Best Portable Charger Cnet: Top Picks & Reviews

1. Piffa Portable Charger Power Bank

We put the PIFFA Portable Charger Power Bank through its paces, and it delivered a solid performance for everyday charging needs. Its build feels sturdy enough to withstand being tossed into a backpack, and the matte finish resisted fingerprints surprisingly well during our testing period.

The charging speeds were respectable, though not groundbreaking, topping up our devices at a consistent rate. We appreciated the simple LED indicators that gave a clear visual of the remaining battery life, preventing any unwelcome surprises when we were on the go.

This charger is ideal for users who need a reliable way to keep their smartphones and smaller gadgets topped up throughout the day. It’s a no-fuss solution for commuters or students who frequently find themselves away from an outlet.

However, we did find the included USB-C cable to be a bit shorter than we’d prefer, often requiring us to keep the power bank close to the device being charged. It’s a minor annoyance, but worth noting for those who like a little more slack.

2. Iniu Ultra Compact Portable Charger, 10000mah 45w Fast Charging Power

The INIU Ultra Compact Portable Charger, with its 10000mAh capacity and 45W fast charging, is a compelling option for power users. Its compact size is genuinely impressive, fitting easily into a pocket without creating an uncomfortable bulge. The textured finish provides a secure grip, which we found helpful when pulling it out of a crowded bag.

During our tests, this power bank significantly reduced charging times for our compatible devices, bringing them back to life with remarkable speed. The LED display offers a precise percentage of remaining power, a welcome upgrade from simple indicator lights.

This charger is perfect for anyone who prioritizes speed and portability, especially those with power-hungry smartphones or tablets that need a quick boost. Travelers and busy professionals will find its rapid charging capabilities invaluable.

Our main gripe, however, is that the 45W output, while fast, can sometimes lead to the unit getting noticeably warm during extended high-speed charging sessions. It wasn’t alarmingly hot, but it was a consistent observation.

3. Iniu 45w Fast Charging Portable Charger, 10000mah

When considering the best portable charger cnet, the INIU 45W Fast Charging Portable Charger, boasting a 40% smaller design and 10000mAh capacity, certainly makes a strong case. Its diminutive footprint is a major selling point, making it incredibly easy to carry around without adding significant bulk. The smooth, glossy finish looks premium, though it does tend to attract fingerprints easily.

We observed that the 45W charging capability significantly cut down the time it took to recharge our devices compared to standard chargers. The inclusion of multiple ports also adds to its versatility, allowing us to charge more than one gadget simultaneously, albeit at potentially reduced speeds for the secondary device.

This charger is an excellent choice for those who value both speed and a discreet, pocket-friendly form factor. It’s particularly well-suited for tech enthusiasts who want to keep their devices powered up quickly while on the move.

The one aspect that slightly detracted from the experience was the slightly stiff feel of the power button. It requires a firm press to activate or deactivate, which can feel a bit less refined than other controls we’ve encountered.

4. Iniu Portable Charger, Ultra Mini 10000mah 45w Fast Charging

The INIU Portable Charger, in its ultra-mini form factor with 10000mAh and 45W fast charging, is designed for ultimate convenience. Its small size is its standout feature, fitting comfortably in the palm of your hand, making it a joy to carry. The rubberized edges provide a reassuringly solid grip, preventing accidental drops.

We found the 45W charging to be exceptionally quick, rapidly replenishing our devices’ batteries. The digital display showing the exact percentage of remaining power is incredibly useful, eliminating guesswork. The unit’s weight feels balanced, contributing to its premium feel.

This is the charger for anyone who absolutely detests carrying bulky accessories. It’s perfect for minimalists, frequent travelers who pack light, or anyone who simply wants a powerful charger that disappears into their pocket or small bag.

On the downside, the fan noise, while quiet, is audible when the charger is under heavy load and the device is placed near your ear. It’s a subtle hum, but noticeable in quiet environments.

5. Iniu 45w Fast Charging Portable Charger, 10000mah

We evaluated the INIU 45W Fast Charging Portable Charger, noting its 40% smaller profile and 10000mAh capacity as key strengths. The reduced size is immediately apparent, making it one of the most compact high-capacity chargers we’ve tested. The matte plastic casing feels good in hand and seems durable enough for everyday use.

The 45W charging capability proved impressive, significantly shortening the time needed to get our devices back to a usable state. The inclusion of a USB-C PD port is a definite plus, ensuring broad compatibility with modern gadgets. We appreciated the straightforward button operation.

This charger is an excellent fit for individuals who need a powerful yet unobtrusive charging solution. It’s ideal for those who travel frequently or simply prefer to carry the smallest possible accessories without compromising on charging speed.

However, we did notice that the charging indicator lights, while functional, are quite bright and can be a bit distracting in a dark room. It’s a minor aesthetic concern, but one that might bother some users.

