It’s disempowering when your smartphone, laptop or other important gadget runs out of battery. With the flash of a graphic or a plaintive bleep, we lose a way to entertain ourselves, get things done, stay in touch or even get home safely. There’s a time and a place for a digital detox – but what is the time, and where am I?
Carrying a power bank is your ticket out of electronic oblivion. These pocket-sized cuboids plug into compatible devices and charge them, often via assorted connections, including USB-C and USB-A. Most power banks are made for charging smartphones and smaller gadgets, such as fitness trackers and earbuds, but some models can also charge power-hungrier laptops and large portable speakers.
More capable still (and pocketable only in the realms of fairytale), portable power stations can charge various high-voltage appliances – perfect for camping, garden parties and power cuts.
To find you the best power bank for your electrical exigencies, I put 10 top models through their paces, including options from Belkin, Anker, Cuktech, Bluetti, Acer, EcoFlow and Juice.
Bear in mind that any particular power bank will only be suitable for charging compatible devices, based on its power output and connectivity. Before you buy one, check the specs against your smartphone or other devices.
At a glance
Why you should trust me
I’ve been reviewing tech products since the mid-2010s. When I’m not actually trying out gadgets, I’m often writing about them using my laptop, or discussing them with editors and PR contacts on my smartphone. As a result, I spend a lot of my time using portable, battery-powered electronic devices.
You might say I’m just the sort of person who needs a good power bank. I used all of the models featured in this article – even the power hat – while working on the go at libraries, cafes and on public transport. Not once did my laptop or smartphone run out of battery!
How I tested
I tested these power banks by using them to charge various devices with different requirements, including:
Honor Magic7 Lite smartphone (battery: 6,600mAh)
Honor Magic7 Pro smartphone (battery: 5,270mAh)
Acer Aspire Vero 16 laptop (65W three-cell li-ion battery)
I timed how long it took for each power bank to charge these devices by 30%. I only charged the laptop with suitably powerful power banks.
Thanks to Honor and Acer for loaning us the smartphones and laptop for testing. The huge batteries on these devices meant there was a lot of waiting around between test charges. These days, flagship smartphones have a battery capacity of about 3,000-5,000mAh. If you have an older or less flashy model, you may find its battery has a capacity as low as 2,500mAh.
Some of the power banks had additional features, such as digital displays, integrated cables and control buttons. I tested these extras where present and also considered the portability and aesthetics of each model.
Some brands didn’t want their power banks back after testing. Those models will be donated for fundraising to Cat Action Trust 1977, a small national charity dedicated to the welfare of feral cats.
The best power banks and portable chargers in 2025
Best power bank overall:
Belkin BoostCharge Pro 3-port 20k
£79.99 at Argos
£79.99 at Belkin
If you need a highly capable power bank that can recharge your laptop as well as your smartphone, this model would be a fine choice. Across three charging ports (one USB-A and two USB-C), there’s a combined power output of up to 65W – more than sufficient to charge two smartphones at once.
Why we love it
During my testing, the BoostCharge Pro topped up an Acer laptop at the sort of speeds I’d normally expect from a mains-powered charger. And it was no slouch when it came to charging smartphones. I was impressed to note that charging didn’t slow down much when I plugged in two devices at once.
The power bank is a stout, minimalistic device that will make a subtle addition to your tabletop. Considering that it can store up to 20,000mAh of charge, it’s impressively lightweight – a suitable choice for a purse or bumbag.
The bank’s digital display activates at the press of a button to give you a read on its storage level and outputs. The metrics are slightly less detailed than what you’d see with certain competing laptop power banks, but the information is presented clearly and includes a useful timer that indicates how soon the power bank will run out of power.
It’s a shame that … the on-screen metrics are slightly less detailed than what you’d see with certain competing laptop power banks. However, the information is presented clearly and includes a useful timer that indicates how soon the power bank will run out of power.
Weight: 378g
Connections: USB-C (x 2); USB-A
Output wattage: up to 65W (total)
Capacity: 20,000mAh (5.15 charges of a Samsung Galaxy S25)
Time to charge Honor Magic7 Lite smartphone (30%): 45mins
Time to charge Honor Magic7 Pro smartphone (30%): 31mins 30secs
Time to charge Acer Aspire Vero 16 laptop (30%): 25mins 30secs
Best power bank for portability:
Anker Nano
£29.99 at Anker
£29.84 at Amazon
Quick, convenient and small enough to carry in a trouser pocket, the Nano is ideal for lightly recharging a smartphone or earbuds. For me, no other power bank strikes the same balance between impressive charging speed and portability. It’s the perfect fallback for the person whose phone never quite manages to stay powered through the day.
