7 Best Portable Power Banks for Emergencies (2026)

Your phone dies at hour 14 of a grid outage. The flashlight app goes dark. You lose weather updates, contact with family, and the ability to call for help.

A portable power bank is the single highest-value item in any emergency kit. It weighs under a pound, costs under $50 for a capable model, and keeps your most critical communication device alive through any short-term disruption. FEMA’s 72-hour preparedness baseline assumes you have one.

The challenge is the spec sheet. Manufacturers list mAh numbers, wattages, and port configurations that are meaningless without context. A 26,800 mAh bank is not twice as useful as a 13,400 mAh bank if you need fast phone charging and not raw capacity. A solar panel attached to a power bank sounds capable until you do the actual math.

We evaluated seven options — five banks and two related picks — by capacity, real-world charges delivered, output wattage, weight, recharge time, and specific emergency use cases. The comparison table, mAh math section, and FAQ give you the numbers to choose correctly.

Pick	Capacity	Max Output	Ports	Weight	Price
Anker 733 PowerBank	10,000 mAh	65W PD	USB-C, USB-A x2	0.67 lb	~$56
Anker 622 MagGo	5,000 mAh	12W wireless	MagSafe, USB-C	0.31 lb	~$36
Goal Zero Sherpa 100AC	25,600 mAh	45W USB-C + AC	USB-C, USB-A, AC	1.63 lb	~$180
BioLite Charge 80 PD	20,000 mAh	18W PD	USB-C, USB-A x2	0.85 lb	~$70
Jackery Explorer 300	293Wh	300W AC	AC, USB-C, USB-A x2, 12V	7.1 lb	~$280
Anker PowerCore 26800	26,800 mAh	25W	USB-C, USB-A x3	1.19 lb	~$65
BioLite SolarPanel 10+	N/A (panel)	10W	USB-A, charge indicator	0.72 lb	~$80

How to Choose a Power Bank for Emergency Use

Before reviewing individual picks, understand the four specs that actually matter for preparedness.

mAh: How Many Phone Charges

Milliamp-hours (mAh) measures total stored charge. A modern smartphone holds 3,000 to 5,000 mAh. But you never get a 1:1 transfer — heat, voltage conversion, and cable resistance create efficiency losses of roughly 25 to 30 percent.

Real-world charges per 10,000 mAh:

iPhone 15 (3,877 mAh): about 1.8 full charges
Samsung Galaxy S24 (4,000 mAh): about 1.75 full charges
Pixel 8 (4,575 mAh): about 1.5 full charges

Plan for 10,000 mAh per day if you are keeping one phone alive with moderate use. For a 72-hour emergency, a 26,800 mAh bank covers a single phone completely and has capacity left for a flashlight or tablet.

Watt-Hours: The Right Unit for Laptops

For laptops, mAh is the wrong metric. Watt-hours (Wh) is what you need. Multiply mAh by the bank’s voltage and divide by 1,000.

A 26,800 mAh / 3.7V bank holds roughly 99 Wh. Most ultrabook batteries range from 40 to 74 Wh. After efficiency losses, that same 99 Wh bank delivers one full laptop charge for smaller machines, or about 60 percent for a 74 Wh battery.

Power Delivery: Fast Charging and Laptop Compatibility

Power Delivery (PD) is a USB-C standard enabling 18W to 100W transfer over a single cable. Without PD, a standard USB-A port tops out at 12 to 18W and cannot charge a laptop at all. PD charges a modern iPhone in under 90 minutes versus 3 to 4 hours on a 5W port. If your power bank does not have PD, it is a 2018-era product regardless of when it was manufactured.

Look for at least 18W PD for phones. Look for 45W or higher PD if you need laptop charging.

Pass-Through Charging

Pass-through allows the bank to charge your device while simultaneously being recharged itself from a wall outlet or solar panel. Useful for single-cable situations. Generate some heat. Not a primary design consideration for emergency use — when the grid is down, you are drawing from the bank, not filling it.

