Best Portable Power Bank Chargers Of 2023
One of the most important things one can have on them or take with them outdoors is a great portable power bank or portable charger. While most portable power bank chargers will useful, there are actually a few that are known for doing incredibly well. The issue is that most people do not really understand how they work, nor the type they need to consider when browsing. While we’ll discuss some of the best power bank chargers below, we also need you to be aware of things you might see in the description.
A few specific things to keep in mind are terms like mAH (milliampere-hours), Watts, Volts, and amps (amperes). Below, you’ll see a small guide to understanding conversion rates between the four. Remember that Watts & Volts are essentially equal to each other until the need for conversation comes about for them. Usually, units such as Amps, Volts, or Watts will be combined with each other to convert to one another.
- 5 Volts x 5 Amps = 25 Watts
- 120 Volts x 120 Watts = 1 Amp
Terms like mAH or milliampere-hours are equivalent to amperes in a pretty basic way. 1000 mAH is equal to 1 Ampere hour, which is pretty straightforward. You want to buy portable power bank chargers that contain the mAH information. As this is telling you the most powerful potential they have. It takes at least 120 Volts to equal 1 Amp, yet this does not measure how long the amp power can be sustained. The higher the mAH number, the more power it uses and sustains over an hour in ampere power.
Ekrist Portable Charger Power Bank
[Image via Henry T. Casey/Tom’s Guide]
- Price:$32 to $50
- mAH: 26,800
Ekrist might not be the biggest name in the world of portable power bank chargers, but they do offer one of the best “bang for your buck” options. Just like with all of these chargers, it is completely wireless where the only true “wires” connected will be your charging cables. Yet it can do much more than that, as it utilizes a form of actual wireless charging for compatible phones via its charger pad. You simply place your phone or accessory on the center of the pad and it will wirelessly charge the device.
This seems to only be for Qi-Certified products, however. This will not work for Bluetooth headphones or anything like that sadly. While that might not work through the wireless portion, headphones can be charged another way. The charger offers two traditional cable options via USB-C charging ports. Of course, any Qi charger usually fast-charges most devices. Thus, that portion of the charger will work quickly while the other cable versions will be a little slower.
Ekrist Portable Charger Power Bank
Poweradd EnergyCell
[Image via Michael Nguyen – YouTube]
Another lesser-known company in this field, the team over at Poweradd makes some very inexpensive chargers that people tend to love. The issue is finding which one is best for you, ultimately. Most of the time, people choose their 5,000 mAH option as it is inexpensive and is usually all they need to charge their phone or something. Yet it is just one USB cord and not as useful. Meanwhile, their slightly bigger 10,000 mAH option isn’t even as large as most phones. Therefore, you would not notice it much in your pocket and certainly not in a backpack.
It offers two sources of charging, a normal USB & micro-USB port. Most current smartphones, watches, and anything that could be charged via cable will charge very well on it. On top of this, the speed is said to be pretty impressive. It utilizes a 2.4A output current, which usually provides a much faster charge than average. This is pretty significant, given the lower price of under $20. To get a 10,000 mAH certified charger for this amount is a real steal for most people. Yet also having a cheaper charger that actually charges stuff pretty quickly too? Well worth every penny!
INIU Power Bank 2-Pack
[Image via INIU]
- Price: $57 to 65
- mAH: 20,000
Probably the fastest growing in the portable power bank chargers market, INIU has been making some very impressive chargers for years. Most people discovered them on Amazon offering relatively inexpensive chargers. This resulted in “trying them” only to come away stunned at how well they did their job. It just so happens that a current sale is going on where you can get two INIU chargers for the price of one. Of course, the items advertise as 20,000 mAH which could mean both are at this rate or each is 10,000 mAH. The lack of specificity is a problem, but you still get two good chargers at a really good bundle price.
The average phone can go from completely dead to completely charged in about an hour. Most get to 56% within 30 minutes. Which is due to the PD3.0 % QC4.0 fast-charging technology that INIU has employed. Of course, INIU also was prepared for changes in the industry when it comes to charging ports. This is why while it does offer a USB-C input cable, it also has a USB-C input AND output port. This means it can perfectly fit the new iPhone chargers. Moreover, it includes one USB-C and two USB ports. This offers you more open spots to charge your devices, such as if both you and your friend need to charge your phones at the same time.
Mophie Powerstation XXL
[Image via Mophie]
- Price: $56 to $65
- mAH: 20,000
While most places like to call their chargers what they are, Mophie likes to stand out. You are not just getting one of the best portable power bank chargers, oh no. You’re getting a “powerstation.” While this is often used for much larger batteries, Mophie has made a portable version that is no bigger than the average cell phone. At the 20,000 mAH rate, it is clearly quite powerful. Your phone can be charged from completely dead to 100% at least 4.5 times with this amount. However, it is a bit more expensive than some of the other batteries on this list. Mophie is known for making great chargers, so it is not shocking they feel they can “charge” more.
There are three ports for this device, with the USB-C port proving to deliver some impressive power at 18W on its own. You’ll get to at least 50% battery in 30 minutes on any product. Also included are two USB-A ports that can charge anything from phones to tablets to, well, anything with a USB-enabled charger. Mophie also was nice enough to include one USB-A & one USB-C charging cable. Best of all, if you’re wondering how long it will be until each item is charged, there is a 4-light LED power indicator that will display the charging status of each one, as well as the Powerstation’s remaining life.
Anker PowerCore Essential 20K
[Image via Anker]
- Price: $40 to $55
- mAH: 20,000
Simply put, when it comes to the portable power bank chargers game, Anker is the best on the planet. For pretty much any charging device as well as most audio equipment, it’s tough to beat these guys. They are experts in every sense of the word, yet the company does not charge an arm and a leg for their products. It would make sense if they charged more, but they still offer the most competitive prices in their field. For Anker, the “Powercore” line of chargers is legendarily impressive. Most are fairly priced, even through third-party outlets.
This happens to be the Powercore Essential 20k model (or the 20,000 mAH version). Like with the INIU model, Anker knew that there would be a need to offer both the normal USB-C and USB-C micro ports. This means it is compatible with pretty much any new or old device. One can also get a bit more out of the Anker model. On both the iPhone & Samsung Galaxy phones, the Powercore could charge each 4 to 5 times fully. The advanced PowerIQ & VoltageBoost tech by Anker combine to charge devices through trickle-charging mode, which is the best way to charge lower-power tech.
You’ll also get twin USB ports, on top of the Micro USB input port. They include one Micro USB cable in the purchase, an 18-month warranty, and the charger itself. Of course, specific chargers such as the Lightning cable, are not included.
