A reliable and portable power bank is an essential addition to your carry-on luggage. Few experiences are more stressful than watching your battery drop to 10% while facing an endless security line, a scenario that has become increasingly common at airports this year. With last month's partial government shutdown causing over 11% of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) staff to miss work, and the looming threat of delays due to World Cup travel, being prepared for airport holdups is more important than ever. From pocket-sized chargers to stylish options that brighten a long morning waiting to board, these top-rated power banks will keep you charged from the security line to your destination.
1. Citicr: Aesthetic Portable Charger with Multiple Modes
This versatile portable charger offers multiple charging options, including a wall plug that provides full power in five hours and three built-in USB cables for faster four-hour charges. A digital display shows the remaining battery level for ultimate convenience. Available in nine attractive colors, it makes a great gift for frequent travelers. Promising review: “Reliable, convenient as heck and compact for travel or outdoor usage. This is the perfect power bank. Both my wife and my phones require a USB-C and now we don't need to worry about packing (and eventually) losing our house chargers. It holds a charge without depleting over time like a few others, no issues with overheating, and it fast charges. Zero complaints.” — SimmisCatattx
$25 at Amazon
2. Belkin: Reliable Charger with Integrated Cables
This sleek charger from Belkin features both Lightning and USB-C cables that tuck into hidden side grooves to reduce bulk and prevent cord damage. The brand assures it is “carry-on safe” and compliant with TSA regulations for portable batteries. Promising Amazon review: “I love this thing. The cables are already attached so you never need to worry about packing one. It can charge my iPhone from empty 2 to 3 times. Overall it’s a great charger and it’s not too big — which is a plus.” — Brian P.
$55 at Amazon, $55 at Target
3. Helle: Six-Output Portable Charger for Multitasking
Never worry about long lines again with this reliable power bank that boasts six outputs to charge multiple devices simultaneously. Its streamlined, clutter-free design is ideal for airport chaos, and the LED screen provides real-time battery information. It is compatible with iPhone, iPad, Samsung Galaxy, and Google devices, offering charging via USB-A, USB-C, iOS, and micro cables. Promising review: “Incredible power bank that is a must to have with you. Portable wherever you go weighing in at 7.09 ounces! Slim and has 6 output ports and 3 input ports allow the best of the best charging and delivers 22.5W of quick charging capability! This charger meets safety certifications and is safe for air travel! Carry it in your pocket, purse, or any bag! Built to be safe from overheating and any worry of over-charging. Fantastic LED display to see and check the battery level easily! A quick power boost when you need it without worry of battery wear! Don't leave home without it!” — Jennifer Marlatt
$22 at Amazon
4. Ugreen: Powerful Charger Built for Laptops
With what the brand calls “massive” power, this 145-watt bank is designed to meaningfully charge a laptop and has enough juice to charge an iPhone 15 more than five times. It features USB-C and USB-A outlets and a clear LED display to monitor power levels.
$70 at Ugreen
5. Rorry: Compact Portable Charger with Keychain Hook
Think of this portable charger as a year-round stocking stuffer: adorable to gift and convenient to own. It features a handy keychain design for quick access, magnetic charging compatibility with Apple Watch and iPhone (taking about one and two hours respectively), and comes in gift-worthy colors and patterns. Promising review: “This charger is literally perfect for on-the-go. It’s super compact (fits right on my keychain), but still gives enough power to boost my phone or Apple Watch when I’m out and about. I love that it has built-in cables — no digging through my bag or forgetting cords anymore. The pink color is also really cute and matches my vibe. Definitely a must-have if you’re always outside, traveling, or just need a quick charge.” — Dendra
$26 at Amazon
6. Charmast: Portable Charger That Multitasks
Spending hours waiting at the airport is no longer boring when your devices are fully charged with this powerful portable charger featuring a battery indicator. Its three output cables power iPhones, iPads, and Samsung devices, while micro cables are compatible with smaller or older devices. Slim as a cell phone, it fits neatly into any pocket or personal item bag. Promising review: “This is an amazing phone charger! The charger’s size and weight is about as much as a phone. I like the color too. It charges a little slower than a phone, but can charge a phone like 2 a half times fully on one charge. This is great to carry on the go as a backup just in case your phone dies. It’s helpful that it shows its battery level too. The brightness level is pretty low, but you can still see the number. This is easy to use and great to have traveling. Overall, this phone charger is an amazing buy and I highly recommend it.” — Su
$21 at Amazon
7. Anker: Sustainably Made Bite-Sized Portable Charger
Looking for something sleek and compact to stay connected during hours-long delays? This portable charger charges itself and your phone simultaneously, and can charge an iPhone Pro Max to 50% in under half an hour. Made with sustainable features, it is ClimatePartner-certified for low carbon emissions. Promising review: “I’ve been using this Anker power bank for about 2 years now, and it’s been very reliable. It’s taken a decent amount of abuse drops, travel, even camping trips, and it’s still going strong with no issues. The built-in USB-C cable makes it super convenient since I don’t always have to carry an extra cable with me. Battery performance has also been good. Even if I leave it unused for a while, it still holds its charge pretty well and doesn’t drain quickly. I’ve actually bought a few more for friends when they were on sale, and they’ve all had good experiences too.” — Jack
$30 at Amazon (4 colors), $30 at Walmart
8. Trkoy: Wireless MagSafe Charger You'll Barely Notice
Avoid uncomfortable eye contact while preserving battery life with this cord-free MagSafe portable charger. It uses durable magnetic force to clip directly onto your phone, allowing you to stay connected whether on a call or running to your gate. Its ultra-slim build (12 mm thick) makes it a perfect carry-on companion. Promising review: “This little charger has officially become part of our daily routine. Road trips? Comes with us. Pool day? Yep, it’s in the bag. Quick errands? Already attached like it pays rent. The magnetic connection is super satisfying — just snap it on and boom, charging. No cords, no hassle, no “hold it at a weird angle and hope for the best” nonsense. It’s slim enough that it doesn’t make my phone feel like a brick, which is a huge win. Battery life is solid too. It gives my phone that extra boost when it’s hanging on for dear life at 10%, which honestly feels like a lifesaver more often than I’d like to admit. We’ve used it everywhere and it hasn’t let us down yet. Reliable, convenient, and honestly kind of a must-have if you’re always on the go. Highly recommend — because a dead phone in public is basically a modern-day crisis.” — Zach
$20 at Amazon
9. Foldable Portable Charger That’s a Breeze to Pack
One concern with adding a wireless charger to your carry-on is weight or bulk, but this compact foldable design solves that. It can be neatly stowed in a pocket or pack and is designed for all Apple devices, including iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods. It includes short-circuit and overheat protection along with a non-slip base for secure landscape charging.
$20 at Walmart
10. Heyday: Colorful Multi-Hub Power Bank for Everyone
Traveling with friends or family, or relying on multiple devices to get through long TSA lines? This aesthetic multi-hub power bank has you covered. Use each of its four USB-C compatible ports on a different device to charge them all at once, and check its status with the charge indicator light.
$42 at Target (regularly $60)
