Running out of battery on your smartphone, laptop, or other essential gadget can be disempowering. With a flash or a beep, you lose entertainment, productivity, connectivity, and even safety. While a digital detox has its place, carrying a power bank is your ticket out of electronic oblivion.
These pocket-sized cuboids plug into devices via USB-C, USB-A, and other connections, charging smartphones, fitness trackers, earbuds, and even laptops. For more demanding needs, portable power stations can charge high-voltage appliances—perfect for camping, garden parties, and power cuts.
To find the best power bank for your needs, I tested 17 top models from brands including Belkin, Anker, Cuktech, Iniu, Ugreen, Bluetti, Acer, and EcoFlow. Remember, a power bank is only suitable for compatible devices based on its power output and connectivity—always check specs before buying.
At a Glance
- Best power bank overall: Belkin BoostCharge Pro 3-port 20k – £79.99 at Argos
- Best budget power bank: Belkin BoostCharge 10k with integrated cable – £14.99 at Amazon
- Best power bank for portability: Anker Nano – £19.99 at Anker
- Best power bank for smartphones: Anker Nano A1638 – £35.99 at Argos
- Best power bank for speed and power: Cuktech 15 Ultra – £59.99 at Amazon
- Best high-storage power bank: Ugreen Nexode 25000mAh 200W – £52.99 at Argos
- Best power bank for multiple users: Belkin UltraCharge Pro laptop power bank 27K – £149.99 at Belkin
Why You Should Trust Me
I have been reviewing tech products since the mid-2010s. I spend much of my time using portable, battery-powered devices—writing on my laptop and discussing gadgets on my smartphone. I used every model featured in this article while working on the go at libraries, cafes, and on public transport. Not once did my laptop or smartphone run out of battery.
How I Tested
I tested 17 power banks by using them to charge various devices, including Honor Magic7 Lite (6,600mAh), Honor Magic7 Pro (5,270mAh), Honor Magic8 Lite (7,500mAh), Honor Magic8 Pro (6,270mAh), Acer Aspire Vero 16 laptop (53Wh, requires 65W), and Lenovo ThinkPad T16 laptop (52.5Wh, requires 65W). I timed how long each power bank took to charge devices by 30%. For laptops, I only used suitably powerful power banks. Thanks to Honor and Acer for loaning devices for testing.
Some power banks have additional features like digital displays, integrated cables, and control buttons, which I tested. I also considered portability and aesthetics. Some brands did not want their power banks returned; those models will be donated to Cat Action Trust 1977.
The Best Power Banks and Portable Chargers in 2026
Best Power Bank Overall: Belkin BoostCharge Pro 3-port 20k
Price: from £79.99 | Weight: 378g | Connections: USB-C (x2), USB-A | Output wattage: up to 65W (total) | Capacity: 20,000mAh (approx 5 charges of Samsung Galaxy S25)
If you need a highly capable power bank that can recharge your laptop and smartphone, this model is a fine choice. Across three ports, it delivers up to 65W—enough for two smartphones at once. In tests, it topped up an Acer laptop at speeds comparable to a mains charger. The digital display shows storage level and outputs, including a countdown timer. It is lightweight for its capacity.
Time to charge 30%: Honor Magic7 Lite: 45 mins; Honor Magic7 Pro: 31 mins 30 secs; Acer Aspire Vero 16: 25 mins 30 secs.
What we love: Great for both phones and laptops. What we don’t love: Not the quickest to recharge.
Best Budget Power Bank: Belkin BoostCharge 10k with Integrated Cable
Price: from £14.99 | Weight: 218g | Connections: Integrated USB-C cable, USB-C port | Output wattage: up to 20W | Capacity: 10,000mAh (approx 2.5 charges of Samsung Galaxy S25)
This affordable power bank has a premium soft finish and charges smartphones, earbuds, and other low-power devices quickly via USB-C. It is lightweight and compact enough for a jacket pocket. The integrated USB-C cable means no need to remember a cable.
Time to charge 30%: Honor Magic7 Lite: 42 mins 45 secs; Honor Magic7 Pro: 36 mins 45 secs.
What we love: Impressive performance and quality for the price. What we don’t love: Modest charging performance when charging two devices.
Best Power Bank for Portability: Anker Nano
Price: from £19.99 | Weight: 102g | Connections: Foldable USB-C connector, USB-C port | Output wattage: up to 22.5W | Capacity: 5,000mAh (approx 1.25 charges of Samsung Galaxy S25)
Fast, convenient, and small enough for a trouser pocket, the Nano is ideal for a quick top-up of a smartphone or earbuds. Its fold-out USB-C connector plugs directly into your phone, eliminating cable issues. There is also a regular USB-C port.
Time to charge 30%: Honor Magic7 Lite: 24 mins; Honor Magic7 Pro: 23 mins 15 secs.
What we love: Ingenious, ultra-compact design. What we don’t love: Lower power storage; not suitable for laptops.
Best Power Bank for Smartphones: Anker Nano A1638
Price: from £35.99 | Weight: 232g | Connections: USB-C (x2), USB-A | Output wattage: up to 45W (total) | Capacity: 10,000mAh (approx 2.5 charges of Samsung Galaxy S25)
This 2025 model combines handbag-friendly portability with charging capability. It can charge up to three devices at once. The retractable USB-C cable extends to 70cm. Ideal for smartphones, tablets, and accessories, but not for laptops.
Time to charge 30%: Honor Magic8 Pro: 50 mins; Honor Magic8 Lite: 17 mins 45 secs.
