The Best Power Banks To Stay Charged On The Go In 2025
As a tech enthusiast, electronics play a vital role during my camping trips, making portable power banks indispensable. Over the years, these devices have become more efficient, compact, and budget-friendly.
The latest power banks, particularly those equipped with USB-C ports, support a wide range of devices, from smartphones to laptops and even gaming consoles. Some are airplane-friendly.
In this guide, I highlight the top power bank options for various budgets and trips, focusing on critical factors like mAh capacity and multi-device charging capabilities. While built-in solar panels may seem convenient, they are inefficient. For better performance, pair your power bank with a dedicated solar charging panel.
Related Product: If compatible, use a solar panel like the Portable Powkey 60W Panel (click to view on Amazon) to charge your portable power bank.
Summary
- My Choice: INIU 20000mAh 20W Power Bank
- AC Outlet: Omni AC/DC/USB-C Portable Power Bank
- Most Capacity: Krisdonia NJF-5X 50,000mAh
My Choice
AC Outlet
Most Capacity
Last update on 2025-03-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Portable Battery Banks Reviews
1. INIU 10000mAh 22.5W Power Bank
INIU is a newer name in the portable power bank world, but it’s quickly gaining popularity—and for good reason. They make batteries in a range of sizes, and the one I’m focusing on here is their affordable 10,000mAh model.
See Also: Best Lightweight Hiking & Backpacking Chairs Reviewed
This thing is small, portable, and easy to carry, yet it has enough juice to charge most phones at least twice. Even though it’s compact, it’s packed with features that make it a standout choice.
Key Features:
- Perfect Size: Small enough to slip into a pocket or bag but big enough to handle multiple charges.
- Airplane-friendly: Since the battery capacity is below 100Wh, you can take this battery onto an airplane.
- Clear Battery Display: Instead of the usual 3-5 LEDs, it shows the exact battery percentage on the front. This makes it super easy to track how much power you have left and when it’s time for a recharge.
- Fast Charging Capability:
- The USB-C PD port works as both an input and output, delivering up to 22.5W.
- It supports fast charging for devices like the iPhone 12 and 11 series (18–20W) and other brands like Samsung, LG, and Google (up to 18W with QC).
- The USB-A ports are great for charging phones, tablets, headphones, smartwatches, and similar gadgets at up to 18W.
- Quick Recharge: Pair it with a PD wall charger, and you can fully recharge the power bank in just three hours.
- Built-In Phone Stand: A small flip-out flap on the side acts as a phone holder, letting you prop your phone up in landscape mode while it charges. Simple, but a really neat touch.
- Extras Included: You get a USB-A to USB-C cable for charging the power bank and a handy storage pouch to keep it protected while traveling.
I love how practical and well-thought-out this power bank is. The battery percentage display is especially useful—it’s so much better than guessing with blinking lights. It’s reliable, easy to use, and powerful for its size. If you’re looking for a portable power solution, the INIU 10,000mAh is definitely worth checking out.
PROS
- Battery percentage shown on battery
- Fast Charging
- USB C PD (20W in, 20.5W out)
- 2 USB-A Outputs
- Travel pouch, USB C cable included
- Airplane friendly
CONS
- Doesn’t include PD wall charger
2. INIU 20000mAh 20W Power Bank
INIU doesn’t just excel with their 10,000mAh model—they’ve nailed it with their 20,000mAh power bank too. In my opinion, this is the best 20,000mAh option out there, offering twice the capacity while maintaining the quality and features that make the smaller model so great.
See Also: How To Make Coffee While Camping (Stove & Campfire Coffee)
This power bank is a lifesaver for those who need serious power on the go. With a massive 20,000mAh capacity, you can charge an iPhone 11 over four times or a Samsung S20 more than three times, making it ideal for long trips or multiple devices.
Key Features:
- Dual USB-A Ports: Both ports support up to 15W, perfect for charging phones, tablets, headphones, and other devices.
- USB-C PD Port: Delivers up to 22.5W for fast charging, compatible with most modern devices.
