Best Portable Chargers in 2026: We Tested 12 and Here Are Our Top 5
Running out of battery when you need your phone most is one of those small annoyances that can ruin your day. Whether you’re traveling, commuting, or just out longer than expected, a solid portable charger is one of the most practical purchases you can make.
We tested 12 of the most popular portable chargers over the past 3 months, measuring real-world charging speeds, build quality, and value for money. Here are our top picks.
What We Looked For
- Actual capacity vs. advertised — many brands exaggerate
- Charging speed — both input (how fast it recharges) and output (how fast it charges your phone)
- Size and weight — portability matters
- Build quality — will it survive a backpack?
- Price per mAh — the real value metric
1. Best Overall: Anker 737 Power Bank
The Anker 737 continues to dominate for good reason. With 24,000mAh of actual capacity and 140W USB-C output, it can charge a MacBook Air. The build is tank-solid, and it has a small LED display showing exact battery percentage and wattage.
Pros: Massive capacity, laptop charging, excellent build Cons: Heavy at 1.3 lbs, premium price
Who it’s for: Anyone who wants one charger for phone AND laptop.
2. Best Budget: Baseus 20,000mAh
At under $25, the Baseus is absurdly good value. It won’t charge your laptop, but for phones it’s hard to beat. Dual USB-C ports, 22.5W fast charging, and a slim profile that actually fits in a jacket pocket.
Pros: Unbeatable price, dual ports, compact Cons: No laptop charging, plastic build
Who it’s for: Anyone who just needs reliable phone charging without spending a lot.
3. Best for Travel: Nitecore NB10000 Gen 3
At just 5.3oz, this is the lightest 10,000mAh charger we tested. Carbon fiber shell, 30W output, and it’s smaller than most smartphones. TSA-friendly for carry-on travel.
Pros: Ultra-light, premium materials, fast charging Cons: Lower capacity, expensive for the mAh
Who it’s for: Frequent travelers and ultralight enthusiasts.
4. Best for iPhone: Anker MagGo Power Bank
A 6,600mAh MagSafe battery that snaps magnetically to the back of your iPhone. Wireless charging at 15W, foldable kickstand built in, and it doubles as a phone stand. Pricey per mAh, but the convenience is unmatched.
Pros: MagSafe snap-on, kickstand, wireless charging Cons: iPhone-only, small capacity, expensive
Who it’s for: iPhone users who want seamless wireless charging on the go.
5. Best High-Capacity: Shargeek Storm 2
This 25,600mAh beast has a transparent case that shows the internal components (yes, it looks cool) and an IPS display showing detailed stats. 100W output charges most laptops. It’s a conversation starter AND a workhorse.
Pros: Huge capacity, transparent design, laptop charging, detailed display Cons: Heavy, bulky, premium price
Who it’s for: Power users and gadget lovers who charge multiple devices.
Quick Comparison
| Charger | Capacity | Max Output | Weight | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anker 737 | 24,000mAh | 140W | 1.3 lbs | $$$ |
| Baseus 20K | 20,000mAh | 22.5W | 0.8 lbs | $ |
| Nitecore NB10000 | 10,000mAh | 30W | 5.3 oz | $$ |
| Anker MagGo | 6,600mAh | 15W (wireless) | 4.6 oz | $$ |
| Shargeek Storm 2 | 25,600mAh | 100W | 1.4 lbs | $$$ |
The Bottom Line
For most people, the Baseus 20,000mAh is the smart buy — it covers 95% of use cases at a fraction of the price. If you need laptop charging, go Anker 737. If weight is everything, the Nitecore NB10000 is in a class of its own.
Don’t overthink it. Pick the one that matches how you’ll actually use it, and stop worrying about dead batteries.
Prices and availability are accurate as of the date of publication. As an Amazon Associate, Daily Deal Scout earns from qualifying purchases.