What we love: Plenty of storage in a small package. What we don’t love: Not suitable for charging laptops; printed text wears off.
Best Power Bank for Speed and Power: Cuktech 15 Ultra
Price: £59.99 | Weight: 595g | Connections: USB-C (x2), USB-A | Output wattage: up to 210W | Capacity: 20,000mAh (approx 5 charges of Samsung Galaxy S25)
This power bank charges devices exceptionally quickly. With three ports delivering up to 210W, it can charge multiple high-energy devices. The TFT display shows battery level and charging status. Includes a 3.2ft charging cable and soft carry case.
Time to charge 30%: Honor Magic7 Pro: 10 mins 30 secs; Honor Magic7 Lite: 15 mins; Acer Aspire Vero 16: 26 mins 15 secs.
What we love: Charges devices rapidly. What we don’t love: Onscreen characters are small; weighty.
Best High-Storage Power Bank: Ugreen Nexode 25,000mAh 200W
Price: from £52.99 | Weight: 588g | Connections: USB-C (x2), USB-A | Output wattage: up to 145W | Capacity: 25,000mAh (approx 6.25 charges of Samsung Galaxy S25)
Rapid charging and impressive capacity come together in this power bank, designed for laptops and smartphones at up to 140W. The digital display shows voltage and wattage per port. Rubber strips keep it stable on tabletops.
Time to charge 30%: Honor Magic8 Pro: 18 mins 45 secs; Honor Magic8 Lite: 21 mins 30 secs; Lenovo ThinkPad T16: 24 mins 45 secs.
What we love: Charming user interface and powerful charging. What we don’t love: Cumbersome shape and weight.
Best Power Bank for Multiple Users: Belkin UltraCharge Pro 27K
Price: from £149.99 | Weight: 584g | Connections: USB-C (x2), USB-A | Output wattage: up to 240W (total) | Capacity: 27,000mAh (approx 6.75 charges of Samsung Galaxy S25)
Built for professionals, this power bank can charge two laptops simultaneously at a combined 240W. It rapidly topped up a Lenovo ThinkPad and recharges quickly from the mains (up to 100W input).
Time to charge 30%: Honor Magic8 Pro: 21 mins 20 secs; Honor Magic8 Lite: 33 mins 20 secs; Lenovo ThinkPad T16: 17 mins 45 secs.
What we love: Can charge two laptops at once. What we don’t love: Spartan display lacks detailed info.
Best of the Rest
Iniu SnapGo Magnetic Power Bank P781
Price: £54.99 | Weight: 210g | Connections: Qi2 wireless, USB-C (x2) | Output wattage: up to 25W (wireless), 45W (wired) | Capacity: 10,000mAh (approx 2.5 charges)
Ultra-slim and ideal for magnetic iPhone charging. The supplied USB-C cable doubles as a finger loop. Slow to recharge from mains.
Bluetti AC50B Portable Power Station
Price: from £239 | Weight: 6.7kg | Connections: 700W AC outlet, USB-C (x2), USB-A, 120W cigarette lighter | Output wattage: up to 1,000W (lifting) | Capacity: 448Wh
Suitable for charging a vast range of devices, including high-voltage appliances. Features a cut-out handle for easy carrying. Probably excessive for most users.
Acer 600W Portable Power Station
Price: £499.99 | Weight: 7.35kg | Connections: AC outlets (x2), USB-A (x2), USB-C (x2), cigarette lighter, DC5521 (x2) | Output wattage: up to 600W | Capacity: 512Wh
User-friendly with a fold-down carry handle and integrated strip LED. High price may be a barrier.
Anker Solix PS30 Portable Solar Panel
Price: from £39 | Weight: 1.1kg | Connections: USB-C, USB-A | Output wattage: up to 30W | Capacity: No storage
Eco-friendly charging on bright days. Includes carabiners for hiking. Charging times vary with weather; less versatile than a power bank.
EcoFlow Rapid Magnetic 10,000mAh
Price: from £85.99 | Weight: 258g | Connections: Qi2 magnetic, USB-C | Output wattage: up to 30W | Capacity: 10,000mAh (approx 2.5 charges)
Stylish design with mirror-finish display and fold-out kickstand. Fewer connections than competitors.
EcoFlow Power Hat
Price: from £99 | Weight: 370g | Connections: USB-C, USB-A | Output wattage: STC12W | Capacity: No storage
Solar panels in the brim charge devices via USB. Fun for festivals but weather-dependent and slow.
What You Need to Know
Which Power Bank Specifications Really Matter?
Wattage determines power delivery—match it to your device needs. Voltage is equally important. Check maximum output per port and total output for multiple devices. Higher-wattage power banks are heavier and more expensive. Inputs and outputs (USB-C, USB-A, wireless, Lightning) are crucial. Capacity (mAh) indicates how much charge the battery holds.
How Long Should a Power Bank Last?
Lithium-ion batteries gradually lose capacity over time. Most power banks are rated for 300 to 1,000 cycles, equating to one to several years. Good habits—keeping charge moderate, avoiding extreme temperatures—can extend lifespan.
What to Do with Your Old Power Bank
Do not throw old power banks in the rubbish due to fire risk. Take them to a local recycling centre for WEEE disposal, where materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel can be recovered.
For more, read our guides to the best camping mattresses and camping chairs.
This article was originally published on 10 April 2025 and updated on 17 June 2026 with five additional power banks and updated prices.