- Fast Recharge: Use a 20W PD charger, and you can fully recharge the power bank in about six hours.
- Airplane-friendly: Since the battery capacity is below 100Wh, you can take this battery onto an airplane.
- Battery Display: The LED screen on the front shows the exact battery percentage, so you’ll always know how much charge is left. It also indicates whether the power bank is charging or discharging.
- Built-In Flashlight: While it doesn’t have the phone holder found in the 10,000mAh version, it includes a built-in flashlight, which is super handy when camping or during power outages.
- Durable Design: Comes with a USB-A to USB-C cable and a travel pouch to keep it protected while on the move.
INIU’s 20,000mAh power bank is perfect if you need reliable power for multiple devices or longer trips. With its impressive capacity, fast charging, and practical extras like the flashlight and battery display, it’s a great companion for anyone who relies on their devices.
PROS
- Battery percentage shown on battery
- Fast Charging
- Built-in flashlight
- USB C PD (20W in, 20.5W out)
- 2 USB-A Outputs
- Travel pouch, USB C cable included
- Airplane friendly
CONS
- Doesn’t include PD wall charger
3. Anker Zolo 20,000mAh
The Anker Zolo 20,000mAh is a sleek and innovative power bank designed for ultimate convenience and performance. With its built-in USB-C cable and 20,000mAh capacity, it’s perfect for users who want an all-in-one solution for charging on the go.
See Also: Review For Full Time RVers: Cotopaxi 18L Luzon Del Día Pack
Key Features
- Integrated USB C Cable: Comes with a built-in USB C cable for added convenience, eliminating the need to carry extra cables.
- High Capacity: 20,000mAh capacity can charge an iPhone 14 approximately 4.3 times or a Samsung Galaxy S23 around 3.5 times on a single charge.
- Fast Charging Technology: Features Anker’s PowerIQ 3.0 for rapid charging of smartphones, tablets, and even USB-C laptops, up to 30W output. The battery recharges fast with its 20W input.
- Compact Design: Designed to fit easily in a bag or pocket without adding unnecessary bulk.
- Dual Output Ports: In addition to the built-in USB-C cable, it has one USB-C and one USB-A port for versatile charging options.
This power bank is a great choice for those looking for convenience, power, and reliability in a compact package. Its built-in cable makes it ideal for users who want to minimize clutter while staying charged.
If you would like a slightly more portable option, there is also a 10,000mAh version.
PROS
- Battery percentage shown on battery
- Fast Charging
- USB A & C Outputs
- Integrated USB C cable
- Airplane friendly
CONS
- Doesn’t include PD wall charger
4. Omni AC/DC/USB-C Portable Power Bank
If you need a portable power bank that can handle 110V devices, the Omni power bank is a solid choice. With a built-in inverter powering its AC outlet, it delivers up to 100 watts, making it capable of running smaller devices like tablets, a Nintendo Switch, some TVs, and many laptop chargers.
See Also: Best Propane Camping Stoves – From Small To Large
Despite its advanced features, this power bank remains compact and airplane-friendly, thanks to its 20,000mAh capacity.
Key Features:
- Built-in AC Outlet: The 100W AC outlet can power a range of devices, from electronics to small appliances. Air vents on the bottom keep the inverter cool—just ensure proper ventilation during use.
- USB and DC Ports:
- USB-C Port: Supports up to 60W input/output, perfect for fast-charging laptops and other devices.
- USB-A Ports: Two ports with QC 3.0 support, delivering up to 18W each.
- 100W DC Input/Output: Next to the USB-C port, it provides additional versatility for powering or recharging devices.
- Wireless Charging: A 10W wireless charger on the top adds even more convenience for Qi-enabled devices.
- Airplane-friendly: Since the battery capacity is below 100Wh, you can take this battery onto an airplane.
- Fast Recharge: Compatible with USB-C PD 45W chargers or the DC barrel port, allowing a full recharge in as little as 3 hours.
- OLED Display: Located on the side, the screen provides detailed information on power output, charging speed, and more.
