ConsFirst / Portable chargers
Portable chargers: the downsides, first
Some popular power banks deliver less than their label suggests — and that's only the first surprise. Here are the most popular portable chargers in the US, with owner complaints up front.
8 models compared20 sources readUpdated October 2026
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All 8 portable chargers, ranked
Ranked by test scores, minus how common and serious the complaints are. How we rank
#1
Anker
$$$Laptop26,250 mAhScore 4.4/5
8%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Wirecutter's top laptop pick and Engadget's premium pick. It has two 140 W USB-C ports and stays under the 100 Wh carry-on limit. It's one of the most expensive power banks tested, it doesn't include a wall charger, and Amazon owners are split on whether it's worth the price.
Top complaints
- Very expensiveVery common
Wirecutter calls it one of the most expensive models it tested. Engadget's only con is the price, especially with the optional $110 charging base (over $300 combined). Amazon's review summary says opinions on value are mixed, and some owners find it expensive.
- Charging base problemsMentioned often
Amazon's summary says battery-life feedback is mixed, and some owners report the charging base dying within months. Wirecutter tried the separately sold base and recommends a USB-C wall adapter instead, because the power bank stands upright on the base and can easily topple over.
- No wall charger in the boxOccasional
Wirecutter notes you have to supply your own USB-C adapter, ideally one that supports 140 W, to get the full recharge speed.
What owners love
- Very fast for laptops and phones
Each USB-C port delivers up to 140 W (300 W total), which Wirecutter says is enough for heavy laptops like a 16-inch MacBook Pro. Engadget got a near-dead iPhone 15 to 60% in about 30 minutes, and it recharges at up to 250 W using two ports.
- Big real-world capacity
Engadget measured 5 to 5.5 charges of an iPhone 15, 2.5 of an iPad Air and 0.83 of a MacBook Pro. Wirecutter says it fully recharges most laptops at least once.
- Well built with useful extras
It has an aluminum shell, an informative screen and a Bluetooth app, and comes with a 240 W cable, a travel pouch and a 2-year warranty (Wirecutter). Amazon owners find it reliable and well-built.
Skip it if…- You only need to top up a phone
- You don't own a 100-140 W USB-C wall charger
- You want something pocketable
Good for- Charging a MacBook Pro or gaming laptop at full speed
- Frequent flyers (about 97 Wh, within the carry-on limit)
- Charging a laptop, tablet and phone at once
Scores (tap for why)
- Real capacity4.5
Why 4.5?
Engadget measured 5-5.5 iPhone 15 charges and 0.83 of a MacBook Pro. Wirecutter says it fully charges most laptops at least once. - Charging speed5.0
Why 5.0?
140 W per USB-C port and 300 W total (Wirecutter). An iPhone 15 went from near dead to 60% in about 30 minutes (Engadget). - Size & weight3.5
Why 3.5?
1.3 pounds, which Wirecutter calls light and compact for a laptop bank. It's a bag item, not a pocket one. - Ports & features5.0
Why 5.0?
Two 140 W USB-C ports, a 22.5 W USB-A port, a screen showing per-port wattage, and app control (Wirecutter). - Durability4.0
Why 4.0?
Rugged aluminum shell and a 2-year warranty (Wirecutter), and Amazon owners call it well-built. Some report the optional charging base failing within months.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Top pick for laptops (updated 2026-04-13). It's the one the writer would buy herself. The flaws are the high price and no included wall charger.
- Engadget: Best premium power bank (updated 2026-02-13), with the fastest phone times in the test. The con is the price, especially with the $110 base.
#2
UGREEN
$$Laptop25,000 mAhScore 3.6/5
13%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Histogram read on the 2-pack listing, which shares its 7,950 ratings with the single-unit listing (B0BJQ7F16T).Wirecutter's cheaper, lighter alternative to the Anker Prime. It can push 140 W from one USB-C port and costs about a third as much. The second port and total output are much lower, and Amazon owners are split on charging speed and battery life.
Top complaints
- Mixed reports on charging and battery lifeMentioned often
Amazon's review summary says charging speed and battery life get mixed feedback: some say it lasts a long time, while others say it won't fully charge phones or dies instantly. Value-for-money opinions are also split.
- Less power and a basic screen next to premium rivalsMentioned often
Only one USB-C port reaches 140 W. The other tops out at 65 W, the USB-A port at 18 W, and total output is 145 W. Wirecutter notes it has less capacity than its top pick and a screen that shows only the battery level.