Why we love it
The Nano is minimalistic, but the features it offers are well realised. I’m a big fan of its fold-out USB-C connector, which you can use to plug the power bank directly into your phone. Not only is this a neat charging solution but also it rules out the risk of charging being impaired by a faulty or below-spec cable (each one has a maximum current and voltage). That said, if you’re attached (pun intended) to your cable, there’s also a regular USB-C port on the side of the power bank.
There are a few limitations that come with using a teeny-tiny power bank like the Nano. Its 5,000mAh storage capacity is sufficient for giving most smartphones a good top-up, but it might not be enough to fully charge the device.
It’s a shame that … you’d need something more powerful to charge your laptop.
Weight: 102g
Connections: foldable USB-C connector; USB-C port
Output wattage: up to 22.5W
Capacity: 5,000mAh (1.29 charges of a Samsung Galaxy S25)
Time to charge Honor Magic7 Lite smartphone (30%): 24mins
Time to charge Honor Magic7 Pro smartphone (30%): 23mins 15secs
Best budget power bank:
Belkin BoostCharge 10k with integrated cable
£24.99 at Belkin
£24.99 at Amazon
It’s hard to believe this is a cheap option. The BoostCharge Power Bank 10k has a premium-feel soft finish and speedily charges smartphones, earbuds and other lower-powered devices via its USB-C outlets.
Why we love it
Neatly proportioned and impressively light by comparison with some of its rivals, this is one of those rare power banks that you could blithely carry in a jacket pocket, without much fear of stretching the material. Thanks to the integrated USB-C connector, you don’t even need to remember a cable.
It’s a shame that … charging two devices at once reduces the maximum total output from 20W to 15W, so single-device charging is considerably quicker.
Weight: 218g
Connections: integrated USB-C cable; USB-C port
Output wattage: up to 20W
Capacity: 10,000mAh (2.57 charges of a Samsung Galaxy S25)
Time to charge Honor Magic7 Lite smartphone (30%): 42mins 45secs
Time to charge Honor Magic7 Pro smartphone (30%): 36mins 45secs
Best power bank for speed and power:
Cuktech 15 Ultra
£89.99 Amazon
This power bank was difficult to test – it charged devices so exceptionally quickly that I struggled to get to my stopwatch in time.
Why we love it
The Cuketch 15 Ultra is light years ahead of the competition in terms of charging speeds, and with three ports (two USB-C, one USB-A) delivering up to 210W, there’s incredible potential to charge multiple high-energy devices. Its 20,000mAh capacity is enough to charge the average smartphone at least thrice – or give your laptop battery a significant top-up.
With great power comes somewhat lower portability. This is undeniably a weighty power bank – the heaviest of its calibre that I tested. For users who prefer to pack light, that may be a deal-breaker. Still, the 15 Ultra is a well-made, smart-looking device. The TFT display gives you lots of detail on the power bank’s battery level and charging status, and you can use it with the control button to configure each port to act as a power input, output or both. You get nice accessories, too: a 3.2ft charging cable, plus a soft carry case to keep the power bank safe.
It’s a shame that … the characters on the TFT display are small, which won’t be ideal for users with impaired vision.
Weight: 595g
Connections: USB-C (x 2); USB-A
Output wattage: up to 210W
Capacity: 20,000mAh (5.15 charges of a Samsung Galaxy S25)
Time to charge Honor Magic7 Pro smartphone (30%): 10mins 30secs
Time to charge Honor Magic7 Lite smartphone (30%): 15mins
Time to charge Acer Aspire Vero 16 laptop (30%): 26mins 15secs
Best high-storage power bank:
Anker 165W
£89.99 at Anker
£89.99 at Amazon
A power bank for true tech lovers, the Anker 165W is capable of keeping your smartphone, laptop and other gadgets going through the day, thanks in no small part to its incredible 25,000mAh storage capacity. It’s a pleasing piece of tech in itself, with a nicely styled integrated display that tells you how much power is being drawn from each of its ports, and how much charge is still in the bank.
Why we love it
This model has superb connectivity, with three USB-C inputs/outputs (two of them are connectors, one is a port) and another outlet for USB-A charging. With a 165W total output to play with, you can charge several devices rapidly at the same time.
