Latest news with #electronics
Android Authority
6 hours ago
- Business
- Android Authority
I finally have tech geek paradise nearby, and I'm so excited
C. Scott Brown / Android Authority When it comes to buying the latest and greatest smartphones, tablets, computers, TVs, and more, Americans have a pretty limited set of options for shopping in a physical retail store. Over the past 15 years, the number of stores focused exclusively on electronics has dwindled. Even Best Buy, the largest physical electronics retailer in the US, is struggling. One retailer, though, is bucking the trend by not only surviving, but thriving. That retailer is Micro Center, a small-ish company that caters to hardcore tech geeks rather than the general tech consumer. When I lived in New Haven, Connecticut (where I spent most of my life), my nearest Micro Center was in Brooklyn, New York, which was quite the hike. However, it was always a worthwhile trip, for reasons I'll explain in a bit. When I moved to California's North Bay area in 2022, though, I was dismayed to find only one Micro Center in the entire state: the location in Tustin, more than eight hours away. Thankfully, the twenty-ninth Micro Center location just opened in Santa Clara, CA, a much more reasonable 90-minute drive from my house. On invitation from the company, I attended an early access opening of the store — and it was amazing. What is Micro Center? C. Scott Brown / Android Authority If you're a very old American, like me, you probably remember visiting a Radio Shack. In its heyday, it was one of the few places to get all manner of electronics and tech accessories, including hard-to-find items like uncommon batteries, unique adapters, and even soldering equipment. You probably also remember, though, that Radio Shack stores were cramped, disorganized, and staffed by unsupportive workers. Radio Shack went bankrupt in 2015. Decades before Radio Shack folded, a few guys who worked for the company saw its problems early and knew they could fix them. They left their Radio Shack jobs and started Micro Center, determined to create a welcoming space catered directly to tech-savvy consumers. Today, in 2025, Micro Center is one of the most respected and lauded privately owned retailers in the US. Micro Center was started by former Radio Shack employees determined to make a store by tech nerds and for tech nerds. The secret sauce for Micro Center is made up of two pillars. The first, and most integral, is knowledgeable staff. If you're a frequent reader of sites like Android Authority and have ever visited a Best Buy, you likely have experienced that company's biggest problem, which is that you, the customer, know more about the tech than the employees. That's not likely to be the case at Micro Center. Just like you and me, the people on staff in all its stores know their stuff. If you've never experienced it, I can assure you that it's quite the thrill to ask a tech question during a purchase and have someone who actually knows what they're talking about answer. The second pillar of Micro Center's success is that it understands and respects its customers. Rather than trying to appeal directly to the general tech consumer, Micro Center prioritizes being unabashedly nerdy. Yes, the general tech consumer — people who don't live and breathe tech but still need to buy a phone, laptop, TV, etc. — are more than welcome in Micro Center stores. But people who are passionate about tech are what Micro Center focuses on, and everything it does — store layouts, product categories, service offerings, etc. — always keeps that consumer category in mind. In other words, it's a store created by tech nerds for tech nerds. It's like a store made specifically for me C. Scott Brown / Android Authority Since I work at Android Authority, you know I love smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and all the other things we regularly cover here. However, I'm into tech-related stuff that we rarely talk about. I built my own gaming PC, for example (4090 gang, represent). I also have a Plex server, am very into smart home tech, and dabble in flying drones. I'm also a content creator, so I have a growing collection of tools for that, including cameras, lights, microphones, and more. Micro Center carries products related to all of these categories — and much, much more. In addition to everything I've already mentioned, Micro Center also has TVs, computer monitors, laptops, 3D printers (and filament for those printers), repair tools, board games, mechanical keyboards — the list goes on and on. It is a paradise for anyone passionate about a tech-related hobby. Regarding common tech categories, Micro Center has a distinct advantage in that it usually has a broader selection than most other stores. Just look at the laptop section of the Santa Clara store above. That is way more selection than you'll see in any Best Buy, Costco, Target, etc. For the less common categories, Micro Center is likely one of the very few physical retail stores to carry them. For example, in the US, it's not easy to buy a Raspberry Pi without doing so online. However, Micro Center has them, along with tons of add-ons, kits, and STEM-related tools to use with one. Likewise, if your laptop battery dies and you need an immediate replacement, you'll probably need to order online and wait for it to be shipped. At Micro Center, though, there's a whole wall of batteries you can run in and grab and be back up and running in no time. Need the proper tools to do that repair? Micro Center has them, too. Don't want to do the repair