What owners love
- Strong laptop output
One USB-C port supports up to 140 W output and 65 W input (Wirecutter). Amazon owners say it powers anything within its wattage range effortlessly.
- Enough capacity for travel
Wirecutter says 25,000 mAh is enough to fully charge most laptops. Amazon owners say it can charge laptops multiple times and fits in backpack pockets for long trips.
- Light, cheap and well equipped
It weighs 1.1 lb, supports pass-through charging, comes with a 140 W USB-C cable and has a 2-year warranty. It cost $66 when Wirecutter checked.
Skip it if…- You need two laptops charging at full speed
- You want built-in cables
- You want a detailed screen or app
Good for- A laptop power bank under $100
- Charging one laptop at a time at up to 140 W
- Carrying less weight (1.1 lb)
Scores (tap for why)
- Real capacity3.5
Why 3.5?
Enough to fully charge most laptops (Wirecutter). Amazon owners are split, with some saying it dies early. - Charging speed4.0
Why 4.0?
140 W from one port and 65 W recharging (Wirecutter). Charging speed gets mixed feedback on Amazon. - Size & weight4.0
Why 4.0?
1.1 lb, relatively slim and compact (Wirecutter). - Ports & features3.5
Why 3.5?
Two USB-C ports (140 W and 65 W) and one 18 W USB-A, with a battery-only screen and pass-through charging (Wirecutter). - Durability3.0
Why 3.0?
It has a 2-year warranty (Wirecutter), but some Amazon owners report units that die instantly.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Worth considering (updated 2026-04-13) if you want something lighter and cheaper than the Anker Prime and can accept lower capacity and a less informative screen.
#3
INIU
$Pocket10,000 mAhScore 3.8/5
Amazon 1–2 star share
not available
Tom's Guide's most pocketable pick and a Wirecutter alternative: a 10,000 mAh, 45 W bank that's barely bigger than an AirPods Pro case, with a 3-year warranty, for about $30. Low-star Walmart reviews describe slow or stop-start charging, and it has no built-in cable.
Top complaints
- Slow or stop-start chargingMentioned often
Low-star Walmart reviews describe charging that is very slow, charging that keeps starting and stopping even with a new cable, and a unit that didn't work at all. Tom's Guide's con is lower charging power than its other picks.
- Less than a full phone charge for someOccasional
A 1-star Walmart reviewer says it doesn't charge a phone even once.
- No built-in cableMentioned often
It comes with a short detachable USB-C cable instead of a built-in one (Wirecutter). A Walmart reviewer needed a different cord to charge their phone.
What owners love
- Tiny for 10,000 mAh
Tom's Guide says it is barely bigger than an AirPods Pro 2 case. Wirecutter weighed it at 5.6 oz.
- 45 W and three ports
Two USB-C ports (each 45 W out and 20 W in when used alone) and a 15 W USB-A port (Wirecutter).
- Cheap with a long warranty
About $30 with a 3-year warranty and six colors. The included cable doubles as a lanyard (Wirecutter, Tom's Guide).
Skip it if…- You want a built-in cable rather than a detachable one
- You need laptop-class power
- You want wireless charging
Good for- Concerts, weddings and other no-bag outings
- The most capacity per ounce on a budget
- Fast-charging Android phones (45 W)
Scores (tap for why)
- Real capacity3.0
Why 3.0?
10,000 mAh; Wirecutter says up to three phone charges. One Walmart reviewer got less than one. - Charging speed3.5
Why 3.5?
45 W USB-C output (Wirecutter). Tom's Guide still lists lower power than its other picks, and some Walmart owners report slow charging. - Size & weight5.0
Why 5.0?
5-5.6 oz and 3.3 x 2.0 x 1.0 in, the most pocketable pick (Tom's Guide, Wirecutter). - Ports & features4.0
Why 4.0?
Two USB-C ports and one USB-A, plus a cable lanyard. There's no built-in cable or screen. - Durability3.5
Why 3.5?
Feels sturdily built and has a 3-year warranty (Wirecutter), but some Walmart owners got units that didn't work.
What experts say
- Tom's Guide: Most pocketable portable charger (updated 2026-09-16). The con is lower charging power than other power banks.
- Wirecutter (NYT): Worth considering as a lighter, cheaper alternative to its top pick with two extra ports, if you don't mind a detachable cable instead of built-in ones.
#4
Anker
$$Pocket10,000 mAhScore 3.4/5
9%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Histogram read on the 2-pack listing. Its 10,312 ratings are shared with the single-unit and color variants (e.g. B0C9CJKCH3).A popular Amazon pick with a built-in USB-C cable, a USB-A port and a color screen. Wirecutter dismissed it because other banks offer more capacity for the size or price, and some owners report inconsistent charging or failure after a few months.
