March 2026: Japan has joined in on the power bank restrictions – you can read more below.
Power banks have become essential accessories for modern life, providing a convenient way to keep your phone and other devices powered up while on the go. They come in a range of sizes and capacities – from compact 10,000 mAh models for quick top-ups to larger 20,000 mAh options capable of charging laptops.
All the options we feature are flight-safe (though airlines may have extra restrictions), so you can take them with you when travelling. We also include MagSafe wireless power banks – once exclusive to Apple devices but now widely available, thanks to cases that add the functionality to a broad range of phones.
In our reviews, we explain how many charges a power bank can provide for your phone or laptop and whether it supports fast charging. We also test additional features such as pass-through charging and low-current modes. Since product specifications on sites like Amazon can be misleading, we personally verify key details – including dimensions and weight – to ensure accuracy.
For more advice on choosing the best power bank, understanding your device’s charging protocols, and comparing capacities, explore the detailed FAQ section at the end of this guide.
Power bank in-flight ban update: March 2026
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A growing number of airlines around the world have introduced in-flight restrictions on using or charging power banks.
Japan has moved to ban all in flight use or charging of power banks from mid-April 2026. This announcement came direct from the transport ministry rather than any specific airline. You will be restricted to carrying no more than two power banks (or other batteries) and they must be under 160Wh each.
For Australian airlines, and Virgin Australia has banned in flight power bank use from December 1, 2025, while Qantas, QantasLink, Rex and Jetstar did the same from December 15. Power banks generally must be in your cabin baggage only (like a bag under your seat), and not in the overhead storage.
Emirates introduced a ban of in-flight power bank use from October 1, 2025. You will also be limited to one power bank under 100 Wh, and it must be placed in your seat pocket or a bag under the seat in front of you, not in the overhead stowage bins.
The Civil Aviation Administration of China has also recently gone further, and totally banned power banks on domestic flights unless they have a China Compulsory Certification (3C) mark.
Want to know more, and read the full list of airlines with new rules and bans? Jump to our dedicated in-flight ban FAQ below, or for travel tips, take a look at our guide on how to travel safely with a power bank.
It’s also worth checking to see if you own one of the 19 power banks recalled in Australia in the last 5 years.
Lindsay Handmer
Lindsay is a long-serving contributor to TechRadar, handling testing and reviews across a wide range of products. When not trying to collect and test every last power bank available, he’s usually found tinkering with electronic projects like off-grid solar power or boating on Australia’s magnificent waterways.
The best power bank of 2026 in Australia
Below you’ll find full write-ups for each of the best power banks in our list. We’ve tested each one extensively so you can be sure that our recommendations can be trusted.
The best power bank overall
Image 1 of 5
Buy it if
✅ You need to fast charge a laptop: The 100W USB-C output is perfect for power-hungry devices.
✅ You need a large capacity power bank: The No.20 has a large 25,000 mAh capacity.
✅ You use your power bank a lot: The quality components in the No.20 make it ideal for heavy use.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You need a pocket size power bank: The No.20 is on the larger size and best suited for slipping into a bag.
❌ You want a detailed display: The No.20 tells you the remaining capacity, but doesn’t show extra details like output wattage.
Featuring a large 25,000 mAh (90 Wh) capacity and a high 100W single port output, the ZMI No.20 is perfect for meeting your varied on-the-go charging needs. The power bank has two USB-C input / outputs – the first USB-C port outputs or charges at 100W (20V, 5A), while the second is limited to 45W (20V, 2.25A) in or out. The third port is USB-A and can also do up to 100W (20V, 5A) for PD spec devices like laptops, but only with the included ZMI USB-A to USB-C cable. All up you can pull 210W, which means there is no issue fast charging one or more laptops, phones or other devices at the same time.
The No.20 also supports pass-through charging and UPS mode, and has a low current device charging mode. Remaining capacity is shown with a simple light-up percentage display that’s easy to read in the sun but a bit bright at night. The plastic build means it’s not too heavy at 580 grams, and while 18.8cm long and 8.1cm wide, the 2.8cm thickness and curved edges makes it easy to slip into a bag. The power bank is quite robust if dropped, but the shiny finish will scratch fairly easily.
In testing, the No.20 could output 87.9% of its capacity at 20V, and 84.9% at 9V, which is an above-average efficiency. Using the two USB-C ports, the ZMI will happily sustain 100W or 100W+45W output without overheating, and runs cool enough to be left in a bag for slower laptop or phone charging. Importantly, the two USB-C ports are 100% independent, which means one won’t disconnect and renegotiate power levels if a new device is plugged into the other USB-C port. Using a 100W charger, the No.20 takes 1.5 hours to recharge, or around 2.5 hours if using the 45W input.