1. Anker 733 PowerBank — Best Overall for Phone and Laptop

The Anker 733 GaNPrime solves the problem most power banks create: you need a charger and a power bank, which means two bricks in your kit. The 733 combines a 65W GaN wall charger and a 10,000 mAh battery into a single unit that weighs 0.67 pounds.

The 65W PD port charges a MacBook Air or Dell XPS 13 at full speed — not trickle charging, actual laptop-speed charging. For iPhones and Android flagships, it delivers over 50 percent charge in 30 minutes. Two USB-A ports handle a flashlight, a backup radio, or a second phone simultaneously.

The 10,000 mAh capacity is the correct size for everyday carry and bug-out-bag inclusion. Large enough for 2 to 3 phone charges, small enough to forget it is there. If you need multi-day coverage without recharging, step up to the Anker PowerCore 26800.

GaN (gallium nitride) technology runs cooler than standard silicon chargers. Less heat means longer battery lifespan and safer storage.

Emergency use case: Primary power source for your phone during a 24 to 48 hour outage. Doubles as a 65W laptop charger the other 364 days. The single-unit design eliminates the “which cable do I grab” problem during a fast evacuation.

Best for: Most preppers. Covers the most likely emergency scenario (phone dead, need to charge fast) in the smallest, most portable package.

2. Anker 622 MagGo — Best for iPhone Users

If you carry an iPhone 12 or newer, the Anker 622 MagGo attaches magnetically to the back of your phone and charges wirelessly while you use it. No cable to fish out of a bag. No fumbling with ports in the dark.

Five thousand mAh delivers approximately one full iPhone charge. That is a single extension, not multi-day coverage. The value here is friction reduction during an active emergency when you need your phone accessible and charging at the same time.

The 622 is a supplement, not a primary emergency bank. Carry it in addition to the Anker 733, not instead of it. Together they give you 15,000 mAh with 65W PD and hands-free wireless charging — under $100 and under one pound combined.

Emergency use case: Attached to your phone while you navigate, communicate, or monitor weather. Adds 1 full charge with zero effort. Frees the one USB-C port on the 733 for a second device.

Best for: iPhone users who want seamless charging during active emergency response. Skip if you use Android — MagSafe compatibility is iOS-only.

3. Goal Zero Sherpa 100AC — Best for Multiple Devices and AC Outlet

Goal Zero builds gear for backcountry expeditions where gear failure is a serious consequence. The Sherpa 100AC is the most capable power bank on this list in terms of device versatility.

The AC outlet changes the device compatibility equation entirely. Any device with a standard wall plug — a CPAP machine, a small medical device, a camera battery charger — can draw from the Sherpa 100AC. Most power banks cannot do this at all, or only offer it on much heavier power stations.

USB-C at 45W handles most ultrabooks. The two USB-A ports cover legacy devices, flashlights, and radios. Four output ports running simultaneously is unusual at this form factor.

The recharge speed is the standout spec on the input side: 2 hours from AC. When the grid comes back intermittently — as it often does during rolling outages — you can refill quickly. It also accepts solar input via Goal Zero’s Nomad panel series, though solar recharge is slow (discussed in the solar section below).

At $180, the Sherpa 100AC is the most expensive pure power bank on this list. If you need an AC outlet, the price is justified. If you only need USB charging, the Anker PowerCore 26800 delivers more mAh at one-third the cost.

Emergency use case: Home emergency hub for a household with multiple devices. Charge phones, a laptop, a CPAP, and a USB lantern simultaneously. Works for people who cannot use CPAP-incompatible power stations due to pure sine wave requirements — the Sherpa 100AC outputs modified sine wave AC, which most CPAP machines tolerate, but confirm with your equipment manual.

Best for: Households with diverse device needs or any AC-dependent medical equipment.

