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How we researched this
We did not test these power banks in person. This guide combines results from four independent testers (Wirecutter’s phone, wireless and laptop power bank guides, Engadget, The Verge and PCWorld), manufacturer recall pages, FAA battery rules, owner discussions on Reddit and the CPSC recall database, which lists dozens of power bank recalls. Every claim links to its source. Our full methodology. Researched and written by the Dudproof editors. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Quick verdict
DudProof Pick
Belkin BoostCharge Plus 10K
A DudProof Pick is the product the evidence says is least likely to be a dud for most people. What our badges mean
Dud Score
Coming soon
We publish a Dud Score only after its safety, failure-pattern and support inputs are sourced. Progress for each pick is in the Dud Score inputs table below. How the Dud Score works.
| Pick | Why | Watch out for | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for most phones | Belkin BoostCharge Plus 10K (BPB006) | Wirecutter’s top pick: built-in USB-C and Lightning cables, about three phone charges, two-year warranty | 18 W per port is slower than newer 30 W banks |
| Best budget | Scosche GoBat 10K | Wirecutter’s budget pick: the fastest input it measured, a three-year warranty and a USB-C cable in the box | No built-in cables; a bit chunky |
| Best magnetic (iPhone) | Anker MagGo Power Bank 10K (A1654) | Engadget’s best MagSafe power bank: Qi2 15 W wireless, a screen and a sturdy kickstand | Heavier, and The Verge found it slow for the price. Don’t confuse it with the recalled 7.5 W model A1652 |
| Best for laptops | Anker Prime 26K 300W (A110A) | Wirecutter’s top laptop power bank and Engadget’s premium pick: up to 140 W per USB-C port, still under the FAA’s 100 Wh carry-on limit | Expensive and about 1.3 pounds |
Bottom line: for keeping a phone alive, the Belkin BoostCharge Plus 10K is the safest bet: Wirecutter’s top pick, its writer has used one near-daily for two years, and PCWorld’s meter confirmed its efficiency is above average. The Scosche GoBat 10K matches it on power and warranty for less money if you don’t mind carrying a cable. iPhone owners who want a snap-on battery should get the Anker MagGo 10K, and laptop users the Anker Prime 26K. Whatever you buy, check the recall table below for power banks already in your drawer. More than a million Anker units and several Amazon-only brands were recalled in the past two years.
Comparison table
| Belkin BoostCharge Plus 10K | Scosche GoBat 10K | Anker MagGo 10K (A1654) | Anker Prime 26K (A110A) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Independent picks | Wirecutter top pick (2026) | Wirecutter budget pick (2026) | Engadget best MagSafe (2026) | Wirecutter top laptop pick; Engadget best premium (2026) |
| Rated capacity | 10,000 mAh, 36 Wh (Wirecutter) | 10,000 mAh, 36 Wh (Wirecutter) | 10,000 mAh, 38.5 Wh (The Verge) | 26,250 mAh, about 97 Wh (Wirecutter) |
| Measured or rated output | 18 W per connection (Wirecutter, PCWorld) | 20 W USB-C, 17 W USB-A measured (Wirecutter) | 15 W Qi2 wireless, 27 W USB-C (The Verge) | Up to 140 W per USB-C port, 300 W combined (Wirecutter) |
| Built-in cables | USB-C and Lightning | None (USB-C cable included) | None (magnetic pad + USB-C port) | None (USB-C cable included) |
| Weight | 8.4 oz (Wirecutter) | 6.4 oz (Wirecutter) | 8.82 oz (Engadget) | 1.3 lb (Wirecutter) |
| Warranty | 2 years (Wirecutter) | 3 years (Wirecutter) | Not yet confirmed | 2 years (Wirecutter) |
| CPSC recalls of this model (checked Nov 2, 2026) | None found (other Belkin models recalled, see below) | None found | None found (other Anker models recalled) | None found |
| Amazon | Check price | Check price | Check price | Check price |
Where the testers agree — and where they don’t
For phones, Wirecutter and PCWorld back the Belkin. Wirecutter’s guide (updated May 2026) picks the BoostCharge Plus 10K for its two built-in cables, pass-through charging, sturdy cable holsters and responsive customer support, and its writer reports near-daily use for two years with the cables still sliding in and out easily (Wirecutter). PCWorld measured 31.46 Wh out of the pack’s 37 Wh rating, an 85 percent efficiency that was just above the 83 percent average of the packs it tested (PCWorld). Engadget’s pick in this class is different: it prefers Anker’s 10K Fusion, which adds a built-in wall plug (Engadget).
