The Best USB-C Portable Charger for 2023
We've listed the best USB-C portable chargers to help keep all of your devices charged with the help of a simple cord.
Today, very few phones can go an entire day without the need for recharging. And even if they do, you will not always be near an electric outlet. Luckily, you can always get a portable charger. However, if your devices have a USB-C port, be sure to get a portable USB-C charger.
When buying these battery packs, we must not only evaluate their capacity but also factors such as the number and types of ports, the charging speed, as well as the design and weight. In addition, you can factor in wireless charging in case you find yourself without a cable. We took into account these and more factors when choosing the best USB-C portable chargers.
Everything We Recommend
1. Best Product
Omni Mobile Power Bank
2. Runner Up
Anker 747 Power Bank
3. Cost Effective
Miady USB Portable Charger
4. Almost Made the Cut
Anker Portable Charger
1. Best Product
1. Best Product
Omni Mobile Power Bank
This power bank is unbeatable - able to charge smartphones, laptops, tablets, and Nintendo Switches!
Specifications
- Product Dimensions
- 6.1 x 4.29 x 0.98 inches
- Item Weight
- 1.58 pounds
- Connector Type
- USB Type C
Pros
25,600 mAh capacity- USB-A and USB-C Ports
- DC In and Out Ports
- Wireless Charging Option
- Twice the Wattage of Competitors
Cons
Heavier than Expected- Wireless Charging Connection is Occassionally Weak
Previous Customer Experience
| Battery life |   | 4.8 |
| For traveling | | 4.5 |
| Quality of material | | 4.4 |
| Charging power | | 4.4 |
| Value for money | | 4.3 |
Who It's For
This portable charger from Omni has options to charge a range of devices, from laptops to tablets, to Switches, and more! This pick also offers Qi-compatible wireless charging, allowing simultaneous charging on multiple devices. With helpful USB-A and USB-C ports and DC in and out ports, this pick lets you leave bulky chargers or cables at home.
Why It's Great
This pick boasts twice the wattage of some competitors and a 25,600 mAh capacity. Milliamp hours measure the charge a battery can hold and the length of time a device can run before the need to recharge. You can calculate an approximate mAh for your device by dividing the capacity of this power bank by your smartphone. Omni prides itself on the wireless charging option and pass-through charging, meaning you can charge the bank while simultaneously redirecting that battery charge to your devices. This feature reduces waiting times for the bank to recharge.
Potential Flaws
The main issue we found is, weighing 1.58 pounds, this power bank felt heavier in bags or pockets than we expected. As a portable charger, you ideally want it to be easy to slip into a pocket for on-the-go power and not feel a notable weight.
Other Features
With the mAh capacity being the highest limit allowed on airplanes, this pick is ideal for using your devices during long flights.
2. Runner Up
2. Runner Up
Anker 747 Power Bank
Almost six times faster than standard 5W chargers, this power bank promises one of the fastest recharges on the market.
Specifications
- Product Dimensions
- 7.22 x 3.24 x 0.94 inches
- Item Weight
- 1.3 pounds
- Batteries
- 1 Lithium Ion batteries required (included)
Pros
- Recharging Time ~2.5Hours
- 3 Point Safety System
- Advanced Temperature Control
- Wide Range of Compatible Devices
Cons
- When both ports are in use, only the rightmost USB-C port supports laptop charging
Previous Customer Experience
| Battery life | | 4.1 |
| Charging power | | 4 |
| For traveling | | 3.9 |
| Tech Support | | 3.8 |
| Value for money | | 3.6 |
Who It's For
This power bank has a brushed aluminum alloy exterior, offering a sleek and stylish design. This pick from Anker is compatible with many devices, including laptops, MacBooks, smartphones, AirPods, and smartwatches. According to testing conducted in 2022 against a regular 5W charging device, this pick offers a six times faster recharging time, completing a full charge in less than 2.5 hours. With two USB-C and two USB-A ports, this pick allows simultaneous charging for four devices with a combined output of 78W.
Why It's Great
One of the many benefits of this pic is its advanced temperature control. This pick utilizes Negative Temperature Coefficient sensors, a heat-sensitive resistor that prevents circuits from overheating by rapidly decreasing internal resistance. And additionally, this option comes with a 3-point safety system, including a buck-boost converter to further protect against overheating, a Battery Management System (BMS) to prevent over-charging, and a Microcontroller (MCU) to defend against short-circuiting. Being the same as our Top Pick, this option has a 25,600mAh capacity, offering an impressive charging ability that you can take anywhere, even up in the skies!
Potential Flaws
We were initially very impressed by the four ports available for use with this pick, but we discovered that when both USB-C ports are in use, only the righthand port can charge devices such as laptops. Although this may not be an issue for individual use, if this pick is used across a family or within an office space, this distinction of port compatibility may cause some issues.
