Best Portable Chargers for Travel

PowerBank Guide is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Power banks or portable chargers can be lifesavers during travel. Travellers rely heavily on their portable chargers to power battery hungry smartphones, tablets and laptops. Latest high capacity power banks are capable of powering even laptops and Macbooks for extended periods. Latest USB-C PD Portable chargers get charged and can charge phones/laptops two to three times faster than power banks from a few years ago.

We have carefully handpicked the best power banks for travel use as well as car use that offer a combination of portability, charging speed, versatility, weight, and reliability for travellers.

All our recommended power banks are TSA approved for carry in cabin baggage (carry-on baggage) on flights. If you are asked by the TSA agent regarding the safety worthiness of your powerbank, point out the Wh rating on the powerbank. TSA and other international flight safety agencies allow power banks less than 100Wh, (that is less than 26,800 mAH).

Here are our top 6 picks in best power banks for travel:

Best All-Purpose High Capacity Portable Charger for Travel (for Phones, iPads, Macbooks, Chromebooks & Dell XPS Laptops)

ZMI 20000 USB-C PD 45-watt Portable Charger

ZMI USB-C portable charger
ZMI 20100 45 watt PD supports upto 45-watt USB-C PD output to charge Macbook Air, Macbook Pro and most modern laptops

ZMI 20100 45 watt PD portable charger, from ZMI related to the world’s second largest phone maker Xiaomi, is our overall #1 pick as it offers a balance of high capacity, weight and extremely versatile charging features. ZMI 20100 45 watt PD  can charge latest iPhone 13/12, 11, 11 Pro/Max, XR, XS, iPhone 8/8+ at speeds of zero to 60% in just 30 minutes and Samsung S21, S20, S10, S9, S8, & Note 20/10/9/8 etc. at speeds of zero to 50% in 30-35 minutes possible over USb-C PD.  It will also charge all the iPads including the latest M1 iPad Pro 2021, and iPad Air 4 etc. at their fastest possible speeds. But what is more, ZMI 20100 45 watt PD charges Macbooks at an incredible 45 watt charging speeds – the highest output provided by any reasonable sized premium portable charger in the market.

The 45-watt output also allows it to charge most newer Dell XPS 13 and Lenovo USB-C laptops as well.

Besides this ZMI 20100 45 watt PD, also charges older iPhones (iPhone 7, 7 Plus,6s, 6/6s+, SE etc.) at more than twice the speed of Apple iPhone chargers.

You can fully charge iPhone 8/7/6s about 7 times with this portable charger. Samsung Galaxy S21, S20, S10 and iPhone 13/12, 11, 11 Pro/Max, XS/XR/8 Plus can be fully charged more than almost 5 times with it.

The ZMI 20100 45 watt PD gets fully charged with a USB-C PD wall charger or any Macbook charger in just 4-5 hours – making it a great travel companion. It can be charged via either the USB-C port or a micro-USB port. Using the micro-USB port, it can be charged in about 12 hours with old Android phone chargers.

ZMI 20100 45 watt PD has a three charging ports, a USB-C PD port and two regular USB ports. It weighs 14 oz pound (about 400 grams) which is decent weight for a charger of this capacity.

What We Like!

  • Fast-charges latest iPhone 13/12, 11, 11 Pro/Max, XR XS, iPhone 8/8+ at speeds of zero to 60% in just 30 minutes
  • Fast-charges latest Samsung S/Note/A, LG, Moto and Pixel phones zero to 50% in 30-35 minutes
  • Fast charges all iPad Pros and iPad Air/mini etc. at maximum speed
  • Can charge Macbook Pro and Air at high 45-watt speed.
  • Excellent build quality
  • Can be charged in two ways – USB-C or micro-USB
  • Gets charged in 4 hours via USB-C PD port
  • Gets charged in 12 hours via micro- USB as well
  • A USB-C/USB-C cable is included

What we do not like!

  • None

Best High Capacity Portable Charger for Travel (Maximum TSA-allowed capacity)

AmazonBasics 26800 USB-C PD 45-watt

AmazonBasics USB-C power bank
AmazonBasics 26800 PD 45 watt comes in maximum TSA-allowed battery capacity and fast-charges latest iPhone 13/12, 11, XR/X, 8/8+ to Samsung S/Notes & Macbooks, iPads

AmazonBasics 26800 PD 45 watt is our next pick as ultra high capacity portable charger for travel. It will charge nearly all popular latest smartphones (including iPhone 13/12, 11, 11 Pro/Max, XR, XS, iPhone 8/8+, Samsung S/Note/A series, LG G8/G7/V40 etc) at the high speeds of zero to 50% in just 30-40 minutes with its support for max 45-watt USB-C PD output. AmazonBasics 26800 PD 45 watt charges Macbooks at quite fast 45 watt charging speeds and will also charge all iPads including the latest iPad Air 4, and iPad Pro 2021.

iPhone 8/7/6s can be fully charged nearly nine times with this portable charger. Samsung Galaxy S20/S21 5 times and iPhone 13/12, 11, XS/XR/8, 8 Plus can be fully charged almost 6 times with it. The portable charger has a total of 3 charging ports – one USB-C and two regular USB – and this is handy for charging multiple phones/tablets at once.

