Perfect companions to the best smartphone of the year, power banks are the ultimate way to keep your smartphone powered up and ready to go when you're on the move. Regardless of whether you're heading into the wilderness on a camping adventure, rocking out at a festival, or travelling with no sign of a plug socket, the best power banks are here to keep your devices fully functional.
Even the best smartphones for battery life run out of battery eventually, and power banks now offer more ports and power, including some solar-powered options.
The best power banks of 2024 at a glance:
• Best overall: Anker Prime Power Bank – View on Amazon
• Best budget: Juice Max Power Bank – View on Argos
• Best high capacity: POWERΛDD Pro Powerbank – View on Amazon
• Best for portability: Anker Nano Power Bank – View on Amazon
You'll want to consider ports, battery capacities, and wattages when making your pick, which is why we've included a buyer's guide at the bottom of the page.
But first, take a look at some of the power banks which are bound to give your smartphone and other devices a much-needed battery boost when you need it most.
The best power banks of 2024:
All prices are correct at the time of writing. Prices, stock and deals are subject to change without notice.
Best overall
AnkerBest Buy
The Anker Prime Power Bank takes the top spot this year. With a whopping 20,000 mAh battery life in a small pocket-sized design, you'll not be without power whilst roaming.
But it's not the vast storage of the Anker Prime that excites us, but the 200W power output, which can power up even the best gaming laptops whilst on the go. With three ports and 200W of power, you can comfortably power two phones or two laptops, and the charging speed will be greater than it would be with a standard 14W charger.
Unlike the vast majority of power banks on the market, the Anker Prime Power Bank also has a handy display, showing total battery life, wattage to each charging port and even overall battery health, which is a phenomenal feature I didn't know I needed.
At 540g it might be a little heavy for some, but otherwise, it's genuinely hard to fault the Anker Prime Power Bank.
Read our full review of the Anker Prime Power Bank here.
Pros
- Incredible charge output with high storage
- Useful battery information display
- Small and pocket-sized design
Cons
- Fairly heavy for a power bank
| Capacity: | 20,000mAh |
| Output: | 200W |
| Connections: | USB-C x 2, USB-A x 1 |
| Dimensions: | 126.9 × 54.6 × 49.6 mm (H x W x D) |
| Weight: | 540 g |
Best budget
A phenomenal choice for those searching for a cheap, high-capacity power bank for a constant supply of portable power, the Juice Max power bank might just be the perfect power bank for you. A fairly standard power bank in terms of design, the Juice Max power bank isn't as conveniently sized as other options on the market, but it's certainly not overly large.
With a commendable 20W charging output and three charging ports, on-the-go users can comfortably keep their devices fully charged and operational, and it's largely thanks to its colossal 20,000 mAh of battery capacity.
For its price, with quick charging and high battery capacity, picking the Juice Max power bank seems like a simple decision, so what separates it from high-end power banks? Well, it's largely related to the Juice Max's charging itself.
With a humble micro USB connection, charging the Juice Max power bank is a long, slow trawl, lasting a few hours at least. That being said, once it's charged, you'll find it can charge other devices considerably quicker than it can charge itself, and its enormous battery capacity ensures you'll get plenty of devices up and running again in the meantime.
The Juice Max is a fantastic power bank for those on a budget, and despite its slower charging, it's easily one of the best power banks on the market right now.
Pros
- Made from recycled plastic
- Max capacity is enough to charge an average phone seven times
- Strong build
Cons
- Takes a while to recharge
| Capacity: | 20,000mAh |
| Output: | 20W |
| Connections: | USB-A x 2, USB-C x 1 |
| Dimensions: | 140 x 68 x 26 mm (H x W x D) |
| Weight: | 342g |
Best high capacity
POWERΛDDThe ultimate selection for high-capacity charging on the go, this monstrous 50,000 mAh power bank is the be-all-end-all in charge reassurance. With 65W charging, you can charge even your laptop at high speed.
Design-wise, this power bank is very large compared to its competition and weighs over 1 kg. If you're willing to lug it around it will charge up to four devices at once, including demanding laptops, and all for less than £50.
For peace of mind and powerful charging, there are few options that can go toe-to-toe with the POWERADD Pro power bank, it's got some of the best charging speeds available, a huge array of ports, and even a built-in torch that's perfect for camping.
