How to Choose a Portable Power Bank for Travel
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A dead phone in an airport or a new city is stressful, and a portable power bank is one of the simplest ways to avoid it. Here is what to check before you buy one for travel.
Capacity: how much do you need?
Power bank capacity is usually listed in milliamp-hours (mAh). A typical phone battery holds roughly 3,000 to 5,000 mAh, but you will not get the full rated capacity out of a power bank because some energy is lost during charging. Expect to get about two thirds of the number on the label.
- 5,000 to 10,000 mAh: one or two phone charges, light and pocket-sized
- 10,000 to 20,000 mAh: several charges, or a phone plus earbuds and a tablet
- Above 20,000 mAh: heavier, and may be close to airline limits
Check the airline rules
Power banks contain lithium batteries, and airlines restrict them. In general they must travel in your carry-on bag, not in checked luggage. Many airlines allow power banks up to 100 watt-hours without approval, and the watt-hour rating is printed on most models. Rules vary, so check your airline before you fly.
Ports and charging speed
Look for a USB-C port, which most current phones and laptops use. If you want to charge faster, choose a model that supports USB Power Delivery. If you carry several devices, a power bank with more than one port lets you charge them at the same time.
Size and weight
A bigger battery means more weight in your bag. For day trips and city walking, a slim 10,000 mAh model is usually enough. For long flights or trips with laptops, you may accept a heavier one.
Features worth having
- Built-in cable, so you cannot forget it
- Pass-through charging, to charge the power bank and a device at once
- A clear display or indicator lights showing the remaining charge
- Safety protections against overheating and short circuits, listed by the manufacturer
Where to look
Compare current options and read recent customer reviews on Amazon: 10,000 mAh power banks, power banks with USB-C Power Delivery and travel cable organizers. Prices and availability change often, so check the current listing.
Pack your power bank and cables in a small pouch in your carry-on. Our travel tech pouch checklist shows what else to include.
