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Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteThe best power bank depends on what you need to charge: a compact, lower-output model can suit a phone, while laptop charging calls for the right USB-C profile, sustained output and enough usable energy. In a September 29, 2026 review, Tom’s Hardware’s Joe Shields tested 13 banks, including how they behaved while charging and discharging an Asus Zenbook Duo under a laptop load reaching about 93W.
What the 13-bank test can—and cannot—tell you
Joe Shields’s Tom’s Hardware review, published September 29, 2026, compared power banks from Anker, Sharge, Belkin, Baseus and Cuktech. Its setup included a wall charger, USB meters, a 240W-rated USB-C cable, an Asus Zenbook Duo as the laptop load and an infrared thermometer. Shields measured recharge time and input behavior, discharge output and delivered capacity, and external temperature.
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The laptop load reached about 93W in that setup. These results help distinguish models under that particular test; they are not independent replications or guarantees for another laptop, charger, outlet or individual unit. The review’s publication-time prices should not be treated as current retail prices.
Choose for the device you actually charge
For a phone: favor portability and fit
The review favors the compact Baseus PicoGo Air for phone-focused use. Its lower output and small size make it a more natural phone choice than a high-output bank designed with laptop charging in mind. For a phone buyer, consider whether the size, ports and capacity suit daily use rather than paying for output the device cannot use.
#1 Best Overall
- Ultra-Fast 145W Charging: With PD3.1 and QC3.0, deliver a total of 145W fast charging. A single USB-C1 port provides up to 140W, powering a 16" MacBook Pro from 0-56% in just 30 minutes
- Massive 25000mAh Capacity: Ugreen's power bank features a huge 25000mAh battery, capable of fully recharging laptops up to 1.3 times and mobile devices up to 5.2 times
- Two-Way Fast Recharge: Recharge the battery pack in just 2 hours using a 65W PD charger (not included). Our bi-directional technology allows for simultaneous fast charging of both the power bank and your devices
- Compact & Convenient: With a sleek, compact design, this portable charger is incredibly portable. The digital display shows remaining battery life at a glance, ensuring you always stay powered and confident on the go
- Wide Compatibility: Compatible with a wide range of devices including MacBook, Dell XPS, HP Spectre, iPad, iPhone 16-12 series, Galaxy S24, Switch, DJI, Steam Deck, and more
For a laptop: check the charging profile and sustained output
Shields highlights the Shargeek 170, Cuktech P23 and Anker Prime for laptop use. In the review’s discharge test, the Shargeek 170 sustained more than 90W at 20V; the Cuktech P23 also maintained output through the test. Most of the other tested banks reduced voltage, current or both during discharge.
Those results matter only if the bank’s output matches the laptop’s USB-C charging requirements. Check the laptop’s supported USB-C Power Delivery profile and the bank’s supported output profile before buying. A wattage printed on a bank does not guarantee that every laptop will charge at that rate—or charge at all. The review also notes that a laptop may require more power than a low-output bank supplies.
Rank #2
- Triple 100W USB-C Ports for Multi-Device Charging: Ideal for laptop users, this 25,000mAh power bank features three 100W USB-C ports for simultaneous charging—perfect for remote work, home offices, or powering up multiple devices on the go.
- 25,000mAh for Long-Haul Power: Tackle week-long trips or extended camping with 25,000mAh capacity and ultra-fast recharge speeds for the power bank when used with a 100W or higher charger. (Note: Complies with 100Wh airline restrictions and is airline carry-on friendly.)
- Dual Built-In Cables for Travel: Features two USB-C cables, one extendable up to 2.3 ft with 20,000 retractions, and another at 0.98 ft cable that doubles as a durable carrying strap capable of enduring more than 20,000 bends. Built to handle family travel, outdoor activities, and emergency backup needs.
- Charge 4 Devices at Once: Power up smartphones, tablets, or other USB-enabled devices thanks to dual USB-C cables, a USB-A port, and a USB-C port.
- What You Get: Anker Power Bank (25K, 165W, Built-In and Retractable Cables), protective pouch, user manual, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service. (Note: Charger shown in the video is not included.)
For more than one device: compare ports as well as wattage
Check the number and type of ports, and whether the bank can supply the needed output through the port you plan to use. A headline maximum wattage alone does not establish how power is shared across ports or which charging profile a particular port supports; verify those details for the exact model and revision.
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Discharge behavior is not just about the number printed on the case. Under the review’s laptop load, the Shargeek 170 maintained more than 90W at 20V, and the Cuktech P23 maintained output through the test. The review says most of the remaining banks reduced voltage, current or both. That makes sustained output at the required voltage a more useful laptop-selection check than maximum rated wattage in isolation.
Rank #3
- 87W Power to Share: Distribute 87W across three devices, with a single device receiving up to 65W, to rapidly charge iPhones, Samsung phones. Quickly charge a 14" MacBook Pro to 50% in under 40 minutes.
- Speedy Cable Charging: Utilize the built-in cable to elevate your iPhone 15 Pro to 58% or a MacBook Air to 52% in 30 minutes. You can also fully recharge this power bank in 1.5 hours with a 65W charger.
- 20,000mAh for Extended Use: Eliminate concerns about battery depletion with a 20,000mAh power bank that ensures consistent, reliable charging for all your devices, also approved for airline travel.
- Lasts Longer, Charges Faster: The integrated USB-C cable is designed to endure, withstanding over 10,000 bends for dependable charging and convenient storage.
- What You Get: Anker Power Bank (20K, 87W, Built-In USB-C Cable), 6.2 × 2.9 × 1.0 in (15.5 oz), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Capacity also needs context. The review explains that printed mAh figures are based on cells rated at 3.7V, while the energy delivered changes with voltage conversion and load. A laptop test uses a higher voltage than a simple phone charge, so a bank’s box mAh figure is not a promise of how much energy it will deliver to a laptop. Compare usable energy under the intended load where the manufacturer or test provides it, and treat a bare mAh comparison cautiously.
