Whether you have work to do, games to play, or just want to stay connected on the go, it's essential to have a good portable laptop charger in your bag. With options for business trips, camping trips, or long train rides, we've identified the best batteries for every situation. The POWERADD Pilot Pro2 has proven to be the best all-around charger that balances price, portability, and support for multiple devices.
POWERADD Pilot Pro2
Stayin' alive
With a wide range of compatibility, you can use the POWERADD Pilot Pro2 to keep your laptop and all other devices protected and fully charged while on the go.
Pros:
- Good customer service
- Compatible with many types of devices
- Built-in safety measures
Cons:
- May not work with some gaming laptops
- Passthrough charging not advised
- A confusing set of adapters
If you're looking for a good charger at a good price, then look no further than the POWERADD Pilot Pro2. With a 23,000mAh battery, you'll get at least one full charge for your Macbook Pro 13-inch, assuming the laptop isn't in use while charging. Alternatively, you can charge smaller devices like your smartphone up to eight times, or charge multiple smaller devices at once.
While you can charge the Pilot Pro2 and your device at the same time (passthrough charging), this may be harmful to the charger's battery and is not advised. The last thing you want when charging your laptop or mobile device is a malfunction, or worse, a fire. Luckily, the Pilot Pro2 comes with built-in safety measures. It has overcharge protection, overload output protection, over-current and over-voltage protection, and short-circuit protection to help keep you and your devices secure. If you do have an issue with your Pilot Pro2, the company is known to have responsive customer service.
Omni 20+
Powerful multifunction
Power up your laptop and a plethora of other devices and even wirelessly charge your phone with this great pack.
Pros:
- Wireless phone charging
- Charging passthrough
- Can charge via solar power
Cons:
- Expensive
- Heavy
- Most adapters for charging pack not included
If you don't mind spending a bit more money on your battery pack, consider the Omni 20+. Offering USB-A, USB-C, and AC/DC ports, a 120V outlet, and up to 100W output, you'll be able to charge just about any of your portable devices. This charger supports laptops, handheld devices, and even drones! You can charge your phone five to nine times, and charge a MacBook Air up to 100% at least once. And once you've run out of battery, you can recharge it almost anywhere, even via solar power!
One of the coolest features this charger has to offer is wireless phone charging. Simply place your phone, AirPods, or other wireless charging devices onto it and start sipping that sweet juice! With the pass-through charging feature, you'll be able to charge your Omni 20+ and your devices at the same time.
Nimble 10 Day Fast Portable Charger
Power to the planet
Renewable and biodegradable components and plenty of power - feel better knowing this is the most eco-friendly portable charger on the market!
Pros:
- Eco-friendly design and packaging
- Quick-charge functionality
- 10-day battery life
- Magnetic cable management - no lost or twisted wires
Cons:
- Large and heavy
- Quick-charge feature may not work on laptops
- Long recharge times
If you're environmentally-conscious, you'll be quite happy with this charger. Nimble uses renewable plastics made from plants, so the pieces of this charger are biodegradable. You'll even receive a prepaid envelope to send back your old devices to be recycled. With boxes made of 100% recycled paper, this Nimble proves to be the most eco-friendly charger out there.
Not only does this pack help protect the environment, but it will help keep your devices alive as well. Your phones and smaller devices will charge quickly, but your laptop may take a little longer due to the amount of power required. With both USB-C and USB-A ports, you'll be able to charge a variety of devices. You can even check if your device is quick-charging thanks to the orange and green LED lights on the charger. Having lost or twisted wires is also a worry of the past with the Nimble's magnetic cable storage strap.
X-DRAGON Solar Charger
Perfect for camping
Keep your devices charged whether you camp for two days or two weeks with this water-resistant, foldable solar charger.
Pros:
- High energy conversion rate
- Water resistance
- Foldable design
Cons:
- Laptop must be powered down while charging
- Long charge and recharge times
Perfect for extended camping trips, this charger will keep your laptop, phone, tablet, and more charged even during overcast days. A little bit of rain won't destroy this water-resistant charger, though it isn't recommended to submerge it underwater. The foldable design makes traveling easier than some of the other solar chargers on the market.
This device runs at a 22-25% conversion rate, which is high considering the average 15% rate of most other solar power competitors. You're provided with a USB-A port and an 18V DC output, although it's recommended for the 18V DC that you turn off your laptop while charging it for it to work properly. It also features short-circuit and surge protection to keep your devices safe. Solar technology might not yet be perfect, but this is the best version of it on the market and what you should take with you if you enjoy camping.
MAXOAK Type-C Power Bank
More power on the go
Check this battery pack out if you're looking for a maximum amount of portable power in a small space.
Pros:
- Fast charging options
- Can auto-detect and adjust proper voltage
- Supports charging passthrough
Cons:
- A bit on the chunky side
- Doesn't include a USB-A to USB-A, or a USB-C to USB-A adapter
Sometimes you want to grab as much power as you can because you don't know how long you'll be gone. The MAXOAK Type-C Power Bank offers one of the largest capacity batteries we've seen from a pack that is still somewhat portable. With 36,000mAh this device can charge a MacBook Air or a MacBook Pro almost two full times or an iPhone nearly nine times! It's size and capacity also allow you to charge multiple types of devices simultaneously.
This device has built-in safety features like smart IC Technology that can automatically determine the most efficient charging current to recharge your various devices.
Anker Powerhouse 200
Off-grid power
Take some time to live in the woods or on a deserted island while keeping your laptop and other devices charged for days.
Pros:
- Incredible versatility
- Super capacity
- Faster and safer charging than earlier versions
- Passthrough charging
Cons:
- Solar charging accessories not included
- Long recharge times
This beast of a charger can not only keep your laptop going, but it can power just about any portable device you have on hand. This includes mobile devices, emergency equipment, and even small appliances! With 57,600mAh, you'll practically never have to worry about running out of power. You can charge a MacBook Pro over 5 times, and a phone over 12 times.
The charger's design makes it easy to bring along on camping trips, but we wouldn't recommend it often due to its bulky size and weight. The built-in handle makes carrying the device relatively easy, though, as long as you don't need to have both hands free. The Powerhouse 200 can be recharged via USB-C through a car or wall charger, or via an AC adapter. It is also compatible with 22V DC solar chargers.
Recommended by Mr. Mobile and other tech journalists, the Anker Powerhouse 200 is a fantastic choice if you plan to live off the grid for a little bit. However, if you just want a simple laptop charger, you might want to look elsewhere.
Bottom line
Whether you're looking for a charger with massive amounts of power, a lot of bells and whistles, or something more budget-friendly, this list has a little something for everyone. These devices can do much more than just charge your laptop, so be sure to consider all the different features available before you make your choice.
Each charger on this list is the best of its class. Your purchase comes down to what you want to charge, what you are willing to carry around, and how much you're looking to spend. If you want to keep your laptop charged, and maybe a few of your other small devices, the POWERADD Pilot Pro2 is the best charger overall. It's easily portable, provides a great charge, and works with a wide array of devices.