Quick Summary: To fast-charge latest iPhones, Samsungs 2-3 times, we recommend Anker Zolo 10000 USB-C 30-watt with in-built USB-C cable It fast charges all iPhones (iPhone 16 & 15/14/13 to 8), from zero to 60% in about 30 mins via USB-C, and weighs under 7 oz (200 grams). Also fast charges latest Samsungs/Pixels to 50% in 30 mins. It can be charged fully in 3 hours and gives three charges from 30% to 100% to iPhone 16, 15/14/13/12/11 Pro.
For iPads, iPhones (5-6 charges), we recommend the new Anker PowerCore Zolo 20000 USB-C PD 30-watt with in-built USB-C cable – Fast charges latest iPhones/iPads/Samsungs, weighs 11 oz/315 grams. Can be charged fully in 5 hrs and gives six charges from 30% to 100% for iPhone 16, 15/14/13/12/11 Pro, about four 30% to 100% charges for S24 & S23/S22, two charges for iPad Pro 11.
For Macbooks/laptops, iPads, iPhones, Samsungs, we pick the new Anker PowerCore 737 140-watt Twin USB-C PD Can charge Macbooks/laptops, iPads, iPhones, Samsungs/Pixels at fastest speeds, has two USB-C ports + one USB port, and large battery capacity that is still under TSA limit for flights + a superb OLED display.
PowerCore, Prime, Nano, PowerCore III, PowerCore PD, PowerCore Lite/Redux are some of the brands from Anker – the most well known power bank brand in the world. Anker’s Astro brand is now obsolete and we recommend to only buy the PowerCores.
These similarly named and similar looking Anker power banks have different features and prices. You can even end up buying an older, slower, and obsolete power bank at a higher price than a newer modern Anker power bank!
For example, there are 8 types of PowerCore power banks in 10000 mAH battery capacity!
You can skip directly to our detailed comparison tables, or read our quick explanation of the difference between all available Anker power banks to select the best power bank. We have excluded the obsolete models.
#1 Anker Prime, Nano and PowerCore PD are the latest Anker USB-C power banks – Prime/Nano/ PD power banks can fast-charge latest iPhones (16, 15 series and also older 14, 13, 12/11/XR to 8/8+) from zero to 60% in 30 minutes by a USB-C cable (iPhone 16, 15) or USB-C to Lightning cable. These also fast charge (0 to 50% in 30-40 mins) all modern Samsung Androids and all Pixels. All will get charged at superfast speeds in 3-4 hours directly through USB-C port with USB-C power adapters or iPad Pro 11/12.9 adapters or Macbook USB-C chargers or any other 18+ watt USB-C PD charger.
- #1 Newest 2024 model! Zolo 10000 USB-C 30-watt with in-built cables Our top recommended USB-C power bank for fast-charging iPhone 16, 15/14/13, 12, 11 series at up to 30-watt fast speeds (~three charges from 30% to 100% for iPhone 16, 15/14/13/12/11/XR/X/8+, Samsung S/Note/A)
- #2 Anker Nano 10000 with built-in USB-C cable Same as above but with an OLED display This also has a handy built-in USB-C cable & 30-watt fast charging for all latest iPhones including 16/15 series.
- PowerCore III 10K Wireless USB-C 18-watt (~2 charges) Wireless + USB-C wired fast-charging for iPhones and Samsung S/Note/A
- Overpriced! Anker Prime 12000K 65-watt Avoid Costs almost two times our top choice above! iPhones/iPads and Samsungs/Pixels simply do not support 65-watt speed and capacity is too small for Macbooks
- PowerCore 323 10000 USB-C Avoid This is heavier, larger and slow charging and yet costs almost same as others!
- PowerCore 10000 PD Redux USB-C 25-watt Slightly faster charging. Higher price. Not slim. Avoid Get #1 or #2
- New! Anker Zolo 20000 USB-C PD 30-watt with in-built USB-C cable Perfect for fast-charging latest iPads, iPhones, Samsung S/Note/A. (~6 charges from 30% to full)
- PowerCore Essential 20000 USB-C PD 20-watt Avoid Zolo above is better than this. This one is heavier and charges slightly slower while costing about same.