- Controls: Separate buttons for AC, USB, and on/off make it easy to manage power settings.
- Simultaneous Use of AC Outlet While Charging: A unique feature that allows you to use the AC outlet even when the power bank itself is recharging.
The Omni power bank also includes a USB-A to USB-C cable and a USB-C charging cable, giving you everything you need to get started. Whether you’re looking to power AC devices, fast-charge gadgets, or wirelessly top off your phone, this portable battery has you covered.
PROS
- AC Outlet (100W max output)
- Fast Charging
- USB C PD (60W in/out)
- Airplane friendly
- Wireless Charger
- OLED Display
- 100W DC Barrel Output/Input
CONS
- Doesn’t include PD wall charger
5. Krisdonia NJF-5X 50,000mAh
If you’re looking for a portable power bank with unmatched capacity, the Krisdonia NJF-5X stands out with its massive 50,000mAh battery. While its size means it’s not allowed on airplanes, it’s perfect for ground travel or extended trips where keeping your devices charged for days is essential.
See Also: 25 Gifts For RV Owners/Enthusiasts (Fun, Practical, Unique)
With its variety of inputs, outputs, and included accessories, this power bank is designed for versatility and compatibility with nearly any device.
Key Features:
- Massive 50,000mAh Capacity: Provides enough power to keep your devices charged for up to a week, depending on usage.
- Versatile Outputs:
- Dual USB-A Ports: Support quick charging for phones and tablets with output options of 5V, 9V, and 12V/3A.
- USB-C Port: Powerful enough to charge devices like the Nintendo Switch (unless connected via HDMI).
- DC Output: Ideal for charging laptops and notebooks, with voltage settings ranging from 5V to 20V (including specific settings like 16.5V and 19.5V) to match your device.
- Laptop Compatibility: Includes 28 laptop charging connectors. It even includes a MagSafe 2 cable for older MacBook models.
- Custom Voltage Settings: Allows users to adjust voltage based on their laptop charger specifications.
- Battery Display: Shows the remaining battery percentage and the voltage setting.
- Fast Recharge: Fully recharges in about 8 hours via the DC input, making it efficient for its size.
What’s Included:
- Krisdonia NJF-5X power bank
- DC charger
- MagSafe 2 cable
- DC cable output
- USB-A cable
- 28 laptop charge connectors
- Travel bag for the power bank
The Krisdonia NJF-5X is the ultimate solution for anyone who needs a high-capacity power bank for laptops, tablets, phones, and more. Its flexibility, massive capacity, and extensive compatibility make it a reliable choice for road trips, camping, or other situations where charging access is limited.
PROS
- Huge Capacity
- Battery Percentage Shown
- Compatible With Tons Of Laptops/Notebooks
- Fast Charging
- 2 USB-A Outputs
- USB-C (PD output)
CONS
- Heavy
- Not Airplane Friendly
Conclusion About Portable Power Banks
Having a portable power bank is a game-changer, whether you’re traveling, working, or just relaxing at home. Even the simplest model can be a lifesaver when you need extra battery power, which makes it something everyone with a phone should own.
Portable power banks aren’t just practical for emergencies or trips, they’re useful for everyday convenience too. I’ve gifted power banks to family members, and they’ve shared how much they appreciate having one, even when they’re just at home.
For instance, being able to charge a phone while lounging on the couch rather than tethering it to a wall outlet is a small but meaningful convenience.
See Also: Top 5 Portable Roasting Sticks For Marshmallows & Hot Dogs
Frequently Asked Questions About Portable Power Banks
What’s the difference between USB-C and USB-C PD (Power Delivery)?
What high-capacity portable power banks are allowed on airplanes?
Airline regulations typically restrict portable power banks to a maximum capacity of 100Wh. To determine if a power bank meets this limit, you can calculate the Watt-hours (Wh) using its milliamp-hour (mAh) rating and voltage (V).
