Best power banks (UK, 2026)
A good power bank means never hunting for a socket again. Here are the ones worth carrying, from a slim battery that snaps onto the back of your phone to one with enough in it to charge a laptop.
- Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K) is best magnetic power bank for iPhone and Qi2 phones
- Anker Zolo Magnetic Power Bank (10K, 30W) is best value, with its own built-in cable
- Anker Nano Power Bank (5K, MagGo, Slim) is smallest, for a top-up on a night out
- UGREEN Nexode 20,000mAh 130W is best for laptops and long trips
How much capacity do you need?
A 5,000mAh battery gives most phones roughly an extra half to three-quarters of a charge. 10,000mAh is the sweet spot for a full day out, usually one full phone charge or more. 20,000mAh is for weekends away or charging a laptop.
Real-world capacity is always a bit lower than the number on the box, because some energy is lost as heat while charging.
Magnetic, Qi2 and MagSafe explained
Magnetic power banks snap onto the back of an iPhone (12 or newer) or a phone with Qi2 magnets and charge it without a cable. Qi2 is the shared standard, so the same battery works on newer Android phones that support it too.
Wireless charging is convenient but slower and warmer than a cable. If speed matters more than tidiness, plug in.
Flying? Power banks must go in your hand luggage, never in the hold. Anything under 100Wh, which covers every bank here, is fine on most airlines, but check your airline's rules on using them during the flight.
Our picks
Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K)
A 10,000mAh magnetic battery that clicks onto the back of an iPhone or Qi2 phone and charges it wirelessly. You can keep using the phone while it charges, and it has a USB-C port for cable charging as well.
- Capacity
- 10,000mAh
- Wireless
- Qi2 magnetic
- Wired
- USB-C
- Brand
- Anker
Good
- No cable needed
- Qi2 certified
- Big enough for a full day
Watch out for
- Heavier than a slim pack
- Wireless is slower than wired
Anker Zolo Magnetic Power Bank (10K, 30W)
Anker's budget Zolo range keeps the magnetic snap-on design and adds a built-in USB-C cable, so there's nothing to forget. 30W through the cable charges a phone quickly.
- Capacity
- 10,000mAh
- Wireless
- Magnetic
- Wired
- 30W, built-in cable
- Brand
- Anker
Good
- Built-in cable
- Magnetic and wired in one
- Low price
Watch out for
- Wireless charging is slower than the MagGo
Anker Nano Power Bank (5K, MagGo, Slim)
Barely thicker than a phone case. It won't give you a full charge, but it's the one you'll actually take with you, and it rescues a dying phone at the end of a long day.
- Capacity
- 5,000mAh
- Wireless
- 15W magnetic
- Size
- Slim
- Brand
- Anker
Good
- Very slim and light
- Snaps on magnetically
Watch out for
- Only a part charge for most phones
UGREEN Nexode Power Bank 20,000mAh 130W
A big battery with laptop-grade power. 130W is enough to charge a laptop and phone together, which makes it the one for festivals, holidays and long train journeys.
- Capacity
- 20,000mAh
- Output
- 130W
- Use
- Laptop + phone
- Brand
- UGREEN
Good
- Charges laptops
- Several devices at once
- Strong price for the power
Watch out for
- Heavy for a pocket
- No wireless charging
Side by side
| Power bank | Capacity | Charging | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anker MagGo (10K) | 10,000mAh | Qi2 magnetic + USB-C | iPhone / Qi2 phones |
| Anker Zolo Magnetic | 10,000mAh | Magnetic + built-in 30W cable | Value |
| Anker Nano (5K) | 5,000mAh | 15W magnetic | Nights out |
| UGREEN Nexode 20K | 20,000mAh | 130W USB-C | Laptops, travel |
Prices were checked when we wrote this guide and change often. Tap through for today's price.
How we chose
We looked at power banks from Anker and UGREEN, two brands with UK stores and support, and chose one for each common need: magnetic charging, value, size and laptop power. Prices on power banks change almost daily, so we link to the live price rather than print one that may be out of date.
Common questions
Can I take a power bank on a plane?
Yes, in hand luggage only. Banks under 100Wh, which includes all of these, are allowed on most airlines. Check your airline's rules on using them on board.
Does a magnetic power bank work with Android?
It works with Android phones that support Qi2 magnetic charging. Other phones can use the USB-C port with a cable.
How many times will a 10,000mAh bank charge my phone?
Usually around one to one-and-a-half full charges, depending on your phone's battery size.
Is it bad to leave a power bank attached to my phone?
No. The phone and power bank manage charging safely, though wireless charging does make the phone a little warm.