Tested: The Best Portable Chargers & Power Banks for EDC

As time goes by, more and more of the everyday carry gear we haul around requires power of some kind. The trouble is that the batteries don’t always last for as long as we need them to, and access to power outlets, especially when out and about or on travel, is not always easy to come by. Thankfully, you don’t simply have to accept that your gear will power down — so long as you have a means of keeping it juiced up while on the go.

That’s where portable chargers and power banks come into play. You see, by adding one of these simple devices to your everyday carry, you’re afforded the ability to keep your most-used tech powered up and going strong — sometimes for days at a time without access to an outlet. In this guide, we got the opportunity to test out our favorite chargers and power banks.

How We Tested

Chargers and power banks are a dime a dozen. But unless you’re desperate, you want to avoid what you’d find in the 1-3-5 section at Target. Instead, aim higher for something that can charge your devices quickly, withstand most conditions, and hopefully have some extra features to boot. These are the criteria we looked for when scouring the web for our “best power banks & chargers” guide before testing each one.

After compiling our shortlist, we sourced our products for testing, getting hands-on with each and every unit. From there, we looked at usability, weight, size, charging quickness, and any other features we felt stood out. The results are detailed down below.

What to Look For

Power: This is the most important factor to consider, as it determines how many charges you get (and it’s usually measured in mAh or Wh). For smartphones, 10,000 mAh is plenty (and chargers/banks capable of fast charging with around ~5,000 mAh are just fine, too), but tablets and laptops will benefit from more charging capacity.

Compatible Devices/Ports: While many power banks and chargers will offer multiple connections/ports (USB, Micro-USB, USB-C, etc.), some may be built for specific devices. For instance, Apple’s MagSafe battery pack can technically work with other Qi-enabled devices, but the tech is purpose-built for the iPhone.

Size: If you’re traveling or camping, a smaller charger can be more convenient, but won’t offer as much charging capacity. At the end of the day, you’re trading the number of charges you get for a more manageable size (but even small options pack plenty of power, and the tech is only improving). Remember, the dimensions of the power bank will also determine how easily you can stow it in your pocket.

Weight: Along with size, there’s weight. While, yes, the capacity of a battery will help determine its weight, that’s not the only variable. You also have materials that make up the housing. For instance, there’s a Nitecore unit in this guide made of lightweight carbon fiber and weighs just 6oz despite housing a 10,000 capacity.

Speed: Most modern power banks and chargers offer solid charging speeds, but if you need some more, look for devices with higher output currents (2.1A+) and/or fast charging tech like Apple’s MagSafe (for iPhone users), Quick Charge, and USB-C inputs.

Anker PowerCore 5000

Best Budget Power Bank: The Anker PowerCore 5000 has been a mainstay of the portable power pack industry for years and years for a couple of very simple, specific reasons. For starters, it holds up to 5000mAh — which is almost enough to fill up an iPhone battery twice. Second, it is remarkably portable — measuring up at a minuscule 3.94″ on its longest side, making it perfect for stashing in your pocket, backpack, glove compartment, etc. It might not be the most modern, high-tech option around, but it more than makes up for that with its small stature and, therefore, extreme portability. This charger works for smartphones, tablets, and laptops, with enough power to provide full charges for most smartphones.

The Good

Anker does a great job at keeping an expansive range of products, from the premium portable chargers costing upwards of $200 to this humble PowerCore 5000 at just over $20 (if you can find a good deal). Nevertheless, it packs 5,000mAh of power into a super compact, lightweight housing and can charge your phone a couple of times. The charger also comes with a micro-USB to USB-A adapter. Also, you get an 18-month warranty with purchase from Anker.

While some might complain about the micro-USB port instead of a USB-C, I actually liked this detail. Since micro-USB doesn’t allow for reverse insertion (i.e., it’s only for charging the charger itself), there’s no confusion when it comes to which port is for giving power and which port is for receiving it. This could be helpful for the technologically challenged.

The Not So Good

An obvious downside of the Anker PowerCore 5000 is its unfortunate shape which doesn’t even kind of stay put on most hard surfaces. I kept dealing with it trying to roll off my desk (I prefer portable chargers to wall outlets for their portability and usually shorter cords). However, it’s not a bad shape for travel and on-the-go use, with a short length that fits well inside your pocket, alongside other gear you may have. Likewise, it stands out to your sense of touch inside of a packed duffel or backpack. It’s also important to note that this does not have a USB-C port, which might be a deal-breaker for some.

