In the technologically-driven era we find ourselves in, our devices have become extensions of ourselves, with laptops leading the charge. As our reliance on laptops has grown, whether for professional endeavors, academic pursuits, or personal entertainment, maintaining their battery life has emerged as a critical concern. In comes the portable laptop charger, an indispensable ally in this digital landscape. As the name implies, these chargers provide the power your laptop needs wherever you are, circumventing the need for a wall socket.
However, as the market becomes saturated with a multitude of portable laptop chargers, finding the best one for your needs can feel like an uphill battle. To simplify this task, we have curated a list of the eight best portable laptop chargers of 2023. We have thoroughly examined each of them based on their performance, durability, capacity, and overall value. Read on to equip yourself with the knowledge necessary to make an informed decision.
Contents
The Need for Portable Laptop Chargers
In a world where mobility is the new norm, maintaining the charge of your laptop becomes a priority. Battery longevity has always been a factor that dictates the versatility of a laptop. With increased power requirements due to higher processing demands, the battery life of most laptops often falls short. This is where portable laptop chargers swoop in to save the day.
Portable laptop chargers provide multiple advantages that go beyond mere convenience. For one, they can extend the operational time of your device significantly, particularly beneficial for those involved in power-intensive tasks like gaming, video editing, or 3D modeling.
These chargers also hold immense value for frequent travelers. Imagine being on a long-haul flight with a critical business presentation to perfect, but your laptop battery is on the verge of giving up. A portable laptop charger can ensure you have enough juice to complete your task.
Moreover, for those who prefer outdoor workplaces or are often in areas with limited access to power outlets, a portable laptop charger is a lifesaver. Whether you’re a digital nomad working from a beach or a researcher gathering data in the field, these chargers provide the power autonomy you need.
In essence, a portable laptop charger acts as a bridge, filling the gap between the growing need for power and the limited battery life of laptops. It ensures you’re not left in the lurch when you need your device the most.
What to Look for in a Portable Laptop Charger
Navigating the sea of options in the market can be daunting. To help you cut through the noise, here are some key parameters you should consider while choosing a portable laptop charger:
- Capacity: The capacity of a portable charger, measured in milliamp hours (mAh) or watt-hours (Wh), determines how much power it can store. A higher capacity means the charger can replenish your laptop’s battery more times before needing to be recharged itself.
- Output: The output of a charger, measured in watts (W), indicates how quickly it can charge your devices. A charger with a higher output can charge your laptop faster, which is especially crucial when you’re short on time.
- Portability: As the name suggests, a portable laptop charger should be easy to carry around. Consider its size, weight, and form factor. Remember, a good portable charger should offer the perfect balance between capacity and portability.
- Compatibility: Not all chargers work with all laptops. Ensure the charger you choose is compatible with your laptop’s make and model. Check the type of charging ports available and if it comes with necessary adapters or cables.
- Extra Features: Some chargers offer additional features such as multiple ports to charge more than one device at a time, fast charging, or even wireless charging. Some even have built-in features like torches or LED indicators to show the remaining power level.
Detailed Review: The 8 Best Portable Laptop Chargers of 2023
4.1 Anker PowerCore+
The Anker PowerCore+ stands tall among its competition. With a capacity of 26800mAh, this power bank has enough juice to fully charge most laptops at least once. Furthermore, with an output of 60W, it can replenish your device quickly, an essential feature for those on the go. Despite its considerable capacity, the Anker PowerCore+ remains compact and light, making it ideal for travel. This charger also boasts multiple ports, including a USB-C and two USB-A, enabling users to charge several devices simultaneously. It comes with a USB-C to USB-C cable, but make sure to check your laptop’s compatibility before making a purchase.
4.2 RavPower PD Pioneer
The RavPower PD Pioneer is another high-performing portable charger. It boasts a 26800mAh capacity and a 60W output, mirroring the specifications of the Anker PowerCore+. It stands out with its 30-minute fast charging feature that can charge a MacBook Pro up to 50% capacity—a boon for those always in a hurry. Like the Anker PowerCore+, this charger also features multiple ports. The robust and durable design of this charger, paired with its high-capacity and fast charging feature, makes it a top contender for the best portable laptop chargers of 2023.
4.3 Omni 20+ Portable Power Bank
The Omni 20+ Portable Power Bank goes a step beyond regular portable laptop chargers. It offers a range of output ports, including a 100W AC outlet, a 60W USB-C, and two USB-A ports, making it compatible with a wide range of devices. Its 20000mAh capacity may seem less compared to others, but its flexibility and compact size more than compensate for this. An unique feature of the Omni 20+ is its OLED screen that displays vital information like remaining capacity, temperature, and output/input levels in real-time. This comprehensive feature set places the Omni 20+ as a versatile and user-friendly option.
4.4 MaxOak K2 Laptop Power Bank
The MaxOak K2 stands out from the crowd with its massive 50000mAh capacity, making it one of the most potent portable laptop chargers available in 2023. This charger can easily provide multiple charges to your laptop and other devices. However, this high capacity comes with a larger size and increased weight, making it less portable than other options. Still, for those who need an extreme power supply without frequent recharges, this could be an excellent pick. It also offers an array of output ports, including two USB ports, and DC output ports of varying sizes, ensuring wide-ranging compatibility.
