Product Review

The Best Portable Chargers for Travel

A dead phone in an unfamiliar city is stressful. We tested dozens of power banks to find the best options for every type of traveler - from weekend trips to digital nomad life.

Updated December 2025
7 min read
By Sally Gallagher

Our Top Picks

The best portable chargers for most travelers.

1
1
Ultra-compact power bank with built-in USB-C cable

Anker Nano Power Bank (10,000mAh)

4.7
based on 28,940 reviews

The Good

  • Built-in cable
  • 30W fast charging
  • Pocket-sized

The Bad

  • 10,000mAh only

Current Price

$30
Check Amazon

Prices updated daily. Last checked manually.

2
2
Best value high-capacity portable charger

Anker 325 Power Bank (20,000mAh)

4.6
based on 89,340 reviews

The Good

  • 20,000mAh capacity
  • Dual USB output
  • Affordable price

The Bad

  • No USB-C PD
  • Slower charging

Current Price

$40
Check Amazon

Prices updated daily. Last checked manually.

3
3
High-capacity power bank that charges laptops

Anker 737 Power Bank (24,000mAh)

4.6
based on 12,480 reviews

The Good

  • Charges laptops
  • 24,000mAh
  • Smart display

The Bad

  • Heavy for pocket carry
  • Premium price

Current Price

$110
Check Amazon

Prices updated daily. Last checked manually.

All Power Banks Reviewed

Complete reviews of every charger we tested.

1
1
Ultra-compact power bank with built-in USB-C cable

Anker Nano Power Bank (10,000mAh)

4.7
based on 28,940 reviews

The Good

  • Built-in cable
  • 30W fast charging
  • Pocket-sized

The Bad

  • 10,000mAh only

Current Price

$30
Check Amazon

Prices updated daily. Last checked manually.

2
2
Best value high-capacity portable charger

Anker 325 Power Bank (20,000mAh)

4.6
based on 89,340 reviews

The Good

  • 20,000mAh capacity
  • Dual USB output
  • Affordable price

The Bad

  • No USB-C PD
  • Slower charging

Current Price

$40
Check Amazon

Prices updated daily. Last checked manually.

3
3
High-capacity power bank that charges laptops

Anker 737 Power Bank (24,000mAh)

4.6
based on 12,480 reviews

The Good

  • Charges laptops
  • 24,000mAh
  • Smart display

The Bad

  • Heavy for pocket carry
  • Premium price

Current Price

$110
Check Amazon

Prices updated daily. Last checked manually.

4
4
Fast-charging power bank for laptops and phones

Baseus 65W Power Bank (20,000mAh)

4.5
based on 18,920 reviews

The Good

  • 65W laptop charging
  • Digital display
  • Pass-through charging

The Bad

  • Heavier than phone-only chargers

Current Price

$50
Check Amazon

Prices updated daily. Last checked manually.

5
5
Budget portable charger with flashlight

INIU Portable Charger (10,000mAh)

4.5
based on 142,800 reviews

The Good

  • Excellent value
  • Built-in flashlight
  • Triple output

The Bad

  • Slower than premium options

Current Price

$18
Check Amazon

Prices updated daily. Last checked manually.

6
6
Magnetic wireless power bank for iPhone

Anker 622 MagGo Wireless Charger

4.4
based on 8,920 reviews

The Good

  • Magnetic attachment
  • Built-in stand
  • 5000mAh

The Bad

  • iPhone only
  • Slower wireless charging

Current Price

$35
Check Amazon

Prices updated daily. Last checked manually.

How to Choose a Portable Charger

Capacity Guide

  • • 5,000mAh: 1-2 phone charges. Great for day trips.
  • • 10,000mAh: 2-3 phone charges. Perfect for weekend travel.
  • • 20,000mAh: 4-5 phone charges. Ideal for week-long trips.
  • • 24,000mAh+: Charges laptops. Best for digital nomads.

Charging Speed

  • • USB-A (12W): Standard charging. Works with everything.
  • • USB-C PD (20W): Fast charging for phones. 50% in 30 min.
  • • USB-C PD (65W+): Laptop charging. Essential for remote work.

Airline Regulations

  • • Power banks must be in carry-on luggage (not checked bags)
  • • Most airlines allow up to 100Wh (about 27,000mAh at 3.7V)
  • • 100-160Wh requires airline approval
  • • All our picks are airline-approved for carry-on

Pro Tips

  • • Get a power bank with built-in cables for fewer things to pack
  • • Digital displays show exact battery percentage
  • • Pass-through charging lets you charge the bank while using it

Looking for more travel tech?

Check out our tech travel gifts guide.

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