4. BioLite Charge 80 PD — Best Mid-Size with Solar Input

BioLite is a brand built around off-grid energy. The Charge 80 PD is designed from the start for solar integration — it accepts solar input more efficiently than competitors and includes a charge indicator that shows actual wattage flowing in from a panel.

The 20,000 mAh capacity covers 3 to 4 smartphone charges for most modern phones. The 18W PD is fast enough for smartphones and tablets but not for laptops. For laptop charging at a power bank, you need the Anker 733 or Goal Zero Sherpa 100AC.

What makes the Charge 80 PD distinct is the integration with solar. The USB-C port accepts up to 18W solar input. Combined with the BioLite SolarPanel 10+, this becomes a self-replenishing system — slow, but functional for extended outages where grid power is not returning soon.

Emergency use case: Multi-day or extended emergency preparedness where you expect to use solar input. A wildfire evacuation camp, a week-long grid outage, or a remote location without power access. The solar integration makes it the best bank for pairing with a panel.

Best for: Preppers who want a solar-capable mid-size bank without stepping up to a full power station.

5. Jackery Explorer 300 — Best Upgrade Pick (Power Station Crossover)

The Jackery Explorer 300 is technically a portable power station, not a power bank. We included it because it occupies the critical gap between a power bank and a whole-home generator — and it covers emergency charging scenarios that no power bank can.

Two hundred ninety-three watt-hours covers: a phone charged 25+ times, a laptop charged 3 to 4 times, a mini-fridge running for 4 to 8 hours, or a CPAP running 8 to 12 hours. The 300W pure sine wave AC outlet handles sensitive electronics that modified sine wave units damage.

The 12V DC output charges car accessories and 12V fans. Combined with the USB-C and dual USB-A ports, the Explorer 300 handles a full household device ecosystem simultaneously.

The weight (7.1 lb) and price (~$280) place it in a different category than a pocket power bank. This is a base camp unit, not a carry item. But for preparedness-focused buyers who are considering whether to buy multiple power banks or one capable unit, the Explorer 300 is the more strategic purchase.

Emergency use case: Household emergency power hub for 72-hour outages. Handles phones, laptops, medical devices, and a small refrigerator rotation. Pairs with Jackery’s SolarSaga 100 panel for indefinite operation in a sustained emergency.

Best for: Households upgrading from a pile of power banks to a single capable unit. Anyone with medical equipment requiring pure sine wave AC.

6. Anker PowerCore 26800 — Best High Capacity Budget Pick

The Anker PowerCore 26800 is the highest-capacity power bank on this list at the lowest price per mAh. It is the correct choice if raw phone-charging capacity is your primary requirement.

Twenty-six thousand eight hundred milliamp-hours delivers 5 to 7 full smartphone charges at real-world efficiency. For a three-day emergency with one phone, you have capacity to spare. For two phones or a phone plus a tablet, you have 2 to 3 days of coverage.

Three USB-A ports mean three devices charging simultaneously. The 25W USB-C port covers fast charging for phones but not laptops — if you need laptop charging, step up to the Anker 733 or Goal Zero Sherpa 100AC.

The recharge time of 6.5 hours is the main limitation. When grid power returns temporarily, plug in immediately — you may only get 2 to 3 hours before another outage.

At $65, the PowerCore 26800 costs essentially the same as the Anker 733 while delivering 2.7x the capacity. The trade-off is no laptop charging and no wall-charger integration. For dedicated phone and device backup — not laptop charging — it wins on value.

Emergency use case: Primary charging supply for a 72-hour kit. Enough capacity to keep two phones alive through a full weekend outage with conservative use.

Best for: Budget-focused preppers who need maximum phone-charging capacity. Households with multiple phones to keep alive.

7. BioLite SolarPanel 10+ — Best Add-On Solar Panel

Solar panels attached to power banks are one of the most misunderstood items in emergency preparedness. The integrated panels on most solar-panel power banks generate 2 to 5 watts — enough to slow discharge, not enough to meaningfully recharge a depleted bank. A dedicated panel changes the math.