Magnetic batteries are where testers split the most. Wirecutter’s wireless pick is still the older Anker 633 Magnetic Battery (A1641), which wirelessly charges at up to 7.5 W (Wirecutter). Engadget picks the newer Qi2-certified Anker MagGo Power Bank 10K, which brought an iPhone 15 from near-dead to half-full in about 45 minutes and was faster than the 633 (Engadget). The Verge, testing seven Qi2 batteries in June 2026, called the same MagGo “hefty and deluxe” with a durable kickstand, but found it expensive and “rather slow with wireless charging,” and picked the Baseus PicoGo AM52 instead (The Verge). We choose the MagGo because two testers rate it well and its model number has no recall. We don’t pick the Baseus because The Verge is its only test source so far (we found no AM52 recall; Baseus’s recalls involve other models, listed below).
For laptops, two testers back the same Anker. Wirecutter’s top laptop pick is Anker’s 26,250 mAh, 300 W Prime power bank, and Engadget names it its best premium power bank (Engadget’s laptop pick is Anker’s 165 W Laptop Power Bank with built-in cables). Wirecutter says it can fully charge most laptops at least once while staying under carry-on limits (Wirecutter), and Engadget measured 0.83 of a full MacBook Pro charge (Engadget).
How to choose a power bank that won’t be a dud
- Look at watt-hours, not just mAh. The Verge points out that mAh figures depend on battery voltage and can mislead: one “10,000 mAh” battery’s fine print said 5,000 mAh at 7.2 V. Watt-hours (Wh) are the number to compare (The Verge).
- Expect less than the rating. Some energy is lost as heat. PCWorld’s tested packs delivered about 83 percent of their rated energy on average.
- Fly with 100 Wh or less, in your carry-on. The FAA requires spare lithium batteries and power banks to travel in carry-on bags only, limits them to 100 Wh without airline approval, and notes that many airlines set stricter limits (FAA).
- Match the wattage to the device. Wirecutter recommends at least 18 W USB-C Power Delivery for fast phone charging and at least 30 W for laptops.
- Buy a brand that runs real recalls. Every big name below has had a recall, but they publish model and serial checks and offer refunds or replacements. Several of the recalls below involve brands sold only through Amazon or other marketplaces.
- Check the model number, not the name. Anker’s recalled “MagGo Power Bank (10,000mAh, 7.5W)” is model A1652; the Qi2 MagGo we recommend is A1654. The number is printed on the back or bottom.
Who each pick is for (and not for)
Belkin BoostCharge Plus 10K — best for most phones
- For: anyone who forgets cables, households with both iPhones (Lightning or USB-C) and Android phones, everyday bags.
- Not for: laptops or people who want the fastest possible phone charging.
- Evidence: Wirecutter’s 2026 top pick with two years of owner use by its writer (Wirecutter); PCWorld’s efficiency measurement (PCWorld). Model BPB006, confirmed on Belkin’s support page.
Scosche GoBat 10K — best budget
- For: a cheap, rugged backup for a car, backpack or emergency kit.
- Not for: small pockets or people who want built-in cables.
- Evidence: Wirecutter’s budget pick, with the highest input it measured (25 W), pass-through charging and a three-year warranty (Wirecutter).
Anker MagGo Power Bank 10K (A1654) — best magnetic (iPhone)
- For: iPhone owners (and Qi2 Android phones) who want to charge while holding the phone, plus a kickstand for watching video.
