A portable charger (aka power bank) can mean the difference between stressing over your iPhone’s battery life. Or being able to use it all day long without worry. The best portable chargers for iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Mini, and iPhone 12 Pro/Pro Max can all fast charge them from 0-50% in 30 minutes. 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 iPhone 12.
Fast Charging iPhone 12
The iPhone 12 series uses USB Power Delivery (USB PD) as its fast-charging standard. With a USB-C charger offering 18W or more USB PD the phones will start fast charging. Under this mode charging from 0-50% takes around 30 minutes. The remaining 50% takes longer but is still faster using other types of chargers.
Learn more about USB Power Delivery and other fast charging standards.
Wired vs Wireless Charging
This guide only goes over wired fast chargers, but let’s go over the performance differences between wired and wireless chargers.
All wired chargers listed below will get your iPhone 12 from 0-50% in ~30 minutes. None of the wireless options can claim the same.
The iPhone 12 can wirelessly charge up to 15W (3-5W less than wired), but you must use Apple’s own 20W USB-C charger. Testing thus far has shown only Apple’s 20W charger gives the full 15W experience. Even when testing other 20W chargers and even Apple’s 96W charger. The iPhone 12 can also wirelessly charge using Qi tech, the same as any iPhone going back to the iPhone 8. But those will only give you up to 7.5W, less than half what a fast wired charger will.
If you want the fastest charging possible, with the smallest and lightest charger options, go wired. You can also enjoy the full charging speed with a cheaper third party option. If you want wireless and charge time matters, go with a MagSafe option and be sure to buy an Apple 20W USB-C charger, too.
USB-C to Lightning Cable
Besides a charger that offers 18W (or more) USB-C PD, you will also need a USB-C to Lightning cable. One is included with every model iPhone 12. If you need a second for work or travel check out this good selection of USB-C to Lightning cables. 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 iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12 Pro/Pro Max
Pocket Size
These portable chargers can fit in your jeans pocket. But are more comfortable in a jacket pocket. Their more limited capacity means fewer charges for your phone.
Among the smallest fast charging portable chargers on the market.
- Ports: USB-C, USB-A
- Output: 18W USB-C PD, Quick Charge 3.0
- Capacity: 5,000mAh
- iPhone 12: 1 charge
- iPhone 12 Mini: 1.5 charges
- iPhone 12 Pro: 1 charge
- iPhone 12 Pro Max: 1 charge
- Size: 2.9 x 1.4 x 1.1 inches | 3.6 oz
Review of the Xcentz xWingMan Dual 5000
Wireless Charging
These are Qi wireless charging power banks. They will charge the iPhone 12 up to 7.5W. To reach 15W requires MagSafe tech, which isn’t on any power bank as of this posting. All models will also fast charge using their USB-C port.
No products found.
Review of the AUKEY PB-Y25 Sprint Wireless 8000
Offers a bit more capacity for up to half a day more run time. But also makes it a few ounces heavier.
- Ports: USB-C, USB-A
- Output: 18W USB-C PD, 10W Qi Wireless
- Capacity: 10,000mAh
- iPhone 12: 2 charges
- iPhone 12 Mini: 3 charges
- iPhone 12 Pro: 2 charges
- iPhone 12 Pro Max: 2 charges
- Size: 5.9 x 2.8 x 0.7 inches | 10.7 oz
Review of the ZMI LevPower M10 USB-C
Compact
These offer 10,000mAh capacity. Their compact size makes them easy to fit in your bag for commute or travel. And they can be held along with your iPhone for charging while you talk, work, or play.
Anker's compact, portable fast charger for newer iPhones. Includes a trickle charge mode, good for earbuds and fitness trackers.
- Ports: USB-C, USB-A
- Output: 18W USB-C PD
- Capacity: 10,000mAh
- iPhone 12: 2 charges
- iPhone 12 Mini: 3 charges
- iPhone 12 Pro: 2 charges
- iPhone 12 Pro Max: 1.5 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. Offers the same fast charging. In more of a cubical form. And at a lower price.
- Ports: USB-C, USB-A
- Output: 18W USB-C PD, Quick Charge 3.0
- Capacity: 10,000mAh
- iPhone 12: 2 charges
- iPhone 12 Mini: 3 charges
- iPhone 12 Pro: 2 charges
- iPhone 12 Pro Max: 1.8 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.
- Ports: USB-C, USB-A
- Output: 18W USB-C PD, Quick Charge 3.0
- Capacity: 10,000mAh
- iPhone 12: 2 charges
- iPhone 12 Mini: 3 charges
- iPhone 12 Pro: 2 charges
- iPhone 12 Pro Max: 1.5 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. Making them big and heavy, but also offering enough power to keep your iPhone running for days. All are legal to fly within the USA.
Anker's cheapest high capacity portable charger. Made specifically with phones and other small devices in mind.
- Ports: USB-C, USB-A
- Output: 18W USB-C PD, PowerIQ 2.0 (Quick Charge compatible)
- Capacity: 20,000mAh
- iPhone 12: 4 charges
- iPhone 12 Mini: 6 charges
- iPhone 12 Pro: 4 charges
- iPhone 12 Pro Max: 3 charges
- Size: 6.4 x 2.9 x 1 inches | 15.8 oz
- Includes USB-C to USB-C cable to facilitate recharging
A more budget-friendly alternative to popular brands. Offers the same fast charging rate for your iPhone. 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
- iPhone 12: 4 charges
- iPhone 12 Mini: 6 charges
- iPhone 12 Pro: 4 charges
- iPhone 12 Pro Max: 3 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 iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12 Pro/Pro Max
| Charger | Note | Output | Capacity | Size | Weight | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xcentz xWingMan Dual 5000 | Review | Smallest | 18W USB-C PD | 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 10W Qi Wireless | 8,000mAh | 5.8 x 3 x 0.6 in | 7.0 oz | No products found. |
| ZMI LevPower M10 USB-C | Review | Wireless charging, more capacity | 18W USB-C PD 10W Qi Wireless | 10,000mAh | 5.9 x 2.8 x 0.7 in | 10.7 oz | Price not available |
| Anker PowerCore 10000 PD Redux | Review | Popular and compact | 18W USB-C PD | 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 | 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 | 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 | 20,000mAh | 6.2 x 2.9 x 0.8 in | 12.1 oz | $54.99 | |
| ZMI PowerPack Aura 20K USB-C | Review | Budget friendly high capacity | 27W USB-C PD | 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 | 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 2024-05-02.