Portable power banks explained
Keep your devices topped up when you’re out and about with a portable power bank. From smartphones to laptops and everything between, find the right power bank for you.
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By Steven Smith | Date published: August 2026
With a portable power bank you’ll be able to give your phone, tablet, headphones or other compatible tech an extra boost when there is no plug socket nearby. They’re ideal for commuting, camping, festivals, holidays and long days out when mains power is in short supply.
Quick answer: What is a portable power bank?
A portable power bank lets you keep your tech charged on the go. Choose one based on the devices you need to charge, how long you will be out and how portable you need it to be.
With options available for USB-C, USB-A, Lightning and wireless charging, find the right power bank for your devices. They come in a range of sizes and capacities ideal for a quick phone top up to keeping your laptop going or multiple charges at a time.
Keep one handy and you’ll be able to keep your devices going until you can plug in and charge up from the mains.
How do power banks work?
Power banks store charge when plugged into a compatible charging source. When you need to use one, connect your phone, tablet or other device with the right cable, built-in connector or wireless charging pad.
Many models include lights or a display so you can see how much charge is left. Some also include multiple ports, fast charging or pass-through charging, depending on the product.
What does mAh mean on a power bank?
mAh stands for milliamp hours. In simple terms, it tells you the battery capacity of the power bank. A higher mAh number usually means the power bank can store more charge, but it could be larger and heavier. The number of full charges will vary depending on what you’re charging – a smartphone will need less current to charge, versus a laptop which will drain your power bank faster, so approximate number of full charges are only an estimate for guidance.
| Power bank capacity | Good for | Things to know |
|---|---|---|
Around 5,000mAh | Quick phone top-ups, short trips and commuting | Good for quick boosts, up to a single phone charge in a pinch |
Around 10,000mAh | Day trips, regular phone charging and travel days | Great for all-day use – approx. 1.5-2.5 phone charges |
Around 20,000mAh | Longer trips, festivals, camping and charging more than one device | Built for longer periods away such as weekend breaks, business trips or festivals offering up to 3-5 full charges |
Over 20,000mAh | Tablets, laptops or several devices, depending on compatibility | Ideal for muti-device charging, larger periods away, or even larger device charging such as laptops |
When are portable power banks useful?
Portable power banks are useful when you need your device to last longer away from home. They can help with:
- Commuting: for long journeys or busy days when your phone battery drops before you get home.
- Travel: for digital boarding passes, maps, translation apps and travel documents.
- Festivals: for keeping your phone, camera or headphones charged across the weekend.
- Camping: for trips where plug sockets are limited.
- Family days out: for photos, tickets, games, calls and directions.
We’ve got handy guides packed with ideas and useful tips beyond power banks to help you make the most of your camping trips and festival weekends.
Which power bank capacity do you need?
The right power bank depends on what you need to charge and how you plan to use it.
- Compact power banks: good for quick top-ups, daily bags, commuting and short trips.
- Mid-capacity power banks: useful for regular phone charging, day trips and travel days.
- High-capacity power banks: better suited to longer trips, camping, festivals or charging more than one device or larger devices.
If you want a portable phone charger for everyday use, a smaller or mid-capacity model may be easier to carry. If you’re away from plug sockets for longer, a larger battery pack may be more practical.
Power bank features to look for
Fast charging
Fast charging can help compatible devices charge more quickly than standard charging. Look for terms like USB-C Power Delivery, often shortened to PD, or fast charge in the product details. Your phone, cable and power bank all need to support the right charging standard for faster charging to work properly.
Ports and cables
Check which ports your device uses. Many newer phones, tablets and headphones use USB-C, while some devices may use Lightning or USB-A cables. A power bank with more than one output can be useful if you want to charge two devices at the same time.
Wireless charging
A wireless power bank can charge compatible devices without a cable. It is handy for packing light, but you will still need to check that your phone supports wireless charging. Wireless charging may also be slower than wired charging, depending on your device and power bank.
Built-in connectors
Some portable chargers come with a built-in USB-C or Lightning connector. These are useful if you do not want to carry extra cables, but make sure the connector matches your device before you buy.
Size and weight
A bigger battery can mean more weight. If you want a power bank for daily use, a slim or compact model may be easier to carry. For camping or travel, a larger battery pack may be worth the extra space in your bag.
Battery indicator
LED lights or digital displays help you see how much charge is left. This is useful if you want to check whether your power bank needs topping up before a trip.
Pass-through charging
Some models let you charge the power bank and a device at the same time. Check the product details, as this feature is not available on every power bank.
Can you take a power bank on a plane?
The Civil Aviation Authority advise that power banks should always be carried in hand luggage, not checked luggage. They should not be recharged on the plane, and each passenger can carry a maximum of two power banks.
Rules can vary by airline and may change, so always check your airline’s latest guidance before you pack or fly. If your cabin bag is moved to the hold before boarding, remove any power banks or spare batteries and keep them with you in the cabin where allowed.
