I’ve learned the hard way that phone batteries die at the worst possible times—mid-travel, mid-meeting, mid-adventure. A solid portable charger should be as normal in your bag as your keys. After testing various capacities and charging speeds, here are the five power banks that actually deliver.

Anker PowerCore Ultra 20000 — Best Overall

Rating: 9/10

The PowerCore Ultra hits the perfect balance between capacity, size, and charging speed. 20,000 mAh will fully charge most phones 4-5 times, and the compact design means it fits easily in a jacket pocket. It supports fast charging for compatible devices, has dual USB ports, and build quality is solid. Around $40.

What’s excellent: great capacity, compact footprint, multiple ports, affordable.

Drawbacks: slightly larger than some smaller options, charging time to full is moderate.

This is what I throw in my bag when I’m traveling.

RAVPower RP-PB054 — Maximum Capacity

Rating: 9/10

If you need serious charging capacity—multiple full charges for multiple devices—the RP-PB054 delivers. 16,000 mAh, dual USB ports, clean design. For around $30, the value is exceptional. It’s bulkier than smaller options, but if you’re driving cross-country or taking a long trip, that extra capacity is peace of mind.

Strengths: excellent value, reliable charging, solid build, multiple output ports.

Weaknesses: heavier than ultra-compact options, not the fastest charging speeds.

This is the budget-friendly workhorse option.

Belkin Boost Charge Pro — Premium Build

Rating: 8.5/10

Belkin’s Boost Charge Pro uses more premium materials and manufacturing. The charging speeds are faster than cheaper options, the cable management is elegant, and the design feels substantial. Around $60 for 10,000 mAh—smaller capacity but faster charging and better aesthetics.

What works: premium design, fast charging, elegant cable management, reliable brand.

What doesn’t: smaller capacity than competitors, pricier per mAh, less practical for heavy travel.

Choose this if you value build quality and design as much as raw capacity.

Mophie Speedpak — Compact Minimalist

Rating: 8/10

For people who want something tiny and always in their pocket, Speedpak delivers. 5,000 mAh isn’t huge—think one full charge for most phones—but the form factor is genuinely pocketable. Works with wireless charging, has a clean aesthetic, and build quality is solid. Around $35.

Pluses: incredibly compact, wireless charging compatible, minimal design, lightweight.

Minuses: limited capacity, slow charging speeds, pricey per mAh.

If you only need a top-up charge and won’t travel far from outlets, this works.

Anker Nano Power Bank — Ultracompact Alternative

Rating: 8/10

Slightly larger than Speedpak but lower price. The Nano gives you 10,000 mAh in a surprisingly small package, supports fast charging, and costs around $25. It’s not the smallest option, but the capacity-to-size ratio is excellent. Build feels solid despite the affordable price.

Strengths: good capacity in small form, affordable, lightweight, fast-charging support.

Weaknesses: smaller than larger options, charging to full takes time, single USB port.

Great balance for people who want capacity without bulk.

Final Verdict

Anker PowerCore Ultra 20000 is my top pick for most people—the blend of capacity, size, speed, and price is ideal for travel and daily use. If you want maximum capacity on a budget, RAVPower RP-PB054 is hard to beat.

Belkin Boost Charge Pro is for people who won’t compromise on build quality. Mophie Speedpak or Anker Nano work if you just need emergency top-ups and minimize weight.

The right portable charger is the difference between a dead phone and staying connected. Don’t overthink it—any of these five will serve you well for years.