The Top Power Banks of 2024: review

In today's fast-paced world, keeping our devices fully charged has become more important than ever. Fortunately, the market for power banks has evolved, offering us a variety of options that cater to our charging needs. Whether you need a few extra hours of battery life for your phone or the capability to power multiple devices for days, the best power banks in 2024 are here to deliver.

With the introduction of USB-C becoming the norm, selecting a power bank has become easier than ever. Now, you can find portable batteries equipped with built-in USB-C cords, or even batteries that attach directly to your phone. And fear not, if you still possess an older iPhone with a Lightning port, there are power banks available for you too.

When choosing a power bank, it's not just about the battery capacity; it's about getting the most power for the weight you carry. That's where the power-to-weight ratio comes into play. The higher the ratio, the more power you receive in proportion to the weight of the power bank itself.

Keep an eye out for upcoming power banks from renowned brands like Anker, Baseus, and more, as our labs are currently testing them. Some exciting developments include wireless charging and wired battery packs that offer versatility in charging options.

Without further ado, let's dive into our list of the best power banks in 2024. Rest assured, we only recommend top-tier options:

1. Anker 733 Power Bank (GaNPrime PowerCore 65W)

2. Anker Prime 27,650mAh Power Bank (250W)

3. Anker Nano Power Bank

4. Baseus Magnetic Foldable Power Bank 20W 10000mAh

5. Baseus Airpow Power Bank 20W 10000mAh

6. Otterbox 2-in-1 Power Bank with Apple Watch Charger

But how do you choose the perfect power bank to meet your specific needs? It depends on the devices you plan to charge. For smaller smartphones, a simple power bank will suffice. However, if you also intend to charge a laptop or multiple devices simultaneously, it's essential to opt for a power bank with higher power output and advanced features.

Consider the charging speed you require based on your device. For newer Android phones or the latest iPhone 15 models, faster charging speeds are a necessity. Charging speeds are measured in wattage, with the iPhone 15 supporting speeds of over 15W and the Galaxy S23 Ultra able to reach up to 45W.

If convenience is a priority for you, wireless charging power banks may be the perfect choice. While these options generally charge at a slightly slower pace, they offer the convenience of charging your phone or even your Apple Watch without the hassle of tangled wires.

As experienced testers, we've put numerous power banks through rigorous examinations, traveling with them and relying on them to power our devices both on the road and at home. Anker stands out as the best among the power bank brands we have assessed. However, we also observed commendable performance from Baseus and Otterbox power banks. Anker's superiority lies in its ability to pack more power into lighter batteries and deliver faster charging times compared to its competitors. Notably, the Anker Nano battery boasts the best power-to-weight ratio on our list.

You may wonder how many times a power bank can fully charge your phone? Let's shed some light on that. A 10,000mAh power bank, for example, can provide your phone with around 6,000mAh of additional battery charge. Although Apple doesn't publicly disclose exact battery capacities, teardowns have revealed that the iPhone 15 possesses approximately 3,350mAh of battery life. So, a 10,000mAh power bank should supply your iPhone with two full charges, though the latter may not reach 100% on the second round. Nevertheless, you can expect to be in the 90% range.

Please note that power banks with capacities smaller than 5,000mAh might fall short of guaranteeing a full charge for the iPhone 15 and larger phones. If you own a high-capacity device such as the Galaxy S24 Ultra, which holds a battery capacity of 5,000mAh, you'll require a power bank closer to or exceeding 8,000mAh to enjoy a complete recharge cycle.

In conclusion, choosing the best power bank relies on understanding your specific charging needs and the capabilities of your devices. Whether you opt for Anker or explore alternatives like Baseus or Otterbox, investing in a high-quality power bank ensures you never have to worry about running out of battery power again. Stay charged and connected with the top power banks available in 2024.