If there’s one brand that’s nailed the power bank game year after year, it’s Anker. Whether you’re trying to keep your gaming laptop juiced during a long train ride, or you just want a small backup for your phone, Anker has something for everyone. I’ve tested a fair few of their newer models lately, and here’s my take on which ones are worth the money—and what they’re actually good for.
Anker Prime 20,000mAh (200W): The Power User’s Dream
Let’s start with the absolute unit—Anker’s Prime 20K with 200W output. This thing means business. You’ve got two USB-C ports and one USB-A, and you can charge a MacBook Pro and a phone at the same time without breaking a sweat. In testing, I got 100W out of one port while the other was still pushing 65W. That’s rare in this size category.
There’s a small colour screen that shows output per port, temperature, battery health and all sorts of geeky stats. Some might call that overkill, but if you’re charging expensive kit, it’s actually really useful.
Best for: Laptop users, Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch, gamers on the go
Not for: Anyone who wants something pocketable—it’s chunky
Anker Prime 12,000mAh (130W): Best All-Rounder for Travel
This one surprised me. It’s smaller, lighter, and still kicks out up to 130W total—enough for most USB-C laptops. It’s also got the little screen, and the build feels solid. You won’t fit it in your jeans pocket, but it’s perfect for a backpack or travel bag.
In my week with it, I used it to charge an iPad Pro, Pixel 7 Pro, and even topped off my Dell XPS with no issues. It’s quick, portable, and versatile.
Best for: Travellers, hybrid workers, digital nomads
Not for: People needing multiple full laptop charges—it’ll run out sooner than the 20K
Anker Nano Power Bank 10,000mAh (30W, Built-in USB-C): Everyday Carry
Now this one I actually keep in my sling bag all the time. It’s got a built-in USB-C cable that flips out and can fast charge most phones or tablets. The 30W output isn’t enough for a laptop, but for phones, earbuds, and handhelds like the Switch or even a Meta Quest in a pinch—it’s brilliant.
It’s also one of the smallest 10K power banks I’ve seen, and doesn’t need you to carry any cables. Big win for minimalists.
Best for: Phones, light travel, daily commuting
Not for: Anyone trying to charge multiple devices or USB-C laptops
Anker 737 Power Bank (PowerCore 24K, 140W): Control Freak’s Favourite
This one’s not technically new, but it’s still a powerhouse and worth including. 140W output means it can handle pretty much anything, and the display is massive—shows charge in/out, wattage per port, estimated recharge time, etc.
It’s heavier and bulkier than the newer Prime models, but if you like detailed readouts and need high capacity, it holds up. I charged a Framework laptop, a Galaxy S23, and some earbuds all at once with room to spare.
Best for: Tech nerds who want full charging insight, power users
Not for: Those after sleek or light design
Anker MagGo Wireless (10,000mAh): MagSafe Lovers Only
This one’s clearly aimed at iPhone users. It snaps magnetically to the back of an iPhone and delivers 7.5W wireless charging—not blazing fast, but it’s convenient. There’s also a USB-C port if you want to plug in for quicker speeds.
The fold-out kickstand is a nice touch, especially on flights or trains when you want to prop your phone up and watch something.
Best for: iPhone users, desk charging, light city travel
Not for: Android users or anyone needing speed above convenience
Quick Comparison Table
Model | Capacity | Output | Ports | Best For |
---|---|---|---|---|
Prime 20,000mAh (200W) | 20,000mAh | 200W | 2x USB-C, 1x A | Gaming, laptops, Steam Deck |
Prime 12,000mAh (130W) | 12,000mAh | 130W | 2x USB-C, 1x A | Travel, work, tablets |
Nano 10,000mAh (30W) | 10,000mAh | 30W | 1x USB-C (built-in) | Daily phone use, minimalists |
PowerCore 24K (737) | 24,000mAh | 140W | 2x USB-C, 1x A | Tech tinkerers, high-capacity |
MagGo Wireless 10,000mAh | 10,000mAh | 7.5W wireless / 20W wired | 1x USB-C | iPhone users, wireless lovers |
Anker’s 2025 line-up is stacked, but each one fills a different niche. If you need raw power, the 20K Prime is the top dog. For most people, though, the 12K Prime strikes the best balance between performance and portability. If you’re more about convenience than numbers, the Nano with built-in USB-C or the MagGo wireless are easy wins.
There’s no one-size-fits-all here, but that’s kind of the point—Anker’s made it easier than ever to get exactly what you need.