You probably don't need the biggest battery. A 10,000mAh bank covers a full day out, and one universal adapter with USB-C ports charges everything from a single outlet. Only go bigger if you're charging a laptop, not just a phone.
Our picks
Anker Nano Power Bank (45W, 10,000mAh)
A 10,000mAh bank that gets you through a typical full day out, as long as you can top it up every couple of nights.
Epicka 70W Universal Travel Adapter
A 70W five-port adapter that turns one outlet into a charging station for the phones, tablets and laptops you carry.
Anker Nano Power Bank 5,000mAh (Built-In USB-C)
A pocket-size 5,000mAh bank with a fold-out USB-C plug, so city walkers with a USB-C phone don't need a cable at all.
Anker Nano Magnetic Power Bank 5,000mAh (Qi2)
A thin Qi2 magnetic bank that snaps on for cable-free top-ups on travel days, good for less than one full charge.
Anker Prime Power Bank, 27,650mAh 250W
A high-capacity bank that recharges a laptop, worth the weight if you work on flights and train rides.
Anker 735 Charger (Nano II 65W)
A 65W, 3-port charger that replaces your separate phone and laptop bricks, though it has US prongs only.
EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter (1 AC, 3 USB-C, 2 USB-A)
A universal adapter with one AC outlet plus USB ports for phones and small devices, but its USB-C can't charge a laptop.
Bellroy Tech Kit
A slim pouch that stops cables and small adapters knotting into a ball in your daypack.
Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Power Bank 5K
The kickstand is handy for video on a tray table, but 7.5W wireless charging is slow next to a Qi2 bank.
What should you look for in a travel power bank?
Capacity is charges. A 5,000mAh bank gives roughly one phone recharge, 10,000mAh gets you through a full day out, and a big laptop bank only makes sense if you work on flights or trains.
Then pick the connection. A built-in USB-C plug means no cable to carry, and a magnetic Qi2 bank snaps straight onto a MagSafe iPhone.
Which travel adapter and charger should you bring?
A universal adapter with sliding plugs covers US, UK, EU and AU style outlets. That's most of the world, though a few countries use other plug types. Get one with USB-C ports so your phone, tablet and earbuds all charge off one wall socket. Carrying a laptop? Check the wattage, because some adapters' USB-C ports aren't fast enough to charge one.
Here's what people get wrong. A plug adapter is not a voltage converter. If a hair dryer or other appliance isn't dual voltage, an adapter alone won't cut it. You need a voltage converter.
How do you choose a power bank for travel?
Match it to the day. Phone only on day trips means a 5,000mAh pocket bank. Phone and tablet on full days out, a 10,000mAh bank. Laptop work on the move, a laptop power bank plus a 65W or 70W charger.
At the hotel, one multi-port charger beats a bag of separate bricks. The Anker 735 can charge a 13-inch MacBook Pro from one port and shares its power when you add a phone. It has US prongs only, so pair it with a plug adapter abroad.
Which charging gear isn't worth packing?
Don't pay for slow wireless. Magnetic banks rated 7.5W charge about half as fast as Qi2 models, and every wireless bank loses some energy compared with a cable.
If you only charge a phone, skip the laptop bank too. It's heavy, and a smaller one covers most days.
Can you bring a power bank on a plane?
Power banks go in your carry-on, not your checked bag. Airlines generally don't allow spare lithium batteries in the hold. Banks up to 100Wh are usually allowed without airline approval, so check the rating on a big laptop bank. Some airlines also have extra rules about using them on board, so check with yours before you fly.
Questions people ask
What size power bank do I need for travel?
5,000mAh gives roughly one phone recharge, enough for a day of maps and photos. 10,000mAh covers a full day. Only laptop users need much more.
Can I bring a power bank on a plane?
Yes, in your carry-on. Spare lithium batteries generally aren't allowed in checked bags, and limits vary by airline, so check before you fly.
Do I need a voltage converter or just a plug adapter?
Usually just a plug adapter. Most phone and laptop chargers are dual voltage, so look for 100-240V on the label. Appliances that aren't, like some hair dryers, need a voltage converter.
What should I look for in a universal travel adapter?
Sliding US, UK, EU and AU plugs and several USB-C ports. Our pick, the Epicka 70W, has three USB-C and two USB-A ports.
Is a MagSafe power bank worth it?
Yes, if you have a MagSafe iPhone and want cable-free top-ups. Get a Qi2-certified one. It charges about twice as fast as the older 7.5W magnetic banks.
Prices change often — the price on the retailer’s page is the one you pay.