Power Banks for 2025: Which Ones Are Worth Carrying

I can’t count the number of times my phone has died in the weirdest places—like halfway through a Zoom call in a parking lot, or when I’m desperately trying to navigate a new city with Google Maps and 3% battery left. If you’re working and roaming (or just hate being tethered to outlets), a solid power bank is a modern necessity. But with over 8,000 models on Amazon, which ones actually deserve a spot in your bag in 2025?

What Makes a Power Bank Worth Carrying?

Let’s cut through the marketing noise. Whether you’re after a pocketable backup or a power-brick for all-day use, a few things matter more than the rest:

Capacity vs Size: Do you want a slim, just-in-case option, or a heavy-duty battery that can charge a laptop?
USB-C PD (Power Delivery): This is a game changer for fast-charging both phones and laptops. If your device supports it, you want it.
Airline Rules: The TSA is picky—over 100Wh (around 27,000mAh at 3.7V) and you’ll have issues boarding. And yes, they do check.
Durability: If you’re throwing it in backpacks, dropping it, or living in humid places, ruggedness counts.
Actual Output: Can it deliver what it promises? (Spoiler: Many don’t.)

My Test Case: Two Weeks Traveling Through Spain

Last spring, my family and I spent 14 days working and sightseeing from Barcelona to Sevilla. I packed two power banks: a slim Anker 10,000mAh and a chunky Baseus 20,000mAh with USB-C PD. Here’s what happened:

Day 3 in Madrid: My wife’s phone died mid-photo shoot, and the Anker gave her just enough juice to get through the afternoon. By day 8, my laptop was gasping for power on a train, and the Baseus saved the day—but it was bulky, and I grumbled every time I had to lug it around.

Moral of the story: One size does not fit all. Here’s how to pick the right one for you.

Step-by-Step: Picking Your 2025 Power Bank

1. Decide What You Need to Charge

Just a phone/earbuds? 5,000–10,000mAh is enough.
Tablet, Switch, or multiple devices? 10,000–20,000mAh is a sweet spot.
Laptop or all-day, multi-device charging? 20,000–26,800mAh, with USB-C PD output (at least 45W for laptops).

2. Check Airline Limits (Seriously!)

Airlines restrict lithium batteries to 100Wh (watt-hours) or less in carry-on. Most power banks under 27,000mAh are fine, but always check the label before you fly. Here’s a quick formula for conversion:

Wh = (mAh × V) / 1000

Example: 20,000mAh × 3.7V = 74Wh (well under the limit).

3. Check for USB-C PD (Power Delivery)

For fast-charging iPhones, Androids, iPads, and almost all new laptops, USB-C PD is now essential. Look for at least 20W output for phones, and 45W+ if you ever want to charge a laptop.

4. Consider Durability & Weight

If you’re hiking, commuting, or moving a lot, lighter and slim is better—even if you have to charge a little more often.
For camping, road trips, or if you’re rough on gear, look for rugged cases, drop resistance, and at least IPX4 water resistance.

This Year’s Top Picks: Real-World Tested

Model	Capacity	USB-C PD	Weight	Best For
Anker 313 PowerCore Slim	10,000mAh	Yes (18W)	212g	Pocketable, daily carry
Baseus Blade 100W	20,000mAh	Yes (100W)	490g	Laptops, multi-device
Zendure SuperMini	10,000mAh	Yes (20W)	180g	Travel, iPhone/Android
Anker 737 Power Bank	24,000mAh	Yes (140W)	630g	MacBooks, long trips
INIU Portable Charger	10,500mAh	Yes (22.5W)	198g	Budget, quick top-ups

Quick Checklist: Don’t Buy Without Checking

Capacity: Does it match your needs (and airline rules)?
USB-C PD Output: 20W+ for phones, 45W+ for laptops
Number of Ports: Two or more saves arguments in a group
Size & Weight: Is it going to annoy you in your bag?
Durability: Any IP rating or drop protection?
Brand Reputation: Anker, Baseus, Zendure = consistent quality (and real customer support)
Warranty: At least 18 months is a nice safety net

Favorite Tools & Links

Real Talk: Are High-Capacity Power Banks Overkill?

If you’re mostly in cities and can grab an outlet at a cafe, a slim 10,000mAh bank is honestly enough. For heavy laptop users, all-day festivals, or remote work in the wild, the 20,000mAh–26,800mAh range is your friend. Just weigh the literal cost—my Baseus is awesome, but at nearly half a kilo, I only take it when I really need the juice.

Pro tip: Always pack your charging cables in a separate pouch. I once spent an hour in Lisbon with a full power bank and no USB-C cable. Rookie mistake.

Final Thoughts

If you want a no-fuss, reliable pick: Anker, Baseus, and Zendure have nailed this category. For most, a 10,000mAh with USB-C PD will save your day and your back. For laptop warriors, pony up for a 20,000mAh+ model with at least 60W output. And always, always check those airline regulations before you fly.

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What Makes a Power Bank Worth Carrying?

My Test Case: Two Weeks Traveling Through Spain