Best Portable Chargers for Travel 2026: Keep Your Devices Powered on the Go
Quick Summary
- Best Overall: Anker 737 Power Bank (PowerCore 26K) — exceptional capacity, blazing 140W output, and USB-C laptop charging in one compact unit
- Best Budget: Anker 313 Power Bank (10,000mAh) — reliable, lightweight, and under £20 for casual travellers
- Best Premium: Mophie Powerstation Pro AC — built-in AC outlet, wireless charging, and airline-approved capacity for power users
Whether you’re navigating a long-haul flight, backpacking through Europe, or simply spending the day away from a plug socket, a reliable portable charger is one of the most essential travel accessories you can own in 2026. The market has exploded with options — from slim 5,000mAh emergency top-ups to beefy 26,000mAh powerhouses capable of charging a laptop multiple times over. Finding the right one means balancing capacity, weight, charging speed, and airline regulations. We’ve tested and researched the very best portable chargers for travel across every budget, so you can make a confident, informed choice before your next trip.
What to Look For in a Travel Power Bank
- Capacity (mAh): The higher the milliamp-hour rating, the more charges you’ll get. A 10,000mAh bank typically charges a modern smartphone two to three times, while 20,000mAh+ suits tablets and laptops. Note that most airlines cap carry-on power banks at 100Wh (roughly 27,000mAh at 3.7V).
- Charging speed (wattage): Look for Power Delivery (PD) or Quick Charge support. A 20W+ USB-C PD port will charge a phone in under an hour; 65W or above is needed for meaningful laptop top-ups.
- Size and weight: A 10,000mAh slim bank can weigh as little as 180g and slip into a jacket pocket, whereas a 26,000mAh unit may weigh over 500g. Match the form factor to your travel style.
- Number and type of ports: Multiple USB-C and USB-A ports mean you can charge several devices simultaneously. Wireless charging pass-through is a bonus for travellers who hate carrying multiple cables.
Comparison at a Glance
| Product | Price | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anker 737 Power Bank (PowerCore 26K) | £99 | All-round travellers & laptop users | ★★★★★ |
| Anker 313 Power Bank (10,000mAh) | £18 | Budget-conscious & light packers | ★★★★☆ |
| Mophie Powerstation Pro AC | £149 | Premium users & digital nomads | ★★★★☆ |
Our Top Picks
Anker 737 Power Bank (PowerCore 26K)
The Anker 737 is the portable charger we’d recommend to almost any traveller in 2026. Its 26,650mAh capacity comfortably charges a smartphone six or seven times, and the 140W USB-C Power Delivery port is fast enough to meaningfully charge a MacBook or Windows ultrabook. A smart LED display shows remaining battery percentage, input/output wattage in real time, and estimated time remaining — a genuinely useful feature when you’re calculating whether it’ll last the rest of your journey. Two USB-C ports and one USB-A port mean you can power three devices at once. It weighs around 624g, which is noticeable but entirely manageable in a day bag, and it falls just within airline carry-on limits.
Pros
- 140W USB-C PD charges laptops quickly
- Real-time digital display for precise battery info
- 26,650mAh capacity for multi-day trips
- Three ports for simultaneous charging
Cons
- Weighs 624g — heavier than slim alternatives
- Slow recharge via USB-A wall adapters
Anker 313 Power Bank (10,000mAh)
Not every traveller needs to charge a laptop on the go — sometimes you just need the reassurance of a couple of extra phone charges in your back pocket. The Anker 313 delivers exactly that at a price that won’t sting if it gets lost at the bottom of a hostel locker. Its 10,000mAh capacity is good for two to three full smartphone charges, and at just 192g it’s light enough to forget it’s there. It charges via Micro-USB (a USB-A to Micro-USB cable is included), and output is via two USB-A ports at up to 12W — perfectly fine for phones and earbuds, though not designed for fast charging. Simple, dependable, and brilliantly priced for a first power bank or a travel backup.
