Latest news with #portablechargers
The Herald
6 days ago
- Business
- The Herald
Airlines clamp down on power bank usage on flights
Airlines are changing their policies on the use of portable chargers and power banks during flights. Emirates has confirmed using any type of power bank is prohibited on its flights, effective from October 1, Corporate Traveller South Africa said on Tuesday. Passengers on Emirates will be allowed to carry one power bank on board if they meet specified criteria but the power banks may not be used in the aircraft cabin — to charge devices from the power bank or to be charged themselves using the aircraft's power source. Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, China Airlines, Korean Airlines and Asiana Airlines have also changed their requirements this year and Virgin Australia has confirmed its battery policy is under review. 'It's a safety measure,' said Herman Heunes, GM of Corporate Traveller SA. 'More and more airlines are introducing restrictions on using and charging portable devices in aircraft, especially when it comes to the use of power banks. We expect all the carriers to follow suit.'
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Top Tech Deals: Apple Watch Series 10, Sonos, Anker Charger, and More!
Didn't find what you were looking for during Amazon's big sales event? Even though Amazon Prime week is over, you can still score some all-time low prices on several exciting products. We dug around the web and gathered a solid list of tech gear you'll love. This week, we found huge deals on Mini-LED TVs, headphones, portable chargers, the two most popular smartwatches, and more. Most of these are available at a price lower than we saw during Prime Day, too, meaning now is the time to buy. Act fast, as these won't last long. Sonos Ace Noise-Cancelling Wireless Headphones for $299 ($150 Off) The Sonos Ace are premium headphones that compete with the likes of Sony, Bose, and others. We absolutely loved them in our review. For a limited time, they're on sale for the best price we've seen yet, only $299. Anker Prime 67W USB-C Charger for $35 ($25 Off) Looking for a tiny wall charger that can power up multiple things at a time? The Anker Prime 67W is a tiny wall wart with tons of power. Two USB-C ports can charge things as big as a MacBook, while a regular USB-A is included for everything else. Grab one while it's on sale. Hisense 65-inch U8 Mini-LED TV for $998 ($500 Off) Hisense makes some excellent TVs, like the U7N I tested, and this week you can get the even better Hisense U8 Mini-LED 4K Google TV at a $500 discount. Yes, that's 33% off its regular price, which is currently lower than it was on Prime Day. Grab this and elevate your living room. Roku Streaming Stick Plus 4K (2025) for $29 ($11 Off) Have an older TV you love and don't want to replace, but its "smart features" are showing signs of age? Don't replace it; instead, grab this Roku Streaming Stick 4K and upgrade your current TV. Apple Watch Series 10 42mm for $299 ($100 Off) The latest generation Apple Watch Series 10 (in the smaller 42mm size) is available at a low price. It's a few dollars more than during Prime Week, but it's still a solid deal. If you've been waiting to upgrade, now is a good time. More Tech Deals Other potential savings this week include Samsung's fancy Galaxy Watch 7 at a $130 discount before the Watch 8 arrives. You can also score a nice Coleman camping chair, an AMD desktop CPU, soundbars, and more at lucrative prices. Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 (44mm) | $199 ($130 Off) Coleman Portable Camping Chair and Cooler | $35 ($15 Off) Samsung Q-Series 3.1 Soundbar and Sub | $169 ($210 Off) AMD Ryzen 9 5950X 16-core CPU | $275 ($44 Off) Hydro Flask 32oz Tumbler | $18 (49% Off) Roborock Q10 X5+ Vac and Mop | $320 ($180 Off)
Arab News
02-07-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi ministry recalls faulty chargers over fire risk
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Commerce has announced the recall of 88,518 Anker portable chargers across multiple models due to a potential internal electrical short circuit that may cause overheating and pose a fire risk. The ministry urged consumers to immediately stop using the affected products and contact Anker at the toll-free number 8008500030 to arrange a replacement or full refund, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday. Consumers can check if their device is included in the recall and start the replacement or refund process by visiting Users are also advised to verify the model number of their charger against the list of affected products on the Defective Products Recall Center website The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to consumer safety and stressed the importance of promptly addressing product defects to prevent potential hazards.
