A standard power bank cannot charge a laptop, but these Power Delivery versions can. We round up the best portable chargers for your laptop or console.
When searching for a power bank fit to charge a laptop or console, you need to keep two things in mind: can it deliver enough power to charge my laptop, and is the capacity high enough to give the battery a reasonable boost?
Laptops and consoles will not charge over a standard USB port: you need one equipped with Power Delivery or Quick Charge 4. These can go right up to 100W, but exactly how much you need depends on how much power is required by your device.
The best way to find this out is to check the spec of the wall charger that you use to power the device at home. Ideally you're looking for a figure in Watts, but it may be expressed in Amps and Volts, which you multiply together to get the rating in Watts. If you can't find it here, check the specification either on the manufacturer's site or in the paperwork that came with the laptop.
If your laptop or console charges over a proprietary cable rather than USB-C then you can still charge your laptop using a power bank, but you'll need to select a bank with an AC outlet to which you can physically plug in your laptop using its mains charger. In such a scenario the power bank simply steps in to replace your wall power outlet.
We've put together a range of articles to help you choose the best charging tech for the mobile devices you carry everywhere. You'll also like:
Best Laptop Power Bank Reviews
1. RavPower PD Pioneer 20000mAh 2 Port Power Bank (RP-PB201)
- $49.99
RavPower's PD Pioneer 20,000mAh power bank is a really interesting proposition. Though it has two outputs, if you're using only the USB-C Power Delivery output it can ramp up to a massive 60W. That's more than the 45W chargers in this chart, and we imagine there are very few USB-C laptops for which it won't suffice. Moreover, it's one of the cheapest models in this group test.
Offering excellent value for money, then, our only concern with this laptop power bank is how much charge you're actually going to get from it for your laptop. Laptops typically have much higher-capacity batteries than smartphones and tablets, and therefore you need higher-capacity power banks in order to keep them going.
The PD Pioneer is rated at 20,000mAh, which RavPower claims will charge a 13in MacBook Pro 0.84 times. That is still a very useful amount of portable power, if lower than some of the other examples here.
A benefit of this smaller capacity is a smaller, less bulky design and, though it's still quite the brick at 369g, its rectangular design is shorter and narrower than most phones (though it is several times the thickness). It's not bad looking in its matte black shell, but it's certainly a rather plain affair, with a small indent at the top corner in which you find the ports and four LEDs that denote remaining power.
RavPower supplies a USB-C to USB-C cable in the box, which is used with the Power Delivery port, but to make use of the second 18W Quick Charge port (full-size USB-A) you'll need to provide your own cable. Note that the PD output is also the charging input, but in this direction the juice flows at 'just' 30W. That's still super-fast, and given an appropriate wall charger can refill this bank in less than three hours.
2. Zendure A6PD
- $72.99
Zendure might be late to the USB-C power bank party, but it has come in style with the A6PD. This isn't just any old USB-C port, it's a Power Delivery 2.0-specified port that can accept or deliver up to 45W - that's enough for fast-charging not only your phone, tablet and other USB devices, but many USB-C laptops too.
When used as an input it means you can refill this power bank in as little as four hours, and as an output it's meatier than many we've seen.
Built from an ABS/PC Composite, the A6PD has the same rugged build as previous power banks in Zendure's line-up. It used to market these devices as tough enough to run over in a McClaren, and though that no longer seems to be something it shouts about the A6PD certainly seems as if it would stand up to that amount of force.
Our review sample is a gloss black, though it's also available in silver. It has a ribbed exterior that aids grip in the hand. The single button has been moved from the front position to the power bank's side, where it also sits with four LEDs used to show how much power remains. We'd rather see an LCD screen for an exact readout as this capacity, but we can't complain.
Zendure stands out among power bank manufacturers for its 80 percent energy efficiency rating, where most others can support only up to 70 percent. Its devices will also hold that charge for up to six months.