Verdict: Despite having a shape that rolls off your desk easily, the Anker PowerCore 5000 is compact, portable, and stands out in a crowded bag. You get a ton of power for the price. When taking into consideration all the other cheap chargers you could get, you won’t get much better than this one from a respected brand.

Clutch Charger

Best Space-Saving Charger: Not every charger needs to be plugged into the wall to work. Take, for instance, the Clutch charger you see here. This nifty charger is as thin as a credit card, weighs only 2 ounces, and still gives you 3300mAh of power. It comes in this sleek metal body that measures just 3.5 inches wide, making this a super convenient pick for those who need the smallest charger they can get (that’s still effective). If you leave it alone, it can also hold a charge for several weeks, and it comes with a USB-A to USB-C charging cable. Clutch is offering two versions of the charger, one is compatible with all current Android smartphones, and the other is compatible with all current iPhones.

The Good

Truly meant for an on-the-go lifestyle, the Clutch Charger is superbly convenient. As light as can be, it fit right alongside my wallet, and was the same size-ish. I didn’t even know it was there most of the time. And the corners are slightly rounded so it wasn’t digging into my leg either. I thought the built-in USB-C cord would be too short, measuring just about 2″, but it was actually the perfect length; it wasn’t straggling around in my pocket either.

One side of the charger is magnetic (as indicated by a lightning bolt), which is a nice feature, even if it only works on newer smartphones. I tried it on the latest Samsung Galaxy S23 and it stayed attached enough to keep it together in my pocket. However, the unit also comes with a magnetic ring to boost your phone if it’s not already equipped with magnetization.

The Not So Good

With just over 3,000mAh of power, the Clutch gives a good amount of power, although it won’t power up your phone as quickly as, say, the Otterbox or Anker units below and above, respectively. Moreover, I did notice that if the Cluch charger is asleep when you plug it into a device, it won’t start charging right away, until you press the button on the side of the unit. Keep that in mind when you’re rushing and needing some quick power to your phone.

Also, while $40 isn’t bad for a portable charger, I wish that the Clutch did a little bit more than it does. For instance, there’s no regular USB-A port, which could be a downside for some. But most importantly, make sure you specify which kind of phone you have (Android or iPhone) prior to purchasing because these will only work for one or the other.

Verdict: With flaws that are few and far between (no USB-A port, a slightly higher price tag than expected, etc.), the Clutch Charger’s pros easily outweigh its cons. Featuring a built-in USB-C port, the unit can magnetically attach to some newer phones and easily fits alongside your device inside your pocket, which is perfect for travel. If you’re looking to save space, definitely consider this one.

Otterbox Fast Charge

Best for Fast Charging: If you like the slimness and portability of some of the options here, but you’ve soured on the limited capacity, the Otterbox Fast Charge you see here might be a happy medium — or at least an alternative worth considering. It’s not quite wallet-sized, but it is definitely slim and small enough to fit into even crowded pockets. Mate that to its ability to fast-charge as well as an impressively capacious 20,000mAh power bank, and it’s clear to see that this is a true contender in its category. USB-A and Fast Charge USB-C ports allow you to charge multiple devices at the same time, and Otterbox offers this model in multiple power options, so you can get the right one for your needs.

The Good

If you truly want a ton of power in your pocket and want the best bang for your buck, this Otterbox Fast Charge is the way to go. The 20k capacity filled up my Samsung Galaxy phone in under 90 minutes with the USB-C port. Also, if 20,000mAh is too much for you, Otterbox offers a 15k version for a little less. And then you have the price, which clocks in at just over $50. Compare this to the Anker 737 below, which has a 24,000mAh capacity, yet costs around $100 more (however, you won’t get the cool display screen with all your charging info).

Aside from the performance of the power bank, the unit just looks really great. As a contrast to the ultra-techy-looking banks that flood the market, this Otterbox Fast Charge has a really handsome housing, covering the front and back of the textured black case is a dark gray material that feels like some sort of faux-leather. The front side even has a cool diagonal groove design, on top of which is a gold-colored metal strip that just adds a touch of class.

