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There’s nothing more frustrating than being on a long flight and finding out that the charging ports aren’t working or worse, the seats lack them altogether! That’s where the best portable charger for travel becomes indispensable, even if you’re not always glued to your phone. Having a backup power source ensures your phone and other essential devices stay powered up during emergencies, making it a must-have for every traveler.
Moreover, a travel charger provides peace of mind and flexibility that airport outlets or hotel lobbies often can’t offer. It’s handy not just during travels but also on days when you forget to charge your phone or run low on battery after using apps like Google Maps or social media.
Travel Hack: Download the offline map of the areas you plan to visit before going out, this allows for less data and battery drain while using Google Maps or similar on the road.
The best travel chargers are compact, portable, and have a battery life that can last you more than one charge (an especially helpful feature for group travel). Read on for full reviews of our favorite portable chargers.
Also read The Ultimate Guide for Female Travelers
Table of Contents
What are the qualities to look for in the best portable charger for travel?
When selecting the best portable charger for travel, consider your specific needs carefully. Determine how many devices require backup charging during your typical travel duration and their power requirements. Ensure the charger supports simultaneous charging and recharging. Check for compatibility with different cable types and assess if additional accessories are necessary. Evaluate the charger’s portability in terms of weight and size. Look for built-in cables and wireless charging capabilities. Consider the charging speed and the number of full charges the charger can provide. By addressing these factors, you’ll find the ideal portable charger to keep your devices powered up while on the go.
A portable charger, also known as a power bank, travel charger, battery pack, fuel bank, pocket power cell, or backup charging device, is essential for travelers. In this article, we’ll use these names interchangeably to refer to the same type of item.
Deciding on the features you need in a portable charger is key before buying one, so let’s break down some of the features we look out for and why.
How many devices need a backup charge during your typical travel time and how much power do they need?
When searching for the best portable charger for travel, consider factors like mAh capacity, size, and compatibility with your devices. Choose between models with multiple cables or built-in ports for USB and USB-C cords, depending on your charging needs. Opt for a charger tailored to your specific devices, whether it’s for smartphones, laptops, smartwatches, earphones, or even powering your car during road trips. Finding the right portable charger ensures you stay connected and powered up no matter where your travels take you.
Qualities to look for in a portable charger?
There are a few things worth thinking about when you’re shopping for a portable charger.
Capacity: Portable chargers are rated in milliampere-hours (mAh), but this can be deceiving. The actual power output depends on factors like cable quality, device type, and charging method (such as Qi wireless charging, which is less efficient). Keep in mind that you may not always achieve the maximum stated capacity.
Charging Speeds and Standards: Devices like smartphones measure charging rates in watts (W), although power banks often list voltage (V) and amperage (A). To calculate wattage, multiply the voltage by amperage. Achieving maximum speed depends on your device’s capabilities, supported standards (like Power Delivery for iPhones or Quick Charge for many Androids), and cable quality.
Pass-Through: Some power banks allow charging while simultaneously powering another device (pass-through). However, not all support this feature due to potential issues like rapid cycling and reduced lifespan. It’s essential to be cautious with pass-through charging as it can lead to overheating issues in portable chargers.
Travel: It’s generally safe to travel with a power bank, but there are two key restrictions to remember when boarding a flight:
- Carry-On Requirement: Your portable charger must be in your carry-on luggage and cannot be checked in.
- Capacity Limit: The power bank must not exceed 100 Wh (watt-hours). For capacities larger than 27,000 mAh, it’s advisable to check with the airline beforehand.
As long as your power bank falls within these limits, you should not encounter any issues while traveling.
What does mAh stand for?
mAh stands for milliampere-hours, a unit used to measure battery capacity. The higher the mAh rating, the more power a battery can store. Charger capacities vary widely, from 1,000 mAh to 50,000 mAh. For travel, a power bank between 5,000 to 10,000 mAh is suitable. If you charge multiple devices or require higher voltage, consider a higher-capacity power bank.
Read The Essential Travel Safety Guide for Women
Choosing the best portable chargers for your travels
Now that you know the rudimentary information about power banks, see below for the different types and uses that may appeal to your way of travel.
The best overall portable charger – Anker PowerCore Fusion 10,000 mAh
This compact portable charger doubles as a wall adapter which solves the pass-through issue many other chargers go in flames for. Now you can charge your device while also charging the power bank without worrying about overheating issues. The Anker PowerCore Fusion offers a highly efficient and convenient solution every traveler has encountered many times on the road, forgetting to charge the power bank. At least, as long as the Anker gets used as the device’s wall socket charger.
The best travel charger for road trips – AstroAI S8 Car Jump Starter
If you’re a road trip enthusiast like me, you understand the frustration of car battery issues, especially during winter travels. A portable charger is not just handy for journeys; it’s a lifesaver when your battery needs a boost unexpectedly. This charger can fully charge in approximately 4 hours and has the power to jump-start vehicles with 6.0 L gas or 3.0 L diesel engines, including trucks. Alongside its jump-starting capabilities, it features 2 USB ports for charging other devices and includes a built-in flashlight for emergencies. With this portable charger by your side, you can travel worry-free and be prepared for any unexpected power needs on the road.