Highest TSA-allowed capacity portable chargers
- New! Anker PowerCore 737 140-watt Twin USB-C PD 24000 mAH OLED Display, 2 USB-C ports. Great for MacBook Pro/Air, Laptops, iPads, Phones
- PowerCore III Elite 25600 Twin USB-C PD 87-watt with 65-watt USB-C PD PPS fast adapter Perfect lower cost alternative for MacBook Pro/Air, Surface, XPS, HP Lenovo laptops (~5-6 charges). Fast-charges Macbook Pro/Air & USB-C laptops
- PowerCore III Elite 25600 USB-C PD 60-watt with 65-watt USB-C PD fast adapter Perfect for MacBook Air, Surface, XPS, HP laptops (~5-6 charges). Fast-charges MacBooks & USB-C laptops
- PowerCore 26800 USB-C PD 45-watt with 60-watt USB-C PD fast adapter Good for MacBook Air (~5-6 charges). Fast-charges MacBooks & USB-C laptops
#3 PowerCore Essential/Slim/Lite Power banks – These have two ports for charging the power banks (USB-C and micro-USB). However, please note that even though these power banks can be charged via USB-C port, they CANNOT charge phones via USB-C port and cannot fast-charge latest iPhones 13/12, 11/XR/XS etc. or Samsung S/Note/A series These will charge all iPhones, Samsungs, LG/Moto/other Androids at charging speeds of around 2 amps to 2.4 amps (zero to 50% in 50-60 minutes). These also come with trickle charging mode for charging low-power devices such as wireless earbuds.
- PowerCore Slim 10000 Good value for money but we recommend ZMI 10000 USB-C instead (~2 full charges for iPhone 16, 15/14/13/12, 11/11 Pro/XR/X/8+, Samsung S/Note/A) Half-inch thick. Phone-sized
- PowerCore Essential 20100 Better get Essential 20000 USB-C PD (~4 charges) 15-watt max output
#4 PowerCore/PowerCore Redux power banks are the most basic. These have only the traditional micro-USB port for charging the power bank. These charge all iPhones, Samsungs, LG/Moto/ other Androids at charging speeds of around 2 amps to 2.4 amps (zero to 50% in 50-60 minutes). Samsung/LG/Moto charges will charge these in 7-10 hours and iPhone chargers will fully charge these power banks in 11 hours to 20+ hours (for 20000mah). To be honest, these are obsolete, and as these are not exactly cheaper, we suggest getting a PowerCore Slim 10000 if you want a super-low cost power bank.
- PowerCore 10000 (~2 full charges for iPhone 16, 15/14/13/12, 11/11 Pro/XR/X/8+/S10/S9/S8)
- PowerCore 26800 (~5-6 charges)
- Anker PowerCore 20100 Avoid Better get Essential 20000 PD (~4 charges)
- PowerCore 13000 (~3 charges)
- PowerCore 5000 (~1 charge)
- PowerCore+ Mini 3350 (~1 full charge for iPhone 8/7/6s/6/SE/5s)
PowerCore II series has been thankfully discontinued, lowering the confusion
Anker PowerCore 10000 vs PowerCore Slim 10000 vs PowerCore Slim 10000 PD
Anker currently offers 8 PowerCore power banks in 10000 mAh range – five in the table below, and 10000 PD Redux, PC Metro PD, and PC 10400
| Features | New! USB-C PD PowerCore Slim 10000 USB-C PD 20-watt |
USB-C PD PowerCore 10000 PD Redux 25-watt | PowerCore 10000 | USB-C PowerCore Slim 10000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 amp rapid charging for all iPhones | 0 to 50% in ~1 hr | 0 to 50% in ~1 hr | 0 to 50% in ~1 hr | 0 to 50% in ~1 hr |
| 2.4 amp rapid charging for older Samsungs & other Androids | 0 to 50% in ~1 hr | 0 to 50% in ~1 hr | 0 to 50% in ~1 hr | 0 to 50% in ~1 hr |
| Fastest USB-C PD charging for iPhone 15, 14, 13, 12, 11 Pro/Max, XR, XS Max, X/8/8+ 0 to 60% in 30 min |
20-watt USB-C PD iPhone 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, XR, 11 Pro/Max, XS, XS Max, X/8/8+ 0 to 60% in 30 min |
25-watt USB-C PD iPhone 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, XR, 11 Pro/Max, XS, XS Max, X/8/8+ 0 to 60% in 25 min |
||
| Fast charging for Samsung S24, S23/S22 series to S8, Note 10/9 0 to 50% in 30 min |
