If you're like me, then your iPhone is in your hand pretty much all day, and while Apple has worked hard to improve the overall battery life of the device, I still find my battery life weakening with every passing hour of my day. This is why I always have a power bank handy, ready to give my hard-working iPhone a top up.
Also:The best MagSafe accessories for your iPhone
What is the best iPhone power bank right now?
I have tried and tested hundreds of iPhone power banks for their design, charging time, amount of recharges carried out, power, ports and connections, safety, and more. This has allowed me to weed out units that are poor quality, represent bad value, or that are hot garbage, and focus on a selection of the best of the best.
My top pick for the best overall iPhone power bank is the Anker 622 MagSafe Wireless Charger based on its lightweight build, foldable kickstand, and convenient charging options. Read on to learn more about my top picks and others.
Also:The best iPhone 15 cases
The best iPhone power banks of 2024
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Well priced
- Foldable kickstand
- Lightweight and easy to hold
- Can charge your device while the charger itself is charging
Cons
- Not ideal for fast charging
- Either have to purchase a MagSafe-compatible case or remove your current case to use
- Not compatible with iPhone 12 or 13 mini
More Details
Anker 622MagSafe Wireless ChargerFeatures: Capacity: 5,000mAh|Charging port:USB-C or Lightning |Price:$40
This Anker battery pack offers 5,000mAh of battery capacity, features a USB-C and Lightning port, and has a compact design. With a single magnetic click, this battery pack can be stored in your pocket or propped up using its sturdy magnet as a stand. Additionally, you don't have to worry about charging your phone and your battery pack separately, as you can charge both simultaneously when the pack is connected to a power source.
This battery pack took the design of Apple's own MagSafe power bank (which has now been discontinued) and improves on it. And users agree -- people on Reddit say that the Apple charger pales in comparison to this one. The biggest improvement was the folding kickstand -- it's something that seems small on the face of it, but it was one of my favorite features of this power bank.
This power bank also comes with a charge USB-C-to-USB-C cable, which is always handy to have.
I also like how small and unobtrusive this was. Smaller than my wallet, I could slip it into a pocket or bag ready for when ti was needed. Despite being thin, I had this power bank in pockets of coats and trousers for days, so I have no concerns about durability (yes, I tested the durability of a power bank by carrying it around in my pocket for days!).
Also: This Anker charger offers something Apple's doesn't
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Pros & Cons
Pros
- Compatible with several both MagSafe iPhones and any device that can take a USB cable
- Easy integration with Apple devices
- Slim design
Cons
- The charge indicator LEDs can be a bit hard to see
More Details
Baseus 20W Magnetic Power BankFeatures: Capacity:6,000mAh|Charging port:USB-C |Price: $34
Following its switch from Lightning to USB-C with the iPhone 15, Apple dropped its own MagSafe power bank (it charged using a Lightning cable). It was a great battery pack, but fear not, because the Baseus 20W 6000mAh magnetic power bank is a worthy replacement. In fact, as much as I liked Apple's own power bank, I preferred this one because it felt more solid.
I like this power bank because of how bare bones it is. There's no kickstand, no bells or whistles. It's just a power bank. I also love the strength of the magnet used for the MagSafe wireless charging, and I'm not alone, as many reviewers on Amazon mention this, praising the strong magnetic connection.
This one also comes with a cable, so you can keep the two together so you can top up the power bank as needed.
Also:What is a MagSafe battery pack and which is the best for your iPhone?
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Compact design
- Good capacity
- Dual ports
Cons
- Wall charger not included
- Long charging time
More Details
Anker PowerCore Features: Capacity: 10,000mAh |Charging port:USB-C |Price:$35
A "not-too-big, not-too-small" power bank, this product falls into the Goldilocks zone -- big enough for a few rounds of recharging and still small enough to carry.
I'm a fan of the Anker brand, and this is another gadget that I've taken out and about in cities (and into the wild) in several countries. Anker power banks are well-built, robust, and highly reliable. This is a power bank that's built for daily use, or for throwing into a drawer or glovebox for when you need it.
While this is a list of power banks for iPhones, and for that category of product you could get away with a single USB port, I have to admit that I do like the fact that this power bank comes with USB-A and USB-C ports. If you have earbuds that need charging alongside the iPhone, this is perfect pairing.
