Anker PowerCore+ 26800 PD Review

Anker PowerCore+ 26800 PD
Anker PowerCore+ 26800 PD

Anker PowerCore+ 26800 PD

Anker PowerCore+ 26800 PD - A bundled, high capacity charging solution

Summary

The Anker PowerCore+ 26800 PD is a bundled, high capacity charging solution. Good for USB-C PD phones, tablets, Nintendo Switch, and 12-inch laptops. Includes a 30W USB-C PD wall charger and cable.

Overall
4.8
  • Performance
    (5)
  • Design
    (5)
  • Safety
    (4.5)
  • Recharge Time
    (4.5)
Sending
User Review
4 (2 votes)

Pros

  • Fast charges iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel
  • Charges Switch while you play
  • Can be recharged by Nintendo Switch AC Adapter
  • Fits in most Switch carrying cases, but takes up most of the space
  • Includes a 30W USB-C PD wall charger
  • Includes a USB-C to USB-C cable
  • Charge three devices at once
  • Within FAA limits for lithium batteries and flights

Cons

  • Won’t fast charge Quick Charge 3.0 enabled phones; but does normal charging
  • Only available as a bundle
  • May be too big for some international airlines, check before you fly

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I purchased the product in this review.

[wpcd_coupon id=7055]
Model: A1375
Anker PowerCore+ 26800 PD specs

Anker PowerCore+ 26800 PD specs

Tech Specs:
  • Ports: USB-C, USB-A x2
  • USB-C Output:
    • 30W USB-C Power Delivery 2.0 (5V/3A, 9V/3A, 12V/2.5A, 15V/2A, 20V/1.25A)
  • USB-A Output:
    • 15W USB (5V/3A)
    • Apple 2.4A
  • Input: 30W USB-C PD (5V/3A, 9V/3A, 15V/2A, 20V/1.5A)
  • Capacity: 26,800mAh | 96.48 Wh
  • Size: 7 x 3.1 x 0.9 inches | 178 x 79 x 24 mm
  • Weight: 20.5 oz | 580 grams

Learn more about Fast Charging.

Anker PowerCore+ 26800 PD box and contents

Anker PowerCore+ 26800 PD box and contents

Included In Box:
Good For:
  • Additional charger for home or work
  • Travel
  • iPhone
  • Android
  • iPad Pro
  • Nintendo Switch (handheld)
  • 12-inch laptop
Estimated Number of Charges:
  • iPhone 6/7/8: 9 charges
  • iPhone Plus/X/XR: 6 charges
  • Samsung Galaxy S8/S9: 6 charges
  • Samsung Galaxy S10: 5 charges
  • Nintendo Switch: 11+ hours of play

First Impression

The Anker PowerCore+ 26800 PD is heavier than other 26,800mAh power banks. That’s due to its metal exterior, which is good for durability and heat. It features a 10 LED wheel for its power remaining indicator. That provides a more accurate assessment of the remaining charge than a 4 LED indicator. As a bundle, it provides everything you need to charge, use, and recharge the power bank. The included pouch has room for the power bank and cable.

 

Compared To Similar Power Banks

ChargerAnker PowerCore+ 26800 PDAUKEY PB-Y7 30000 USB-C PDJ-Go Tech The TankerRAVPower PD Pioneer 26800

Review
PortsUSB-C, USB-A x2USB-C, USB-A x2, micro-USBUSB-C, USB-A x2, micro-USBUSB-C, USB-A x2, micro-USB
Output30W USB-C PD30W USB-C PD

Quick Charge 3.0
45W USB-C PD30W USB-C PD
Capacity26,800mAh30,000mAh26,800mAh26,800mAh
FeaturesIncludes 30W USB-C wall chargerBuilt-in flashlight

May be too large for some flights
CableUSB-C to USB-C cableUSB-C to USB-C cableUSB-C to USB-C cableUSB-C to USB-C cable
Dimensions7.0 x 3.1 x 0.9 in
20.5 oz
5.9 x 3.3 x 1.1 in
19.5 oz
7.3 x 3.1 x 0.9 in
16.8 oz
6.8 x 3.2 x 0.9 in
16.3 oz
PricePrice not availableNo products found.No products found.No products found.

