Best Portable Power Bank UK 2026: Top Picks for Every Budget
Quick Summary
- Best Overall: Anker 737 Power Bank (PowerCore 24K) — exceptional 24,000mAh capacity with 140W two-way fast charging
- Best Budget: Xiaomi 10000mAh Pocket Edition Pro — slim, affordable, and surprisingly capable for everyday use
- Best Premium: Mophie Powerstation Pro AC — the ultimate travel companion with an AC outlet and wireless charging built in
Whether you’re commuting across London, hiking in the Scottish Highlands, or catching a long-haul flight from Heathrow, a portable power bank has become an essential piece of kit in 2026. With smartphones, tablets, wireless earbuds, and smartwatches all competing for your charging attention, running out of battery mid-day simply isn’t an option. The UK market is now flooded with power banks at every price point, from bargain buys under £20 to high-capacity powerhouses pushing £150. In this guide, we’ve tested and compared the very best portable power banks available in the UK right now, so you can make a confident, informed choice that suits your lifestyle and budget perfectly.
What to Look For in a Portable Power Bank
- Capacity (mAh): This tells you how much energy the power bank can store. A 10,000mAh bank will fully charge most modern smartphones roughly 2–2.5 times, while a 20,000mAh+ unit is better for tablets and multi-device travel.
- Charging Speed (Wattage): Look for Power Delivery (PD) or Quick Charge support. A 20W+ USB-C output will fast-charge most iPhones and Android devices, while 65W+ is needed to meaningfully top up a laptop on the go.
- Portability and Weight: A 10,000mAh slim power bank can slip into a jacket pocket, whereas a 25,000mAh unit will sit more comfortably in a rucksack. Consider how you’ll carry it before buying.
- Number of Ports: If you need to charge multiple devices simultaneously, opt for a power bank with at least two USB-C ports or a combination of USB-C and USB-A outputs, ideally without a significant drop in power delivery.
Comparison at a Glance
| Product | Price | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anker 737 Power Bank (PowerCore 24K) | £90 | All-round everyday & travel use | ★★★★★ |
| Xiaomi 10000mAh Pocket Edition Pro | £22 | Budget-conscious daily commuters | ★★★★☆ |
| Mophie Powerstation Pro AC | £149 | Frequent flyers & power users | ★★★★☆ |
Our Top Picks
Anker 737 Power Bank (PowerCore 24K)
The Anker 737 is quite simply the best all-round portable power bank you can buy in the UK right now. Packing 24,000mAh of capacity alongside a staggering 140W two-way USB-C Power Delivery port, it can fully charge a MacBook Air from flat and still have enough juice left for two full smartphone charges. Its built-in LCD display showing precise battery percentage and wattage output is a brilliant touch, and the build quality feels premium without being unnecessarily heavy. Anker’s reputation for reliability and safety is second to none, and the 18-month warranty gives added peace of mind.
Pros
- 140W bidirectional USB-C fast charging
- Precise LCD battery & wattage display
- 24,000mAh capacity charges a laptop + phone
- Excellent build quality and reliability
Cons
- Bulkier than slim 10,000mAh options
- Too large for some trouser pockets
Xiaomi 10000mAh Pocket Edition Pro
Don’t let the low price fool you — the Xiaomi 10000mAh Pocket Edition Pro is a genuinely impressive bit of kit for the money. At just 11.5mm thick and weighing 220g, it’s one of the slimmest 10,000mAh power banks you’ll find, making it easy to tuck into a coat pocket or small bag. It supports 33W USB-C fast charging output, which is remarkable at this price point, and can fully charge a modern smartphone in around 70 minutes. It won’t charge your laptop, but for keeping your iPhone or Android device topped up during a busy day in the city, it’s absolutely brilliant value.
