of sizes, capacities and charging speeds — and just cursory search will reveal options numbering in the thousands. The Yahoo Tech team has tested more than six dozen portable chargers over the past few years and here we've picked out the ones that are most worth your time and money. Here are the best power banks you can buy.
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The best power banks for 2026
When you first unbox the Aulumu M10 , you immediately want to play with it. With its odd angles and patchwork of textures, it doesn't look like any other power bank I've tested. That's refreshing after trying out unit after unit with the same basic-black, semi-matte, rectangular brick design.
But good looks without accompanying competence is just glamour. Luckily, the M10 delivers solid performance and includes three bonus features in the form of an attached USB-C cable, a wireless 15W charging pad and an Apple Watch charging puck. You can use all three at the same time (with your phone face down as the watch puck and MagSafe pad are on opposite sides) but that seriously slows the overall power delivery.
Using the USB-C cable, it boosted a Galaxy 26 Ultra from 5% to full in just over an hour. Wired charging took an hour and 50 minutes to get my iPhone 16 to 100%, but getting the phone to 88% only took an hour. (iPhones take their time going from 80% to full, due to self-regulating, battery-preserving measures .)
The wireless charging of an iPhone 16 was even a little faster than other 15W batteries I've tried, getting the phone from near dead to half full in about 35 minutes. The Apple Watch attachment was secure and the refill seemed speedy enough (though I don't track that data, so it's harder to compare). There's a breathing LED light that indicates whether the bank is charging at normal speed (white) or fast charging (red) and the lighted LED pips were accurate in telling me how much charge remained in the bank.
Capacity:10,000 mAh | Ports:2 USB-C, 1 USB Type-A | Maximum output:45W PD | Size:4.3 x 2.7 x 0.7 inches | Weight:6.4 oz | Digital status display:No | Warranty:3 years
INIU may not be a household name, but the company sells a lot of highly rated (based on Amazon user reviews) power products, and my online research revealed there's a small but vocal fan base.
I just joined it. Forget budget; the P41 is one of the best power banks, period. The fact that it's often priced below $20 is just icing on the cake — and reason enough to buy two or three so you always have one where you need it.
This little guy features three USB ports, an LED flashlight (not very bright, alas) and a braided finger-strap that's also — surprise! — a USB-C cord, so you always have one with you. Just for fun, there's a light-up paw print embedded in the case; it takes the place of the usual boring array of battery-charge LEDs. When all five lights are glowing, the battery is fully charged. Adorable.
Perhaps most impressive of all, the P41 is backed by a three-year warranty. That might be the fruit of INIU's 15-layer protection system, which promises to guard against overcharging, under-charging, high temperatures and more. — Rick Broida, Senior Technology Writer
- Often priced below $20
- Compact design
- Charging cable doubles as a finger strap
- Integrated flashlight
- 3-year warranty
- Flashlight not very bright
Capacity: 10,000 mAh | Ports: Built-in USB-C, USB-C, AC plug | Maximum combined output: 30W | Size: 4.3 x 2.0 x 1.2 inches | Weight: 8.8 oz | Digital status display: Yes | Warranty: 1.5 years
Multitasker gadgets always impress me. This 3-in-1 power bank from Anker has a built-in USB-C cord and a two pronged wall plug. Bringing this along means you can recharge just about anything — either directly from the wall or using the 10,000 mAh battery. The cord even doubles as a handy carrying loop.
I found the readout display to be an accurate gauge of how much charge remains within the bank as it refills itself or charges your devices. It was able to push an iPhone 15 from 5 to 85 percent in less than an hour and had enough oomph to fully fill the phone 1.8 times.
Best of all, it's compact (the wall prongs fold down). It also has lovely textured sides that are quite fun to fidget with. You can go for standard tech-gadget black, but there's also pale violet and white, for those who want something more eye-catching. — Amy Skorheim, Senior Reporter
- Has a built-in cable
- Fold-down outlet prongs let the bank act as a wall adapter
- Decent price for the features
- Shiny exterior scratches easily
Capacity:10,000 mAh | Ports:Qi2 MagSafe, 1 USB-C | Maximum output:27W | Size:4.2 x 2.7 x 0.8 inches | Weight:8.8 oz | Digital status display:Yes | Warranty:2 years
Striking the right balance of capacity, performance and support, the Anker MagGo A1654 is our pick for the best iPhone battery pack. It was among the first to offer Qi2 certification, and it comes with one of the better warranties: two years, double that of most power banks.
