⚡ The Power Pick

Best Power Banks of 2026: Buyer's Guide

The latest power banks do far more than top off your phone. With USB-C PD outputs reaching 140W and beyond, today's best models can fast-charge laptops, tablets, and phones simultaneously. Whether you need a pocketable 10,000mAh bank for daily commutes or a beefy 27,000mAh unit that charges your MacBook Pro at full speed, we have tested the top picks to match every travel style and budget.

How to Choose a Power Bank

Capacity (mAh / Wh)

Capacity is listed in milliamp-hours (mAh) or watt-hours (Wh). A 10,000mAh bank charges a phone 1.5-2 times. A 25,000mAh bank gives you 5+ phone charges or one full laptop charge. For airline travel, stay under 100Wh (roughly 27,000mAh) to comply with FAA rules.

Output Power (W)

Measured in watts, this determines how fast the bank charges your devices. A 20-30W output is enough for phones. For laptops, you need at least 60W USB-C PD, and ideally 100-140W for full-speed charging. Check that the output matches your device's charging requirements.

Ports

Look for at least one USB-C port with Power Delivery for fast charging. Additional USB-A ports are useful for older devices. Some power banks include 3-4 ports for charging multiple devices at once, though total output often drops when using multiple ports simultaneously.

Weight

Compact phone-charging banks weigh under 0.5 lbs. High-capacity laptop-charging models range from 1-1.5 lbs. If you carry the bank daily in a backpack or purse, every ounce matters. Slim-profile designs like the Baseus Blade 2 minimize bulk in laptop bags.

Airline Compliance

The FAA allows power banks under 100Wh in carry-on luggage without restrictions. Banks between 100-160Wh require airline approval. Banks over 160Wh are banned from flights entirely. Most high-capacity power banks are designed to sit just under the 100Wh limit for hassle-free travel.

Our Top Picks

#1 Best Overall

Anker Prime 27,650mAh

Anker · $180 · 4.6/5

The most powerful USB-C power bank available. 250W combined output charges laptops at full speed, and the 99.54Wh battery sits just under the FAA carry-on limit.

Read full review →
#2 Runner Up

Anker Nano Power Bank 10000mAh

Anker · $30 · 4.6/5

The most pocketable power bank from Anker. Built-in USB-C cable and tiny form factor make it perfect for everyday phone charging.

Read full review →
#3 Best Value

Anker 737 PowerCore 24K

Anker · $110 · 4.5/5

Anker's high-output power bank with 140W USB-C PD 3.1. The smart display and fast recharge make it ideal for laptop users on the go.

Read full review →

All Power Banks We've Tested

Baseus Blade 2
$100
4.3

An ultra-slim 140W power bank that slips into any laptop bag. At under $100 with laptop charging capability, it's the best value for professionals on the go.

Capacity

72Wh

Output

140W

Weight

0.97 lbs

Frequently Asked Questions

How many phone charges can I get from a power bank?

A rough rule: divide the power bank's mAh by your phone's battery capacity, then multiply by 0.7 to account for conversion losses. A 20,000mAh bank charges a 4,000mAh phone about 3.5 times. A 10,000mAh bank gives you roughly 1.5-2 charges. iPhones have 3,200-4,700mAh batteries depending on the model.

Can a power bank charge a laptop?

Yes, but you need one with USB-C Power Delivery (PD) output of at least 45W, and ideally 60-140W for full-speed charging. Most modern laptops with USB-C charging ports work with high-output power banks. Check your laptop's charger wattage to find a matching power bank. Models like the Anker Prime 27,650mAh deliver up to 140W per port.

What are the TSA battery rules for power banks?

Power banks must be carried in carry-on luggage, never checked bags. Banks under 100Wh (roughly 27,000mAh at 3.7V) have no restrictions. Banks between 100-160Wh require airline approval before boarding. Banks over 160Wh are prohibited on commercial flights. Most travel-oriented power banks are designed to stay just under the 100Wh limit.

Get the best power station deals in your inbox

Weekly picks, price drops, and new reviews — no spam, unsubscribe anytime.