This Anker portable charger buying guide will help you get the best bang for your buck when buying an Anker product. A portable charger (or power bank) can mean the difference between stressing over your device’s battery life. Or being able to use it all day long without worry.

This guide focuses on Anker’s portable chargers/power banks. If you’re interested in a wall charger from Anker check out that guide here.

Anker has the best selling portable chargers in the US. Check out Amazon’s best sellers list and you’ll find it full of Anker products. As a well-known and trusted brand, they are a natural first choice when shopping for a portable charger.

Skip to the recommended Anker portable chargers.

Capacity

All things being equal more capacity means more uptime. But you can end up with too much capacity. More capacity also means a higher price and more weight. You don’t want to pay for and carry around a large portable charger when a cheaper, more compact model would work as well. That where this Anker portable charger buying guide comes in.

Portable chargers most commonly measure their capacity by milliampere hours (mAh). As does the lithium battery in your device.

10,000mAh

A 10,000mAh power bank is ideal for most smaller devices. From your phone up to a Nintendo Switch. It can provide ~2 charges for most phones. And 4+ extra hours of playtime on the Switch.

Anker’s models weigh 6-9 ounces, making them easy to carry in a daypack or purse. Anker also has lots of options at this size, so there is bound to be a good model for you.

There are also a few 5,000mAh and 13,000mAh power banks. For lack of a better option, I grouped them here as well.

Anker 10,000mAh Portable Chargers

20,100mAh

A 20,100mAh power bank works well for large tablets and small laptops. They also work with smaller devices when dealing with several. Or going without power for more than a day. It can recharge up to 4 phones throughout the day. Or keep one phone running through the weekend. And a Nintendo Switch gains an extra 8.5+ hours of playtime. It is the limit allowed on board some international flights.

Anker’s models weigh 13-16 ounces. More noticeable in your bag, at up to 1 pound they are quite manageable. Again there are lots of options from Anker. Many being hard to distinguish from the rest at first glance.

Anker 20,100mAh Portable Chargers

26,800mAh

A 26,800mAh power bank is as large as Anker and other producers go for USB only charging. It is the limit allowed on all US flights. Though FAA rules allow airlines to individual allow larger batteries. Many of which do, including American, Delta, Southwest, and United.

This capacity level is great for keeping up with a laptop. It can recharge most phones up to 5-6 times. Gives the Nintendo Switch 10-12 hours of extra playtime. Laptop uptime depends on several factors. But will extend your time by several hours in most cases.

Anker’s models weigh 20-21 ounces. At over a pound you’ll only want to take it when you need all the power you can get.

Anker 26,800mAh Portable Chargers

Output

Along with capacity Anker portable charges vary by their power output. That determines how well a particular charger will work with your phone, laptop, or other devices. Anker offers several different charging technologies in their various models. But this Anker portable charger buying guide will get you to the right tech.

PowerIQ

• Anker’s own tech
• Uses USB-A port
• Similar to Apple 2.4A
• Charges any smartphone
• Fast charges iPhones, though newer iPhones charge faster with USB Power Delivery

Quick Charge 3.0

• Fast charging standard found on many Android phones
• Uses USB-A port on Anker chargers
• Charges any smartphone
• Fast charges Samsung, LG, Motorola, and other Quick Charge supporting Android phones

PowerIQ 2.0

• Anker’s own tech
• Uses USB-A port
• Similar to Quick Charge 3.0
• Charges any smartphone
• Fast charges iPhone, Samsung, LG, Motorola, and other Quick Charge supporting Android phones
• Newer iPhones charge faster with USB Power Delivery

USB Power Delivery (USB-C PD)

• Newer fast charging standard developed alongside USB-C
• Uses USB-C port
• Charges any smartphone
• Fast charges iPhone 8/X/XR/XS/11, Samsung Galaxy S8 and onward, Google Pixel, and other USB PD supporting Android phones
• Also used by Nintendo Switch, iPad Pro, and laptops with USB-C
• Anker’s USB-C PD power banks only go up to 27W output

What Is Fast Charging? How Different Standard Works

You can charge any phone, tablet, or the Switch with any of Anker’s portable chargers, regardless of the tech they use. But to fast charge, you need a portable charger that is compatible with the tech in your device.

Best Anker Portable Chargers By Device

If you want straight-up recommendations this Anker portable charger buying guide has them. Click on the device you want to charge for the best recommendations.

iPhone | Samsung Galaxy | Google Pixel | LG | Motorola | Huawei & OnePlus | Other Android

Nintendo Switch| iPad | iPad Pro | Samsung Tab | MacBook, MacBook Air, & 12-inch PC Laptops

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iPhone

My Pick:

No products found.