Top complaints
- Inconsistent charging and early failuresMentioned often
Amazon's review summary says some owners see inconsistent charging and premature failure after a few months. A 1-star Walmart reviewer says it kept getting hotter on a flight while the screen went blank, and it had to be handed to a flight attendant.
- Less capacity for its size than rivalsMentioned often
Wirecutter dismissed the A1259 because comparable power banks offer more capacity for the size or price. Anker lists it at 7.58 oz. A Walmart reviewer says it charged their phone only once.
- Mixed value for moneyMentioned often
Amazon's summary says some owners find it well worth the money while others say it isn't worth the price.
What owners love
- Built-in cable and easy to carry
Amazon owners praise the built-in USB-C cable and say it fits nicely in small bags. One owner charged two iPhone 15 Pros with it on the go.
- 30 W in and out
The built-in cable and USB-C port each charge at up to 30 W in either direction, and the USB-A port gives 22.5 W (Anker).
- Color status screen
A color screen shows charging status (Anker). Walmart's review summary lists the screen and compact size as pros.
Skip it if…- You want the smallest 10K bank
- You need more than about 24 W across two devices
- You want wireless charging
Good for- Charging a USB-C phone without carrying a cable
- Seeing charge status on a screen
- Charging an older USB-A gadget too
Scores (tap for why)
- Real capacity3.0
Why 3.0?
10,000 mAh. Amazon battery-life feedback is mixed, and Wirecutter found better capacity for the size elsewhere. - Charging speed3.5
Why 3.5?
30 W from a single port, but only 24 W total across ports (Anker). Amazon owners are split on speed. - Size & weight3.5
Why 3.5?
7.58 oz, 4.09 x 2.06 x 1.02 in (Anker). Amazon owners say it fits small bags. - Ports & features4.0
Why 4.0?
Built-in USB-C cable, a USB-C port and a USB-A port, plus a color screen (Anker). - Durability3.0
Why 3.0?
Amazon owners report some failures after a few months, and one Walmart reviewer had a unit overheat in flight.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Dismissed (updated 2026-05-14): other power banks offer more capacity for the size or price.
#5
Anker
$$$Laptop25,000 mAhScore 3.6/5
Amazon 1–2 star share
not available
Engadget's and PCMag's laptop pick, with two built-in USB-C cables, so you don't need to pack any. But Wirecutter put it among the models that did worse in its capacity and output tests, and at 21 ounces it is heavy.
Top complaints
- Delivered capacity below rivalsMentioned often
Wirecutter lists the A1695 among models that performed worse in its capacity and/or output tests than similarly sized models. Low-star Walmart reviews say one wouldn't charge above 55%, another charged a Pixel 9 Pro XL only twice, and a third drains quickly when charging a laptop.
- Heavy, with a strap cable that comes looseMentioned often
Anker lists it at 21.0 oz (595 g). Walmart 3-star reviewers call it heavy and a bit big, and say the strap cable keeps coming out of its loop lock.
- Screen smudges easilyOccasional
This is Engadget's only listed con.
What owners love
- Built-in cables
Two built-in USB-C cables (one retractable) plus a USB-C and a USB-A port mean you don't need to pack cables (Engadget, Anker).
- Fast phone charging
Engadget charged an iPhone 15 from 5% to 100% in 1 h 54 min and a Galaxy S23 Ultra in 52 minutes. Anker rates it at 165 W total with two devices, or 130 W with three or four.
- Most Walmart owners are happy
174 of 199 Walmart ratings are 5 stars.
Skip it if…- You need the most laptop charge per pound
- You want something light
- You'd rather have the extra power of the Anker Prime
Good for- Travelers who forget cables
- Charging up to four devices at once
- Phones and tablets plus an occasional laptop top-up
Scores (tap for why)
- Real capacity3.0
Why 3.0?
Engadget measured 4-5 iPhone 15 charges and 0.68 of a MacBook Pro, less than the Prime's 0.83. Wirecutter rated its capacity/output below similar models. - Charging speed4.0
Why 4.0?
Up to 100 W per USB-C and 165 W total, dropping to 130 W with three or four devices (Anker). Engadget's phone charge times were quick. - Size & weight3.0
Why 3.0?
21.0 oz per Anker. Walmart owners call it heavy and a bit big. - Ports & features4.5
Why 4.5?