||||
| QuickCharge charge support | ||||
| Time to charge the powerbank | 3.5 hrs with USB-C PD wall chargers | 3.5 hrs with USB-C adapters | 7 hours | 7 hrs |
| Special Feature | 20-watt USB-C PD, specially for iPhone 12 series. Extra USB-A to C Cable | 25-watt is fastest charging for iPhones/Samsungs, USB-C PD, Two ports @ 6.8 oz/190 gm | Ultralight (6.3 oz/180 gm) | USB-C and micro-USB ports for charging the power bank Super slim (7.5 oz/210 gm) |
| Number of Charging Ports | 2 (One 20-watt USB-C PD + one 12-watt USB-A) | 2 (One 25-watt USB-C PD + one 12-watt USB-A) | 1 USB-A | 1 USB-A |
| Features | New Release! USB-C PD PowerCore Essential 20000 USB-C PD | USB-C PD PowerCore III 19200 45-watt USB-C PD | USB-C PowerCore Essential 325 20000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 amp rapid charging for all iPhones iPhone 8/7 /6s/6 /5s/SE 0 to 50% in 30 min iPhone 12/11/XR/X 8+/7+/6s+ 0 to 50% in ~1 hr min |
iPhone 14, 13, 12, 11, XR, XS, X, 8, 8+ zero to 60% in 30 min | iPhone 14, 13, 12, 11, XR, XS, X, 8, 8+ zero to 60% in 30 min | Can't fast-charge new iPhones 60% in 30 mins |
| 2.4 amp rapid charging for all Androids | 0 to 50% in ~1 hr | 0 to 50% in ~1 hr | 0 to 50% in ~1 hr |
| Fastest USB-C charging of iPhone 14, 13, series & 12, 11, XR, XS, X, 8, 8+ 0 to 50% in 30 min | 0 to 60% in 30 mins for latest iPhones | 60% in 30 mins | |
| Fast Charging for Samsung S23, 22 series to S8, Note 10/9 | 20 watt USB-C PD | 45-watt USB-C PD | |
| Time to recharge Powerbank | 6 hrs with 18w USB-C PD charger | 3 hrs with 45-watt USB-C PD charger | 12 hrs with 2.4 amp charger |
| Number of Ports | Two (1 USB-A and 1 USB-C) | Three (2 USB-A and 1 USB-C) | Two |
| Special Features | Best for iPhone 14, 13, 12, 11/11 Pro/Max XR/SE 2, XS/8/8+, iPads, all Pixels and latest Samsung S/Note smartphones | 45 watt max USB-C PD output Best for iPhones latest Samsungs, latest iPads and Macbooks Gets charged in 3 hrs |
Can be charged via USB-C port Light at 12.2 oz/240 gram Good for both iPhones and Android phones |
| Features | 45-watt USB-C PD PowerCore 26800 USB-C PD 45-watt with 60-watt USB-C PD charger | 87-watt USB-C PD PowerCore III 25600 USB-C PD 60-watt with 65-watt USB-C PD PPS charger | New! 140-watt twin USB-C PD PowerCore 737 24K USB-C | PowerCore 26800 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USB-C PD | 45-watt | 87-watt | 140-watt | |
| Fastest USB-C PD charging for iPhone 15, 14, 13, 12, 11 series, XR, XS/Max, X, 8, and 8+ 60% in 30 mins | up to 30w for iPhone 14 Pro Max | up to 30w for iPhone 14 Pro Max | up to 30w for iPhone 14/13/12 Pro Max | |
| Fast-charging for Samsung S/Note/A 24, 23/22, 20/10 etc. & Pixels | up to 25-watt for S24, S23/S22 Ultra | up to 25-watt for S24, S23/S22 Ultra | up to 25-watt for S24, S23/S22 Ultra | |
| Time to charge the powerbank | 3 hrs | 2.5 hrs | Just 1 hr with 140-watt Macbook Pro charger | 7 hrs |
| Special Features | 45-watt output gives fast charging for Macbooks and USB-C laptops. Also fast-charges latest iPhone 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, XR, SE2, X, 8, 8+, & Samsung S20, S10 S9, S8 etc. | 60 watt USB-PD charging for charging Macbook Pro/Air, Dell XPS etc. latest Android smartphones Samsung S24, S23, S22, iPhone 15, 14, 13, etc. | Two USB-C ports. Incredible 140-watt charging for Macbooks, OLED display | Gets charged in 7 hours using dual-input, No USB-C or QC 3.0 |
| Number of Ports | One USB-C & 2 USB-A ports | One USB-C & 2 USB-A | Two USB-C and one USB-A | 3 USB-A |
A quick analysis shows that the latest PowerCore PD, power bank supports fast-charging (USB-C PD). So it can both charge your phones fastest and also get recharged quickly in about 4-5 hours.
