If you’ve ever been away from home — or away from electrical outlets — and had one of your critical electronic gadgets die on you, you know just how stressful life can be without a charger. Whether you’re in your car, on a camping trip, or simply without access to an outlet and a charger, watching your smartphone, tablet, or another device die can be seriously stressful. That’s why you need to carry a portable charger.
Designed to offer you a backup power supply whenever you need to recharge your devices, portable chargers are compact and perfectly sized to deliver the battery power you need at any time. Available in different capacities and sizes to charge everything from smartphones to cameras to GPS devices and more, you can check out some of the best portable chargers for every need right here.
The Best Portable Chargers
Though this charger carries its battery power in a small package, it offers excellent power and the ability to recharge devices at high speed. Constructed with high-quality materials, this portable charger is one of the slimmest you’ll find. It offers 10,000mAh of power and is equipped with the latest USB-C charging technology. You can use this portable charger with all kinds of devices, including iPhones, Samsung Galaxy phones, and AirPods. In fact, with three charging ports, you can charge anywhere from one to three devices simultaneously.
To ensure you always know how much power is left in the charger, a set of paw print LED lights show you the battery level. One downside to this portable charger is that it doesn’t offer as quick of charging as some of the other models on this list.
- 10,000mAh battery power
- Protected with a 12-layer SmartProtect safety system
- Includes USB-C cable
- Backed by a three-year warranty
- Brand Iniu
- Model BI-B1
- Weight 7 ounces
Offers versatile charging capability for smartphones, tablets, headphones, smart watches, and more
Can charge up to three devices simultaneously
Easy-to-read battery level indicator
Doesn’t offer quick charging
With a balance of solid battery power and an affordable price, the Poweradd Slim 2 Portable Charger is a great choice. You’ll enjoy on-the-go power and flexibility without spending much — and the charger is perfectly sized for your pocket. At just 3.9 x 1.3 x 1.2 inches, this portable charger offers a surprising amount of power. It has a 5,000 mAh capacity, and it automatically detects your devices when you plug them in, allowing the charger to adjust to the right charging speed, preventing potential battery damage. It offers approximately two full charges for most smartphones, and it uses 2A speed to provide a quicker result.
This portable charger does tend to have problems right on arrival, though, so some models may be defective or unable to offer the right charging speed. Also, it can get hot to the touch if used for too long.
- Measures 3.9 x 1.3 x 1.2 inches
- Compatible with most smartphones
- Includes a micro USB cable
- Includes four LED Lights and a battery indicator
- Brand Poweradd
- Model Slim 2 Rose Red
- Weight 4.2 ounces
Lightweight
Takes about two hours to recharge a phone
Customer service is quick to replace defective products
May be defective upon arrival
Can get hot to the touch
This premium charger might be more expensive, but it offers a wealth of benefits. It features a high capacity of 30,000mAh, which gives you enough power to charge an iPhone seven or more times over. With a smart digital screen that shows the remaining power level and three USB ports for simultaneous device charging, the charger can do a lot. Whatever you plug in will start charging with the USB ports’ max 3.4-amp output for fast results. Each USB port offers intelligent charging, and a series of multiple smart protection features keeps your devices safe from issues like overcharging and short circuiting.
However, the charger is large and somewhat heavy, which limits its portability. It also takes a long time to recharge once its power bank is depleted. Keep in mind that this portable charger is not compatible with MacBook Pro laptops.
- 30,000mAh capacity
- Three 3.4A USB ports
- Digital screen displays battery life
- Can recharge various types of devices
- Brand Imuto
- Model X6L
- Weight 1.36 pounds
A powerhouse charger that gets to work quickly
Can recharge even large electronics like tablets and some laptops
Offers multiple recharges on a single charge itself
Heavy
Takes a long time to recharge once depleted
Doesn’t work with Macbook Pro laptops
If you want great bang for your buck, the Miady 10,000mAh Dual USB Portable Charger is a solid option. You get two portable chargers for one price, so you’ll always have a backup power source when you need one. Each one of the chargers features a 10,000mAh capacity and can fully recharge a smartphone between two and three times with its capacity. Suitable for many different smartphone models, the chargers use a lithium-polymer battery. You’ll get two USB ports on each charger, each with 2.1-amp output. Lightweight and compact, these chargers are great for carrying around every day, so you always have a full battery for your most important devices.
However, the most common issue with this portable charger duo is the chargers burning out quickly and have a shorter lifespan than other models.