4.5 Mophie Powerstation AC
The Mophie Powerstation AC is a premium option in the portable charger market. With a 22000mAh capacity, it can fully charge most laptops once. A unique feature is its 100W AC output port, allowing you to plug your standard laptop charging cable directly into the power bank. It also features a USB-C and a USB-A port. While its capacity isn’t the highest, the Powerstation AC wins points for its sleek design and robust build. It is a bit heavier than some of its counterparts but still retains a high degree of portability.
4.6 Zendure SuperTank
The Zendure SuperTank is another high-capacity portable charger with a 27000mAh battery. It features two USB-C and two USB-A ports, providing flexibility for charging multiple devices simultaneously. An exceptional feature of the SuperTank is its 100W output, allowing it to charge devices rapidly. Built with durability in mind, this charger can withstand the rigors of travel. Its size is comparable to most of its high-capacity counterparts, but its high-speed charging capability sets it apart.
4.7 Goal Zero Sherpa 100 AC
The Goal Zero Sherpa 100 AC is a versatile and rugged charger designed to meet a variety of power needs. This power bank has a 25600mAh capacity and features a variety of ports, including two USB-C PD ports, two USB-A ports, and even a full-size AC outlet, which makes it compatible with almost any device. Moreover, it has Qi wireless charging and an informative OLED display that shows the battery level and estimated charging/discharging times. Though a bit on the larger side, its durability, combined with these features, makes it an excellent companion for outdoor adventures or heavy-duty use.
4.8 Jackery PowerBar
The Jackery PowerBar boasts an impressive combination of portability and power. With a capacity of 23200mAh, it is capable of providing a full charge to most laptops. What sets the PowerBar apart is its built-in AC outlet, allowing you to charge your laptop using its original charger. It also comes equipped with one USB-C and two USB-A ports, offering flexibility for charging multiple devices. The Jackery PowerBar’s design balances nicely between capacity and portability, making it a great travel companion.
Comparison Table
| Portable Charger | Capacity (mAh) | Max Output (W) | Number of Ports | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anker PowerCore+ | 26800 | 60 | 3 (1 USB-C, 2 USB-A) | Compact and light |
| RavPower PD Pioneer | 26800 | 60 | 3 (1 USB-C, 2 USB-A) | 30-min fast charging |
| Omni 20+ Power Bank | 20000 | 100 | 4 (1 AC, 1 USB-C, 2 USB-A) | OLED screen |
| MaxOak K2 Power Bank | 50000 | 120 | 6 (1 AC, 1 USB-C, 2 USB-A, 2 DC) | High capacity |
| Mophie Powerstation AC | 22000 | 100 | 3 (1 AC, 1 USB-C, 1 USB-A) | Sleek design |
| Zendure SuperTank | 27000 | 100 | 4 (2 USB-C, 2 USB-A) | Durable design |
| Goal Zero Sherpa 100 AC | 25600 | 60 | 5 (1 AC, 2 USB-C, 2 USB-A) | Qi wireless charging |
| Jackery PowerBar | 23200 | 85 | 4 (1 AC, 1 USB-C, 2 USB-A) | Built-in AC outlet |
Note: The capacity is in milliamp hours (mAh) and the maximum output in watts (W). The number of ports indicates the number and type of output ports available.
As seen in the table, each portable laptop charger has its unique strengths. Some excel in capacity, while others stand out due to unique features. The right choice for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. Consider the portability, capacity, output, and additional features that are most critical to your situation.
Portable laptop chargers have revolutionized the way we use our laptops, liberating us from the chains of wall sockets and bringing power autonomy to our fingertips. In this comprehensive guide, we have shed light on the best portable laptop chargers of 2023, considering their capacity, output, portability, and additional features.
The Anker PowerCore+ and RavPower PD Pioneer stand out for their balance between capacity, output, and portability. The MaxOak K2 is your go-to if capacity takes precedence over everything else, while the Omni 20+ and Goal Zero Sherpa 100 AC shine with their unique features. Mophie Powerstation AC and Jackery PowerBar score high on design and ease of use, and the Zendure SuperTank impresses with its durability.
Choosing the best portable laptop charger ultimately boils down to identifying your personal needs and priorities. With this guide, we hope to have equipped you with the knowledge to make an informed decision. Happy shopping!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can a portable laptop charger damage my laptop?
A1: No, a portable laptop charger shouldn’t damage your laptop as long as it’s compatible with your laptop’s specifications and you’re using it as directed. Always check the voltage, wattage, and plug type to ensure compatibility.
Q2: How many charges can a portable laptop charger provide?
A2: The number of charges a portable laptop charger can provide depends on its capacity and the battery size of your laptop. For example, a 26800mAh portable charger can fully charge a laptop with a 5000mAh battery around five times.
Q3: Are all portable laptop chargers universal?
A3: No, not all portable laptop chargers are universal. Some chargers may not be compatible with certain laptop brands or models. Always check the product specifications to ensure it can support your laptop.
Q4: Can I use my portable laptop charger for other devices?
A4: Yes, most portable laptop chargers can also charge other devices like smartphones, tablets, or even cameras, provided the device supports USB or the specific charging port available on the charger.
Q5: Do portable laptop chargers support fast charging?
A5: Many modern portable laptop chargers do support fast charging, but not all. Fast charging capabilities are usually listed in the product’s features. Examples from our list that support fast charging include the RavPower PD Pioneer and the Zendure SuperTank.
Q6: How do I maintain my portable laptop charger?
A6: To maintain your portable laptop charger, avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures and keep it dry. Regularly clean the ports gently using a dry cloth or compressed air. Also, try to keep it charged; don’t let it discharge fully for extended periods.
