Best Power Bank for Travel in 2025: Compact, Powerful, and Airline-Safe

Running out of battery while travelling can mean losing access to maps, boarding passes, or important contacts. A good power bank solves that, but with so many options on the market, finding the right one can be confusing.

This guide breaks down the best power bank for travel right now, covering the most reliable, compact, and fast-charging models available. You’ll also learn what actually matters when choosing one: from how many watts or mAh you need to airline safety.

alt: Anker travel power bank

Best Power Banks for Travel in 2025

Whether you’re flying long-haul, working remotely on the move, or just want to keep your phone topped up on city breaks, these traveling power banks below cover a range of needs. From laptop-class power to MagSafe convenience, here’s what’s worth your money this year:

Anker Laptop Power Bank (25K, 165W)

With 25,000 mAh on tap, this Anker Laptop Power Bank keeps a 16” MacBook Pro and a phone alive on the same layover without breaking the 100 Wh flight rule. Three USB-C outputs (one port and two built-in cables) each deliver up to 100W alone, with a 165W aggregate cap that lets you split power between a laptop and two smaller devices.

Two USB-C cables tuck into the sides: one extends up to 70 cm and handles over 20,000 retractions, while the shorter one doubles as a tough carry strap—so you can leave extra leads at home.

A colour display shows remaining juice, real-time draw, and time-to-empty at a glance. Despite the muscle, the pack stays flight-legal at 90 Wh and recharges itself at up to 100W— about 20 min for 0-to-30%.

alt: Anker Laptop Power Bank 25K, 165W

What’s good:

• Triple 100W USB-C outputs handle a laptop plus two other devices simultaneously.
• Built-in USB-C cables slash cable clutter: one retractable, the other doubles as a carry strap.
• Large 25,000mAh capacity yet airline-safe at 90 Wh. You can charge most phones 4-5 times or a M3 MacBook Air fully once.
• Fast 100W self-recharge from any USB-C; full in under two hours.
• ActiveShield 2.0 tech monitors temperature millions of times per day.

Anker Prime Power Bank (27,650mAh, 250W)

If you’re travelling with multiple high-draw devices, the Anker Prime Power Bank 27,650mAh is the smallest “soda-can”-sized travel power bank to push a combined 250W over 2× USB-C and 1× USB-A. A single USB-C port can shoot up to 140W, enough to bring a 16” MacBook Pro to 50% in less than 30 minutes.

The 27,650 mAh cell equates to 99.54 Wh, sliding just under the flight cap while giving roughly 5 iPhone or one full MacBook Air charges.

This Prime power bank’s party trick is Bluetooth: pair it with Anker’s app to check temperature, cycle count, and even locate the pack if it slips behind a hotel nightstand. At 667 g and 16.1 cm long, it’s compact for the power it packs, and gulp-recharges at 170W in about 37 minutes via dual USB-C ports.

alt: Anker Prime Power Bank (27,650mAh, 250W)

What’s good:

• Class-leading 250W total output (140W from a single USB-C port) with USB PD 3.1 support.
• Smart-app monitoring for stats and “find my power bank”.
• Lightning-fast 170W refill via dual USB-C ports reaches 100% in just 37 minutes.
• 54 Wh capacity keeps airport security happy and gives you about 5 phone charges.

Anker 622 Magnetic Battery

When you only need to top up your iPhone between cafés, the 5,000 mAh Anker 622 Magnetic Battery snaps straight to the back of your device and starts a 7.5W wireless charge—no cables, no pockets. Strong 9N magnets keep it locked on rough pavements, and a fold-out kickstand props the phone for video calls or easy viewing.

A USB-C port lets you recharge the pack or give a quick 12W wired sip to earbuds. At about 13 mm thick and well under 150 g, the 622 is slimmer than many wallets yet carries enough juice for a full iPhone 12/13 charge.

alt: Anker 622 Magnetic Battery

What’s good:

• Sleek magnetic wireless charging without cables, yet at a very affordable price.
• Foldable kickstand props your iPhone up for easy viewing.
• USB-C port doubles for in-out charging.
• Slim enough to stay on the phone in jacket pockets.

Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K, 35W, Apple Watch)

This 10,000 mAh Anker MagGo Power Bank is built for the all-Apple traveller: a pop-out, Apple-certified puck delivers 5W fast charge for your Apple Watch while a 30W USB-C cable on the side handles an iPhone or iPad.

The combo maxes out at 35W, enough to charge a phone and watch together overnight in a hostel bunk. A crisp display shows remaining capacity and output wattage, and the recycled-plastic shell keeps the weight of this travel power bank charger to about 245 g.

alt: Anker MagGo Power Bank for Apple Watch

What’s good:

• Integrated fast Apple Watch charger that’s officially Apple-certified; no extra cable or puck needed.
• 30W PD USB-C port plus built-in cable for phones, tablets, or cameras.
• Clear display for real-time power info and recycled-plastic build.
• Compact 10,000mAh capacity strikes a great balance of power and portability.