- Measures 5.5 x 2.6 x 0.6 inches
- Works with 99 percent of smartphones
- 10,000mAh capacity
- Backed by an 18-month warranty
- Brand Miady
- Model AS-TPB21
- Weight 15.4 ounces
Charger fully recharges in five hours
Comes with a micro USB cord
Very versatile in compatibility
Can’t charge larger devices like tablets
Short lifespan
If you want to keep your electronic devices and their batteries in the best shape possible, the Getihu Portable Charger with LED Display is a great pick. With a 10,000mAh capacity and two 4.8A USB ports, this compact device can provide backup power for smartphones, tablets, and other gadgets. But where this portable charger shines is its adaptive nature: it’s made with intelligent charging, which automatically recognizes the devices you plug in and adapts to the proper charging speed. This optimizes charging efficiency and ensures your devices are protected from issues like overcharging. Suitable for use with smartphones and smaller devices like smart watches, AirPods, and speakers, this portable charger is quite versatile.
However, not all smartphones will work with it — phones like the Samsung Galaxy 9+ aren’t a fit. Also, it charges devices somewhat slower than other portable chargers.
- 10,000mAh capacity
- Measures 5.9 x 2.72 x 0.69 inches
- 4.8A USB output
- UL-2056 certified safe
- Brand Getihu
- Model BG-140
- Weight 6.7 ounces
Compatible with a wide range of different devices
Optimizes the charge for every kind of device
Backed by a three-year warranty
Cord not compatible with all Samsung Galaxy models
Charges somewhat slowly
Though this portable charger can technically work with other brands of smartphones, tablets, and other devices, it’s specifically made to be compatible with the iPhone, iPad, and other Apple items. And it offers more charges for these particular electronic gadgets. The charger features an iOS 8-pin input designed, so you only need one cable for all your iOS devices. This detail also helps the charger refill your devices’ batteries twice as fast. With a 12,000mAh capacity and multiple charging ports, this backup power source can fully recharge an iPhone in just an hour—you can get more than three recharges for an iPhone XR.
However, the biggest drawback of this charger is its limited ability to work with other small electronics. While it can recharge non-Apple devices, it does so more slowly and fewer times.
- 12,000mAh capacity
- Designed with iOS 8-pin input
- Uses a lithium-polymer battery
- Protects against overcharging, over-current, short-circuiting, and more
- Brand Poweradd
- Model Pilot 4GS
- Weight 9.5 ounces
Works seamlessly with all kinds of Apple devices
Can recharge non-Apple devices, but more slowly and fewer times
Good for over 500 recharge cycles
Included cord only works with Apple devices
Wall plug to charge the charger itself can get dangerously hot
This charger is lightweight and ultra-slim, giving you a whole lot of power in a small package. It utilizes Anker’s unique PowerIQ and VoltageBoost charging technology, two features that offer the fastest charge possible for all different kinds of devices. With a 10,000mAh capacity, you can charge devices like smartphones and tablets as well as low-power devices. In fact, this portable charger even offers a trickle charging mode just for low-power electronics. Covered with MultiProtect, Anker’s 11-point safety system, you can trust that this highly portable charger is also very safe to use over and over again.
However, what you won’t love about this Anker portable charger is its limited lifespan since users have reported it can degrade and stop working as effectively within months of purchasing. Also, it doesn’t work with a lightning cable.
- 10,000mAh capacity
- Fits in palm or pocket
- Multiple levels of protection
- Can charge low-power devices
- Brand Anker
- Model A1229
- Weight 7.5 ounces
Compatible with many devices, including laptops
Trickle charging mode offers more versatility
Fastest possible charging even without Quick Charge functionality
Doesn’t work with lightning cable
Can degrade and stop working as effectively within months
The Iniu Fast Charging LED Display Portable Charger is one seriously fast charger—if you want to get your devices powered up ASAP, there’s no better choice. Constructed with ultra-fast charging capability that can deliver a charge three times faster than your average charger, this product can take the latest iPhones from zero percent to 60 percent in 35 minutes. It also offers a higher capacity — 20,000mAh — so you can get more charges for all of your devices without having to repeatedly charge the charger itself. You’ll also enjoy impressive versatility: this portable charger will work for most electronic devices, including those smaller low-power items like AirPods, fitness trackers, and smartwatches.
The only drawback to this portable charger is that its exterior attracts fingerprints more easily. However, since this is just a cosmetic issue, it doesn’t affect the charger’s overall performance.
