A portable charger (aka power bank) can mean the difference between stressing over your iPad’s battery life. Or being able to use it all day long without worry. The best portable chargers for iPad, iPad mini, iPad Air can all fast charge. While also offering enough capacity to keep you going, whether for a busy workday or long trip.
Looking to charge at home, work, or for travel? Check out Best Fast Chargers for iPad.
iPad Air with Anker PowerCore Essential 20000 PD
Fast Charging iPad, iPad mini, and iPad Air
The iPad, iPad mini, and iPad Air series use Apple 2.4A for their fast-charging standard. An older standard, made for the original iPad in 2010. The standard has been supported by all model iPhones and iPad to follow. And most of today’s iPads still support only this fast-charging standard.
Most USB-A chargers offering 5V/2.4A support Apple 2.4A. But so do many USB-C chargers. That’s where the future-proofing comes in. You can continue with a USB-A charger and regular Lightning cable. Or you can get a USB-C charger and USB-C to Lightning cable. The USB-C charger will continue to support future devices. Using the more modern USB-C Power Delivery standard.
Learn more about Apple 2.4A and other fast charging standards.
USB-C to Lightning Cable
To connect your iPad to a USB-C charger you’ll need a USB-C to Lightning cable.
Find a good selection of USB-C to Lightning cables here. All listed cables are MFi certified by Apple. Meaning they meet Apple’s standards and testing to work with iPhones and iPads. Pick your cable based on length, color, and price.
Best Portable Chargers for iPad, iPad mini, and iPad Air
Compact
These portable chargers offer a 10,000mAh capacity. Their compact size makes them easy to fit in your bag for commute or travel. But that won’t fully recharge a larger size iPad. These are best for getting a few more hours for minimum weight and cost.
Anker's compact, portable fast charger. The USB-A port will fast charge your current iPad. While the USB-C port offers future-proofing, as well as fast charging for a new iPhone. Includes a trickle charge mode, good for earbuds and fitness trackers.
- Ports: USB-C, USB-A
- Output: 18W USB-C PD, Apple 2.4A
- Capacity: 10,000mAh
- iPad: 0.5 charges
- iPad mini: 1.25 charges
- iPad Air: 0.75 charges
- Size: 4.2 x 2 x 1 inches | 7.0 oz
- Includes USB-C to USB-C cable to facilitate recharging
Review of the Anker PowerCore 10000 PD Redux
A budget-friendly alternative to the more popular brands. Can fast charge your iPad with either USB-C or USB-A ports.
- Ports: USB-C, USB-A
- Output: 18W USB-C PD, Apple 2.4A
- Capacity: 10,000mAh
- iPad: 0.5 charges
- iPad mini: 1.25 charges
- iPad Air: 0.75 charges
- Size: 2.9 x 2.3 x 1 inches | 6.3 oz
Review of the Novoo PowerCube Mini 10000
Camping, Hiking, Rugged Work
Need a portable charger for the great outdoors? This one is designed with camping and hiking in mind. It is waterproof, dustproof, and shockproof. Without being over-designed. Will fast charge the iPad with either USB port.
- Ports: USB-C, USB-A
- Output: 18W USB-C PD, Apple 2.4A
- Capacity: 10,000mAh
- iPad: 0.5 charges
- iPad mini: 1.25 charges
- iPad Air: 0.75 charges
- Size: 5.5 x 2.8 x 0.7 inches | 7.7 oz
Review of the Novoo Explorer 10000
High Capacity
These portable chargers offer 20,000 – 26,800mAh capacity. Enough to completely refill the largest model iPads, and then some. All are legal to fly within the USA.
Anker's cheapest high capacity portable charger. Made specifically with mobile devices in mind. The USB-A port will fast charge your current iPad. While the USB-C port offers future-proofing, as well as fast charging for a new iPhone.
- Ports: USB-C, USB-A
- Output: 18W USB-C PD, PowerIQ 2.0 (supports Apple 2.4A)
- Capacity: 20,000mAh
- iPad: 1 charge
- iPad mini: 2.5 charges
- iPad Air: 1.5 charges
- Size: 6.4 x 2.9 x 1 inches | 15.8 oz
- Includes USB-C to USB-C cable to facilitate recharging
Review of the Anker PowerCore Essential 20000 PD
A more budget-friendly alternative to popular brands. All USB ports support the fast charging of an iPad. And a unique dot matrix display for remaining charge and status.
- Ports: USB-C, USB-A x2
- Output: 27W USB-C PD, Quick Charge 3.0
- Capacity: 20,000mAh
- iPad: 1 charge
- iPad mini: 2.5 charges
- iPad Air: 1.5 charges
- Size: 5.9 x 2.8 x 1 inches | 13.4 oz
- Includes USB-C to USB-C cable to facilitate recharging
Review of the ZMI PowerPack Aura 20K USB-C
No products found.
Review of the RAVPower PD Pioneer 26800
Comparison of All Recommended Portable Chargers for iPad, iPad mini, and iPad Air
| Charger | Note | Output | Capacity | Size | Weight | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xcentz xWingMan Dual 5000 | Review | Smallest | 18W USB-C PD 18W Quick Charge 3.0 USB-A | 5,000mAh | 2.9 x 1.4 x 1.1 in | 3.6 oz | Price not available |
| No products found. | Review | Wireless charging | 18W USB-C PD 18W Quick Charge 3.0 USB-A 12W USB-A 10W Qi Wireless | 8,000mAh | 5.8 x 3 x 0.6 in | 7.0 oz | No products found. |
| Anker PowerCore 10000 PD Redux | Review | Popular and compact | 18W USB-C PD 12W USB-A | 10,000mAh | 4.2 x 2 x 1 in | 7.0 oz | Price not available |
| Novoo PowerCube Mini 10000 | Review | Budget friendly | 18W USB-C PD 18W Quick Charge 3.0 USB-A | 10,000mAh | 2.9 x 2.3 x 1 in | 6.3 oz | Price not available |
| Novoo Explorer 10000 | Review | Camping, outdoors | 18W USB-C PD 18W Quick Charge 3.0 USB-A | 10,000mAh | 5.5 x 2.8 x 0.7 in | 7.7 oz | Price not available |
| Anker PowerCore Essential 20000 PD | Best selling high capacity | 18W USB-C PD 18W PowerIQ 2.0 USB-A (Quick Charge 3.0 compatible) | 20,000mAh | 6.2 x 2.9 x 0.8 in | 12.1 oz | $61.99 | |
| ZMI PowerPack Aura 20K USB-C | Review | Budget friendly high capacity | 27W USB-C PD 18W Quick Charge USB-A 12W USB-A | 20,000mAh | 5.9 x 2.8 x 1 in | 13.4 oz | Price not available |
| No products found. | Review | Highest capacity good for all USA flights | 30W USB-C PD 12W USB-A x2 | 26,800mAh | 6.8 x 3.2 x 0.9 in | 16.3 oz | No products found. |
Don’t see a power bank you quite like? Or which is available in your region? Take what you’ve learned here and check out my larger power bank comparison list.
Prices are from Amazon Product Advertising API, last updated on 2024-12-23.