Pros
- Excellent value under £20
- Compact and lightweight at 192g
- Dual USB-A ports for two devices at once
Cons
- No USB-C output — won’t fast-charge modern phones
- Charges in via Micro-USB (older standard)
Mophie Powerstation Pro AC (22,000mAh)
The Mophie Powerstation Pro AC is a genuinely impressive piece of travel tech aimed squarely at digital nomads and frequent business travellers. Its headline feature is a full 100W AC outlet — yes, an actual three-pin-style socket — allowing you to plug in a standard laptop charger, camera battery charger, or any other low-wattage device without needing a separate adapter. It also sports a 60W USB-C PD port, two standard USB-A ports, and 10W wireless charging on the top surface. The 22,000mAh capacity keeps it within airline limits, and the premium rubberised aluminium casing feels reassuringly robust. At £149, it’s an investment, but for travellers who’ve ever cursed a lack of available sockets in an airport lounge, it’s worth every penny.
Pros
- Built-in 100W AC outlet for any device
- Wireless charging pad on top surface
- Premium build quality with aluminium casing
- Airline-compliant 22,000mAh capacity
Cons
- Expensive compared to rivals
- Heavier than USB-only alternatives
Who Should Buy a Portable Charger for Travel?
A portable charger is essential for almost any traveller in 2026. If you rely on your smartphone for boarding passes, maps, translation apps, and accommodation bookings — as most of us now do — running out of battery mid-journey is more than an inconvenience, it can cause real problems. Even a small 10,000mAh power bank like the Anker 313 provides enough insurance for a full day of heavy navigation and photography. Backpackers, city-break holidaymakers, and commuters will find a mid-range option like the Anker 737 covers virtually every scenario without excessive bulk.
Business travellers and digital nomads who carry a laptop will benefit most from a high-capacity, high-wattage option or something with an AC outlet. If you regularly work from cafés, trains, or airport terminals between meetings, the investment in a premium model pays for itself quickly in productivity. Those who travel with camera gear, drones, or other specialist equipment should specifically look for AC-equipped models such as the Mophie Powerstation Pro AC, which can power almost any device you throw at it without requiring a separate wall charger.
Final Verdict
The best portable charger for travel in 2026 comes down to your specific needs and budget. For most travellers, the Anker 737 Power Bank strikes the ideal balance of capacity, speed, and versatility — it’ll charge your phone, tablet, and laptop without breaking a sweat. If you’re watching the pennies, the Anker 313 is a trustworthy, lightweight companion that costs less than a round of drinks. And if money is no object and you want the ultimate travel power solution, the Mophie Powerstation Pro AC delivers a full plug socket in your backpack. Whichever you choose, never travel without one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are portable chargers allowed on aeroplanes in the UK?
Yes, but they must be carried in hand luggage — never in checked baggage. Most airlines, including those departing UK airports, follow the IATA guideline of a maximum 100Wh (approximately 27,000mAh at 3.7V) per power bank, with a limit of two banks per passenger. Always check with your specific airline before travelling, as rules can vary slightly.
How much capacity do I need in a travel power bank?
For charging a smartphone once or twice, a 10,000mAh bank is sufficient. If you’re away for multiple days or want to charge a tablet, aim for 20,000mAh. To meaningfully charge a laptop, you’ll need at least 20,000mAh with a 45W+ USB-C Power Delivery port. Bear in mind real-world capacity is roughly 60–70% of the stated mAh rating due to conversion losses.
What is USB-C Power Delivery and do I need it?
USB-C Power Delivery (PD) is a fast-charging standard that can deliver significantly more power than standard USB ports — up to 240W in its latest form, though most power banks offer between 18W and 140W. If you own a recent iPhone, Android flagship, iPad, or MacBook, you’ll benefit enormously from a PD-equipped bank, as it can reduce charge times by up to 70% compared to standard 5W charging.
How long does it take to recharge a portable charger?
Recharge time depends on both the bank’s capacity and the wattage of your wall charger. A 10,000mAh bank charged via a 20W USB-C adapter typically refills in around three to four hours. Larger 26,000mAh units can take eight hours or more on a standard charger, but some support 65W+ input which brings this down to under three hours. Always use a quality wall charger to maximise recharge speed.
Can a portable charger charge a laptop?
Yes, provided the power bank has a USB-C Power Delivery port rated at 45W or above, and your laptop supports USB-C charging — which covers the vast majority of modern ultrabooks, MacBooks, and premium Windows laptops. The Anker 737 at 140W output can fully charge many thin-and-light laptops in under 90 minutes. For gaming laptops or machines requiring 180W+, a portable charger will supplement but may not fully replace the wall adapter.