The 210W rating is 20V, 10.5A total using both the first USB-C port and the USB-A port with the ZMI cable. Connecting two 100W laptops works fine because while power use peaks near 200W, the average power use is much lower. UPS mode works well, but it only applies to the USB-C ports (or USB-A at under 12V) so is limited to either 45W output and 100W charging, or 45W charging and up to 100W output. While not overly compact for its capacity, the ZMI isn’t too large either. The ZMI uses high-quality Samsung 21700 cells (INR21700-50E), so is ideal for long-term heavy use.
|
Test |
Usable Capacity |
Efficiency |
Score |
|---|---|---|---|
|
10W (5V, 2A) |
75.3 Wh |
85% |
4 / 5 |
|
20W (9V, 2.22A) |
76.2 Wh |
86% |
4 / 5 |
|
100W (20V, 5A) |
78.2 Wh |
88% |
4 / 5 |
The best budget power bank
Image 1 of 7
Buy it if
✅ You need an affordable power bank: The B6 offers great specs considering the bargain price.
✅ You plan to charge a phone: The 10,000mAh capacity and 20W output is perfect for topping up on the go.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You want to charge a laptop: While great for phones, tablets and other handheld devices, a higher output power bank is needed for laptops.
❌ You charge heavily every day: The B6 has a great three-year warranty, but those looking to drain it every day should consider a premium power bank.
The INIU B6 offers a lot considering the affordable price tag, with a 10,000 mAh (37 Wh) capacity and a 20W (9V, 2.22A) PD 3.0 output, which will fast charge most phones between 1-2 times. The B6 measures in at 13.6 x 7 x 1.5cm, and weighs 210 grams, which is better than average size vs capacity, making it ideal for slipping into a pocket, purse or bag.
The B6 has a single USB-C port, as well as two USB-A ports and a large easy-to-read capacity display. In the box you get a USB-A to USB-C cable and a carry bag – the latter is handy as the soft-touch coating on the B6 is great to hold but prone to scratches. The soft-touch coating also holds fingerprints and fluff and we do worry if it will go sticky in a few years. The power bank has a useful torch built in – but it’s not very bright – and it can be turned on by double pressing the power button. The B6 also has a pull-out phone holder to turn the power bank into a stand when charging.
The B6 has excellent voltage accuracy and can output 85% of its rated capacity at 20W (9V, 2.22A) and an even better 91% at 5V. These are very impressive results considering the affordable price. The B6 also supports PPS mode from 5V to 11V, at 2A, and 5V to 5.9V at 3A, which allows compatible phones to charge faster and more efficiently. We have given our test B6 extended cyclic testing with no appreciable capacity loss, but it’s worth noting INIU offers a generous three-year warranty.
For those who like the look of the B6 but need a larger capacity, the INIU B5 has the same number of ports, voltages and amperage as the B6, but has a 20,000 mAh (74Wh) battery. It includes the same torch, but no phone holder, and measures in at a larger 13.5 x 7.1 x 2.5cm and weighs 362 grams.
|
Test |
Usable Capacity |
Efficiency |
Score |
|---|---|---|---|
|
10W (5V, 2A) |
33.6 Wh |
91% |
4.5 / 5 |
|
20W (9V, 2.22A) |
31.5 Wh |
85% |
4 / 5 |
|
18W (12V, 1.5A) |
32.5 Wh |
82% |
3.5 / 5 |
The best premium power bank
Image 1 of 6
Buy it if
✅ You charge a laptop a lot: The 140W output on the 737 is ideal for power-hungry devices.
✅ You value premium features like the display: It’s very useful being able to check the exact wattage being output by the 737.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You just want a cheap option for occasional use: The 737 is well worth the price tag, but only if you need all the features.
❌ You want a slimmer power bank: The large capacity and square form factor mean the Anker 737 won’t suit all bags.
The Anker 737 is one of only a few premium power banks that caters to the latest high-end laptops with the ability to supply up to 140W (28V, 5A) from the main USB-C port. The 737 is also great for charging phones and other devices, and the second USB-C port does up to 100W (20V, 5A) output, while the USB-A does 18W (9V, 2A). The 737 supports phone charging at 27W (9V, 3A) as well as PPS 5A (3.3V – 21V) for wide compatibility and the fastest possible charging with most devices, including Samsung fast charging.
The 630 gram Anker 737 uses a chunky rather than thin form factor, but we found the 15.7 × 5.5 × 5 cm dimensions were only an issue in slim laptop bags. The power bank has an excellent colour screen that displays remaining capacity, as well as other handy info, including battery health and overall usage stats. In use, the screen tells you the wattage from each port, which is a very useful way to double check if a device is charging correctly. The 737 also includes a low-current device charging mode that’s activated by double pressing the power button. Notably, the Anker 737 does not have PD spec 12V output from the USB-C ports.
