The 9 Best Portable Chargers of 2023
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Our top pick is the Anker PowerCore 20 for its quick charging capabilities
PEOPLE / Marcus Millan
Your passport, TSA-approved toiletries, and favorite outfits may top your vacay checklist, but don't forget to save some room for a portable charger. After all, it's a pretty useful item to have, especially if there aren't any outlets to keep your phone charged when you're enjoying some sweet out-of-office time.
Today's Top Deals
Anker Portable Charger 511 Power Bank is 25% off at Amazon
INIU Power Bank is 33% off at Amazon
Anker 633 Magnetic Battery 10,000mAh Foldable Wireless Portable Charger is 31% off at Amazon
iWalk Small Portable Charger is 37% off at Amazon
To avoid running out of juice, travel expert Elaine Warren, CEO of The Family Cruise Companion, always carries a portable charger on her travels. “Whether you're exploring a new city or cruising to exotic destinations, a portable charger provides peace of mind and allows you to focus on the present and enjoy your travels without worrying about running out of power,” she says.
However, because there are many portable chargers available, it can be difficult to decide which one to buy. Besides, you're bound to encounter different types of portable chargers (power banks, wall adapters, etc.) in your search, which can be confusing — and intimidating, if tech speak isn’t your forte. To make the selection process easier, we asked seasoned travel professionals for their recommendations of the best portable chargers that are affordable, lightweight, compact, and compatible with all phone models.
Keep scrolling to PEOPLE's picks for the best portable chargers, along with shopping insights from travel influencers and industry pros.
Best Overall: Anker PowerCore 20100mAh Power Bank
Who It’s Good For
Someone who wants a portable charger that's compatible with different phone models and offers fast and powerful charging.
Who It’s Not Good For
Anybody looking for a portable charger with more outputs and more color options.
Keeping your tech charged and ready to go is easy with this portable charger, whether it's an iPhone or Android. Besides its compact size and fast charging capabilities, it's also short circuit-resistant. It even comes with a sturdy case, so if accidentally dropped, it will stay intact. Stuart Lewis, a seasoned travel agent and editor of Travel Scoop really likes this charger whenever a long flight is ahead.
“With its battery, it can fully charge an iPhone 8 up to seven times, making it a reliable choice for even the busiest of travelers,” he says. “I've personally used it for months on end, and have never once had to worry about running out of power on long flights or outdoor excursions. Additionally, its sleek design and fast charging technology make it a favorite in my travel tech arsenal.”
Price at time of publish: $49.99
Battery Capacity: 20100 mAh | Compatibility: iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, iPad, and more | Colors: Black | Weight: 12.5 oz. | Dimensions: 6.64 x 2.28 x 0.87 inches | Number of Ports: 1
Best Budget: POWERADD Slim 2 Power Bank Portable Charger
Who It’s Good For
Shoppers looking for an affordable, lightweight, and easy-to-use portable charger under $20.
Who It’s Not Good For
Anybody who wants a portable charger with a higher battery capacity.
This portable charger is our top pick for the budget category because of its lightweight design and easy charging capabilities. It's under $20, compatible with many devices (including Apple AirPods), and compact enough to fit into any bag.
Although it does have one port, Lewis advises keeping this portable charger on your shortlist if you’re looking for a straightforward source of charging. “This portable charger is a great option for someone who is looking for a charger that will last for a day or two on a trip,” Lewis tells PEOPLE. “It's not too heavy or not too bulky, making it the perfect device for someone who wants to have a backup power source without carrying a heavy load.”
Price at time of publish: $12.99 (orig. $15.99)
Battery Capacity: 5000 mAh | Compatibility: iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, AirPods, and more | Colors: Blue, black, red, and rosy red | Weight: 4.8 oz. | Number of Ports: 1
Best Compact: Anker Portable Charger 511 Power Bank
Who It’s Good For
People who are searching for a portable power bank with a large battery capacity and protective features.
