Tested and Reviewed: 12 Best Portable Chargers for Travelers

Battery capacity: 5,000 mAh
Dimensions: 3'' x 1'' x 1''
Charging power: One full phone charge

As someone who keeps their phone at a chronically low battery level, portable chargers are the most common stocking stuffer, bonus birthday gift, and regifting fodder I receive. My own device maintenance shortcomings aside, this charger from Veger is the one that finally helped the habit stick. I appreciate how discreet and simple the design is (a bevel-edged power bank about the size of my palm with just one button to switch it on). There’s no fussing with any distracting and buzzy haptics; when you charge the bank itself, five subtle lights blink to indicate its power level. I’m also a big fan of the fact that there’s no proprietary charging cable. The bank plugs into a regular USB-C cable, so if I happen to have it on hand while I’m charging my laptop or my Switch Lite, giving it some juice is all but instinct. And since it fits snugly at the bottom of my phone when charging, I can charge on the go, slipping my phone into my jacket pocket and making my commute just as easily as I would without it.

This is a great option for a portable charger if you’re the kind of person who needs as few obstacles in the way as possible to charge your phone. The one downside is the narrow range of devices the bank works with: This charger only works for iPhones prior to the iPhone 15, but Veger has plenty of other options compatible across device types. —Kat Chen, editorial assistant, destinations

Pros: Discreet design; one button switch
Cons: There's only one lightning plug and it takes longer to charge devices (around two hours) than others on the list

Battery capacity: 5,000 mAh
Dimensions: 4'' x 2'' x 0.5''
Charging power: One full phone charge

I got this charger earlier this year after seeing a friend use it during a trip we took together, and now I never leave the house without it. It's compact and magnetic so I don't have to worry about carrying around a charging cable—especially important since I had just upgraded to an iPhone 15. Most of the time, I don’t even need to take my phone case off for it to start charging and it easily fits in my jacket pocket. There's also a version with a built-in stand. The battery provides a full charge and still has enough power for a half-charge before needing to be plugged in. Plus, it can charge my AirPods, which is very convenient. —Kayla Brock, associate social media manager

Pros: The compact and lightweight design makes it easy to travel with
Cons: It gets warm while charging

Battery capacity: 10,000 mAh
Dimensions: 6" x 3" x 0.7"
Charging power: Two full phone charges

I’ve had this BioLite charger for two years, and while there are smaller versions I prefer for day-to-day use (this one’s less than a pound, but about the same dimensions as my iPhone 13 Pro Max, which is to say a bit bigger than I’d like when carrying it in a purse), it’s a reliable option for trips when you know access to outlets may be infrequent, and can toss it in a backpack or tote. It has two USB slots and one USB-C slot, so I’ve used it to power up other devices like my Kindle, FitBit, and AirPods. You can get two to three full phone charges before needing to plug in the battery park; for more charge time—up to five hours—upgrade to the Charge 80. —Madison Flager, senior commerce editor

Pros: Multiple outlets to charge devices
Cons: A pricier option compared to others on the list

Battery capacity: 10,000 mAh
Dimensions: 5" x 2" x 1"
Charging power: Two full phone charges

I’ve had this portable charger for about a year and a half now. I was intrigued to find one that didn’t need a separate charger—it has a fold-down plug that you can stick directly into the wall when it’s running low. I’ve charged my laptop, phone, and even camera with it. It has three built-in fast-charging cables that are compatible with Android and Apple devices, and three different cable ports along the bottom. It usually takes about two to three hours to fully charge and when I’m using it passively that can get me through two charges. It’s on the larger side, about the size of a long bifold wallet. I’ve been able to charge my Apple watch, phone, and camera with it. This is always tucked away in my backpack or tote, especially on longer flights. —Paris Wilson, commerce writer

Pros: The plug-in design makes it easy to recharge
Cons: A larger, bulkier option

Battery capacity: 4,500 mAh
Dimensions: 3" x 2" x 1"
Charging power: One full phone charge

I never go anywhere—to work, to dinner, to travel—without this tiny portable charger. It’s about the size of my AirPods case or my favorite lipstick, meaning I can pack it in nearly any fanny pack, sling bag, or tote I’m carrying. And while I love it most for its compact size, it also really works—giving my phone a full charge on the go. I’ve been using mine to charge my iPhone for years and have even gifted it to several family members and friends. —Meaghan Kenny, commerce editor

Pros: Compact and easy to travel with
Cons: Only able to use on select phone models

Battery capacity: 20,000 mAh
Dimensions: 11" x 5" x 2"
Charging power: Three full phone charges

I never leave the house without my portable charger. I’m very meticulous about my phone battery and my portable charger is super easy to carry around all day. I’ve had it for six years and have had no use for anything else. It has two ports so I can charge multiple devices at once and it’s small enough to fit in my purse or my fanny pack while traveling. It’s quite thick so you don’t feel like it will break on you. Charging it is easy. There is a small cord that you plug into its side and then plug the charger into the wall, but any type of similar cord will work. It does take a while to charge, about a day if you want it to be full. However, the battery will last you at least three or four charges to your phone. —K.B.