The 737 had no problem sustaining 140W, but does get rather warm. Efficiency suffers a little with sustained high wattage, but voltages remain rock steady. At 140W (28V 5A) 85% of the rated capacity is available. At a more common 100W (20V 5A) an excellent 89% of the rated capacity is available. Phone charging at 9V 20W, an almost-as-great 87% of the rated capacity is available. Charging from the USB-C ports is most efficient, and the USB-A port gives 70.5Wh (81.5% of rated capacity) at 5V 2A, vs 74.2 Wh (86%) from USB-C.
Impressively, the 737 can charge itself at 140W in a bit under an hour, while charging at 100W, it takes closer to 1.5 hours. The 737 will pass through up to 90W of power, but won’t charge itself at the same time and does not have a UPS mode. The 737 uses quality 21700 cells and monitors battery health, so is ideal for heavy daily usage.
(We have seen evidence that suggests Anker will update to a Gen 2 version of the 737, and add 12V/3A PD spec output to improve compatibility with drone battery chargers. We will update this review once we can confirm.)
|
Test |
Usable Capacity |
Efficiency |
Score |
|---|---|---|---|
|
10W (5V 2A) |
74.2 Wh |
86% |
4 / 5 |
|
20W (9V 2.22A) |
75.3 Wh |
87% |
4 / 5 |
|
100W (20V 5A) |
77.1 Wh |
89% |
4 / 5 |
|
140W (28V 5A) |
73.1 Wh |
85% |
4 / 5 |
|
10W (5V 2A) (USB-A) |
70.5 Wh |
81.5% |
3.5 / 5 |
Best phone fast charger
Image 1 of 8
Buy it if
✅ If you need extra fast charging: The Iniu P50 supports very fast charging, with PPS support up to 4.8A.
✅ You need a very compact power bank: The Iniu P50 is one of the smallest and lightest 10,000 mAh power banks we have tested.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You need a very slim power bank: while not large overall, at 2.6cm thick, the P50 is not as slim as some other models like the Iniu B6.
❌ Your phone or laptop requires 20V charging: the P50 caps out at 15V, which isn’t enough to get full fast charging on some phones or laptops.
The Iniu P50 is aimed at those who want super-fast phone charging, and it can hit the speedy 45W charge rates that models like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra support. It can also quick-charge handheld gaming machines, though not at the full 65W some can handle.
At 83 x 52 x 26mm, it’s very compact, and the 160-gram weight won’t bog you down. It has a 10,000mAh capacity (36Wh) – enough for one or two phone charges (depending on the phone), or it can give a 50Wh Steam Deck an extra 55% or so charge.
The P50 comes with a short cable integrated into a lanyard. It’s actually quite a neat solution – robust yet easy to remove. I spent considerable time swirling the P50 by the lanyard on a finger, and it didn’t go flying off, so I rate it as fidget-worthy.
The unit also has a basic digital capacity display, which is fairly accurate and makes it easy to see how much power remains at a glance. It also has a little lightning bolt to show when the power bank is fast charging. You don’t get any other indicators, though, like charge current or power.
The soft-touch plastic feels nice in the hand, but it is easy to scratch – especially the glossy section over the screen. In comparison, I have an Iniu B6 that has been rattling around in my bag for over 2 years now that uses the same construction. It has plenty of little marks, but it’s only cosmetic and the construction is very strong. So I am confident the P50 will also hold up long term.
For high-speed phone charging, the P50 outputs 32Wh of the 36Wh available. This means 13.5% is lost during conversion, which is a better-than-average result. I will note, however, that while it will happily run full pelt for more than enough time to max out a phone’s charge rate, on a laptop, it slows from 45W down to 30W after 10 minutes to help avoid overheating the power bank. Charging at the max output until empty gives 29Wh, which is also a better-than-average result.
Note: P50 has a maximum output of 15V, some devices that need higher voltages won’t charge at full speed. For example, the P50 only reaches around 27W on the Pixel 10 Pro XL, versus the possible 39W on a charger that supports higher PPS voltages.
|
Test |
Usable Capacity |
Efficiency |
Score |
|---|---|---|---|
|
45W phone charging |
32.1 Wh |
89.2% |
4 / 5 |
|
45W sustained |
28.9 Wh |
80.3% |
3.5 / 5 |
|
20W |
32.5 Wh |
90.3% |
4.5 / 5 |
|
10W |
33.9 Wh |
94.2% |
4.5 / 5 |
|
Laptop charging |
31.3 Wh |
86.9% |
4 / 5 |
Read our Iniu P50-E1 power bank review to learn more.
The best magnetic wireless power bank
Image 1 of 6
Buy it if
✅ Magnetic wireless charging for everyone: MagSafe accessories and cases are increasingly available for Android phones.
✅ Flip-out stand: The Ugreen wireless charger doubles as a handy phone stand in the horizontal or vertical position.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You don’t have a MagSafe device or accessory: While the Ugreen power bank works great in wired mode, and can wirelessly charge any Qi device, a large benefit is from the magnetic lock in and hold of MagSafe.