In Short –
The Zolo 10000 USB-C with in-built cables 30-watt USB-C PD power bank is our top pick overall. It will fast charge both latest iPhones 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 11 Pro/Max, XR/XS/Max/XS/X/8/8+ from zero to 60% in 30 minutes and also fast-charge latest Samsung/other Android phones as it offers 18-watt USB-C PD charging. It gets charged in just 3.5 hours with Samsung S/Note chargers or any 18-watt PD charger.
Even if you have an older iPhone 7/7 Plus/6/6s/5s/SE etc, Zolo 10000 USB-C 30-watt is a good future-proof choice, should you ever upgrade your phone in next 1-2 years.
If you want a micro-USB power bank because you have an old USB power adapter, then PowerCore Slim 10000 is our pick. It is especially suited if you have an Android phone with a micro-USB charger such as the Samsung S6, S5/S4. It is slim and phone sized, making it an excellent pocketable power bank. It gets charged in 4 hours and charges most iPhones including 16, 15, 14, 13/12 series, 11, 11 Pro/Max, XR/XS/X/8/7/6 from zero to 50% in 45-50 mins and Androids zero to 60% in 30 minutes.
In Detail –
Best for iPhones – Anker Zolo 10000 USB-C with in-built cables is currently the most future-proof and value for money power bank for current and future iPhones. PowerCore Slim 10000 PD comes with latest USB-C PD charging will charge latest iPhones (iPhone 16, 15/14/13/12/11, 12/11 Pro/Max, XS Max, XS, XR,X/8/8+) from 0 to 60% in 30 mins. This powerbank will also get charged in just 3.5 hours – faster than any other Anker 10000 mah capacity powerbank. PowerCore Slim 10000 PD will fully charge iPhone 16, 15/14/13/12/11, XS/XS Max/X/8 twice and iPhone 7/6 etc. three times. It is also Anker’s only 10000 mah powerbank with two charging ports and this allows you to charge two iPhones at once from it. For charging in 3.5 hours, we recommend Anker Powerport PD2 wall charger. This dual-port wall charger will also fast charge your iPhone 16, 15/14/13/12, 11, 11 Pro/Max, XS Max/XS/XR/X/8/8+ from 0 to 60% in 30 mins.
Best for Android Phones including Samsung latest S/Note/A, Pixels – PowerCore Slim 10000 PD USB-C power bank will fast charge most Samsung and other latest Android phones from 0 to 50% in about 30 minutes and get charged in 5 hours using Samsung wall chargers, most Android wall chargers, or any USB-C PD wall chargers. it will ALSO fast-charge iPhones, including latest iPhone 16, 15/14/13/12, 11, 11 Pro, XR, XS Max, XS,X/8 etc. from 0 to 60% in about 30 minutes.
PowerCore Slim 10000 is our next best choices for iPhones especially iPhones 7/6s/6/5/SE. It will charge iPhones, including latest iPhone 16, 15/14/13/12, 11, 11 Pro/Max, XS Max, XS,X/8 etc. and older from 0 to 50% in about 50 minutes. It recharges most Android phones from 0 to 50% in about an hour. The only downside is that all it gets recharged in minimum 7-8 hours using a 2.4 amp/12 watt wall charger.
Best for iPhone 7/6S/6/5/SE if you want your powerbank to get recharged using your old USB-A wall charger : PowerCore Slim 10000
PowerCore Slim 10000 has three extra features over plain vanilla PowerCore 10000 –
- It has same trickle charging mode for airpods etc.
- It can also be charged via USB-C (in addition to micro-USB)
- It is slim at .6 inches. and is flat phone sized
PowerCore Slim 10000 has same charging and recharging speeds as PowerCore 10000 but just comes in a different shape and newer outer design.
If you want a fastest charging power bank, avoid Slim 10000/PowerCore 10000 and instead simply buy PowerCore Slim 10000 PD .