The CAA also explains battery size limits. Power banks under 100Wh are common for personal electronics. Batteries between 100Wh and 160Wh need airline approval, while batteries over 160Wh are prohibited in passenger baggage.
If your power bank shows mAh rather than Wh, the CAA gives this formula:
Voltage (V) x amp hours (Ah) = watt hours (Wh)
For milliamp hours, divide by 1000:
(V x mAh) / 1000 = Wh
Before flying, check that the Wh rating is clear on the power bank or in the product information. If you’re unsure whether your power bank meets your airline’s rules, check with the airline before you travel.
How to use and look after a power bank safely
Portable power banks are generally straightforward to use, but it is worth following a few simple steps:
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging, storage and use.
- Use the right cable for your device and power bank.
- Keep the power bank away from extreme heat, water and check for visible damage.
- Do not use a power bank that is swollen, damaged, overheating or behaving unusually.
- Keep loose power banks protected in your bag, so the terminals do not get damaged.
- Check travel rules before flying, especially for larger capacity power banks.
The CAA advises choosing reputable suppliers and brands, protecting spare batteries from damage, following airline and manufacturer instructions, and not carrying batteries that show signs of damage, overheating or swelling on an aircraft.
Check out our holiday essentials guide for more great tips and advice to make your holiday run smoothly.
Portable power bank checklist
Before choosing a power bank, ask yourself:
- What do I need to charge?
- How many devices will I charge at once?
- Do I need USB-C, USB-A, Lightning or wireless charging?
- Is portability or capacity more important?
- Will I be taking it on a flight?
If you need a quick place to start, look for a portable charger that matches your device connection, has enough capacity for your plans and is light enough to carry comfortably.
Portable power bank FAQs
What is the difference between a power bank and a portable charger?
A power bank and a portable charger are usually the same type of product. Both describe a rechargeable battery pack that stores power and charges compatible devices when you are away from a plug socket. Some people also use terms like battery pack, powerpack or phone power bank. The main differences between models are usually capacity, size, charging speed, connection type and whether they support wireless charging. Check the product details carefully so the charger matches your device and how you plan to use it.
Should I get a 10000mAh or 20000mAh power bank?
A 10000mAh power bank is a good everyday choice if you want a balance of capacity and portability. It is usually easier to carry than a larger model and can be useful for day trips or topping up your phone. A 20000mAh power bank may suit longer trips or charging more than one device, but it will usually be bigger and heavier. The right choice depends on your device, how often you need to charge it and how much space you have in your bag.
Are phone power banks worth it?
A phone power bank can be worth it if you often run low on battery while you are out. It is especially useful when you need your phone for maps, tickets, calls, payments or photos. If you only need the occasional top-up, a compact power bank may be enough. If you are charging several devices or travelling for longer, a higher capacity option might be more practical. Browse portable power banks to compare sizes and features.
Which power bank is best for phone charging?
The best power bank for phone charging is one that matches your phone’s charging port, supports a suitable charging speed and has enough capacity for how you use it. For most people, compact or mid-capacity portable phone chargers are easier to carry day to day. If your phone supports fast charging, look for a compatible fast charging power bank and use the right cable. If you prefer fewer cables, a wireless power bank may suit compatible phones, but check your device supports wireless charging first.
What is the best power bank for camping?
For camping, look for a power bank with enough capacity for the length of your trip and the number of devices you need to charge. A higher capacity battery pack may be helpful if you are charging phones, torches, cameras or headphones away from plug sockets. Check the number of ports, charging speed, weight and whether the battery indicator is easy to read. If you are building a packing list, Argos’ camping essentials checklist can help you plan the rest of your kit.
Can you take a portable charger on a plane?
Yes, but in the UK, power banks should be carried in your cabin bag, not in checked luggage. The CAA says passengers can take two power banks per person and they should not be recharged on board the aircraft. Battery size also matters. Under 100Wh is common for personal electronics, 100Wh to 160Wh needs airline approval, and over 160Wh is prohibited in passenger baggage. Always check your airline’s latest rules before you pack or fly, as requirements can vary.
How long does a portable power bank last?
How long a portable power bank lasts depends on its capacity, your device battery size, charging speed, cable, power loss during charging and whether you use your device while it is charging. A higher mAh power bank usually stores more charge, but it may also take longer to recharge and be heavier to carry. Over time, rechargeable batteries can also hold less charge than when new. For the most accurate guidance, check the product information and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging and storage.
How long will a 20000mAh power bank last?
A 20000mAh power bank usually offers more stored power than smaller 5000mAh or 10000mAh models, so it can be useful for longer days or charging multiple devices. The exact number of charges will vary depending on your phone or tablet battery size, how much charge is already in the device and how efficiently power is transferred. If you plan to fly with it, check the Wh rating and your airline’s battery rules before packing.