yourself? The service center is the first thing you see when you walk into the store, and it has an open-air design, so you can see the technicians doing their jobs. All of this makes Micro Center convenient, but what really makes it a joyous experience is the physicality of it all. I love being able to touch tech before I buy it C. Scott Brown / Android Authority When I was doing my most recent gaming PC build, I knew I wanted a new case. I have limited space in my small house, though, so it needed to fit within precise dimensions. Of course, I also wanted it to look cool and provide the necessary features. During this process, I did all this research — and the final purchase — online, and the first time I actually saw the case in person was when it arrived at my home. This works, but is certainly far from ideal. At Micro Center, though, I could have seen and touched the case before purchasing it. What's more, I could have compared the case to my current one to see the difference in size while also comparing it to cases from other brands. Given that very few physical retailers sell PC cases, Micro Center is one of the only places I could have gone to experience this. Micro Center knows the value of being able to see and touch something before buying it. That's just one example, but there are literally dozens more. Where else can you go to clack on a dozen different keyboards from multiple manufacturers to figure out which one feels and sounds the best? Where else can you pick from over a thousand filament colors to get the precise look you want for your next 3D printing project? Where else can you compare 50 laptops to one another, touch twenty desk microphones, hold dozens of Android phones, and even sit in a racing sim rig to see what that feels like? You can do all of this and more at Micro Center. Ultimately, the only real problem I have with Micro Center is that it's not everywhere. The company has opened three stores in the past year, which is a lot, but it still seems like a tiny portion of Americans have one within a two-hour drive. After all, the company has been around for nearly 50 years, and this is only its twenty-ninth store! I can only hope that this new Santa Clara location bolsters the company's success, and it continues expanding to more areas. For myself, though, I'm already dreaming about my next tech purchase happening in person while I chat with a fellow tech geek about it. I've missed those days.
CNET
7 hours ago
- General
- CNET
Here's How to Factory Reset Your PS5 or PS4
Yes, even the PlayStation 5 isn't new anymore. That console came out in 2020, which means it's currently in the second half of its life cycle. Since then, new consoles like the Nintendo Switch 2 have hit the market. If you're tiring of your PS5, you have more options than storing it in the top of your closet where it will just collect dust. You could give the console away or sell it for some extra cash. Regardless of whether you're ready to give yours away to the recent grad in your life or if you're looking to sell your device for some extra cash, you have plenty of options. There's one important thing you need to do to your console before you get rid of it: reset the system and wipe your personal data. Factory resetting is a crucial step that you should take whenever you're selling or giving away a piece of technology. Your old PlayStation is no exception. While you might not be storing the same kind of information on your PS4 or PS5 that you would on your laptop or smartphone, this step can save you a great deal of stress by taking care of any leftover information. Read on for everything you need to know about resetting your PS5 or your PS4. For more, here's what to know about buying a used iPhone and our picks for the best place to sell your electronics. Resetting the PlayStation 5 You have a few options when it comes to factory resetting your PS5. To access these options, navigate to the Home Screen and then select Settings > System > System Software > Reset Options. After selecting Reset Options you will be presented with three options: Clear Learning Dictionary, Restore Default Settings and Reset Your Console. Clear Learning Dictionary will clear the history of all the terms that you have typed on your PS5. will clear the history of all the terms that you have typed on your PS5. Restore Default Settings will restore all of the settings on your PS5 to their default setting, but leave your data intact. will restore all of the settings on your PS5 to their default setting, but leave your data intact. Reset Your Console will restore all of the settings to their default options and erase all of the data that has been saved to your PS5. If you are looking to factory reset your console before selling it or giving it away, select Reset Your Console to fully wipe all of your data from the device and factory reset the console. Dan Ackerman/CNET Resetting the PlayStation 4 The process for factory resetting your console is a bit different for the PS4. First, you will need to navigate to Settings > Initialization. Much like the process for factory resetting the Playstation 5, you will be presented with three options after selecting Initialization: Clear Learning Dictionary, Restore Default Settings and Initialize PS4. Clear Learning Dictionary and Restore Default Settings operate the same as they do on the PS5. Initialize PS4 operates in the same way as the Reset Your Console option does on the PS5. If you are looking to factory reset your PS4 before giving it away or selling it, selecting Initialize PS4 will do the trick.
