A dead laptop battery during an important presentation, a lecture, or while travelling is more than just an annoyance—it can disrupt your workflow and cause unnecessary stress. A high-performance laptop power bank is the solution, providing the energy you need to stay productive, completely untethered from a power outlet.
However, the market for portable chargers can be overwhelming. This guide is designed to give you clear direction. We'll explain the crucial technical features and present a selection of models suited for various needs. Our goal is to provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision.
Choosing the right model depends on more than just capacity. Three factors are critical for use with a laptop.
Capacity is often stated in milliampere-hours (mAh). A value of 20000mAh is a good starting point for laptops. However, the specification in watt-hours (Wh) is more relevant, as it reflects the actual amount of energy while accounting for voltage. This is especially important if the power bank needs to be flight-safe. Most airlines limit the capacity of devices in carry-on luggage to 100 Wh. For example, a 25,000 mAh power bank at 3.6V has 90 Wh (25,000 mAh * 3.6V / 1000), placing it well within the permitted limit.
A laptop requires significantly more charging power than a smartphone. Look for a power bank with a USB-C power bank port that supports the Power Delivery (PD) standard. For modern laptops, an output of at least 65 watts is recommended. For more power-hungry models like a MacBook Pro, a 100W power bank or even 140W is ideal to ensure efficient fast charging. The latest PD 3.1 standard enables even higher charging performance.
A good power bank for a mobile workstation should be able to charge multiple devices simultaneously. Several USB-C ports and at least one USB-A port offer the flexibility to power a power bank for iPhone or other devices alongside your laptop. Useful extra features include integrated cables, which eliminate the need to carry separate charging cables, or a power bank with a display that provides real-time information on battery level, charging power, and temperature.
Based on the criteria above, we have curated a selection of models that stand out for their technical specifications and use cases.
What Makes It Stand Out The EcoFlow RAPID Powerbank is a mobile charging station designed for high performance and convenience. Its standout feature is the combination of a high total output of 170W and two integrated USB-C cables. A 67 cm retractable cable and a 26 cm cable that doubles as a carrying strap ensure you are always ready to charge. Each of the USB-C ports can deliver up to 100W individually, making it a powerful portable charger for MacBook and other demanding laptops. The TFT display provides detailed information on the charging status.
Pros
Who It's For This model is ideal for professionals, digital nomads, and travellers looking for an all-in-one solution. Anyone who needs to charge multiple powerful devices like a laptop, tablet, and smartphone simultaneously and appreciates the convenience of integrated cables will find this a fitting option.
What It's Known For This power bank specialises in maximum charging speed for the latest devices. With support for the PD 3.1 standard, it delivers up to 140W of output from a single USB-C port. This allows even the most demanding laptops, like the 16-inch MacBook Pro, to be charged at full speed. Another unique feature is its hybrid technology, which allows the power bank to be recharged at 65W while simultaneously powering other devices at up to 140W.
Pros
Who It's For The right choice for tech enthusiasts, content creators, and gamers who own the latest generation of devices and refuse to compromise on charging speed. Anyone needing a portable charger for MacBook Pro, a Steam Deck, or other high-performance gadgets will benefit from its 140W power.
What Makes It Stand Out The Anker MagGo Power Bank takes a different approach, focusing on portability and wireless convenience. With its slim design and magnetic attachment, it is primarily designed as a power bank for iPhone (models with MagSafe). It supports the Qi2 standard for wireless charging at up to 15W. Although not designed for charging laptops, it is an excellent companion for users seeking a compact solution for their smartphone and smaller USB-C devices.
Pros
Who It's For This model is intended for users in the Apple ecosystem who want an extremely portable and convenient charging solution for their iPhone. It is ideal for the daily commute, short trips, or as a supplement to a larger laptop power bank.
The models presented cover common use cases, but individual needs can vary greatly. If you are looking for other models with different capacities, specific ports, or for different budgets, you can find a wider selection in our portable charger category.
For a laptop, a capacity of at least 20,000mAh and a high power output are crucial. More important than the mAh rating is the power in watts (W). For most laptops, 65W is sufficient, while high-performance models benefit from a 100W power bank or more.
Yes, power banks are allowed in carry-on luggage but are subject to restrictions. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) generally limits capacity to 100 watt-hours (Wh). A 20000mAh power bank, at about 74 Wh, is well below this and is therefore flight-safe. Models up to 160 Wh may be carried with airline approval. Check your airline's regulations before you travel.
Yes, this is possible, provided the power bank has multiple outputs and a sufficiently high total power output. Models with multiple USB-C power bank ports and a combined output of over 100W are designed to charge a MacBook and an iPhone simultaneously at high speed.