Two built-in USB-C cables plus USB-C and USB-A ports, with a screen (Engadget, Anker). - Durability3.5
Why 3.5?
There's no expert long-term data. Walmart owners complain about the strap cable coming loose, and one reports a unit that wouldn't charge past 55%.
What experts say
- Engadget: Best laptop power bank (updated 2026-02-13): 4-5 iPhone 15 charges and 0.68 of a MacBook Pro in 53 minutes. Its only con is a screen that smudges easily.
- PCMag: Named 'Best for Laptops' (list updated 2026-07-29). The detailed write-up didn't load for us.
- Wirecutter (NYT): Not a pick: the A1695 performed worse in its capacity and/or output tests than similarly sized models.
#6
Anker
$$Magnetic (MagSafe/Qi2)10,000 mAhScore 3.3/5
10%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Wirecutter's top wireless power bank. It has a magnetic pad plus USB-C and USB-A ports and a fold-out stand, in a deck-of-cards size. Wireless charging is only 7.5 W, it gets hot, the stand is flimsy, and Amazon owners are split on speed and magnet strength.
Top complaints
- Slow wireless chargingVery common
Wirecutter notes the 7.5 W pad is slower than others it tested. Amazon's summary says charging speed is mixed, with some owners saying it takes forever. A Walmart reviewer says it made an iPhone 12 overheat and stop charging.
- Gets hotVery common
Several Wirecutter staffers who own it say it gets anywhere from 'pretty warm' to 'rather hot' while charging. A 1-star Walmart review says it overheats.
- Flimsy stand, finicky alignmentMentioned often
Wirecutter says the metal stand seems more likely to snap than others, and one staffer sometimes needs to nudge the phone to start charging. Amazon owners are split on magnet strength. Walmart reviewers mention a kickstand that's easy to knock off and buttons that fell off after 8 days.
What owners love
- Pocketable
About the size of a deck of cards at 7.6 oz (Wirecutter). Amazon owners call it a perfect travel companion that fits in front pockets.
- Three outputs and a kickstand
It has a magnetic pad, a 20 W USB-C port and an 18 W USB-A port, plus pass-through charging (Wirecutter). Amazon owners like the kickstand.
- Trusted brand and warranty
It has a 2-year warranty, and Wirecutter says Anker's customer support has been fast and reliable.
Skip it if…- You want fast (15 W+) wireless charging
- You'll be rough on the kickstand
- Heat bothers you
Good for- Charging an iPhone, earbuds and a third device together
- A magnetic pack with a kickstand
- Owners who still need a USB-A port
Scores (tap for why)
- Real capacity3.0
Why 3.0?
10,000 mAh; Wirecutter says it charges most phones up to three times. Amazon owners are split on battery life. - Charging speed2.5
Why 2.5?
7.5 W wireless, 20 W USB-C and 18 W combined maximum (Wirecutter). Amazon owners are split on speed. - Size & weight4.0
Why 4.0?
7.6 oz, about the size of a deck of cards (Wirecutter). Some Amazon owners still find it heavy. - Ports & features4.0
Why 4.0?
Magnetic pad, USB-C and USB-A, a kickstand and pass-through charging (Wirecutter). - Durability3.0
Why 3.0?
Flimsy stand (Wirecutter), and a white unit looked dirty within months. Walmart owners report buttons falling off.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Top pick for wireless power banks (updated 2026-03-23). The stand is flimsier than some, and owners report heat and occasional alignment fiddling.
#7
Anker
$$Magnetic (MagSafe/Qi2)10,000 mAhScore 3.4/5
Amazon 1–2 star share
not available
Engadget's best MagSafe power bank, with 15 W Qi2 wireless charging, a screen and a kickstand. It's heavy (8.8 oz), runs hot and costs about $90, and Engadget measured only about 1.6 iPhone 15 charges from it.
Top complaints
- Pricey for 10,000 mAhVery common
Engadget's con is that it costs more than other MagSafe packs. Wirecutter calls it much pricier ($90) than its top pick, and iMore says similar-capacity packs cost about half as much.
- Heavy, chunky and hotVery common
Wirecutter weighed it at 8.8 oz. iMore lists 'gets quite hot' and calls it chunky for smaller iPhones, where it overhangs the bottom edge. A Walmart reviewer says it is very bulky and heavy for travel.
- Won't connect or hold for some ownersMentioned often
Low-star Walmart reviews say it's hard to get it to start charging an iPhone 14 Pro, that the magnet is weak, and that it works poorly through a MagSafe case. 16 of 122 Walmart ratings are 1 or 2 stars.
