How to Charge a Laptop with a Power Bank: Everything to Know

As laptops increasingly adopt USB-C Power Delivery (PD), power banks have become a practical way to keep devices running when outlets aren’t available. Not all power banks can handle the higher wattage that laptops need, so choosing the right one is key.

In this blog, we’ll look at which power banks are suitable for laptops, how to charge a laptop with a power bank properly, how long charging typically takes, and the precautions to ensure a safe and efficient charge. Keep reading to find the simplest way to power your laptop anywhere.

Can You Charge a Laptop with a Power Bank?

When wall outlets are unavailable on the go, you may wonder: “Can I use a power bank to charge my laptop?” The short answer is absolutely yes. What was once a rare capability reserved for specialized equipment has become increasingly common. Modern power banks are equipped with the necessary technology to deliver sufficient power to a wide range of portable computers.

However, it’s not as simple as grabbing just any power bank you have lying around. You need to carefully select those laptop power banks that are specifically engineered to handle the higher wattage demands of laptops. The key lies in understanding the power requirements of your laptop and matching them with a compatible power bank.  We’ll break it down in detail as follows. Keep rolling to the following sections.

What Kind of Power Bank Can Charge a Laptop?

Laptops have significantly higher power demands than smartphones or tablets. When selecting a power bank for your laptop, pay close attention to the following key specifications.

1. Power Output (Wattage)

This is arguably the most critical factor. A smartphone might charge with 10W or 18W, but most laptops require 30W to 100W, or even more wattage, especially for larger or more powerful models, such as gaming laptops. Check the wattage required for your device in the manual and ensure your power bank’s wattage meets or ideally exceeds it.

2. Capacity (mAh/Wh)

Laptops have much larger batteries than phones. You’ll need a high-capacity power bank to get a meaningful charge. For most ultra-books and standard laptops, a capacity of 20,000mAh or more is a good starting point. If you need multiple charges or have a power-hungry laptop (like a gaming laptop), look for capacities of 25,000mAh, 30,000mAh, or even higher.

3. Port Types and Quantity

USB-C PD (Power Delivery) ports are a must for charging laptops since they can handle higher voltage and current levels compared to standard USB ports. Ideally, choose a power bank with at least one high-output USB-C PD port rated at 30W or higher. If you also want to charge other devices like your phone or tablet at the same time, look for additional USB-A or extra USB-C ports. Multiple ports give you the flexibility to charge more than one device without constantly swapping cables.

A great example that checks all these boxes is the Anker Power Bank. With two high-output USB-C ports delivering up to 165W combined, it has enough power for most laptops, even when charging multiple devices at once. Alongside its three USB-C ports, the additional USB-A port means you can charge four devices simultaneously without juggling cables.

Its 25,000mAh capacity is equally impressive, often enough for one or two full laptop charges. It also supports two-way charging, so you can recharge the power bank while it’s charging your laptop, keeping everything powered up efficiently. For frequent travelers or anyone who needs reliable backup power, it’s a dependable solution that covers all bases.

How to Connect a Power Bank to Your Laptop?

Connecting a power bank to your laptop is a vital part of how to charge a laptop with a power bank. Here is the straightforward process.

Step 1. Fully charge your power bank so it has enough power for your laptop.

Step 2. Locate the matching port on your power bank and your laptop (usually USB-C or USB-A).

Step 3. Simply use a high-quality cable to connect the output port on your power bank to the USB-C charging port on your laptop.

Many laptops have an LED light or an on-screen battery icon that shows when charging starts, so give it a quick check to confirm the connection.

How Long Does It Take to Charge a Laptop with a Power Bank?

The time it takes to charge a laptop with a power bank depends on several factors, including the laptop’s battery capacity, the power bank’s output wattage, and charging efficiency.

Generally, if you’re using a power bank with USB-C Power Delivery (PD) output of 60W to 100W, it can charge a laptop in 1.5 to 3 hours. For example, assuming minimal power loss, a 60Wh laptop battery paired with a 65W power bank may fully charge in about 2 hours. However, charging will take longer if:

• Your power bank offers less than 45W of output
• You’re using the laptop while charging
• There’s cable resistance or adapter inefficiency

In essence, while charging a laptop with a power bank offers incredible convenience, the actual charging duration is a dynamic interplay of your device's specifications and how they are being used. For best results, choose a high-output PD power bank that closely matches or exceeds your laptop’s original charger wattage.

