What is a USB power bank?

Most people can find use for a USB power bank (also called an external battery pack, backup battery, or portable charger) to keep phones and other devices charged while on the go. Rather than tracking down a wall outlet, owning a USB power bank allows you to enjoy a conveniently portable (albeit limited) power supply.

Should you use a power bank or a portable charger?

Power banks and portable chargers have become an essential addition to your gadget arsenal — keeping smartphones, tablets, wireless earbuds and even laptops topped up in those clutch moments where you're away from plug outlets.

What are the best wireless portable chargers & power banks?

For Qi-compatible devices, we also have a separate guide to the best wireless portable chargers and power banks. The best replacement for your original charger is the Nekteck 60W USB-C GaN Charger. It’s cheaper and smaller but just as powerful and reliable.

What is a power bank & why do you need one?

Also known as mobile chargers or battery packs, these nifty gadgets serve as a lifeline to your dying electronics by recharging battery power when needed. Even if they’re not a daily necessity, power banks are a handy tool to have on standby when traveling, adventuring outdoors, or on busy days when you’re running around.

Can a power bank charge a laptop?

Power banks that can charge a laptop are a category unto themselves. I recently put together a guide to those high-capacity portable chargers and Lion Energy’s Eclipse Mag made the cut as the best option for traveling with your laptop — but it’s also great for smaller devices.

Does a rechargeable power bank have a lithium-ion battery?

Nearly every rechargeable power bank you can buy (and most portable devices) contain a lithium-ion battery. These beat other current battery types in terms of size-to-charge capacity, and have even increased in energy density by eight fold in the past 14 years.