Best power banks: 5 best buys for charging up on the go

The best power bank will provide emergency charging power for your phone, tablet, and more – a top buy for summer camping trips

best power bank
(Image credit: Amazon)

Buying the best power bank you can afford is essential for anyone who travels a lot and is a heavy phone, tablet, or laptop user. A power bank is essentially an encased, rechargeable portable battery that will top up your device with power when there's no socket in sight. Of course, there has to be more to a power bank if it's to make it onto our 'best of' list – we've included the best buys with ultra-fast charging times, high capacity, or a lighter weight to make them more portable. 

With camping trips and day trips our kind of getaway this summer, having juice on demand is crucial. And that is just what a power bank does. See all our favourites below. 

Find more great tech buys in The Hub, our jargon-free take on everything smart.

Anker PowerCore 20100

(Image credit: Amazon)

1. Anker PowerCore 20100

The best power bank: lots of power for charging your devices

Specifications

Capacity: 20000mAh
Weight: 449g
Recharging time: 10 hours

Reasons to buy

+
Fast charging
+
Large capacity for up to eight phone charges
+
Multiple ports

Reasons to avoid

-
Takes a long time to recharge

This ultra-powerful power bank can charge a smartphone up to eight times before it needs recharging, and it charges fast. In fact, it's so powerful that it will support a Nintendo Switch console for up to 12 hours on a single charge. As with all power banks, recharging takes a while – 10 hours – but this device is so reliable that it's worth it. 

  • Buy the Anker PowerCore 20100

Getihu Power Bank

(Image credit: Amazon)

2. Getihu Power Bank

The best power bank with an LED display: so that you always know how much charge you've got left

Specifications

Capacity: 10000mAh
Weight: 299g
Recharge time: 6-7 hours

Reasons to buy

+
Fast charging
+
Lightweight
+
LED display 
+
Compatible with lots of devices

Reasons to avoid

-
Not as powerful as our top pick

This power bank has an LED display, so that you know exactly how much charge you've got left – and, unlike most power banks out there, it's suitable for charging low-power devices such as Bluetooth headphones and smart watches. The only drawback of this power bank is that you can only use the original lead that comes with it to recharge, so make sure you don't lose it. 

  • Buy the Getihu Power Bank

Poweradd EnergyCell 5000mAh

(Image credit: Amazon)

3. Poweradd EnergyCell 5000mAh

The best compact power bank: just slip it in a handbag or pocket

Specifications

Capacity: 5000mAh
Weight: 99g
Recharge time: 3 hours

Reasons to buy

+
Super lightweight
+
Fast recharging time
+
Cool design

Reasons to avoid

-
A single charge won't last very long

If you're not keen on adding too much weight to your handbag, or already heavy weekender bag, then this ultra-portable power bank is for you. Weighing just 99 grams, it nonetheless has impressive charging abilities – two smartphone charges, or a full tablet or laptop charge. That's not quite as powerful as our top pick, but it's so small and light, that it's a contender in its own right. 

  • Buy the Poweradd EnergyCell 5000mAh power bank

YWTESCH Power Bank 20000mAh

(Image credit: Amazon)

4. YWTESCH Power Bank 20000mAh

The best power bank for flying: approved for planes and very good-looking

Specifications

Capacity: 20000mAh
Weight: 316
Recharge time: 7 hours

Reasons to buy

+
Great design
+
Good for flying 
+
Slim

Reasons to avoid

-
Only two colours

Definitely the best-looking power bank on our list, the Ywtesch power bank is the best all-in-one charger, which makes it perfect for flights and multiple devices. You don't need to buy any extra accessories for this one, because it already comes with a Micro & Type C ports, making it suitable for most devices. It's also slim and quite lightweight (316 grams). 

  • Buy the YWTESCH Power Bank 20000mAh power bank

Omars Power Bank 10000mAh

(Image credit: Amazon)

5. Omars Power Bank 10000mAh

The best slim power bank: perfect for carrying in small bags or pockets

Specifications

Capaciy: 10000mAh
Weight: 209 g
Recharge time: 5 hours

Reasons to buy

+
Large capacity
+
Slim

Reasons to avoid

-
Shell feels a tad plasticky 

If you prefer carrying everything in your pockets, you'll appreciate this slimline power bank that's easy to slip into your coat or even trouser pockets. It has a nice textured finish to it, so it won't slip out. It does take ages to recharge, but that's most power banks for you. 

  • Buy the Omars 10000mAh power bank

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Anna is a professional writer with many years of experience. She has a passion for contemporary home decor and gardening. She covers a range of topics, from practical advice to interior and garden design.