Power Bank vs Portable Charger Explained: Are They the Same?

Confused by power bank vs portable charger? You’ve likely seen both terms used interchangeably and wondered if they’re really the same thing. The short answer? They are.

In everyday use, “power bank” and “portable charger” both refer to a battery pack you carry around to top up your phone when there’s no outlet nearby. That said, there are a few small details worth knowing that set them apart in certain contexts.

In this guide, we’ll clear up the terminology, explain what to look for before buying a power bank, and share some of the best options in 2025 for keeping your devices powered wherever you are.

alt: Anker power banks

Portable Charger vs Power Bank: What Is the Difference?

Short answer: for most people, there isn’t one. In everyday use, both power bank and portable charger usually mean the same thing: a rechargeable battery pack with USB ports that you carry to top up your devices when you’re away from a socket.

You might see some suggest a “portable charger” is a smaller unit meant for one or two devices, while a “power bank” is larger and offers more ports. But in practice, that distinction doesn’t really stick.

Retailers mix the terms freely, and consumers use them interchangeably, whether they’re talking about a tiny pocket-sized model or a high-capacity battery pack that can juice up a laptop.

Why the two names then?

Now, when we do compare portable mobile charger vs power bank in terminology, it mostly comes down to emphasis:

• Power Bank:This term highlights the storage capacity of the device. A power bank is essentially a reservoir of energy, usually measured in milliamp-hours (mAh). Depending on its size, anywhere from around 5,000 mAh to 27,000 mAh, it can recharge your devices multiple times.
• Portable Charger:This term focuses on function and convenience. It stresses the idea of portability: a charger you can carry with you to power up your phone, earbuds, tablet, or even some laptops whenever there’s no wall socket nearby.

When “portable charger” might mean something else

Occasionally, “portable charger” is used as a broader term to describe any charging solution that’s easy to carry, like a small wall adapter you plug into an outlet. As wireless charging becomes more common and efficient, the phrase can also describe portable wireless charging stations, like the Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station (3-in-1, Foldable Pad).

This clever little gadget unfolds into three wireless charging pads connected by a flexible silicone hinge, so you can juice up your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods all at the same time. When you’re done, just fold it inward—it collapses into a compact, macaron-like shape that slips easily into your pocket or bag, making it great for travel.

alt: Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station 3-in-1 Foldable Pad

Either way, this broader interpretation of “charger” is fairly uncommon. Most of the time, when people say portable charger, they’re talking about a USB power bank.”

Don’t confuse with portable power stations

Finally, don’t mix up power banks with portable power stations. These are bulkier, high-capacity battery units (typically 200Wh or more) with AC outlets for laptops and small appliances. They’re brilliant for camping or off-grid use, but they’re a completely different category from everyday pocket-sized power banks.

What to Look for When Buying a Power Bank?

Choosing the right power bank can feel tricky with so many options on the market, but focusing on a few key features makes the decision much easier:

Capacity in mAh and Wh

Capacity is the first thing most people look at. It’s measured in milliamp-hours (mAh) and tells you how much energy the bank can store. Higher capacity means more charging cycles, but also more size and weight.

• 5,000 mAh: a slim pocket pack, good for one full phone top-up.
• 10,000 mAh: around two full charges for most smartphones.
• 20,000 mAh: enough for a phone and a tablet or camera over a weekend, but bulkier.
• 25,000–27,000 mAh: suitable for multiple charges or laptops, but noticeably heavier.

If you fly often, check the airline limits. A power bank under 100 Wh (about 27,000 mAh) is carry-on safe. Between 100–160 Wh usually requires airline approval, and anything over 160 Wh isn’t permitted on passenger flights.

Output Power and Charging Standards

The output power, measured in watts (W), determines what devices you can charge and how quickly. Look for power banks that support USB-C Power Delivery (PD), which is the most universal and important standard.

• 30W is often enough for most phonesand earbuds.
• 60W+ covers tablets and ultrabooks.
• PD 3.0 or 3.1 can deliver 100W output or higher, essential for high-draw laptops.

Other fast-charging protocols (Quick Charge, PPS, VOOC, etc.) are brand-specific. Match your device’s protocol to the power bank if you want true fast charging.

Input Speed and Charging the Power Bank

It’s easy to focus on how fast a power bank charges your devices, but how quickly it recharges matters too.

• A 60–100W USB-C input can refill a high-capacity bank during a short layover.
• Older 18W inputs may take all night to fully recharge.
• Many banks offer pass-through charging, meaning they can charge your devices while recharging themselves — handy when sockets are scarce.

Ports and Cables

The type and number of ports determine flexibility.

• Multiple USB-C portslet you charge several devices at once.
• USB-A portsremain useful for older accessories.
• Many travel-friendly power banks also include built-in cables, which mean one less thing to pack.

Fancy Wireless? Look for Qi2

Already a fan of wireless chargers? If you use an iPhone 12 or newer, a MagSafe-style wireless battery pack can be a game-changer. You can just snap it onto the back of your phone and charge without cables.

• Qi2is the new open wireless charging standard developed with Apple’s input. It supports true 15W fast magnetic charging for iPhones, the same as MagSafe.
• Cheaper packs may use standard Qi with added magnets, but those top out at 7.5W and charge more slowly.

If you want both snap-on convenience and speed, make sure the wireless battery bank is Qi2-certified.

Safety and Compliance

Always put safety first when choosing a power bank. Check that it carries the right conformity marks (such as UKCA or CE for Great Britain and the EU) and that its lithium batteries have passed UN 38.3 transport testing. These certifications confirm it’s been tested for overcharge protection, drop resistance, and fire safety.