Pros
- Mindblowing 50,000 mAh battery capacity
- Can charge a laptop and multiple devices simultaneously
- Well-designed with a strong handle
Cons
- Very heavy at 1.2 kg
| Capacity: | 50,000 mAh |
| Output: | 65W |
| Connections: | USB-A x 3, USB-C x 2, micro USB x 1 |
| Dimensions: | 203 x 170 x 55 mm (H x W x D) |
| Weight: | 1119.7 g |
Best for portability
Anker One of the more creative designs on our list, the Anker Nano power bank combines power and functionality. Ditching the cables altogether, it plugs directly into the socket of your smartphone or other device, giving you a slim and unobtrusive power bank that's easily one of the most portable ever made.
As for charging capabilities, the Anker Nano Power Bank is certainly handy when there's no plug socket in sight, but it isn't a game-changer in terms of power. At 5,000 mAh, the overall capacity of the Anker Nano is equates to the battery life of another smartphone, so expect to get a full charge out of it from a completely flat battery. As for charging the power bank itself, the Anker Nano will be up and running within an hour or so.
But anticipate a longer charging time, the Anker Nano Power Bank has around 12W of output, so you're not going to see a fully charged smartphone within the hour.
Despite these sacrifices, the Anker Nano Power Bank is still the most convenient we've seen, and doesn't interrupt typical phone usage like a normal power bank might.
Read our full review of the Anker Nano Power Bank here.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Capable of charging your smartphone without any cables
- The power bank itself charges very quickly
Cons
- Battery capacity could be higher
| Capacity: | 5,000mAh |
| Output: | 12W |
| Connections: | Apple Lightning x 1 |
| Dimensions: | 77 x 36.8 x 25 mm (H x W x D) |
| Weight: | 98.5g |
Best power bank for iPhones
AnkerA fantastic choice for iPhone users, and for those who enjoy a certain level of comfort whilst binge-watching YouTube and Netflix, the Anker MagGo power bank is a fantastic Apple-exclusive technology that offers users some versatility whilst charging their phone on the go.
With a MagSafe design, place your iPhone on the charger to simultaneously charge and stand your iPhone, making it perfect for multitasking while at your desk or home. It's especially brilliant for video calling friends and family, since you'll no longer need to lean it against a book or cabinet side, waiting for it to fall flat on its face.
But that's not all it's good for, with a 6,600 mAh charging capacity the Anker MagGo is ideal for day-long power, wherever you go. Don't expect your phone to be fully charged within moments, however. The Anker MagGo power bank has a 15W output, which is half of the typical speed that fast-charging smartphones can receive.
That being said, it's a fairly standard wattage for a charger, and with its solid battery capacity, you'll be able to gain a good amount of charge from the MagGo on the go. One of the best wireless chargers of the year, the Anker MagGo power bank is a great choice for anyone looking for both power and functionality in one nifty little device.
Pros
- Built with angling functionality for comfortability whilst charging
- Strong battery capacity
- Excellent wireless charging capability
Cons
- MagSafe charging is available only on Apple phones
| Capacity: | 6,600mAh |
| Output: | 15W |
| Connections: | Wireless charging |
| Dimensions: | 109 x 69 x 25 mm (H x W x D) |
| Weight: | 258.5g |
Best for Android
UGREENThe ultimate power bank for the best Android phones. this mighty UGREEN Nexode power bank is one of the few high-powered power banks on the market. Capable of charging a plethora of devices simultaneously at incredible speed, the UGREEN Nexode power bank is the perfect solution for those who want port-free rapid charging when they're on the go.
We particularly love the slick aesthetic of the Nexode, with its subtle battery life display and slightly rounded edges for a modern, comfortable feel. However, it is quite large and weighs slightly over half a kilogram, which isn't ideal for portability.
That being said, the Nexode is capable of charging multiple laptops at once and has an enormous battery capacity, so needless to say it's going to have a little extra bulk. It's particularly appropriate for Android users given its USB-C functionality.
Pros
- Fantastic 25,000 mAh battery capacity
- Elegant design with battery life display
- Phenomenal 145W ultra-fast charging
Cons
- Fairly bulky for a power bank
| Capacity: | 25,000 mAh |
| Output: | 145W |
| Connections: | USB-C x 2, USB-A x 1 |
| Dimensions: | 160 x 80.8 x 26.7 mm (H x W x D) |
| Weight: | 505 g |
Best solar power bank
RiapowA fantastic device for conquering the outdoors this year, the Riapow solar power bank offers speedy charging, a tough design and excellent value.