Digital Trends
20 hours ago
- Business
- Digital Trends
The Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 comes with a free second monitor in this deal
The 49-inch Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 gaming monitor is pretty expensive, but here's an offer that may make you consider this investment. The G9 itself isn't on sale, but you will get the 24-inch Samsung S3 Full HD curved monitor, worth $140, for free! That's one of the most interesting Samsung monitor deals today, but you'll have to hurry with your purchase if you're interested because tomorrow may already be too late. Why you should buy the 49-inch Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 gaming monitor The 49-inch Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 is showcased in our roundup of the best gaming monitors as our favorite 32:9 gaming monitor. That refers to the aspect ratio, as it's an ultrawide monitor with Dual QHD resolution that will give you extreme immersion while you're playing the best PC games. Further elevating the experience is the QD-OLED technology in the Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 that combines QLED technology and OLED technology for intense brightness and perfect black levels. There are two important specifications for gaming monitors: refresh rate and response time. They're explained by our computer monitor buying guide as how often the images are updated on the screen and how quickly the display shows transitions, respectively. The Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 is amazing with its 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time, so gameplay will be smooth and lag-free. The gaming monitor also has a full Tizen operating system onboard, so you can catch up on your favorite streaming shows while you've giving your gaming PC a break. The 49-inch Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 gaming monitor bundle is pretty expensive even after the $140 discount from Samsung's monitor deals, as you'll still have to pay the full $1,900 for the G9. However, you'll also receive the 24-inch Samsung S3 Full HD curved monitor, which is usually sold for $140, for free. That little perk may make you think about finally moving forward with that display upgrade, and if you've decided to go ahead with it, we recommend completing your transaction for the 49-inch Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 gaming monitor immediately as the offer may expire at any moment.
CNET
a day ago
- General
- CNET
This One-Second Fix Fixed All My Roku Freezing Issues
I've been using Roku devices for years. They're simple, reliable and great for streaming all my favorite shows. But lately, my older Roku started acting up. It was freezing, buffering and just generally lagging behind. I thought it might be time to replace it or give up on my built-in smart TV altogether. Turns out, I didn't need to do either. I found a super quick fix that takes less than a minute and made a huge difference. Like phones and laptops, Roku devices store background data to speed things up - but too much of that data can actually slow everything down. Clearing out that hidden clutter sped things up instantly. It freed up memory and made my Roku feel brand new again. If yours is acting sluggish, try this first before spending money on a replacement. Best Affordable Big TVs: More Screen, Less Cost Best Affordable Big TVs: More Screen, Less Cost Click to unmute Video Player is loading. Play Video Pause Skip Backward Skip Forward Next playlist item Unmute Current Time 0:17 / Duration 3:15 Loaded : 33.52% 0:16 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 2:58 Share Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Close Modal Dialog This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. Close Modal Dialog This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. Best Affordable Big TVs: More Screen, Less Cost How to clear your Roku TV cache This process isn't as straightforward on a Roku TV as it is on other devices. Following these steps will improve your device's performance and clear its cache. Keep in mind that your Roku TV will restart. Reset Roku TV in the settings From the main menu, go to the end of the list and select the Settings menu. Within Settings, find System and open it. Scroll down to Power and select it. Select System Restart and click Restart to confirm. This will turn off your TV and clear the cache, but it will not factory reset it. Your Roku TV should turn back on in about 30 seconds. If this doesn't work, you can try using the hidden remote function to reset the TV instead. Reset Roku TV with remote Sarah Tew/CNET Go to the Home menu and make sure the highlight is over the Home option on the left. On your remote push the Home button five times. Push the Up arrow