Whether you’re trekking in the wilderness or strolling between coffee shops, a power bank can make the difference between staying connected or going silent. Here is a selection of portable chargers to keep your devices charged up when you’re away from a power outlet. Also: The 5 best iPhone power banks This is my favorite portable charger of all time. It’s been with me in a number of off-grid situations in various countries, and it has never let me down. It has enough capacity to keep my devices topped up between proper recharges, and enough power to charge everything from my earbuds to laptop. And it’s still small enough to fit into cargo pants pocket, although you’d better have a belt! If you want a big power bank and the ability to charge four devices simultaneously, the Zendure SuperTank Pro is among the best portable chargers. Connectivity: Everything about the Omnicharge Omni 20+ is designed around power and ruggedness. The exterior ABS/rubberized shell is capable of taking a pounding, the ports are well-designed, and the screen offers everything from at-a-glance information, to a deep dive into what’s going on. Think of this power bank as a recharging computer. The Omni 20+ is great choice for when I want an AC outlet away from civilization but don’t want to take a big power station. Connectivity:
Input: 45W maxOutput: 60W max
The Zendure SuperTank is an everyday portable power bank, with more than enough power to keep your smartphone and tablet alive for an extra day. Nice and slim and packed with ports, it’s perfect for recharging multiple devices simultaneously. And it has enough power to extend a laptop battery life by hours! Connectivity: Is it a portable power bank or a wall charger? It’s both! You can keep the Anker PowerCore Fusion 10000 plugged in and use it as a charger. Or, take it on the go when you want to use it as a power bank. I have one of these next to my bed. It charges my smartphone at night, and is always ready in case of a power cut, and when I need a power bank in a hurry. The Flash Pro Plus is a chunky pack of aircraft-grade anodized aluminum and batteries. It weighs a reassuring 1.2 pounds, so it’s big. But it’s been with me in a lot of places where it isn’t easy access to a power outlet. In the age of thin, lightweight devices, this thing is a monster! It’s also incredibly rugged, having survived a number of falls. It houses five 21700 Panasonic lithium polymer graphene composite cells holding 25,000mAh of power. The power bank can push that power out of four ports and two wireless charger pads. Yes, that’s right, ports and wireless. This isn’t the largest capacity power bank here by far – in fact, given its size, the capacity is actually very low – but the recharge capability makes it a great choice for those in a hurry. Connectivity: We found less expensive options that pack plenty of power to keep your mobile devices juiced. Below is a look at the best options and how they compare: Here are some of the criteria that I look for:
The power capacity is as stated by the manufacturer. The power bank outputs the power stated in the specification sheet. The product is durable and withstands prolonged use.
Or, you might be looking for the Goldilocks of portable power banks. With these, you gain enough power to charge tablets or phones on the go. Typically, you can contact the airline’s customer service ahead of your flight. Doing so this helps you understand their process for approval and can save you a lot of time at the airport, as customer service lines can be longer than a digital queue for Taylor Swift tickets. Also, when going through normal screening at TSA, treat your power bank as you would a laptop, gaming console, or phone. However, keep in mind these are more suited for outdoor use. As solar technology continues to evolve, it’s possible that solar panels will be built into power banks moving forward.
