12 best portable chargers & power banks to buy in 2024
With over 13,000 five-star ratings, this small but mighty powerbank has an “insane” amount of charge.
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You know how it goes – you’re in the middle of an important work call or waiting for that late-night Uber, and suddenly your device decides it’s time to play dead.
That’s where a portable charger can come to the rescue.
These compact batteries are made to fit in your bag or pocket so you have some backup power the next time you’re running on fumes.
With so many sizes and capacities to choose from though, finding the right one for your needs can be a bit of a slog.
RELATED: Top-rated wireless chargers
That’s why we’ve scoured the market to bring you the best power banks for all needs and budgets – like this fast-charging INIU 22.5W Power Bank, which is only $29.99 (down from $46.99).
More than 13,000 shoppers have already given this a five-star rating, with British tech influencer Hassan El-Suleiman saying it provides an “insane” amount of charge.
“This powerbank is incredible.. and has enough juice so you never have to worry about running out of power ever again,” he said.
“It just feels really well built and rigid in your hand. And it doesn’t weigh too much, so it’s not going to cause a nuisance.
“Overall this is a fantastic purchase and one you will definitely not regret.”
Read on below for our complete wrap up of the best portable chargers out there right now.
Prices are correct and products are in stock at time of publishing.
OUR TOP PICKS
EDITOR’S PICK - BEST PORTABLE CHARGER
INIU 22.5W Power Bank, 10000mAh Slim USB C Portable Charger
What You Need To Know
You couldn’t really ask for much more with the INIU 22.5W Power Bank, that’s because a lot of features have been included in this small but mighty product, which is 36 per cent thinner, 15 per cent smaller and 28 per cent lighter compared to other products on the market.
It’s perfect for travelling, and is fast-charging - it’s able to bring an iPhone 15 battery up to 65 per cent in just 25 minutes, which is very impressive, plus it’s compatible with a range of tech products including Samsung, Apple and Google.
On Amazon, there’s more than 13,000 happy 5-star ratings, with buyers saying the INIU 22.5W Power Bank sets “the new standard in power banks.
“Very good, charges phone fast, and charges fast itself when using a fast charger,” wrote one Aussie buyer, while another said: “This is the BEST battery pack I’ve ever bought! Charges my phone super quick and rarely needs charging itself! Quality is top notch and it’s also nice that it comes with a bag! I never leave the house without it now.”
BEST BUDGET PORTABLE CHARGERS
VEEKTOMX 10,000mAh 22.5W Mini Power Bank, $29.99 at Amazon Australia
VEEKTOMX 10,000mAh 22.5W Mini Power Bank
Tried and Tested by Lauren Chaplin, former Consumer Technology Reporter
If you’re in the market for a compact portable charger, this little VEEKTOMX power bank is tough to beat. At around half the size of my iPhone 13 Pro, the charger is the most compact 10,000mAh option I’ve come across – easily slipping into my handbag without weighing me down.
Where most power banks only have LED lights as a power indicator, the VEEKTOMX charger displays the remaining battery percentage on the front, which is super handy. It can also charge up to two devices simultaneously, and powered up my iPhone around two and a half times before running out of juice.
There’s only one USB-C to USB-C cable included in the box so, if you require additional cables, you will have to provide your own. But for the size and price, the charger is an easy recommendation.
BEST PORTABLE CHARGERS FOR PHONES
Belkin BoostUp Charge 10K, $50.96 at Myer
Belkin BoostUp Charge 10K
What You Need To Know
Budget-friendly, compact and lightweight, Belkin’s BoostUp Charge 10K is an easy pick for those after a simple smartphone charger. With two USB-A ports, one USB-C port and a 10,000 mAh capacity, you can charge at up to 15W when using all three ports.
There’s also LED indicator lights to tell you the power bank’s power status, although we would have preferred a digital display here. For those after a basic model that won’t break the bank though, this is a great choice.
