Be sure to also take a look at our constantly updated guide to the best laptop deals happening right now. Along the perimeter there are two 60W USB-C ports (ideal for charging up power hogs like a laptop or a Nintendo Switch), two 45W USB-C ports for less power draw, two full-sized USB-A ports that are QC 3.0 compatible, a full-on wall socket, and a DC in/out port. This spread of functionality is pretty compelling, but there are two additional features that Omnicharge has thrown in. First, there’s the ability to use the ports as a USB 2.0 file transfer hub, doing away with the need to throw a bunch of USB-C dongles in your bag on top of your charger. And arguably the coolest feature is the ability to use the flat side of the brick as a 10W wireless charging pad. The whole unit has a 70h capacity, and that full charge can be achieved in as little as 3 hours using the 45W USB-C input. All of this functionality does come at a cost as this unit will run you around $200, more than double what you’d expect to pay for a more limited, similar-capacity charger. But if the best is what you want, the Omni USB-C+ is a definite contender. But what makes this charger unique—and a particularly good choice for MacBook users—is its USB Hub mode. The ZMI PowerPack allows you to transfer data by connecting accessories (like a mouse or external drive) to the charger and then connecting the charger to your laptop without extra dongles. This PowerPack weighs less than a pound and has the dimensions of a thick smartphone, making it the perfect backup for commuters or students who need to top up their devices once or twice during the day without weighing down their bag. The Anker PowerCore+ power bank is TSA-approved and weighs about 1.5 pounds. Unlike many other laptop batteries on this list, it’s surprisingly compact at 7.7 x 3.5 x 2.4 inches, making it an easy addition to your carry-on or commuter bag. And it holds a lot of power for its size. The PowerCore+ can charge a smartphone up to six times or completely recharge a 13-inch MacBook Pro. That’s hours and hours of extra time on your devices without ever having to find a wall outlet. The battery has a 58,830mAh capacity, making it one of the most capacious chargers we’ve seen. It can charge a phone for up to 116 hours, a tablet for 19 hours, and a laptop for 11 hours, which is more than enough to keep most of your devices topped up for a workday. With the two USB outputs and AC plug, you can charge three devices simultaneously. The jumper cable features over-voltage protection, auto power off, short circuit protection, reverse polarity protection, reverse current protection, timer circuit protection, and jumper cable spark protection. The charger also does double duty as a car emergency kit. It has an LED light and included jumper cables, along with a carrying pouch which should make it a nice tool to have in your glovebox. Our tester also liked that it measures just 8.1 x 5.3 x 1.3 inches and weighs 2.77 pounds, so it could easily fit into your camping bag and it won’t be that much heavier. Finally, it includes 14 types of laptop connectors, so it covers most models but not Apple laptops. If you don’t have an Apple laptop or a laptop that uses USB Type C, you’ll likely be able to plug it in, but be sure to check if your laptop is supported before purchasing.
About Our Trusted Experts
Gannon Burgett has been writing for Lifewire since 2018. Specializing in computers and peripherals, he’s previously been published on Gizmodo, Digital Trends, Yahoo News, and other sites. He tested several of the batteries on this list, using them with his personal MacBook, iPad, iPhone, and other devices. He liked the MaxOak for its huge capacity and the Jackery for its rugged design and ability to charge MacBooks. Emmeline Kaser previously worked as an editor for Lifewire’s commerce content. She has been in the eCommerce space for several years and specializes in consumer tech.
What to Look for When Buying Portable Laptop Battery Chargers
Capacity
When picking a portable laptop battery charger, one of your primary considerations should be its capacity to store energy (measured in mAh) — this denotes the device’s battery life before it needs to be recharged. Be sure that the battery has equal or more capacity than the one already inside your machine so that you can expect a full charge.
Output
Some portable chargers can be a bit slow when outputting a charge, so be sure that the battery you’re purchasing has an output equal to or higher than the wattage of your typical laptop charger.
Connectors
Obviously, it’s critical to make sure that you can plug your laptop into your new portable charger. Check to see the type of inputs the charger supports — whether that’s a standard wall outlet plug, a USB-C port, or other universal solutions.
