The 5 Best Portable Chargers
In today's technology-based world, having a portable charger is less of a luxury and more of a necessity. Whether you're traveling in an unfamiliar place, striking out on a long camping trip, or simply heading downtown to be with friends on a summer afternoon, you want to avoid that sinking feeling of seeing that your phone is on 1%. Thankfully, there are quite a few high-quality portable chargers on the market. Below, we've rounded up our top favorite picks. Read on to see our analysis of which chargers are best for a day out on the town, which ones have the longest battery life, and which one will charge your phone the fastest.
Anker PowerCore 10000 Portable Charger for iPhone, Samsung, and More
Powerful Long-Lasting Battery
You absolutely can’t go wrong with the Anker PowerCore 10,000. This charger is shockingly compact, especially considering its lengthy battery life. You can tuck it in your pocket, in a purse, or in your car’s glovebox. But the portable battery still has a high enough capacity to fully charge your phone three separate times before it will need to be recharged itself.
Pros:
- Long battery life for peace of mind
- Compact with a sleek appearance
- Extremely lightweight
Cons:
- Pricier than other compact models, though the battery life more than makes up for it
EasyAcc Portable Charger for Android, Samsung, Smartphones, and Tablets in Black & Grey
Highly Durable Power Bank
Next on our list is this reliable portable charger by EasyAcc, compatible with most cell phones including iPhones. Built-in safety measures will keep your phone from overcharging, and the battery also comes with an 18 month warranty to put your mind at ease. Although this battery is not as compact as some chargers, the 20,0000mAh capacity will allow you to charge your iPhone up to 7 times before it runs out of juice. Now that’s what we call impressive.
Pros:
- Lengthy battery life will last for multiple days
- Can charge up to 4 devices simultaneously
- Safe and dependable
Cons:
- Larger size
PowerCore Essential Portable Charger with PowerIQ Technology and USB-C Input
Enduring Portable Charger
This sleek battery pack is exactly what you want to purchase before going on a long trip. Capable of charging your iPhone or Samsung Galaxy up to 5 times, the PowerCore Essential charger comes with a convenient travel pouch and a reliable 18-month warranty. You’ll have to purchase the USB-C cable and wall charger separately, but once you do, you’ll be able to charge up to 2 devices at the same time.
Pros:
- Advanced technology will give each device an optimal charge
- Long-lasting
- Separate ports for input and output
Cons:
- Large size
- More expensive than other models
PowerAdd Slim Compact External Battery for iPhone, iPad, Samsung Galaxy, HTC and more in Blue
Portable Charger for Quick Trips
The PowerAdd Compact charger is true to its name: it will give your phone a boost, and it’s compact and lightweight. If you’re constantly running out of charge, buy a few of these and store them in your jacket pocket, your glovebox, and your purse. You can even order it in a range of bright colors (black, blue, green, red, and pink) to fit your mood. The charger usually takes about 3-4 hours to return to full capacity.
Pros:
- Small size is very convenient
- Bright colors are ideal for keeping track of it (looking at you, person who always misplaces your charger)
- Charges quickly
Cons:
- Won’t deliver as long of a charge as larger portable batteries
INIU Ultra-Slim Dual 3A High-Speed Portable Charger for iPhone Xs X 8 Plus Samsung S10 Google LG iPad and more
Ultra Slim Portable Charger
This portable charger will take your phone from zero to 100 in an instant. Okay… it might take longer than an instant, but it’s still lightning fast. The battery is a slim design, meaning you can easily slip it into a suitcase, your car, or even your purse when you are out and about. It has an excellent battery life and can even double as a flashlight in a pinch.
Pros:
- Charges quickly
- Highly durable
- Slim enough to fit into most places
Cons:
- May be too large to fit into a jacket packet or small purses
Frequently Asked Questions
What is pass-through charging?
Pass-through charging allows you to charge both your portable battery and your phone at the same time. Say your phone is on 2%, but your battery is also about to die, and you only have one wall adapter. If your portable battery has pass-through charging, you can simply plug the battery into the wall, plug your phone into the battery, and voila. You’re ready to take off in no time.
What are the benefits of wireless charging?
Convenience, obviously, is number one. Just plunk your phone down on top of the battery and it will charge until it’s full, then automatically shut off. Another benefit is the lifetime of your portable charger. Thanks to a lack of cords and wall adapters, the battery undergoes less wear and tear, so it often lasts longer than ordinary chargers.
I want a charger that fits into my pocket. How long can I expect it to last?
Generally speaking, those super compact chargers won’t last as long as their larger counterparts. However, a quality compact charger should be able to fully charge your phone at least twice. Assuming that your phone has a pretty normal battery life, you can expect it to last a minimum of one full day.
Why Trust Us
With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.