once. Push the Rewind button twice. Push the Fast Forward button twice. Wait for your Roku to restart. Uninstall the app CNET If resetting the Roku TV doesn't solve the issues with slowing, you may have to uninstall and reinstall the app you believe is causing the issue. As a warning, all users and settings will be removed from the app and you will need to set this back up upon reinstall. Highlight the app, but do not open it. Push the * button on your remote. Select Remove Channel from the popup. How to factory reset your Roku TV For those still having issues, you may be better off doing a factory reset of the whole Roku TV. This will remove all your users, sign-ins and apps, making it the same as if you had just brought it home from the store. From the menu, select Settings. Find System and select it. At the bottom of the System menu, go to Advanced System Settings. Select Factory Reset and enter the code underneath the number pad on the right to confirm reset. For more coverage, read about how you can set up a VPN on Roku and learn how your streaming device might be tracking you.
CNN
a day ago
- Business
- CNN
The best portable chargers of 2025, tried and tested
The best portable chargers we tested Best budget portable charger: Iniu Pawsible P41L-E2 Power Bank Best portable charger for phones: Anker Nano Power Bank Best portable charger for laptops and tablets: UGreen 145W Power Bank Testing the best portable chargers might sound boring, but I love to figure out which power brick is worth your cash. This is partially because the world of portable chargers is increasingly confusing, filled with vaguely-named products sold by companies you may have never heard of. On top of that, this is the kind of small purchase that can add years of life to your other devices, which is crucial when even the best smartphones released every year don't always have compelling reasons to upgrade. Portable chargers have become far more interesting in recent times, going beyond their ports to add built-in cables and screens so you can forget your cords at home and stop guesstimating at how much of your charge is left. That said, I'm still happy to see that the top portable chargers offer USB-C for faster charging and USB-A ports for older cables and devices. To make sure you're never low on battery life, I put nearly a dozen of the top battery packs through a series of intensive tests, and I've got my eye on the market to see what's up next from the titans of tech recharging. All of this work has led me to the top three portable chargers, which range from affordable power banks to keep your phone in the green to a powerful brick that will keep your laptop aglow when you can't find an open wall adapter at the airport. Iniu Pawsible P41L-E2 Power Bank This power bank may have an awkward name, but it more than makes up for that with fast charging speeds and its built-in cable. Anker Nano Power Bank This is the charger I never go out without, and with good reason. It offers both fast charging and a convenient design that means I can scroll and swipe while I'm refueling my phone. Read our review UGreen 145W 25000mAh Power Bank While it's a bit larger than most, this simple and straightforward power brick is an excellent option for those looking to keep all of their tech — from laptops to watches — charged during intensive days on the go. Lesser-known tech accessory brand Iniu makes its name by offering the best affordable portable chargers. The Pawsible P41L-E2 is simply a better version of our previous budget pick, offering a built-in cord and faster charging for only a little more. Its best scores on our in-house testing came when I recharged an Apple iPhone 16 and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra from dead, checking how much charge was refueled after 30 minutes. The Iniu Pawsible P41L-E2 was the only portable charger below $40 to refill over 50% of the iPhone 16's charge in 30 minutes, and its 70% score on the S25 Ultra even beat a portable charger that costs $100. It also beat our previous budget pick, the simply named Iniu Portable Charger (which is often on sale for less than $20) by posting charging scores between two to three times higher than its cheaper sibling. In addition to that performance, this portable charger comes with its own built-in USB-C cord, which isn't included on far-more expensive competitors. That means you won't have to remember to pack a cable (provided you're on a modern Android phone or the iPhone 15 or later) for your next night out. While this portable charger did a serviceable job bringing an iPad Pro M4 back from zero battery life, I saw a surprising hiccup when it could not bring the Samsung Galaxy S10 FE+ back from an empty charge. I will continue to investigate this issue, and plan to update this article with my