The Sun
02-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
8 Best power banks UK for 2025
POWER banks are a lifesaver when your battery's running low and there's no plug in sight. After testing options to suit every budget, I've rounded up the best power banks that'll keep your devices charged wherever you are. 9 Keeping our devices charged used to be a real hassle, while being tethered to a wall socket or watching your battery percentage drop wasn't exactly ideal. I know that panic all too well, especially when your phone dies right when you need it most. To save myself (and you) from any more of those moments, I've tested the best power banks on the market. From high-capacity beasts to slim, pocket-sized chargers, I've put them all through their paces. The best ones deliver enough power to keep your gadgets going for multiple charges, while the most convenient models include wireless options to make life even easier. And it's not just power banks on my radar this month, I've also checked out the best Bluetooth speakers to keep your tunes flowing no matter where you are. But when it comes to staying powered up, these portable chargers are the ones you can count on. Read on for my handpicked choices of the best power banks you can buy today. How I tested I used these portable chargers daily for the last few weeks to keep my iPhone 13 fully charged and ready to go. Since my phone uses a Lightning connection, I made sure every option on this list either made the most of MagSafe or had both Lightning and USB-C compatibility. As someone who hates carrying around anything bulky (I'm not one for lugging everything and the kitchen sink), I focused on lightweight and easy pack options. Most importantly, I looked for power banks that packed enough juice to keep me going without the stress of running out of charge halfway through the day. Best power banks - tried and tested Anker MagGo Anker MagGo, £89.99 £59.99 BUY HERE Pros: Excellent battery capacity, handy battery level screen, fast Qi2 wireless charging, sturdy MagSafe connection Cons: Slightly heavier than it looks, higher price tag Rating: 9/10 Anker's MagSafe power bank strikes a near-perfect balance between size, capacity, and everyday convenience. It packs a hefty 10,000mAh battery, and delivers almost two full iPhone charges without weighing you down, though at 220g, you'll still feel it in your pocket. That said, the trade-off is worth it: it's compact enough to take anywhere, and Qi2 wireless charging took me from 0 to 50% in around 40 minutes. The MagSafe connection is seriously solid too, you really feel it snap into place, and there's no worrying about it coming off. I'm a big fan of the little battery level screen on the right of the battery pack. It's a simple touch, but makes a huge difference. There's no guessing how much juice you've got left, and it even gives you the hours and minutes it'll take to get you to 100%. Sure, it's a tad pricier than other options out there, but you're paying for quality, reliability, and smart design. It feels sleek and solid in the hand, and honestly, it just works. I've tested a lot of power banks, and this one's a clear front runner. Connections: USB-C, MagSafe, Capacity: 10,000mAh, Weight: 220g, Wireless charging: Yes (Qi2) Anker Zolo 20K 9 Anker Zolo 20K, £39.99 £33.99 BUY HERE Pros: Built-in lightning cable, good size-to-power ratio Cons: Slightly chunky feel Rating: 8.5/10 The Anker Zolo Power Bank was larger than I expected, but it packs a seriously large battery. The built-in Lightning cable worked perfectly with my iPhone 13, and having an extra built-in USB-C cable made it easy to charge my AirPods and other USB-C devices without lugging around extra cords. It also has additional USB-C and USB-A ports, so you can plug in even more devices or cables when needed, which adds a lot of flexibility. With a hefty 20,000mAh capacity, it outperforms other chargers of a similar size, giving me multiple full charges and reliable all-day power. That said, it's on the heavier side, so it's better suited for tossing in a bag rather than carrying around for light travel. For Samsung users, it supports 30W wireless charging, though not an Android user myself, I didn't get a chance to test that feature. While it's not the smallest or lightest power bank out there, it's impressively convenient, especially if you need to keep several Apple devices powered up while on the move. If you want a fuss-free, reliable option that cuts down on cable clutter, this one's definitely worth considering. Anker 622 MagGo 9 Anker 622 MagGo, £35.99 £26.99 BUY HERE Pros: Very slim and light, handy fold-out stand, strong MagSafe hold Cons: Slower charge speed, gets hot when charging Rating: 7.5/10 The Anker 622 was one of the ones I was most looking forward to test-driving, with the fold-out stand and slim profile a big part of