Power Banks

A power bank from Global Swanky keeps your phone charged on the go, with magnetic wireless, slim, high-capacity and solar designs from 5,000mAh to 30,000mAh. Prices start at $12.65, with free US shipping.

On this page

1. What Is a Power Bank?
2. What's in Our Power Bank Collection?
3. Types of Power Banks
4. Understanding Power Bank Capacity
5. Charging Speed and Ports
6. Features to Look For
7. Charging Different Devices
8. Flying with a Power Bank
9. How to Choose a Power Bank
10. Using It for the First Time
11. Power Banks for Different Needs
12. Magnetic Power Banks and Phones
13. Power Bank Safety
14. How to Make Your Power Bank Last
15. Common Myths
16. Picking Capacity for Your Phone
17. How Much Does a Power Bank Cost?
18. Shipping, Returns and Support
19. Power Bank FAQs
20. Find the Right Power Bank

What Is a Power Bank?

A power bank is a portable rechargeable battery that charges your phone, earbuds, smartwatch or tablet when you're away from a wall socket. It's also called a portable charger, battery pack or external battery.

You charge it at home, then carry it in a bag or pocket and plug in your device, or place it on top for wireless charging, whenever the battery runs low.

How a power bank works

Lithium-ion or lithium-polymer cells store energy, much like the battery inside your phone. A control circuit manages charging and discharging, protects against overheating and short circuits, and converts the battery's voltage to the 5V or higher that USB devices need.

Wired vs wireless

Wired power banks charge through a cable and are usually faster and more efficient, especially with USB-C fast charging. Wireless power banks let you place a compatible phone on a charging pad, and magnetic models snap onto the back of the phone so you can keep using it.

Power bank vs wall charger

A wall charger needs a socket. A power bank stores energy so you can charge anywhere, but it needs recharging itself, so it works best alongside a good wall adapter.

What's in Our Power Bank Collection?

The collection lists 9 products, all in stock when we updated this page on October 7, 2026.

Details come from each listing on October 7, 2026. Check the ports, output and phone compatibility on each listing before ordering.

Types of Power Banks

Choose the type that fits how you use your phone each day.

Magnetic wireless power banks

Magnetic models attach to the back of compatible phones and charge wirelessly, so there's no cable to carry and you can keep using the phone. They suit phones with built-in magnets or a magnetic case.

Slim and mini power banks

Compact 5,000mAh models slip into a pocket and add roughly one phone charge. They're ideal for daily commutes, nights out and days when you only need a quick top-up.

High-capacity power banks

20,000mAh to 30,000mAh models charge several devices or a phone many times over. They're heavier but suit travel, camping, festivals and long days away from power, and they can charge friends' phones too.

Solar power banks

Solar panels top up the battery in daylight, which helps on camping trips and in emergencies. Solar charging is slow, so charge the battery from a wall socket before you leave.

Power banks with extras

Some models add a phone stand, a torch or a digital display that shows the remaining charge, which makes them more useful on trips. The Wireless Solar Charger, Power Bank with Torch for Phones costs $38.01.

Laptop power banks

Laptop power banks offer high wattage USB-C Power Delivery, often 60W or more. Check the output before buying if you need to charge a laptop.

Understanding Power Bank Capacity

Capacity tells you how much energy the battery stores.

mAh and Wh

Capacity is usually shown in milliamp-hours (mAh) at the battery's internal voltage, often 3.7V. Watt-hours (Wh) combine capacity and voltage, so they give a fairer comparison and are what airlines use.

How to work out watt-hours

Multiply the mAh by the battery voltage, then divide by 1,000. For example, 10,000mAh × 3.7V ÷ 1,000 = 37Wh.

Phone charge counts are rough estimates for a phone with a 3,500 to 4,500mAh battery.

Why you get less than the rated capacity

Converting the battery's 3.7V to USB voltage, plus heat and cable losses, means a portable charger usually delivers about 60% to 70% of its rated capacity. Wireless charging loses a little more than a cable.

Charging Speed and Ports

Speed depends on the charger's output and your phone's support.

Output in watts

Output is measured in watts (W). Basic ports give 5W to 10W, while fast-charging ports offer 18W, 20W or more, which can take a phone from empty to half in about 30 minutes.

USB-C and USB-A

USB-C ports usually charge faster and work in both directions, so they can charge the battery itself and your phone. USB-A ports suit older cables and accessories.

Fast-charging standards

USB Power Delivery (PD) is common for phones with USB-C, while Quick Charge works with many Android phones. Your phone, cable and charger all need to support the same standard for full speed.

Wireless charging speed

Magnetic wireless charging is convenient but usually slower than a cable, often 5W to 15W. Remove thick cases for a better connection.

Pass-through charging

Some models can charge themselves and your phone at the same time. This is handy overnight but can make the unit warm.

Features to Look For

A few extra features make portable chargers easier and safer to use.

Battery level display

LED dots or a digital percentage display show how much charge is left, so you know when to recharge.

Built-in cables

Some models include a built-in USB-C or Lightning cable, so you never forget one. Check the connector suits your phone.

Multiple ports

Two or more outputs let you charge a phone and earbuds at the same time. Total output is shared, so each device may charge more slowly.

Protection circuits

Look for overcharge, over-discharge, short-circuit and temperature protection. These features stop the cells from overheating or wearing out early.

Safety certification

Recognised marks, such as UL 2056 for power banks, show the product has been tested to a safety standard. Ask the seller if a listing doesn't say.

Stands and torches

A built-in stand props up your phone for video, and a torch helps on camping trips and in power cuts.

Charging Different Devices

Portable chargers aren't just for phones.

Phones

Most phones charge from a 5,000mAh to 10,000mAh model. Fast-charging phones benefit from 18W or higher USB-C output.

Earbuds and smartwatches

These have small batteries, so even a mini model can charge them many times. Some smartwatches need their own magnetic charging cable.

Tablets

Tablets have larger batteries, often 7,000 to 10,000mAh or more, so choose 20,000mAh and at least 18W output.

Laptops

Laptops usually need 45W to 100W USB-C Power Delivery. Check the laptop's charging requirements before relying on a portable battery.

Cameras and other gadgets

Action cameras, handheld fans, lights and gaming controllers can often charge over USB. Check each device's input rating.

Flying with a Power Bank

Airlines treat power banks as spare lithium batteries, so special rules apply.

Carry-on only

The FAA says spare lithium-ion batteries, including power banks, must be carried in carry-on baggage only, and lithium-ion batteries are limited to 100Wh each. With airline approval, passengers may also carry up to two spare larger batteries of 101 to 160Wh.

What this means for our range

Our 5,000mAh to 20,000mAh options are well under 100Wh. A 30,000mAh model at 3.7V is about 111Wh, so ask your airline for approval before you fly with it.

Check your airline

Some airlines add their own rules, such as not using a power bank during the flight or keeping it visible while charging. Check before you travel, especially on international routes.

Damaged batteries

Don't fly with a battery that's swollen, cracked or recalled.

How to Choose a Power Bank

Follow these steps to find the right one:

1. List the devices you'll charge and their battery sizes.
2. Choose a capacity: about 5,000mAh for one phone charge, 10,000mAh for two.
3. Decide between wired, magnetic wireless or both.
4. Check the ports and fast-charging standard your phone uses.
5. Think about size and weight for your pocket or bag.
6. Check the watt-hour rating if you fly.
7. Look for safety protections such as overcharge and short-circuit protection.

Using It for the First Time

Follow these steps when your new charger arrives:

1. Check it for damage, such as dents, swelling or loose parts.
2. Charge it fully with a suitable USB adapter and cable.
3. Check the display or LEDs show a full charge.
4. Connect your phone with a cable, or attach it for magnetic charging.
5. Disconnect once your phone is charged to save battery for later.
6. Recharge it after use so it's ready next time.

Power Banks for Different Needs

Match the size and type to how you'll use it.

Daily commuting

A slim magnetic 5,000mAh model gives an extra charge without weighing you down. The Ultra-thin Magnetic Power Bank costs $19.42.

Travel

A 10,000mAh model offers a good balance of size and capacity, and it's well within airline limits. Pack it in your carry-on with a short cable.

Camping and outdoors

High-capacity and solar models keep phones and lights going for longer. Bring cables for every device, and keep the battery in a dry bag.

Emergencies and power cuts

A charged 20,000mAh model can keep a phone running for days during a power cut. Recharge it every few months so it's ready when you need it.

Festivals and events

Compact magnetic models charge your phone while you keep using it, so you don't miss photos or calls. Pick a bright colour so it's easy to spot in a crowd.

Magnetic Power Banks and Phones

Magnetic models are popular because they're simple to use.

Compatibility

Magnetic models work best with phones that have built-in magnets or a case with a magnetic ring, which keeps the charging coils aligned. Other phones can use a magnetic sticker or ring.

Cases

Thick, metal or wallet cases can block magnetic charging. Use a thin magnetic-compatible case, and remove cards from the back before charging.

Magnets and medical devices

Keep phones and magnetic accessories at least six inches from pacemakers and implanted defibrillators, as the FDA recommends.

Power Bank Safety

Lithium batteries are safe when used and stored properly.

• Use good cables and chargers that match the input rating.
• Don't charge on soft surfaces like beds or sofas, where heat can't escape.
• Keep it out of heat, such as hot cars and direct sun.
• Stop using it if it swells, smells, gets very hot or is damaged.
• Keep it dry, and never charge a wet power bank.
• Don't open or puncture it, as damaged cells can catch fire.
• Recycle it properly at a battery recycling point, never in household waste.

How to Make Your Power Bank Last

Good habits extend battery life.

Avoid deep discharge

Recharge before it's completely empty, and don't leave it flat for months, as deeply drained cells can stop working.

Store it partly charged

For long storage, keep it at about 40% to 60% and top it up every few months.

Avoid extreme temperatures

Heat and cold both shorten battery life. Store it at room temperature, and let a cold battery warm up before charging it.

Use the right cable

A good-quality cable charges faster and reduces heat in both the cable and the battery.

Expected lifespan

Most units last several hundred charge cycles before capacity drops noticeably.

Common Myths

A few beliefs about portable batteries aren't quite right.

"A 10,000mAh battery charges a 5,000mAh phone twice"

Not quite. Conversion and heat losses mean you'll get closer to one and a half charges.

"You must fully drain it before recharging"

That applied to older battery types. Lithium cells prefer partial top-ups and last longer if they're not run flat.

"Wireless charging is just as fast"

Cables are usually faster and more efficient, especially for fast-charging phones.

"Bigger is always better"

More capacity means more weight and, above about 27,000mAh, airline restrictions. Choose the size you'll actually carry.

"Solar panels charge it fully in a day"

The small panels on portable chargers add only a little energy per hour of sun, so treat solar as a backup.

Picking Capacity for Your Phone

Use your phone's battery size as a guide.

These are rough guides based on about 65% real-world efficiency. Check your phone's battery capacity in its specifications.

How Much Does a Power Bank Cost?

Our power banks range from $12.65 to $47.59. Of 9 listings, 6 start under $25 and 3 start between $25 and $40.

Here's what each price band typically buys across the wider market:

• Under $25: 5,000mAh to 10,000mAh magnetic and basic power banks.
• $25 to $50: 20,000mAh models, solar power banks and faster charging.
• $50 to $100: high-wattage USB-C models for tablets and laptops.
• $100 and up: portable power stations with AC outlets.

Standard US shipping is free on every order.

Shipping, Returns and Support

We ship power banks to US addresses only, and standard shipping is free. Most orders arrive within 6 to 32 business days, and you can track your order once it ships.

Returns are accepted within 30 days of delivery if the item is new, unused and in its original packaging, with no restocking fee. Read the full terms in our return policy, and contact our support team if your order arrives damaged.

Power Bank FAQs

What size power bank do I need?

For one extra phone charge, about 5,000mAh is enough for most people. A 10,000mAh model gives roughly two charges and suits travel, while 20,000mAh or more suits camping, emergencies and charging several devices. Bigger capacity means more weight, so choose what you'll actually carry every day.

How many times will a power bank charge my phone?

Divide about two-thirds of the rated capacity by your phone's battery size. A 10,000mAh model delivers roughly 6,000 to 7,000mAh, so it charges a 3,500mAh phone about twice, or a 5,000mAh phone a little more than once, depending on cable quality.

Can I take a power bank on a plane?

Yes, in your carry-on only. The FAA limits lithium-ion power banks to 100Wh each without airline approval, and up to two between 101 and 160Wh with approval. Power banks aren't allowed in checked bags, and some airlines restrict using them during flights.

Is a 30,000mAh power bank allowed on planes?

At 3.7V, 30,000mAh is about 111Wh, which is over the 100Wh limit. You need airline approval to carry it, and only up to two batteries in that range. Check the Wh rating printed on the device, and carry the approval with you.

Do magnetic power banks work with all phones?

They work best with phones that have built-in magnets or a magnetic case. Other phones can use a magnetic ring or sticker, but the phone must support wireless charging, otherwise you'll need to use a cable. Remove thick cases for a stronger hold.

Is wireless charging slower than a cable?

Usually, yes. Wireless and magnetic charging often runs at 5W to 15W and loses more energy as heat. A USB-C cable with fast charging is quicker and more efficient when you need a fast top-up before heading out, and it keeps the phone cooler.

How long does it take to charge a power bank?

It depends on capacity and input speed. A 5,000mAh model may take 2 to 3 hours, while 20,000mAh or larger can take 6 hours or more. A fast-charging USB-C input and a suitable adapter shorten the time considerably, so check the input rating on the listing.

Can I leave my power bank charging overnight?

Most have overcharge protection, but it's safest to charge on a hard, cool surface away from bedding and unplug once full. Avoid covering it with pillows or blankets. Stop using any battery pack that gets very hot, swells or smells unusual, and recycle it safely.

Do solar power banks charge fully from the sun?

Solar panels on power banks are small, so they charge slowly and work best as a top-up. Charge the power bank fully from a wall socket before a trip, and use the sun to extend it on long trips or during power cuts.

How long does a power bank last?

Most units last several hundred charge cycles, often two to three years, before capacity drops noticeably. Storing them partly charged, avoiding heat and not leaving them empty for months help them last longer. Replace one that no longer holds a useful charge.

How long does shipping take?

Most orders arrive within 6 to 32 business days of being placed. That covers 1 to 2 business days of handling and 5 to 30 business days in transit. Standard shipping is free on every order, and we currently ship to US addresses only.

Can I return a power bank?

Yes, within 30 days of delivery, if it's new, unused, undamaged and in its original packaging. Email support@globalswanky.com with your order number, the product name and the reason for the return, then wait for return instructions. There's no restocking fee.

Find the Right Power Bank

Choosing a power bank comes down to three checks: enough capacity for your devices, the right ports or magnetic charging for your phone, and a watt-hour rating that suits how you travel. A 10,000mAh magnetic model suits most people.

Ready to choose? Scroll up to the product grid and pick the power bank that suits you. For more charging gear, browse our chargers, cables and phone case collections.