With three ports for charging multiple devices at once, the Riapow's reliable charging is somewhat unusual for solar power banks, which are often limited in output. But thanks to some clever manufacturing, this power bank has a fantastic 15W output, and a mind-blowing 26,800 mAh of total battery capacity, which is enough to charge any phone several times over.
If you're concerned about water dampening your ability to charge your smartphone, fear not, Riapow's solar power bank is completely waterproof, so you can charge your devices into the distant future. If you happen to be on the road or camping on a sunny day, strapping the Riapow power bank to the outside of your backpack is a great, hassle-free way of powering up once again, and after a day of walking, you'll have more power than you'll know what to do with.
In fact, its capacity is so large, that this power bank doubles as an ultra-bright torch, which even has strobe and SOS functionality.
Of course, with solar power, you're not getting the fantastic output a standard power bank might provide, so you can't expect to charge multiple devices within an hour, but for the sake of sheer reliability when a power socket is far away, the Riapow solar power bank is a phenomenal choice.
Pros
- Fantastic solar power charging
- Solid 15W charging capability
- Brilliantly durable and waterproof
Cons
- Solar charging than non-solar power options
| Capacity: | 26,800 mAh |
| Output: | 15W |
| Connections: | USB-C x 1, USB-A x 2 |
| Dimensions: | 174 x 85.1 x 28.7mm (H x W x D) |
| Weight: | 485 g |
Best magnetic charging
BelkinThe perfect power bank for portability, this small, yet high-capacity power bank has some great magnetic charging functionality, making it an ideal choice for iPhone users. Equipped with multiple ports, MagSafe charging and a commendable 10,000 mAh battery, the Belkin magnetic wireless power bank is an excellent choice for versatile, reliable charging.
We particularly love the size of the Belkin magnetic wireless power bank, which is around the same size as a smartphone, a purposeful and ingenious design choice from Belkin. If you have an iPhone you can use magnetic charging to securely attach the power bank and the iPhone together, making a single secure charging unit that doesn't need to be dangling from a cable.
Of course, there are limitations of magnetic charging: at 7.5W of output, it doesn't charge as quickly as other options. But, for on-the-go power, it's a remarkable choice.
With standard USB-C charging sitting comfortably at 18W, the Belkin magnetic wireless charger works equally well for non-Apple products.
Pros
- Excellent magnetic charging
- Small and portable design around the size of a smartphone
- Ideal for iPhone and Android users
Cons
- MagSafe charging only works with iPhones
| Capacity: | 10,000mAh |
| Output: | 7.5W Wireless, 18W Wired |
| Connections: | USB-C |
| Dimensions: | 141 x 70 x 21 mm (H x W x D) |
| Weight: | 308g |
Best power bank speaker
JBLIf you're confused as to why this is here, allow us to enlighten you: many speakers have power bank functionality, for the sole purpose of keeping the beats going throughout a night-long party. There's nothing worse than a dying phone when things are ramping up: save your precious song queue and plug in your phone with ease on the JBL Charge 5.
A phenomenal speaker for bass, the Charge 5's larger design doesn't make it ideal as a power bank that you'd regularly use, but for home use, when you're blaring music, it's a brilliant way to gain a little extra power.
At 10W of charging, it's admittedly not the fastest charging, but it's certainly enough to keep the music going, which is all that truly matters. A high-capacity power bank speaker worth checking out, the JBL Charge 5 is a fantastic combination of sound and convenience in one neat, bassy bundle.
Pros
- A fantastic speaker with power bank functionality
- Solid 7,500 mAh charging
- Excellent bassy speaker
Cons
- Not the fastest charging
| Capacity: | 7,500 mAh |
| Output: | 10W |
| Connections: | USB-A |
| Dimensions: | 223 x 94 x 97 mm (H x W x D) |
| Weight: | 960 g |
10.
Anker PowerCore
Best triple port
AnkerAnother great value power bank from Anker, this phenomenal 26,800 mAh power bank has a little something for everyone, including an array of charging ports for complete charging reassurance.
At 26,800 mAh, you can rest assured of its capacity: charge several smartphones at once with this brilliant power bank. With a 20W charging speed, the Anker PowerCore isn't the best for ultra-quick charging, but it's certainly not the worst. You'll likely find your smartphone has fully charged within two hours or so, which is rare amongst power banks.
All things considered, the Anker PowerCore is a brilliant option for powerful charging on the go, and at its price: it's a bargain.
