That heart-sinking moment when your phone battery plummets to 10% with no charger in sight is a modern-day nightmare familiar to us all. Whether you're at the airport desperately needing a boarding pass or navigating home late at night, being stranded without power ranges from deeply inconvenient to outright panic-inducing.
Our Top Portable Charger Picks For 2025
The arrival of reliable portable chargers has been a genuine game-changer, banishing pre-trip anxiety about device battery levels. However, our rigorous testing reveals that not all power banks are created equal. We've put the leading models through their paces, assessing performance, practicality, and size to bring you the definitive guide.
Our selection includes budget-friendly finds and premium models for frequent flyers, ensuring there's a perfect match for every priority and pocket. Here are the portable chargers truly worth your money.
Best Power Bank Overall: Anker High-Power Multi-Device Charging
Priced at £49.99, this model stands out as the top performer. With a substantial 25,000mAh battery capacity, it permits multiple charges over several days, making it ideal for short trips where you might not even need to pack a wall adapter.
Reviewer Genie Harrison praised its ability to recharge a laptop to full power in under 90 minutes. It features two in-device cables, one of which is extendable, allowing you to charge multiple gadgets simultaneously. While slightly bulky at 594.21g, its raw power and versatility are unmatched.
Best Portable Charger on a Budget: Belkin BoostCharge Pro Power Bank 20K
For those watching their spending, the Belkin BoostCharge Pro offers exceptional value at £34.99. This sleek black device, with a 20,000mAh capacity, can provide approximately four full phone charges from a single top-up.
It fully charged a dead phone in about two hours during testing and comes with its own cable. It boasts two 12W USB-A ports and one 15W USB-C port for charging multiple devices. The main drawback noted was its weight, coming in at 440g.
Best Small Charger: Miady 5000mAh Mini Portable Charger
When convenience is key, the Miady Mini Portable Charger is a lifesaver for just £13. Weighing a mere 120g, this incredibly thin and small charger can easily be carried in a pocket or small handbag.
As reviewer Erin Deborah Waks found, it's perfect for a train journey or a day at the office. It lacks the power for long trips or multiple devices, typically providing only one or two full charges, but its ultra-portability and low price make it an excellent daily companion.
Best On-The-Go Device for Phones: Anker Nano Power Bank
For overnight or weekend trips, the Anker Nano Power Bank is a stellar choice at £49.99. This 10,000mAh model is one of the smallest we tested, making it incredibly easy to tuck into a backpack.
It charges phones with impressive speed and features a built-in, retractable USB-C cable, eliminating the worry of lost wires. Potential buyers should ensure their device is compatible with this convenient design.
Best Wireless Option: Anker Nano Power Bank (5K, MagGo, Slim)
For those who hate cables, the wireless Anker MagGo offers a sleek, wire-free solution for £49.99. This model is remarkably slim and light, at just 122g, and can charge a phone through a magnetic case.
Reviewer Hayley Minn noted it became very hot during use and was slow, charging a phone by only 20% in an hour. It's also not compatible with non-magnetic or thick phone cases.
Power Banks To Avoid
Our testing also identified products that fall short. The Juice 10000mAh Portable Power Bank proved unreliable, with a USB port breaking after only a few uses. It was also heavy and scuffed easily.
Be wary of super-cheap options like the Ale-Hop Mini Power Bank 5000 mAh 'Recharge and Smile'. While inexpensive, its battery life was poor, struggling to fully charge a device more than once.
Our Final Verdict and Key Questions Answered
After extensive evaluation, we confidently recommend the Anker High-Power Multi-Device Charging device as the best overall for its exceptional function and capacity. The Anker range consistently impressed, while the Miady device is unbeatable for those on a tight budget.
Which is the best portable charger for you? The right choice hinges on your priorities. Our top-rated Anker model is brilliant but larger, making it less ideal for a simple daily commute where a lighter option would be preferable.
Is a 10,000mAh or 20,000mAh power bank better? A 10,000mAh power bank is generally superior for daily use or short trips due to its compact size. A 20,000mAh model is the better choice for long journeys, heavy users, or anyone needing to charge multiple devices regularly.