Factors to Consider when Choosing Power Banks for Travel

When selecting the best power bank for traveling, it helps to know exactly what you need—whether that’s compact convenience for short trips or high capacity for multiple devices on long journeys. Here’s a straightforward breakdown of what to consider:

Capacity in mAh and Wh

Airlines don’t care about mAh—they regulate battery size by watt-hours (Wh). For carry-on luggage, most airlines allow power banks up to 100Wh without approval. That’s roughly equal to 27,000mAh. Anything between 100–160Wh usually requires airline permission, and anything above that typically isn’t allowed on board at all.

For reference:

• A 10,000mAh bank gives around two full phone charges
• A 20,000mAh bank handles a phone and tablet or camera for a weekend
• A 25,000–27,000mAh bank is ideal for laptops but will be heavier

Output Power and Charging Standards

The output power, measured in watts, determines what kind of devices a power bank can charge and how quickly.

• USB-C Power Delivery (PD)is the most important standard. A USB-C port rated at 30W or higher is ideal for most phones; 60W+ is better for tablets and ultrabooks. Newer versions (PD 3.1) go as high as 140W or 180W with the right gear. This is essential for laptops and other high-draw devices.
• Quick Charge, PPS, VOOC, and othersare brand-specific fast-charging protocols. If your device supports one, make sure the power bank does too, otherwise you’ll be stuck with slow charging.
• Look at both single-port and total output.If you’re charging a laptop and phone together, check that the bank can deliver enough power simultaneously. A total of 140W isn’t helpful if each port is limited to 60W.

Input Speed and Charging the Power Bank

Fast output is great, but so is fast input. Power banks that accept 60–100W in can refill during a short airport lay-over, whereas older 18W inputs may take all night.

Many models offer pass-through charging, where the power bank can charge itself and your devices at the same time, which can be useful when plug access is limited.

Ports, Cables, and Wireless Charging

Battery packs with two or more USB-C ports allow you to charge several devices simultaneously, while older, USB-A ports are still useful for legacy devices and accessories.

Many travel-friendly power banks also include built-in cables, handy when outlets are tight or you want to skip packing extras.

And if you love the convenience of MagSafe, magnetic wireless options snap directly to the back of your iPhone and often include extras like kickstands.

Size and Weight

High-capacity banks mean more weight. Anything above about 20,000 mAh usually tips the scales past 450 g; a 100W laptop-capable brick can weigh 600-700 g. Decide whether you’ll notice that in your day bag.

Battery Safety and Certification

Look for independent safety certifications like UL 2056, which tests for things like overcharging protection, drop resistance, and fire safety.

Gallium Nitride (GaN) components are increasingly common now. They run cooler and allow for smaller, more efficient portable chargers.

Durability and Weather Resistance

If you travel outdoors or in monsoon season, an IP65/67 enclosure shields against dust and rain. Ruggedised banks with screw-seal ports survive drops and splashes better than slim urban models.

Extra Features Worth Having

• Digital displaysshowing charge level, wattage, and remaining runtime make it easier to plan when to top up.
• Smart charging appscan track temperature, usage stats, or even help you locate the bank if it’s misplaced.
• Some brands now offer eco-conscious designs, using recycled materials or offering modular parts for longer product life.

Conclusion

The best power bank for travel is the one that fits how—and where— you travel. A slim model might be perfect for city breaks, while longer trips may call for something with 20,000 mAh+ capacity and multiple ports. Focus on practical features: size, weight, output speed, and airline compliance. The right choice means less time searching for sockets, and more time enjoying your trip.

FAQs

What is the best power bank to take on a plane?

Two excellent options from Anker meet airline safety limits while offering plenty of power. The Anker Laptop Power Bank (25,000mAh, 165W) delivers fast charging for laptops, tablets, and phones, all within the 100 Wh limit. It includes retractable USB-C cables and a useful display. For more demanding setups, the Anker Prime Power Bank (27,650mAh, 250W) offers higher output and app connectivity, with a capacity of 99.54Wh—just under the airline cap.

What is the best size power bank for travel?

It depends on your trip length and devices. For phones and short trips, 5,000mAh to 10,000mAh is usually enough and stays compact. For weekends or multiple devices, 15,000mAh to 20,000mAh strikes a good balance between power and portability. If you’re travelling with a laptop or taking a long-haul flight, a 25,000mAh to 27,000mAh bank with fast USB-C output is ideal—just make sure it’s under the 100 Wh airline limit to bring it in your carry-on.

Which brand of power bank is the best?

Anker is widely considered one of the most reliable power bank brands. It’s known for solid build quality, high safety standards, and a range of models that suit everything from quick phone top-ups to laptop-level charging. Anker’s products are generally well-designed, easy to use, and backed by strong customer support, making it a trusted choice for many.

Is 20000mah power bank allowed in flight TSA?

Yes, a 20,000mAh power bank is generally allowed on flights, provided it is carried in your hand luggage. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) permits power banks with a capacity of up to 100Wh (approximately 27,000mAh) in carry-on bags. However, they are prohibited in checked luggage.