9 best portable chargers for travellers

Battery capacity: 10,000 mAh
Dimensions: 11" x 5" x 2"

As you might expect, most people in the Traveller office won’t leave the house without their battery pack. Associate social media manager, Kayla Brock, has confessed that she’s meticulous about her phone battery, so having a portable charger that’s easy to carry around all day, every day, is a must.

“I’ve had my Miady 20W portable charger for five years and I’m as happy with it now as the day I got it. I’ve never had any need for anything else. A big selling point for me is the two output ports, which I can use to charge multiple devices at once, and the 10,000 mAh makes that possible. As I use it every day, I love that it’s small enough to fit in my purse while travelling, but it’s still quite thick so it feels robust, like it won’t break on you. This device is really easy to charge up – you just plug a small cord, that’s included, into its side and then plug that into the wall. Admittedly, it does about a day to fully charge it, so you have to be quite organised and remember to do that in advance of your travels. However, it has a high capacity when full, giving you enough juice for at least three or four charges to your phone.” Kayla Brock, associate social media manager

Pros: Can charge multiple devices at once
Cons: Takes a full day to power up the charger

Battery capacity: 10,000 mAh
Dimensions: 6" x 3" x 0.7"

Senior commerce editor, Madison Flager, have been using the BioLite Charge 40 PD power bank for over a year, and although there are smaller options available, this one has ended up being her go-to for day-to-day use.

“It weighs less than a pound, which means you really don’t notice it in your handbag or carry on, and it’s about the same dimensions as my iPhone 13 Pro Max. This is a bit bigger than I’d ideally like, as alongside the phone itself, it does take up a bit of room in a small purse, but I’ve found it to be reliable time and again on trips where I knew access to outlets would be limited. It’s absolutely fine to toss it in a backpack or tote, and I love that it has two USB slots and one USB-C slot, so I can use it to power up other devices like my Kindle, FitBit, and AirPods. After putting it thoroughly to the test, I’ve discovered that I 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

Pros: Lightweight and has two cable ports
Cons: A little bulkier than other options

Battery capacity: 10,000 mAh
Dimensions: 5" x 2" x 1"

Despite being on the larger side, commerce producer, Paris Wilson, rates the Vrurc protable charger highly due to its ability to charge to full capacity in just two to three hours.

“I’ve had this portable charger for about nine months now and unlike others I’ve tried, this one plugs straight into the wall with a fold-down plug rather than a cable. After giving it a few hours to charge up, this device has managed to charge up my laptop, phone, and camera, through three, built-in fast-charging cables that are compatible with Android and Apple devices. There are also three different cable ports along the bottom. Although it’s slightly bigger than alternative chargers (about the size of a long bifold wallet), it’s easily tucked away in my backpack or tote. I always make sure I have it with me, especially for longer flights and when I’m using it passively it gives me enough juice for two charges.” Paris Wilson

Pros: Plugs straight into the wall to charge and has multiple cable ports
Cons: On the larger side

Battery capacity: 4,500 mAh
Dimensions: 3" x 2" x 1"

If you’re after a really small portable charger, you’re unlikely to find one more dinky than this. It’s about the size on a Airpods case, but it still packs 4,500 mAH.

“I never go anywhere – to work, to dinner, to travel – without this tiny portable charger. It’s about the size of my favourite lipstick, meaning I can pack it in nearly any crossbody, 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, associate commerce editor

Pros: The smallest charger we tested
Cons: Only 4,500 mAH

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

As a total newbie to portable chargers, destinations editorial assistant, Charlie Hobbs, didn’t know what to expect from the Iniu offering. As it turns out, it’s been pretty life changing.

“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 INIU power bank in my 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 mini toes blinking blue from left to right, which is just the icing on the cake.” Charlie Hobbs, editorial assistant, destinations

Pros: Can charge up to three devices at once, slim, quick charging capabilities
Cons: A bit heavy

Battery capacity: 5,000 mAh
Dimensions: 4" x 3" x 0.5"
Charging power: One full phone charge

You may have seen this one popping up on TikTok and Instagram with its unique, foldable design. For anyone keen to save space in their hand luggage this might be very appealing, so we had to find out if it actually stood up to the task of charging our devices sufficiently too. It didn’t disappoint, even impressing our very discerning Senior commerce editor, Madison Flager.

“The credit card-sized portable power bank is probably the most compact one I own, and is magnetic, so you don’t have to pull out a cord or deal with a tangle of wires in your bag or lap when using it. At first, I was doubtful of how strong the magnet would be, and found myself being delicate with my phone when moving through an airport while charging, but over time I’ve gotten used to the durability. I’ve taken it with me on a few recent flights, and have been using the kickstand when watching videos or shows on my phone—though of note, the kickstand angle is better for viewing your phone vertically rather than horizontally.”

Pros: Compact, good for in-flight or daily use, charges via a USB-C cable
Cons: Can only charge a single device at once; requires MagSafe case; gets warm with extended use

Battery capacity: 10,000 mAh
Dimensions: 4.09” × 2.06” × 1.02”

With an integrated USB-C cable, this portable charger was clearly built for convenience. You’ll never find yourself in a situation where you’ve got a full charger, an empty phone batter, and no wire to connect the two! There’s also an additional USB-C port so you can plug in an extra cord and power up two devices on the go. The charger itself will be ready to go with a 50 per cent charge after having just 45 minutes plugged in, while your devices will be able to reach 50 per cent battery with the charger’s help in just 30 minutes. As lithium batteries are a serious concern for the environment, we appreciate the efforts this brand have gone to, to create a portable charger using greener manufacturing practices and materials, using 80 per cent post-consumer recycled plastic to build the exterior shell.

Pros: Integrated USB-C cable and made from recycled materials
Cons: Can get hot while in use

Battery capacity: 20,000 mAh
Dimensions: 3” x 1” x 1.6”

One of the smallest, slimmest and most lightweight portable chargers on the market, weighing a featherlight 130g, you will never notice this in your tote or hand luggage until you need it. When you do find yourself in need of a quick power-up the 20,000 mAh can give you a 50 per cent battery boost in just 30 minutes. This might be the best looking charger of the lot, which is to be expected from Apple with its premium aluminium exterior and bright blue (or black) colour. It’s only got one output, so you can’t charge multiple devices at once, but there will be enough juice in the tank to do one after the other. As it’s a USB-C port, you can charge your iPhone, AirPods and even your iPad.

Pros: Lightweight with 20,000 mAh for fast charging capabilities
Cons: Only one charging port

Battery capacity: 20,000 mAh
Dimensions: 6” x 2” x 1.7”

Small enough to slip into a bag or a deep coat pocket yet packing enough power to charge your MacBook or iPhone to over 50 per cent charge from zero in just 30 minutes. This device from Cuktek is one of the most powerful portable chargers that you can bring with you on a flight. As well as having two ports, enabling you to charge multiple devices at once, and a colour screen that provides realtime details of how much charging time you have left, there are also various safety measures in place that makes this an even more travel friendly design. We love that the Cuktek 15 performs 180,000 heat detection checks every hour, is made from fire resistant materials, has short circuit protection and overcharge/overvoltage/overcurrent protection too, so you won’t have to worry about using just a strong charger on-the-go. It charges up to full in just an hour and half too, so you’ll always have it ready to bring with you.

Pros: Charges very fast and has multiple safety features
Cons: Slightly bulky and heavy, weighing 540g