The 12 Best Portable Chargers of 2024, According to Travel Experts
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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 vacation 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 out-of-office time.
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.
Many types of portable chargers are available (power banks, wall adapters, etc.), so it can be difficult to decide which one to buy. 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.
Here are our top picks for the best portable chargers, along with shopping insights from travel influencers and industry pros.
Best Overall: Anker PowerCore 20100mAh Power Bank
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.
“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," he says. "Additionally, its sleek design and fast charging technology make it a favorite in my travel tech arsenal.”
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
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.”
Battery Capacity: 5000 mAh | Compatibility: iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, AirPods, and more | Colors: Blue, black, red, rosy red | Weight: 4.8 oz. | Number of Ports: 1
Best Compact: Anker Portable Charger 511 Power Bank
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, has 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!”
Battery Capacity: 5000 mAh | Compatibility: iPhone 15/14/13/12 series, Samsung S22, Google Pixel, Apple Watch, AirPods, and more | Colors: Blue, black | Weight: 5.9 oz. | Dimensions: 4.45 x 1.18 x 13 inches | Number of Ports: 1
Best Investment: EWEMOSI Portable Laptop Charger
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.
Battery Capacity: 25000 mAh | Compatibility: iPhone, MacBook, Samsung, HP, Lenovo, Dell, and more | Colors: Black, 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
Since USB-C chargers allow you to charge your phone and the charger simultaneously, it’s definitely a portable charger you should have on hand. 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. Along with wired headphones for the plane, it's a must-have travel accessory, much like a travel pillow.
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,” Magennis 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.”
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
Best Lightweight: Goal Zero Flip 12 Power Bank
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 ideal addition to your carry-on bag. 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 great 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.”
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 at Amazon: Anker 633 Magnetic Battery (MagGo), 10,000mAh Foldable Wireless Portable Charger
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.
Battery Capacity: 10000 mAh | Compatibility: iPhone 15/14/13/12 series | Colors: Blue, black, white | Weight: 7.7 oz. | Dimensions: 4.21 x 2.62 x 0.71 inches | Number of Ports: 2
Best Wall Charger: LENCENT Universal Travel Adapter
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!"
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
Best for iPhones: iWalk Small Portable Charger
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.”
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
Best Eco-Friendly: Nimble Champ Portable Charger
The Nimble Champ is, as advertised, “smaller than a deck of cards.” This compact, portable charger is also lightweight and versatile. It comes with two USB-C ports (on either side), so it’s easy to charge two devices at once, and a 3.3-foot cord is included.
This pick is also sustainable; it’s made from 90 percent recycled plastic and contains no plastic packaging. It’s easy to keep track of this portable charger thanks to the attached lanyard and the range of colors available. It can fast-charge Apple and Android devices and has a 10,000 mAh battery for up to three days of power.
Battery Capacity: 10000 mAh | Compatibility: iPhone, Samsung, Google Pixel, smartwatches, fitness trackers, tablets, and more | Colors: Black, white, shorebreak blue, green, nebula blue | Weight: 6.4 oz. | Dimensions: 3.38 x 2.28 x 0.98 inches | Number of Ports: 2
Best for Camping: Blavor Solar Power Bank
If you’re going camping or anywhere else where you won’t have access to electric power for a while, a solar power bank is a great thing to bring along. In addition to its charging capabilities, this one from Blavor includes built-in dual LED lights and a small compass on a carabiner clip.
You can charge your Apple and Samsung devices via USB, micro-USB, and USB-C outputs or the magnetic charger that’s specifically designed for iPhones 12, 13, and 14. It also has a foldable bracket that allows you to place your phone upright for easy viewing. This sturdy device is IPX5 waterproof, dustproof, and shockproof.
Battery Capacity: 10000 mAh | Compatibility: iPhone, iPad, Samsung, and more | Colors: Black with black, orange, blue, red, green edges | Weight: 9.3 oz. | Dimensions: 5.9 x 3.1 x 0.8 inches | Number of Ports: 3
Best for Laptops: Eggtronic Laptop Power Bank Ultra-Fast 20,000mAh Slim Battery Pack
If you’re looking for a power bank that can charge up to three devices at one time, the Eggtronic Laptop Power Bank may be just what you’ve been searching for. Not just for laptops, this power bank can also revive smartphones, digital cameras, tablets, and more. It has an LCD display on the front that shows the current battery level, so you’ll always know when it’s ready to use. It also comes with a three-foot USB-C to USB-C cable and a USB-C to USB-A adapter tip.
Battery Capacity: 30000 mAh | Compatibility: Laptops, tablets, smartphones | Colors: Black canvas | Weight: 1.34 lbs. | Dimensions: 6.75 x 4 x 0.63 inches | Number of Ports: 3
What to Know About Portable Chargers
Compatibility
Since there are several phone models available, always make sure your portable charger is compatible with yours. “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 says. “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.”
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 the price, reviews, and milliamp hours (mAh) of each.
Our Expert Panel
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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Read the original article on People.