Other Features
Fortunately for any customers, Anker promises an 18-month warranty for this purchase and guarantees friendly customer service should any malfunctions arise.
3. Cost Effective
3. Cost Effective
Miady USB Portable Charger
This travel-friendly portable charger is a classic budget pick, offering compatibility with 99% of smartphones.
Specifications
- Product Dimensions
- 11.02 x 5.28 x 1.26 inches
- Item Weight
- 15.4 ounces
- Batteries
- 2 Lithium Polymer batteries required (included)
- Connector Type
- Lightning, Micro USB, USB Type C
- Capacity
- 10000mAh
Pros
- Upgraded USB-C Output
- Reliable Li-polymer Cell
- Small and Lightweight
- LED Indicators
Cons
- Purchase Only Includes a Micro USB cable
- Limited details regarding the 18-month warranty
Previous Customer Experience
| Value for money | | 4.4 |
| Lightweight | | 4.3 |
| For traveling | | 4.1 |
| Longevity | | 4 |
| Charging power | | 3.9 |
| Battery life | | 3.9 |
Who It's For
designed to be light, slim, and safe to use. Miady power banks are the most portable of our selection, making them ideal for those who need to move frequently.
Why It's Great
This power bank takes no more than five hours to reach its full charge if you get to fully discharge it, but best of all, two power banks are included with every purchase and are available in four color combinations: red and blue, black and white with the US flag, and yellow.
Furthermore, some buyers stated that it lacks capacity and loses it with use. Additionally, some devices have failed. As a result, it is recommended to test them as soon as they arrive at your home and use the return window for as long as possible. and purple with Kobe Bryant's jersey number, and plain black and white for a more formal look. Its micro USB and USB-C ports for charging give you great freedom when it comes to charging devices of all brands using various cables. You can also be worry-free when it comes to charging your device, as it has an automatic power-off feature that will protect the power bank's capacity.
Potential Flaws
One of the main flaws we noticed about this device is that it does not have a USB cable for charging, so you will have to use the one from your charger or buy one. Furthermore, some devices have malfunctioned; as a result, it is advised to test them as soon as they get to your house and to make use of the return window as long as possible.
Another negative aspect is that it has a blinking LED charging indicator that can be uncomfortable if you charge your devices at night.
Other Features
For the price, it is one of the most economical and high-quality devices you can find. It comes in pairs, so you can enjoy its functionality and efficiency for longer.
By making this purchase, you will enjoy two power banks of 10,000 mAh each, which are not only portable and easy to carry in your pocket, but each one can charge an iPhone or Android smartphone twice. It also has buttons next to its LED indicators that will help you check the amount of power remaining; each LED indicates 0–25% capacity, and if it flashes, it means that only 0% capacity is left. Don't worry if you leave the power bank on, as it will automatically turn off if it is not plugged in within 30 seconds.
4. Almost Made the Cut
4. Almost Made the Cut
Anker Portable Charger
This pick sports quality materials, and promises a slim and light design for easy transport.
Specifications
- Product Dimensions
- 5.87 x 2.68 x 0.55 inches
- Item Weight
- 7.5 ounces
- Batteries
- 1 Lithium Polymer battery required (included)
Pros
- Flight Approved
- Ensures the fastest possible charge up to 2.4 A
- MultiProtect safety system
- Incredibly Slim and Light
Cons
- AC adapter not included
- The two input ports cannot be in use at the same time
- The USB-C input port has no output function
Previous Customer Experience
| Durability | | 4.8 |
| Value for money | | 4.7 |
| Lightweight | | 4.6 |
| For traveling | | 4.2 |
| Charging power | | 4.1 |
| Battery life | | 4.1 |
Who It's For
Known as one of the best power banks on the market, it has the perfect balance between the endurance of a device designed for the outdoors and one for the city and work. It is lightweight and features an overcharge protection and detection system to control both fast and normal charging, as well as an 18-month warranty, which is the best testimonial you can receive about its quality and lifespan.
Why It's Great
The Anker power bank has some of the longest durability on the market and has been specially designed to maintain the health of your battery with every charge. Plus, you can choose from two colors at the time of purchase, so the device fits your style and pace of life.
It also offers constant and consistent recharges for days and months, in turn, the brand offers excellent customer service and great attention to the warranty. Furthermore, it comes with a charging cable, which will save you time when looking for a charging cable for it.
Potential Flaws
This power bank has two stickers attached to its exterior that can be difficult to remove. Another negative aspect to note is that it will not charge your devices as fast, so if you need fast charges, you should probably pick another model. We should also note that you should charge it as directed on first use, otherwise its functionality and efficiency may suffer.
