Low Battery … 20% remaining. This message (or a similar one depending on your phone’s brand) usually means you have two choices. First, stop using your phone and eek out as much time as possible. Second, charge it. Of course, number two is preferable, but unless you’re stationary and ready to plug in, this option is highly inconvenient. That is unless you have a way to charge your phone on the go. This is why you need one of the best portable chargers.
You may be aware of portable chargers and possibly already own one. But technology moves fast. With respect to portable chargers, this means things are getting smaller and more powerful. It’s worth checking out these portable charger and battery pack options for dealing with charging nightmares.
The best portable chargers will charge more than just your phone, too. Most models take a USB cable, meaning cameras, e-readers, flashlights and more can be charged from these handy, pocket-sized power boxes.
1. Anker PD1000 Redux
Looking for the best portable charger that strikes the perfect balance between size, capacity and affordability? The Anker PowerCore PD10000 Redux is the gold standard. Packing 10,000 mAh of juice, this charger has enough to refill most phones two or three times before it needs to be recharged itself. It also fits in the palm of your hand which means that you can stick it almost anywhere and it won’t be a nuisance. And finally, costing less than $50, it won’t break the bank. And if you have multiple phones or other devices such as a tablet or a Nintendo Switch, the PowerCore PD10000 Redux will recharge them all thanks to its dual USB-C and USB-A ports. In short, this is the perfect portable charger to bring along on any adventure.
If you own an iPhone 12, then the Anker PowerCore Magnetic 5K wireless charger is absolutely the best portable charger you can buy. Making use of the iPhone 12’s MagSafe capabilities, this portable charger magnetically snaps to the back and immediately starts supplying a 5W stream of power. Easier to manage than a battery case or a battery pack that connects via USB cable, the PowerCore Magnetic can provide at least 1.6 full charges depending on which iPhone you have. It also fits easily into a pocket or bag when you’re not using it, making it the ideal accessory to use when you’re truly on the go.
For the minimalists out there who absolutely hate carrying anything more than they have to, it is possible to leave the house without being hindered by bulky accessories or a fear of your phone dying before you return home. The Clutch V2 is a razor-thin portable charger that can supply your phone with enough power for a full charge that should hold you over until you get back home. Roughly the size of a few credit cards stacked together, the Clutch even has an integrated USB cable so that there’s one less thing you have to remember to bring with you.
Know what’s better than an accessory that can do one thing great? An accessory that can do two things great, and its this exact reason why we think the Belkin Gaming Power Bank with Stand is one of the best portable chargers you can buy. As the name implies, this has a rail on the long side of the charger that lets you prop your phone up so that you can play games or watch video as your phone refills. And thanks to the 10,000 mAh capacity, there’s enough juice to keep you going for as long as you can keep your eyes open.
If you’ve bought a new phone or a pair of wireless earbuds in the last couple of years, then you will appreciate the ability to wirelessly charge you devices thanks to Qi-certified technology. If the 5W wireless charging isn’t speedy enough, you can connect your device using one of the two 12W USB ports. It will even charge your devices while it’s plugged in. This is evidence that portable power banks are getting smart.
If you’re looking for a portable charger that can keep something like a laptop or Nintendo Switch fully operational for hours on end, you’re going to need something bigger than what we’ve suggested at so far. This is why we like this RAVPower USB-C power bank which has a 20,000 mAh capacity, three inputs, three outputs, and can supply up to 18W of power to any device over its USB-C connection which should be enough to fast charge the vast majority of portable devices multiple times over.
is truly a king among power banks. The device boasts an impressive 10,000 mAh capacity, which is capable of charging an iPhone 8 three-and-a-half times. It also includes special technology to speed up charging times compared to many competing power banks. The device sports 4 led indicator lights to let you know the battery level. Dimension-wise, the PowerCore weighs 6.9 ounces and is just shy of an inch thick.
If you’re an outdoorsy type who needs a portable charger that isn’t beholden to a power outlet, or you’re just really bad at remembering to recharge your power bank, solar-powered portable chargers like the Anker PowerPort Solar are a perfect solution. As long as the sun is out, you’re at least guaranteed to have something to refill your smartphone battery with if you leave this thing out long enough. And when you’re not using it, you can fold it up into a compact shape and stash it away.
Made with a curved edge design, this best portable charger and battery pack is sleek and modern-looking. It charges rapidly with the ability to charge two devices at a time, conveniently working on both micro USB or USB-C devices.