MagSafe compatible cases and accessories are now available for a wide range of phones, making wireless charging even better. The Ugreen magnetic wireless power bank has a 10,000 mAh (37 Wh) capacity and can handle up to 15W Qi wireless charging for Android devices, but Apple devices limit charging to 7.5W. The magnetic grip is strong and works well with MagSafe compatible accessories and devices. At 11.3 x 6.9 x 2 cm and 225 grams, the Ugreen power bank is easily slipped into a pocket – even when attached to a phone. It also has a fold-out kickstand so it can be used as a phone stand in both horizontal and vertical positions.
The power bank also has wired options and can output 20W (9V, 2.22A) from the USB-C port, and 18W (9V/12V, 1.5A) from the USB-A port. The power bank can charge at up to 20W from the USB-C input, and the port is located so it can be used to wirelessly charge a phone while it is charging, or do pass-through charging (though only at 5V) to a device plugged into the USB-A port. The power bank automatically turns on when a phone is placed on it, or can be activated by pressing the power button.
In testing, the Ugreen power bank gives a top-notch 87.6% of the rated capacity when fast charging at 9V, 20W via USB-C cable. Wireless charging efficiency depends on the exact device and case, but in our tests (on an Android phone with a MagSafe case), overall efficiency drops to about 68%, which is an extra 22% losses vs wired charging. This is a reasonable result, and in line with other wireless chargers we have tested. When charging an Android phone, the power bank has no trouble hitting the full 15W wireless charge rate through a case, or 7.5W for an iPhone. Wireless charging worked well with every Qi compatible device we tested, including AirPods and other headphones.
Update – the Ugreen magnetic wireless power bank is one of the only wireless power banks we have tested that will properly fast charge the new Pixel 9 series.
|
Test |
Usable Capacity |
Efficiency |
Score |
|---|---|---|---|
|
10W (5V, 2A) |
33.1 Wh |
89% |
4 / 5 |
|
20W (9V, 2.22A) |
32.5 Wh |
88% |
4 / 5 |
|
Wireless |
25.1 Wh |
68% |
Normal |
The best 65W power bank
Image 1 of 7
Buy it if
✅ If you need a versatile 20,000mAh power bank: With a 65W output, the B62 will fast charge phones, handheld gaming devices and laptops.
✅ You want a budget friendly option: The INIU is great value considering the capacity, wattage, and excellent three-year warranty.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You need a larger capacity: 20,000 mAh is nothing to sneeze at, but for heavy use a larger 25,000 mAh power bank like the INIU B63 might be better.
❌ You need a compact power bank: The B62 isn’t huge by any means, but it’s a bit large for pocket use.
Aimed at those who want a higher-end power bank on a lower budget, the 20,000 mAh (74 Wh), 65W output INIU B62 is a great buy. The power bank has two USB-C ports, plus USB-A, and is ideal for fast-charging phones and laptops. INIU also stands out by providing an impressive three-year warranty. The soft-touch plastic clad power bank measures in at 15 x 7.3 x 2.8cm and while the curved edges make it just barely pocketable, it’s not overly compact considering the capacity.
The first USB-C port (IN/OUT1) does 65W (20V 3.25A) while the second (OUT2) provides 36W (12V 3A), or 45W and 20W (65W total) if used at the same time. The USB-A port (OUT3) can do up to 18W (5V 3A, 9V 2A or 12V 1.5A). The power bank charges in just under 2h at 45W (20V 2.25A) via USB-C, and can do pass-through charging at up to 36W. The B62 has a large percentage style display for remaining capacity and comes with a protective bag plus a 100W USB-C to USB-C cable. Like the smaller INIU B6, it also has a handy slide-out holder to prop your phone up while charging.
While the B62 is fairly robust, the soft-touch plastic and display does scratch quite easily. The power bank performed well in testing and using IN/OUT1 it gave an excellent 88% of the rated capacity at 20W (9V 2.22A). For high power charging at 20V (laptops and handheld gaming devices) the B62 manages an impressive 88.5% at an average 30W and 87% if outputting the full 65W (20V, 3.25A). It will happily output 65W from full to empty without any throttling and doesn’t get too warm.
Despite not being listed in the spec, the second USB-C port has a secret bonus and supports PPS. It can output from 3.3V – 11V at 4.5A (and happily did so in testing) which makes it ready for super-fast charging on PPS compatible devices. We can confirm it does in fact support Samsung Fast Charging 2.0 using the second USB-C port (OUT2) but not using OUT1. The voltage converter that runs OUT2 and OUT3 is not as efficient as OUT1 at low load (79% vs 84% at 5V 2A), so charging from OUT1 is ideal if you don’t need PPS.