Other Features
If you are looking for a power bank that offers fast charging, you can choose any other model of this brand or buy one that has the features you require. Furthermore, despite its excellent quality and design, its price is affordable, and its use is one of the easiest in the market. We should also point out that its effectiveness has been proven and certified by the manufacturer, who provides up to 18 months of warranty.
This Anker power bank is designed with quality as a priority, withstands outdoor use, and is light enough for constant use in the city or at work thanks to its scratch-resistant and slim design. Its 10000 mAh capacity allows you to charge any smartphone up to two and a half times, whether it requires fast charging up to 12W or low-power charging, thanks to PowerIQ and VoltageBoost technology that detects the type of charge required by your device.
If you are concerned about safety, this power bank has safety systems that prevent overcharging and short-circuits and control temperature levels during operation. It should be noted that this power bank is airline-friendly, so you can use it comfortably on your flights and keep your devices charged, especially on long flights.
Who This Is For
The best USB-C portable chargers are for everyone, especially if you have a device with a USB-C port. These portable chargers are also great if you happen to be away from outlets or a heavy, busy mobile user.
Portable chargers also come in handy when your battery starts to fail and you’re not ready to purchase a new device.
What difference between the best USB-C portable charger and other power banks
The main difference between the two models is that portable USB-C chargers are likely to support fast charging. Models with Micro-USB ports tend to be slower and more restrictive.
The voltage/amperage supported is also determined by the connection type. The micro-USB, or USB-A, port delivers less power than the USB-C port. By the way, cables must always be in good condition, and without nicks or obvious damage to the plug. Many power banks opt for an integrated solution with three connections: two for charging devices and a third for charging the power bank itself from the mains. Usually, one is USB-C, and the others are USB-A.
Can I use a USB-C portable charger while charging it?
Although it does not seem very logical, yes you can. However, this will reduce the charging speed for your portable charger. The power from the electric outlet will be split into two; to charge the charger and charge your device at the same time.
Even though it is generally safe to use the power bank while it is charging, it is not recommended practice. This is because it can cause it to overheat and fail. It can also reduce the life of the power bank, as it is designed to be used once it is fully charged.
Does charging multiple devices at once slow the charging speed?
With the best USB-C portable charger, this should not happen, especially in models with different ports. In those with USB-C and USB-A ports, you can connect multiple devices and those with fast charging availability will not have slower charging speed. Even if a power bank has many ports, it is recommended that you consult the user manual to verify that the charging speed is not affected if you use them simultaneously.
Why You Should Trust Us
On our website, we pride ourselves on offering only the best information about the products we recommend. This is because we carry out careful research to ascertain the reliability of each product.
Choosing the best USB-C portable charger does not seem like a complicated task. However, with new models can out every other day, it can be an extreme sport to find reliable options. This is why we not only recommend the best power banks but also share with you our purchasing criteria.
How We Picked
When selecting the best USB-C portable chargers, we considered several important factors. You are also welcome to use this as a guide if you want to buy a different power bank.
Size
The size of the power bank you decide to buy will depend on how you are going to use it. If you are planning to use it daily, you may need one that you can carry around comfortably. A small portable battery would be ideal in this case. Of course, the number of services they can provide is more limited.
If you need multiple charges, you’ll need a larger-capacity power bank. This usually means a slightly larger size. However, there are portable batteries on the market that fit in your pocket and provide up to three charges. If you’re looking for one with several ports, you will have to go for a larger power bank.
Weight/portability
If you plan to use your power bank for traveling, consider its weight. You can find more compact and lighter options on the market, but, these have a lower capacity. If you want to have more charge cycles, expect your best USB-C portable charger to be a tad heavier but with more capacity.
Power
This factor is related to the previous one. Some models have a higher load capacity than others. However, it is not as simple as making an equivalence between size and capacity. There are portable batteries of similar sizes with different capacities.
The important thing is to look at the manufacturer’s specifications, specifically the milliampere hours (mAh), which we talked about earlier. The higher this figure, the greater the number of charges it can provide. However, it is significant to note that this depends on the capacity of the device you are charging.
This feature should be between 5,000 and 15,000 mAh so that several full charges are guaranteed. You should always consider the quality-price ratio to get the best product on the market at the lowest possible price.
Charging speed
The charging time basically depends on two factors. One, the capacity of the power bank (mAh), and two, the intensity of the input current (mA). We advise you to check the maximum input current (Input) that the battery can support.
In general, these magnitudes must appear in the specifications of the external battery. They should be clearly indicated in the user’s manual.
Fast charging is one of the fundamental issues when talking about the best USB-C portable chargers. To achieve this, check if your cell phone has this option and if the power bank offers it. For this, the maximum power it can supply is 10 W, with the highest power being 45 W.