BEST PORTABLE CHARGER FOR IPADS AND TABLETS
Anker PowerCore Essential 20,000mAh Power Bank, $79.99 (down from $89.99) at Amazon Australia
Anker PowerCore Essential 20,000mAh Portable Charger
What You Need To Know
If you’re looking for a charger with a little more power, but without a ton of extra weight, this 20,000mAh Anker unit is for you. Offering more than four charges for an iPhone 11 and over two and a half charges for an iPad Mini 5, the power bank makes it easy to get more from your devices.
Twin USB ports allow you to charge two devices at the same time, while trickle-charging mode can be used to optimise charging to low-power devices such as earbuds or accessories.
The lack of a USB-C output port is disappointing here, but it’s an otherwise great buy for those looking to top up their tablets and phones on the go.
One five-star reviewer on Amazon Australia said, “While it does take a while for the powerbank to fully charge, once full it can easily charge an iPad up to three times before needing to be recharged again.
It’s also powerful enough to increase the battery life while the iPad is being used to play games. Very handy when travelling long distances in the car with young children.”
BEST PORTABLE CHARGERS FOR LAPTOPS
INIU 100W 25K USB-C Laptop Portable Charger, $86.33 (down from $136.99) at Amazon Australia
INIU 100W 25K USB-C Laptop Portable Charger
What You Need To Know
This INIU 100W charger is currently our favourite affordable power bank for charging laptops and gaming devices. It’s got a big 25,000mAh capacity and outputs 100W, which is enough to power a MacBook Pro 14-inch to 50 per cent in just 30 minutes, or a Steam Deck gaming console at its maximum speed.
It also supports pass-through charging, Samsung Super Fast Charging 2.0 and has a digital capacity readout so you know exactly how much juice you have left. It is on the chunky side, but that’s something we’ve come to expect at this capacity.
BEST PORTABLE CHARGER FOR APPLE WATCH
iWALK MAG-X Magnetic Wireless Power Bank with iWatch Charger, $34.99 at Amazon Australia
iWALK MAG-X Magnetic Wireless Power Bank with iWatch Charger
What You Need To Know
As the name suggests, this iWALK MAG-X Magnetic Wireless Power Bank with iWatch Charger supports charging iPhone and Apple Watch simultaneously with compact design and strong magnetic for on-the-go charging.
Featuring an ultra-powerful 10000mAh battery, iWalk claims the charger can power an Apple Watch up to 22 times. It can also charge other Apple products which are Magsafe compatible, including the iPhone, iPad and Airpods, This charger also comes with a built-in lightning cable so you can charge your Watch and iPhone simultaneously.
There’s even an integrated magnetic charger module to hold your Apple Watch in place, making it a truly handy buy.
One five star reviewer on Amazon Australia said it was an “excellent buy”, especially if you’re travelling, writing: “I was able to use this charger while travelling. It was most useful because I could not locate a place to charge my phone. Keeps a charge for a long time. Very compact and easy to charge my Apple Watch as well. Highly recommended if you travel like I do!”
BEST PORTABLE CHARGER FOR FAST CHARGING
INIU 3A High-Speed PowerPaw 10,000mAh, $29.99 (down from $48.99) at Amazon Australia
INIU 3A High-Speed PowerPaw 10,000mAh
What You Need To Know
It may be a lesser known brand than some others on this list, but INIU’s 10,000mAh PowerPaw charger is a great little unit. Not only does it offer super speedy short-term charging, but its Dual USB-A ports make it easy to power up a secondary device.
With a thickness of just 0.5 inches, the power bank is super slim and lightweight enough to throw in a bag without significantly adding to the weight.
There’s also a paw print light on the front that tells you how much juice your charger has left, which is a handy addition, albeit one that could be improved. As much as we love the cute design, an actual battery percentage would have been more useful here.
Still, with a 4.6 out of five star rating from more than 25,000 reviews on Amazon Australia, it’s a standout device at an even better price.
One happy reviewer, who rated the power bank five out of five, said: “Works great, charges quickly. Has enough juice to charge my iPhone twice. Took this when I went travelling and never failed.”