Pros
- Ultra-slim and lightweight at 220g
- 33W USB-C fast charging output
- Outstanding value under £25
Cons
- Only one USB-C port, no USB-A
- Not suitable for charging laptops
Mophie Powerstation Pro AC
If you want the absolute best and money is no object, the Mophie Powerstation Pro AC is in a league of its own. Its headline feature is a built-in AC mains outlet — a genuine three-pin plug socket — meaning you can power a small laptop, travel kettle, or any standard UK device directly from the power bank. With 27,000mAh of capacity, 100W USB-C PD, a wireless charging pad on top, and USB-A ports for legacy devices, this is the Swiss Army knife of portable chargers. It’s heavy at around 670g, but for long-haul travellers, remote workers, and outdoor adventurers, that’s a trade-off worth making.
Pros
- Built-in AC mains outlet for any UK plug
- Wireless charging pad on the unit itself
- Huge 27,000mAh capacity with 100W USB-C
Cons
- Heavy at 670g — not truly pocketable
- Expensive at £140–£155
Who Should Buy a Portable Power Bank?
A portable power bank is an essential purchase for anyone who regularly spends extended time away from a mains socket. Commuters travelling on the London Underground or long rail journeys, students who spend full days on campus, remote workers heading to coffee shops, and travellers catching lengthy flights will all benefit enormously. Even if your phone battery seems adequate for most days, the peace of mind knowing you have a backup charge in your bag is genuinely priceless, particularly in emergencies.
Power banks aren’t just for smartphones either. In 2026, they’re increasingly used to keep wireless earbuds, smartwatches, handheld gaming devices, tablets, and even lightweight laptops running throughout the day. If you own multiple devices, investing in a higher-capacity model with multiple ports is well worth the extra spend. Outdoor enthusiasts heading into areas with no power access — festivals, camping trips, hillwalking — will want something rugged and high-capacity, while city commuters can get away with a slim, lightweight option that fits comfortably in a pocket.
Final Verdict
The Anker 737 PowerCore 24K is our definitive recommendation for most UK buyers in 2026 — it strikes the perfect balance between capacity, charging speed, and value. If you’re on a tight budget, the Xiaomi 10000mAh Pocket Edition Pro overdelivers at its price and is ideal for daily smartphone top-ups. For those who demand the very best and travel frequently, the Mophie Powerstation Pro AC is unrivalled. Whatever your needs, there’s never been a better time to invest in a portable power bank — prices are competitive, technology is mature, and the convenience is undeniable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best portable power bank for the UK in 2026?
The Anker 737 Power Bank (PowerCore 24K) is our top pick for 2026, thanks to its 24,000mAh capacity, 140W fast charging, and reliable build quality. It suits a wide range of users, from smartphone owners to laptop users who need portable power on the go.
Are power banks allowed on flights from UK airports?
Yes, but there are restrictions. Power banks must be carried in hand luggage only — they cannot go in checked bags due to lithium battery regulations. Most UK and EU airlines permit power banks up to 100Wh without prior approval, which covers the majority of consumer models including all three picks in this guide.
How many times will a 10,000mAh power bank charge my phone?
In practice, a 10,000mAh power bank will fully charge most modern smartphones approximately 2 to 2.5 times. Real-world capacity is slightly lower than the stated figure due to energy conversion losses during charging, which typically account for around 10–20% of the total capacity.
Can a portable power bank charge a laptop?
Yes, provided the power bank supports USB-C Power Delivery (PD) at a high enough wattage — ideally 45W or more for smaller laptops, and 65W+ for larger models. The Anker 737 with its 140W output is an excellent choice for this purpose, while budget options under £30 are generally not powerful enough for laptops.
How long does it take to recharge a power bank itself?
This depends heavily on both the power bank’s capacity and the charger you use. A 10,000mAh power bank with a 20W USB-C charger will typically recharge in around 2.5–3 hours, while a 24,000mAh unit like the Anker 737 recharges in approximately 2 hours when using a 140W USB-C power adaptor. Always use a fast charger where possible to minimise downtime.