This means with a rated 20,100mAh capacity you could see as much as 16,000mAh available to your devices. Zendure suggests you'll easily be able to charge your MacBook 1.5 times, iPhone X 5.5 times or Nintendo Switch 2.5 times. And yet it's not overly big and heavy at 162x78.5x22.5mm and 370g.
You won't necessarily use this Zendure to charge only one device, of course. It has two inputs and two outputs, though you'll see three ports on one end of the bank (this is because the USB-C port is both input and output).
We've already raved about the 45W USB-C port, but the full-size USB-A is pretty impressive, too, able to fast-charge at up to 18W, which is Quick Charge 3.0 speed. Pleasingly, the Zendure can support both outputs at max speed at once. The second input is a 12W Micro-USB.
When it does come to recharging the Zendure you'll find you can do so while charging a connected device. This is a process known as Charge-through or passthrough charging, and allows you to use a single mains outlet for charging multiple devices.
3. RavPower PD Pioneer 20000mAh 65W 2-Port Power House
- $86.99
RavPower has updated its PowerStation (which is still available lower down this chart) with this mighty Power House. The untrained eye might suggest it has knocked 100mAh off the capacity and added £4 to the price, but this is so much better than that.
As previously it is a power bank with a built in AC outlet, which means you can quite literally plug in your electronics using their mains adaptor. It did have a 65W output, but here it has been upgraded to 80W, and that makes it suitable for any laptop - even those that do not charge over USB-C.
What you can plug into really depends on what power they require to operate. Laptop, yes. Hairdryer, no.
The additional ports here have also been upgraded, with the USB-C PD port now supporting up to 30W, and the second a full-size USB-A port with Quick Charge 3.0 up to 18W. Devices plugged into these ports will charge automatically, but to use the AC outlet you'll need to press and hold the small power button on the device's top.
30W will be plenty to charge some USB-C laptops, such as Apple MacBooks, but the MacBook Pro and many Windows laptops will likely require more power.
Alas, the DC input is gone. But recharging this power bank over USB-C should take about three hours, given an appropriately specced wall charger.
Naturally the power house isn't the smallest of power banks, and despite having the same 20,000mAh capacity as the RavPower PD Pioneer at the top of this chart it is significantly larger and weighs in at a chunky 665g.
The difference here is that RavPower supplies a swish hard carry case for carrying the bank and any accessories, as well as a soft mesh case for carrying just the bank itself.
So while it's not as pocketable (read not at all pocketable) as rivals in this chart, the RavPower is a delight for its versatility.
4. Anker PowerCore+ 26,800mAh 45W
- $139.99 (45W)
This Anker PowerCore+ is brand-new, yet to arrive in the UK but retailing in the US for $139.99. In the UK you can buy an older version for £102.99, which is a little more affordable but might not be compatible with laptops that require more than 30W.
So, it's coming in quite a bit more expensive than the Zendure A6PD above, but there are several reasons why you still might want to choose this Anker PowerCore+ as your number one.
Another 45W PD power bank, the PowerCore+ has a higher 26,800mAh battery capacity, as well as an additional full-size USB output, and it is sold with a 60W PowerPort Atom III USB-C PD charger - a device that retails on its own for around £45/$41.99.
The Atom III is useful as a replacement mains charger for your laptop, but also for recharging the power bank itself, which is possible in just four hours - incredible for a power bank of this capacity. Of course, if you already have one, you probably don't want to buy another.
There is a but, of course: the Atom III is sold with the PowerCore+ only in the US, so in the UK you'll have to purchase it separately. Still, for the extra capacity, third output, and additional LEDs (10 in total) that are able to paint a clearer picture of how much power remains, you might prefer the Anker to the Zendure.
The design is typical Anker and, although it's a little basic in comparison to the Zendure, it's impossible to fault. The rectangular brick-like device is, as you might expect, incredibly big and heavy (180x80x24mm and 580g), but its metal body and completely rounded edges make it seem much less offensive.
