A power bank is one of the best things you can take travelling – especially when we rely so heavily on our phones for navigation, data and bookings. I use mine every day and need one that can charge multiple devices as I typically travel with a lot of tech (cameras, mics, laptop etc) but even the average person nowadays carries a power bank.
This article may include mentions of products from one or more of our affiliate partners. Unless explicitly stated, we are not being paid to include these. To learn more about our advertising policy, please refer to our Terms of Service.
We’ve listed our top five picks so you can choose based on your budget and needs.
Bought & tested ourselves
- Can charge four devices simultaneously
- Shows battery percentage digitally
- 4.3 charges of an iPhone 15
Now if you’ve been following for a while you’ll know how much I love this power bank! I take this on every trip and it’s a bit more of a robust type, but carries multiple charges and is even powerful enough to charge my laptop.
They’re often on sale (depending on colour) and I’ve had messages from people who’ve bought it on my recommendation that they love it too!
- 2 charges of an iPhone 17
- Shows battery percentage digitally
- Has a built in lead
This might be the smallest power bank I’ve ever seen – and whilst it’s not as powerful as the VRURC, it definitely packs a punch for its size.
I tested this recently for a reel over on our Shop Instagram page, and it charged my iPhone 17 78% more in just an hour. It comes with a strap that doubles up as a charging cable and displays the battery percentage digitally on the side.
- Built in retractable cables
- Three USB C ports
- Shows battery level on screen
If you’re like me and travel with a lot of tech you might be looking for a really beefy charger.
I haven’t tested this specific charger but it’s marketed as a laptop power bank and says it can charge a Macbook Pro to 50% in just 33 minutes. There’s over 9,000 reviews on this one with an average rating of 4.5 stars so I feel comfortable recommending it!
What is mAh?
mAh stands for milliampere-hour, which is the total electrical charge capacity of a power bank’s battery.
Be careful on planes
Many airlines do not allow you to use your power bank on board.
Size vs capacity
Larger battery capacities provide more charges but are heavier to carry.
Carry-on only
Power banks should always be packed in your carry-on, not checked baggage.
- Shows battery percentage on screen
- Can charge three devices simultaneously
- Takes 30 mins to charge 62%
This power bank is more for people on a budget who just want to top up their phone every now and then. It has a digital display and can charge three devices simultaneously.
I think it looks sleek and classy and whilst I haven’t tested it myself, I feel I can recommend it based on the over 3,000 reviews which average at 4.3 stars.
- Compatible with most newer iPhones
- Charges iPhone 16 Pro 1.7 times
- Can charge two devices simultaneously if using wire too
James much prefers a MagSafe charger which means there’s no faffing around with wires. You do need a MagSafe phone case for these to work, but given that most people keep a case on their phone anyway, I think it feels a fair trade to not have loose wires when you’re charging.
I haven’t tested this one – however James is on the lookout for a new charger so will update this if he chooses this one!
Whether you just need to top up your phone whilst you’re out and about, or you’re travelling with multiple tech devices, we all need a portable charger these days. Choose one that best suits your needs and scroll to your heart’s content!!
Power Bank FAQs
What is mAh?
mAh stands for milliampere-hour, which is the total electrical charge capacity of a power bank’s battery. A power bank with 20000mAh or more will be able to charge a phone multiple times, or charge a laptop.
Generally power banks up to 27,000mAh are allowed on board planes (provided they’re in your carry on bag and not used on board). But make sure you check with your airline.
What is the difference between USB and USB-C ports?
A USB-A (USB) port is the older, larger rectangular port at the end of a cable that you may be used to. On a portable charger this is usually the end that is plugged into the mains to charge the charger itself, with usually a USB micro B at the other end (that is plugged into the charger). USB micro B is the port that has a curved top and a flat bottom.
A USB C is the newer port that is smaller and looks rectangular but with curved edges. If you have a newer iPhone, this is the port that you use to charge your phone.
Always check to make sure that the power bank has the right port for your devices, and that you have the right cables to connect them.
What is input vs. output?
Input and output refer to the direction of the power flow. Input is used to charge the power bank itself from a mains plug and output is used to charge your devices from the power bank. These may require different ports used so make sure you double check your devices, cables, and the power bank you’re interested in.
Can I bring a power bank on to a plane?
Most airlines allow you to bring a power bank on board but each airline may have different policies so it’s always recommended to double check this. You can Google your airline followed by ‘power bank policy’ and it should be there.
Can I use my power bank on the plane?
More and more flights are now announcing at the start of the flight that you cannot use your power bank whilst on the plane, even if you’re allowed to bring it on board. This restriction is due to safety concerns about lithium batteries overheating.
Should I put my power bank into my checked bag or my carry on?
Power banks, like most batteries, should always be kept in your carry on bag. Again, this is due to the concerns over lithium batteries overheating.