The Not So Good

Despite being a really fast charger, the Otterbox here only retains that charging speed when it is fully juiced itself. I went to power up my phone when the power bank had around 25% power and it wasn’t charging as quickly (although, this pretty much goes for any power bank). Also, this unit weighs about 1lb, which won’t be super practical for some people looking to shed weight in their pockets, especially if you’re wearing sweatpants or gym shorts. However, it’s perfectly fine for backpack carry.

Verdict: Surprisingly more attractive than any power bank has the right to be, the Otterbox Fast Charge is a dual-port unit with some handsome design features. Probably not a practical pocket option, the large pack is certainly heavy but won’t weigh as much as other similarly-large options. A solid option for travel, this $55 power bank offers incredible value.

Otterbox Wireless Power Bank for MagSafe

Best Portable MagSafe Power Bank: If you haven’t realized, MagSafe chargers are becoming the new norm these days. After all, who doesn’t love wireless functionality? However, the tech can still be improved upon slightly. Otterbox, in their second appearance on this list, makes our favorite MagSafe charger, simply because it can power your device from either side and can also double as a standard USB charger using the USB-C port and equipped cable. Not to mention, the Wireless Charger’s sleek, minimalist display is a nice addition to any EDC loadout.

The Good

If you’re looking at the Clutch Charger above, wishing it could do a bit more, then take a look at the Otterbox Wireless Power Bank. While it may not have a built-in cable, it still comes with a small 6-inch USB-C cable and is quite comfortable in your pocket with its rounded edges. And some might like how it’s even a bit heavier; you can feel its presence a little more in your pocket. Sporting a low profile, the unit still only weighs 3.8oz.

Also, something that I love and that helps this wireless charger stand out is it stops charging automatically when your device is fully charged, thus saving the charger itself from getting needlessly drained and your device from getting needlessly overcharged.

The Not So Good

If you compare this Otterbox charger to the brand’s Fast Charge power bank above, it’s clear that one offers better value for its relative price. This 3,00mAh unit is essentially the same price as its 20,000mAh (non-MagSafe) alternative, which is a bit of an issue for me. I know that’s the nature of MagSafe chargers in general but still, it makes you reconsider how you’re powering your devices on the go. It’s also important to note that the USB-C option with the Otterbox 3k will charge your device MUCH faster than the MagSafe, which can also be finicky with certain phone cases, but such is the nature of wireless charging.

Verdict: Perhaps not relatively priced compared to Otterbox’s much-more-powerful units, the brand’s Wireless Power Bank has some serious versatility with dual-sided MagSafe capability and even quick-charging from the USB-C cable (not built-in). Lightweight and comfortable in your pocket, the charger also stops sending juice to your device once it’s fully charged, thus preventing it from over-charging.

Nitecore Summit 10000

Best for the Outdoors: We firmly believe that power banks should be seen but not felt. That’s what Nitecore thought too, leading to the creation of its innovative Summit 10000. Housed in carbon fiber, this power bank is pretty darn powerful while also being lightweight at 6oz. And if you’re looking for something to power up your gear on your next adventure, this unit can also be taken to the ends of the Earth, literally. Impact-resistant to 1.5m and IPX5 rated for water resistance, it features an innovative heating mode that allows it to stay 70% operational in -40º temps where other power banks would simply fail to work around -4ºF. Moreover, there’s a USB-A and USB-C port with 18W and 20W of output, respectively.

The Good

Since we weren’t able to test the Nitecore Summit 10000 in sub-zero temps (we tested during the summer), we can only comment on what we actually experienced. First of all, aside from the Otterbox Fast Charge, this is the best-looking unit that we tested with its sleek carbon fiber body that wraps all around except for the base, and branding reserved only for the edges.

In terms of performance, this unit charges your devices just as quickly as the Otterbox Fast Charge as well, powering my Samsung Galaxy phone from basically dead to 100% in around 90 minutes. However, the price is much higher at around double or more. On the other hand, the Nitecore is exceptionally lightweight. This is a 10k power bank that can fit inside your pocket with ease, and it will look just as cool when you take it out. At only 6oz in weight, it also measures very compact at around 5″ x 2.5″, with barely a half-inch thickness. If you don’t want to keep it free in your pocket, the bank also comes with a drawstring carrying case that’s pretty rugged.