If the 20,000 mAh, 65W B62 doesn’t quite meet your needs, the INIU B63 is the same length and width, but slightly thicker and has a 100W output (but no PPS so no 45W Samsung SFC 2.0) and a larger 25,000 mAh capacity.
|
Test |
Usable Capacity |
Efficiency |
Score |
|---|---|---|---|
|
10W (5V 2A, OUT1) |
62.1 Wh |
84% |
3.5 / 5 |
|
20W (9V 2.22A, OUT1) |
65 Wh |
88% |
4 / 5 |
|
65W (20V 3.25A, OUT1) |
64.6 Wh |
87% |
4 / 5 |
|
42W (9.6V 4.4A PPS, OUT2) |
62 Wh |
84% |
3.5 / 5 |
|
10W (5V 2A, OUT3) |
58.2 Wh |
79% |
3 / 5 |
Best compact 140W
Image 1 of 6
Buy it if
✅ You need a large capacity but compact power bank: The Ugreen 145W is smaller and lighter than its similar capacity competition.
✅ You want a premium device for less than top dollar: The Ugreen 145W power bank is often on sale for a great price.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You need to charge your power bank in a hurry: The Ugreen will only charge itself at 65W.
❌ You want to charge a laptop in a bag: Despite excellent efficiency, the compact size of the Ugreen power bank does mean it tends to run hot at 100W and over.
While not a name that everyone is familiar with, Ugreen has a large range of excellent USB accessories and power banks, including the 140W output, 25,000 mAh (90 Wh) PB205. The power bank stands out as being slightly smaller and lighter than most other premium options with similar capacity, and is a good choice for those who are frequently on the go. Despite the high RRP, the power bank is almost always sold at a discounted price, making it more affordable than it seems.
The Ugreen power bank can output 140W (28V, 5A) from the first USB-C port for rapid charging of some high-end laptops, like the MacBook Pro. The second USB-C port is 65W and output only, while the USB-A port is up to 18W (9V, 2A). If using both USB-C ports, the first does 100W and the second does 45W for fast charging two devices. Recharging is at up to 65W and takes around 1.5 hours, and pass-through charging is supported. The Ugreen power bank comes with a 100W USB-C to USB-C cable, so those wanting to immediately use it for 140W charging will need to buy an additional cable.
The PB205 measures in at 15.8 x 8.1 x 2.7cm, and weighs 505 grams, which is almost 20% smaller and over 10% lighter than its closest rivals with similar specs. The compact nature does mean the power bank tends to run hot, and while it handles peaks of 140W fine, sustained use at high-output can result in it dropping back to a lower output wattage. In real-world use, average power use of even a high-end laptop is low enough that heat buildup is not an issue.
The PB205 low-current mode and pass-through work as expected, and it gives an excellent 85% of rated capacity if charging a phone at 20W (9V, 2.22A) and 88% at 30W (20V, 1.5A), while sustained 100W gives 82% and 140W (28V, 5A) drops that to a still solid 76%. The power bank uses high-quality 21700 cells, so is well suited to frequent, heavy use.
If you like the look of this power bank but want something a touch cheaper, Ugreen has a shorter 20,000 mAh (74 Wh) 100W version under model number: 25188.
|
Test |
Usable Capacity |
Efficiency |
Score |
|---|---|---|---|
|
10W (5V, 2A) |
75 Wh |
83% |
3.5 / 5 |
|
20W (9V, 2.22A) |
76 Wh |
85% |
4 / 5 |
|
30W (20V, 1.5A) |
77 Wh |
88% |
4 / 5 |
|
100W (20V, 5A) |
74 Wh |
82% |
3.5 / 5 |
|
140W (28V, 5A) |
68 Wh |
76% |
3 / 5 |
The best budget 20,000 mAh
Image 1 of 6
Buy it if
✅ You want a cheap but effective power bank: The VRURC isn’t the flashiest option, but has solid specs for the price.
✅ You need a large capacity: This isn’t a mini power bank only good for a phone charge or two, and the T2055 has a hefty 20,000 mAh capacity that can keep a phone going for days.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You want to super-fast charge or charge a laptop: The T2055 doesn’t do 20V charging, and is limited to 20W, so can’t handle options like Samsung Super Fast charging.
❌ You need low-current mode: While we had no trouble charging low-current devices like earbuds, the T2055 does not have a dedicated stay-on mode.
The name might not be familiar, but VRURC is an established brand, and the T2055 is an excellent, affordable 20,000 mAh (74 Wh) power bank that can handle 20W fast charging. The VRURC power bank has a USB-C input/output, three USB-A ports and both micro USB and Lightning inputs as backup charge options. It also comes with a handy folding USB-C cable, and a little bag for protection.
The power bank measures in at 11.3 x 7 x 2.8 cm, which is quite compact considering the capacity. The plastic shell is nicely curved and quite robust, so the T2055 is a great option for throwing in a bag as a backup. It features a percentage display that shows remaining charge, but does not have a low-current mode.
We gave the T2055 an extended round of cyclic testing to check for poor-quality cells and it held up well with no appreciable drop in capacity. While it is advertised as 22.5W, this is only for Huawei fast charging via USB-A, and USB-C charging is capped at 20W (9V, 2.22A). At 20W, the T2055 outputted an excellent 85% of the rated capacity, which gives it the ability to charge most phones 3-4 times over.