Who It’s Not Good For
Someone who needs a multi-port charger should look to other options on this list.
Whether you're looking for something you can tuck into your travel backpack, carry-on bag, or purse, this compact charger will do the trick. It's lightweight with two color options, boasts a large battery capacity, and is compatible with plenty of phone models and accessories.
Thanks to its protective features, this portable charger can handle a long day trip or night out without overheating or surging, says Warren. “For those long trips, this portable charger can charge multiple devices multiple times due to its large battery capacity,” she tells PEOPLE. “In addition, it comes with advanced safety and protection features, such as temperature control and surge protection, so you can feel safe while out and about!”
Price at time of publish: $29.99 (orig. $39.99)
Battery Capacity: 5000 mAh | Compatibility: iPhone 15/14/13/12 series, Samsung S22, Google Pixel, Apple Watch, AirPods, and more | Colors: Blue and black | Weight: 5.9 oz. | Dimensions: 4.45 x 1.18 x 13 inches | Number of Ports: 1
Best Investment: EWEMOSI Portable Laptop Charger
Who It’s Good For
Someone who wants a full-featured charger with 100W AC output, 17W USB output, and 18W Type-C output.
Who It’s Not Good For
If you're looking for a portable charger under $50, check out our best budget pick.
This portable charger is worth the money if you’re looking for something powerful to charge all your tech quickly. Featuring 100W AC output, 17W USB output, and 18W Type-C output, you will be able to charge your laptop, camera, and other devices at the same time. In addition, there is also a built-in flashlight and an anti-short-circuiting and anti-overcharge cooling system that many five-star reviewers praise.
When she goes camping, travel influencer Paige Casey uses this portable charger. “If we are going camping, or out to Big Bend where there is limited electricity, this charger charges almost everything,” she tells PEOPLE.
Price at time of publish: $109.99
Battery Capacity: 25000 mAh | Compatibility: iPhone, MacBook, Samsung, HP, Lenovo, Dell, and more | Colors: Black and grey | Weight: 2.1 lbs. | Dimensions: 2.7 x 2.7 x 8.3 inches | Number of Ports: 3
Best for USB-C: INIU Power Bank
Who It’s Good For
Those who need a USB-C charger with three ports so they can simultaneously charge their phone (or another device) and the charger itself.
Who It’s Not Good For
Those looking for a portable charger under $50, several other chargers on this list fit the bill.
Since USB-C chargers allow you to charge your phone and the charger itself simultaneously, it’s definitely a portable charger you should have on hand. And this USB-C charger is no exception as it has a strong capacity and three ports, so you can charge multiple devices all at once. Compatibility is another strong point of this USB-C charger — it can charge several models of phones, smartwatches, and even AirPods.
Plus, it’s also a favorite of Cazzy Magennis of Dream Big, Travel Far Blog. “This charger has two USB ports, which means we can charge THREE devices at the same time,” Magnennis tells PEOPLE. “This is a huge benefit for us as full-time travel bloggers because it lets us charge our phones, gadgets, and even smartwatches at the same time. And it's got fast-charging capabilities, which is a fantastic timesaver for when we're on the road.”
Price at time of publish: $59.98 (orig. $89.99)
Battery Capacity: 25000 mAh | Compatibility: iPhone, Samsung, Google, Huawei, Xiaomi, and more | Colors: Black | Weight: 1.46 lbs. | Dimensions: 8.31 x 4.21 x 1.61 inches | Number of Ports: 3
Related: The 11 Best Wired Headphones of 2023
Best Lightweight: Goal Zero Flip 12 Power Bank
Who It’s Good For:
Somebody looking for a lightweight power bank that can charge phones, POV cameras, headlamps, or tablets.
Who It’s Not Good For:
Anybody looking for an investment portable charger with multiple outputs.