- Measures 5.3 x 2.8 x 1 inches
- 20,000mAh capacity
- Includes PD 3.0 USB C ports
- Airline-approved
- Brand Iniu
- Model BI-B3
- Weight 12.8 ounces
Can cut charging time in half
Offers three times the speed of a 1A USB port
Features an LED display for battery level
Exterior attracts fingerprints
The Poweradd EnergyCell 10000 is a great everyday charger to carry with you. Not only is it pocket-sized and perfectly compact, but it’s also fast. You’ll never have to worry about being weighed down with charging gear — and you’ll also never have to panic as your battery runs low. Measuring just 0.98 x 1.95 x 4.05 inches in size, this super-compact charger weighs only six ounces. It contains a 10,000mAh capacity in its small package, and it includes a USB 2.4A port that gives you a fast and efficient charge. It’s constructed with a high-density battery, which provides you with excellent quality. It features 20 percent more energy density and a 35 percent higher monomer capacity to achieve superior performance.
However, keep in mind that this portable charger isn’t compatible with all smartphones, including some iPhone models. Also, the included cable is relatively short.
- 10,000mAh capacity
- Contains a 21700 battery cell
- Measures 0.98 x 1.95 x 4.05 inches
- High-density battery
- Brand Poweradd
- Model EnergyCell 10000
- Weight 6 ounces
Gives multiple full charges with its capacity
Simple and easy to use
Ideal for everyday use
Included cable is pretty short
Not compatible with all devices or smartphones, including some iPhone models
With three USB ports, you can charge three devices at once—each port is different — one 18-watt PD 3.0 USB-C, one 18-watt QC 3.0 USB-A, and one 12-watt iSmart USB-A. These ports use intelligent charging, so they adapt to the different types of items you plug in. And they work fast too, taking a smartphone from zero percent to 50 percent in just 30 minutes. A 15,000mAh capacity gives you plenty of capability, and it works smoothly with no frustration.
However, even though it’s portable, this charger is a bit bulky to carry with you. Some customers have also reported their charger came defective, so be sure to inspect your product upon its arrival.
- 15,000mAh capacity
- Three different USB ports
- Includes USB ports for Android and iOS devices
- Good for over 300 charge cycles
- Brand RavPower
- Model RP-PB231
- Weight 10.2 ounces
Virtually universal and works with all kinds of USB-powered devices
Intelligent charging helps protect your electronics
Includes multiple level of safety features
Some chargers are defective
Size can be bulky
A portable charger is a simple device, but it’s one that can be seriously important when you’re running out of battery. It’s a backup power source for your most important gadgets, from your smartphone to your tablet to your headphones. And today, there are now more choices for portable chargers than ever before.
All the available options can make choosing the best portable charger a challenge. Which is the best option for your smartphone and other kinds of electronics? What should you look for to determine if a charger is one of quality? Our buying guide will help you narrow down your choices and find the best portable charger for you.
Why Do You Need a Portable Charger?
Absolutely anyone can benefit from having a portable charger. If you use your smartphone for just about everything — and who doesn’t? — you’ve likely found yourself in situations where you need a charger but don’t have one. Carrying a portable charger is the perfect solution. It’s a portable power source that fits in your pocket, backpack, or anywhere else, so you’ll always have the ability to recharge depleted batteries.
Small and designed to be carried anywhere, portable chargers hold enough battery power to charge one or multiple devices. You can keep them on hand when you’re camping, traveling, or just going about your typical day. They give you peace of mind with the ability to charge your devices fully at least one time over. And there are plenty of other benefits, too.
- You’ll have more flexibility, as you won’t need an electrical outlet to recharge your devices; you can plug into a portable charger anywhere and keep going.
- Portable chargers can offer Quick Charge or fast charging, helping to get your devices powered up in less time.
- With a small size and slim, limited cables, portable chargers don’t require a ton of wires or electronics accessories.
- Portable chargers are perfect for travel, and many are airline approved so that you can carry them in your carry-on cargo.
Popular Types of Portable Chargers
Portable chargers are pretty simple, and they’re all pretty similar. Any portable charger is essentially a battery that you can plug into and recharge your devices from. They all work in the same ways — but there can be a few differences. There are a few popular types of portable chargers, with some unique features that can offer more power, more capacity, or more flexibility.
High-Capacity Portable Chargers
High-capacity portable chargers are devices that offer even more backup power. While the average portable charger carries a 10,000mAh capacity — enough to charge a smartphone between two and three times — high-capacity chargers carry much more. You can find chargers with capacities of 15,000mAh up to 30,000mAh.
If you ever need to charge a few different devices at the same time, or you need to charge high-powered items like laptops or cameras, a high-capacity portable charger is the best choice. It gives you enough power to recharge multiple devices multiple times, a feature that’s particularly handy if you’re traveling or camping.