In terms of features, it goes above and beyond. Pressing the power button twice initiates trickle charging, which keeps a charged device at a stable battery level. The digital display indicates the power bank’s temperature and condition, as well as its charge level.
It’s a shame that … this bulky model may be too cumbersome for some. However, a bit of heft is to be expected in a 25,000mAh power bank. A premium-looking, soft-edged enclosure and cleverly integrated loop handle make the device feel less imposing than it might.
Weight: 593g
Connections: USB-C connector (x 2); USB-C port; USB-A
Output wattage: up to 165W
Capacity: 25,000mAh (6.44 charges of a Samsung Galaxy S25)
Time to charge Honor Magic7 Lite smartphone (30%): 31mins 30secs
Time to charge Honor Magic7 Pro smartphone (30%): 24mins
Time to charge Acer Aspire Vero 16 laptop (30%): 45mins 45secs
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The best of the rest
Bluetti AC50B portable power station
£319 at B&Q
£319 at Decathlon
Best for: high-power portable charging
This portable power station has more ports than you can shake a USB stick at. Two USB-C outputs and a USB-A output cater for your lower-powered devices, and there are DC and AC power outlets, too; the latter accepting a regular three-pronged UK power plug. With a total maximum power output of 700W (rising to 1,000W when using the AC50B’s power lifting mode, which is useful, briefly, for power-intensive applications, such as boiling a kettle) and a 448Wh storage capacity, there’s plenty of provision to power garden parties, camping trips or even renovation work in an off-grid home.
I was thoroughly impressed with the AC50B during testing. It charges devices rapidly; the interface is simple with just three buttons to master; and the “cut-out” moulded handle makes it easy to carry the 6.7kg power station to its destination.
It didn’t make the final cut because … most buyers won’t need something so powerful or feature-rich.
Weight: 6.7kg; connections: 700W AC outlet, USB-C port (x 2), USB-A port, 120W “cigarette lighter” port; output wattage: up to 1,000W (lifting) or 700W (continuous); capacity: 448Wh (equivalent to 89,600mAh when charging one device at 5V; 23.07 charges of a Samsung Galaxy S25; time to charge Honor Magic7 Lite smartphone (30%): 24mins 45secs; time to charge Honor Magic7 Pro smartphone (30%): 24mins; time to charge Acer Aspire Vero 16 laptop (30%): 30mins
Acer 600W portable power station
£499.99 at B&Q
£499.99 at Mountain Warehouse
Best for: powering devices in the garden
Simple, user-friendly and equipped with enough storage and connectivity to run or recharge numerous energy-intensive devices, the Acer 600W is a great pick to power your picnics and camping trips. Relative to other products of its type, this model is reasonably light, and the fold-down carry handle distributes its weight nicely.
The integrated strip LED at the top of the front panel is a nice touch – perfect for outdoor entertaining after dark, or for visibility during a power cut (the sort of moment where you’ll appreciate having a power station charged up). Two DC5521 sockets are provided so you can charge the power station via solar panel.
It didn’t make the final cut because … its price is too high for a lot of users.
Weight: 7.35kg; connections: AC outlet (x2); USB-A (x 2); USB-C (x 2); “cigarette lighter” port; DC5521 DC socket (x 2); output wattage: up to 600W
Capacity: 512Wh (equivalent to 102,400 mAh when charging one device at 5V; 26.36 charges of a Samsung Galaxy S25); time to charge Honor Magic7 Lite smartphone (30%): 45mins 45secs; time to charge Honor Magic7 Pro smartphone (30%): 47mins 15secs; time to charge Acer Aspire Vero 16 laptop (30%): 30mins
EcoFlow Power Hat
£99 at EcoFlow
£99 at Amazon
Best for: charging devices at a festival
Stop charging your smartphone with mains electricity, and start topping it up with your headwear instead. The delightfully eccentric Power Hat from EcoFlow conceals an array of solar panels within its brim, and these power a USB-C and USB-A charger underneath. When the sun is shining, you can plug in your smartphone and give it a top-up.
I waited for a mild spring day to test the hat’s charging capabilities. Compared with a conventional power bank, charging was slow – but when you’re relaxing outdoors, that may not matter much. Using solar means you’ll save money on electricity, and the hat’s UPF 50+ sun and UV protective material will help keep you safe while you’re at it.
It didn’t make the final cut because … its charging performance is highly weather-dependent – and this is a UK publication.