Benefits of Charging Your Laptop with a Power Bank

While traditional wall outlets are great, they aren’t always available when you need them most. This is where a laptop power bank truly shines. It offers a multitude of benefits that enhance productivity, convenience, and peace of mind.

1. Uninterrupted Productivity and Workflow

A power bank provides an immediate source of power. It ensures you continue working, studying, or creating without having to scramble for an outlet. The uninterrupted workflow is invaluable for professionals, students, and anyone who relies heavily on their laptop throughout the day.

2. Enhanced Mobility and Freedom

You’re no longer tethered to a wall socket. Whether you’re presenting in a room without convenient outlets, working from a park bench, or simply moving between different locations, a power bank keeps your laptop powered. This significantly expands your workspace beyond traditional boundaries, making spontaneous work sessions or extended travel much more feasible.

3. Emergency Power Source

Power outages, unexpected delays, or forgotten chargers can leave you in a bind. A charged power bank acts as a reliable emergency power source, which can be crucial for staying connected, accessing important information, or even entertaining yourself during unforeseen circumstances.

4. Versatility for Multiple Devices

Many laptop power banks, especially high-capacity models with multiple ports (like USB-C PD and USB-A), aren’t just for your laptop. They can simultaneously charge your smartphone, tablet, headphones, smartwatch, and other USB-powered gadgets, reducing the number of chargers and adapters you need to carry.

Tips for Charging Your Laptop Safely with a Power Bank

While charging your laptop with a power bank offers incredible convenience, ensuring safety should always be your top priority. Here are some essential tips to follow.

1. Use Compatible and High-Quality Power Banks

As discussed in previous sections, not all power banks are created for charging your laptop. Underpowered chargers may not charge efficiently or can even damage the battery over time. Always choose a power bank that supports USB-C Power Delivery (PD) with sufficient wattage for your laptop, typically 60W or higher.

2. Utilize High-Quality Cables

The cable you use is just as important as the power bank itself. Check cables for any signs of fraying, bending, or damage before each use. Replace them immediately whenever required. Also, ensure your cable is rated to handle the power output. For instance, if your power bank outputs 100W, use a cable explicitly rated for 100W (or more).

3. Avoid Extreme Temperatures

Lithium-ion batteries, which power both your laptop and power bank, are sensitive to temperature extremes. Do not charge or use your devices in direct sunlight, inside a hot car, or near heat sources. Similarly, extremely cold temperatures can also impact battery performance and potentially cause damage.

4. Monitor for Overheating

While high-quality power banks have built-in safety features, it's wise to remain vigilant. If you detect extreme heat, immediately unplug both devices and allow them to cool down. Do not resume charging until you've identified and resolved the problem.

5. Use a Reliable Wall Charger for Your Power Bank

When it’s time to recharge your power bank, use a trusted and appropriately powerful wall charger. For fast recharging of a high-capacity laptop power bank, a dedicated high-wattage charger is essential. For instance, using a robust multi-port charger like the Anker Laptop Charger is an excellent choice.

Adopting the advanced GaN technology, this unit is fully compatible with most modern laptops and power banks. It also has ActiveShield 2.0 tech and an Advanced Cooling algorithm. They work together to monitor temperatures in real time, leveling up safety during the charging process. Even if all 4 ports are used simultaneously, your devices and the charger are well protected.

Conclusion

So now you know how to charge a laptop with a power bank and what features matter most for reliable performance. The right power bank with solid output and capacity can keep your laptop running during travel, busy workdays, or unexpected power cuts. A dependable option like an Anker laptop power bank makes it easy to stay powered up wherever you are. Check out the latest models and pick one that fits your needs.

FAQs

Why is my laptop not charging with my power bank?

There are several reasons. When your laptop or power bank is too hot, it triggers safety shutdowns. Using a data-only USB-C port or a cable not rated for power delivery, or the power bank’s wattage is too low for your laptop’s needs, can also cause the issue. And, if something goes wrong with your power cable or laptop charging port, it can also not charge.

Can a portable power station charge a laptop?

Yes, a portable power station can charge a laptop! They offer significantly higher capacity (Wh) and output wattage (W) compared to regular power banks, often featuring AC outlets and multiple USB ports (including high-wattage USB-C PD).

How to know if a power bank can charge a laptop?

To find out if a power bank can charge your laptop, check its key specifications, particularly the wattage output (W), USB-C Power Delivery (PD) support, and capacity (mAh or Wh). For most laptops, a power bank with at least 20,000mAh and output that matches or exceeds your laptop’s charger wattage is recommended. It’s also essential that the power bank supports high-power charging through a USB-C port.