Pros
- Excellent value power bank
- Can charge multiple devices at once
- Lightweight and slim
Cons
- Not the fastest charging option
| Capacity: | 26,800 mAh |
| Output: | 20W |
| Connections: | USB-C x 3 |
| Dimensions: | 104 x 52.3 x 26 mm (H x W x D) |
| Weight: | 495 g |
How to pick the best power bank for you
What does mAh mean?
Standing for "milliampere hours", this is an industry-standard way to represent how much charge a power bank can hold. As a general rule, 10K mAh should be able to fully charge an average smartphone around three times, with a 20K mAh model able to do so around six to seven times. This can differ depending on your smartphone model, the amount of time between charges, and if you use the power bank for other devices too.
What is output wattage?
The wattage of a power bank is the measure of how much power the device outputs, the higher the wattage, the faster devices will become fully charged. For standard charging, you can expect at least 14-18W of charging power, but this might be lower when using wireless chargers.
New smartphones can handle around 30W and above of wattage, so it's good to utilise it to experience a fully charged device within an hour.
What types of ports are there?
If you're looking for a new power bank, you'll likely find that numerous ports and methods of charging are available, but are there any particularly brilliant options? Here's a breakdown of the main types of port:
USB-A: This is your standard method of charging, your home is likely filled with them. Often tricky to plug in, you've seen USB-A connections on the sides of computers, laptops and plugs for a good while. Slower than USB-C and lightning, this stable method of charging is cheap and cheerful, but provides a secure connection for devices nonetheless.
USB-C: The new up-and-coming standard for smartphones, USB-C is now used everywhere, but it's particularly popular in laptops and smartphones. The quickest method of charging, USB-C cables are capable of outputting up to 80W of power and above, which is more than enough for power-hungry devices.
Micro-USB: A slow and largely outdated method of charging, you'll find microUSBs on a lot of power banks thanks to their cheap manufacturing costs. These cables are much slower than USB-C and are largely reserved for charging power banks themselves, rather than modern smart devices.
Lightning: Reserved only for Apple products, including the iPhone and MacBook, lightning cables are ultra-quick, offering high charging speeds and sturdy connections.
FAQs
Does a high wattage damage your devices?
Despite certain misconceptions online, there is no evidence to suggest that using a high-wattage power bank or charger will damage devices not designed to handle the output wattage. Devices will draw the power they can sustain from the power source, and therefore will not overload.
Are cheap power banks worth it?
Without question, cheap power banks are absolutely worth buying. We've listed a great number of cheap power banks with high wattage, incredible battery capacities and appealing designs that are particularly portable.
Though some power banks on the cheaper side might not be worth it due to poor technical specifications, we've picked some brilliant power banks that are more than worth considering.
Are solar power banks worth it?
Solar power banks are admittedly a little slower than standard power banks for the most part, but since they can utilise the power of the sun to completely recharge, they're absolutely worth it. Perfect for taking on a camping adventure, or for those more environmentally conscious, a great solar power bank is absolutely worth investing in.
Can you bring a power bank on a plane?
You should always double-check the exact policies and restrictions of your specific airline. That said, in most cases, you should be able to bring a power bank with you.
Certain restrictions may apply. For example, the majority of airlines ask that your power bank be included in your carry-on bags rather than stored away with luggage. A power bank should not be kept in checked luggage and should be treated akin to any device like a laptop.
How do we test power banks?
If you're wondering how we test power banks, we start by observing the total capacity in action and how long it takes to reach that point. Afterwards, we continue to use the power bank for a few weeks, taking it out and about on any trips. This way, we're able to get a sense of the charging speed of its output, as well as how the size, shape, and weight affect the portability. If the power bank is capable of charging multiple devices at once, we also observe how that affects it.
Once we're done testing, we rate the power banks on a handful of criteria, such as the performance, build and charge, as well as the ever-important value for money.
Ryan Houghton is a Tech Writer and Reviewer for What’s The Best, known best for his expertise in gaming, with a particular soft spot for PC gaming, audio tech, televisions and smartphones.
Diligently writing for What’s The Best for almost two years, there are very few tech products Ryan hasn’t had his hands on to review; televisions, headphones, folding phones and even LEGO, if it’s nerdy, he’ll be there.
His well-versed history as one of the resident techies at What’s The Best has kept him keen to uncover the very best deals, savings and offers for those in need of a cracking deal to upgrade their setup.
In his downtime, Ryan most likely has his nose buried in a fantasy book, or his eyes glued to a screen whilst playing a tough-as-nails Soulslike or leisurely RPG, indulging in most forms of escapism where possible.
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