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Festival season may be officially behind us, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t still dozens of use-cases for portable chargers as we head into the colder months. Whether you’re traveling home for the holidays or making your way to any of fall’s many film festivals, you’ll want a way to charge your devices on the go.
As an avid traveler, I understand the importance of keeping your phone charged to ensure smooth experiences on the go. A fully charged phone is essential not only for navigating unfamiliar places, finding the best restaurants and booking tickets for your next adventure, but it is also paramount for ensuring your safety in case of emergencies. Few things are more unsettling as a traveler than being stranded with a dead phone, unable to find your way back home or a way to reach out for help if needed.
To help you avoid such situations and ensure that you have a reliable charge wherever your travels take you, I’ve curated a selection of the best portable chargers to pack on your next trip:
BEST OVERALL
Anker Portable Charger
The brand Anker has built a strong reputation for it’s high-quality, high-performance battery packs at affordable prices. The Anker 325 Power Bank, in particular, is a favorite among travelers worldwide (myself included). It’s reliable, versatile, fast and long-lasting—everything you could want in a power bank.
One of the standout features of this 20,000mAh capacity power bank is its ability to fully charge an iPhone or Android device 4-5 times before needing a recharge. It’s ideal for camping trips, multi-day excursions, or simply for those of us who don’t always remember to plug in our chargers overnight. The charger allows for simultaneous charging of up to three devices through its twin USB and USB-C ports, making it ideal for those who travel with companions or for those who need to charge multiple devices at once. Adding to its versatility – the power bank can be recharged via either USB-C or micro-USB.
There are few things to keep in mind: it takes over 10 hours to fully recharge and is slightly heavier than other options.
BEST BUDGET CHOICE
INIU Portable Charger
If you’re looking for the best budget portable charger, this slim and lightweight 10,000mAh power bank is the perfect choice. Despite its compact size, it packs enough power to charge an iPhone or Android phone twice, making it ideal for everyday use or short trips. With two USB ports and a USB-C input/output port, you can conveniently charge up to three devices at once. Plus, its high-speed charging capability ensures that you’re never left waiting long for a quick boost. This charger offers unbeatable value for its performance, making it the top budget option on the market.
BEST WIRELESS
Anker Magnetic Power Bank
For the ultimate wireless portable-charging convenience, this sleek 10,000mAh Anker power bank is the best option. With its compact dimensions, it easily slips into your pocket alongside your phone, making it very travel-friendly. Designed for iPhone 12 series and later, it charges your device magnetically, eliminating the hassle of tangled cables. It can power your iPhone twice on a single charge, and also has the unique ability to simultaneously charge devices while recharging itself – no need to wait around for the battery to recharge before you can juice up your phone! Although it may charge devices slower than other models, the convenience of its wireless charging capability makes it a top choice for those who prioritize portability and ease of use.
MOST DURABLE
myCharge Portable Charger
For the adventurer, this power bank is the most durable option, designed to withstand the toughest outdoor conditions. It’s waterproof, shockproof, and dirtproof, truly built to conquer the elements! It is compatible with any USB-charged phone and has the capacity to charge one phone up to 3.5 times, and two phones simultaneously. The charger also features a built-in carabiner, allowing you to secure it to your backpack, belt, harness or any secure loop, so it’s always within easy reach. Lastly, myCharge’s eco-friendly mission adds an extra layer of appeal to this sustainability-friendly power bank.
MOST COMPACT
Clutch Pro
Weighing just 3.6 oz and measuring 3.86″ x 2.64″ x 0.32″, this small-but-mighty portable charger is the most compact, lightweight, high-quality model in the market. It provides wireless magnetic charging for iPhones, and also comes with one short built-in cable, allowing you to ditch supernumerary wires on the go. There are two different versions of the Clutch Pro – one with a lightning cable attached, and another with a USB-C cable attached, so choose wisely depending on your device’s needs. Because it is so compact, it has a lower power capacity than other models mentioned (just 5,000 mAh), which will give you approximately one full charge depending on your phone. The extremely lightweight and pocket-friendliness of this power bank make it an amazing choice for those who don’t want the bulkiness of other options.
WALL CHARGER COMPATIBLE
Anker 521 Power Bank
Want to cut down on the number of chargers you need to pack for a trip? The Anker 521 Power Bank is a 2 for 1 bang for your buck! With both a fold-out AC wall plug and portable charging capabilities through two USB-C ports, this charger can do it all. Equipped with an internal 5,000 mAh battery and 45W of power output, this charger boasts fast and powerful charging abilities without the extra weight. This model is smaller than a fist and highly versatile, earning its reputation as the perfect travel companion.
ECO-FRIENDLY
BLAVOR Solar Charger Power Bank
Going on a trip where you won’t have electricity for an extended period of time or just keen on saving energy? Look no further than the BLAVOR Solar Charger Power Bank, which is the best solar-powered portable charger in the game. It’s pocket-sized, waterproof, shockproof and dustproof, making it perfect for outdoor adventurers. With 10,000mAh power, it can charge a phone about 2-3 times fully and quickly. It can also charge three devices at once through magnetic charging, USB, and USB-C (input/output) options, which can come in handy when traveling with companions. Finally, this model includes another unique feature that sets it apart from others on this list – it has a built-in flashlight! Even with all of these incredible features, the BLAVOR Solar Charger Power Bank is extremely wallet-friendly, ranking as the second cheapest option on this whole list.
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