Best Portable Chargers 2026: Top Power Banks Tested & Ranked
Quick Summary
- Best Overall: Anker 737 Power Bank (PowerCore 26K) — Massive capacity, blazing-fast 140W charging, and a brilliant display
- Best Budget: Anker PowerCore Essential 20000 — Reliable 20,000mAh at an affordable price with solid dual-port output
- Best Premium: Mophie Powerstation Pro AC — The only portable charger with a full AC outlet, ideal for laptops and pro users
Whether you’re commuting across London, hiking in the Lake District, or sitting through back-to-back meetings with a dying laptop, a quality portable charger is no longer a luxury — it’s an essential piece of kit. In 2026, the market has never been more competitive, with power banks now offering USB-C Power Delivery, GaN technology, wireless charging, and even built-in AC sockets. We’ve tested dozens of models across every price point to bring you the definitive guide to the best portable chargers available in the UK right now. Whatever your budget or use case, there’s something here for you.
What to Look For in a Portable Charger
- Capacity (mAh): The higher the milliamp-hour rating, the more charges you’ll get. A 10,000mAh bank will charge most smartphones roughly twice; 20,000mAh+ is ideal for heavy users or multiple devices.
- Charging Speed (Wattage): Look for USB-C Power Delivery (PD) of at least 30W for smartphones and 65W or above if you need to charge a laptop. GaN-powered models are more efficient and run cooler.
- Number & Type of Ports: Multiple USB-C and USB-A ports let you charge several devices at once. Some premium models also include wireless charging pads or even full AC outlets.
- Size & Weight: Higher capacity means more weight. If you’re travelling light, a slim 10,000mAh model that slips into a jacket pocket is far more practical than a 26,000mAh brick.
Comparison at a Glance
| Product | Price | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anker 737 Power Bank (PowerCore 26K) | £119 | All-round everyday use | ★★★★★ |
| Anker PowerCore Essential 20000 | £32 | Budget buyers & students | ★★★★☆ |
| Mophie Powerstation Pro AC | £189 | Professionals & laptop users | ★★★★☆ |
Our Top Picks
Anker 737 Power Bank (PowerCore 26K)
The Anker 737 is the power bank we’d recommend to almost anyone. It packs a colossal 26,800mAh capacity alongside 140W bi-directional USB-C charging — fast enough to top up a MacBook Pro in under an hour. An intelligent LED display shows remaining capacity as a precise percentage rather than fiddly indicator lights, which is a genuinely useful touch. Two USB-C ports and one USB-A port mean you can charge three devices simultaneously, and Anker’s ActiveShield 2.0 technology constantly monitors temperature to keep everything safe. It’s a chunkier unit, but the performance more than justifies the footprint.
Pros
- 140W output charges laptops quickly
- Precise percentage LED display
- 26,800mAh — charges most phones 6+ times
Cons
- Heavier than budget alternatives
- Pricier than mid-range options
Anker PowerCore Essential 20000
If you want reliable, no-fuss charging without breaking the bank, the Anker PowerCore Essential 20000 is one of the most popular power banks in the UK for good reason. Its 20,000mAh cell will see most smartphones through four full charges, and the dual USB-A outputs mean you can keep two devices topped up at the same time. It won’t win any speed records — output is capped at 15W — but for anyone who needs straightforward, affordable backup power for daily commuting or weekend trips, it’s unbeatable at the price. Build quality is solid, Anker’s warranty is reassuring, and it’s easy to find in UK shops.
Pros
- Excellent value for 20,000mAh
- Dual USB-A ports for two devices
- Trusted Anker build quality
Cons
- No USB-C PD output — slow for modern devices
- Basic LED indicator rather than percentage display
Mophie Powerstation Pro AC
For professionals who demand the very best, the Mophie Powerstation Pro AC is in a category of its own. Its headline feature is a genuine 100W AC socket — meaning you can plug in any laptop, camera charger, or even a small monitor as though you were sat next to a wall socket. With 27,000mAh capacity, 60W USB-C PD output, and two additional USB-A ports, it’s a complete charging hub in a single device. Yes, it’s heavy and expensive, but for freelancers, photographers, or anyone who regularly works away from the office, the freedom it provides is simply irreplaceable in 2026.
Pros
- Built-in 100W AC outlet — unique feature
- 27,000mAh with 60W USB-C PD
- Premium, robust aluminium build
Cons
- Significantly heavier than rivals
- Premium price not for everyone
Who Should Buy This?
A portable charger is ideal for anyone who spends significant time away from a plug socket. Students studying in libraries, commuters on long train journeys, festival-goers, hikers, and remote workers will all benefit enormously from carrying a reliable power bank. If your phone regularly drops below 20% before the day is out, a mid-range 20,000mAh option like the Anker PowerCore Essential will transform your daily routine without costing a fortune.
For those with more demanding needs — content creators who rely on laptops and cameras, travelling sales professionals, or anyone who works from coffee shops and co-working spaces — investing in a higher-wattage model with USB-C Power Delivery or even an AC socket is absolutely worth the extra expenditure. The time and stress saved by never scrambling for an available plug will pay for itself quickly.
Final Verdict
The best portable charger in 2026 for most people is the Anker 737 Power Bank. Its blend of enormous capacity, 140W fast charging, and intelligent display make it genuinely ahead of the competition at its price point. On a tighter budget, the Anker PowerCore Essential 20000 delivers outstanding value. For professionals who need to run actual laptops and AC-powered devices on the go, the Mophie Powerstation Pro AC is in a class of its own. Whichever you choose, buying in 2026 means you’re getting better, safer, and faster technology than ever before.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times will a 20,000mAh power bank charge my phone?
A 20,000mAh power bank will typically charge a modern smartphone — which averages around 4,000–5,000mAh — approximately three to four times on a full charge. Real-world figures are slightly lower due to energy lost as heat during charging, so expect around 70–80% efficiency in practice.
Are portable chargers allowed on flights in 2026?
Most airlines allow power banks in hand luggage only — they must not be placed in checked baggage due to fire risk regulations. The standard limit is 100Wh per bank (roughly 27,000mAh at 3.7V), with some airlines permitting up to 160Wh with prior approval. Always check with your specific airline before travelling.
What wattage do I need to charge a laptop from a portable charger?
To meaningfully charge a laptop, you’ll need a power bank with at least 45W USB-C Power Delivery output; 65W or above is recommended for faster top-ups. Larger laptops such as the MacBook Pro 16-inch or Dell XPS 15 will charge most efficiently from a 100W+ PD source.
How long does it take to recharge a large power bank?
Recharge times depend heavily on both the power bank’s input capacity and the charger you use. A 26,000mAh bank like the Anker 737 can recharge in around 1.5–2 hours using its 140W USB-C input with a compatible wall charger. Using a standard 18W charger, the same bank would take upwards of 8 hours to fully recharge.
Is it safe to leave a portable charger charging overnight?
Modern power banks from reputable brands include overcharge protection circuits that stop drawing power once fully charged, making overnight charging generally safe. However, it’s best practice to charge on a hard, non-flammable surface away from bedding, and always use the manufacturer’s recommended cable and wall adaptor to minimise any risk.