Anker PowerCore 20000 vs PowerCore+ 20100 vs PowerCore Essential 20000
Anker currently offers eight PowerCore power banks in 20000 mAh range. Refer table below for the latest prices and purchase links from the only authorized Anker reseller – AnkerDirect.
| Features | New Release! USB-C PD PowerCore Essential 20000 USB-C PD | USB-C PD PowerCore III 19200 45-watt USB-C PD | USB-C PowerCore Essential 325 20000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 amp rapid charging for all iPhones iPhone 8/7 /6s/6 /5s/SE 0 to 50% in 30 min iPhone 12/11/XR/X 8+/7+/6s+ 0 to 50% in ~1 hr min |
iPhone 14, 13, 12, 11, XR, XS, X, 8, 8+ zero to 60% in 30 min | iPhone 14, 13, 12, 11, XR, XS, X, 8, 8+ zero to 60% in 30 min | Can't fast-charge new iPhones 60% in 30 mins |
| 2.4 amp rapid charging for all Androids | 0 to 50% in ~1 hr | 0 to 50% in ~1 hr | 0 to 50% in ~1 hr |
| Fastest USB-C charging of iPhone 14, 13, series & 12, 11, XR, XS, X, 8, 8+ 0 to 50% in 30 min | 0 to 60% in 30 mins for latest iPhones | 60% in 30 mins | |
| Fast Charging for Samsung S23, 22 series to S8, Note 10/9 | 20 watt USB-C PD | 45-watt USB-C PD | |
| Time to recharge Powerbank | 6 hrs with 18w USB-C PD charger | 3 hrs with 45-watt USB-C PD charger | 12 hrs with 2.4 amp charger |
| Number of Ports | Two (1 USB-A and 1 USB-C) | Three (2 USB-A and 1 USB-C) | Two |
| Special Features | Best for iPhone 14, 13, 12, 11/11 Pro/Max XR/SE 2, XS/8/8+, iPads, all Pixels and latest Samsung S/Note smartphones | 45 watt max USB-C PD output Best for iPhones latest Samsungs, latest iPads and Macbooks Gets charged in 3 hrs |
Can be charged via USB-C port Light at 12.2 oz/240 gram Good for both iPhones and Android phones |
In Short –
PowerCore Essential 20000 USB-C PD is the latest and most advanced release, supporting 18 watt maximum USB-C PD output for latest iPhones and Samsung/Pixel/LG/Moto etc. Android phones. PowerCore Essential 20000 PD gets fully charged in just 4 hrs with any PD charger and also supports fast-charging (50% in 30 mins) for the latest iPhone 16, 15/14/13/12, 11, 11 Pro/Max, XS Max, XS, XR, X, 8 and 8 Plus. It also charges latest Samsung phones S/Note/A phones from zero to 50% in 30 minutes. It even supports 18-watt QuickCharge.
PowerCore 20100 and PowerCore Essential 20000 are plain vanilla models that take minimum 9-10 hours to recharge and are more suited for iPhone owners and budget conscious buyers.
In Detail –
Most Future Proof and Best for latest Samsungs & iPhones 14/13/12/11 series to 8, 8 Plus – PowerCore Essential 20000 PD gets charged in 4 hours and can charge latest iPhones 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11 series/XR/XS/X/8/8+ from 0 to 60% in 30 mins.
Best for older iPhones (7/7+/6s/6/6s+/6+/SE/5s) – PowerCore Essential 20000 cost less and weigh less than PowerCore II/QC. Both of these will charge iPhones, including latest iPhone 16, 15/14/13/12, 11, 11 Pro/Max, XS Max, XS,X/8 etc. from 0 to 50% in about 45-50 minutes. Both will also recharge most Android phones from 0 to 50% in about an hour. Their only downside is that both these power banks get recharged in minimum 9-10 hours using a 2.4 amp/12 watt wall charger or iPad 12 watt wall charger.
Is newer PowerCore Essential 20000 better than PowerCore 20100?
PowerCore Essential 20000 largely has same charging and recharging features as old PowerCore 20100 and just differs in external design.
The three extra charging features of PowerCore Essential 20000 compared to PowerCore 20100 are –
- PowerCore Essential 20000 can be recharged using USB-C in slightly faster time (about 8 hrs) compared to about 10 hrs taken by PowerCore 10000. So, if you have a USB-C phone it makes sense to go for PowerCore Essential 20000 if you want to also use your phone charger cable to charge the powerbank.
- Essential 20000 has trickle charging mode support for low power devices
- Max output per port is 3 amp in Essential 20000 instead of 2.4 amp in PowerCore 20100. However, overall combined output of both powerbanks is still same – 4.8 amps. The 3 amp port of Lite is of no use for iPhones. It is only useful if you have certain Android phones (Google Nexus 5X/6/Pixel 2/Pixel 2XL and Motorola Moto phones that support 3 amp charging.
