The best iPhone power banks of 2024: Expert tested and reviewed

4 months ago 29

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Sure, iPhone batteries have come a long way, but here's the kicker: our dependence on them has skyrocketed. These sleek devices have transcended their humble beginnings as tools for calls, texts, and apps, morphing into indispensable digital keys for our cars and homes, and even our wallets for everyday transactions.

Imagine this: a dead iPhone derailing your entire day. That's why I never leave home without a trusty power bank. It's all about staying one step ahead—better to have it and not need it than need it and be left high and dry. Trust me, a little extra power can make a monumental difference.

Also: The best MagSafe accessories for your iPhone

What is the best iPhone power bank right now?

I've rigorously tested hundreds of iPhone power banks, scrutinizing everything from their design and charge time to their recharge capacity, power output, variety of ports, safety features, and much more. This thorough analysis has allowed me to weed out the duds -- the low-quality units, the overpriced rip-offs, and the downright failures -- focusing exclusively on the best of the best. This lineup represents the cream of the crop, ensuring you get only top-tier performance from your purchase.

My top pick for the best overall iPhone power bank is the Anker MagGo 6.6K Wireless Charger based on its lightweight build, foldable kickstand, and convenient charging options. Read on to learn more about my top picks and others.

Also: The best iPhone 15 cases

The best iPhone power banks of 2024

Pros

Well priced Foldable clamshell design Lightweight and easy to hold Can charge your device while the charger itself is charging

Cons

Either have to purchase a MagSafe-compatible case or remove your current case to use Only wired charging for older iPhones A bit bulky

This Anker battery pack offers 6,600mAh of battery capacity, features a USB-C port that is used both as an input and output, and has a compact design. With a single magnetic click, this battery pack can be stored in your pocket or propped up using its sturdy magnet as a stand. Additionally, you don't have to worry about charging your phone and your battery pack separately, as you can charge both simultaneously when the pack is connected to a power source.

Leveraging Qi2 technology, the MagGo Power Bank securely snaps onto the back of compatible Android and Apple phones and packs a 6.600 mAh battery capacity that can charge most phones at least once.

Also: Anker's new Qi2 MagGo Power Bank offers a bonus feature for iPhone users

This power bank also comes with a 2 foot USB-C-to-USB-C cable, which is always handy to have.

I like the clamshell design of this power bank, and it looks a lot like the Star Trek communicator from the days of old. It's a well made, durable power bank, exactly what I'd expect from an Anker product.

Online reviews for this product are strong, although I feel that some buyers are confused about what Qi2 offers and expect it to be faster than a MagSafe charger (which it isn't).

Anker 622 MagSafe Wireless Charger Features: Capacity: 6,600mAh | Charging port: USB-C | Max output: 15W wireless, 20W wired

Pros

Compact design Good capacity Dual ports

Cons

Wall charger not included Long charging time

A "not-too-big, not-too-small" power bank, this product falls into the Goldilocks zone -- big enough for a few rounds of recharging and still small enough to carry.

I'm a fan of the Anker brand, and this is another gadget that I've taken out and about in cities (and into the wild) in several countries. Anker power banks are well-built, robust, and highly reliable. This is a power bank that's built for daily use, or for throwing into a drawer or glovebox for when you need it.

While this is a list of power banks for iPhones, and for that category of product you could get away with a single USB port, I have to admit that I do like the fact that this power bank comes with USB-A and USB-C ports. If you have earbuds that need charging alongside the iPhone, this is perfect pairing.

Despite the relatively large 10,000mAh capacity and two USB ports, this is still a portable power bank that's compact and lightweight enough to slip into a pocket or bag. It also fits great both in the hand and pocket, a sentiment echoed in reviews I've read on Amazon and Reddit.

Anker PowerCore Features: Capacity: 10,000mAh | Charging port: USB-C | Max output: 25W

Pros

Charge two devices at once Slim design LED indicators

Cons

Pricey Slow to charge devices

The biggest downer is reaching into your bag and discovering that you have a power bank without a cable. The Belkin Boostcharger removes this possibility because it features built-in Lightning and USB-C cables, separating it from the competition -- a feature that many reviewers on Amazon and B&H Photo also love.

This power bank also features passthrough technology, which means you can charge your iPhone with speeds up to 18W while charging the power bank.

This passthrough charging feature might not seem like much, but I've found this to be super useful both for use on a desk or nightstand and when traveling. It means I can have one small wall charger charging up the power bank, and then have the power bank simultaneously charging up a couple of devices. This not only saves on space and how many power outlets I need, also streamlines what i need to carry, which is really appreciated when traveling.

The 10,000mAh capacity also means that it's not too big to be slipped into a pocket or bag.