The Not So Good

Despite all of the glorious features that come with the Summit 10000, the main drawback, aside from its price, is that it only rates at IPX5 in water resistance. Not fully waterproof, this power bank can still withstand water being sprayed on it from at least 3m away for around 10 to 15 minutes, which isn’t too bad but will eventually need to be covered up if it’s raining hard enough.

Verdict: Perhaps the most impressive power bank on paper, the Nitecore Summit 10000 is a carbon fiber-housed unit that weighs just 6oz and is desirably compact. While we wished it had a higher water-resistance rating than IPX5, it can still withstand drops and some of the most extreme temperatures on Earth. Not to mention, it’s about neck-and-neck with the fastest charging bank on this list (the Otterbox Fast Charge) despite being around double the price, but for good reason.

Anker 737 Power Bank PowerCore 24K

Best Upgrade Power Bank: If you’re looking for great power capacity and charging speed, you’re definitely going to find interest in this offering from Anker, as it has a battery boasting a 24,000mAh total capacity and provides a 140W ultra-powerful charge. For reference, that’s more than 5 full charges for most modern smartphones— like iPhones or your favorite iPhone alternative. Honestly, that capacity and charging speed might be enough to earn it a spot on this list, but it does get better. This power bank also has three USB outputs (two USB-C, one USB-A), a smart digital display to let you know how much juice it has onboard, and even comes with a USB-C to USB-C cable.

The Good

Just for the sheer capability alone, the Anker 737 is a superb pick-up for anyone needing some moderate juice for a handful of days off the grid. While it’s admittedly heavy for a power bank, the extra weight is also a small sacrifice to make when it comes to ensuring your phone won’t stay dead. Like the other Anker pick in this guide, this power bank comes with a warranty (24 months), and the label will replace it if anything should happen, which is a huge plus.

I’m a sucker for the readouts that some of these high-end banks have. On the 737, you get the unit’s current charge percentage, the time until it’s dead, and the power in wattage that it’s giving to each of its 3 ports. When you click the side button again, it toggles to a screen that depicts some other info such as battery health, temperature, and battery cycle, among other things. A third screen gives you the option to set the screen so that it automatically turns off.

The Not So Good

The first thing you’ll notice about the Anker 737 is how heavy it is. Weighing nearly 1.5lbs, the unit won’t be super practical for most people to carry in their pockets, and there’s no real way to attach it to your backpack or belt loop. However, that’s not to say the charger isn’t compact.

I also didn’t love how it doesn’t automatically activate the trickle charge mode like other upper-end Anker products do. This one has to be turned on manually (although I’m not sure why you wouldn’t always want it to turn off once your device is fully charged). I wasn’t aware of this at first and plugged in my Samsung Galaxy Watch to top it off, only to find out that it drained the last 63% of the charger after a few hours. Speaking of which, the 737 also took hours to get fully charged again, even when left plugged in overnight. Make sure you have a powerful wall unit for this task.

Verdict: Surprisingly compact considering how powerful it is, the Anker 737 24k provides peace of mind off the grid for a handful of days and has a very informative readout screen to let you know the entire status of your unit and what it’s charging at the moment. While it’s pretty darn heavy and doesn’t automatically turn off the charge once your device is fully juiced (unless you tell it to ahead of time), this will be an investment you won’t regret if you’re a frequent outdoor adventurer.

Goal Zero Sherpa 100AC

Best for Laptops: Goal Zero’s Sherpa 100 AC is so massive in its storage capacity, that the brand doesn’t even measure the total onboard storage in milliamps — but we did the math, and it breaks down to about 110,000 mAh, which is the equivalent of nearly 40 full iPhone charges. Yes, you read that right: 40. That makes this perhaps unequivocally the absolute king of portable chargers. Granted, it’s a bit bigger than the rest — clocking in at 7.5″ on its longest side — but even its somewhat cumbersome format can be excused by its unmatched capability. This isn’t a portable charger so much as it’s an emergency power hub for literally all the tech you might carry on a single day. It can even fully charge up a modern laptop… more than once.

The Good

While the Sherpa 100 AC doesn’t fit in your pocket, unless maybe you’re wearing massive cargo pants, it’s a highly impressive unit that’s still pretty darn compact for what it does. With 5 USB ports, plus topside wireless charging and a solar input, the power bank is a literal hub for all of your devices if you so choose, including a laptop. I personally love the versatility here but also the control you have over your options. The back of the unit features two switches to toggle each of your USB-C ports to input, output, or auto. There are both 60W and 100W ports to choose from and a colored ring light around each one indicates which setting you have turned on (green or blue). You can also press buttons to turn on/off your USB-A ports and the wireless charging on top.