The power bank had no trouble outputting stable voltage at the rated current, and happily charged at 18W (9V, 2A) from any of the inputs, filling up in a touch over 5 hours. We had no problem charging low-current devices like headphones, and the T2055 stays on at as little as 0.5W. While not expressly supported by VRURC, pass-through charging does work from any of the inputs, and output via USB-C or USB-A.
|
Test |
Usable Capacity |
Efficiency |
Score |
|---|---|---|---|
|
10W (5V, 2A) |
67.1 Wh |
87% |
4 / 5 |
|
20W (9V, 2.22A) |
65.3 Wh |
85% |
4 / 5 |
|
18W (12V, 1.5A) |
63.9 Wh |
83% |
3.5 / 5 |
Power bank in-flight bans
While power banks have never been allowed in checked luggage, most airlines now also advise passengers not to store them in overhead compartments.
Instead, they should be kept in the seat pocket or in a bag under the seat – or on some airlines, kept visible. These restrictions follow several fire incidents linked to lithium-ion batteries.
Virgin Australia has banned in flight power bank use (so no charging your devices with a power bank, or charging the power bank itself) from December 1, 2025, while Qantas, QantasLink, Jetstar, Rex and Alliance have done the same from December 15.
China has implemented a ban on power banks without the China Compulsory Certification (3C) on all domestic flights, effective from June 28, 2025.
The 3C mark is used on power banks sold in China, so this ban means most Australian bought power banks won’t have it, even if they are manufactured in China. While international travel to China with a non-3C power bank is still allowed, it can’t be taken on any domestic flight.
In the USA, Southwest Airlines require you to have power banks visible at all times if using them. In other words, they can’t be tucked away in a bag or seat pocket.
So far, the following airlines have introduced extra rules or bans on using power banks while in flight.
|
Air Astana |
Air Busan |
Air India |
Air Premia |
|
AirAsia |
Asiana Airlines |
Batik Air |
Cathay Pacific |
|
China Airlines |
EVA Air |
Emirates |
Etihad Airways |
|
Greater Bay Airlines |
HK Express |
Hong Kong Airlines |
Jeju Air |
|
KLM Airlines |
Korean Air |
Lufthansa |
Malaysia Airlines |
|
Philippine Airlines |
Qatar Airways |
Scoot |
Singapore Airlines |
|
Southwest Airlines |
Starlux Airlines |
Thai Airways |
Tigerair Taiwan |
|
T’Way Air |
VietJet |
Vietnam Airlines |
Virgin Australia |
|
Qantas |
Jetstar |
Cayman Airways |
Row 8 – Cell 3 |
If you have an upcoming trip (especially to Asia), make sure to check your airline’s latest rules for travelling with power banks.
Anker power bank recall
Anker has voluntarily recalled a number of power banks due to increased fire and burn risks. Rest assured though, we have not recommended any of the affected models below – now or in the past.
Still, if you have an Anker power bank, it’s worth checking the full list and recall details at Anker Australia, or reading more about how to get a free replacement.
- Anker Power Bank (10K, 22.5W) – Model A1257
- Anker Power Bank (20,000mAh, 22.5W, Built-In USB-C Cable) – Model A1647
- Anker Zolo Power Bank (20K, 30W, Built-In Cable) – Model A1681
- Anker Zolo Power Bank (20K, 30W, Built-In USB-C Cable) – Model A1689
Power Bank FAQs
Which power bank can I take on a plane?
All the power banks in our guide are flight-safe and can be taken on a plane without worry. But what exactly are the rules for carrying power banks on flights?
Recently, some international airlines have started introducing additional rules for power banks and many now prohibit actually using your power bank during a flight. That includes both charging your devices with the power bank or charging the power bank itself. Some airlines go further and restrict power banks from being stored in bags in overhead luggage bins – they need to be with you in your seat pocket or in a bag under your seat. Some even now require power banks to be stored in a plastic bag to avoid any potential short-circuit risk.
So if in doubt, check with your airline before bringing a power bank on a flight. Otherwise, the below rules apply to most airlines.
Power banks up to 100Wh (27,000 mAh) can be brought on a flight without airline permission. Some airlines now limit passengers to one power bank, but others allow multiples. For example, you can carry multiple power banks – up to 2 with Qantas – but limits vary by airline, so it’s always best to check.
Power banks must be packed in your carry-on luggage, not in checked baggage. This means 10,000 mAh (37Wh) and 20,000 mAh (74Wh) models are allowed, but 30,000 mAh (111Wh) power banks are not.
For power banks over 100Wh (27,000 mAh) but under 160Wh (43,000 mAh), you can usually bring up to two devices in your carry-on luggage, but airline approval is required – check with the check-in desk before your flight. Anything larger than 160Wh (such as power stations) must be transported as freight.