What owners love
- Fast Qi2 wireless charging
Wirecutter measured 15 W wireless. Engadget took an iPhone 15 from 0 to 70% in 1 h 8 min, and iMore got a quarter charge in just over 20 minutes.
- Useful screen and kickstand
The screen shows remaining battery and time to full, and the kickstand works for StandBy mode (Wirecutter, iMore).
- Quick wired charging and pass-through
Its USB-C port supports up to 27 W and pass-through charging (iMore). Wirecutter notes a 2-year warranty and five colors.
Skip it if…- You want the lightest magnetic pack
- You use a thick or non-MagSafe case
- You want a USB-A port
Good for- iPhone owners who want fast Qi2 magnetic charging
- Watching video with the kickstand while charging
- Seeing exact battery percentage at a glance
Scores (tap for why)
- Real capacity3.0
Why 3.0?
Engadget measured 1.64 iPhone 15 charges; iMore says just short of two iPhone 15 Pro charges. - Charging speed4.5
Why 4.5?
15 W Qi2 measured by Wirecutter and 27 W wired (iMore). Engadget's iPhone charge times were quick. - Size & weight2.5
Why 2.5?
8.8 oz (Wirecutter) and chunky on smaller iPhones (iMore). - Ports & features3.5
Why 3.5?
Qi2 pad, one USB-C port, a screen and a kickstand. There's no USB-A port (Wirecutter). - Durability3.5
Why 3.5?
2-year warranty (Wirecutter). Some Walmart owners report defective units and weak magnets.
What experts say
- Engadget: Best MagSafe power bank (updated 2026-02-13): 1.64 charges of an iPhone 15. Its con is that it costs more than other MagSafe packs.
- Wirecutter (NYT): Worth considering over its top pick for 15 W charging and a screen. It's heavier, has no USB-A port and costs much more.
- iMore: Fast and feature-rich enough to justify the premium, but it gets hot and is chunky.
#8
Belkin
$$Pocket10,000 mAhScore 3.1/5
23%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Wirecutter's top power bank for phones, thanks to built-in USB-C and Lightning cables and pass-through charging. Its writer's unit has held up for two years of near-daily use. But about 1 in 4 Amazon ratings are 1 or 2 stars, with owners reporting units that stop charging after months.
Top complaints
- Stops charging or dies after a few monthsVery common
Amazon's review summary says some owners find it never charges fully or stops working, and several say it broke after 6 months. Low-star Walmart reviews describe a unit that won't recharge after one use, one that 'refuses to charge' about 2.5 months in, and one that only works briefly after sitting.
- Modest charging powerMentioned often
Wirecutter measured 18 W out and 19 W in, with 24 W total across two devices. Some Amazon owners say it barely charges iPhones.
- Pricey and heavy for 10KMentioned often
Wirecutter calls it on the pricier side ($55 at the time) with no accessories. It weighs 8.4 oz, more than the INIU and Scosche alternatives. Amazon owners are split on value.
What owners love
- Two built-in cables
Built-in USB-C and Lightning cables slide in and out of their holsters easily (Wirecutter). Amazon owners appreciate the built-in cords.
- Pass-through charging
Wirecutter measured up to 15 W of pass-through while the bank recharges, which it calls convenient but somewhat rare.
- Held up in long-term use
Wirecutter's writer has used hers almost daily for two years, and the cables still work smoothly. It has a 2-year warranty.
Skip it if…- You want fast (30 W+) phone charging
- You want a cheaper, lighter 10K bank
- Long-term reliability is your top priority
Good for- Not carrying separate cables
- Charging a Lightning device and a USB-C device at once
- Recharging the bank while it charges your phone
Scores (tap for why)
- Real capacity3.0
Why 3.0?
10,000 mAh; Wirecutter says up to three phone charges. Some Amazon owners say it never charges fully. - Charging speed2.5
Why 2.5?
18 W measured output and 19 W input (Wirecutter), versus 45 W on the INIU. - Size & weight3.5
Why 3.5?
8.4 oz with rounded, pocketable edges (Wirecutter). Amazon owners say it fits well in purses. - Ports & features4.0
Why 4.0?
USB-C port plus built-in USB-C and Lightning cables, with pass-through charging (Wirecutter). - Durability2.5
Why 2.5?
Wirecutter's unit held up for 2 years, but Amazon and Walmart owners often report failures within months.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Top pick for phones and tablets (updated 2026-05-14). Its flaws are the price and that no accessories are included.