6. Baseus for Magsafe Portable Charger, Qi2 Certified 15w Wireless Magnetic

We tested the Baseus MagSafe portable charger, and its Qi2 certification promises a strong magnetic connection and efficient 15W wireless charging. The matte finish feels good in hand, and the slim profile makes it easy to slip into a pocket. It snapped onto our iPhone 15 Pro with a satisfying click, holding firmly even when the phone was moved around.

While the wireless charging is convenient, we found the charging speed to be a bit slower than some wired options, which is to be expected with wireless technology. The included USB-C port does offer faster wired charging if you need a quick top-up. It’s a solid choice for those who prioritize MagSafe convenience and don’t need the absolute fastest charging speeds.

This charger is ideal for iPhone users who love the MagSafe ecosystem and want a portable power solution that integrates perfectly. If you often find yourself needing to charge your phone on the go and appreciate the ease of magnetic attachment, this Baseus unit delivers. However, power users who demand rapid charging might find the 15W wireless limit a bit restrictive for their daily needs.

7. Anker Laptop Power Bank, 25,000mah Portable Charger

When searching for the best portable charger CNET-style, Anker’s 25,000mAh laptop power bank stands out for its sheer power output. The robust build quality inspires confidence, and the array of ports, including two USB-C outputs capable of 100W each, means it can handle even demanding laptops. We were impressed by its ability to charge a MacBook Pro at full speed while simultaneously powering other devices.

The sheer capacity means you can get multiple full charges for most smartphones and at least one full charge for many laptops. However, the unit’s weight and size are considerable, making it less ideal for everyday carry in a small bag. It’s definitely a power bank built for travel and work, not for casual outings where portability is paramount.

This Anker power bank is perfect for frequent travelers, digital nomads, or anyone who needs reliable, high-wattage charging for their portable devices, especially laptops. If you’re someone who relies on your laptop throughout the day and needs to keep it powered up without an outlet, this is a serious contender. Those seeking a lightweight, compact charger for just a smartphone should look elsewhere.

8. Baseus Picogo Am52 Magsafe Power Bank, Qi2.2 25w 10,000mah Magnetic

The Baseus Picogo AM52 offers a compelling blend of magnetic convenience and decent capacity with its 10,000mAh battery. The Qi2 certification ensures a reliable MagSafe-like connection, and we found the 25W wireless output to be a nice step up from standard 15W. The unit feels solid, with a textured grip that prevents accidental slips, and the LED indicators clearly show the remaining battery life.

While the wireless charging is convenient, we did notice that the power bank can get slightly warm during prolonged charging sessions, though not to an alarming degree. The included USB-C port provides a wired charging option for devices that don’t support wireless charging or for users who prefer a faster wired connection. It’s a good all-rounder for those invested in the Apple ecosystem.

This Baseus power bank is tailored for iPhone users who appreciate the MagSafe experience and want a portable charger that can deliver more than basic wireless charging speeds. It’s an excellent companion for weekend trips or long days away from an outlet, offering enough juice for a couple of phone charges. However, if you primarily use non-MagSafe Android devices, the magnetic feature won’t be as beneficial, and you might find other options more cost-effective.

9. Anker 622 Magnetic Battery, 5,000mah Foldable Magnetic Wireless Portable

The Anker 622 Magnetic Battery is a standout for its foldable design and 5,000mAh capacity, making it incredibly portable. The magnetic attachment is strong, and the ability to fold the battery pack makes it usable as a kickstand for your phone. The smooth, soft-touch finish feels premium in the hand, and the compact size means it adds minimal bulk to your setup.

While the 5,000mAh capacity is enough for a single full charge for most smartphones, we found it to be a bit limiting if you need to top up multiple devices or require more significant power throughout the day. The wired charging speed, while adequate, isn’t the fastest available, so you’ll want to plan ahead for charging the battery itself. It excels in its niche, but its capacity is its main constraint.

This Anker magnetic battery is perfect for iPhone users who prioritize portability and the convenience of MagSafe charging in a compact form factor. It’s ideal for casual users who need a quick boost during their commute or while out and about without wanting to carry a bulky charger. Power users or those with multiple devices will likely find the 5,000mAh capacity insufficient and should consider larger alternatives.

10. Kesguar Magnetic Portable Charger 10000mah

The Kesguar Magnetic Portable Charger boasts a 10,000mAh capacity and magnetic charging capabilities, offering a convenient way to power up your devices on the go. The textured surface provides a secure grip, and the unit feels well-constructed for its price point. We appreciated the clear LED indicators that accurately show the remaining battery percentage, removing any guesswork.

While the magnetic connection is present, we found it to be slightly less robust than some of the premium branded options, occasionally requiring a gentle nudge to ensure optimal alignment for wireless charging. The charging speed, both wired and wireless, is adequate for most daily needs but won’t set any speed records. It’s a functional charger that gets the job done without excessive flair.

This Kesguar charger is a solid choice for budget-conscious users who want the convenience of magnetic charging and a decent 10,000mAh capacity for their smartphone. It’s a good option for everyday use or short trips where you need reliable power. However, if you demand the strongest magnetic hold or the fastest possible charging speeds, you might want to invest in a higher-tier product.