Here at the Strategist UK, we like to think of ourselves as obsessive (in the best way) about the stuff we buy, but as much as we’d like to, we can’t try everything. Which is why we have People’s Choice, in which we find the best-reviewed products and single out the most convincing ones. (You can learn more about our rating system and how we pick each item here.)
And while we’ve written about all sorts of electronics before — including the best smart TVs and water flossers — here we’ve rounded up the very best selection of portable chargers, as praised by the most enthusiastic reviewers on Amazon.
Best-rated overall portable charger
The Anker Power Bank has an exceptionally high star rating of 4.8, with 86 percent of its (almost) 27,000 reviews being five stars. The charger has a mAh (milliamp hours) of 26,800: For reference, an iPhone 11 requires 3,110 mAh per full charge, meaning the Power Bank can charge your phone up to eight times before it needs charging itself.
The device comes equipped with three USB outputs, meaning that up to three different devices can be charged at any one time simultaneously. One reviewer said that these various inputs were a lifesaver on a camping trip with her boyfriend, whose (cheaper) portable charger broke before the first evening, meaning that her Power Bank became their only source of power for the weekend. Another reviewer said that in addition to using the charger on the go, he found it rather convenient to use around the house, as he no longer had to sit near a socket to revive his iPad. A few reviewers did mention that the device is rather weighty, but that its usefulness made the burden worthwhile.
Best-rated less-expensive portable charger
For a fraction of the price, this much lighter option (also from Anker) is also popular, with an average star rating of 4.7 from its 19,137 reviews. With a 10,000 mAh, it can fully charge an iPhone 11 at least twice, and three times fully for smaller devices. One reviewer said that they now couldn’t imagine leaving the house without their mini-Anker, claiming they no longer have to fear the dreaded one-percent-battery tube ride home. Another claimed that they had the portable charger to thank for keeping their phone alive in order to snap hundreds of pictures on their nine-day coach trip from London to Croatia. At least four reviewers did mention that the PowerCore took a few hours to fully charge, but that if you manage to plan ahead or charge it overnight, it was no problem whatsoever.
Best-rated pocket-size portable charger
For a handbag or pocket-friendly option, the Anker Astro manages to house 5,200 mAh of power in a chocolate-bar-size charger. 75 percent of its almost 20,000 reviews are five stars, and notably, 200 customers made a specific point to implore others to buy the device within their reviews. Another 400 reviewers called the charger easy to use, and 15 said the charger’s clear lights, indicating how much power the bank has left, made planning their phone usage a breeze. 193 reviewers said that the piece of kit offered amazing value for money, with one customer saying that whilst they couldn’t put a price on the peace of mind having the bank in his bag on long journey’s provides, £18 was pretty fair enough.
Best-rated wireless portable charger
Where all of the other portable chargers on this list require a cable to be used, the iWalk slots directly into your phone. Unfortunately, the input is designed specifically for products that require a lightning cable, so if your device uses a type-C or micro USB, this is not the option for you. However, at least 2,874 lightning-port product owners have managed to use the product, rating it an average of 4.3 stars. 21 reviewers called the product handy, and one reviewer said that the product was an absolute essential for people like her who always seem to forget to pack a charging lead in their handbag.
Best-rated solar-powered portable charger
Another option on the list with a unique feature is this Kilponen charger, fitted with miniature solar panels that allow it to be charged by sunlight, in addition to by a regular outlet. One reviewer said that he was pleasantly surprised that the solar panels worked so well, finding the bank fully charged after leaving it on his car’s dashboard whilst he was at work. With a 26,800 mAh, the bank holds just as much power as our top-rated overall option, and comes with two USB outlets, meaning that two devices can be charged at the same time. Eight of the bank’s 1,511 reviewers said the piece of kit offered great value for money, and one reviewer even said that she’d found it a surprisingly stylish addition to her bag.
The Strategist UK is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Read about who we are and what we do here. Our editors update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.