What is a power bank and why do you need one?

A power bank is a portable charger that prevents dead phone syndrome (DPS). Whether you forgot to charge your phone overnight or you're traveling without access to an outlet, power banks are a lifeline for you and your portable electronics.

Should I buy a power bank or a portable charger?

On the whole, yes. I've tested hundreds of power banks and portable chargers from a myriad of companies, and as long as you steer clear of the cheap no-name junk that you might find in dollar stores and gas stations you should be safe. You no doubt noticed I said "should" there. Let me explain what I mean.

What makes a power bank durable?

Durability is a major factor in how brands design power banks for our use and abuse. Every power bank on this list passed our standardized drop-testing onto concrete from 2 feet. Most of them carry ratings that will protect the power bank from taller heights.

How much power does a power bank give a phone?

Our testing shows that a power bank can offer your phone between 70-80% of the power it contains, or more depending on the battery. It loses the rest due to the inefficiency of the power transfer. That means a 5,000 mAh battery can fully charge a phone with a 3,500 mAh battery, like an iPhone 16.

Do any of the power banks have wireless charging?

Some larger power banks, such as the BioLite Charge 100 Max and Goal Zero Sherpa 100 PD on this list, come with wireless charging capability. Their wireless charging pads can deliver up to 15W of power to compatible devices. However, wireless charging from a power bank will generally be slower than using a cable.

Should you invest in a portable power bank?

The good news is you can prepare for—and avoid—these stressful scenarios by investing in a portable power bank. Also known as mobile chargers or battery packs, these nifty gadgets serve as a lifeline to your dying electronics by recharging battery power when needed.