Pros: It has the leading charging power on the list
Cons: Not as easy to fit into a purse since it's bigger and it takes a while to recharge

Battery capacity: 12,000 mAh
Dimensions: 4" x 2" x 2"
Charging power: Two full phone charges

This ultra-fast charger has been a lifesaver on longer travel days. I took this with me on a recent trip to Michigan where I experienced some travel delays due to weather. While the rest of the passengers we're vying for an open outlet, my fiancé and I were able to comfortably stay seated and pass the charger back and forth. We were able to fully charge both my laptop and his phone within an hour. One of the features I appreciate the most about the charger is the large number that lights up to tell you just how much power is left before the battery needs a moment to recharge. —P.W.

Pros: Charges devices quickly, compatible with USB-C and USB
Cons: Heavy

Battery capacity: 10,000 mAh
Dimensions: 3" x 2" x 1"
Charging power: Two full phone charges

The nimble Champ portable charger comes in bright colors with a lanyard wristband—who knew a charger could be so cute! You can feel good about this purchase, too: Made from 90% recycled plastic and packaged in post-consumer scrap paper, it saves an average of 7.4 lb. of CO2 compared to other portable chargers. Now onto the tech: There are two USB-C fast-charging ports so you can charge two devices at once, and the juice lasts up to three days. The size is light and compact—it’s smaller than a deck of cards—so it’s easy to slip into a pocket or purse. A portable charger has become a non-negotiable for me on trips where I know I’ll be filming lots of footage or using power-draining navigational maps. —Hannah Towey, associate editor, transportation and travel news

Pros: There are at least five colorways to choose from and the battery lasts up to three days
Cons: Pricier than some of the other options on our list

Battery capacity: 10,000 mAh
Dimensions: 6" x 3" x 0.6"
Charging power: Two full phone charges

Having a compact charger that can easily slide into a purse is a must-have while traveling. I've been packing it into my running vest during morning jogs, just in case my phone battery begins to run low while I'm out. It also accompanies me while running errands and fits comfortably into my sling bag, small purses, and even most of my long winter jackets. —P.W.

Pros: Made with a durable exterior; includes a USB-C and micro USB charging port
Cons: Hard to tell how much power the charger has left

Battery capacity: 10,000 mAh
Dimensions: ‎5" x 3" x 0.5"
Charging power: Two full phone charges

Until being asked to test one for this article, I never really used a portable charger. This was not for lack of need—my phone’s battery is perennially in the orange, and no lifestyle changes or memory tricks have availed in fixing who I am as a forgetful person. Keeping this Inui power bank in my messenger bag has, quite simply, made my life a whole lot easier. The charge comes lightning-fast, and its charging port is the same as required for my Macbook. Plus there are two USB out ports so you can charge two devices (even three, if you want to use the charging port as well!) at once. The little paw tracks how charged up it is at any given time, with little toes blinking blue from left to right, which is just icing on the cake. —Charlie Hobbs, associate editor

Pros: Can charge up to three devices at once; slim; charges devices quickly
Cons: A bit heavy

Battery capacity: 6,000 mAh
Dimensions: 4" x 3" x 0.5"
Charging power: One full phone charge

I was very impressed with this ultra-slim power bank. It’s about the size of a credit card and lightweight, easily fitting in my jacket pocket or purse. Conveniently, it features two built-in cables and a USB to charge an iPhone or other devices directly. These small built-in cables can be neatly tucked into the device when you’re not using them, so there’s no need to worry about tangled cords in your tech case. It gives my iPhone a full charge quickly, and can even charge multiple devices at one time. Another feature I love: There’s a small LED light on the device that lets you see how much charge the power bank has left. —M.K.

Pros: Small, built-in fast-charging cables 
Cons: Power bank drains quickly

Battery capacity: 2,500 mAh power
Dimensions: 5" x 3" x 0.5"
Charging power: One full phone charge

Calpak is a Traveler team favorite, but I hadn’t had a chance to branch out to more of its travel accessories. This portable charger not only charges your devices but is in a beautiful leather luggage tag that you can personalize. I’ve taken it on flights to Barcelona and Cleveland, and it has yet to let me down. It was my saving grace while at the airport, and was an everyday necessity when I was on walking tours. It’s smaller than an iPhone but just as thin, so it can fit into a jacket pocket or crossbody bag. You can only charge one device at a time and while it is helpful, it's not a charger you should rely on for more than a few hours. If you use it more as a luggage tag, you'll need to take the charger off before checking in your luggage at the airport. —P.W.

Pros: Small, thin, lightweight
Cons: Only charges one device at a time