Power banks and portable battery chargers.
Portable charger capacity, output current and charging protocol determine how well it recharges devices in the field. A 10000 mAh power bank provides approximately 2.5 full charges for a smartphone with a 4000 mAh battery at standard charging efficiency. A USB-C power bank with 20W PD output charges compatible laptops and tablets, not just phones. Pass-through charging allows the power bank itself to charge while simultaneously charging a connected device. This section covers portable chargers by capacity in mAh, output wattage, form factor and charging protocol compatibility.
6 guides in this section
A high capacity power bank stores more energy than a standard 10000mAh model, allowing more charges per session or the ability to charge larger devices like tablets and laptops. The trade-off is that larger batteries are heavier and bulkier, and high-capacity power banks above 27000mAh (100Wh) require airline approval for carry-on.
4 picks · 5 sourcesUpdated October 1, 2026
The best portable charger for iPhone uses USB-C PD for iPhones with a USB-C port (iPhone 15 and later) or a Lightning port (iPhone 14 and earlier), charges at the iPhone's maximum supported wattage and has enough mAh capacity to charge the phone multiple times before the power bank itself runs out.
4 picks · 5 sourcesUpdated October 1, 2026
The best portable charger for travel fits within the airline 100Wh limit for carry-on lithium batteries, charges multiple devices between outlets, and is lightweight enough to carry all day without adding noticeable weight to a bag. The 10000mAh to 20000mAh range covers most travel use cases within the airline limit.
4 picks · 5 sourcesUpdated October 1, 2026
A portable charger provides extra battery capacity when an outlet is not available. The most useful specs are capacity in mAh, maximum output wattage for fast charging compatibility, and whether the charger has built-in cables so a separate USB cable is not needed.
4 picks · 5 sourcesUpdated October 1, 2026
A power bank stores electrical energy and uses it to charge phones and other devices via USB ports. The two most important specifications are capacity in mAh and output wattage, where higher mAh means more charges and higher wattage means faster charging for compatible devices.
4 picks · 5 sourcesUpdated October 1, 2026
A slim portable charger has a thin profile that fits in a jeans pocket or alongside a phone in a small bag, typically measuring under 0.5 inches thick. Slim power banks trade a larger housing for a more portable form factor, and most slim models in the 10000mAh range weigh 200 to 230 grams, compared to 300 to 400 grams for wider models at the same capacity.
4 picks · 5 sourcesUpdated October 1, 2026
