Best power banks for 2025 — summary and buying guide
I tested 55+ portable battery packs over three years. These days power banks are better than ever — from Qi2-enabled magnetic slabs for wireless phone refills to heavy bricks that can revive a laptop. If you travel or often forget to top up your phone, a good power bank can be a lifesaver.
Quick highlights
- Tested: 55+ banks across sizes (5,000mAh to 27,000mAh) and types (MagSafe/Qi2, USB-C PD, AC-capable bricks).
- Real-world efficiency: expect ~60% of listed mAh delivered to devices (e.g., a 10,000mAh bank gives ~5,800mAh).
- Wireless improved: Qi2 magnetic charging now practical (15W; newer phones support 25W in some models).
- Flying: TSA allows external batteries ≤100Wh in carry-on only — don’t check power banks.
What to look for
- Capacity: 5,000mAh for partial phone top-ups; 20,000mAh+ for multi-phone or laptop use. Higher capacity = bigger and heavier.
- Ports & wattage: USB-C PD is fastest. Match cable rating to port wattage for full speed.
- Wireless: Qi2 (magnetic) is far better than older wireless banks; check compatibility (iPhone MagSafe, Pixel’s Pixelsnap).
- Design & extras: built-in cables, displays, integrated wall plugs, or kickstands can be handy.
Selected top picks (high level)
- MagSafe/Qi2 magnetic banks: Apple MagSafe Battery Pack (5,000mAh), Anker MagGo series, UGREEN MagFlow — good for iPhone users who want magnetic convenience.
- Small (≤10,000mAh): Compact daily carry like Anker 511 (5,000mAh) or Anker 313 (10,000mAh).
- Mid (10k–20k): Baseus Blade 2 (12,000mAh) and Anker Prime (20,000mAh) for longer trips.
- High capacity (20k+): Anker 737, Zendure Supertank Pro, Mophie Powerstation Pro XL — suitable for laptops and many charges.
How I test
Devices used: various iPhones, Galaxy S-series phones, iPad Air, and an M1 Pro 16-inch MacBook Pro. I charge phones from near‑0–5% to full (one device at a time) and note charge times and number of full charges. Where included, I use the bank’s supplied cables.
Want to shop?
Search for the model you want on Amazon (affiliate): https://www.amazon.com/s?k=power+bank&tag=f1rede-20
Note: This is a summary and guide based on long-term testing. If you want the full review dataset and detailed model-by-model results, I can provide a deeper breakdown or link to specific product pages on request.
