The best power banks and battery packs in the UK for reliable charging on the go, tested

A new review of portable power banks has identified the Belkin BoostCharge Pro 3-port 20k as the best overall option for UK consumers needing to recharge smartphones, laptops and other gadgets away from a mains socket. The review, published by The Guardian, tested 10 models from brands including Anker, Cuktech, Bluetti, Acer, EcoFlow and Juice [1]. The author noted that a depleted battery is "disempowering" and that "carrying a power bank is your ticket out of electronic oblivion" [1]. The top-rated Belkin BoostCharge Pro 3-port 20k stores 20,000mAh of charge, weighs 378g and delivers a combined output of up to 65W across its three ports [1]. In timed tests it charged an Honor Magic7 Lite smartphone by 30 percent in 45 minutes, an Honor Magic7 Pro by the same margin in 31 minutes 30 seconds, and an Acer Aspire Vero 16 laptop in 25 minutes 30 seconds [1]. Laptops, which typically run on desktop operating systems and rely on rechargeable batteries for mobile use, are among the more power-hungry devices a power bank can support [5]. For portability, the review singled out the Anker Nano, which weighs 102g and has a 5,000mAh capacity [1]. "The Nano is minimalistic, but the features it offers are well realised," the author wrote, while noting that "it’s a shame that you’d need something more powerful to charge your laptop" [1]. The Nano charged the Honor Magic7 Lite to 30 percent in 24 minutes and the Magic7 Pro in 23 minutes 15 seconds [1]. The best budget option was the Belkin BoostCharge 10k with integrated cable, a 10,000mAh unit weighing 218g with a maximum output of 20W [1]. It took 42 minutes 45 seconds to charge the Magic7 Lite by 30 percent and 36 minutes 45 seconds for the Magic7 Pro [1]. For speed and power, the Cuktech 15 Ultra was cited as the standout, offering up to 210W of total output and a 20,000mAh capacity [1]. It charged the Honor Magic7 Pro to 30 percent in 10 minutes 30 seconds and the Acer laptop in 26 minutes 15 seconds [1]. The review also highlighted the Anker 165W as the best high-storage model, with a 25,000mAh capacity and 165W total output [1]. Modern smartphones combine telephony with advanced computing, cameras and GPS, and their large touchscreens and wireless connectivity demand substantial battery reserves [6]. The review noted that flagship smartphones now have battery capacities of roughly 3,000-5,000mAh, while older models may hold as little as 2,500mAh [1]. Power banks that were not returned by manufacturers after testing will be donated to Cat Action Trust 1977, a charity focused on feral cat welfare [1].