These rules apply to all battery-powered devices, but laptops and tablets are always within the limit. They also cover other batteries, such as 18V tool batteries. Most batteries and power banks have their Wh rating listed on the label, but if you’re unsure, you can look it up on the manufacturer’s website.
Which power bank is better – 10,000 mAh or 20,000 mAh?
Both are great but suited to different uses. A 10,000 mAh (37 Wh) power bank is generally best for charging phones and other small devices. It’s compact enough to fit in a bag or pocket, making it ideal for day-to-day use.
A 20,000 mAh (74 Wh) power bank, on the other hand, is larger and heavier, so it won’t fit easily into a pocket. Its higher capacity is great for giving phones multiple charges or topping up power-hungry devices – from tablets to laptops.
By contrast, 5,000 mAh (18.5 Wh) power banks are extra compact and perfect for quickly topping up a phone during a long day. At the other end of the scale, larger-capacity power banks can go up to 50,000 mAh, providing multiple charges for a range of devices.
How many times will a power bank charge my phone, laptop or other device?
It all depends on the size of the battery in your device, and you can read more about how to compare it for yourself below. But generally, a 10,000 mAh (37 Wh) power bank will charge a phone one or two times, and is a good choice for getting through a long day. A 20,000 mAh (74 Wh) power bank will manage three to four phone charges and can fully charge a tablet. Laptop batteries vary a lot in size, and a 20,000 mAh (74 Wh) power bank will typically give between 0.5 and 1 full charge.
Are wireless power banks worth it?
There is a range of wireless power banks that can attach directly to your phone using MagSafe. And it’s not just for iPhones – any phone with a MagSafe-compatible case and wireless charging will work. The magnetic attachment is usually strong enough to stay in place while in a bag or pocket or when using the power bank as a phone stand.
Keep in mind that while wireless charging is convenient, it is typically slower and less efficient than wired charging.
What other power bank features are important?
All the power banks we recommend feature fast charging at 18W or more, but models that support extra-fast charging at 25W or higher can be a great way to quickly charge a compatible phone (like the Samsung Galaxy range) faster than usual.
For charging a laptop, you typically need a power bank capable of 20V output at 65W or higher. Pass-through charging allows you to plug the power bank into the wall and your device at the same time, so both charge simultaneously without needing to swap cables.
We recommend power banks with displays so you can see the remaining charge percentage – or even voltage and wattage – while in use.
What is the difference between mAh and Wh?
Power banks are typically rated in mAh (like 10,000 mAh), but also have a Wh rating like 37 Wh. So what do these numbers mean?
mAh is milliamp hour, and is the measure of a battery’s capacity at a specific voltage. For power banks, this voltage is typically 3.7V (but can vary), and generally you can directly compare mAh ratings between power banks.
Wh (Watt hour) is also a measure of a battery bank’s capacity, but one that can be compared between any device with a watt hour rating, even a laptop or a phone. Most power banks include a Wh rating and it is the ideal way to compare capacity.
Wh is simply Ah multiplied by the voltage. So, for example, 10,000 mAh is actually the same as 10Ah and to get the watt hour of a device, applying that formula is simply 10 Ah x 3.7V = 37 Wh. So, for power banks, 10,000 mAh and 37 Wh mean the same thing.
Wh is important because it can also be used to compare to any other type of battery. For example, a power bank might have a 37 Wh capacity, a laptop could have a 90 Wh battery, an electric scooter battery could be 500 Wh, and an electric car battery might be 70,000 Wh (70kWh)! We always list both mAh and Wh in our reviews.
Want to skip the math? Here is a calculator you can use. Just enter the mAh rating of your power bank and it will do the rest.
Why doesn’t my power bank give the full capacity listed?
The rating provided by a brand for a power bank is for the internal battery capacity, but when converting the power from the battery into the right voltage to charge your device, some of the power is lost as heat. This means most power banks only give 80% to 90% of the rated capacity. At very high outputs (100W or higher) it is normal for the efficiency to drop a little.
Better power banks are more efficient, and we don’t recommend any power banks that have less than an 80% efficiency rating for normal use.
Some power is also lost as heat in the device being charged, so you can expect around 70% of the rated capacity is what will be available to top up your device.
How can I tell how many times a power bank will charge my device?
It varies from device to device, but a good rule of thumb is that around 70% of the power bank’s capacity will make it into the battery of a device being charged. For example, if using a 20,000 mAh (74 Wh) power bank, about 14,000 mAh (52 Wh) will make it across.
The next step is to check the capacity of the battery in your device – you can mostly find these with an online search or in the manufacturer’s specs. For example, a 13-inch MacBook Air M3 has a 14,216 mAh (52.6 Wh) battery. If using a 20,000 mAh (74 Wh) power bank, 70% means 14,000 mAh (52 Wh) will make it into the MacBook Air, giving it just about a full charge.