findings. Oh, and those looking for precision might not like its 'paw' LEDs, which give you an estimate of remaining battery life with up to five lights illuminated. Neither of those are a concern at this price, though. Not only did the Iniu power bank thrive in phone recharging, it did so for the same price as a month of 4K Netflix. Our best overall portable charger basically takes nearly everything I like about our budget pick and puts it in a better package. The 30W Anker Nano Power Bank posted a terrific score in the iPhone charging test, tying with the Iniu Pawsible P41L-E2. Also, the Nano's built-in USB-C cord is just better than the one in the Iniu charger, or at least it's designed to be easier to work with. That's all due to the most ingenious touch, a little metal hook that turns the Nano's cord into a loop that makes it easy to hold while you use the phone. You just snake the connector side of the USB-C cable out from the top side, plug it into your phone, and then hold the power bank aloft by tucking your pinky and/or ring finger into the resultant loop. This way, the Anker Nano isn't pulling itself down from your port, and you can use your phone while you recharge it. This is crucial for anyone who loves to travel, as you can easily charge and use your phone in one hand to figure out where to go in a maps app while drinking a coffee or holding an umbrella with your spare hand. The Anker Nano also features a screen that will tell you the exact percentage of remaining battery life and how long it will take to recharge when you're refueling it. The only real downside about this portable charger is that its 30W charging speed isn't the fastest you'll get at this price point. For example, the cheaper Iniu Pawsible P41L-E2 refilled 70% of the S25 Ultra's battery in 30 minutes, blazing past the 45% score from the Anker Nano. If you're trying to decide between the Anker Nano and the Iniu Pawsible, find out if your phone supports 45W charging or not. If it does, and you really want the fastest pocket-friendly portable charger out there, get the Iniu. I'm betting that most people don't have a 45W-charging phone, and are willing to settle for 'really fast' when they can get the portable charger that's the easiest to use. And that's why I think the Anker Nano is the best for most people. Sometimes simple gets the job done best, as is the case with UGreen's big brick for charging everything you can throw at it. Not only did it recharge the iPhone 16 and Galaxy S25 Ultra about as fast as any other portable charger (basically tied in the margin of error), but its 145W power meant it posted phenomenal charging scores when I refueled the MacBook Air M4 and Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x. And I'm not exactly shocked: you should be seeing superior charging time when you're spending more than $70. Just like the Anker Nano, this UGreen power bank gives you a trio of output options, with dual USB-C ports and one USB-A port. A quick tap of the little button on the side turns on its LCD screen to show you how much juice is left, so you can tell if you need to recharge or not. Oh, and unless you're frequently refueling laptops, this power bank's 25000mAh capacity should serve you well for typical use. The other reason I love this brick is that it often gets discounted well below its $100 retail price; as of this writing, Amazon Prime members can get it for $75. The one thing I don't love about UGreen's laptop charger brick is that it's a bit on the simple side, only offering a low-power 'trickle' mode when it's time to charge smaller devices like wearables. If you're willing to spend more for some nice extras, then I'd recommend you look at the Anker Laptop Power Bank, which costs $35 more, but throws in two built-in USB-C cords, including a retractable cable and one built into its wrist strap. Oh, and you also get a better display for telling you about its status. Also, when it comes time to refuel UGreen's brick, you're going to want to have one of the best USB-C chargers, because refueling it from a USB-A port is going to take far more time than you should spend. Still, since power outlets can be extremely hard to come by on the go, I recommend everyone check out this UGreen power bank if they frequently find themselves struggling to keep their laptop chugging. Design Size: Phones are getting big enough these days (some tell me they're too big), so there's no need for you to be carrying a portable charger that's too huge for easy storage. So, I applaud the more compact chargers for understanding that pockets and purses only have so much space. Many of these chargers manage to fit a lot of charge into a small design thanks to their lithium-ion batteries. Capacity: Then there's the other size: each portable charger has its own mAh rating