Battery life
The “useful life” of the best USB-C portable charger refers to the number of times we can use it. It is also known as the “life cycle.” Most often, a portable battery has between 500 and 1,000 cycles. This is the number of times we will be able to charge it and use it before it stops working. Of course, this is an estimated number that varies greatly depending on each model.
It also depends on the use we make of the power bank and external factors such as, for example, temperature. It is common to all batteries that, with the passage of time and use, their charge capacity decreases. Furthermore, it is important to be informed about this aspect before buying one.
Wattage output
The voltage in most devices is similar, but the power varies from one device to the next. If you use a higher current, you will increase the load capacity without damaging the equipment since it will make full use of its capacity. However, if you use a cable with a lower capacity, you may end up damaging your battery. It is critical to select appropriate cables for both the power bank and your device.
Number of ports
The number of ports on the power bank determines how many devices you can charge at a time, or variations. If you only need to connect one device at a time, one USB port is more than enough.
If you need to connect more than one device at the same time, you will need one with several ports.
Port compatibility
In most cases, the best USB-C portable chargers have micro-USB, USB-C , and USB-A ports. However, you can also find some wireless options on the market. It should be considered if the external battery to be purchased includes the connection cable. If not, you must have one to start charging.
Although there are international agreements that pursue a single standard for the inputs and outputs of mobile devices, many companies prefer to use their own. An example of this is Apple, which abandoned the USB standard in favor of the Lightning standard.
Price vs. quality
The price-quality ratio is not usually very marked. This is because there are inexpensive models from brands that stand out for their quality and functionality. However, more expensive models from much more well-known brands are always available. Therefore, it all comes down to personal preference and budget.
Splurging on such accessories is not advisable, especially if you are trying out a brand. If you are choosing between two or more power banks with the same features, you should choose the design that suits you best.
How We Picked
Size/Weight/Portability
The great advantage of the best USB-C portable charger is its portability. Even though there are bigger models with more capacity, you should choose one based on your needs and way of life. A flat design is best if you intend to carry it in your pockets or small purse. However, if you have more room, like a handbag or backpack, you can choose a larger design.
Power and Charging Speed
For average use, a capacity of 10,000 to 20,000 mAh is sufficient. While USB-C ports are known to support fast charging, not all support the same protocols. Be on the lookout for the lightning bolt symbol near the port as a sign of fast charging. The charging speed will depend on the wattage. The current standards are 5W and 10W, and any value greater than these indicates a fast charge.
Number of Ports and Port Compatibility
The number of ports and their compatibility determine what devices you can charge. If you have devices with both USB-C and USB-A cables, be sure to get a portable charger that supports both.
Cost-Effectiveness
The best USB-C portable chargers do not cost much. And their quality, size, and performance are pretty similar across most brands. However, you can spend a little more on fancy features like wireless charging, more capacity, and brand prestige.
Care and Maintenance
Ensure device/s are USB-C compatible
It is critical to make sure that the devices are compatible, especially if they have USB-C ports. USB ports have many limitations, especially when it comes to current throughput and pin position. USB-C ports do not have major limitations in terms of pin position and charging capacity.
Do not overcharge your USB-C portable charger or device
Overcharging both your mobile device and your power bank can reduce the useful lives of both. That is why modern ones have systems that stop charging when 100% capacity is reached. Even if they have this functionality, it is not recommended to leave your power bank or your devices charging overnight or, worse, unattended.
Do not use it if overheats
When a power bank or smartphone is charging or discharging, it can get a little hot. If you notice that they get too hot, you should unplug them and wait for them to cool down. However, if you think the overheating is due to the ambient temperature or poor ventilation, place it in a ventilated space.
In case the problem persists, avoid using the devices and consult the warranty if it is still valid. Alternatively, replace the charger so as not to damage your devices.
Preventing port connector damage
Misuse of the charging ports or the accumulation of dirt can severely damage them. Avoid pulling them or carrying the weight of a smartphone or power bank with them. You should also clean them, as dirt can reduce power transfer and cause overheating.
You can use compressed air to remove any dirt buildup. While you can use a brush, be sure the bristles are soft
How long do battery packs last?
The lifespan of a portable charger depends on how many charge cycles it can withstand. To get the most out of your device, just avoid overcharging it or taking it to 0% charge. This will be achieved by knowing its capacity and the capacity of the devices to be charged. Also, if you may not use for a long period of time, leave it charged to a maximum of 60%. This way, it will maintain its useful life for much longer.
If you forget to recharge the battery and keep it without a charge for weeks, not only will you reduce its useful life, but you will also reduce its charging capacity. It is important to cycle the battery from the smartphone to the external battery.
Do not connect an excessive number of devices
While the power bank may have many ports, it is advisable not to use them simultaneously. Numerous connected devices can reduce the charging speed of some devices and cause overheating. It is also critical not to use any other gadget that increases the number of charging ports.
Sources and Research
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