I especially like the MagGo's smart display, which shows the battery level and remaining usage time when you're charging your phone (or other device) and battery level and remaining recharge time when it's plugged in.
Save for its integrated kickstand, this is fairly no-frills as these things go — and on the pricey side to boot. But if you're not in a rush, watch for sales; Anker products tend to get discounted regularly, and this one can often be had for $70 or less. — Rick Broida, Senior Technology Writer
- Available in five pleasant colors
- Qi2-certified, 15-watt fast-charging
- Integrated kickstand
- Status window shows remaining charge time or battery life
- 2-year warranty
- Kickstand feels a little flimsy
- On the pricey side
Capacity: 5,000 mAh | Ports: 15W MagSafe, 1 x USB-C | Maximum output: 18W | Size: 4.2 x 2.8 x 0.4 inches | Weight: 5 oz | Digital status display: No | Warranty: 2 years
Semi-solid state power banks are relatively new to the market. The Statik State was the first example I tried and I was impressed with its performance. Unlike other 5,000 mAh batteries that only boost an iPhone 16 between 70 and 85 percentage points, the Statik moved my tester phone from 5 to 100% — and still had a little left over.
Refilling the bank itself was also quicker than most. I don't track refill times for the power banks themselves, but I did notice this one was fast. The MagSafe grip is firm with a rubberized surface where it attaches and the overall design is sleek, if a little basic. My review unit was a standard-issue black, but it also comes in a shade of orange that's quite close to the iPhone 17's Cosmic Orange hue.
I will note that it wasn't the fastest bank I've tested, but it got my iPhone 16 from 5 to 55% in about an hour. Considering I hardly noticed it when attached, I didn't mind the relative slowness. At $60 it's on par with other 5,000 mAh MagSafe battery packs, but the extra charge delivery and safer overall build makes it even more valuable.
- A safer and more energy-dense semi-solid state battery
- Firm MagSafe attachment
- Delivers more charge than other 5k mAh batteries
- Looks a little boring (unless you get the orange option)
- Delivers a charge a little slower than similar banks
Capacity: 25,000 mAh | Ports: 1 x USB-C port, 2 x USB-C cables, 1 x USB-A port | Maximum output: 165W | Size: 6.2 x 2 x 2.2 inches | Weight: 10.6 oz | Digital status display: Yes | Warranty: 1.5 years
This is the overall top pick in our guide to laptop power banks and the one I always take with me when I'm working away from my desk. Thanks to two built-in cables, there's no need to grab extra cords before you hit the road and one of the straps even doubles as a handy carrying strap. I try to limit how often I carry it around that way so as to not damage anything, but so far, it feels solid.
The built-in display tells you how much wattage is shuttling out of each port, as well as how much charge is left in the tank. The screen also smiles and makes faces when you yank on the retractable cable.
The capacity is enough to fill a smartphone at least four times and it can give a laptop many more hours of run time. It got my MacBook Pro from 10% to 78% in under an hour — and that's while I was using it to work. At 165W, it's fast too, pushing a Galaxy S23 Ultra from near dead to 100% in well under an hour.
- Big 25,000 mAh capacity
- Two built-in cables
- Powerful 165W output
- Pricey when not on sale
Capacity: 20,000 mAh | Ports: 2 x USB-C | Maximum combined output: 65W | Size: 5.9 x 2.5 x 1.0 inches | Weight: 12.9 oz | Digital status display: No | Warranty: 2 years
I was first drawn to Nimble because the company is a certified B Corporation (a voluntary certification for meeting higher social and environmental standards), which isn't terribly common amongst tech brands. Even better, the gear Nimble makes is worthy in itself. The Champ Pro is a simple and compact slab with a carry strap and two USB-C ports. There's no display, just four lighted pips to tell you the remaining charge, and I noticed you get a pretty long grace period once the final light begins to flash.
The charging speeds are impressive, thanks to the 65W output. I logged a Galaxy S23 Ultra going from near-dead to full in less than an hour and it had enough juice to do that nearly three times. Separately, it got my iPad Air from five percent to full in under two hours.