for its maximum internal electrical charge. The bigger the mAh rating, the bigger the battery inside and the more it can recharge. I only tested portable chargers with 5,000 mAh or higher capacities in this round — that's pretty much the standard entry point, since most popular smartphone batteries are near that amount. Ports and cables: While many portable chargers can refuel your phone quickly, their number of ports and cables can be important differentiators. Many chargers come with a cable you can use to plug it into a wall, but a portable charger that features its own built-in cable means you never have to remember to pack one of the best USB-C cables when you're headed on a trip. Also, some permanently-attached cables are better than others, as some can retract into the case or offer an easier way to hold the charger. And since none of these devices included a wall adapter, we gave extra points to those which included a cable. If you're curious, we've got everything you need to know about how USB-C works. Build quality: Does this portable charger feel durable, and able to survive a little damage? Do I feel confident plugging it into my own phone? Without a loud and direct 'yes' for both of those questions, a portable charger stands little chance of winning our respect. Warranty period: A long manufacturer's warranty should come with every portable charger, as companies should stand behind the batteries you plug into your phone. Most portable chargers we tested come with at least a two-year warranty. Performance Phones: Since the name of the game is keeping your phone's battery icon in the green, I tested how efficient these power banks are when it comes to refueling in a short window of time. I tracked how much battery life each gave some of the best smartphones in 30 minutes, after the phones had previously been drained of their charge. This round of testing consisted of recharging the regular iPhone 16 and the fast-charging Galaxy S25 Ultra (which supports speeds of up to 45W). I used the included or built-in cords to charge other devices, as well as each device's most-powerful port or cable. I also used a Yojock USB-C power meter to confirm the power of each port. Laptops: Since the smartphone isn't the only piece of tech I rely on, I checked to see if any of these portable chargers could recharge two of the best laptops: the 15-inch M4 MacBook Air and the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x. Unsurprisingly, only our two largest portable chargers proved effective at all, as the rest only resulted in errors such as 'Battery is not charging,' and 'Slow charger, use a higher-watt charger.' When trying to look for the best portable charger for bigger devices, look for chargers with higher W (watts) specs, starting at around 100W. Tablets: In our final round of testing, I checked how our top four portable chargers fared at refueling two of the best tablets from zero. This testing was done with the iPad Pro M4 and the Galaxy Tab S10 FE+. Iniu Portable Charger Basic chargers get basic names, and such is the case with this Iniu power bank that features a 10,000mAh capacity, two USB-A ports and one USB-C port. Not exactly fast, it's certainly affordable. This Iniu Portable Charger used to be our budget pick, but its only-slightly more expensive sibling charged our phones more than twice as fast and has a built-in USB-C cord. I understand why many people will still want to get this portable charger due to its low price, but spending a little more here gets you much better results. Nimble Champ Portable Charger This little charger packs a decent 10,000 mAh capacity (enough for at least two large phones) and dual fast-charging USB-C ports. Oh, and it's designed for the eco-conscious among us, with a 90% post-consumer plastic housing and post-consumer scrap paper packaging. It also includes recycling materials for getting rid of your e-waste. This tiny portable charger did well in the iPhone 16 charging portion of our test, but it failed to post anything inspiring for the Samsung S25 Ultra, as its 20W charging power wasn't enough to keep up with other, faster-charging power banks. I admire this power bank for its environmentally-conscious design and packaging, but I have a hard time giving it a strong endorsement. That said, if you put the environment above all else, I say 'stay Nimble.' Anker 25,000mAh Laptop Power Bank Capable of charging laptops, tablets, phones and anything else you can plug into its USB-C and USB-A ports, this 25,000mAh power bank features dual integrated charging cables and an information-rich display. This is the portable charger to buy if money's no option, and if you don't mind a larger or heavier power bank. Not only does it offer dual built-in USB-C cables, but one is a retractable cable that basically hides