Anker PowerCore 26800 vs PowerCore+ 26800
27000 mah is the highest power bank capacity allowed by TSA for in-cabin luggage (carry on) on flights. Anker currently has four PowerCore 26800 mAh models.
| Features | 45-watt USB-C PD PowerCore 26800 USB-C PD 45-watt with 60-watt USB-C PD charger | 87-watt USB-C PD PowerCore III 25600 USB-C PD 60-watt with 65-watt USB-C PD PPS charger | New! 140-watt twin USB-C PD PowerCore 737 24K USB-C | PowerCore 26800 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USB-C PD | 45-watt | 87-watt | 140-watt | |
| Fastest USB-C PD charging for iPhone 15, 14, 13, 12, 11 series, XR, XS/Max, X, 8, and 8+ 60% in 30 mins | up to 30w for iPhone 14 Pro Max | up to 30w for iPhone 14 Pro Max | up to 30w for iPhone 14/13/12 Pro Max | |
| Fast-charging for Samsung S/Note/A 24, 23/22, 20/10 etc. & Pixels | up to 25-watt for S24, S23/S22 Ultra | up to 25-watt for S24, S23/S22 Ultra | up to 25-watt for S24, S23/S22 Ultra | |
| Time to charge the powerbank | 3 hrs | 2.5 hrs | Just 1 hr with 140-watt Macbook Pro charger | 7 hrs |
| Special Features | 45-watt output gives fast charging for Macbooks and USB-C laptops. Also fast-charges latest iPhone 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, XR, SE2, X, 8, 8+, & Samsung S20, S10 S9, S8 etc. | 60 watt USB-PD charging for charging Macbook Pro/Air, Dell XPS etc. latest Android smartphones Samsung S24, S23, S22, iPhone 15, 14, 13, etc. | Two USB-C ports. Incredible 140-watt charging for Macbooks, OLED display | Gets charged in 7 hours using dual-input, No USB-C or QC 3.0 |
| Number of Ports | One USB-C & 2 USB-A ports | One USB-C & 2 USB-A | Two USB-C and one USB-A | 3 USB-A |
Anker PowerCore III Elite 25600 PD 87-watt is the latest and most powerful Anker high-capacity power bank with maximum 87-watt USB-C PD charging output for MacBooks Pro/Air, Dell XPS, Microsoft Surface etc. and comes with a 65-watt USB-C PD PPS charger. This portable charger has two USB-C ports and supports 87-watt USB-C PD charging for Macbooks and USB-C laptops and also supports 20 & 18-watt USB-C PD charging for latest iPhone 16, 15/14/13/12 series, 11/11 Pro/Max, XR/XS/Max/X/8/8+, and Samsung S/Note, Pixel/LG/Moto Android phones. PowerCore III Elite 25600 PD 87-watt gets fully charged in just 2 hrs 15 mins with its included wall charger.
Anker PowerCore+ 26800 45-watt USB-C PD offers maximum 45-watt USB-C PD charging output suited for Macbooks and USB-C laptops and comes with a powerful 60-watt USB-C PD charger. The powerbank gets fully charged in just 3.5 hrs with the bundled charger. PowerCore+ 26800 45w PD supports 45-watt ultra-fast USB-C PD charging for Macbooks and USB-C laptops and also supports 18-watt USB-C PD fast charging (60% in 30 mins) for latest iPhone 16, 15/14/13/12, 11/11 Pro/Max, XR/XS/Max/X/8/8+, and Samsung, Pixel/LG/Moto Android smartphones.
At the end, is the plain vanilla PowerCore 26800 with no Quickcharge for Androids. It still charges all iPhones twice as fast as Apple 5-watt power adapter and charges Samsungs/Androids at max 12-watt – not bad for its price. It a notable feature – dual inputs and hence can be recharged in about 7 hours, which is fast for a powerbank of this capacity.
Anker PowerCore 13000
| Features | PowerCore 13000 |
|---|---|
| Quickcharge Output > to charge phones Input > to quickly charge the powerbank itself | |
| 2.4 amp rapid charging for iPhones & Androids | 0 to 50% in 50 mins |
| Weight | 8.5 oz Lightest in class |
| Special Notes | Value for Money Compact Light PowerBank |
| 18 or 20-watt USB-C PD fast-charging for latest iPhones & Samsungs | |
| Number of Ports | 2 |
Anker PowerCore 5000 vs PowerCore Fusion 5000 vs PowerCore 321
Anker has four powerbanks in the 5000 mAH category.
