Which power bank should I buy?

The Nimble Champ is our top recommendation for most folks, but we have all sorts of alternatives here. Read our Best MagSafe Power Banks guide for Apple-specific portable chargers, and our Best Portable Power Stations guide if you need more power. Updated June 2025: We've added power banks from Redmagic and Statik, and added a new FAQ.

Do you need a power bank?

For this guide alone, I’ve spent more than 100 hours cumulatively researching and testing power banks. Most people can find use for a USB power bank (also called an external battery pack, backup battery, or portable charger) to keep phones and other devices charged while on the go.

What is the best power bank to charge a phone?

After putting in hundreds of hours of research and testing, we’ve found that the Belkin Boost Charge Plus 10K is the best power bank to charge a phone, tablet, or another small, handheld device. It’s an all-around great portable charger that can offer you peace of mind whenever wall outlets are out of reach. Best for...

How do I choose a portable power bank?

Connection types vary across all portable power banks, cell phones, computers, headphones, tablets, and electronics brands. So, make sure to choose a power bank with ports that are compatible with the devices you need charged most often.

Are power banks safe?

Quality power banks have built-in circuitry that automatically stops charging once your device reaches full capacity, ensuring a safe and efficient charging process. Temperature control is another important safety consideration. Overheating can be a serious issue with power banks, potentially leading to device damage or even fire hazards.

Can a power bank charge a laptop?

Power banks are most commonly intended to charge mobile devices such as cellphones, tablets, cameras, and portable speakers. They can also be used to charge laptops provided the ports allow for it and the power charging rate is compatible. Power banks are generally not suited to charging larger electronic devices in your home.