Anker Portable Chargers Reviews 2026: Best Power Banks Tested & Rated
Quick Summary
- Best Overall: Anker 737 Power Bank (PowerCore 26K) — exceptional 26,800mAh capacity with 140W bi-directional charging, ideal for laptops and multi-device travellers
- Best Budget: Anker PowerCore Essential 20000 — reliable 20,000mAh at an affordable price, perfect for everyday smartphone and tablet top-ups
- Best Premium: Anker MagGo Power Bank 10000 (Qi2) — slim magnetic design with 15W wireless charging, built for iPhone users who want cable-free convenience
Anker has spent over a decade earning its reputation as one of the most trusted names in portable charging. In 2026, their line-up is broader and more capable than ever, spanning compact 5,000mAh pocket chargers all the way to hefty laptop-grade power stations. Whether you are a daily commuter who simply needs an emergency top-up for your phone or a frequent flyer juggling a MacBook, iPad, and smartwatch simultaneously, there is almost certainly an Anker power bank designed precisely for your lifestyle. In this guide we have tested the most popular models across every price bracket, scrutinising real-world charging speeds, build quality, and value for money, so you can buy with complete confidence.
What to Look For in an Anker Portable Charger
- Capacity (mAh): Match the power bank’s capacity to your devices. A 10,000mAh unit typically provides around two full charges for a modern smartphone, whereas 20,000mAh or above is needed for tablets or laptops.
- Output wattage and charging standards: Look for USB Power Delivery (PD) and Anker’s own PowerIQ technology. A 20W+ output will fast-charge most iPhones and Android flagships, while 65W–140W is necessary for laptop charging.
- Number and type of ports: USB-C ports are now essential. Multiple ports let you charge several devices at once, though total wattage is shared, so check the split-charge spec carefully.
- Size and weight: High-capacity models are inherently heavier. A 10,000mAh slim bank slips into a jacket pocket, whereas a 26,800mAh unit belongs in a backpack. Always weigh portability against your actual capacity needs.
Comparison at a Glance
| Product | Price | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anker 737 Power Bank (PowerCore 26K) | £120 | Laptop & multi-device travellers | ★★★★★ |
| Anker PowerCore Essential 20000 | £32 | Budget-conscious everyday users | ★★★★☆ |
| Anker MagGo Power Bank 10000 (Qi2) | £75 | iPhone users wanting wireless charging | ★★★★☆ |
Our Top Picks
Anker 737 Power Bank (PowerCore 26K)
The Anker 737 is simply the most complete portable charger Anker makes for power users in 2026. Its 26,800mAh cell can fully recharge a 13-inch MacBook Pro and still have enough left for three full smartphone charges. The headline feature is bi-directional 140W USB-C charging: plug it into a wall adapter and it refuels itself in just under two hours — impressively fast for this capacity. A bright LED display shows remaining charge percentage rather than rough dot indicators, which is a genuinely useful quality-of-life upgrade. The unit is admittedly chunky at 671g, but the carry pouch included in the box softens that blow for bag-based commuters.
Pros
- 140W bi-directional charging charges laptops at full speed
- Precise LED percentage display
- Massive 26,800mAh suits multi-day trips
Cons
- Heavy at 671g — not truly pocket-friendly
- Premium price tag may deter casual users
Anker PowerCore Essential 20000
Proving you do not have to spend a fortune to get reliable power on the go, the PowerCore Essential 20000 continues to be one of the best-selling portable chargers in the UK market in 2026 — and for very good reason. With 20,000mAh on tap, it can deliver around five full charges to a typical smartphone. It features a USB-C input port alongside two USB-A output ports, and Anker’s PowerIQ technology ensures each device draws the optimal current for efficient, safe charging. Build quality is solid, with a premium matte finish that belies its budget price. Our only gripe is the absence of USB Power Delivery output, meaning charging speeds top out around 15W rather than the 20W–45W you get on pricier models.
