Updated on: 21 Jan 2026 | By Actual Article
Running out of battery is not an option in today's connected world. You need reliable portable power for everything, including important work on your laptop and keeping your smartphone connected. This article goes straight to the best portable chargers you can buy at decent prices.
Before we showcase specific models, a quick look at the core metrics:
Often hailed as a benchmark in portable power, the Anker 737 is a powerhouse built for demanding users. This laptop power bank is capable of charging a 16-inch MacBook Pro to 50% in just 40 minutes, making it ideal for international travel as an airline-approved power bank for carry-on luggage.
Find Anker 737 Power Bank on Amazon
|
Specification |
Details |
|
Capacity |
24,000 mAh (86.4 Wh) |
|
Max Output |
Up to 140W USB-C Power Delivery |
|
Ports |
2 x USB-C (input/output), 1 x USB-A (output) |
|
Features |
Advanced digital display for real-time monitoring |
|
Approx. Price |
£109 - £139 (UK) |
UGREEN offers a compelling alternative for those needing high wattage and ample capacity. This portable charger for laptops supports PD 3.1, ensuring rapid charging for even the most power-hungry laptops, capable of charging a 13-inch MacBook Air twice.
|
Specification |
Details |
|
Capacity |
25,000 mAh (92.5 Wh) |
|
Max Output |
Up to W total (across multiple ports) with USB-C Power Delivery |
|
Ports |
2 x USB-C, 1 x USB-A |
|
Features |
Compact design for its capacity, robust for travel |
|
Approx. Price |
£57 - £80 (UK) |
Find UGREEN 145W Power Bank on Amazon
This model can simultaneously fast charge a laptop and a smartphone and, with its full-colour display, provides detailed charging status. It also offers the option to be paired with a charging base for easy recharges at home.
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Specification |
Details |
|
Capacity |
27,650 mAh (99.54 Wh) – near limit for airline-approved power bank |
|
Max Output |
Up to a staggering 250 W total output via multiple USB-C PD ports |
|
Ports |
2 x USB-C (input/output), 1 x USB-A (output) |
|
Features |
Full-color smart display, optional charging base compatibility |
|
Approx. Price |
£150 - £180 (UK) |
Find Anker Prime mAh Power Bank on Amazon
The Baseus Blade Pro is a great power bank for laptop users because it is thin and powerful. This very flat and wide portable charger is made to fit in with your tech setup without any problems. It has great performance in a sleek package.
|
Specification |
Details |
|
Capacity |
20,000 mAh (74 Wh) |
|
Max Output |
Up to 100W USB-C PD (65W/35W split when both USB-C ports are in use) |
|
Ports |
2 x USB-C, 2 x USB-A |
|
Features |
Ultra-slim design perfect for laptop sleeves, detailed LED status display |
|
Approx. Price |
£40 - £80 (UK) |
Find Baseus Blade Pro on Amazon
These small power banks are great for charging your phone on the go on a daily basis. They are both portable and effective at charging.
A fantastic everyday companion that emphasises convenience, this model is a prime example of a great power bank for smartphone users. The integrated, foldable USB-C cable means you never forget your charging cord, and its 30W output ensures fast charging for most modern smartphones and smaller tablets.
|
Specification |
Details |
|
Capacity |
10,000 mAh |
|
Max Output |
30W Max via USB-C PD |
|
Ports |
1 x USB-C (input/output, built-in cable), 1 x USB-A (output) |
|
Features |
Built-in foldable USB-C cable, highly portable |
|
Approx. Price |
£39 - £48 (UK) |
Find Anker Nano Power Bank on Amazon
For iPhone users, this magnetic power bank offers seamless wireless charging. This wireless power bank magnetically attaches to Qi2-compatible iPhones (iPhone 13 series and newer) for convenient, cable-free power and features a built-in foldable kickstand.
|
Specification |
Details |
|
Capacity |
10,000 mAh |
|
Max Output |
15W Qi2 wireless, 27W wired via USB-C PD |
|
Ports |
1 x USB-C (input/output) |
|
Features |
Magnetic attachment, built-in kickstand |
|
Approx. Price |
£60 - £90 (UK) |
Find Anker MagGo Power Bank on Amazon
A popular choice offering excellent value and versatility for general phone and tablet charging. This portable charger provides multiple charges for most smartphones and is known for its compact size relative to its capacity and its reliable performance for everyday use.