Newer iPhones require a USB-C to Lightning cable, not included

Review of the Anker PowerCore 10000 PD

Budget:

Review of the Anker PowerCore 10000

Large Capacity:

No products found.

Newer iPhones require a USB-C to Lightning cable, not included

Review of the Anker PowerCore Speed 20000 PD

Newer iPhones require a USB-C to Lightning cable, not included

Review of the Anker PowerCore+ 26800 PD

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Samsung Galaxy

My Picks:

No products found.

Newer iPhones require a USB-C to Lightning cable, not included

Review of the Anker PowerCore 10000 PD

Anker PowerCore 10000 PD+, $49.99 (Walmart exclusive)

10,000mAh power bank with 18W USB-C PD and 18W PowerIQ 2.0. Similar to the PowerCore 10000 PD, but can fast charge Galaxy S7 and most other model Samsung phones on USB-A port.

• Good for 2 full recharges of your phone
• USB-C fast chargers Samsung Galaxy S8 and onward models
• USB-A fast charges all current Samsung Galaxy models, except the S10 5G
• Can fast charge two Samsung phones together
• Trickle charging for Bluetooth earbuds or fitness tracker
• Includes a USB-C to USB-C cable and travel pouch
• Requires a USB-C to USB-A cable for most models, not included
• Dimensions: 4.5 x 2 x 1 inches | 6.8 oz (estimated)

Budget:

No products found.

Requires a USB-C to USB-A cable, not included

Large Capacity:

No products found.

Review of the Anker PowerCore Speed 20000 PD

Review of the Anker PowerCore+ 26800 PD

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Google Pixel

My Pick:

No products found.

Review of the Anker PowerCore 10000 PD

Budget:

Requires a USB-C to USB-A cable, not included

Review of the Anker PowerCore 10000

Large Capacity:

No products found.

Review of the Anker PowerCore Speed 20000 PD

Review of the Anker PowerCore+ 26800 PD

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LG

LG V30 and ThinQ series supports Quick Charge 4+. Older LG phones support Quick Charge 3.0.

My Pick, LG V30 and ThinQ Series:

No products found.

Review of the Anker PowerCore 10000 PD

My Pick, All LG Phones:

Anker PowerCore 10000 PD+, $49.99 (Walmart exclusive)

10,000mAh power bank with 18W USB-C PD and 18W PowerIQ 2.0. Best selection for older LG phones that support Quick Charge 3.0.

• Good for 2 full recharges of your phone
• USB-C fast charges LG V30 and ThinQ series
• USB-A fast chargers all current LG phones
• Future LG phones will adopt Quick Charge 4+, which will fast charge on either port
• Can fast charge your LG with another device on the other port
• Trickle charging for Bluetooth earbuds or fitness tracker
• Includes a USB-C to USB-C cable and travel pouch
• Requires a USB-C to USB-A cable for non-ThinQ models, not included
• Dimensions: 4.5 x 2 x 1 inches | 6.8 oz

Budget:

No products found.

Requires a USB-C to USB-A cable, not included

Large Capacity:

No products found.

Review of the Anker PowerCore Speed 20000 PD

No products found.

Requires a USB-C to USB-A cable, not included

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Motorola

My Pick:

Anker PowerCore 10000 PD+, $49.99 (Walmart exclusive)

10,000mAh power bank with 18W USB-C PD and 18W PowerIQ 2.0. Offers fast charging for Motorola phones today and likely into the future.

• Good for 2 full recharges of your phone
• USB-A fast chargers all Moto phones
• USB-C fast charges Moto G7 and likely future models
• Can fast charge your Moto with another device on the other port
• Trickle charging for Bluetooth earbuds or fitness tracker
• Includes a USB-C to USB-C cable and travel pouch
• Requires a USB-C to USB-A cable, not included
• Dimensions: 4.5 x 2 x 1 inches | 6.8 oz

Budget:

No products found.

Requires a USB-C to USB-A cable, not included

Large Capacity:

No products found.

Requires a USB-C to USB-A cable, not included

No products found.

Requires a USB-C to USB-A cable, not included

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Huawei & OnePlus

Huawei and OnePlus phones use proprietary fast charging technology. Which is not compatible with any of the standards Anker includes on their power banks. So you will only be able to charge these phones up to 10W. Compared to their included chargers, which range from 20 to 40W.

My Pick:

No products found.

Review of the Anker PowerCore 10000 PD

Budget:

Requires a USB-C to USB-A cable, not included

Large Capacity:

No products found.

