Here are the best power‑bank picks right now (organized by use case) plus short buying/safety notes so you pick the right one for your needs.
Top picks (quick list)
- Best for heavy laptop users / power users: Anker Laptop Power Bank — 25,000 mAh (≈90 Wh), up to 165 W total output (100 W per USB‑C), fast 100 W self‑recharge. Great if you need to charge a MacBook or two devices at once. (anker.com)
- Best high‑power, multi‑device: EcoFlow Rapid Pro / Rapid series — very high outputs, large 99 Wh / ~27k mAh variants and very fast recharge options (desktop charger ecosystem). Good for users who want near‑desktop speeds on the go. (theverge.com)
- Best all‑around (high output, reliable): UGREEN Nexode / UGREEN 145W power bank — ~25,000 mAh with high wattage USB‑C ports and a clear display; solid balance of capacity and ports. (livescience.com)
- Best compact / EDC: Nitecore NB10000 (Gen 3) — very light, thin 10,000 mAh class bank with PD up to ~20–30 W (ideal for hikers, pockets). (techdetects.com)
- Best slim laptop‑capable bank: Baseus Blade Pro 20,000 mAh (100 W) — slim profile that fits laptop sleeves while still delivering 100 W PD for notebooks. (techdetects.com)
- Best magnetic (iPhone / Apple ecosystem): Anker MagGo or EcoFlow Rapid Mag (Qi2 magnetic, built‑in cables, wireless up to ~15W) — great for MagSafe iPhones and short flights/layovers. (anker.com)
- Best rugged/outdoor: Nestout (and similar outdoor brands) — waterproof/rugged designs, carabiner models and packs designed for hiking/camping. (See outdoor‑focused reviews for durability testing.) (gearjunkie.com)
- Best value / mainstream pick: Anker 737 (PowerCore 24K) — 24,000 mAh with PD 3.1 up to 140 W across USB‑C ports; often gives the best price/performance. (anker.com)
Short summary of why these matter
- Wattage / USB‑PD version (PD 3.0 / 3.1) determines whether the bank can fast‑charge laptops and deliver 100–140 W speeds. Choose PD 3.1 / 140 W+ if you need full‑speed MacBook Pro / gaming‑laptop charging. (anker.com)
- Capacity vs airline rules: many popular “large” banks are right near the airline legal limit (100 Wh). If you travel by plane, check the Wh rating (not just mAh) — ≤100 Wh is generally allowed in carry‑on; 101–160 Wh may be allowed only with airline approval; >160 Wh is usually prohibited. Always carry power banks in carry‑on and follow your airline’s rules. (faa.gov)
- Features to look for: fast self‑recharge wattage (so the bank refills quickly), built‑in cables vs ports, OLED/TFT display (real‑time watts/%), magnetic Qi2 for iPhone convenience, number of ports, total simultaneous output, weight/size, and reputable safety certifications.
Practical buying tips
- If you fly: pick a model with a stated Wh ≤100 (most 20–26k mAh airline‑compliant banks are in that range) and always pack it in carry‑on. Verify your airline policy before travel—some carriers have extra restrictions/limits. (faa.gov)
- If you need laptop power: choose a 100 W+ PD bank (or 140 W PD 3.1 if you need very fast MacBook charging). Confirm both a port’s max and the total simultaneous output. (anker.com)
- If you want MagSafe-style convenience: get Qi2‑magnetic (Anker MagGo, EcoFlow Rapid Mag) for correct alignment & higher wireless speeds. (anker.com)
- For travel carry: aim for 10k–25k mAh depending on frequency of use—10k is pocketable; 20–25k balances multiple charges and airplane compliance. (livescience.com)
If you want, I can:
- Narrow this to the single best pick for your exact device (phone model or laptop model + whether you fly), or
- Show current prices & where to buy (Amazon, Anker, UGREEN, EcoFlow, Zendure) and link to deals right now.
Which would you prefer?