Output: 10W peak | Compatibility: USB-A output, universal compatibility | Recharge Estimate: Adds 10 to 15 percent to a 20,000 mAh bank per hour of direct sun | Weight: 0.72 lb | Price: ~$80

The BioLite SolarPanel 10+ includes an integrated sundial that helps you aim the panel at the optimal sun angle — a detail that matters more than it sounds when 15 degrees off-axis cuts output by 30 percent. The charge indicator shows actual watt input in real time, so you know immediately whether the panel is generating or just warming up.

The realistic solar math: In ideal summer conditions with direct perpendicular sun, a 10W panel generates about 8 to 10 watt-hours per hour of peak sun. Peak sun hours vary by location and season — 4 to 6 hours per day is a reasonable estimate in the continental US summer. That means 32 to 60 Wh per day from this panel, or roughly enough to charge a smartphone 0.5 to 1 time per day.

To fully charge a 26,800 mAh (99 Wh) bank from empty in ideal conditions: 2 to 3 days minimum. In realistic spring or fall conditions with partial clouds: 4 to 7 days.

Solar is an extension tool, not a fast recharge source. Pair the BioLite SolarPanel 10+ with the BioLite Charge 80 PD or any bank with USB-A input. Leave it in a south-facing window or outside during daylight. It will continuously add charge during a multi-day outage. Expect to maintain 50 to 70 percent capacity on a 20,000 mAh bank with moderate phone use if you deploy the panel consistently.

Emergency use case: Extended outages of 5 or more days where grid restoration is uncertain. Perfect supplement for the Charge 80 PD. Also useful as a standalone phone charger in a pinch — 10W is enough to charge an iPhone directly from the panel in 3 to 4 hours of direct sun.

Best for: Preparedness situations lasting beyond 72 hours. Homesteaders. Anyone in wildfire or hurricane-prone areas where extended grid outages are a real scenario.

Emergency Charging Priority

When your power supply is limited, charge in this order.

Priority 1: Phone. Your phone is your communication lifeline, weather source, emergency alert receiver, and flashlight. A dead phone ends your ability to coordinate, navigate, or call for help. Charge phones first, every time.

Priority 2: Backup lighting. Once your phone is topped off, charge a USB-powered lantern or headlamp. Darkness creates secondary hazards — falls, accidents, stress escalation. Good lighting costs almost nothing in battery capacity (a USB lantern runs for 10 to 20 hours on 3,000 mAh) and delivers high practical value.

Priority 3: Other communication devices. GMRS radios, ham radios, emergency weather radios. Neighborhood coordination during a multi-day outage often runs on handheld radios when cell towers are congested or down.

Priority 4: Everything else. Laptops, tablets, electric shavers, cameras. These improve quality of life during an extended outage but do not affect safety in the first 72 hours.

Resist the temptation to run power banks to zero. Lithium batteries perform best and last longer when kept above 20 percent. Charge a device to 80 percent and move to the next rather than running one device to 100 while others sit empty.

For deeper coverage of backup lighting options, see our emergency lighting guide. For generator comparisons and whole-home backup strategies, see our emergency power and generators guide.

Full Comparison Table

Pick	Capacity	Max Output	Ports	Weight	Price	Laptop Charging
Anker 733 PowerBank	10,000 mAh	65W PD	USB-C, USB-A x2	0.67 lb	~$56	Yes (65W)
Anker 622 MagGo	5,000 mAh	12W wireless	MagSafe, USB-C	0.31 lb	~$36	No
Goal Zero Sherpa 100AC	25,600 mAh	45W PD + 100W AC	USB-C, USB-A x2, AC	1.63 lb	~$180	Yes (45W)
BioLite Charge 80 PD	20,000 mAh	18W PD	USB-C, USB-A x2	0.85 lb	~$70	No
Jackery Explorer 300	293Wh	300W AC (pure sine)	AC, USB-C, USB-A x2, 12V	7.1 lb	~$280	Yes
Anker PowerCore 26800	26,800 mAh	25W	USB-C, USB-A x3	1.19 lb	~$65	No
BioLite SolarPanel 10+	N/A	10W	USB-A	0.72 lb	~$80	N/A

Power Bank FAQ

How many mAh do I need in a power bank?

