Keep Your Tech Charged: Best Portable Chargers for Travel

29 January 2026

Let’s be honest—traveling without charged tech is like going camping without your tent. In this digital age, whether you're navigating unknown streets, snapping surreal sunsets, or scrolling for local food joints, your devices are your lifeline. But hey, what good is that shiny new smartphone or mirrorless camera if it's dead halfway through your adventure?

This is where portable chargers (a.k.a. power banks) swoop in to save the day. These handy little gadgets are the unsung heroes of modern travel. Packed with juice and light enough to toss into your backpack, power banks can literally make or break your travel game.

So, let’s keep your tech alive no matter where in the world you wander. Here's your ultimate guide to the best portable chargers for travel.

Why You Seriously Need a Portable Charger

You might be thinking: “Do I really need another gadget in my already stuffed bag?” The short answer...heck yes!

1. Stay Connected When It Matters Most

Flights get delayed. Buses break down. Your phone dies while you're trying to call your Airbnb host. Sound familiar? A portable charger keeps your communication lines open no matter how off-grid you go.

2. Perfect for Long Travel Days

Ever had one of those marathon travel days? Airports, layovers, buses, trains, taxis...and not a power outlet in sight. Portable chargers step in as your digital lifeboat when your devices wave the white flag.

3. Power Multiple Devices on the Go

Many modern power banks come with multiple USB ports, USB-C outputs, even wireless charging. Phone, tablet, wireless earbuds, Kindle—you can juice 'em all up at once.

What to Look for in a Travel Charger

Before you go all-in on a new power bank, here are a few things to keep in mind:

✈️ Capacity (mAh)

This is the big one. Basically, the higher the mAh, the more power it holds. For travel, aim for at least 10,000mAh—enough to charge your phone 2-3 times. If you’re lugging around a tablet or laptop, think 20,000mAh or higher.

⚡ Charging Speed (Wattage)

The faster, the better—especially when you're in a rush. Look for chargers with Quick Charge or Power Delivery (PD) support if your devices can handle it. That way, you’re not just charging—you’re turbocharging.

🔌 Port Options

USB-A, USB-C, micro USB? The more ports, the merrier. USB-C should be non-negotiable at this point—it’s where everything’s headed.

🏕️ Size & Weight

If it doesn't fit easily in your pocket or daypack, it’s not a travel-friendly charger. You want something beefy in power but not bulky in size.

✈️ TSA-Approved Size

Here’s a little-known travel tip: TSA restricts the size of batteries you can carry on planes. Stick to power banks under 27,000mAh (100Wh) to keep things airport-official.

Top 7 Portable Chargers for Travel in 2024

All right, no more small talk. Let’s dive into the MVPs of power banks. Whether you're trekking through the Andes or chilling beachside in Bali, these are the ones that’ll keep you powered up.

1. Anker PowerCore 20100mAh

Best for: All-around travel performance

- Capacity: 20100mAh
- Ports: 2 USB-A, 1 micro USB input
- Weight: ~12.5 oz

This one’s a classic. Anker is the gold standard when it comes to portable chargers, and the PowerCore 20100 balances size and capacity like a champ. It's powerful enough to charge an iPhone 14 up to 5 times and still small enough to fit in your carry-on.

Bonus points for Anker’s VoltageBoost tech, which ensures optimal charging speed even if your device doesn’t support Quick Charge.

2. Anker PowerCore III Elite 25600 PD 60W

Best for: Laptops and high-power devices

- Capacity: 25600mAh
- Ports: 1 USB-C (60W), 2 USB-A
- Weight: ~19 oz

If you're the kind of traveler who can't part with your MacBook or needs to charge a tablet on the fly, this is your power beast. It even charges laptops, making it a rare gem for digital nomads and business travelers.

Yes, it's a bit heavier, but the power payoff is worth every ounce.

3. RavPower 20000mAh PD 3.0

Best for: Fast charging

- Capacity: 20000mAh
- Ports: 1 USB-C PD, 2 USB-A
- Weight: ~13.5 oz

Speed demons, meet your match. This one can get your iPhone to 50% in as little as 30 minutes. It also supports pass-through charging, so you can charge your devices while you top off the bank itself.

Perfect if you’re always on the move and value every minute of juice time.

4. Zendure SuperMini 10000mAh

Best for: Compact power

- Capacity: 10000mAh
- Ports: 1 USB-C, 1 USB-A
- Weight: ~6.3 oz

Looks like a mini soda can, works like a heavyweight. The Zendure SuperMini is the pocket-sized power punch your travels need. It can fit in your jeans pocket, yet still hold enough to charge a phone twice.

Great for city explorers who don’t want to be weighed down.

5. Goal Zero Sherpa 100AC

Best for: Adventurers & digital nomads

- Capacity: 25600mAh
- Ports: USB-C PD, USB-A, AC outlet, wireless charging
- Weight: ~2 lbs

An absolute powerhouse. Not only does it have an AC outlet (yes, like a wall plug), but it also supports wireless charging and multiple simultaneous connections. It’s solar compatible too, making it ideal for the eco-conscious, off-grid traveler.

Just know—this is not a “pocket-sized” friend. It’s a backpack buddy.

6. Aukey Basix Pro Wireless

Best for: Wireless convenience

- Capacity: 10000mAh
- Ports: USB-C, USB-A, Wireless charging pad
- Weight: ~9 oz

Hate tangled cables? This one’s for you. It offers wireless charging on top of wired ports, so you can just slap your phone on it and go. Perfect for minimalist travelers and those whose cables always mysteriously disappear.

7. Mophie Powerstation XXL

Best for: Apple users

- Capacity: 20000mAh
- Ports: 2 USB-A, 1 USB-C
- Weight: ~13 oz

Mophie knows Apple. This sleek power bank looks like it belongs in an Apple Store and pairs perfectly with iPhones, iPads, and AirPods. With its premium fabric finish, it's both stylish and functional.

Not the fastest charger on the list, but definitely one of the most aesthetically pleasing and reliable.

Handy Travel Charging Tips

All set with your power bank? Awesome. Here are a few pro tips to make the most out of your gear:

- Pre-charge everything. Don’t wait until you're halfway to Istanbul to realize your power bank’s dead.
- Carry a universal adapter. If your charger runs out, you’ll still need to plug it in somewhere.
- Bring short cables. Less mess, more order. Plus, they charge more efficiently over short runs.
- Check power bank laws by country. Some regions (like China and India) have strict airport regulations on battery sizes.

The Future of Travel Tech Power

With travel tech evolving faster than you can say “boarding pass,” portable chargers are only getting smarter, sleeker, and more powerful. Think solar-powered banks, graphene batteries, and ultra-fast charging. The game is changing, and it’s super exciting.

But no matter how advanced things get, one truth remains: dead devices = dead ends on your adventure. So, pack smart, charge often, and never let a low battery stand between you and the story of a lifetime.

Wrapping It Up

When you're zipping through airport gates, hiking up that volcano at sunrise, or just chilling at a beach café, your tech shouldn't be the thing holding you back. A good portable charger is like a loyal travel buddy—always there when you need it.

Choose the right one based on your travel style, device needs, and power preferences. Big or small, light or heavy-duty, there's a charger out there ready to keep your adventure alive, one battery bar at a time.

So, next time you’re packing your bags, make sure a portable charger is right up there with your passport. Trust me—future you (and your Instagram followers) will thank you.