| Features | Anker PowerCore III Wireless 5K for iPhone 12 series | Anker PowerCore III Wireless 5K for iPhone 12 series | PowerCore Fusion 5000 | PowerCore 5000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Special Feature | Two ports (one USB-C) , Fast 12-watt charging | Wireless snap-on magnetic charging for iPhone 14, 13, 12 series Ultra-light & Slim | Combines foldable wall charger + powerbank > Great for travel | |
| 12-watt fast charging | ||||
| 12 watt fast charging for powerbank itself | ||||
| Number of Charges for iPhone 14, 13 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Weight/ Ports | 4.5 oz (130 gm), 1 USB-C port for wired charging | 4.6 oz (130 gm), 1 USB-C port for wired charging | 4.23 oz, 2 | 4.8 oz, 1 |
PowerCore 321 is an ultracompact 5,200 mAH powerbank with one USB-C and one USB-A port for charging. It has decent 12 watt fast input/output and premium looks. At just 4.5 oz (130 grams), it is an excellent compact option. Charges iPhone 16, 15/14 Pro from 10% to 100% once.
PowerCore 5000 is the tiny cylinder-shaped model which is similar to the even-smaller lipstick-size PowerCore 3350. However, a killer feature of PowerCore 5000 is that it offers 2 Amp fast charging (as well as 2 Amp fast recharging of powerbank) which the 3350 version does not offer.
PowerCore Fusion 5000 is a unique combo of wall charger and powerbank and is a good choice if you want your wall charger and powerbank in one package. When used as wall charger, it will first charge your phone and then charge itself. It supports 2 amp fast charging as well.
Hey guys. I’m looking for a 10000mah power bank that can charge a Huawei p30 pro new edition and an iPhone XR efficiently.
Still conflicted between PowerCore+ and PowerCore II. Which is compatible with iPad Pro 2018? Which is better?
Hi Ria,
For the iPad Pro 2018, the best option is the newly launched PowerCore Essential 20000 PD. This portable charger will fast-charge the iPad Pro 2018 as fast as its Apple charger and also get fast-charged with the iPad Pro’s USB-C charger in about 6-7 hours. Additionally, PowerCore Essential 20000 PD will also fast-charge latest iPhones 11/11 Pro/XR/X8/8+ from zero to 50% in 30 minutes.
Thanks.
Wish i had read/found this first
Great advice and great reads. But, I think I am suffering from overload. I could use some advice. My wife and I travel a bit, all in USA, and recently upgraded from iPhone 6 cells to an XS for me and an XS Max for her. We also bought 13″ MacBook Pros last year. We need an occasional charge for our iPhones and single MiFi Jetpack but not the laptops. I like the convenience of quick charging the phones and the battery pack, 13 oz. or less, fit in a pocket (under 6″), two charging ports, and the USB C since an Apple 60 watt charger is usually in our carry-on luggage or car. A one charge for each phone is sufficient for a day. I would also like to stay under $80.
I have had good experiences with Anker, Aukey, and RavPower products but never bought a battery pack–last one I had was a very small unknown device that would charge an old flip phone but nothing else. I read your comment on Fast Charge PD chargers and it made sense, I think. I am also assuming the Apple 60 watt charger will be safe to use on iPhones and battery packs? I realize I will need USB-C and Lighting cables. Thank you.
Hi Gary, Considering your specific requirements, we will recommend either of these two powerbanks:
Zendure UltraSlim 10000 PD – This is very light (under 7 oz), slim, pocketable, well under your budget, will fast-charge your both phones (iPhone Xs & iPhone Xs Max) once each, and will also get fast-charged in 4 hrs through the Macbook charger. Zendure makes quality powerbanks and you can be sure of similar quality as Anker or RAVpower.
Anker PowerCore Speed 20000 PD. If you want an Anker powerbank, then this is the powerbank that comes closest to meeting all your criteria and is also well under your budget at the moment due to festival season promotion. It weighs slightly more than 13-oz and is about half-inch longer than 6″ but makes up for these by being able to charge your both phones twice each.
Apple 60 watt charger is safe to use for charging both of these powerbanks.
Thanks!
Thank you so much, I feel much better now and your recommendations are reassuring.
I have an iPhone 6S and just bought a PowerCore Lite 20000. The cord that came is real short and I am using the wall plug that came with my iPhone. What do you recommend for charging the PowerCore ?
Hi, The most recommended wall charger for PowerCore Lite 20000 will be one with 2.4 to 3amp output as 3 amp is max charging input of PowerCore Lite 20000. We therefore recommend
Value for money option – Anker 24 Watt dual-port wall charger – This will simultaneously charge your powerbank close to maximum possible speed (2.4 amp) and also fast charge your iPhone 6S at its max possible charging speed.