For 72-hour emergency phone coverage, plan for 20,000 to 26,800 mAh. A modern smartphone holds 3,000 to 5,000 mAh, but real-world charging efficiency runs around 70%, so a 10,000 mAh bank delivers roughly 1.5 to 2 full phone charges. If you also need to charge a laptop, a tablet, or lights, step up to 26,800 mAh or higher. For whole-household device coverage, consider a power station like the Jackery Explorer 300.

What is Power Delivery (PD) and why does it matter?

Power Delivery is a USB-C charging standard that allows higher wattage transfer — typically 18W to 100W — over a single cable. PD charges a modern smartphone roughly 3x faster than standard 5W USB-A charging. It also enables laptop charging from a power bank, which standard ports cannot do. Look for PD on any power bank you plan to use for phones newer than 2018 or any laptop.

Can a power bank charge a laptop?

Yes, if the power bank supports USB-C Power Delivery at 45W or higher. The Anker 733 (65W PD) and Goal Zero Sherpa 100AC (45W USB-C) both charge laptops. A 20,000 mAh bank at 65W will fully charge most ultrabooks once and top up larger laptops to 60 to 80 percent. Watt-hours are the correct unit for laptop charging math: a 74Wh laptop battery requires a bank with at least 100Wh capacity to get a full charge after efficiency losses.

How long does it take to charge a power bank from a solar panel?

Longer than most product marketing suggests. A small 10W solar panel in direct summer sun generates about 8 to 10 watt-hours per hour. Charging a 26,800 mAh (99Wh) bank from empty would take 12 to 20 hours of peak sun — which means 3 to 5 days of real-world charging. Solar is best used as a trickle top-off to extend your capacity, not as a fast recharge source. The BioLite SolarPanel 10+ is honest about this; charge times are stated as estimates in direct sunlight.

What is pass-through charging?

Pass-through charging means the power bank can charge your device and recharge itself simultaneously from a wall outlet or solar panel. Useful when you want to top off your phone while also filling the bank back up. Not all banks support it, and those that do often do it inefficiently — generating heat and reducing battery lifespan with repeated cycles. Use pass-through as a convenience feature, not a daily habit.

Should I keep my power bank fully charged in storage?

No. For long-term storage, most lithium battery manufacturers recommend storing at 40 to 60 percent charge. A fully charged lithium cell sitting unused accelerates calendar aging. Check your bank every 3 months and top off to 50 percent if needed. Before an anticipated emergency (hurricane season, winter storm watch), charge to 100 percent and use within 30 days.

7 Best Portable Power Banks for Emergency Preparedness

How to Choose a Power Bank for Emergency Use

mAh: How Many Phone Charges

Watt-Hours: The Right Unit for Laptops

Power Delivery: Fast Charging and Laptop Compatibility

Pass-Through Charging

1. Anker 733 PowerBank — Best Overall for Phone and Laptop

2. Anker 622 MagGo — Best for iPhone Users

3. Goal Zero Sherpa 100AC — Best for Multiple Devices and AC Outlet

4. BioLite Charge 80 PD — Best Mid-Size with Solar Input

5. Jackery Explorer 300 — Best Upgrade Pick (Power Station Crossover)

6. Anker PowerCore 26800 — Best High Capacity Budget Pick

7. BioLite SolarPanel 10+ — Best Add-On Solar Panel

Emergency Charging Priority

Full Comparison Table

Power Bank FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How many mAh do I need in a power bank?

What is Power Delivery (PD) and why does it matter?

Can a power bank charge a laptop?

How long does it take to charge a power bank from a solar panel?

What is pass-through charging?

Should I keep my power bank fully charged in storage?