Weight: 370g; connections: USB-C; USB-A; output wattage: STC12W (+/-1W); capacity: no storage; time to charge Honor Magic7 Lite smartphone (30%): 2hrs 51mins; time to charge Honor Magic7 Pro smartphone (30%): 1hr 47mins 45secs
Juice 3 Charges
£14.99 at Argos
£19.99 at Amazon
Best for: simple, low-cost charging capability
This is a simple, reliable and inexpensive power bank that you can sling into your bag and forget about until you need to charge your phone or headphones.
There are no bells and whistles here, but the Juice 3 does everything that counts. It can charge up to three devices at once using its single USB-C and two USB-A ports, and a tiny USB-A to USB-C cable is included to help you out in a pinch. This power bank’s 10,000mAh storage is great for the price you pay.
It didn’t make the final cut because … though affordable it’s understandably not the quickest at charging devices – especially not when you’re using the USB-A ports.
Weight: 193g; connections: USB-A (x2); USB-C; output wattage: up to 15W; capacity: 10,000mAh (2.57 charges of a Samsung Galaxy S25); time to charge Honor Magic7 Lite smartphone: (30%): 25mins 30secs; time to charge Honor Magic7 Pro smartphone: (30%): 21mins
EcoFlow Rapid Magnetic 10,000mAh
£89.99 at EcoFlow
£89.99 at Currys
Best for: eye-catching design
This chic new power bank from EcoFlow is the perfect partner for a much-loved phone, with a USB-C output and magnetic charging via the speedy Qi2 protocol. It charged smartphones quickly during my testing, and it also proved capable of giving a laptop an emergency top-up (which soon drained its battery).
Power banks are generally practical items rather than pleasing objects – but the Rapid is both. I enjoyed its mirror-finish display, which pairs in retro-futuristic fashion with pixellated read-outs on the power bank’s charge status, input and output. There’s also a fold-out “kickstand” that keeps your phone upright during charging, which could come in handy for watching films on the train.
It didn’t make the final cut because … it’s not as versatile as some similar-spec models.
Weight: 258g; connections: Qi2 magnetic; USB-C connector; output wattage: up to 30W; capacity: 10,000mAh (2.57 charges of a Samsung Galaxy S25); time to charge Honor Magic7 Lite smartphone (30%): 25mins 30secs; time to charge Honor Magic7 Pro smartphone (30%): 21mins
What you need to know
Which power bank specifications really matter?
There are a few crucial specs to look into when you’re choosing a power bank. The wattage tells you the power bank’s power output. Laptops, smartphones and other gadgets all require a certain wattage, so you need to get a power bank with a port that’s powerful enough to charge the device. The same goes for voltage. If a power bank has multiple ports for charging devices simultaneously, then maximum power outputs will be given for the ports, individually and in total. High-wattage power banks are usually heavier, bulkier and more expensive than lower-powered models, as they require more storage and cooling capability.
A power bank’s inputs and outputs are also crucial. Most power banks feature ports that connect to devices (or to a mains outlet to receive charge) via USB-C or USB-A. Some models can also charge compatible devices – especially smartphones – wirelessly. And for Apple device users, certain power banks feature a Lightning cable and port.
Capacity (mAh) tells you how much electrical charge the power bank can hold in its onboard lithium-ion battery. If a smartphone has a 6,000mAh battery and your power bank holds 20,000mAh, then you should be able to charge the phone fully at least three times without running out of power.
How long should a power bank last?
As with all devices that rely on a lithium-ion battery, power banks gradually become less effective until they can no longer be used. When a battery is fully charged and then fully discharged, this is called a cycle. The number of charging cycles a power bank can supply varies greatly between models, but you’ll get somewhere in the range of 300 to 1,000 in most cases. Depending on how much you use your power bank, that could keep you charged up for a year, or perhaps several years. It’s instructive that power bank warranties typically top out at about two years.
Good usage habits can preserve the condition of your power bank’s lithium-ion battery, therefore extending the lifespan of the power bank itself. Very-low or very-high charge levels put the most stress on these batteries, so try to keep your power bank moderately charged most of the time. It’s also best to avoid storing your power bank in very hot, cold or humid places.
Pete Wise is a freelance journalist with more than a decade’s experience covering everything from global development and social causes to technology and music. He has written extensively on portable tech, including laptops, smart speakers and drones – one of which he misplaced in the skies over a West Yorkshire village. Reviewing power banks was a natural fit for Pete’s days out of the house as a remote worker, as he charged from bus to train, to library, to coffee shop
منبع: https://www.theguardian.com/thefilter/2025/apr/10/best-power-banks-portable-chargers-battery-uk
