If your iPhone or Android smartphone is constantly running out of battery, all hope isn't lost. You don't need to buy a new phone yet, or even necessarily spring for a battery replacement. Instead, a portable power bank — also referred to as a "portable charger" or a "portable battery" — can be a simple, easy way to give your device extra juice while you're on the move.
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Mophie Powerstation Mini Read More -
Mophie Powerstation Plus 10K Read More
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Anker Nano 30W Power Bank Read More
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Anker Nano Power Bank Read More
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Mophie Snap+ Juice Pack Mini Read More
Now, there are a zillion different portable power banks out there, so choosing the best option but if you want to charge your smartphone, we suggest buying one that is small enough to fit in your pocket and comes from a reputable brand, so those are the ones we've concentrated on here. (You can check out more of our tips at the bottom of this piece.)
How We Tested
We've been writing about and reviewing smartphone accessories products for near-on a decade. We've had hands-on testing with the bulk of the below portable power banks, although there are a few exceptions for exceptions made by brands we trust and aim to get hands-on with in the near future.
To learn more about our testing methodology and how we evaluate products, head here.
The Best Non-MagSafe Portable Power Banks
Mophie Powerstation mini
- Capacity: 5,000 mAh
- Weight: 4.64 ounces
- Charging port: USB-C
- Integrated cable: No
Mophie's Powerstation mini is an excellent portable battery for your smartphone thanks to its small size, relatively affordable price and fast charging ability. Its standout feature is its super versatile USB-C PD in/out port that supports up to 20 watts of power; it can fast charge your iPhone and you can use the same port to recharge itself quickly, too. And since it is roughly half the size of an iPhone, you'll have no problem fitting it into your pocket. The only downside is that its 5,000-mAh capacity is only enough to recharge your iPhone once.
Mophie Powerstation Plus
- Capacity: 10,000 mAh
- Weight: 8.32 ounces
- Charging port: USB-C
- Integrated cable: Yes (Lightning and USB-C)
The Powerstation Plus is a high capacity portable battery that comes with two integrated charging cables — one Lightning, one USB-C — which is super-convenient. These dual cables tuck into side slots when not in use so you never have to leave them awkwardly hanging out. And since there are two cables, you can actually charge two devices at the same time. Like the Powerstation Mini (above), the "Plus" has a versatile USB-C PD in/out port for fast charging your devices at up to 20 watts and then recharging itself, too.
Anker Nano 30W Power Bank
- Capacity: 10,000 mAh
- Weight: 7.58 ounces
- Charging port: USB-C and USB-A
- Integrated cable: Yes (USB-C)
The Anker Nano 30W Power Bank is one of the most compact and uniquely designed portable batteries you can buy. It has a foldable USB-C connector that has the same function as an integrated cable — it flips out and sticks into your smartphone's charging port— but without the "tangle." It's a good option for iPhone 15 or Android owners who want a compact portable battery that doesn't add much bulk. It's also available in several different colors so you might be able to match your phone or its case.
Anker Nano Power Bank
- Capacity: 5,000 mAh
- Weight: 3.5 ounces
- Charging port: USB-C
- Integrated cable: Yes (USB-C)
The Anker Nano Power Bank is one of the most compact and uniquely designed portable batteries you can buy. It has foldable USB-C connector that has the same function as an integrated cable — it flips out and sticks into your smartphone's charging port— but without the "tangle." It's a good option for iPhone 15 or Android owners who want a compact portable battery that doesn't add much bulk. It's also available in several different colors so you might be able to match your phone or its case.
The Best MagSafe-Compatible Portable Power Banks
Mophie Snap+ Juice Pack Mini
- Capacity: 5,000 mAh
- Weight: 4.8 ounces
- Charging port: USB-C
- MagSafe: compatible
Mophie's Snap+ Juice Pack Mini has a thin design that magnetically sticks flush to the back of your iPhone. It has a textured and grippy exterior that gives it a premium feel. And it comes with a Snap Adapter that, when attached to the back of an older iPhone or an Android smartphone, allows it to support magnetic wireless charging and thus the Snap+ Juice Pack Mini will be able to charge it (provided the smartphone already supports wireless charging). The only downside is that its wireless charging speed maxes out at 7.5-watts, which isn't as fast as true MagSafe chargers (which can charge an iPhone at up to 15-watts).
Moft Snap Battery Pack
- Capacity: 3,400mAh
- Weight: 4.6 ounces
- Charging port: USB-C
- MagSafe: compatible
Moft's Snap Battery Pack is an affordable and compact portable battery that works with MagSafe. It has a nice leather exterior and it's available in several different color finishes, including purple. The other neat thing is that it has a magnetic back that allows it to work with Moft's other accessories, like its Stand & Wallet. As for the negatives, the only downside is that it's "MagSafe compatible," meaning it'll wirelessly charge your iPhone at 7.5 watts and not the 15 watts that true MagSafe products can deliver.
Mophie Powerstation 10K Stand with MagSafe
- Capacity: 10,000mAh
- Weight: 10.56 ounces
- Charging port: USB-C
- MagSafe: Yes
Yes, Mophie's Powerstation 10K is a bit pricey, but it's also one of the best MagSafe portable batteries you can buy. It fully supports MagSafe, meaning it can wirelessly charge any new iPhone at its max charging speed (up to 15 watts). It has a high capacity and can charge most iPhones twice over. It has a versatile USB-C in/out port that allows you to charge a second device (so long as you have a separate charging cable). And it has a built-in kickstand — as well as a tripod socket for the more creative types — which makes it easier to monitor your iPhone while it charges.
What to Look For
MagSafe or No?
If you have an iPhone that supports MagSafe — this is all iPhones 12 or later — it's a good idea to get a portable power bank that is compatible with MagSafe. It's just easier. The MagSafe portable power bank sticks to the back of your iPhone and can wireless charge it. There's no cables needed and it eliminates the "finding the sweet spot" problem that comes with most Qi wireless chargers. The other thing is that if it's a true MagSafe-certified portable power bank, as opposed to one that's just "MagSafe compatible," it'll wirelessly charge your iPhone faster (up to 15-watts instead of the 7.5-watts that most Qi wireless chargers deliver).
Buy one that uses the same charging port as your smartphone
We recommend buying a portable power bank that uses the same charging method you already use. If you have an Android smartphone or iPhone 15, get a portable power bank that charges via USB-C. If you have an older iPhone, get one that charges via Lightning. You can buy a portable power bank that can charge wirelessly, too. Using the same cables to charge your smartphone and power bank will make your life easier. I promise.
Buy a powerbank that can fast-charge
Most of today's portable power banks are integrated with fast-charging technology. Power Delivery (PD) and Qualcomm's Quick Charge are the two most popular. The two technologies are a little bit different. Power Delivery only works with a USB-C to USB-C connection and allows the power bank to control more watts better and deliver more power. They can fast-charge larger devices (if those devices support it). Qualcomm's Quick Charge allows your smartphone to charge faster than you would with a traditional power bank (it outputs at 5A rather than 3A).
Buy from a reputable brand
Finally, you should buy a power bank made by a brand you trust. If you go on Amazon or another online marketplace, you'll see many cheap options made by companies you've never heard of. Stay away. Buy one from a notable brand — such as Anker, Mophie or Belkin — and it'll last longer and be more reliable.
