Do you carry a portable charger with you? Here’s what I recommend 🪫

When a winter storm, heat wave or unknown power outage hits, you don't want to be left in the dark. If the power goes out, a reliable portable charger is a must-have.

Personally, I own multiple power banks ranging from super sleek and compact chargers that fit in my purse to heavy duty options.

The best portable chargers combine fast charging speeds, compact designs and long-lasting battery life so you can keep your phone, tablet, earbuds or even laptop charged without hunting for an outlet.

Below, I've rounded up the top portable chargers for every need, from super powerful options for outdoor enthusiasts to budget-friendly picks for under $20 and wireless winners.

What to look for in a portable charger

  • Battery capacity (mAh): Higher capacity means more charges. For phones, 10,000mAh is ideal; for laptops, look for 20,000mAh or more.
  • Charging speed: USB-C PD (Power Delivery) offers the fastest charging for modern devices.
  • Port options: Multiple ports allow you to charge more than one device at a time and different types of devices.
  • Size and weight: Slim chargers are more convenient for everyday use; larger ones are better for travel.
  • Extra features: Built-in cables, LED indicators, kick stands and wireless charging add convenience.

1. Best overall portable charger: Anker PowerCore Slim 10,000

  • Capacity: 10,000mAh
  • Ports: USB-C, USB-A
  • Price: $25.99 $23.99

What to look for in a portable charger, Shop the most popular portable chargers of 2026, Anker PowerCore Slim 10,000, Charmast 10,000mAh Ultra Slim Power Bank, BioLite Charge 80 PD Fast USB-C PD Powerbank, Belkin BoostCharge Wireless Power Bank, INIU Portable Charger 10,000mAh, IGGPBB Portable Charger, Blavor Solar Power Bank, JUOVI J2621 Power Bank Portable Charger, Anker Portable Multi-Device Charger with Retractable Cable, What is the best portable charger for iPhones?, How many mAh do I need in a portable charger?, How to choose the right portable charger for you, Are portable chargers allowed on airplanes?, Do portable chargers work for laptops?

Anker PowerCore Slim 10,000

Anker remains the gold standard for portable chargers, and the PowerCore Slim 10,000 is no exception.

This sleek, lightweight power bank offers 10,000mAh capacity, enough to charge most smartphones twice. It features USB-C input/output for fast charging and a slim profile that slips easily into your bag or pocket.

2. Slim portable charger with built-in cables: Charmast 10,000mAh Ultra Slim Power Bank

  • Capacity: 10,000mAh
  • Ports: USB-C, USB-A, Micro USB
  • Price: $39.99 $31.99

What to look for in a portable charger, Shop the most popular portable chargers of 2026, Anker PowerCore Slim 10,000, Charmast 10,000mAh Ultra Slim Power Bank, BioLite Charge 80 PD Fast USB-C PD Powerbank, Belkin BoostCharge Wireless Power Bank, INIU Portable Charger 10,000mAh, IGGPBB Portable Charger, Blavor Solar Power Bank, JUOVI J2621 Power Bank Portable Charger, Anker Portable Multi-Device Charger with Retractable Cable, What is the best portable charger for iPhones?, How many mAh do I need in a portable charger?, How to choose the right portable charger for you, Are portable chargers allowed on airplanes?, Do portable chargers work for laptops?

Charmast 10,000mAh Ultra Slim Power Bank

Charmast delivers one of the thinnest power banks on the market—just 0.5 inches thick.

It offers 10,000mAh capacity, multiple ports, and a sleek design that fits easily in your pocket or clutch. Perfect for everyday carry without bulk.

3. Best for outdoor adventures: BioLite Charge 80 PD Fast USB-C PD Powerbank

  • Capacity: 20,000mAh
  • Ports: USB-C PD, USB-A
  • Price: $99.95

What to look for in a portable charger, Shop the most popular portable chargers of 2026, Anker PowerCore Slim 10,000, Charmast 10,000mAh Ultra Slim Power Bank, BioLite Charge 80 PD Fast USB-C PD Powerbank, Belkin BoostCharge Wireless Power Bank, INIU Portable Charger 10,000mAh, IGGPBB Portable Charger, Blavor Solar Power Bank, JUOVI J2621 Power Bank Portable Charger, Anker Portable Multi-Device Charger with Retractable Cable, What is the best portable charger for iPhones?, How many mAh do I need in a portable charger?, How to choose the right portable charger for you, Are portable chargers allowed on airplanes?, Do portable chargers work for laptops?

