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We rely on our smartphones now more than ever before, whether we’re trying to access our boarding passes, check directions, or pay for a coffee. Even though it’s great we can rely on our devices for a variety of reasons, it also has the potential to leave us vulnerable and stranded should our phones run out of charge while we’re on the go. Enter the best portable phone chargers under $20, which keep your phone powered up without breaking the bank.
Looking for a quick and affordable way to boost your battery on the go? We’ve scoured the internet for the best portable phone chargers under $20, based on reliability, battery life and design.
EDITOR'S CHOICE
Anker PowerCore Portable Charger
While many of the best portable phone chargers have a credit card-like shape and design, the Anker PowerCore portable charger takes compact to another level. Like a tube of chapstick, this cylinder-shaped charger slips easily into your pocket and is a must-have travel essential. It can provide over one full charge for the latest iPhone or Android, or up to two full chargers if you own an iPhone 8. One of the best-reviewed portable chargers online, this one boasts a 4.5-star review (out of five) from more than 30,000 verified shoppers online.
BEST DESIGN
Heyday Power Bank
Target’s in-house Heyday brand lands on our affordable chargers list with this slim but mighty workhorse, which delivers a whopping 4,000 mAh of power. That’s enough to charge your phone, tablet or e-reader, with room for additional charging too. The portable charger measures under 2 x 4 inches and weighs just 0.3 pounds.
Choose from seven colorways including a fresh “spring teal” pick that will make sure you never mix your charger up with someone else’s again.
TOP PICK
VANYUST Portable Charger
If you’re looking for a reliable portable phone charger on the cheap, this is one of your best options. Quality isn’t sacrificed for affordability. The charger’s battery life supports a day of charging and can fuel that latest iPhone and Samsung models, in addition to iPads and tablets. What we like: this budget battery pack can charge two devices at once and is about the same size as a credit card. It has three different output centers, though you will need to use your own charging cords. At $8.99, this is an unbeatable price — Amazon currently has a bonus promo code that’ll save you an additional 10% off here.
MOST RELIABLE
Miady Mini Portable Charger (Two-Pack)
Our top value pick, Miady’s two-pack of portable phone chargers is one of the best buys out there. For under $15, you get two compact phone chargers that work with both iPhones and Androids with 5000mAh of power. These portable chargers are highly dependable, whether you’re traveling or just on a commute to work. Its battery life supports one full charge cycle for your smartphone. The power bank recharges rapidly, so it’s the perfect companion for long travel days.
PORTABLE PICK
miisso Built-In Cable External Battery Pack
Need a portable phone charger that comes with its own Lightning cable? Then look no further. Miisso’s portable iPhone and iPad charger comes with an attached output cable built-in, so you don’t need to worry about finding your own — or losing this one. The charger itself is about the size of a credit card and has three other output ports you can use, too. It can support you for a full day of your charging needs, as it can provide a little over a full charge for your Apple smartphone.
Buying Guide: Best Portable Phone Chargers Under $20
If you’re shopping for a new phone charger for an upcoming trip, you don’t have to shell out a ton of cash to get a reliable one with serious power. In fact, it’s easier than ever to find a top-rated portable phone charger that’s both easy on your wallet and powerful enough to recharge your phone in a pinch. For under $20, you can find a reliable, highly efficient portable phone charger that fulfills your travel needs.
However, the market is flooded with portable phone charger models, and some are better than others. When looking for the best portable phone charger, think about its battery life, design, dependability, and charge speed. It’s also important to take note of which devices the portable charger is compatible with. Many portable chargers are universal, but check ahead of time to make sure your phone will work with the charger you’re buying.
Some portable phone chargers also come with an attached output cable, which is a helpful feature for those of us who are always scrambling to find a cable to use. Otherwise, most portable phone chargers will require that you have a separate cable.
1. Vanyust Mini Phone Charger
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If you’re looking for a reliable portable phone charger on the cheap, this is one of your best options. Quality isn’t sacrificed for affordability. The charger’s battery life supports a day of charging and can fuel an iPhone X and a Samsung S9 1.3 times. It can charge two devices at once and is about the same size as a credit card. It has three different output centers, and you will need to use your own charging cords.
2. Miady Mini Phone Charger
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Miady’s two-pack of portable phone chargers is one of the best value buys out there. For under $15, you get two compact phone chargers that work with both iPhones and Androids. These portable chargers are highly dependable, whether you’re traveling or just on a commute to work. Its battery life supports one full charge cycle for your smartphone. The power bank recharges rapidly, so it’s the perfect companion for long travel days.
3. Anker PowerCore Portable Charger
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.
While many of the best portable phone chargers have a credit card-like shape and design, the Anker PowerCore portable charger takes compact to another level. Like a tube of chapstick, this cylinder-shaped charger slips easily into your pocket. It can provide over one full charge for an iPhone X or Samsung S9, or two full chargers for an iPhone 8. This portable phone charger even comes with an 18-month warranty. You’ll need your own lightning cable in order to charge your device.
4. Miisso Portable Charger
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.
Need a portable phone charger that comes with its own Lightning cable? Then look no further. Miisso’s portable iPhone and iPad charger comes with an attached output cable, so you don’t need to worry about finding your own — or losing this one. The charger itself is about the size of a credit card and has three other output ports you can use, too. It can support you for a full day of your charging needs, as it can provide a little over a full charge for your Apple smartphone.
5. Charmast Portable Charger
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One of the most trusted portable phone chargers on the market, this charger from Charmast is compatible with Apple and Android smartphones. It offers high-speed charging and can charge three devices at once. It’s bigger than most portable chargers (more akin to a smartphone’s size than a credit card’s), but it has an extremely powerful battery. This portable charger can charge an iPhone 8 3.6 times, a Galaxy S8 2.3 times, or an iPad mini 6 1.2 times before it needs recharged itself. You will need to supply your own charging cable.
