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Alex Lee tests the top power banks to keep devices charged

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I test tech for a living. No matter where I am or what I'm doing, I've usually got several phones, earbuds, tablets, laptops, and handheld consoles to hand. All those devices need a lot of power, and they're always running out of juice.

That's why, for the best part of a decade, I've tested more than a hundred different power banks. Years of experience mean I know exactly what to look out for when it comes to finding the best power bank to bring my devices to life.

What I've learned over the years is that things like fast-charging and output and input wattage are just as important as the capacity of the power bank itself. Builtin cables are also severely underrated, and size does matter. I never want to carry around a brick that weighs me down every time I take a step, unless it has loads of life in it and I'm taking it abroad.

Certain brands dominate the field. I've found the best power banks usually come from Anker, but newer brands like Cuktech and Iniu are also starting to make a name for themselves. Anker's A1383 20,000mAh power bank is my top pick for its hefty battery capacity, fast-charging and builtin cable, but the Iniu P41-E2 10,000mAh power bank is a nice budget portable charger.

If you're travelling abroad and won't be near any plug outlets, the Anker A1695 laptop power bank will keep your devices juiced up on the go for days and days, but these aren't your only options. Below are my picks for the best power banks in 2025.

How we tested

I've tested plenty of power banks over the years, and my standards are pretty high. Each one in this roundup was judged on how quickly and reliably it charged everything from dead phones to tablets to laptops. I timed how long they took to reach 50 per cent and full charge, and tracked how many complete recharges they could deliver before needing to be plugged in themselves.

I've stuffed them into my coat pockets on dog walks and while playing