- Not for: the lightest pocket carry, or anyone shopping on wireless speed per dollar (see The Verge’s results).
- Evidence: Engadget’s best MagSafe power bank (Engadget); The Verge’s mixed verdict (The Verge); model A1654 per Anker. If you prefer Wirecutter’s pick, the older Anker 633 (A1641) isn’t on any recall list either.
Anker Prime Power Bank 26K 300W (A110A) — best for laptops
- For: laptop users, travelers and creators who charge two big devices at once.
- Not for: phone-only users; it’s overkill and heavy for a pocket.
- Evidence: Wirecutter’s top laptop power bank, about 97 Wh, two-year warranty (Wirecutter); Engadget’s best premium power bank (Engadget). The button goes to the version without the optional charging base.
Smallest option: Wirecutter’s pick for a small boost is the 2.7-ounce TravelCard Plus. It’s sold only on TravelCard’s own website, so we don’t link to it, and Wirecutter has heard from readers that its customer service is slow (Wirecutter).
Who should skip it
If your phone easily lasts the day and you’re rarely away from an outlet, you don’t need a power bank. A spare charging cable at work may do more for you. Skip high-capacity “30,000 mAh” bricks unless you need them: they’re heavy, and some exceed what airlines allow.
Owner Proof: common complaints and problems to know about
These come from owner discussions, tester notes and maker guidance, not from Amazon reviews.
- Heat during wireless charging. Magnetic packs get warm. One r/anker owner returned an older Anker 622 after a week because it charged slowly and got their iPhone very hot, then asked whether the 633 was any better (r/anker). Wired charging is faster and wastes less energy, so plug in when you can. (Forum posts are anecdotes, not failure rates. See the Dud Score note below.)
- Swelling. An r/MagSafe owner found their lightly used Anker MagGo (10,000 mAh, 7.5 W) swollen and unusable after 20 months (r/MagSafe). That’s the model name Anker later recalled (A1652), though the post doesn’t say whether the unit was in the affected serial range. A swollen, hot or smoking battery should be taken out of service right away. The FAA tells passengers to alert the crew immediately if a battery is overheating, expanding, smoking or burning (FAA).
- “Can I recharge it through the built-in cable?” Belkin owners ask this (r/Belkin). Wirecutter says yes: the built-in USB-C cable or the USB-C port can both recharge the BoostCharge Plus 10K at top speed (Wirecutter).
- Look-alike batteries from different brands. CPSC recalls show the same model number, E33A, under two brands: Casely Power Pods (about 429,200 recalled) and Flaunt MagSafe chargers. The same design can be sold under more than one brand name, so check the model number on the back, not just the logo.
Dud Alert: recalls to check
We searched all 3,733 CPSC recalls published since 2015 (via the CPSC Recalls API, checked November 2, 2026). None of our four picks’ model numbers has been recalled, but the CPSC database lists dozens of power bank recalls since 2015. The overheating lithium-ion battery is the hazard in each case. Check the model number (and, where noted, the serial number) on any power bank you own:
| Date | Brand and model | Units (US) | Sold at | CPSC notice |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 29, 2026 | HAIARA W5 PRO (no date code on the side); seller reported 600 thermal incidents | About 11,000 | Amazon (Mitrytech) | CPSC |
| Sep 24, 2026 | NEWDERY ZHX-PB22 | About 21,380 | Amazon | CPSC |
| Sep 3, 2026 | XO Poppy Power Trip magnetic (PYPBK5M) | About 32,400 | TJ Maxx and Marshalls | CPSC |
| Jul 9, 2026 | Flaunt MagSafe Battery Charger E33A | About 1,400 | flauntcases.com | CPSC |
| Apr 9, 2026 | VEEKTOMX VT103 mini (no serial number on back) | About 8,000 | Amazon | CPSC |
| Dec 5, 2025 | INIU BI-B41 10,000 mAh, serials 000G21, 000H21, 000I21, 000L21 only | About 210,000 | Amazon | CPSC |
