Electric power bank

What is a power bank?

A power bank is a portable device that stores electrical energy, allowing you to charge your devices on the go. It typically has a capacity measured in milliampere-hours (mAh), with a 10,000 mAh power bank being able to charge a phone multiple times.

What is the best portable power bank?

ZDNET saves you time and money by delivering the best products and tech deals to your inbox every week. We've tested the best portable power banks, which are MagSafe, portable, rugged, and more, to keep your devices powered up. Here are our recommendations.

Is a power bank a good portable charger?

A power bank can be a good portable charger, especially if you have just one device to keep charged. This portable charger, for instance, is very portable, has a decent battery (5,000 mAh), and is made by a well-known brand, despite being a bit chunky to fit in your pocket.

How much does a power bank cost?

For this range of power banks, you can pay anywhere from $20 to $160. Power banks with a capacity rating of 20,000 mAh or larger are the most versatile of the group. They offer the greatest array of inputs and outputs as they are designed to charge multiple devices at once or charge a single device multiple times.

What is the best power bank for kids?

Editor’s Note: On March 15, 2025, we updated this guide by adding our favorite power bank for kids, the Nimble CHAMP Pro Portable Charger to our line-up. We’ve been using the Nestout 15000mAh Outdoor Battery ($60) for over a year for work and play, and it has more than earned the top spot on this list.

What power does a power bank need?

The power required depends on the devices you'll be using your power bank with. Most smartphones and tablets require 5V. For laptops, you'll need a power bank with a higher voltage output, typically 16V to 20V.