the appeal. It's all about convenience here, weighing just 145g and staying surprisingly pocketable, even when snapped onto your phone. With a 5000mAh capacity, you're looking at roughly one full charge, which is nothing groundbreaking, but enough for when you're out and about without easy access to a plug. Charging speeds aren't the fastest, especially compared to wired options or bigger batteries, but that's par for the course with something this compact. It got me to 20% from a dead battery in just over half an hour, which isn't bad going for wireless charging on the go. One thing to flag: it does get noticeably warm while charging. It's not a major issue, wireless charging naturally generates heat, but because of the thinner design, you're more likely to feel it. On the plus side, the built-in stand is genuinely handy. It flips out with ease, feels sturdier than you'd expect, and is perfect for propping your phone up. There's no display or flashy extras like the larger MagGo models, but that simplicity is part of its charm. Connections: USB-C, MagSafe, Capacity: 5,000mAh, Weight: 145g, Wireless charging: Yes Anker Laptop Power Bank Anker Laptop Power Bank, £89.99 £74.99 Pros: Huge capacity, charges multiple devices, built-in and retractable cables Cons: Very heavy Rating: 9/10 This thing is a powerhouse, plain and simple, with a massive 25,000mAh capacity and a 165W total output that can handle multiple devices simultaneously. The Anker Laptop Portable Charger 25K can recharge a laptop, tablet, and phone all at once, making it ideal for digital nomads or anyone who hates being tied to a plug socket. My MacBook's battery is on its way out and often runs low quickly, but this charger gives me back the portability I need until I finally replace my tired laptop. Thanks to its 165W power delivery, it can charge a MacBook from zero to about 50% in just around 30 minutes: that's seriously impressive for a portable pack. The built-in, retractable USB-C cables are a tidy, hassle-free touch, and the digital battery display is crystal clear. It's got all the right ports, too: USB-C and USB-A, plus the built-in USB-C cables, so you're covered for just about everything. Yes, it's heavy at 630g, you'll definitely feel it in your bag, but for this much power, it's absolutely worth it. I wouldn't carry it daily, but for travel, long workdays, or whenever you need serious, reliable backup, it's a no-brainer. Sure, it's an investment, but worth every penny and will be coming with me on an upcoming road trip to keep the whole family's devices charged and happy. Connections: USB-C (x2), USB-A and USB-C built-in, Capacity: 25,000mAh, Weight: 630g, Wireless charging: No iWalk LinkMe Plus 9 iWalk LinkMe Plus, £21 £15 Pros: Tiny and lightweight, plugs directly into iPhone, cheap and cheerful Cons: Very low capacity, not fast charging Rating: 6.5/10 I've been using the iWalk LinkMe Plus 3350mAh for a while now, and it's a really handy little backup charger to have around. It plugs directly into your iPhone's Lightning port, so there's no need for extra cables, and it doesn't get in the way or add bulk while you're using it. At just 75 grams, it's easy to carry around without feeling like a burden and you'll barely notice it in your pocket or bag. The capacity is pretty low at 3,350mAh, which means it gives me about a 50% charge: enough to get through the end of a night out or a long journey, but don't expect it to power your phone all day. It does recharge quickly, so I can get it ready for the next time I need a boost without much downtime. Overall, it's a solid emergency option that I'd keep in my coat pocket or bag just in case, but it's not something I'd rely on as my main charger. At just £15, it's cheap and cheerful option, and it's simplicity works in its favor. Connections: Built-in lighting, Capacity: 3,350mAh, Weight: 75g, Wireless charging: No Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic 9 Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Qi2 8K, £69.99 BUY HERE Pros: Qi2 wireless charging, good capacity, sturdy and well-made Cons: No display, a bit bulky for pockets Rating: 8/10 The Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Qi2 8K is a solid choice for anyone who loves MagSafe wireless charging. At 8,000mAh, the capacity is good enough to charge most phones about one and a half times, which is perfect for a full day of power. The wireless charging is smooth and surprisingly quick thanks to the newer Qi2 standard, so it doesn't feel sluggish or unreliable. It sticks firmly to my iPhone, so there's no awkward slipping or misalignment while charging. That said, it's a bit bulky for pockets, so it's better suited for keeping on hand in your bag rather than slipping into your jeans. I do wish it had a battery level display to show how much charge is left, which would be a handy addition. On