The AmazonBasics 26800 PD 45 watt gets fully charged with a PD wall charger in about 4 hours. The powerbank can be charged via the USB-C port in just 4 hours using a 45-watt USB-C adapter..

The powerbank weighs around 1 pound (450 grams).

What We Like!

  • Maximum TSA-allowed battery capacity for carrying on flights
  • 45 watt USB-C PD supports latest iPhones and Samsung/LG/Pixel/Moto smartphones
  • Charges iPhone 13/12, 11, 11 Pro/Max, XR/XS/X, iPhone 8, all iPads, Samsung S/Note etc. at high speed
  • Charge Macbooks at high 45-watt speed.
  • Sturdily built power bank
  • Three charging ports
  • Can be charged via USB-C port
  • Gets charged in 4-5 hours
  • Great price
  • A USB-C/USB-C cable is included

What we do not like!

  • None really

Best High Capacity Portable Charger for Travel (Runner-Up)

Anker PowerCore 26800 45-watt USB-C PD with 60-watt PD charger

USB PD portable charger for iPhone 9
Anker PowerCore 26800 PD can charge Macbooks and 2 iPhones simultaneously

Anker PowerCore 26800 PD 45-watt has maximum battery capacity allowed by the TSA for air travel and can charge all your latest smartphones (including latest Samsung S10, S9, Note 9/8, and iPhones) at the highest possible speeds of zero to 50% in just 30 minutes. Anker PowerCore 26800 PD will also charge the latest iPhone 13/12, 11, 11 Pro, XR/XS/X, and iPhone 8/8+ at their fastest possible 18-watt charging speed (zero to 60% in 30 mins) over USB-C PD. This portable charger also charges Macbooks and USB-C laptops at 45-watt charging speeds.

You can fully charge iPhone 8/7/6s nearly nine times with this portable charger. Samsung Galaxy S20 five times and iPhone 13/12, 11, 11 Pro/Max, XS/XR/8 Plus can be fully charged almost 6 times with it.

Despite its huge capacity, the Anker PowerCore 26800 PD 45 watt gets fully charged with the included 60-watt PD wall charger in just 3.5 hours – making it a great travel companion. It has a total of 3 charging ports, which ensures you have can charge multiple devices at once.

The 1.2 pound (about 560 grams) total weight is lighter than other chargers of similar capacity in the market.

What We Like!

  • Maximum TSA allowed battery capacity with high 45-watt output
  • 45 watt USB-C PD supports Macbooks, USB-C laptops, and latest iPhones, Samsung Android smartphones
  • Charge iPhone 13/12, 11, 11 Pro/Max, XR/XS/X, iPhone 8, iPad Pros, Samsung S10, S9, S8 etc at fastest speed zero to 50% in 30 mins
  • Charge Macbooks at high 45-watt speed.
  • Very premium build quality
  • 10-position battery status indicator
  • Gets charged in just 3.5 hours
  • 60-watt PD wall charger included
  • Great warranty and service

What we do not like!

  • Pricey. No option to buy without the included power adapter

Best High Capacity Compact Portable Charger for Travel

Anker PowerCore Essential 20000 USB-C PD – 18-watt

USB PD portable charger for iPhone X
PowerCore Speed 20000 PD perfectly balances portability with adequate battery capacity

If PowerCore 26800 PD or AmazonBasics 26800 PD seem too large and heavy at around 1 pounds, then PowerCore Essential 20000 PD is a great compact, light weight and high capacity portable charger weighing just 13 oz (360 grams). PowerCore Essential 20000 USB-C PD charges all the latest iPhones and Samsung/Moto phones at the highest possible speeds.

It charges the latest iPhone 13/12, 11, 11 Pro/Max, XR/XS/X, iPhone 8 from zero to 60% in just 30 minutes.

iPhone 13/12/11/XR can be fully charged nearly 5 times with it while Samsung Galaxy S21 can be charged almost 4 times with it. The PowerCore Essential 20000 PD has 2 charging ports – one USB-C port and a regular USB port.

The  PowerCore Essential 20000 PD power bank can be fully charged in 7-8 hours using the bundled 18 watt PD wall charger.

What We Like!

  • Great balance of portability and high capacity
  • Can charge the latest iPhone 13/12, 11, 11 Pro/Max, XR/XS/X, iPhone 8 from zero to 60% in just 30 minutes and iPads, Samsung S/Note at fast speed. 
  • Charges iPad Pro 2018, iPad mini 2019 and iPad Air 3 at fastest possible speed as well
  • Gets charged in just 7-8 hours
  • 18-watt PD wall charger included.  Included wall charger also works as fast-charger for new iPhones and iPads
  • Superb Anker 18-month warranty and service
  • A USB-C cable included
  • Can be bought with bundled 18-watt USB-C adapter or without it.

What we do not like!

  • None.

