Which power bank should I buy?

The Nimble Champ is our top recommendation for most folks, but we have all sorts of alternatives here. Read our Best MagSafe Power Banks guide for Apple-specific portable chargers, and our Best Portable Power Stations guide if you need more power. Updated June 2025: We've added power banks from Redmagic and Statik, and added a new FAQ.

How do power banks work?

Some power banks attach directly to smartphones via magnetic connection. These power banks are compact units that typically pack just enough power to recharge a compatible smartphone a single time. On this list, the Hinovo Magnetic Charger is a highly functional and convenient option. It essentially doubles your phone’s battery — no cable required.

Do you need a portable battery or power bank?

Watching your phone or tablet steadily run out of power when you're nowhere near an outlet is stressful. But there's an easy solution: a portable battery or power bank. They are available in many sizes and capacities and can include handy features like fast charging and multiple ports.

Why should you buy a portable power station?

Bring big backup power with you with these expert-recommended portable power stations, which can store enough power to charge electronics, appliances, and more.

What makes a power bank durable?

Durability is a major factor in how brands design products for our use and abuse. Every power bank on this list passed our standardized drop-testing onto concrete from 2 feet. Most of them carry ratings that will protect the power bank from taller heights. This type of rating is important because accidents happen.

Which power bank is best for outdoor use?

If you plan to use your power bank for outdoor applications such as hunting, backpacking, and off-roading, we recommend one built to withstand rugged use. On this list, the Nestout 15,000mAh Outdoor Battery, Dark Energy Poseidon Pro 10200, and Wuben Lightok X3 Owl EDC Flashlight are all rated to withstand getting wet.