Using the Anker Prime power bank, we were also able to test the charging speed claims of other power banks, as the Anker Prime will report charging speed in wattage. We have tested the best power banks by using them to charge a variety of devices, including Apple iPhone, Google Pixel, and Samsung Galaxy phones. We have also charged Apple iPad tablets, and small laptops including a Pixelbook Go and a Surface Laptop Go. You need fast power: This is a very slow charger, whether wired or wireless, so it's better for casual charging while you sip your water and read a book.

That app is essential because there's a Find My feature built into the battery. It doesn't work like an AirTag over UWB, it's only Bluetooth, but it's useful if you misplace your battery in your office (or you have multiple batteries, like I do). You don't have a magnetic phone: You don't need an iPhone to enjoy the magnetic charging, but you'll need a case that lines up your phone with Apple's MagSafe wireless configuration, or else your phone won't charge properly. You have a watch that isn't from Apple: The Otterbox 2-in-1 Power Bank only attaches magnetically to the Apple Watch. Other smartwatches, like the Pixel Watch, won't work with this one, not at all. One advantage of this shift to USB-C is that power banks now support USB PD for faster charging. This means your power bank will often recharge faster when connected to a suitable fast charger, at anywhere from 20W to 60W. At those speeds, even a high-capacity charger can recharge fully in three to four hours.

What are the best power banks to buy right now?

If you care more about convenience than speed, wireless charging is very much the way to go – and a growing number of power banks support it. Just place your smartphone on the integrated wireless pad, and you can recharge without connecting any cables. There will be a hit on charging speeds, so you’ll be limited to 7.5W or 10W, but that’s not a big issue if you don’t need to recharge in a flash. As a bonus, we’re now seeing Magsafe-friendly chargers that will clamp onto an iPhone or a ring inside an iPhone case, meaning you can recharge your iPhone even while you’re using it. How we test power banks

If you're prone to forgetting your cable, some power banks can recharge your phone wirelessly. You'll just need to place the smartphone on the charger and press a button to start – you may have to reposition it to get perfect alignment, although there are magnetic models (more on those below) for the latest iPhones that'll always snap into the correct position. Magnetic power banks

Don’t get stuck without a charger for your gadgets. We’ve picked out the best power banks to help you recharge while you’re on the go

You don't need all those extras: The Anker Prime power bank is pricey, and if you don't care about monitoring charge Wattage or days of battery life, find another option. The best power banks you can buy in 2023 1. EnergyCell Portable Charger 5000mAh: Best cheap power bank

The bottle is actually a nice, insulated affair, and it kept ice in cold water for 12 hours, which is all that we need. It has a good, strong strap to carry the bottle, though we would have liked a lid that was easier for sipping.The next question is how you want to charge your device. You can find a power bank that charges your phone (or even your Apple Watch) wirelessly. These will usually charge slower, but they can be very convenient if you want to leave wires at home. There are also cool additional features to consider. Our favorite power bank has a built in charging plug so it can go right into a wall outlet. Some power banks have data about your charging devices. Some are just super small and cute. Which power bank is the best quality? You need power for your phone: The 3,000mAh battery inside is plenty to keep your Apple Watch going, but that isn't enough power to get you even halfway charged on an iPhone 15, and even less on bigger phones. Dimensions: 9.91 x 6.4 x 1.65 cm | Weight: 173g | Capacity: 5,000mAh | Ports: USB-C (input and output) and wireless charging If you've got one of Apple's iPhone 12, 13 or 14 models, there's a new breed of portable charger on the market.