Prices are from Amazon Product Advertising API, last updated on 2024-03-18.

 

You can see more USB-C power banks here.

Device Testing

Check with your device’s manufacturer to verify which charging standards it supports.

USB Power Delivery & Quick Charge 4+ Phones

  • Apple iPhone 8/X/XR/XS
  • Essential Phone
  • Google Pixel
  • LG ThinQ/V30
  • Razer
  • Samsung Galaxy S8/S9/S10
  • Samsung Galaxy Note 8/9
  • Xiaomi Mi 8/9
  • ZTE Axon Pro 9/10

 

Using an iPhone 8 for testing we find USB PD phones will fast charge over the USB-C port. iPhones will need to use a USB-C to Lightning cable, not included. And Android phones will need a USB-C to USB-C cable, also not included.

For iPhones, the USB-A port supports Apple 2.4A. An older, but still functional fast-charging standard. Older iPhones (4-7) can fast charge using USB-A. Newer iPhones will charge ~15 minutes faster using USB-C.

Quick Charge 3.0 Phones

  • HTC
  • LG
  • Motorola
  • Nokia
  • Samsung Galaxy
  • Sony
  • Xiaomi Mi 5/6
  • ZTE

 

Using a Moto G6 for testing we get normal charging rates. But as no Quick Charge or compatible fast charging standard is supported that’s as fast as it goes. Still, 10W is a decent charge rate.

Nintendo Switch

 

The Nintendo Switch charges at its max rate, up to 18W. It’ll fast charge while you play. Its charge rate while sleeping is also normal. But it won’t power a docked Switch. That requires a higher 15V output than this charger offers.

Learn more about charging the Switch.

USB-C Laptop

 

Using a 13-inch MacBook Pro for testing we can draw up to 27W from this charger. That’s expected, after accounting for efficiency loss.

Different model laptops have different power demands. But in general, a 30W charger can support 12-inch laptops. It can power a larger laptop in a pinch. It will charge while sleeping. But may only extend runtime if used while the larger laptop is active.

Summary

The Anker PowerCore+ 26800 PD is a high end, large capacity portable charger. Its 26,800mAh capacity means more uptime for your devices. But it also limits where this portable charger can travel. It is fine for all flights in the USA. But if traveling overseas check with your airline on lithium battery size restrictions. Some countries don’t allow large lithium batteries and have more enforcement than the USA.

Anker PowerCore+ 26800 PD ports

Anker PowerCore+ 26800 PD ports

For the Nintendo Switch, it charges in handheld mode as fast as any other option. But it cannot power a docked Switch.

Its 30W USB-C PD output works well for small to medium-sized USB-C devices. Especially phones and tablets that support USB Power Delivery and 12-inch laptops. But its lack of Quick Charge makes it less optimal for most Android phones.

The bundled Anker PowerPort Speed PD 30 wall charger is a great charger on its own. At 30W USB-C PD output it can recharge the power bank up to its max input. It’ll also work well for the same USB-C devices at the same rate. You only get one USB-C cable to share between the two chargers.

This power bank is only available in bundled form. If this is your first USB-C power bank the bundle makes sense. You’ll want a USB-C wall charger capable of re-charging it as fast as possible, about 4 hours. Especially if you drain it completely. An older USB-A wall charger could be used. But those will take 12+ hours to go from 0-100%. And any support issues all go to the same company.

About Anker

Anker has U.S. based support (web, email, phone) and an 18-month warranty. They are a beloved brand within many USB-C communities.

Bottom Line

The Anker PowerCore+ 26800 PD lives up to the expectations of a flagship Anker product. Its large capacity means more run time. But also more weight and international travel restrictions. If you need a second wall charger and a big power bank this bundle works out great. Both will fast charge the Switch in handheld mode.

Buy if you:
  • Need as much capacity as you can get
  • Want a one and done purchase, getting a wall charger and cable bundled
  • Have a 12-inch laptop you want to keep running on the go
Don’t buy if you:
  • Don’t want to spend extra for a bundled wall charger
  • Need to fast charge an LG or Motorola Android phone
  • Want to charge a 13 to 15-inch laptop

Be sure to check the Deals page to see if this or a similar charger is on sale.


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