When you’re traveling, the last thing you want is to add a clunky portable charger to your heavily packed suitcase. So if you’re looking for something light and easy to carry, this charger will be the perfect addition to your carry-on. This portable charger has a flip design, plugs into any USB port, and has hundreds of life cycles to keep your phone charged wherever you are. Also capable of charging POV cameras, headlamps, and tablets, this charger is perfect for short camping trips and longer RV adventures.
It’s also the charger travel and lifestyle blogger Melissa Koffie carries with her everywhere, whether she’s on the road, at a concert, or in the air. “I love using this charger while traveling because it’s super compact and can easily fit in my pocket or purse,” she explains. “It has a USB output which allows you to simply plug it into a wall charger or laptop USB port. And it fully charges in about three hours and has an LED battery indicator.”
Price at time of publish: $12.98 (orig. $19.99)
Battery Capacity: 3350 mAh | Compatibility: Phones, cameras, headlamps, tablets, and more | Colors: Blue | Weight: 2.5 oz. | Dimensions: 3.7 x 0.83 x 0.83 inches | Number of Ports: 2
Best on Amazon: Anker 633 Magnetic Battery (MagGo), 10,000mAh Foldable Wireless Portable Charger
Who It’s Good For
Someone who wants to buy a portable charger on Amazon that provides fast and hands-free charging for their phone.
Who It’s Not Good For
Although this phone offers convenient, hands-free charging, it only works with iPhones.
Hundreds of positive reviews on Amazon (and a 4.6-star rating overall) make it easy to see why this portable charger is popular. With a built-in stand, this charger not only provides hassle-free (and speedy) charging in a hotel room or coffee shop, but it also snaps onto your phone, so you can charge up on the go.
The dual ports allow you to power up your phone and other portable devices until they are fully charged. Travel and tech influencer K.M. Robinson always carries this charger with her on her travels. “It’s compact enough to fit easily in my bag (with my pocket light and pocket phone stand) and charges my phone quickly,” she says.
Price at time of publish: $54.99 (orig. $79.99)
Battery Capacity: 10000 mAh | Compatibility: iPhone 15/14/13/12 series | Colors: Blue, black, and white | Weight: 7.7 oz. | Dimensions: 4.21 x 2.62 x 0.71 inches | Number of Ports: 2
Related: The 7 Best Earbuds of 2023 for Clear Sound and Easy Listening
Best Wall Charger: LENCENT Universal Travel Adapter
Who It’s Good For
International travelers who need a wall adapter to charge their phones.
Who It’s Not Good For
People who want a portable charger that will fit in their backpack and charge all their mobile devices at once.
Because outlets vary from country to country, you will want to invest in a wall adapter that can charge your phone wherever you are. Hence, travel expert Desi Chance recommends this adapter, which has four ports, works in several countries, and can charge multiple devices at the same time. "One of the most crucial items for an avid traveler to have is a reliable portable charger that can get the job done quickly,” Chance tells PEOPLE. “I'm all about efficiency, so I never travel anywhere without my Lencent Travel Charger. It has built-in universal adapters and can charge five devices simultaneously!"
Price at time of publish: $14.99
Battery Capacity: International voltage capacity | Compatibility: iPhone, Samsung, GoPro, and more | Colors: Black | Weight: 5.3 ounces | Dimensions: 3.31 x 3.31 x 2.6 inches | Number of Ports: 4
Related: The 10 Best Travel Pillows of 2022, Tested and Reviewed
Best for iPhones: iWalk Small Portable Charger
Who It’s Good For:
Anybody who needs an iPhone-compatible portable charger that works quickly and is able to power other Apple devices.
Who It’s Not Good For
Anyone looking to charge a non-Apple device.
This portable charger connects to your phone easily, and the wire-free design means you’ll have more room in your bag. Many five-star reviewers like that this charger works quickly and can be used to power up other Apple devices like iPads and AirPods. Although this phone charger is bulky, it acts as a reliable backup power source when you don’t have access to an outlet.