the plus side, it's a reliable MagSafe power bank for anyone wanting wireless convenience and is great for what it offers. Connections: USB-C, MagSafe (Qi2), Capacity: 8,000mAh, Weight: 205g, Wireless charging: Yes(Qi2) Belkin BoostCharge Pro 9 Belkin BoostCharge Pro, £54.99 BUY HERE Pros: Built-in cables (USB-C and Lightning), great capacity, simple design Cons: Slightly bulky shape, no wireless option Rating: 8.5/10 The Belkin BoostCharge Plus 10K is a great everyday essential power bank, with the biggest selling point being the built-in USB-C and Lightning cables. With 10,000mAh capacity, it gives me roughly two full charges, which covers a full day or two without access to a wall charger. I appreciate how the cables tuck neatly into the sides, making it easy to keep everything organised and tangle-free. It also includes a USB-A port, which is handy when charging a third device or helping out friends with different gadgets. This power bank is perfect for people who switch between iPhones and Android devices since it supports both cables. The only downside is that it's slightly bulky compared to ultra-compact models, but the extra cables and capacity more than make up for it. There's no wireless charging here, which might be a dealbreaker for some, but for me, the practicality of built-in cables wins out here. Connections: USB-C, Lightning (both built-in), USB-A, Capacity: 10,000mAh, Weight: 240g, Wireless charging: No Belkin 3-Port Laptop Charger Pros: Big capacity, multi-device support, well-balanced design Cons: No built-in cables, quite heavy Rating: 8.5/10 If you're like me and juggle laptops, tablets, and phones, the Belkin 3-Port Laptop Power Bank is a solid addition to your tech gear. It has a huge 20,000mAh capacity, and can fully charge my laptop once and still have enough power left to recharge my phone or tablet a couple of times. It has three ports, two USB-C and one USB-A, so I can charge multiple devices at once. The design is clean and minimal, and compared to other power banks with similar capacity, this one is actually smaller, which I appreciate. It charges fairly quickly too, and the display shows you exactly how much charge is left, which is super handy. A minor niggle for me is that it doesn't have built-in cables, and while most of us already carry the cables we need, it would have been nice to see a built in option. That said, it's a dependable and well-designed power bank that does exactly what you need. Best power banks FAQs Which brand is the best power bank? Anker and Belkin are standout brands for power banks. Anker is known for its high-quality builds and reliable performance, while Belkin offers sleek designs with plenty of handy features. Both are great choices that won't let you down. How do I choose a good power bank? Think about how you'll use it. If you're always out and about, go for something small and easy to carry. But if you need serious power, pick one with a higher mAh. It's also worth checking for fast charging, extra ports, and whether it works with your devices. Features like wireless charging or MagSafe can be a real bonus too. Should I get a 10,000mAh or a 20,000mAh power bank? It depends on how you use your devices. A 10,000mAh power bank is small and easy to carry, and it'll give most phones one or two full charges, which is perfect for daily use. If you're heading off on a trip or want to charge bigger gadgets like tablets or laptops, a 20,000mAh one is a better bet, it's a bit chunkier, but it'll keep you going for longer. How do you charge a power bank? Most portable chargers come with their own cable to charge the power bank itself. You'll usually see little lights that show how much charge it has, and the best ones have a clear display that tells you exactly how much battery is left. If your power bank supports fast charging, using a high-wattage wall plug can give it a much quicker boost. Can you take a power bank on an aeroplane? Yes, but it has to go in your hand luggage, not in checked bags. Most airlines are fine with power banks under 100 watts (around 20,000mAh), which covers most models. If you're not sure, it's always worth checking with your airline before you fly. Which is better wireless charger or a power bank? It depends on where you're using it, with a wireless charger is brilliant for home or office setups, keeping things cable-free. A power bank, on the other hand, is a must-have for charging on the go. If you want the best of both, look for a power bank that supports wireless charging alongside a wired connection. How long does it take for power banks to charge? It depends on the size and what charger you're using. Smaller ones (like 10,000mAh) usually take three to five hours, while bigger ones (like 20,000mAh) can take anywhere between six to 10 hours.
CNN
30-05-2025
- 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.
