Best Portable Chargers for Travel in 2025

My phone died at 35,000 feet somewhere over the Pacific. No boarding pass, no hotel confirmation, no way to call my ride. That's when I learned: a good power bank isn't optional for travel - it's essential. I've since tested 15 different portable chargers to find which ones are actually worth carrying.

Understanding Airline Regulations

Before we talk products, you need to understand the rules. The FAA and most international airlines limit power banks to 100Wh (watt-hours) in carry-on luggage. Power banks are NOT allowed in checked bags - they must be in your carry-on.

Here's the math: Wh = (mAh × V) ÷ 1000. Most power banks are 3.7V, so:

• 10,000mAh = 37Wh ✅ Always allowed
• 20,000mAh = 74Wh ✅ Always allowed
• 27,000mAh = 99.9Wh ✅ Maximum safe size
• 30,000mAh = 111Wh ❌ Requires airline approval

Stick to 27,000mAh or less to avoid issues. Check our Packing Rules Tool for specific airline restrictions.

Capacity: How Much Do You Actually Need?

Phone battery sizes in 2025:

• iPhone 15: 3,349mAh
• Samsung S24: 4,000mAh
• Google Pixel 8: 4,575mAh

A 10,000mAh power bank gives you 2-3 full phone charges (accounting for 70% efficiency loss). A 20,000mAh gives you 4-6 charges.

My recommendation: 10,000mAh for weekend trips, 20,000mAh for week-long adventures.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall: Anker 737 Power Bank (24,000mAh)

This is the power bank I carry on every trip. The 140W USB-C port can charge my MacBook Pro, and it still has enough juice for my phone and earbuds. Yes, it's expensive, but it's replaced three separate chargers in my bag.

Best Value: Anker PowerCore 10000

For $26, this is unbeatable. I've had mine for 3 years and it's still going strong. Perfect for day trips or as a backup.

Best for Laptops: Baseus 65W Power Bank (20,000mAh)

The 65W output charges most laptops (except gaming laptops). The digital display is surprisingly useful - no more guessing if you have enough charge left.

Key Features to Look For

USB-C Power Delivery (PD)

Non-negotiable in 2025. USB-C PD charges phones 3x faster than old USB-A. Look for at least 18W PD, ideally 30W+ for tablets and laptops.

Pass-Through Charging

This lets you charge the power bank while it's charging your devices. Useful in hotels with limited outlets. Not all power banks support this.

Multiple Ports

At minimum: 1x USB-C and 1x USB-A. This lets you charge phone + earbuds simultaneously. Premium models have 2x USB-C + 1x USB-A.

Size and Weight

A 20,000mAh power bank weighs 12-16oz (340-450g). That's like carrying an extra phone. Consider if you really need that capacity.

Charging Speed Comparison

I tested charging an iPhone 15 from 0-50%:

• 5W USB-A: 90 minutes
• 12W USB-A: 55 minutes
• 20W USB-C PD: 28 minutes
• 30W USB-C PD: 26 minutes

The jump from USB-A to USB-C PD is massive. The jump from 20W to 30W is minimal for phones (but matters for tablets/laptops).

Real-World Usage

Here's how long my 20,000mAh Baseus lasts on a typical travel day:

• Morning: Charge phone from 20% to 100% (uses ~3,000mAh)
• Afternoon: Top up phone to 100% (uses ~1,500mAh)
• Evening: Charge earbuds (uses ~500mAh)
• Night: Charge phone again (uses ~3,000mAh)

Total used: ~8,000mAh. The power bank lasts 2-3 days before needing a recharge.

Common Mistakes

1. Buying too much capacity: A 30,000mAh power bank is overkill and might not be allowed on planes.
2. Forgetting cables: Power banks don't include cables. Bring your own USB-C to USB-C cable.
3. Not checking wattage: A 10,000mAh power bank with 5W output will charge slowly. Look for 18W+ PD.
4. Packing in checked luggage: TSA will confiscate it. Power banks MUST be in carry-on.

Maintenance Tips

• Charge your power bank every 3-6 months even if not using it
• Avoid extreme temperatures (don't leave in hot car)
• Use quality cables - cheap cables can damage the battery
• Most power banks last 300-500 charge cycles (about 2-3 years of regular use)

Budget Recommendations

• Under $30: Anker PowerCore 10000 ($26)
• $30-60: Baseus 65W 20,000mAh ($60)
• $60-100: Anker 737 24,000mAh ($150) - worth saving for

Final Verdict

For most travelers, the Baseus 65W 20,000mAh ($60) is the sweet spot. It's affordable, charges laptops, and lasts several days. If you're on a tight budget, the Anker PowerCore 10000 ($26) is excellent for phones only.

Before your next trip, make sure you have the right power adapter too - check our Plug Type Checker to see what you need for your destination. And if you're packing carry-on only, use our Packing Rules Tool to verify all your electronics are allowed.