ConsFirst / Portable chargers

Anker

Anker Laptop Power Bank (25K, 165W, Built-In and Retractable Cables): the downsides first

We may earn a commission when you buy through our links. It never changes what we report. Learn more

#5 of 8
$$$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 rivals

    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.

    Source: Wirecutter (laptop power banks), Walmart reviews (lowest rated)
  • Heavy, with a strap cable that comes loose

    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.

    Source: Anker official product page, Walmart reviews (lowest rated)
  • Screen smudges easily

    This is Engadget's only listed con.

    Source: Engadget

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).

    Source: Engadget, Anker official product page
  • 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.

    Source: Engadget, Anker official product page
  • Most Walmart owners are happy

    174 of 199 Walmart ratings are 5 stars.

    Source: Walmart reviews (lowest rated)
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)

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.
Check price on AmazonMaker's pageWe don't list prices — they change daily. Paid link.

If that catch is a deal-breaker

Highly ranked portable chargers whose biggest complaint is something else.

#1 in portable chargersAnker Prime Power Bank (26K, 300W)

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.

Its catch: very expensive#2 in portable chargersUGREEN Nexode Power Bank 25,000mAh 145W

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.

Its catch: mixed reports on charging and battery life#3 in portable chargersINIU Pocket Rocket P50 (Carry P50-E1)

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.

Its catch: slow or stop-start charging

See all 8 portable chargers ranked →