Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you use them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
iPhones have gotten better battery life over the years, so most people don't need a portable battery pack. But if you travel frequently, spend whole days at conferences or theme parks, or have an older iPhone whose battery has seen better days, a good battery pack can keep you going.
My picks
For most people who need a portable battery, I recommend the Anker Nano Power Bank (5K, MagGo, Slim). It's the lightest of these three and can attach to a compatible iPhone or case for wireless charging.
Choose the Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K, Slim) if you want more capacity for longer days and don't mind the extra weight. If you also need to charge a laptop, consider the Anker Prime Power Bank (26K, 300W). It's a much larger, wired-only option and overkill for most people who only need to charge an iPhone.
| Anker Nano 5K MagGo Slim | Anker MagGo 10K Slim | Anker Prime 26K | |
|---|---|---|---|
| View product on Amazon | View product on Amazon | View product on Amazon | |
| Buy | Buy at Best Buy | Buy at Best Buy | Buy at Best Buy |
| Best for | Most people | Heavy use and longer days | Travel with a laptop |
| Capacity | 5,000 mAh | 10,000 mAh | 26,250 mAh |
| Charging | Up to 15W wireless or 20W wired | Up to 15W wireless or 30W wired | Wired only, up to 140W per port and 300W total |
| Tradeoff | Less capacity | Heavier than the 5K | Larger and no wireless charging |
How much capacity do you need?
A battery pack's capacity is listed in milliamp-hours, or mAh. A larger number generally means more stored power, but the full capacity won't reach your phone. Some energy is lost during charging, and wireless charging typically uses more energy than charging by cable.
The 5K is a good choice when you want a compact pack for an occasional boost. The 10K offers twice the capacity if you expect to use your phone heavily or spend longer away from an outlet. The 26K makes more sense when you have larger devices to charge, too.
The number of charges you'll get depends on your iPhone, how you use it while charging, and whether you use a cable or wireless charging. A Pro or Max model with a larger battery may get fewer charges from the same pack.
Will a magnetic battery pack work with your iPhone?
MagSafe is Apple's magnetic wireless charging system. A compatible magnetic battery pack attaches to the back of the phone for wireless charging. Qi2 is an industry standard based partly on MagSafe technology; compatibility and charging speed depend on the phone and charger.
Most iPhone 12 and later models have built-in magnets, but the iPhone 16e is an exception. It supports Qi wireless charging but has no built-in magnets. 16e and mini users may find that using a cable to charge is necessary.
Both the 5K and 10K can also charge an iPhone by cable, faster and with less energy waste. My USB-C cable guide can help you choose a suitable cable. If you need a case with magnetic attachment, see my iPhone case recommendation.
You'll also need a USB-C cable and a suitable charger to recharge the battery pack itself. If your iPhone uses Lightning, remember to bring the cable for your phone as well as the USB-C cable for the pack.
Can you take a battery pack on a plane?
Yes, but check your airline's current rules before you travel. Policies can differ, including whether you may use a battery pack during the flight and where you must keep it.
In the United States, spare batteries must go in your carry-on, not checked luggage. If your carry-on is checked at the gate, take the battery pack out and keep it with you in the cabin.
The usual limit is 100 watt-hours (Wh) per battery. Batteries from 101 to 160 Wh require airline approval, with a limit of two. Batteries over 160 Wh are prohibited. The Anker Prime 26K is rated at 99.75 Wh, below the 100 Wh limit.
Don't take a damaged or swollen battery on a plane. If a pack looks warped or bloated, replace it.
How to get more from a battery pack
Use a cable when capacity matters. Wireless charging is convenient, but it is slower and loses more energy than wired charging. If you're in a hurry or the pack is running low, connect your phone with a cable.
Use Low Power Mode while charging. It reduces background activity, which can help your iPhone use less power while it charges.
Don't forget a pack in a drawer. Batteries can deteriorate during long periods of storage. Check the manufacturer's storage guidance and make sure your pack is ready before a trip.
Further reading
Browse more of my recommendations for Mac and iPhone. If you'd like help choosing a battery pack for your setup or getting more out of your iPhone on the road, I offer one-on-one tech tutoring in San Francisco, Washington DC, and over Zoom.