Multi-Device Portable Chargers
Multi-device portable chargers are another common choice. While basic portable chargers offer one USB port so you can plug in a smartphone or tablet, larger chargers can provide multiple USB ports for multi-device charging. This allows you to have one power source for every electronic gadget you carry, which is highly convenient.
Multi-device chargers are great for heavy-duty charging situations. They’re also great if you’re traveling with others, as you can use one portable charger for everyone’s devices. With anywhere from two to four USB ports, make sure to check the device compatibility so you know you can plug just about anything in before buying.
What to Consider When Buying a Portable Charger
There are a few different ways to compare different portable chargers. Capacity tells you just how powerful the power source is — and that offers great insight into just how many times you can use the charger before it needs to be recharged itself. The number of USB charging ports is also important, as this determines how many devices you can plug in and charge.
Additional features and charging methods are also great benefits, and they can make a particular portable charger a fantastic option. Quick Charge capability for Samsung devices, for example, will help you charge up faster. Intelligent charging is also important, as this can help maximize your devices’ overall battery lifespan while they’re charging.
The Most Important Features of Portable Chargers
To determine which portable chargers are the best of the bunch, you’ll want to assess the different features offered. While portable chargers tend to have many features in common, small differences between the features they offer can make some products stand out — and it can leave others in the dust. Here are the charger features that are the most worthwhile.
Capacity
Capacity is a critically important feature: it determines just how much power a portable charger carries. A smaller capacity — like a 2,000mAh power supply or 10,000 mAh — will be a good choice for smaller devices. This capacity level can offer anywhere from one full charge to over two full charges for the basic smartphone.
Higher-capacity portable chargers, which have capacities of more than 10,000mAh, offer more power. And that means you’ll get more recharging capability and more use out of your portable charger before you ever need to charge the actual power bank itself. It also gives you the ability to charge bigger, more powerful devices beyond a smartphone.
Power Output
Power output determines how much power is delivered to your devices through the USB ports, and it directly affects the speed at which your devices recharge. A 1 amp USB port is the slowest option, but 2.4 amps is a very common choice. This is considered the optimal charging power output, particularly for smartphones.
However, some portable chargers offer USB ports with even higher power output, enabling the charger to recharge multiple devices or bigger devices with larger batteries, like tablets and laptops. You’ll want to look for USB ports with 3.4 amps, 4.8 amps, or other higher options if you need a lot of power.
Speed
Speed, or charging speed, is connected to the power output. But it’s also an important feature on its own. No one wants to experience slow charging. Instead, you want to look for a portable charger that offers fast charging and intelligent charging. The best portable chargers can get your devices back to 50 or 60 percent full in under an hour.
It’s also important to consider the recharging speed for the portable charger itself. Once you use the charger to restore battery power to your smartphone, tablet, and other devices, it’ll become depleted — and it will need to be plugged in. While portable chargers typically need a traditional outlet to recharge, it can take some time for them to reach full. Take a look at the recharging time to determine just how long it’ll take to refill the charger’s capacity.
Best Portable Chargers FAQ:
There’s quite a lot to think about when you’re considering different portable chargers. You need reliability, you need the right amount of power, and you need convenience and high portability. And, you need a charger that’ll meet your needs. If you have questions about choosing the best portable charger, check out our answers here.
Q: What is the longest-lasting portable charger?
The Imuto 30,000mAh Portable Charger is one of the longest-lasting portable chargers. With a 30,000mAh capacity, this charger can last throughout multiple recharges and is durable enough to offer a long lifespan.
Q: What’s the best portable iPhone charger?
While any portable charger should work seamlessly with any iPhone, the Poweradd Pilot 4GS Portable Charger is one that’s specifically designed for Apple devices. It’s a great option if you need to charge any kind of iOS device.
Q: Are portable chargers worth it?
Anyone can benefit from carrying a portable charger. It’s convenient, offers great flexibility, and allows you to recharge your electronic gadgets while you’re away from home.
Our Top Pick
We consider the Iniu Portable Charger to be the best portable charger because it’s highly capable, with a solid battery capacity and the latest USB charging technology. This charger works quickly and efficiently, saving you time when you’re running low on power. It’ll work with the majority of today’s smartphones, and the 10,000mAh capacity can even charge some tablets and other devices, giving you great versatility, too.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for the best of the best, it’s hard to top the Iniu Portable Charger. However, the Poweradd Slim 2 Portable Charger is another great choice — and its affordable price gives you fantastic value plus power on the go.
Sources:
- How to Charge a Power Bank – Wikipedia