BioLite Charge 80 PD Fast USB-C PD Powerbank

For serious outdoor enthusiasts, the BioLite Charge 80 PD packs 20,000mAh capacity and rugged durability.

It’s designed to withstand the elements and keep your gear powered during extended trips. Compatible with laptops, tablets and cameras.

4. Top-selling wireless portable charger: Belkin BoostCharge Wireless Power Bank

  • Capacity: 10,000mAh
  • Features: Wireless charging, USB-C PD
  • Price: $59.95

What to look for in a portable charger, Shop the most popular portable chargers of 2026, Anker PowerCore Slim 10,000, Charmast 10,000mAh Ultra Slim Power Bank, BioLite Charge 80 PD Fast USB-C PD Powerbank, Belkin BoostCharge Wireless Power Bank, INIU Portable Charger 10,000mAh, IGGPBB Portable Charger, Blavor Solar Power Bank, JUOVI J2621 Power Bank Portable Charger, Anker Portable Multi-Device Charger with Retractable Cable, What is the best portable charger for iPhones?, How many mAh do I need in a portable charger?, How to choose the right portable charger for you, Are portable chargers allowed on airplanes?, Do portable chargers work for laptops?

Belkin BoostCharge Wireless Power Bank

For those who hate cables, the Belkin BoostCharge Wireless Power Bank is a game-changer.

It offers wireless charging for Qi-enabled devices plus a USB-C port for wired charging. Perfect for iPhones, Android devices and earbuds.

5. Budget portable charger: INIU Portable Charger 10,000mAh

  • Capacity: 10,000mAh
  • Ports: USB-C, USB-A
  • Price: $23.99 $20.99

What to look for in a portable charger, Shop the most popular portable chargers of 2026, Anker PowerCore Slim 10,000, Charmast 10,000mAh Ultra Slim Power Bank, BioLite Charge 80 PD Fast USB-C PD Powerbank, Belkin BoostCharge Wireless Power Bank, INIU Portable Charger 10,000mAh, IGGPBB Portable Charger, Blavor Solar Power Bank, JUOVI J2621 Power Bank Portable Charger, Anker Portable Multi-Device Charger with Retractable Cable, What is the best portable charger for iPhones?, How many mAh do I need in a portable charger?, How to choose the right portable charger for you, Are portable chargers allowed on airplanes?, Do portable chargers work for laptops?

INIU Portable Charger 10,000mAh

Affordable doesn’t mean sacrificing quality. The INIU Portable Charger offers 10,000mAh capacity, dual USB outputs and a super compact design—all for under $20.

It even includes a built-in LED flashlight, making it a great pick for emergencies or outdoor adventures.

6. Powerful battery pack for travel: IGGPBB Portable Charger

  • Capacity: 50,000mAh
  • Ports: USB-C PD, USB-A
  • Price: $55.49 $34.99

What to look for in a portable charger, Shop the most popular portable chargers of 2026, Anker PowerCore Slim 10,000, Charmast 10,000mAh Ultra Slim Power Bank, BioLite Charge 80 PD Fast USB-C PD Powerbank, Belkin BoostCharge Wireless Power Bank, INIU Portable Charger 10,000mAh, IGGPBB Portable Charger, Blavor Solar Power Bank, JUOVI J2621 Power Bank Portable Charger, Anker Portable Multi-Device Charger with Retractable Cable, What is the best portable charger for iPhones?, How many mAh do I need in a portable charger?, How to choose the right portable charger for you, Are portable chargers allowed on airplanes?, Do portable chargers work for laptops?

IGGPBB Portable Charger

Need serious power? The IGGPBB Portable Charger boasts an impressive 50,000mAh capacity, making it perfect for extended trips or powering multiple devices while traveling—including laptops.

It includes fast-charging ports and a rugged design for durability.