The wireless chargin itself was rather impressive, with a charge time that rivaled the USB-C charging on the quickest power banks elsewhere in this guide. Wireless charging isn’t typically quick but thanks to the 15W of power, this one will do just fine. The LCD display, like the Anker 737, gives you some extra info on charging time and usage. I also found it interesting that when I plugged two different power sources into the power bank that the Sherpa started charging even faster, which is a pretty cool feature.

The Not So Good

Aside from the high price tag and the total weight, at over 2lbs, there aren’t a lot of downsides for the Goal Zero Sherpa 100 AC. Even considering the higher weight, the unit isn’t as heavy as it could’ve been for a 110k device, in part thanks to the durable aluminum housing. However, the LCD display could give a bit more info, especially when compared side-by-side to the Anker 737 which gives information on the bank’s health and breaks down cycle amounts. Also, I found it rather easy to turn on/off the wireless charging which could ruin your day if this accidentally gets pressed.

Verdict: If you think about it, the Goal Zero Sherpa 100 AC could be a lot heavier. At right around 2lbs, this power bank/hub does quite a lot! It’s pricey, sure, but it can power at least 6 different devices at a time and even has room for solar input! Likewise, the LCD display is crystal clear and tells you info about charging status. If you’re looking for a hub to bring alont with you on your next trip, whether indoors or outdoors, you’ll be happy with this incredible investment.

Power Bank & Charger Comparison Chart

PORTABLE CHARGERS VS. POWER BANKS

At a surface level, it can sometimes seem like portable chargers and power banks are one and the same. However, there are some very distinct and important differences between the two. To ensure that you’re getting the device you need and not one that will only cause frustration, we’ve outlined what separates the two tech categories below.

Portable Chargers: Put simply and at its basest level, a portable charger is little more than a power converter that plugs into a wall outlet in order to transfer a charge from said wall outlet safely into a piece of electronic technology. This can be an integrated charger that has its own built-in cable, or it can be something as seemingly small and simple as the outlet-to-USB “blocks” that come with every Apple device. These devices do not necessarily have the ability to store power in an onboard battery for charging at a later time.

Power Banks: In essence, a power bank is a standalone battery that stores power, which can then be transferred over and used by varying pieces of electronics and/or technology. While their format can change from brand to brand, the basic concept of a power bank remains mostly the same. Sometimes, these devices plug directly into a wall in order to charge themselves. Other times, they might have a USB port that can be connected to any powered USB port in order to juice up. The primary intention of these devices is to store power onboard so that you can access and utilize that power at a later time when you do not have access to a power outlet.

Hybrids: More and more, brands are choosing to combine the two above pieces of gear into single devices — the intention being that people don’t want to carry around more power-focused devices than necessary. As such, hybrid devices can either function as a wall charger, a portable battery, or both — often with the ability to charge themselves while simultaneously charging up your portable technology. It’s important to note, however, that power banks can theoretically function this way, but unless they’re specifically made to be a hybrid device, using them as such could potentially negatively impact their performance over time — reducing their active life and limiting their ability to hold a full charge.

Honorable Mentions

Belkin may be another name you’re familiar with, and this BoostCharge Plus 10k is their most popular charger. However, issues with the USB-C port and a lack of extra features kept it from making our main list.

If you’re looking for another space-saving charger, check out the Nimble Champ 5K, which packs a lot of power into a unit not much larger than a credit card. However, this wasn’t as impressive as the Clutch above.

The Mophie Powerstation Pro AC is a sleek, large-capacity bank but for the purpose of this guide, focusing on everyday carry, this unit didn’t quite fit the bill. However, it’s still deceptively compact.

As we said, Anker has a ton of great charging models, such as this 737 PowerCore 26K, a unit designed for juicing up laptops with its higher output.

Favorable for tech nerds, the Sharkgeek 100 features transparent housing so you can see inside and is one of the coolest-looking chargers we found. However, despite the larger capacity, there seems to be problems with the finicky display screen.

Tested: The Best Smartwatches to Wear

If you’ve got your new power bank but need more devices to charge, then head over to our recent guide to the best smartwatches where we review our favorites.