| Nov 13, 2025 | Belkin power banks BPB002 (serials starting 35S) and PB0003 (all), plus MMA008 stands | About 83,500 | Best Buy, Target, Walmart, Amazon and others | CPSC |
| Aug 14 and Oct 9, 2025 | ESR HaloLock wireless 2G520, 2G505B, 2G512B, then 2G505 | About 24,000 + 19,500 | Amazon, Home Depot, ESR | Recall · Expansion |
| Jun 12, 2025 | Anker PowerCore 10000 A1263 (check serial at Anker) | About 1,158,000 | Anker, Amazon, Newegg, eBay | CPSC |
| May 29, 2025 | iWALK magnetic MXB008, DBL6000M, DBL6000P (listed serials) | About 27,500 | iWalkMall, Amazon and others | CPSC |
| May 1, 2025 | Baseus 65W 30,000 mAh BS-30KP365 | About 55,380 | Amazon, AliExpress, Walmart, Baseus | CPSC |
| Apr 17, 2025 | Casely Power Pods E33A | About 429,200 | Casely, Amazon and others | CPSC |
| Dec 19, 2024 | Charmast W1056 | About 488,000 | Amazon | CPSC |
| Dec 5, 2024 | Belkin BoostCharge Pro 10K with watch charger, BPD005 (serials starting 57V) | About 4,000 | Amazon, Belkin and others | CPSC |
| Oct 17, 2024 | Anker A1642 (334 MagGo), A1647, A1652 (MagGo 7.5 W) | About 2,100 | Best Buy, Target, Amazon, Walmart and others | CPSC |
| Jun 27, 2024 | Baseus magnetic PPCXM06, PPCXW06 | About 132,000 | Amazon, AliExpress, Baseus | CPSC |
| Jun 20, 2024 | myCharge Power Hub AO10FK-A/B/C (listed date codes) | About 567,000 | Costco | CPSC |
| Aug 17, 2023 | Ubio Labs PWB1071 (one caught fire on a flight) | About 350,000 | Costco | CPSC |
| Mar 9, 2023 | Anker 535 PowerCore 20K, A1366 | About 42,000 | Target, Anker, Amazon, eBay | CPSC |
Anker’s own June 2025 recall is wider than the CPSC notice. Besides the A1263 that CPSC announced, Anker’s recall page lists models A1647, A1652, A1257 (Power Bank 10K, 22.5W), A1681 and A1689 (Zolo 20K) and asks owners to check serial numbers (Anker). None of the Anker models we recommend (A1654, A110A, or Wirecutter’s A1641) appear on either list.
Don’t trash a recalled power bank. CPSC notices say recalled lithium-ion batteries shouldn’t go in household trash, curbside recycling or store battery-drop boxes. Call your local household hazardous waste site first. The FAA also bars recalled batteries from flights unless they’ve been made safe (FAA).
Black Friday: deal or dud?
Power banks are a classic stocking stuffer and are on sale constantly, so a “Black Friday price” often isn’t special. Check price history on a tracker such as camelcamelcamel, and skip unknown brands with huge capacity claims, a pattern that shows up again and again in the recall table above. See all our Black Friday picks and gifts under $50.
Dud Score inputs (in progress)
We don’t publish a final Dud Score until the inputs are sourced. Status for this guide:
| Input | Belkin BoostCharge Plus 10K | Scosche GoBat 10K | Anker MagGo 10K (A1654) | Anker Prime 26K (A110A) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPSC recalls of this model (5 yr) | 0 ✅ (brand: 2 other models) | 0 ✅ | 0 ✅ (brand: several other models) | 0 ✅ (brand: several other models) |
| SaferProducts.gov incident reports | Pending | Pending | Pending | Pending |
| Failure patterns (coded) | Pending | Pending | Pending (heat and swelling reports are for other MagGo models) | Pending |
| Owner survey: would not buy again | Pending (survey not yet run) | Pending | Pending | Pending |
| Warranty & parts | 2 years | 3 years | Pending | 2 years |
| Dud Score | Coming soon | Coming soon | Coming soon | Coming soon |
How we researched this guide
Sources used for this guide: Wirecutter’s phone (updated May 2026), wireless and laptop power bank guides; Engadget’s power bank guide (February 2026); The Verge’s Qi2 battery tests (June 2026); PCWorld’s Belkin review with power-meter results; Anker and Belkin recall and product pages; FAA PackSafe lithium battery rules; CPSC Recalls API (3,733 recalls since 2015, searched Nov 2, 2026); owner discussions in r/anker, r/MagSafe and r/Belkin.
