Best budget power bank 2023

The best budget power bank isn't going to cost you a huge amount, but it is going to help you out in a pinch. After all, despite our best attempts to keep our devices fully charged, it rarely works out that way all the time.

A good power bank can completely change that though, whether it's because you've just used your phone more than usual, not had a chance to plug it in, or just forgotten to charge your devices, a power bank can help keep your items charged while you're on the move.

A budget power bank can even do all of this without breaking the bank. You can absolutely invest a lot of money in a power bank if you want (just look at our best Steam Deck power bank list), but the best budget power bank will often have everything you need and more for far less money.

To help you sift through the bad ones, we've compiled a list of top picks based on features, reviews, and, of course, price. So, without further delay, here are the best budget power banks we could find...

Best budget power banks

1. HETP Fast-Charging Power Bank
2. Yiisonger Magnetic Wireless Portable Charger
3. Toennesen Solar Power Bank
4. Anker PowerCore Fusion 5K
5. imuto Compact Power Bank
6. Spigen ArcHybrid Mag

Credit: HEPT

1. HETP Fast-Charging Power Bank

Best budget power bank overall

We just love good value purchases, and with fast charging capabilities and a very decent 26,800 mAh capacity, this HETP Fast-Charging Power Bank is great value.

Alongside the capacity and charging speed, it's worth noting the number of ports on this thing It has two input ports and three outputs, which means you can charge three devices at once, and it makes it far more versatile.

The speed means that it can be fully charged in just under six hours, and it can fully charge a phone in around an hour too. It's just more convenient, and that's really what this is all about.

It also has an LED that changes colour based on how much battery life it has too, which is great if you're the kind of person that can never remember when they charged something last.

Read more: Best portable chargers for camping

Credit: Yiisonger

2. Yiisonger Magnetic Wireless Portable Charger

Best budget wireless power bank

If it's a wireless power bank you're after though, we'd recommend checking out this Yiisonger Portable Charger. Not only does it offer wireless charging, but it's also foldable, allowing you to sit your phone upright while connected so you can continue to use it. Because it's magnetic, you should find your phone stays put while attached as well.

Its 10,000 mAH battery capacity is worth mentioning too, as this should give you enough power to recharge your devices once over, making it an ideal option to consider for day trips and short outings.

In terms of compatibility, it's been made specifically for the latest iPhone models. And, depending on your device, Yiisonger boasts you can charge your phone around two to four times before it runs out of juice itself.

Additional USB-C and USB-A ports also mean you can charge other devices, like an iPad or even a gaming laptop, while you're on the move, making it a versatile option for your travels.

Read more: Best phone tripods

Credit: Toennesen

3. Toennesen Solar Power Bank

Best budget power bank for outdoor use

Power banks are made to be useful in a pinch; it's kind of the point of them. However, if you're someone who spends a lot of time outside, then you're generally going to be better off grabbing yourself a solar power bank instead.

A solar power bank can charge up a little bit more as you're out and about, making it an excellent choice for hikers, campers, or people who like long walks on the beach.

This Teonnesen Solar Power Bank has a capacity high enough to charge many phones multiple times when full, has numerous outputs and inputs, and actually has a torch on it as well for nighttime use.

That's going to be a huge boon when you're trying to find the zip to your tent, or try to find your dropped keys. It has a hook on it too, which means you can put it on your backpack so it can charge with ease as you go about your day.

Read more: Best MagSafe cases

Credit: Anker

4. Anker PowerCore Fusion 5K

Best budget compact power bank

Anker's PowerCore Fusion 5K is a useful little device to have on you while you're at home as it can plug into your power outlet to act as a backup phone or tablet charger. However, if you need to take this with you while travelling, its compact size means it's also extremely portable and a great companion.

Despite its small stature though, it still comes with an impressive 5,000 mAh of power. While this may not be enough to recharge your devices multiple times over, it's still pretty handy if your phone just needs that little extra top-up to get it through the day.

