Best Portable Chargers of 2026: Power Banks That Keep Up With You
The right power bank is the difference between a dead phone mid-trip and a full charge for everything. We tested 10 portable chargers to find the best for every bag size.
Capacity vs. Portability
Portable charger selection comes down to one trade-off: capacity versus size. A 10,000mAh power bank fits in a jacket pocket and charges an iPhone 16 Pro Max twice. A 26,800mAh bank will charge a laptop but weighs nearly a kilogram. For most travellers, 10,000–20,000mAh hits the sweet spot. The other critical spec in 2026 is maximum output wattage — 30W charges phones quickly but won't charge a laptop; 100W handles phones, tablets, and most USB-C laptops.
Best Overall: Anker 737 Power Bank (PowerCore 26K)
The Anker 737 at $99 is the most versatile power bank we've tested. Its 140W maximum output charges a MacBook Pro at full speed via the 140W USB-C port, while simultaneously charging two additional devices via the 30W USB-C port and USB-A port. The 26,800mAh capacity provides 3–4 full charges for a smartphone or 1.5 charges for a 14-inch laptop. The digital display showing exact remaining capacity is a small but genuinely useful addition.
Best Slim: Belkin BoostCharge 10K
At 22mm thick and 182g, the Belkin BoostCharge 10K slides into the same pocket as your phone. It charges at 15W via USB-C, which is fast enough for a full iPhone charge in about 2.5 hours. For travellers who carry light, this is the power bank that disappears into your bag until you need it.
Best for iPhone: Anker MagGo 10K
The Anker MagGo 10K attaches magnetically to the back of any MagSafe-compatible iPhone, providing a clean, cable-free charging experience. At 7.5W wireless output and 15W USB-C wired, it's not the fastest charger, but the convenience of snapping it on and forgetting about it makes it the best commuter companion for iPhone users.
Pros
- 140W output charges MacBook Pro at full speed
- 26,800mAh handles phones and laptops
- Digital display shows exact remaining capacity
- Charges three devices simultaneously
Cons
- Heavy at 668g — not a pocket power bank
- Charging itself takes 3 hours at 140W
- Large size may not fit in some laptop bags
Our Verdict
The Anker 737 is the best all-round power bank for travellers who need to keep laptops, tablets, and phones charged. The 140W output is genuinely laptop-grade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take a 26,800mAh power bank on a plane?
How many phone charges does 10,000mAh provide?
Where to Buy Anker 737 Power Bank (PowerCore 26K)
GearNexis Admin
AuthorExpert product reviewer and affiliate marketing specialist.
You Might Also Like
Best Wireless Chargers of 2026: Fast, Convenient, and Actually Reliable
Wireless charging has matured. The best chargers now match wired speeds for most devices. We tested 10 pads and stands to find the most reliable options.
Best Gadgets of 2026: The Ultimate Guide
Discover our top-rated gadgets picks for 2026. We've tested dozens of products to bring you the absolute best in value, quality, and performance.
Best USB-C Hubs and Docking Stations of 2026: Expand Any Laptop
Modern laptops ship with too few ports. These are the best USB-C hubs and docking stations that actually deliver on their spec sheets.