Best Portable Chargers for Travel

The Short Answer

The Anker PowerCore 10,000mAh is the best portable charger for most travelers. It's compact, reliable, and charges a phone about twice. For laptop charging, the Nimble CHAMP Pro 20,000mAh delivers 65W through USB-C. On a budget, the Anker Nano is tiny and surprisingly capable.

The TSA Rule You Need to Know

This is non-negotiable: portable chargers must go in your carry-on. They're banned from checked luggage. Period. The FAA prohibits lithium-ion batteries over 100 watt-hours in checked bags, and even smaller ones need to be in carry-on. TSA will pull your checked bag and remove the power bank, or reject it entirely.

Most consumer power banks are under 100Wh, so they're fine in carry-on without any special permission. Banks between 100-160Wh need airline approval. Anything over 160Wh can't fly at all. The capacity is usually printed on the device.

Best Overall: Anker PowerCore 10,000mAh

Anker has dominated the portable charger market for years, and the PowerCore 10K is the reason why. It's lightweight, compact, reliable, and charges most phones about 2-2.5 times from dead. At around $25, it's the pack-and-forget power bank that lives in your travel bag.

USB-C input and output mean fast charging in both directions. It charges itself quickly overnight and pumps power to your phone at up to 20W. The size is roughly a deck of cards. Small enough to slip into a jacket pocket or the front pocket of your carry-on.

Best for: Most travelers who want reliable phone charging without bulk.

Best for Laptops: Nimble CHAMP Pro 20,000mAh

If you need to charge a laptop on the go, you need serious wattage. The Nimble CHAMP Pro delivers 65W from its USB-C port, enough to charge a MacBook Air at full speed or keep a MacBook Pro topped up during use. At $100, it's an investment, but it replaces carrying a laptop charger for many travelers.

The 20,000mAh capacity charges a phone about 4-5 times or gives a laptop roughly one full charge. Two outputs deliver 65W each, so you can charge your laptop and phone simultaneously. The eco-friendly packaging and certified recycled materials are a nice bonus.

Best for: Laptop users, digital nomads, and travelers who need all-day power.

Best Ultra-Compact: Anker Nano Power Bank

The Anker Nano is about the size of a lipstick case. It has a built-in USB-C connector that folds down when not in use, so you don't even need to bring a cable. Just unfold the connector and plug directly into your phone.

The capacity is smaller than the PowerCore 10K, giving you roughly one full phone charge. But the convenience factor is off the charts. It's the power bank you'll actually carry because you barely notice it. Perfect for topping off during a layover or getting through a long day of exploring.

Best for: Travelers who want something they'll actually carry every day.

Best High-Capacity: GOODaaa 36,000mAh

For travelers who are away from outlets for days, the GOODaaa 36,000mAh is a beast. It charges a smartphone 6-8 times or keeps a tablet running for days. Wireless charging on top means you can just set your phone on it. At about $40, it's remarkable value for the capacity.

The trade-off is size and weight. This isn't going in your pocket. It's a dedicated item in your bag that weighs about a pound. But for camping trips, multi-day hikes, or travel to places where reliable power is scarce, the capacity is worth the bulk.

Best for: Adventure travelers, campers, and anyone going off-grid.

Best Premium: HyperJuice 245W 27,000mAh

The HyperJuice is for power users who don't want to compromise. The 27,000mAh capacity can refill a phone about four times and get a MacBook Pro from near-dead to 75%. The 245W maximum output means it can fast-charge even the most power-hungry laptops.

This is a premium product at a premium price, but for travelers who carry multiple devices and need them all charged, it's the one power bank to rule them all. Multiple USB-C ports with independent high-wattage output mean everything charges at full speed simultaneously.

Best for: Power users with multiple devices, including high-wattage laptops.

How to Choose the Right Capacity

Here's a simple guide based on how you travel:

• 5,000mAh: One phone charge. Good for short trips and emergencies.
• 10,000mAh: Two to three phone charges. The sweet spot for most travelers.
• 20,000mAh: Four to five phone charges or one laptop charge. Good for long travel days.
• 30,000mAh+: A week of phone charging or multiple laptop charges. For extended travel without reliable power.

What to Look for in a Travel Power Bank

USB-C Is Non-Negotiable

USB-C is the standard now. It charges faster, works with more devices, and often means you can use the same cable for your phone and the power bank itself. Avoid power banks with only USB-A output unless you're charging older devices.

Wattage Matters

A power bank's wattage determines how fast it charges your devices. 20W is standard for phone fast charging. 30W handles tablets and some lightweight laptops. 65W+ is needed for real laptop charging. Check what your devices support and match accordingly.

Pass-Through Charging

Some power banks can charge your phone while also being charged themselves. This is useful at airports: plug the power bank into a wall outlet, plug your phone into the power bank, and both charge at once.

Weight and Size

There's always a trade-off between capacity and portability. A 10,000mAh bank weighs about 6-8 ounces. A 20,000mAh bank is roughly 12-14 ounces. Decide what you're willing to carry.

Tips for Flying with Portable Chargers

• Always carry in your carry-on. Never check them. This is an FAA requirement, not a suggestion.
• Charge fully before your trip. Obvious, but easy to forget.
• Keep it accessible at security. TSA may ask to see it separately, like a laptop.
• Check the watt-hour rating. Under 100Wh is fine. 100-160Wh needs airline approval. Over 160Wh can't fly.
• Bring a short cable. A 6-inch cable is perfect for connecting a power bank to your phone in your bag without a tangle of cord.