Despite the relatively large 10,000mAh capacity and two USB ports, this is still a portable power bank that's compact and lightweight enough to slip into a pocket or bag. It also fits great both in the hand and pocket, a sentiment echoed in reviews I've read on Amazon and Reddit.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Charge two devices at once
- Slim design
- LED indicators
Cons
- Pricey
- Slow to charge devices
More Details
Belkin Boostcharge Features: Capacity:10,000mAh |Charging port:Integrated Lightning (MFI) and USB-C cables plus USB-C port | Price: $69
The biggest downer is reaching into your bag and discovering that you have a power bank without a cable. The Belkin Boostcharger removes this possibility because it features built-in Lightning and USB-C cables, separating it from the competition -- a feature that many reviewers on Amazon and B&H Photo also love.
This power bank also features passthrough technology, which means you can charge your iPhone with speeds up to 18W while charging the power bank.
This passthrough charging feature might not seem like much, but I've found this to be super useful both for use on a desk or nightstand and when traveling. It means I can have one small wall charger charging up the power bank, and then have the power bank simultaneously charging up a couple of devices. This not only saves on space and how many power outlets I need, also streamlines what i need to carry, which is really appreciated when traveling.
The 10,000mAh capacity also means that it's not too big to be slipped into a pocket or bag.
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Pros & Cons
Pros
- Ample ports
- Excellent capacity
- Great selection of power output
- Wireless charging capable
- AC output
Cons
- Bulky
- LCD screen is small and can be difficult to read
More Details
Omnicharge Omni Features: Capacity: 20,000mAh |Charging port:USB-A and USB-C| Price: $249
The Omni 20+ 20,000mAh is more like a charging computer than a power bank. Yes, it's overkill for just charging an iPhone, but if you're traveling with a tablet, laptop, and earbuds -- as many of us now do -- then this is a fantastic choice.
The display on this power bank gives us a lot of information as to what the ports are outputting, and how much power the unit has available, and it contributes a lot to the usability of the Omni 20+, and this is a feeling repeated in the reviews I've read of this unit on Amazon and Reddit.
The 20,000mAh power bank outputs AC power and DC power, has USB-A and USB-C, and supports wireless charging, and I've found this to be fantastic when traveling because I can use it to create a makeshift office when on the move.
This unit is definitely better suited to being carried in a bag or suitcase, and the capacity is such that it can be legally taken onto an aircraft without needing to inform the airline.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Affordable
- Super portable
- No cables
- Six color options
Cons
- Charges slowly
- Not as much power as other options
- Expensive considering the low capacity
- Lightning only (so not compatible with the iPhone 15)
More Details
iWalk Mini Features: Capacity: 3350mAh | Charging port: USB-C | Price: $20
Sometimes small and simple is key, and they don't get much more simple than the iWalk Mini power bank. It's essentially a battery with a lightning connector attached.
This is a lightweight portable charger (2.6 ounces) that you simply plug into your phone and charge on the go. The charger can easily carry this in your pocket or handbag until you need it, and holds its charge for months. You can check the power status by pressing the button on the charger. Then, to power off the charger, double-press the button.
For the fashion conscious, this power bank comes in six different colors so you can match it to your phone case or outfit. The bright striking colors are something that a lot of reviewers on Amazon compliment.
It's worth noting that this only works with iPhone 14 handsets and earlier that have the Lightning port.
What is the best iPhone power bank?
The Anker 622 MagSafe battery pack is our pick for the best overall iPhone power bank, because the functional design makes it a multi-tasking winner. Plus, it offers easy integration with Apple devices. Here's how the best iPhone power banks compare based on pricing, capacity, and quick charge capabilities:
| iPhone power bank | Price | Capacity | Quick charge? |
| Anker 622 MagSafe | $40 | 5,000mAh | No |
| Baseus 20W | $34 | 6,000mAh | No |
| Anker PowerCore | $35 | 10,000mAh | No |
| Belkin Boostcharge Plus | $70 | 10,000mAh | Yes |
| Omnicharge Omni 20+ | $249 | 20,000mAh | Yes |
| iWalk Mini | $20 | 3,350mAh | No |
*Lowest price at the time of writing. Please note that prices may vary based on retailer and available promotions, sales, or discounts.