Best Ultralight 2-in-1 Wall charger + Portable Charger Combo for Travel

Anker PowerCore Fusion 5000

Best travel portable charger
PowerCore Fusion  combines a wall charger with a 5000 mah powerbank 

Anker PowerCore Fusion 5000 is our pick among ultra-compact travel portable charger that can also function as power adapter. This handy device combines a 5,000 mah powerbank with a wall charger – meaning you do not have to pack your wall charger and powerbank separately

Anker PowerCore Fusion 5000mah charger weighs just 7 oz and can charge almost all iPhones and Android phones once. It can charge most small screen iPhones such as iPhone 8/7/SE 2 almost twice.

When used as a wall charger, Anker Fusion 5000mah charger first charges your device and then charges itself, This means that you do not have to remember to separately charge your powerbank. It gets fully charged in about 2.5 hours.

What We Like!

  • Great travel charging solution
  • Charges all iPhones at 10-watts – twice the speed of Apple 5-watt charger
  • Maximum 2 amp output makes it great for both iPhones and Android phones
  • Very light and compact at just 7 oz (210 grams)
  • Excellent Anker build quality

What we do not like!

  • None

Best Multi-Purpose AC Outlet + USB-C + Wireless Charging + Variable DC Output Portable Charger for Travel

OmniCharge Omni 20+ Portable charger with 100 watt AC, variable voltage DC, wireless charging & 60-watt USB-C PD

Omnicharge Omni 20+ is a unique portable charger that that comes with a portable 110 volt AC outlet as well as adjustable voltage DC outlets and a 60-watt PD USB-C port for running a wide range of electronic equipments such as laptops, speakers, camera equipment, etc. in addition to charging smartphones.

Best portable phone charger for iPhone and laptops
Omnicharge Omni 20+ is a compact power bank with a wide range of output/input options

The standout feature of this extremely highly priced portable charger is its extreme versatality. Omnicharge Omni 20+ can power most latest laptops due to its 100 watt AC outlet port. The same AC port can be used to power almost any professional and electronic appliances with a power draw of up to 100 watts. Omnicharge Omni 20+ comes with variable adjustable DC outlet port – which can output a wide range of DC voltages. In fact, it can output ANY DC voltage from 1 volt to 24 volts including 9 volt, 10 volt, 12 volt, 18 volt, 20 volt, 24 volt etc. with a power draw of up to 70 watt. This enables Omni 20 to power a huge range of professional electronic equipment.

Another uniquely feature of Omnicharge Omni 20+ is its wide range of input power. Omnicharge Omni 20+ can be charged with a wide range of input voltages including solar cells in addition to the bundled AC brick. It can be charged in just 3 hours with the bundled AC brick.

If you just need high USB-C PD output for you USB-C Macbooks or laptops, and do not require AC outlet and DC barrel port input/output, then the Omni 20+ also comes in a 100-watt USB-C PD output version – the Omni 20C+ . The Omni 20C+ has two USB-C ports and also features a unique USB-C PD passthrough/UPS feature. This allows you to charge the power bank via a USB-C port (60-watt max input) and at the same time charge your Macbook/laptop with the other USB-C port (maximum 100-watt USB-C PD output).

Pros

  • 60-watt USB-C PD output is great for Macbooks and Dell, Lenovo, Surface laptops
  • 100 watt 110-volt AC outlet is handy for speciality equipment
  • USB-C PD allows it to fast-charge latest Apple iPhones 12, 11, 11 Pro/Max, XR, XS X, 8, 8+ etc. (zero to 60% in 30 mins).
  • Regular USB ports charge iPhones at twice the speed (12-watts) of Apple 5-watt iPhone charger
  • Can fast-charge all Pixels including Pixel 5, 4 XL, 4 as well as latest Samsung, LG, phones via USB-C PD
  • 1- 24 volt adjustable DC output charges wide range of laptops efficiently. A huge range of professional equipment and devices can be charged.
  • Inbuilt 10-watt wireless charging pad means you can charge latest iPhones, Samsung S/Note phones, and other flagship phones by simply placing them on top of the power bank
  • Can be charged with a wide range of DC voltages via the DC barrel port
  • Can be charged fully with Macbook and many other laptop USB-C chargers in just 4 hours
  • Can also be charged via USB-C port with any smartphone USB-C charger, such as iPhone 11 Pro/Pro Max chargers or iPad Pro chargers in 7 hours, and with Samsung phone chargers in 10 hours
  • Supports solar charging
  • Supports pass through charging. Use it as UPS to charge devices while charging the power bank. This is a great feature when you are in a hurry and need to quickly charge your power bank and devices simultaneously.
  • QuickCharge 3.0 compatible USB ports are  great for fastest charging of Android USB-C smartphones including LG/Xiami phones and Samsung S10, S10+, S9, S9+, S8, S8+, S7, S6, Note 10/9/8 etc.
  • Compact and sturdy charger with premium build quality (5 x 1.1 x 4.8 inches and 1.39 pounds weight)
  • Unique portable charger with unmatched versatility

Cons

  • High price makes it a reasonable purchase only for enthusiasts and professionals.
  • 1 year limited warranty is a bit less than ideal for such a highly priced piece of equipment.
  • 20000 mah capacity is less than the 26800 MAH maximum allowed by TSA. For such a high price, 26800 mah would have been an ideal capacity.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *