Best power bank for iPhone in 2021 – CNET [CNET]

Device-makers like Apple seem to love to come out with phones in ever-increasing sizes. That’s why a portable battery charger or power bank is often a more practical purchase for your iPhone than battery cases, which increase battery capacity but tend to make a phone extra-heavy and bulky to carry around.

To that end, I’ve rounded up the best portable power banks and battery chargers that will add a little extra oomph to your iPhone’s battery life. Although they cost more, I personally like batteries that have a Lightning cable built into them, so I don’t have to worry about carrying around a charging cable for fast charging when I don’t have enough power. But I’ve also included some budget picks for those who want to spend as little as possible on charging their iPhone via power pack. 

While we have a similar list of best power banks for Android phones, any portable battery pack here without an integrated Lightning cable will work perfectly well when charging an Android smartphone (or any other portable gadget), so long as you provide a compatible smartphone cable.

So which is the best portable charger for an iPhone? Which is the best portable power bank for a charge on the go? Let’s find out. We update this list periodically, and we’ve anecdotally tested all of these models or their direct predecessors. 

Read more: The best USB-C PD chargers of 2021

What to look for

Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for a battery pack or power bank:

• A higher power output rating (mAh, short for milliamp hours) means more charges — but also a heavier weight. 
• For the latest iPhones (everything after the iPhone 7) you should buy a battery with at least a 3,000-mAh capacity, which should give you at least one full charge for a device. With the exception of the Atom XS, all of the models featured above hit that mark. 
• Multiple integrated charge cables or USB-out ports will allow you to charge more than one device at a time.
• These products all use lithium-ion (li-ion) rechargeable batteries, and should thus always be stored in carry-on luggage when flying. Airlines and regulatory agencies are increasingly banning lithium-ion batteries in checked baggage.
• If you want maximum power output, opt for chargers with USB-C PD (power delivery) models, which should charge nearly every small device (smaller than a laptop), including a tablet or Nintendo Switch.

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