Review of the Anker PowerCore Speed 20000 PD

Review of the Anker PowerCore+ 26800 PD

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Other Android Phones

Most Android phones not already listed support Quick Charge 3.0/4+. As such any of these Anker power banks will work well.

If you have an Essential Phone or Razer phone then see the Google Pixel’s recommendations instead.

My Pick:

Anker PowerCore 10000 PD+, $49.99 (Walmart exclusive)

10,000mAh power bank with 18W USB-C PD and 18W PowerIQ 2.0. Supports Quick Charge enabled Android models.

• Good for 2 recharges of your phone
• USB-A fast chargers all Quick Charge models
• USB-C fast charges those with Quick Charge 4+
• Can fast charge your Android with another device on the other port
• Trickle charging for Bluetooth earbuds or fitness tracker
• Includes a USB-C to USB-C cable and travel pouch
• Requires a USB-C to USB-A cable for most models, not included
• Dimensions: 4.5 x 2 x 1 inches | 6.8 oz

Budget:

No products found.

Requires a USB-C to USB-A cable, not included

Large Capacity:

No products found.

Requires a USB-C to USB-A cable, not included

No products found.

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Nintendo Switch

My Pick:

Review of the Anker PowerCore 13400 Nintendo Switch Edition

Compact:

No products found.

Review of the Anker PowerCore 10000 PD

Anker PowerCore 10000 PD+, $49.99 (Walmart exclusive)

10,000mAh power bank with 18W USB-C PD and 18W PowerIQ 2.0. Will fast charge Samsung, LG, Moto, and Quick Charge enabled Android phones.

• Good for 4+ hours of play time with the original Switch; 6+ hours with the updated Switch
• USB-C charges Switch while you play; also fast charges newer iPhones, Samsung Galaxy, and Google Pixel
• USB-A fast chargers most iPhones, Samsung, LG, and Moto phones
• Can fast charge your Switch and phone together
• Trickle charging for Bluetooth earbuds or fitness tracker
• Includes a USB-C to USB-C cable and travel pouch
• Dimensions: 4.5 x 2 x 1 inches | 6.8 oz

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Large Capacity:

No products found.

Review of the Anker PowerCore Speed 20000 PD

Review of the Anker PowerCore 20100 Nintendo Switch Edition

Review of the Anker PowerCore+ 26800 PD

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iPad, iPad Air, and iPad mini

My Pick:

No products found.

Upgrade:

No products found.

Review of the Anker PowerCore Speed 20000 PD

Budget:

No products found.

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iPad Pro

The first two generations of the iPad Pro use a Lightning port and support up to 18W USB Power Delivery. iPad Pros from 2018 and later use a USB-C port and support up to 30W USB Power Delivery.

My Picks:

No products found.

iPad Pros with Lightning require a USB-C to Lightning cable, not included

Review of the Anker PowerCore Speed 20000 PD

iPad Pros with Lightning require a USB-C to Lightning cable, not included

Review of the Anker PowerCore 20100 Nintendo Switch Edition

Budget:

No products found.

iPad Pros with USB-C require a USB-C to USB-A cable, not included

Large Capacity:

iPad Pros with Lightning require a USB-C to Lightning cable, not included

Review of the Anker PowerCore+ 26800 PD

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Samsung Galaxy Tab A, S3, S4, S5e

Samsung Galaxy Tab A and S3 only support Adaptive Fast Charging, which is Quick Charge 3.0 and PowerIQ 2.0 compatible.

Samsung Galaxy S4 and S5e support the same. But also work with USB Power Delivery.

My Picks:

No products found.

Review of the Anker PowerCore Speed 20000 PD

No products found.

Requires a USB-C to USB-A cable, not included

Budget:

No products found.

Requires a USB-C to USB-A cable, not included

Large Capacity:

No products found.

Requires a USB-C to USB-A cable, not included

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MacBook, MacBook Air, & 12-inch PC Laptops

Anker’s USB-C PD power banks do not offer more than 27W output. That’s enough for a small laptop. But most 13 to 15-inch laptops want more power. Especially if their own battery is low. Or they are running resource intense games and apps. As such I can only recommend Anker power banks for these small sized laptops.

My Picks:

No products found.

Review of the Anker PowerCore Speed 20000 PD

Review of the Anker PowerCore 20100 Nintendo Switch Edition

Upgrade:

No products found.

Large Capacity:

Review of the Anker PowerCore+ 26800 PD

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Prices are from Amazon Product Advertising API, last updated on 2023-09-29.

Don’t see a power bank you quite like? Or is available in your region? Take what you’ve learned here and check out my larger power bank comparison listing.