Researched, not personally tested: picks come from specs, verified-owner reviews, and expert sources, scored into the Kit Score. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a commission from links here, at no extra cost to you. How we research →
Top picks
A dead phone at the gate is the one travel problem that is completely avoidable. The catch is that "power bank" specs are written to confuse you, and a few of them will get flagged at security. Here is how to pick one that actually lasts the trip and flies without a hassle.
Our quick picks
The numbers that actually matter
Capacity is sold in milliamp-hours, but airlines and real comparisons use watt-hours. Learn these four and you can shop in 30 seconds.
Best overall: Anker 737 (PowerCore 24K)
The 737 hits the sweet spot for travel: 24,000 mAh (about 86Wh, comfortably under the airline cap) with 140W USB-C output that tops up a laptop, not just a phone. It is the one bank that covers a whole carry-on of devices.
Best budget: Anker PowerCore 10K
If you mostly need to keep a phone alive, the PowerCore 10K is tiny, cheap, and gives two to three full charges. It is the pocketable one you forget you are carrying.
Milliamp-hours mean nothing without voltage. Watt-hours are how airlines measure your bank, and how you should compare them.
Best value laptop charger: Baseus Blade 100W
The Blade's slim shape and 100W output make it the cheapest credible way to charge a laptop on the go. It is the value pick when a phone bank is not enough.
Best magnetic: Anker MagGo 10K
For iPhone 12 and later, the MagGo snaps to the back of the phone and charges wirelessly at your seat, with a USB-C port for when you need speed.
How they compare
| Product | Kit Score | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anker 737 PowerCore 24K | 8.8 | $50–$100 | Travelers who need to keep a laptop and multiple devices alive on long-haul flights and want the maximum carry-on-legal capacity. |
| Anker PowerCore 10K (313) | 8.5 | $25–$50 | Budget-conscious travelers who need a slim, lightweight phone-charging backup for day trips and short flights without the bulk of a high-capacity bank. |
| Baseus Blade 100W 20000mAh | 8.5 | $50–$100 | Value-focused travelers who want laptop-grade 100W charging and generous 20,000mAh capacity without paying premium-brand prices. |
| Anker MagGo Power Bank 10K | 8.3 | $50–$100 | iPhone travelers who want the convenience of cord-free magnetic charging during flights and at the hotel without unpacking a cable. |
How to choose the right one
Five checks before you buy
Check the watt-hours, not just mAh
Convert with Wh = mAh times volts divided by 1000, then confirm you are under the 100Wh cap.
Know the carry-on rule
Power banks fly in carry-on only, never checked; up to 100Wh needs no approval.
Match the wattage to your devices
Phones fast-charge at 20 to 45W; a laptop wants 30W or more, so size the output to what you carry.
Count the ports
Two USB-C ports let you charge a laptop and phone at once; passthrough means the bank can charge while it powers your gear.
Balance capacity and weight
A 10,000 mAh bank pockets easily; a 20,000 mAh bank roughly doubles the weight but still clears the airline limit.
Which type fits your trip
Match the bank to how you travel
Slim 10,000 mAh
Best for day trips and light packers who need two or three phone top-ups in a pocket-sized bank.
High-capacity 20,000 to 27,000 mAh
Best for multi-day trips or charging a laptop; still airline-legal with room to spare.
Magnetic / MagSafe
Best for iPhone users who want snap-on convenience at their seat; pair it with a USB-C port for faster fills.
FAQ
Can I bring a power bank on a plane?
Yes, but in your carry-on only, never in checked baggage. Anything up to 100 watt-hours needs no airline approval, which is roughly 27,000 mAh at 3.7V, so virtually every travel-sized bank qualifies.
How many phone charges is 10,000 mAh?
About two to three full charges for a typical smartphone, once you account for normal conversion losses between the bank and your phone.
Do I need USB-C Power Delivery?
If you only charge a phone, 20W or more is plenty. If you want to charge a laptop, look for at least 30W, and ideally 65W or higher.
Headed out the door? See more travel gear, or read how we research and rate.
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