7. Top-selling solar portable charger: Blavor Solar Power Bank

  • Capacity: 20,000mAh
  • Features: Solar charging, LED flashlight, splash-proof
  • Price: $39.99 $26.99

What to look for in a portable charger, Shop the most popular portable chargers of 2026, Anker PowerCore Slim 10,000, Charmast 10,000mAh Ultra Slim Power Bank, BioLite Charge 80 PD Fast USB-C PD Powerbank, Belkin BoostCharge Wireless Power Bank, INIU Portable Charger 10,000mAh, IGGPBB Portable Charger, Blavor Solar Power Bank, JUOVI J2621 Power Bank Portable Charger, Anker Portable Multi-Device Charger with Retractable Cable, What is the best portable charger for iPhones?, How many mAh do I need in a portable charger?, How to choose the right portable charger for you, Are portable chargers allowed on airplanes?, Do portable chargers work for laptops?

Blavor Solar Power Bank

Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and emergency preparedness, this solar-powered portable charger offers 20,000mAh capacity, dual USB ports and a built-in LED flashlight.

The splash-proof design makes it ideal for camping, hiking or any off-grid adventure.

8. High-capacity charger for laptops: JUOVI J2621 Power Bank Portable Charger

  • Capacity: 20,000mAh
  • Ports: USB-C, USB-A
  • Price: $32.98 $29.68

What to look for in a portable charger, Shop the most popular portable chargers of 2026, Anker PowerCore Slim 10,000, Charmast 10,000mAh Ultra Slim Power Bank, BioLite Charge 80 PD Fast USB-C PD Powerbank, Belkin BoostCharge Wireless Power Bank, INIU Portable Charger 10,000mAh, IGGPBB Portable Charger, Blavor Solar Power Bank, JUOVI J2621 Power Bank Portable Charger, Anker Portable Multi-Device Charger with Retractable Cable, What is the best portable charger for iPhones?, How many mAh do I need in a portable charger?, How to choose the right portable charger for you, Are portable chargers allowed on airplanes?, Do portable chargers work for laptops?

JUOVI J2621 Power Bank Portable Charger

The JUOVI J2621 offers 20,000mAh capacity in a sleek, travel-friendly design.

It features fast charging technology, multiple USB ports, and a built-in LED display to monitor battery life. Perfect for powering smartphones, tablets and small devices on-the-go.

9. Top charger for multi-device use: Anker Portable Multi-Device Charger with Retractable Cable

  • Capacity: 10,000mAh
  • Features: Retractable cable, USB-C PD
  • Price: $134.99 $119.99

What to look for in a portable charger, Shop the most popular portable chargers of 2026, Anker PowerCore Slim 10,000, Charmast 10,000mAh Ultra Slim Power Bank, BioLite Charge 80 PD Fast USB-C PD Powerbank, Belkin BoostCharge Wireless Power Bank, INIU Portable Charger 10,000mAh, IGGPBB Portable Charger, Blavor Solar Power Bank, JUOVI J2621 Power Bank Portable Charger, Anker Portable Multi-Device Charger with Retractable Cable, What is the best portable charger for iPhones?, How many mAh do I need in a portable charger?, How to choose the right portable charger for you, Are portable chargers allowed on airplanes?, Do portable chargers work for laptops?

Anker Portable Multi-Device Charger with Retractable Cable

Anker’s retractable cable design makes this charger a standout for convenience.

With multi-device compatibility, fast charging and a compact build, it’s ideal for commuters and frequent travelers who want fewer cables cluttering their bag.

What is the best portable charger for iPhones?

The Anker PowerCore Slim portable charger is a consistent pick for iPhone users thanks to its fast charging and slim design.

How many mAh do I need in a portable charger?

For a single phone charge, 5,000mAh is plenty. For multiple devices or tablets, look for 10,000–20,000mAh.

How to choose the right portable charger for you

  • For everyday use: A slim 10,000mAh charger like Anker PowerCore Slim is perfect.
  • For travel: Go big with 20,000mAh or more, like the IGGPBB Portable Charger with 50,000mAh.
  • For laptops: Look for USB-C PD chargers with at least 60W output. This one from Anker has 100W and built-in retractable cables.
  • For wireless convenience: The Belkin BoostCharge is your best bang for your buck when it comes to wireless charging.

Are portable chargers allowed on airplanes?

Do portable chargers work for laptops?

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Do you carry a portable charger with you? Here’s what I recommend 🪫