Pros
- Exceptional value for a 20,000mAh capacity
- Dual USB-A ports charge two devices simultaneously
- Anker’s PowerIQ for safe, optimised charging
Cons
- No USB Power Delivery — slower charging than rivals
- Takes up to 10 hours to recharge itself fully
Anker MagGo Power Bank 10000 (Qi2)
If you use an iPhone 13 or later, the Anker MagGo Power Bank 10000 (Qi2) is a revelation. It snaps magnetically to the back of your phone via the Qi2 standard, delivering a consistent 15W wireless charge that is faster than any previous MagSafe-compatible power bank we have tested. Its slim, fabric-clad body weighs just 215g and slips comfortably into a back pocket even when attached to your phone. A USB-C port with 20W PD output allows you to wire-charge a second device or use the bank as a pass-through charger. The 10,000mAh capacity offers roughly 2.5 iPhone 16 Pro charges — adequate for most users but not suited for extended off-grid travel. At £75 it is undeniably a lifestyle product, but it is extraordinarily polished.
Pros
- 15W Qi2 wireless charging — fastest available for iPhone
- Slim and lightweight at just 215g
- Premium fabric finish looks and feels outstanding
Cons
- 10,000mAh capacity insufficient for heavy travellers
- Magnetic benefit limited to iPhone 13+ and Qi2 Android devices
Who Should Buy an Anker Portable Charger?
Anker portable chargers suit an enormous range of people, but they are particularly well matched to commuters, students, and remote workers who spend long stretches away from a mains socket. If your working day means running meetings on a smartphone, taking notes on a tablet, and catching up on emails on a laptop — all without passing a plug socket — the Anker 737 will transform your productivity. Frequent travellers and festival-goers will also appreciate the reliability; Anker products are covered by a comprehensive 18-month warranty and their customer service is consistently rated among the best in the category.
Casual users who simply want peace of mind during a day out should not overlook the budget-friendly PowerCore Essential range. Paying more than £30 for that level of reassurance is hard to justify when a £32 Anker performs this reliably. Meanwhile, if you are firmly in the Apple ecosystem and want the sleekest, most integrated charging experience available, the MagGo series is specifically engineered for you. In short: whatever your budget or use case, there is an Anker power bank that fits.
Final Verdict
After thorough hands-on testing, Anker’s portable charger range in 2026 remains the benchmark against which all rivals are measured. The Anker 737 PowerCore 26K is our top recommendation for anyone who needs serious, laptop-grade power on the move. Budget-conscious buyers will find everything they need in the PowerCore Essential 20000, while iPhone devotees should seriously consider the slick MagGo 10000 Qi2. Across all three tiers, Anker delivers outstanding build quality, smart charging technology, and dependable safety features that justify every penny spent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Anker portable chargers allowed on aeroplanes?
Yes, but with restrictions. Most airlines and the UK Civil Aviation Authority permit power banks in hand luggage only — they cannot travel in the hold. The capacity limit is typically 100Wh (roughly 27,000mAh at 3.7V), so the Anker 737’s 26,800mAh sits just within the standard allowance. Always check with your specific airline before travelling, as some carriers apply stricter limits.
How long does an Anker power bank take to recharge itself?
Recharge time depends heavily on the capacity and the charger you use. The Anker 737 can refuel from empty to full in approximately 1 hour 40 minutes when paired with a 140W USB-C adapter — genuinely impressive. Budget models like the PowerCore Essential 20000 lack high-wattage input support and can take eight to ten hours with a standard 10W charger, so using a faster 18W+ adapter where the port allows it is always advisable.
Can Anker power banks charge a laptop?
Selected Anker models can, provided they output sufficient wattage via USB Power Delivery (USB-PD). The Anker 737 outputs up to 140W, which is enough for most MacBooks and Windows ultrabooks. Smaller or budget models typically output 15W–20W via USB-C, which may trickle-charge a laptop but will not maintain charge during heavy use. Always verify your laptop’s required wattage before purchasing.
What does Anker’s PowerIQ technology actually do?
PowerIQ is Anker’s proprietary smart charging protocol that detects the connected device and automatically adjusts the output current to deliver the fastest safe charge that device supports. It is particularly useful on older USB-A ports, where it acts as a universal fast-charge solution compatible with devices that do not support Qualcomm Quick Charge. In practice, it means you rarely need to worry about using the wrong charger — Anker handles the optimisation automatically.
How long will an Anker power bank last before it degrades?
Anker rates most of its power banks for 500 full charge cycles before the battery capacity drops noticeably, typically to around 80% of the original rating. At one full charge per day, this equates to roughly 18 months of daily use. In practice, most users charge their power bank every few days, so a well-maintained Anker unit should deliver three to five years of reliable service. Storing the bank at around 50% charge when not in use extends longevity considerably.