That said, it’s one of the best iPhone chargers on the market, says Julie Falconer, travel influencer, and founder of A Lady in London. “This charger has a really compact and elegant design, so it saves space in my bag and fits easily in my pocket when I'm on the road,” she says. “It also charges my iPhone quickly and plugs straight into my phone, so there's no need for external cables.”
Price at time of publish: $25.99 (orig. $37.99)
Battery Capacity: 4500 mAh | Compatibility: Several iPhone models | Colors: Black, blue, pink, purple, silver, black leather | Weight: 6.4 oz. | Dimensions: 4.57 x 3.35 x 1.38 inches | Number of Ports: 1
How to Pick the Right Portable Charger
Compatibility
Since there are several phone models available, always make sure your portable charger is compatible with yours. Considering this factor is probably the most important; if your device isn’t compatible with the charger, you will have to return it. “If a portable charger is not compatible with your phone, it may not be able to deliver enough power to keep your phone charged, or it may charge your phone at a slow pace,” Lewis says. “On the other hand, using a charger that is specifically designed for your phone can ensure that you get the quickest and most efficient charge possible.”
To determine compatibility, Lewis recommends considering the type of charging port your phone uses (such as micro-USB, USB-C, or lightning), as well as the maximum power output your phone can handle. “Some portable chargers come with multiple charging ports that can accommodate different types of devices, while others may be designed for specific phone models or brands,” he adds.
Size and Weight
While traveling or running errands, you’ll always want your portable charger to be compact and easy to carry. As a result, Lewis recommends keeping weight and size in mind when picking a portable charger. “A heavy or bulky charger can quickly become a burden, making it less likely that you'll bring it along when you need it,” he tells PEOPLE. “And if you're traveling with limited space in your luggage, a large, heavy charger can take up valuable real estate in your bag.”
Number of Ports
According to Lewis, the number and types of ports available are other important factors to consider when selecting a portable charger. “The ports determine the number and type of devices you can charge at once, which can be incredibly useful if you're traveling with multiple devices or if you're sharing your charger with others,” he says. “If you only need to charge one device, then a single port is fine, but if you have multiple devices, you'll want to look for a charger with multiple ports.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What brand has the best portable charger?
Our top pick is the Anker PowerCore 20 because it offers fast charging for different phone models. A 20100 battery capacity, a durable case, and surge and short circuit protection are all included for $49.99.
What is the strongest portable charger?
Power banks with the highest milliamp hours (mAh) are the strongest portable chargers on the market. As an example, a power bank with 50000 milliamp hours would be stronger than one with 10000 milliamp hours. You should, however, always select a portable charger that is easy to carry and compatible with your smartphone.
Are portable chargers worth it?
Investing in a portable charger is a smart move, according to Lewis. “I highly recommend portable chargers for their versatility and convenience,” he says. “Whether you are on a long flight, a camping trip, or simply on the go, a portable charger can provide the necessary power boost to keep your devices running.”
Take Our Word For It
Courtney Leiva is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as InStyle, The Daily Beast, Buzzfeed, HuffPost, and more. When researching the best portable chargers, Courtney spoke with several travel influencers and industry experts about the standout features (battery life, compatibility, ports, etc.) to look for as you shop, and, of course, the several chargers available for purchase. She also conducted research, looking at the various portable chargers and details, analyzing price, reviews, and milliamp hours (mAh) of each.
Meet Our Experts
Elaine Warren is a travel expert and the CEO of The Family Cruise Companion.
Stuart Lewis is a seasoned travel agent and the editor of Travel Scoop.
Paige Casey is an Austin-based travel influencer.
Cazzy Magennis is the creator and founder of Dream Big, Travel Far.
Melissa Koffie is the creator and founder of The Global Ghana Girl.
K.M. Robinson is a travel and tech influencer.
Desi Chance is a travel expert and founder of Dezi Style.
Julie Falconer is a travel influencer and founder of A Lady in London.
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