BEST PORTABLE CHARGER FOR CHARGING MULTIPLE DEVICES AT ONCE
Anker 737 PowerCore 24K Power Bank, $190.39 (down from $209) at Amazon Australia
Anker 737 PowerCore 24K Power Bank
What You Need To Know
If you’re looking for an option powerful enough to charge devices like laptops and portable gaming consoles, we highly recommend this Anker PowerCore brick. While it doesn’t come cheap, the portable charger has a whopping 24,000mAh battery and can deliver 140W out of a single port. For context, that’s enough to power a 16-inch MacBook Pro to 50 per cent in around 40 minutes (with a cable that supports PD 3.1).
Featuring two USB-C ports and a USB-A port (18W), the power bank can charge up to three devices at once, while keeping temperatures to a reasonable level. The standout feature though is the smart display, which shows the output/input power and estimated time for the portable charger to fully recharge.
There’s no USB-C cable or AC charger included with the device, so you will need to supply your own (and you’ll want to ensure both are capable of PD 3.1 to take full advantage of the power bank), but it’s a hugely convenient option for those in need of a big power boost.
The Anker PowerCore 24K had a current 4.6 out of five star rating from more than 9100 reviews on Amazon Australia. One customer called it the “Rolls Royce of batteries”, saying its 140W charge rate is “insane” and “able to power even the hungriest USB-C laptop”.
BEST PORTABLE CHARGER FOR WIRELESS CHARGING
Anker 622 Magnetic Battery (MagGo), $69.99 at Amazon Australia
Anker 622 Magnetic Battery (MagGo)
What You Need To Know
If you have an iPhone that supports MagSafe, Anker’s 622 MagGo is a great little gadget. The versatile battery magnetically latches on to the back of your phone, so you don’t need to worry about carrying cables around with you.
It also comes with a kickstand, so you can prop your phone up to watch videos or play games as it charges.
At 5000mAh, you’re only going to get around one phone charge out of it, but it remains a convenient solution for those who don’t need a big top up.
BEST PORTABLE CHARGER WITH BUILT-IN WIRES
VEEKTOMX 20,000mAh Power Bank with Built in Cables, $49.99 at Amazon Australia
VEEKTOMX 20,000mAh Power Bank with Built in Cables
What You Need To Know
If you’re forever misplacing your cables, or just looking to reduce cable clutter, this VEEKTOMX 30K Power Bank offers an ideal solution. The power bank includes built-in Micro, Type C, Apple, and USB A cables, all of which fold neatly into the back and sides of the device. There’s also a USB-C port and a built-in USB-A input cable for charging the power bank, which means you can charge up to five devices at the same time.
While larger devices can take some time to power up, the charger makes short work of smaller devices like smartphones.
It also has an LED screen to tell you the remaining power level and built-in safeguards to protect your device.
BEST PORTABLE CHARGER FOR TRAVEL
Belkin BoostCharge Hybrid Wall Charger + Power Bank 5K with Travel Adapter
What You Need To Know
It may be an absolute mouthful to say, but this gadget is a unique problem solver for frequent travellers. Essentially, it’s a 25W PD capable wall charger and a 5000mAh capacity power bank in one. Plug it in and you’ll get high-speed charging to almost all USB and PD-enabled devices. Unplug it and it will go into battery mode, where you’ll get a maximum output of 20W.
It also comes with swappable plugs for popular destinations (US/EU/UK/AU) so you can save the hassle of buying an adaptor for every country, and features dual ports so you can charge two devices at once.
The BoostCharge Hybrid is an expensive choice for the battery capacity, and it may not be powerful enough to power all USB-C laptops. If you’re looking for an all-in-one charging solution for smaller devices though, it makes for a handy travel companion.