The PowerCore+ is undoubtedly well-made, and feels like a product that will last. It is also supplied with a mesh carry case and a USB-C cable, making it easier to carry together all the necessary attachments for charging your laptop.
We say charging your laptop, but of course the Anker PowerCore+ has plenty of juice for charging your laptop, phone and tablet all at once. The two full-size USB ports support a 15W output with PowerIQ, which in essence recognises the device type to deliver the optimum charge. Meanwhile, the USB-C port is both input and output, able to deliver or accept up to 45W.
5. Zendure X6
- $89.99
A 45W USB PD power bank from Zendure, this X6 has the added functionality of performing as a USB hub while connected to your laptop. And it builds in an LCD readout of exactly how much power remains and four full-size USB outputs, one of which is Quick Charge 3.0-compliant.
Why is it not top of our chart? Quite simply, price. But if you can afford to spend £100 on a power bank for your laptop then you won't be disappointed.
Looking a little different to previous Zendure power banks, its softer design is still as tough and rugged as they come. There's a 24-month warranty for peace of mind, too.
In common with all Zendure power banks there's also passthrough charging, incredible six-month standby, higher-than-average 80 percent efficiency and Zen+ tech that can deliver the optimum charge for your device.
The USB hub functionality is supported on two of the full-size outputs, offering data transfer at speeds of up to 480Mb/s. All four USB outputs can also provide power, with one at 18W and the other three at 12W, sharing a maximum output of 45W.
6. RavPower PowerStation Series 20100mAh Portable Power Outlet
- $95.99
The eagle-eyed among you will notice that this isn't actually a USB PD power bank, but it is a standard power bank with the addition of an AC outlet that is capable of charging your laptop.
This model remains available, but for only £4 more there is a more powerful version higher up this chart that offers an 80W AC outlet and a 30W Power Delivery output.
Let's start with the obvious: at 69x69x146mm this power bank isn't going to fit in anyone's pocket. RavPower instead supplies a soft mesh case for carrying the power bank and necessary cables, plus a tough zip-up case that can hold it and the required external DC charger (you don't use Micro-USB to refill this portable charger). We also found a carabiner clip in the box, which can be attached to the strap on the case.
There are two reasons for its size: first, it is a huge capacity 20,100mAh (74.37Wh) power bank with enough juice to fill an iPhone 7 six times, a Galaxy S7 4.5 times, or even a 12in MacBook 1.3 times; second, there's lots of clever charging tech inside.
The key difference between this power bank and those that cost a fifth of the RavPower's price is the 65W three-pin AC outlet and 19V/1.6A DC input. It might have a huge capacity, but over the DC input it will charge in just four hours. By comparison a standard power bank of this capacity would take at least 10 hours to refill. Meanwhile, the plug socket on top lets you plug in and power anything from drones and action cameras to printers and laptops, provided they draw less than 65W.
For phones, tablets and other USB gadgets there are two USB outputs: one USB-C, which runs at 5V/3A, and one 5V/2.4A iSmart USB output. There's no support for Quick Charge but both are fast-charging ports, with the iSmart output able tor recognise the type of device plugged in and deliver only so much power as it requires.
To switch from USB power to the AC outlet you simply press and hold the power button for three seconds to turn it on. This power button can also be tapped to show how full is the power bank, with five LEDs in a strip around its belly each representing 20 percent, or 4,020mAh.
In reality it's not quite 4,020mAh, because not all of that 20,100mAh is available to your devices. Some energy is always lost through heat and voltage conversion, and the industry-standard efficiency rating is around 65- to 70 percent.
There's also a 27,000mAh version with a European two-pin plug.
7. Anker PowerCore Speed 20000 PD
- $79.99 (with 30W PD wall charger)
USB Power Delivery can offer up to 100W in either direction. But the 'up to' here is important: this Anker power bank offers 22.5W, which means it will charge your USB-C laptop only if it meets that requirement.
