Low Battery Got You Down? These Are the Only Portable Chargers You Should Buy
When your phone is your literal lifeline to the world, doesn’t it deserve the best battery?
The last time my phone shut down was in the middle of Manhattan while searching for the nearest train station to get me back to Brooklyn. (Since when does 15% actually mean 0%?) While you might not be in dire need of Google Maps in Midtown, I bet you can recall a time or two when your phone unceremoniously turned off mid-Candy Crush, mid-perfect Snapchat filter or even mid-text to your girlfriends that you’re running a tad late (read: 30 minutes) to brunch.
Don’t get us wrong. We know a low battery is the epitome of #FirstWorldProblems, but there are moments when you desperately need your phone to call a loved one, check a flight status, or to figure out just exactly which actor played Channing Tatum’s BFF in that one movie from, like, 10 years ago. You know… important stuff.
Say hello to the portable phone battery—the 2017 version of lip balm, gum and whatever else is secretly hidden at the bottom of your purse. We’ve taken it upon ourselves to find the best of the best on the market right now. So whether you need an extra boost for long commutes or just for obsessively checking your Twitter feeds, we promise one of these batteries will give your phone the life it deserves. (Most aren’t too embarrassing to carry around, either.)
1. Mophie Power Boost
The Mophie is the portable charger must-have for a reason, and with top reviews all around, it’s been a mainstay on the market for years: The charging case adds nearly eight extra hours of life to your phone, and if you’re on the clumsy side (guilty!), the case is strong enough to protect against those accidental drops. Even better, the pack isn’t much bigger than the iPhone itself, so it’ll fit comfortably in your pocket. OK, even better, our fave Mophie case comes in a kicky neon blue or sleek black. We never said batteries have to look like batteries!
Compatible With: iOS
2. Zendure A5 Portable Charger
You know something has to be good when it originates on Kickstarter and makes a killing IRL. In fact, PC Advisor in the UK has ranked Zendure the number one portable charger three years in the row, solidifying its place on this list. Why? It’s super smart. Unlike other chargers that need to be turned on and off, the Zendure detects your phone immediately and based on the battery life of your phone, it will charge it quickly and safely. And, the Zendure shuts off as soon as your device hits 100%, meaning you can charge it and forget it!
On top of all of that, the case is super durable thanks to some cushioning technology that, summed up, means it would take a lot of effort to break. And whether you pick silver or black, this charger is just so damn sleek.
Compatible With: iOS and Android
3. Flux Charger
Size doesn’t matter when it comes to phone chargers, and that couldn’t be more true for the Flux. It’s the thinnest portable charger on this list at only ½-inch wide, but don’t let its ultra-skinny size fool you. The Flux is one of the top-rated chargers in the world thanks to its speedy powering capabilities. With 4,000 mAh, it can charge your phone one to two full times quickly and safely. (Like the Zendure, it boasts the ability to detect your phone’s battery and charge it effectively without compromising your battery altogether.)
Compatible With: iOS and Android
BUY FROM: Amazon, $26.35-$59.95
4. AUKEY 20000mAh Solar Charger
If you’re really in need of a power boost, what could be worse than a portable charger that also needs to be charged? Enter AUKEY, the portable charger that powers up via solar panels. It's slightly bulkier than other batteries on this list, but if you’re spending the day outdoors or a long weekend camping, this is the charger for you. With a 20,000 mAh capacity, it can charge a single smartphone more than four times. Oh, and it’s splash proof, so if you’re truly an outdoors person, the AUKEY will survive the elements and help your phone survive. Literally.
Compatible With: iOS and Android
5. PNY T2200 Power Pack
If you’re looking for something small with enough power to get you out of a pinch, we like the PNY T2200 Power Pack. For less than $10 you can get almost a full charge with an added bonus of it being able to fit in your hand. And it’s freaking pink!
Compatible With: iOS and Android