A reader comment on the review challenges its capacity calculations and argues that watt-hours (Wh) are a more useful comparison. That is a reader’s criticism, not an independent reanalysis of the test measurements. Wh can help compare energy, but actual delivery still depends on conversion, output voltage and load.
Rank #4
- 65W Fast Charging for Laptop : JUOVI Laptop power bank Support up to 65W fast charging, compatible with Macbook, Dell, Thinkpad and other laptop.Break free from the outlet. With 65W mobile fast charging, unlock true mobility so your productivity and creativity never have to pause
- 2 USB-A and 2 USB-C Ports : End the clutter of multiple chargers and the mental load of which cable to pack. This single powerful 65W battery pack fuels your laptop, phone, and tablet simultaneously. Simplify your carry, and step out with confidence, ready for anything
- Travel-Friendly and Airline-Approved : The 65W power bank, airline-compliant power bank is your ticket to seamless travel—breeze through security worldwide and keep your laptop charged for work or play, anywhere on earth
- Widely Compatible : Our 20000mAh power bank is compatible with a variety of fast-charging protocols, including PD, PPS, QC, FCP, and SCP. Our power bank is compatible with common devices on the market. Such as compatible with iPhone series, other phone, tablet, earbuds est.
- Multi-protection : The portable charger battery pack protects your devices from possible overvoltage, overload, overheating, overcurrent and short circuit. The phone will automatically turn off after it is fully charged to prevent overheating and overcharging and protect the health of your phone's battery
Recharge time varies substantially
Using the review’s described setup, Shields found that the Shargeek 170 charged in under an hour. The Baseus PicoGo AC22 took over six hours, the Cuktech CP24 took over four hours, and the Cuktech CP12 took over 2.5 hours to charge from empty. These are observations from that test, not promised recharge times with a different wall charger, outlet or unit.
If turnaround time matters, check the bank’s maximum input rate and the charger and cable required to reach it. A high-output bank may still take a long time to refill if its input is limited or the charger used cannot supply its supported rate.
Best Value
- Wallet-Sized Laptop Power Packs a massive 20,000mAh into a body smaller than a standard wallet. Advanced high-density stacking shrinks the volume by 38% while boosting efficiency by 10%. A true 65W pocket powerhouse.
- 65W Triple-Port Charging Fuel your entire setup. Revive MacBooks, HP, Lenovo, or Dell laptops to 50%+ in just 30 mins, and charge Steam Decks at full speed without slow-charger warnings. Power your laptop, phone, and Apple Watch/earbuds simultaneously.
- Detachable Lanyard Cable Features a 100% detachable, universal 4.7" (12cm) USB-C cable that doubles as a durable carry handle. Built 3X tougher with braided nylon—replace the cable anytime to ensure your power bank lasts for years.
- All-Weekend Energy Core High-capacity 20,000mAh provides 1 full charge for a MacBook Air or over 3 charges for flagship smartphones. Your ultimate off-grid power station to keep you running from Friday to Sunday.
- TSA-Approved & 3-Year Warranty Travel worldwide with confidence. This airline-safe battery pack features advanced multi-layer protection against overheating. Backed by our industry-leading 3-Year replacement promise for total peace of mind.
Temperature results are specific to the test
In the review’s tests, the Baseus PicoGo reached a maximum external chassis temperature of 43°C. The Anker Prime and Anker Laptop each reached 37°C. These are measured surface temperatures under that review’s conditions, not a general safety assessment or a prediction of temperatures in other environments.
A practical checklist before buying
- Match the device: Choose a compact phone-oriented model for phone use, or a laptop-capable bank when laptop charging is essential.
- Verify USB-C compatibility: Compare the laptop’s supported charging profile with the bank’s output voltage and current profiles.
- Look beyond peak watts: Seek evidence of sustained output at the voltage your laptop needs, not just a maximum wattage claim.
- Consider energy under load: Treat printed mAh as a cell-based rating, not a direct estimate of laptop runtime; account for voltage conversion and load.
- Check charging in and out: Confirm input limits, recharge expectations, port count and type, and how the bank handles multiple connected devices.
- Assess portability: Compare size and weight against how often you will carry it and how much capacity you need.
- Review protection and exact model details: Check the manufacturer’s stated safety features and verify specifications for the precise model and revision. The review’s tests do not establish a complete safety comparison.
- Check current pricing and availability: Retail status can change, and prices reported when a review was published may no longer apply.
Which model stands out for which job?
| Use case or model | What the review establishes | What to check before choosing |
|---|---|---|
| Baseus PicoGo Air, phone-focused | Shields favors its compact size and lower output for phone use. | Whether its capacity, ports and charging speed suit your devices; laptop suitability is not established by this phone-focused recommendation. |
| Shargeek 170, laptop-focused | More than 90W at 20V sustained through the review’s discharge test; charged in under an hour in that test. | Your laptop’s supported profile, port-level output, current price, size and weight. |
| Cuktech P23, laptop-focused | Maintained output through the review’s discharge test. | Compatibility with your laptop, usable energy under its load, recharge time and current price. |
| Anker Prime, laptop-focused | Highlighted by Shields for laptop use; its external chassis reached 37°C in the review’s test. | Exact output behavior for your laptop’s profile, usable energy, recharge time and current price. |
How to read the verdict
Shields’s conclusion is that no one bank is best for every buyer. The most defensible choice is the one that meets your device’s charging profile and practical needs: compactness for phone carry, sustained output and usable energy for laptop use, and acceptable recharge time, ports and portability for your routine.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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