It's not terribly heavy — I've slipped it into many suitcases and daypacks without noticing it's there. But it is more expensive than other banks with similar capacities, so it may appeal most to those who prioritize a quick charge. — Amy Skorheim, Senior Reporter
- 65 watt output delivers a fast charge
- Compact and lightweight design
- Convenient carry strap
- More expensive than some other 20K mAh banks
Capacity: 15,000 mAh | Ports: 1 x USB-C, 2 x USB-A | Maximum output: 32W | Size: 5 x 3 x 1.3 inches | Weight: 12.8 oz | Digital status display: No | Warranty: 1 year
My favorite part about the Elcom Nestout power bank are the accessories. You can attach the optional LED light and small tripod stand to the battery (and only to the battery, they are very device-specific) to create a handy camping light that can also charge your phone. I personally use it as a fill light for taking product pictures for work.
But enough about the add-ons. The power bank itself is pretty great, too. The wattage and capacity are both decent at 32W and 15,000 mAh, respectively. That's enough to fill a standard smartphone three times over or give an iPad a full reup. It also happens to be waterproof if you properly screw down the caps that cover the ports. I dunked it in a five gallon bucket of water and it worked fine afterwards. It's also built to withstand shock and when I dropped it a few times from chest height onto concrete, it withstood the ill treatment.
- Super durable battery that can even handle getting wet
- Optional accessories can turn it into a camp light
- Not the fastest charge
- Accessories are expensive
Other power banks we tested
Sharge Shargeek 170
If you're on the hunt for the most interesting-looking power bank, you've found it. The Sharge Shargeek 170 is fully transparent on all three sides of its prismatic case and features an informative integrated display. It can output up to 140W from either of its two USB-C ports and carries a hefty 24,000 mAh capacity. It's fairly heavy at 1.5 pounds and lands on the pricier side. But for a conversation-piece power bank, it's tough to beat.
Mophie Gallery Edition Powerstation
With thousands upon thousands of power banks out there, I imagine it's pretty tough for one battery to differentiate itself from the next. The Mophie Gallery Edition Powerstation certainly stands out from the crowd — sort of literally as it comes with its own display easel.
I honestly love the Cézanne skulls bank I tested — there are also Vermeer , Kandinsky and O'Keefe versions, among others. The $120 price tag for a 10,000 mAh capacity and the inclusion of a nearly-obsolete Lightning cable instead of two USB-C cords makes it hard to recommend in a purely practical sense. That said, it gave a Galaxy S26 Ultra a 50% bump in about a half hour — and if you're after a particularly beautiful charging experience, you'll not find a better option.
Yes, it's a power bank. Yes, it comes with its own easel.
(Amy Skorheim / Yahoo Tech)UGreen Nexode
The Ugreen Nexode 20K was our previous pick for the best laptop power bank, but it got edged out in favor of the Anker Laptop Power bank. The Anker unit comes with two built-in USB-C cables instead of the single cord on the Nexode. The Anker option also has a slightly higher capacity. That said, this is a great pick, particularly if you can find it on sale.
How we test power banks
This guide is a joint effort between Yahoo Tech's Rick Broida and Amy Skorheim, both of whom have been testing power banks and other tech gear for years now. Each battery we recommend has been tested using some combination of newer-model iPhones (13 and 16), a Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, iPads (either Air or Pro) and headphones.
We noted how long the power banks took to charge a device, and whether the speeds and charge amounts lined up with what the manufacturer listed for the battery's wattage and capacity specs. We considered each bank's ease of use with regards to the number of ports and overall design and compared all that to the price point.
We also look at customer reviews and what other publications have to say about a given battery before we even get a unit in for testing. After testing, we pick the batteries we'd be most likely to use in our everyday lives to come up with our list.
What to look for in a power bank
A quick overview of the terms and features to know when buying a power bank:
Capacity
Portable power banks usually list their capacity in milliamp hours (mAh). That's how much power a battery can deliver to your device — but the delivery is not a one-to-one ratio. Today's standard smartphones have a capacity of around 3,500 to 4,500 mAh while the bigger models (Max, XL, Ultra) have capacities in the 5,000 mAh range.