The 12in MacBook (which ships with a 29W adaptor) apparently does, though our Mi laptop does not. You'll need to carefully check the spec of your laptop, or perhaps the charger you're currently using, to see if it will be supported.
The Anker PowerCore Speed offers 20,100mAh of power for keeping your devices going, and as such is a lower-capacity and cheaper alternative to the 27W 26800 PD. But in design - and, of course, capacity - it looks more like the Anker PowerCore 20000, a slightly cheaper device but one with two USB-A ports and no support for USB Power Delivery.
You'll pay £49.99 for this Anker PowerCore Speed 20,100 PD in the UK, or $79.99 in the US. Although our review sample shipped with a 30W USB-C PD mains adaptor (with US two-pin plug), we don't believe it comes with one in the UK. This should explain the difference in price, since you'll pay upwards of £20 for such a plug in the UK.
Even so, a penny short of £50 for a device that offers insanely fast charging - and recharging (in just four hours), with USB-C PD also supported on the input. There's also peace of mind associated with buying from Anker, which is one of the best-known brands in the power bank market.
Of course you won't actually see 20,000mAh in real terms. Power banks typically operate at between 60- and 70 percent efficiency, so you might get around 13,000mAh for charging your devices.
The design is Anker's standard fare, a rectangular plastic brick with a matte finish and softly rounded corners. Four LEDs are used to show how much capacity remains, which doesn't give an especially precise impression when each LED represents 5000mAh.
The power bank is pretty heavy at 371g, which is understandable given the capacity, but it's elongated design makes it feel bulkier than it is. You'll find it more practical carrying the Anker in a bag than a pocket.
On the side is a button that activates these LEDs to show you what there is at a glance, though charging is automatic when you connect your device. You can add two if you like, with two ports found at one end: one is a USB-C PD port, and the other a 10W USB-A output with PowerIQ (tech that identifies your device type and delivers the optimum amount of power).
You can't charge a device a recharge the Anker power bank at once (passthrough charging), though the USB-C PD input means having to charge each device separately is less of a hassle.
8. Charmast 26800mAh Power Bank
- $79.99
The Charmast 26,800mAh Power Bank is an 18W PD charger, which can power MacBook models from 2015 to 2017 with USB-C charging (it doesn't support MacBook Pro models, however, and is unlikely to be powerful enough to charge other Windows laptops). It can also be used to charge Nintendo Switch consoles and Apple or Android phones. At 430g there's a slight weight to it, but it certainly is not heavy.
The power bank has a slim build which makes it ultra-portable to carry in a bag (it even comes with a carrying case) – it just won't fit in your pocket because it's slightly tall. There's also a rubberised coating to it, which gives it additional grip and resistance from skidding on a flat surface.
The Charmast power bank has three charging inputs: microUSB, Lightning and USB-C. The USB-C port also doubles as a power out. In addition to this, it has three female USB-A power out ports, so you can connect different types of cables to charge various (well, up to four) devices simultaneously.
It conveniently come with charging cables too: two USB-A to microUSB, one USB-C to USB-C, and one Lightning adaptor which you can attach to the microUSB head to charge Apple devices, or to even charge the bank itself.
We charged the power bank using a USB-C 18W Quick Charging PD wall charger and it reached full charge in about 3 hours, though Charmast suggests it should take 11 to 16 hours if you're charging with a regular wall charger.
The Charmast charger supports Quick Charging 3.0 too at 12V (otherwise the standard is 5V), but you will have to use the orange USB port (labelled Output 3 on the device) or the USB-C port to charge. Keep in mind though, if you're using the Quick Charge port and one of the standard USB-A ports together, they will both charge at 5V. You will need to unplug the standard port for the Quick Charging port to deliver the higher 12V power again.
The Charmast power bank is a solid option if you want a massive 26,800mAh of back up power. It's slick, portable and charged our devices quickly in our experience.
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