You also get a standard USB-C connection, which is compatible with a number of different devices, including iPhones and Androids. Plus, Anker states it can charge most devices within 2.5 hours. However, iPhone 13 users are in luck as Anker goes on to state it can fully recharge this particular model in 1.3 hours.

So, if you're after something to keep your devices charged but is also small enough to fit inside any bag, then we'd recommend checking out this Anker power bank.

Read more: Best rugged phone cases

Credit: imuto

5. imuto Compact Power Bank

Best budget power bank with a digital display

The imuto Compact Power Bank has a digital display that lets you know how much battery it has left before it runs out of juice. This means you can at least prepare yourself if you know you won't be able to recharge any time soon. Don't worry too much though because the power bank features an impressive 20,000 mAh battery capacity, meaning it can recharge your devices on multiple occasions before needing to be recharged itself.

In fact, imuto boasts it can fully charge most phones five to six times and iPads and laptops once via its two USB ports that also allow you to charge more than one device at the same time.

It features several safety features, too, to prevent electrical fires. For example, it has smart protection technology to stop it from over-charging, over-voltage, over-current, and short-circuiting.

Interestingly, while some power banks are not allowed on flights, this power bank is airline-approved so it can be taken aboard to ensure you can continue to watch your favourite shows on your iPad, for example, while you're in the air. You also get an LED flashlight, making it useful at night when you can't quite see your surroundings. Overall, then, it's a pretty impressive bit of kit.

Read More: Best cheap phones

6. Spigen ArcHybrid Mag

Best budget power bank for iPhone

Credit: Spigen

Spigen is known for manufacturing some great mobile accessories, including power banks, hence why we have the Spigen ArcHybrid Mag on this list; a great budget-friendly alternative to Apple’s MagSafe power bank.

Very much like Apple’s own charger, Spigen’s battery is easy to use and even has some additional features to improve its performance. To use the bank, you simply attach it to the back of your iPhone via its magnets and then take it off when you're done.

Performance-wise, it has a battery capacity of 5,000 mAh, which is more than Apple’s power bank, and with 7.5W, your iPhone is sure to charge quickly. Another perk is that you get a USB-C cord free with it, so you don’t have to buy one separately.

Overall, we'd say this is definitely a power bank worth checking out if you're an iPhone user and are after something a little cheaper than Apple's own MagSafe option.

Read More: Best mid-range phones

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

You probably have some queries about the best budget power banks, so we've answered some of your most frequently asked questions below to help you out.

Is a power bank worth it?

Yes, we'd say power banks are definitely worth it, especially if you're someone who travels a lot. This is because power banks come in useful when you don't have access to a power outlet and need to charge your device on the go.

Many come with large battery capacities, even around the budget end of the scale, so you can charge your device multiple times over before the power bank runs out of charge itself.

Also, some power banks can charge multiple devices at once, which can come in handy if you're travelling for work, for instance, and need to charge both your phone and laptop while waiting for your transport.

How do I choose a power bank?

Choosing the right power bank for you largely comes down to personal preference and what you want to use it for. For example, if you want to take it on a camping trip where you'll be without a power outlet for a few days, then battery capacity and a rugged, waterproof design are probably the most important factors to consider.

If you need something for a short train or coach journey though, then the battery capacity may not matter as much, and you might prefer something more compact to easily fit into your bag.

Overall, we'd say the main features to look out for when you're picking a power bank are its battery capacity, connectivity options, how many devices it can charge at once, and wireless charging, although all of these will vary depending on your needs.

How many mAh is a good power bank?

This really depends on what you need the power bank for. As mentioned previously, battery capacity is vital when you're going to be away from a power outlet for a good few days. In this instance, you're going to want a power bank with 20,000 mAh or over we'd say. However, if you need it for general travel purposes or your daily commute to work and back, you should be fine with a 3,000 to 5,000 mAh power bank instead.

Always double-check a power bank's capacity though, as you don't want to end up with something that'll run out of juice on you as well as your phone.