The same works with phones. A Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has a 5,000 mAh (18.5 Wh) battery, so a 10,000 mAh (37 Wh) power bank (70% means 7,000 mAh / 26 Wh makes it across) will charge the S24 Ultra 1.4 times.
What voltage and wattage do I need to charge my device?
Not to be confused with Watt hour (Wh), power banks also have a W (Watt) rating. This is a measure of how fast a power bank can charge your device. Most phones charge at between 18W and 30W – though some models (such as Samsung) can charge much faster. Charging for phones is usually at 9V. Laptops typically need 20V and at least 30W. Many can use up to 100W, or even 140W. We specifically note if a power bank we recommend has a 20V output, it is good for laptop charging.
And don’t worry, a high W rating can’t cause any harm to a device as it is an ‘up to’ rating. For example, a phone might only need 20W, but if plugged into a 100W power bank, the phone will only use 20W.
What do terms like QC3.0, PD3.0, and PPS mean?
These terms are the language a USB charger (including power banks) can use to talk to a device like a phone or laptop, and figure out what voltage and wattage is needed for charging. USB-C supports the PD specification, and all modern phones can charge using PD3.0, which includes the latest advancements like PPS.
QC3.0 or 4.0 is Qualcomm Quick Charge – a charging protocol that used to be very common for phones and is still used in a lot of USB-A ports.
PPS is Programmable Power Supply and is a more advanced way for devices to charge faster and more efficiently. For example, Samsung Super Fast Charging uses PPS. If PPS is not available, the phone will automatically charge using PD3.0, but not quite as fast.
What power bank brands are available in Australia?
I have included a table below with the top Australian power bank brands, as well as some info on what they are best known for.
You might be wondering why some well known brands like Cygnett and Apple are not in our guide – we are constantly testing new power banks, so if you don’t see you favourite brand, check back soon as we are always adding more.
|
Brand |
What they’re typically known for in Australia |
|---|---|
|
Anker |
Strong mainstream range, good fast-charge options, lots of USB-C PD models |
|
Belkin |
Big retail presence, reliable everyday banks, plenty of Qi/Qi2 options |
|
Cygnett |
Widely stocked locally, lots of travel-friendly sizes and laptop-capable models |
|
Mophie |
Clean, mainstream designs, often aimed at iPhone users |
|
Samsung |
Solid everyday options for Galaxy users |
|
Apple |
Accessories ecosystem focus (often stocked alongside iPhone gear) |
|
Ugreen |
High-watt USB-C PD banks, laptop-friendly models becoming common locally |
|
Xiaomi |
Value-focused, lots of capacity-per-dollar options |
|
Baseus |
Feature-heavy designs (magnetic, slim, high-output) and good eBay availability |
|
Satechi |
Premium, Apple-leaning accessories and travel charging bundles |
|
Nimble |
Eco-leaning materials and packaging, travel-friendly sizes |
|
OtterBox |
Ruggedised, with simple dependable specs |
|
Journey |
MagSafe-style magnetic banks and multi-device travel charging gear |
|
Energizer |
Familiar battery brand doing straightforward commodity power banks |
|
Laser |
Budget-friendly basics, common in mass retail |
|
ALOGIC |
Business-leaning accessories, sometimes combo charger + power bank products |
|
EFM |
Retail accessory brand with simple compact banks |
|
SnapWireless |
MagSafe-compatible travel power banks and slim magnetic designs |
|
Zendure |
Premium travel power, sometimes charger + power bank hybrid products |
How we test power banks
We get hands-on with every power bank we can, and only the very best make it into our buyers’ guide. Each power bank undergoes extensive testing in both the lab and real-world scenarios. Using equipment like the ChargerLab POWER-Z KM003C, we check charge voltage, protocol support, and log capacity tests. Our testing covers the full range of voltages a power bank can supply, with a focus on 9V for phone charging and 20V for laptops. Unless specified otherwise, test results are based on the primary USB-C port, as USB-A ports typically show lower efficiency due to slightly higher resistance.
Power banks are also tested with real devices, including phones, tablets, and laptops, and connected to a programmable load tester for multiple charge cycles. We carry them daily in pockets and bags to assess their durability and ability to withstand everyday use.
Our comprehensive tests go beyond what is listed in each review. Every power bank we recommend meets its claimed voltages, currents, and protocols, delivers accurate, ripple-free voltages, and has functional safety cutouts to protect against overloading. All measurements and weights are personally verified, ensuring accuracy beyond the manufacturer’s listings.
We assign a score based on the percentage of rated capacity a power bank can supply:
- 75% to 80% = 3 / 5
- 80% to 85% = 3.5 / 5
- 85% to 90% = 4 / 5
- 90% to 95% = 4.5 / 5
- 95% or higher = 5 / 5
Most power banks achieve 85% to 90%.
All recommended power banks remain in active use by TechRadar staff and are periodically reassessed to ensure they continue to perform well.
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lindsay.handmer@futurenet.com (Lindsay Handmer)