Best Portable Chargers and Power Banks in 2025

Looking for the right fit? Here are three solid picks from Anker that cover different use cases. Each one stays within airline rules and focuses on real-world convenience. Let’s take a closer look:

Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K, Slim)

This Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K, Slim) is designed for people who don’t want to mess with cables. It delivers 15W Qi2-certified wireless charging to MagSafe-compatible iPhones, so you just snap it on and keep moving. Inside, Anker’s Wireless PowerIQ and Qi2 module optimise efficiency, while ActiveShield keeps an eye on temperature, so it runs cooler in your pocket.

If you do want a wired option, the 30W USB-C port handles fast charging or quick refills of the bank itself. Slim at just 14.7 mm and weighing only 200 g, it features a sleek matte UV finish that feels both sturdy and premium in your hand, while still offering enough capacity to keep your phone powered comfortably through a full day.

alt: Anker MagGo Power Bank 10K Slim

Best for: iPhone users who want true 15W snap-on wireless battery pack in a slim, pocket-friendly design, plus the option of fast USB-C top-ups.

What’s good:

• 15W Qi2 magnetic wirelesscharging for MagSafe-compatible iPhones
• 10,000 mAhcapacity for day-long use
• 30W USB-Cport for fast wired charging and recharging
• ActiveShield thermal monitoringfor safer charging

Anker Nano Power Bank 30W

If you prefer travelling light but still want proper fast charging, this 10,000 mAh Anker Nano Power Bank 30W balances size, speed, and convenience. The star feature is the built-in USB-C cable—it’s used both to charge your phone and to recharge the bank itself, so you don’t have to carry extras.

Both the cable and a second USB-C port support 30W Power Delivery in and out, enough for modern smartphones and small tablets. There’s also a 22.5W USB-A port for older devices. A colour display keeps you updated on battery status, and at about 215 g with a compact footprint (104 × 52.3 × 26 mm), it’s small enough to drop into a pocket.

alt: Anker Nano Power Bank 30W 10K

Best for: Everyday carry when you want quick, simple charging—built-in USB-C cable + 30W speed without extra clutter.

What’s good:

• Built-in USB-C cableplus USB-C and USB-A ports
• 30W PD bi-directionalUSB-C charging (fast out, fast in)
• Colour displayfor charging info at a glance
• Compact and light, only about 215 g

Anker Laptop Power Bank (25K, 165W)

For multi-device days or when a laptop needs real power on the move, this Anker Laptop Power Bank (25K, 165W) steps in. It delivers up to 165W total output, with each USB-C capable of 100W, enough to power a laptop rapidly. The bank itself also recharges at 100W, so you’re not waiting around between uses.

It comes with two built-in USB-C cables (one retractable, one that doubles as a lanyard), plus an extra USB-C port and a USB-A. That means you can charge a laptop, phone, Switch 2, and earbuds together without hunting for more leads.

A smart display shows live battery level, input/output, and estimated time remaining, the ~594 g weight keeps it portable, and the 25,000 mAh (90 Wh) capacity is safe for carry-on.

alt: Anker Laptop Power Bank 25K 165W

Best for: Commuters and travellers who want to charge a USB-C laptop and phone at the same time without extra cables—fast charging in, fast charging out, all in an airline-approved size.

What’s good:

• 165W total output, with up to 100W from any USB-C
• 100W rechargingfor quicker turnarounds
• Two built-in USB-C cables(one retractable; one doubles as a lanyard) + extra USB-C + USB-A
• Smart displayfor live battery level, wattage, and time estimates
• 25,000 mAh / ~90 Wh, about 594 g, carry-on safe

Conclusion

When it comes to power bank vs portable charger, the truth is simple: they’re two names for the same essential device: a USB battery pack designed to keep your gadgets running when there’s no socket in sight. What matters is choosing the right balance of capacity, charging speed, and portability for your needs. Whether you want a slim snap-on wireless battery pack for your iPhone or a high-output unit that can handle a laptop, at Anker, you’ll find options that fit and make staying powered up easier than ever.

FAQs

What is the best portable charger?

For a reliable option, Anker is hard to beat. The Anker Nano Power Bank (10,000 mAh, 30W) with its built-in USB-C cable is a great everyday choice, compact, powerful, and easy to carry. iPhone users might prefer the Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K, Qi2), which has true 15W magnetic wireless charging, a smart display, and even a handy stand. If you need serious power for laptops or multiple devices, the Anker Prime 20,000mAh (200W) or the Anker Prime 27,650 mAh (250W) deliver ultra-fast charging with PD 3.0/3.1 and multiple ports.

Is it worth getting a portable charger?

Yes, a portable charger has become a must-have these days. Whether you’re commuting, traveling, at a festival, or just depending on your phone for tickets, banking, or maps, a power bank makes sure you never have to worry about running out of charge when you need it most. A 10,000 mAh model typically gives one to two full phone charges, which is enough to get you through a busy day. For peace of mind and durability, trusted brands like Anker are highly recommended.

Can you take a portable charger on a plane?

Yes, you can take a portable charger on a plane, but it must go in your hand luggage, never checked baggage. Airlines set limits based on battery capacity in watt-hours (Wh) — usually up to 100 Wh is fine, while 100–160 Wh may need airline approval. Always check your carrier’s rules before travelling to avoid issues at security.

What is the largest power bank you can take on a plane?

Most airlines follow these rules: up to 100 Wh is fine in your hand luggage, 101–160 Wh usually needs airline approval (and often you can only bring two), while over 160 Wh is not allowed at all. If your charger only lists mAh, you can convert it using the formula: mAh × V ÷ 1000 = Wh. As a guide, 100 Wh is about 27,000 mAh at 3.7V. To be safe, always confirm with your airline before flying.