in its body and the other doubles as a wrist-strap. The priciest portable charger on this list provided speedy-fast charging in every round, either tying for the win in nearly every category, and four points shy of the best iPhone 16 charging score. And that's well within the margin of error. The only real downside on this item, aside from its price, is that its 1.5-year warranty is at least six months less than what the rest include. Belkin BoostCharge Plus 10K Built-in USB-C and Lightning cables make this charger an easy call for anyone who needs to charge current and older Apple devices — especially at the same time. Its 10,000 mAh capacity means you'll have the juice to do it, too. Simply good-to-OK charging scores in our iPhone 16 and Galaxy S25 Ultra rounds combined with a versatile two-cord design make Belkin BoostCharge Plus 10K a worthy consideration. But when Lightning is on the way out and this charger is $10 more than the Anker Nano, it's hard to see this as a future-forward pick. It's also a little larger than some might want. Anker 22.5W Nano Power Bank A folding USB-C connector makes this 5,000mAh portable charger super easy to use. You just plug it into your phone, and you can charge while you scroll. The little sibling to our best pick for top charger, this Anker always feels like the junior. It's got a lower capacity, less charging power and its design isn't exactly as convenient. Sure, you can charge while you use your phone, but it'll leave you with a super-tall handset that's slightly awkward to use. Mophie Powerstation Plus 10K This portable charger packs USB-C and Lightning cables, and its 10,000 mAh capacity gives you enough juice to charge both your phone and a friend's. A bit pricey for what it offers, the Mophie Powerstation Plus' claim to fame in our testing was that it posted the best score for recharging the iPhone 16 from dead, but only by one percentage point. While it gave the Galaxy S25 Ultra 14% more juice than the similar Belkin BoostCharge Plus 10K, it's hard to argue that this difference is worth an extra $30. UGreen Nexode Power Bank This portable charger's 100W charging power combines with a 12,000mAh capacity to offer speed and endurance, and it's priced to move. Includes USB-A and USB-C ports. Good performance in our testing for charging the iPhone 16 and Galaxy S25 Ultra made this medium-sized portable charger one to consider, especially at $50. There's nothing quite wrong with it, but there's nothing super-compelling either, as it offers no built-in cables and a simple set of USB-A and USB-C ports. OtterBox 3-in-1 Mobile Charging Kit Need to charge over USB-C, Lightning and microUSB? Then this 5,000mAh portable charger might be the right one for you, as it comes with a microUSB charging cable that includes USB-C and Lightning adapters you can snap on top. Slow charging speeds and slightly-awkward adapters meant OtterBox's portable charger didn't live up to my own expectations. Also, with microUSB on the way out, its inclusion doesn't really feel relevant, unless you're using one of our older picks for the best e-reader. Can you bring a portable charger on a plane? Can you bring a portable charger on a plane? Yes, though there are some exceptions and rules you must abide by. In addition to the TSA battery rules, the TSA's What Can I Bring? site states that portable chargers must be packed in carry-on luggage, and not checked bags. Certain airlines are also announcing new rules, as Southwest Airlines recently revised its guidelines to state 'When a portable charger/power bank is used during a flight, it must be out of any baggage and remain in plain sight. Do not charge devices in the overhead bin.' How much do portable chargers weigh? How much do portable chargers weigh? There's an increasingly wide range of weights when it comes to portable chargers. The power banks I tested were as light as 3.6 ounces and as heavy as 20.9 ounces. Are portable chargers safe for your phone's battery? Are portable chargers safe for your phone's battery? In general, portable chargers are safe to use with your phone, and I'd know since I've been using and testing them for more than a decade. I'd include one small caveat, though: don't buy or use a portable charger from a brand you're unfamiliar with. Portable chargers are like any electronics I've covered in my product reviews, and I wouldn't just plug any one of them off the virtual shelf into my phone. CNN Underscored thoroughly tests the products we review and provides full transparency about our testing methodology. We're made up of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. Throughout his decade-long career reviewing tech, electronics writer Henry T. Casey has examined all kinds of charging gadgets from cases with built-in batteries to MagSafe power bricks.