Which iPhone power bank is right for you?
The best iPhone power bank gives you enough mobile power to keep your phone running until you can plug it in. Here's a further breakdown if you're trying to decide which power bank is best for you since all vary in power, price, and even port availability.
Choose this iPhone power bank... | If you need... |
Anker 622 MagSafe | A multi-tasking, all-around solid power bank. |
Baseus 20W | A slim, wireless power bank. |
Anker PowerCore | An affordable power bank with dual ports. |
Belkin Boostcharge Plus | A power bank with integrated charging cables. |
Omnicharge Omni 20+ | A high-end power bank that can handle anything. |
iWalk Mini | A budget-friendly iPhone power bank that's portable. |
Factors to consider when choosing an iPhone power bank
Here are some factors I suggest you consider when choosing a power bank for your iPhone:
- Size: It's no good having a power bank if you're going to end up leaving it at home. Sure, if you're going off grid for a few days, you're going to need something big, but most people are looking for something to top up their phone during the day before going home, and for this a power bank with a 4,000mAh capacity is more than enough.
- Wired or wireless: If you don't want the hassle of having to carry a charge cable and a power bank, go for a unit that feature wireless MagSafe charging.
- Safety: I test every power bank for a number of safety issues, including checking for overheating in use and whether the case is robust enough to protect the internal batteries. I recommend sticking with name brands and avoiding dollar store power banks.
How we test iPhone power banks
I chose these iPhone power banks through a combination of extensive research and using the products ourselves to charge everyday devices. I paid attention to:
- Customer reviews and ratings: Evaluating personal experiences and ratings of the included products to take note of strengths, weaknesses, and overall customer satisfaction with each battery pack.
- Pricing: Iconsidered battery packs with a varied price range to ensure there is a product for everyone, with most battery packs costing between $20-$100.
- Renowned brands: Iselected battery packs manufactured by trusted and ZDNET-reviewed brands to ensure the recommended picks were of quality and standard.
- Capacity: Battery packs can differ in the amount of power (measured in milliamp hours or mAh) contained in the battery. I use a USB power meter to test the capacity of every power bank listed to ensure that it delivers what it says on the spec sheet.
- Overheating: I use a thermal camera to check for overheating, both when the power back is in use, and when it is being charged.
Does charging your battery from a power bank damage the battery on the iPhone?
Some cheap power banks and chargers can harm your smartphone. But overall, power banks are safe and work using the same technology as a regular charger. We trust any of the picks above to be quality power banks that won't damage your iPhone's battery.
Are these power banks allowed on an airplane?
According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), portable chargers or power banks containing a lithium-ion battery must be packed in a carry-on bag, rather than in checked baggage. Most airlines allow a power bank with a battery of up to 27,000mAh.
You can find a power bank for $5, so why should you spend more?
Those power banks work. However, in my experience, they don't offer the capacities that they claim and don't last as long as a decent power bank from a reputable manufacturer, don't deliver the power stated, and can overheat in use..
The phrase "you get what you pay for" applies to iPhone accessories. That's why it's better to spend more money to get something that'll enhance your phone's productivity and last.
Is a wireless power bank better?
A wireless power bank can be very helpful, since you don't have to remember to bring any cords or cables with you. Just set your iPhone on the power bank and start charging.
However, they're not ideal for use while you're actually traveling, since there isn't a way to secure your phone to the power bank. When flying or driving, your phone could slip off the charger without you noticing, leaving you with a dead or dying phone when you reach your destination.
What size power bank do you need to charge an iPhone?
It depends on how fast you want your iPhone to charge. The Apple's now discontinued MagSafe battery pack had a capacity of 1460mAh, which was plenty of power to charge your phone. The MagSafe alternatives here have greater capacities, allowing them to keep your iPhone running for longer.
When it comes to speed of charging, it's a common misconception that bigger power banks charge faster.
Are there alternative iPhone power banks to consider?
There are tons of options out there if you're looking for the best power bank for your iPhone. Here's a short list of alternative picks that I also thought were great:
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