Best Possible Option – RAVPower 30W Triple=USB-C wall charger – This can simultaneously fast charge both your powerbank (3 amp) and your iPhone 6S (2.1 amp) at max possible speeds. Thanks!
Hi there,
I am looking at buying a power bank for day to day use and travelling, I own an Iphone 6 at the moment but will be upgrading sometime next year.
I was looking at the Anker PowerCore 5000 and the Anker PowerCore Slim 5000.
Are you able to explain to me what the 5000 means for both of these?
Would there be any other powerbanks that would would recommend over the Anker ones?
Thanks,
Jess
Hi Jess, 5000 refers to the battery capacity of these powerbanks (5000 mAh). For example, iPhone 6 has a battery capacity of about 1,700 mah. Due to voltage conversion and loss during conversion charging, only about 70% of your powerbank’s capacity will be effectively available. This means that with a 5000 mAh powerbank such as PowerCore 5000 and the Anker PowerCore Slim 5000, you will be able to charge your iPhone 6 twice.
In this capacity and weight range, PowerCore Slim 5000 is one of the best powerbanks in our opinion. A good alternative is the RAVPower 6700, which will give you 30% more battery capacity at lower price and similar weight/quality. However, PowerCore Slim 5000 is easy to hold in the hand with the phone while charging due to slimmer design. Thanks!
Hi Guys,
I want to ask for a recommendation for the fastest and smallest power bank that supports fast charging for iPhone 8. Minimum 10,000mah.
It’s have to be pocket size.
Thanks.
Hi,
The smallest decent powerbank that supports fast-charging for iPhone 8 is Aukey 10000 mAH UUSB PD portable charger. It has a slim design and is pocket sized as well.
Thanks
Thanks for this website. It’s very helpful. Sorry for my English as I speak French.
I have read everything but I still have a few questions. There are five PowerCore powerbanks in 20000 mAh range. Right now, I have an Iphone SE. I will soon upgrade to a newer Iphone version or maybe an android so I need a versatile powerbank. (I understand Iphone do not support quick charge). While on vacation, I would have to recharge both an cellphone and a compact camera. Should I go with the USB-C or the quick charge option?
I am not sure I understand the difference between USB-C and quick charge 🙁
I do not know which one to choose between the PowerCore+ 20100 USB-C, the PowerCore II 20000 and the PowerCore Speed 20000. Thanks a lot!
Hi Murielle,
Thanks for the query, your English is great! 🙂 Considering your unique requirements, we will first try to explain the latest Quickcharge vs USB-C PD situation and then recommend suitable powerbanks.
As of now, all indications point that the trend is towards USB-C PD due to support from BOTH Google and Apple. The latest Apple iPhones (iPhone 8, 8x, & iPhone X) support a maximum of 18 watt USB-C charging allowing you to charge your phone to 50% in 30 mins and 80-85% in 1 hour. The latest and upcoming Android phones also support 15 to 30 watt power over USB-C as well.
Therefore, the best future proof option among smartphone power banks is to select a good USB-C PD powerbank, preferably a 18 watt to 30 watt USB-C PD powerbank.
If you have to choose among Anker’s currently available 20000 mAH products, the best pick is Anker PowerCore Speed 20000 PD which has a 22.5 watt USB-C PD output. It also comes bundled with a 30 watt USB-C charger and hence you will not have to buy the wall charger separately. It is out top choice as –
– It supports iPhone X, 8, 8+ maximum charging current/speed
– Latest Android phones’ maximum charging current/speed
– 2 ports
– Bundled high quality 30 watt USB-C wall charger makes it a great value for money buy
– You can charge the powerbank in 4 hours with the USB-C wall charger
Please do let us know if you have further queries.
PS. Apologies for the late reply, our comment spam plugin had mistakenly blocked a lot of valid comments as well.
Thank you for an interesting article. I can’t figure why they don’t put a product selector guide on their site!
Hi – A story idea for you:
Just to let you know where I am coming from…I am currently looking for a large capacity power bank for use during hurricanes. I will be pairing it with a solar panel so I will be able to charge cell phones and other devices during a blackout that can last a week or so (or longer, poor PR!).
So I am interested in the large power banks. 50000 m/Ah kind. These are kind of popular in this area. FYI hurricane season is June to October, peaking Aug and Sept. So if you are interested in getting traffic from this part of the world, maybe look into the high capacity products?
I have no idea what I am doing, really, so it would be great to have some info.
Thanks for reading
Dot