What we didn’t do: we did not charge or discharge these batteries ourselves, and we did not use Amazon customer reviews or ratings.
How picks were chosen: we looked for overlap among independent testers, weighed warranties and long-term use, then cross-checked every model number against CPSC and manufacturer recall lists. Full methodology
FAQ
What is the best portable charger in 2026?
Wirecutter’s top pick for phones is the Belkin BoostCharge Plus 10K, which has built-in USB-C and Lightning cables. For laptops, Wirecutter’s top pick is the Anker Prime 26K 300W, which Engadget also names its best premium power bank.
Are Anker power banks safe after the recalls?
Anker recalled specific models, including the PowerCore 10000 (A1263) and models A1642, A1647, A1652, A1257, A1681 and A1689. Other models, such as the MagGo 10K (A1654) and Prime A110A we recommend, aren’t on those lists. Check the model and serial number on your unit at Anker’s recall page.
Is my Belkin power bank recalled?
Belkin’s 2025 recall covers power banks with model numbers BPB002 (serials starting 35S) and PB0003, and a 2024 recall covered BPD005. The BoostCharge Plus 10K we recommend is model BPB006 and isn’t included.
Can I bring a power bank on a plane?
Yes, in your carry-on only. The FAA limits power banks to 100 Wh without airline approval, and many airlines set stricter rules, so check your carrier before you fly.
How many times will a 10,000 mAh power bank charge my phone?
Wirecutter says its 10,000 mAh picks can charge most smartphones up to three times. Real results are lower than the rating because some energy is lost as heat; PCWorld’s tested packs averaged about 83 percent efficiency.
What should I do with a recalled or swollen power bank?
Stop using it, follow the recall instructions for a refund or replacement, and take it to a household hazardous waste site that accepts lithium-ion batteries. Don’t put it in the trash or a store battery-drop box.
Related guides
- The best noise-cancelling headphones
- Gifts under $50 that aren’t duds
- The best electric toothbrushes
- Black Friday 2026: every DudProof Pick
Sources
- Wirecutter, “The Best Portable Chargers and Power Banks for Phones and Tablets” — https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-usb-battery-packs/
- Wirecutter, “The Best Wireless Portable Chargers and Power Banks” — https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-qi-wireless-charging-power-banks/
- Wirecutter, “The Best Power Banks for Laptops With USB-C” — https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-usb-c-battery-packs-and-power-banks/
- Engadget, “The best power banks and portable chargers” — https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/best-power-bank-143048526.html
- The Verge, “The best portable Qi2.2 and Qi2 batteries” — https://www.theverge.com/gadgets/939362/best-magsafe-qi2-2-batteries-power-banks
- PCWorld, Belkin Charge Plus 10K review — https://www.pcworld.com/article/624277/belkin-charge-plus-10k-usb-c-power-bank-with-integrated-cables-review.html
- Belkin, BoostCharge Plus 10K (BPB006) support — https://www.belkin.com/support-article/?articleNum=318526
- Anker, MagGo Power Bank 10K (A1654) — https://www.anker.com/products/a1654-maggo-10000mah-qi2-power-bank-magsafe-compatible
- Anker, June 2025 global recall — https://www.anker.com/rc2506
- FAA, PackSafe: lithium batteries — https://www.faa.gov/hazmat/packsafe/lithium-batteries
- Owner threads on Reddit, linked above
- CPSC Recalls API — https://www.saferproducts.gov/RestWebServices/Recall?format=json
Changelog
- Nov 2, 2026 — First published.