|
Specification |
Details |
|
Capacity |
20,000 mAh (74 Wh) |
|
Max Output |
22.5W max via USB-C PD and Quick Charge |
|
Ports |
1 x USB-C (input/output), 2 x USB-A (output) |
|
Features |
Excellent value for capacity, compact for its power |
|
Approx. Price |
£25 - £40 (UK) |
Find INIU Portable Charger on Amazon
Don’t miss our guide to the Must-Have Charging Accessories for Your Devices in 2025. We cover the best USB-C cables, MagSafe stands, adapters, and more, all in one place.
To help you quickly identify the ideal best power bank for your specific needs, here's a direct comparison of the featured models:
|
Feature/Model |
Anker 737 Power Bank (24K) |
UGREEN 145W Power Bank (25K) |
Anker Prime 27,650 mAh (250 W) |
Baseus Blade Pro (20K) |
Anker Nano Power Bank (10K, Built-in) |
Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K, Qi2) |
INIU Portable Charger (20K) |
|
Capacity (mAh/Wh) |
24,000 mAh / 86.4 Wh |
25,000 mAh / 92.5 Wh |
27,650 mAh / 99.54 Wh |
20,000 mAh / 74 Wh |
10,000 mAh / 37 Wh |
10,000 mAh / 37 Wh |
20,000 mAh / 74 Wh |
|
Max Output (W) |
140W (USB-C) |
145W (total) |
250W (total) |
100W (USB-C) |
30W (USB-C) |
15W (Wireless), 27W (Wired) |
22.5W (total) |
|
USB-C Ports (I/O) |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 (one built-in cable) |
1 |
1 |
|
USB-A Ports (O) |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
|
Laptop Compatible |
Yes (High-Power) |
Yes (High-Power) |
Yes (Very High-Power) |
Yes (High-Power) |
Limited (Low-Power Laptops) |
No |
No |
|
Wireless Charging |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Yes (15W Qi2) |
No |
|
Unique Feature |
Digital Display |
Fast Recharge |
Full-color Display, Base |
Ultra-slim design |
Built-in USB-C Cable |
Magnetic, Kickstand |
Value/Portability Ratio |
|
Approx. Price (UK) |
£109-£139 |
£57-£80 |
£150-£180 |
£40-£80 |
£39-£48 |
£60-£90 |
£25-£40 |
Friendly tip: When travelling with a power bank, keep it in your carry-on luggage only, as lithium-ion batteries are banned from checked bags; stick to power banks up to about 27,000 mAh (around 100 Wh) for hassle-free travel, get airline approval for those between 101-160 Wh (usually limited to two per person), and avoid anything over 160 Wh, as it’s typically not allowed.
About Power Banks for Laptops and Smartphones
Q: Can I use any power bank to charge my laptop?
A: No. Laptops require much more power than phones, typically between 30W and 100W. To charge a laptop, your power bank must support USB-C Power Delivery (PD) and meet or exceed your laptop’s wattage requirements. Using a low-power bank can result in very slow charging or no charging at all.
Q: What is the difference between mAh and Wh?
A: mAh (milliamp-hours) measures how much charge a battery can hold, but it doesn't consider voltage. Wh (watt-hours) reflects total energy and is more accurate for comparing battery capacity. Wh is also the standard used in airline safety regulations.
Q: Why do airlines have restrictions on power banks?
A: Power banks use lithium-ion batteries, which can pose a fire risk if damaged. That’s why airlines only allow them in carry-on bags and limit their capacity. Most airlines permit power banks up to 100 Wh, and those between 100 Wh and 160 Wh may require airline approval. Anything over 160 Wh is typically not allowed.
Q: How long does it take for a high-capacity power bank to recharge?
A: Charging time depends on the power bank’s input wattage. A 20,000 mAh bank with a 65 W USB-C input can recharge in about 1.5 to 2 hours. With a lower input, like 18W, it might take 6 to 8 hours or more. Faster input = faster recharge.
This article is part of our complete series on building your tech ecosystem. For the big picture, check out our main hub: The Ultimate UK Guide to Tech Gadgets (2025): Build Your Perfect Ecosystem.