It seems logical that a 5,000 mAh power bank could give those phones a full charge, but due to energy loss from heat dissipation and voltage conversion, only about 60 percent of a power bank's capacity is delivered to your phone. In our tests, a 5,000 mAh power bank can give a standard smartphone a 60% to 75% boost and 10,000 mAh banks can fill those phones 1.5 times.
Wattage
The maximum wattage listed in a power bank's specs tells you how quickly a charger can potentially get your device filled using its USB-C port. A 45W bank will fill your iPhone faster than a 20W bank. Of course, your device has to be capable of accepting that wattage. Most current smartphones can charge between 30W and 45W, with a few going as high as 60W. Larger devices like laptops charge at rates between 45W and 140W.
Ports and perks
Every bank we recommend here uses USB-C ports, which supports the Power Delivery standard and can output far more power than other ports. Some banks will also include a USB-A connection for lower-powered and older devices. Some may also have a magnetic (MagSafe or Qi-enabled) charging pad or even an Apple Watch charging disc. Other handy additions include built-in cables and integrated wall prongs.
Safety
Perhaps you've seen news about power banks catching fire. Scary stuff, but whenever you combine chemicals, electronics and heat, there's a risk. Unfortunately, we can't say with any certainty that Power Bank X is safer than Power Bank Y; even those marked as "TSA-approved" merely meet specific guidelines. Our advice: Pay close attention to power banks that get unusually hot, and if they're bulging, consider that an immediate fire hazard. Opt for hard-wired power from your seat when flying whenever possible, and read the FAA's guide to portable chargers to learn more.
Other power bank terms
Lithium-ion: This is the type of rechargeable battery most smartphones, portable chargers and other personal electronics use. In short, the battery shuttles charged lithium ions between two electrodes, creating potential energy that can release a charge when needed. Lithium ion batteries have a good weight-to-energy ratio and they charge relatively quickly, while draining slowly.
Solid state: Standard lithium ion batteries use a liquid or gel electrolyte to shuttle the charged ions between the electrodes. Solid state batteries replace that liquid — which is flammable — with a ceramic material. Solid state batteries are safer, more energy-dense and have longer lifespans — but they're expensive to manufacture. Semi-solid state batteries split the difference, using a ceramic slurry that delivers a lot of solid-state benefits, while being cheaper to produce.
MagSafe: This is Apple's proprietary term for magnetic charging, most commonly associated with the back of an iPhone 12 and later. The embedded magnetic ring aligns the charging coils for wireless charging — it also allows you to attach wallets, stands and other accessories to the back of an iPhone.
Qi2 and Qi2 25W: Pronounced "chee," Qi is a charging standard developed by the Wireless Power Consortium, of which Apple, Google and Samsung are all members. To meet the Qi2 standard, a device must be able to charge wirelessly at a rate of 15W and include magnetic alignment. The Qi2 25W standard has the magnet requirement as well as 25W charging capabilities.
Power bank FAQs
Why doesn't a 5,000 mAh power bank fully charge my 4,000 mAh phone?
Thanks to voltage conversions and energy loss due to heat dissipation, as well as running the internal mechanisms of the battery itself, a 5,000 mAh power bank ends up delivering around 3,000 mAh.
Can I fly with a power bank?
For now, you can fly with a power bank on most airlines. However some have begun to restrict or even prohibit the transport of portable chargers following several in-cabin fires caused by the batteries.
The TSA and all airlines prohibit any power bank larger than 100Wh (around 27,000 mAh). And all lithium ion devices must go in your carry-on luggage; They're prohibited in checked luggage.
If you do decide to bring a power bank with you on a flight, it should not be recharged while on board. While you should opt for using the onboard outlets if available, if you end up using a battery to recharge one of your devices, you should only do so while both the battery and phone are in plain view and not stored. Some airlines, like Southwest, already require this, but it's a good idea on any flight.
Can a power bank charge a laptop?
Larger power banks can. We have an entire guide devoted to those higher-capacity, higher-wattage bricks .
How long does a power bank last?
Most lithium-ion power banks last anywhere from 300 to 1,000 charge cycles, or about two to four years with regular use. Semi solid-state models can last even longer.
If you ever notice bulging in a power bank, stop using it and take it to a battery recycler (Staples, Best Buy, Lowes and other retailers participate in battery recycling) or drop it off at your local hazardous waste facility .