The formula is straightforward:
mAh ÷ 1000 × Volts = Wh
If the voltage isn’t listed, most power banks using lithium-ion cells are designed with a standard voltage of 3.7V.
Example Calculation
Let’s use the RAVPower Power Bank with a capacity of 26,800mAh:
26,800mAh ÷ 1000 × 3.7V = 99.16Wh
Since 99.16Wh is under the 100Wh limit, this power bank is safe to bring on an airplane.
When shopping for or traveling with power banks, this simple calculation can save you a lot of hassle. Make sure the Wh rating is below the 100Wh threshold, and you’re good to go!
Can I charge a power bank with a portable solar panel?
Yes, if the solar panel has either a USB A, USB C, or DC output, your power bank can most likely be charged with the help of the sun.
For example, the Powkey 60W portable solar panel (click to view on Amazon) has both USB ports and comes with several DC connectors.
This makes it compatible with a lot of the power banks on the market.
See Also: Best Portable Solar Panel Charger For RV Camper/Boondocking
How do I calculate how many times my device can be charged?
To figure out how many times a power bank can charge your device, you first need to know the battery size of your device, typically measured in mAh. Once you have that, you can calculate the expected number of charges. However, there’s more to it than just dividing the capacity of the power bank by your device’s battery size.
Here’s the basic calculation:
Power Bank Capacity ÷ Device Battery Capacity = Number of Charges
The Reality of Charging Efficiency
In an ideal world, a 10,000mAh power bank could charge a 5,000mAh phone battery twice. However, power transfer isn’t 100% efficient. Losses occur because of resistance, heat, and other factors, meaning a portion of the power doesn’t make it to your device.
Most portable power banks have an efficiency rate of around 80%. Factoring in this real-world efficiency gives a more accurate estimate.
Example Calculation
Let’s say your power bank is 10,000mAh, and your phone’s battery is 5,000mAh:
- Ideal Calculation: 10,000 ÷ 5,000 = 2 charges
- Adjust for Efficiency (Multiply by 80% efficiency): 2 × 0.8 = 1.6 charges
So, with an efficiency of 80%, a 10,000mAh power bank can charge a 5,000mAh phone battery 1.6 times.
While some premium power banks may offer slightly better efficiency, using 80% as a baseline provides a realistic estimate for most scenarios.
Does X Power Bank support X device?
To determine if a power bank can charge your device, you need to know two key details: how much power your device requires and how much power the power bank can deliver. Specifically, you’ll need to look at the voltage (V) and current (amps or A) for both the device and the power bank.
Your device’s power requirements are usually printed on the device itself, its charger, or listed in the user manual. Similarly, the power bank’s output specifications are typically printed on the device or listed in the product details.
For compatibility, the voltage of the power bank must match your device’s requirements. For example, most smartphones charge at 5V, but some devices like laptops may need 9V, 12V, or even higher.
The power bank’s output amperage should meet or exceed your device’s needs. For instance, if your device requires 2A to charge, the power bank should have an output rating of at least 2A.
If you’re having trouble finding this information or are unsure about compatibility, feel free to reach out. I’d be happy to help you figure it out!
What are some high-quality USB-C cables?
Anker makes high-quality USB-C cables for different uses.
For charging devices with up to 60 Watts, I recommend the Anker Powerline II USB-C to C 2.0 (click to view on Amazon)
For charging devices up to 100 Watts, I recommend the Anker Powerline II USB-C to USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 (click to view on Amazon)
Are portable power banks safe?
Power banks are safe to use as long as they are made with quality components and include essential safety features. It’s best to buy power banks from reputable brands that clearly advertise these safety features and certifications.
Key safety features to look for include smart charging, overcharge protection, over-voltage protection, and safeguards against excessive current. These features help prevent overheating, short circuits, and other potential risks during use.
However, even the safest power bank can become dangerous if misused. Avoid using power banks in high-temperature environments or exposing them to water, as these conditions can compromise their safety and performance.
Have any more questions related to batteries and portable power banks? Leave a comment below.
Hello,
its good to read your blog. Lots of useful content here. Thank You.