Belkin Boostcharge Features: Capacity: 10,000mAh | Charging port: Integrated Lightning (MFI) and USB-C cables plus USB-C port | Max output: 23W

Pros

Built-in cable is a winner

Cons

LCD screen is small and can be difficult to read

The Anker Nano 10,000mAh 30W is a power bank with a twist, and that twist is a built-in USB-C cable--making it a great option for the iPhone 15.

This cable is a decent length at 0.6ft (19cm) and can be used for both charging the power bank and charging other devices. This cable fits through a metal loop on the power bank, keeping it out of the way when not in use and allowing it to be used as a lanyard loop when you're not charging anything.

There's a single button on the top of the unit to turn the power bank on. On the front, a small but exceptionally vibrant display shows the charge level and estimated charge/discharge time.

Anker Nano 10,000mAh 30W Features: Capacity: 10,000mAh | Charging port: USB-C | Max Output: 30W

The Anker MagGo 6.6K battery pack is our pick for the best overall iPhone power bank, because the functional design makes it a multi-tasking winner. Plus, it offers easy integration with Apple devices. Here's how the best iPhone power banks compare based on pricing, capacity, and quick charge capabilities:

iPhone power bank	Price	Capacity	Max output	Quick charge?
Anker MagGo 6.6K	$70	6,600mAh	15W wireless/20W wired	Yes
Anker PowerCore	$35	10,000mAh	25W wired	No
Belkin Boostcharge Plus	$70	10,000mAh	23W wired	Yes
Anker Nano 10,000mAh 30W	$40	10,000mAh	30W wired	Yes

*Lowest price at the time of writing. Please note that prices may vary based on retailer and available promotions, sales, or discounts.

The best iPhone power bank gives you enough mobile power to keep your phone running until you can plug it in. Here's a further breakdown if you're trying to decide which power bank is best for you since all vary in power, price, and even port availability.

Choose this iPhone power bank...	If you need...
Anker MagGo 6.6K	A multi-tasking, all-around solid power bank.
Anker PowerCore	An affordable power bank with dual ports.
Belkin Boostcharge Plus	A power bank with integrated charging cables.
Anker Nano 10,000mAh 30W	This is the perfect portable power bank for the iPhone 15 for those who want to a built-in cable.

Here are some factors I suggest you consider when choosing a power bank for your iPhone:

Size: It's no good having a power bank if you're going to end up leaving it at home. Sure, if you're going off grid for a few days, you're going to need something big, but most people are looking for something to top up their phone during the day before going home, and for this a power bank with a 4,000mAh capacity is more than enough.Wired or wireless: If you don't want the hassle of having to carry a charge cable and a power bank, go for a unit that feature wireless MagSafe charging. Safety: I test every power bank for a number of safety issues, including checking for overheating in use and whether the case is robust enough to protect the internal batteries. I recommend sticking with name brands and avoiding dollar store power banks.

I chose these iPhone power banks through a combination of extensive research and using the products ourselves to charge everyday devices. I paid attention to:

Customer reviews and ratings: Evaluating personal experiences and ratings of the included products to take note of strengths, weaknesses, and overall customer satisfaction with each battery pack. Pricing: I considered battery packs with a varied price range to ensure there is a product for everyone, with most battery packs costing between $20-$100.
Renowned brands: I selected battery packs manufactured by trusted and ZDNET-reviewed brands to ensure the recommended picks were of quality and standard. Capacity: Battery packs can differ in the amount of power (measured in milliamp hours or mAh) contained in the battery. I use a USB power meter to test the capacity of every power bank listed to ensure that it delivers what it says on the spec sheet. Overheating: I use a thermal camera to check for overheating, both when the power back is in use, and when it is being charged.

Some cheap power banks and chargers can harm your smartphone. But overall, power banks are safe and work using the same technology as a regular charger. We trust any of the picks above to be quality power banks that won't damage your iPhone's battery.

According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), portable chargers or power banks containing a lithium-ion battery must be packed in a carry-on bag, rather than in checked baggage. Most airlines allow a power bank with a battery of up to 27,000mAh.

Those power banks work. However, in my experience, they don't offer the capacities that they claim and don't last as long as a decent power bank from a reputable manufacturer, don't deliver the power stated, and can overheat in use..

The phrase "you get what you pay for" applies to iPhone accessories. That's why it's better to spend more money to get something that'll enhance your phone's productivity and last.

A wireless power bank can be very helpful, since you don't have to remember to bring any cords or cables with you. Just set your iPhone on the power bank and start charging.

However, they're not ideal for use while you're actually traveling, since there isn't a way to secure your phone to the power bank. When flying or driving, your phone could slip off the charger without you noticing, leaving you with a dead or dying phone when you reach your destination.

It depends on how fast you want your iPhone to charge. The Apple's now discontinued MagSafe battery pack had a capacity of 1460mAh, which was plenty of power to charge your phone. The MagSafe alternatives here have greater capacities, allowing them to keep your iPhone running for longer.

When it comes to speed of charging, it's a common misconception that bigger power banks charge faster.