BEST POWER BANK FOR CAMPING
BioLite Charge 80 PD USB-C Power Bank, $139.95 at Amazon Australia
BioLite Charge 80 PD USB-C Power Bank
What You Need To Know
A lot of people like to go “off-grid” when they camp, but a little bit of power is essential to keep your phone charged up in case of an emergency. We like this power-packed Charge 80PD USB-C Powerbank by Biolite, which gives you 20,000mAh in a compact design. Two USB-A out ports let you charge up multiple devices at the same time, while its durable exterior makes it great for throwing in a backpack. The yellow design also makes it easy to find the ports in the dark, which is super handy.
The portable charger has a 4.8 out of five star rating on Google Reviews, with one shopper commenting: “Having this unit makes me feel more secure in case of mishaps on my hikes.”
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A PORTABLE CHARGER
When deciding which portable power bank is right for you, you’ll want to compare the following:
Capacity: The capacity of a portable charger is measured in milliamp hour (mAh) and gives you a rough estimate of the charging capabilities. For instance, most smartphones have a battery with around 3000mAh, so a 3000mAh power bank will likely offer a single phone charge before it also runs out of juice. Higher capacity power banks can meanwhile charge your phone multiple times before needing to be recharged, and some can also charge more powerful devices such as laptops, tablets and portable gaming consoles. We recommend a 10,000mAh charger for anyone looking to charge their smartphones or smaller devices regularly. Those looking to power larger devices should meanwhile look for options with at least a 20,000mAh capacity.
Size and weight: As the name suggests, portable power banks are meant to be easy to carry around with you. However, they do come in a range of shapes, weights and sizes, making it important to compare options. While a 20,000mAh power bank is much more powerful than a 10,000mAh one, for instance, larger capacity batteries are also heavier and bulkier. When choosing a charger, you’ll want to weigh up the portability against the output to find one that works for your needs.
Ports: Most portable chargers include at least two output ports, with larger capacity models offering even more. The amount of ports you’ll need will depend on how many devices you’re likely to be charging at any one time. You’ll also want to ensure that the ports and included cables are compatible with your devices.
Charging speed: If you need to charge your devices quickly, you’ll want to look for a power bank with fast charging technology. Keep in mind that fast charging does require a compatible cable and these may need to be purchased separately.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
Our team of experienced writers spend hours researching products to include in articles. We find out what factors make a good product by talking to experts, reviewing test results and analysing thousands of customer reviews.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I bring a portable charger on a plane?
Whether you’re travelling domestically or internationally, you are permitted to bring a power bank within carry-on luggage (batteries cannot be put inside checked luggage). Generally, airlines allow power banks up to 100W (approximately 27,000mAh) on flights, though we recommend double checking individual airline’s guidelines before heading to the airport.
Are there specific safety features to consider when choosing a portable charger?
Yes, when choosing a portable charger it is important to consider specific safety features, such as over-current protection, temperature control, overcharge protection, short-circuit protection and auto-shut off.
You should also read the instructions that come with your charger to make sure you’re using it correctly.
How to recycle a power bank
If your power bank has finally bitten the dust, you might be wondering how to dispose of it. As batteries are made of non renewable materials and are capable of causing fires, they should never be placed in your recycling or waste bin. Instead, you can search for electronic recycling services near you to dispose of them responsibly.
Mobile Munster is one great option for Australians, as it has plenty of convenient drop-off points at stores like Vodafone, Optus, Telstra and Officeworks. You can also grab a mailing satchel through the site and mail in your device for free.
What’s the difference between a portable charger and a wireless charging pad?
Portable chargers, or power banks, are small batteries that can be carried around and used to charge devices on the go. They connect to your device via a compatible cable, so you can continue using your device as it powers up.
Wireless charging pads meanwhile offer the convenience of charging without the need for cables. You simply place your device on the pad, and it charges automatically (assuming you have a wireless charging compatible device). Wireless charging is typically slower than wired charging, and the charging pads typically aren’t designed for travel.
In saying this, you can get wireless power banks that attach to any phone that has wireless charging capabilities and a MagSafe compatible case. This will allow you to wirelessly charge while you’re out and about, though charging will likely still be slower than with a wired power bank.
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