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With many power banks available, choosing the right one for your MacBook Pro can be tough. We’ll review the top options to help you find the most powerful battery pack for your needs and budget.
Key Takeaways:
- The Omni 20+ power bank provides reliable full charges for MacBooks in a portable form factor with a charge level indicator.
- The Anker 525 power bank has slightly less capacity but charges quickly with an included AC adapter.
- Jackery PowerBar works directly with MagSafe Macs for fast, effective charging.
- For 16-inch models, MAXOAK and EASYLONGER portable charger offer high capacity at lower costs.
Who Should Get This
A power bank or portable laptop charger is a great choice for MacBook users utilizing the latest machines and taking them out beyond the range of a power outlet on a regular basis. It will provide a layer of security in case you get a dreaded “power low” notification and keep your Mac running strong all day long.
However, if your Mac has just one or two homes (such as the office and a home workspace), you’re probably fine without purchasing a power bank since you’ll be near a power outlet almost all the time.
Additionally, older MacBook Pro users will need to consider this carefully since using any power bank will require a MagSafe adapter or specialty power bank, and these can run fairly expensive.
Best Power Banks for MacBook Pro in 2024: Our Picks
Please note that all the power bank items listed below are chosen based on our personal takes and preferences. They are not intended to be ranked in this order.
1. Omni 20+ 20000mAh Laptop Power Bank
The Omni laptop power bank is a highly efficient and reliable power source designed to meet your daily needs. Its lightning-fast charging capability only takes a mere 3 hours to fully charge, ensuring you can access power when needed most.
Featuring a versatile USB-C input/output, the Omni power bank is equipped to handle a variety of devices, including your MacBook, smartphone, or tablet. The USB C port can determine the optimal current to charge your device quickly and efficiently without compromising safety or performance.
With a weight of just 1.1 pounds, the Omni power bank is easy to carry around, making it an ideal travel companion. It is a must-have accessory for anyone who relies on their devices to get through the day.
Pros:
- Holds a whole charge for your MacBook Pro.
- Includes an LED power indicator to show how much charge is left. It functions similarly to MacBook Pro battery indicator lights
- Comes with a USB-C to USB-C charging cable.
Cons:
- The wireless charger is pretty flaky.
2. Anker 537 Power Bank 20000mAh
Weighing in at 1.1 pounds and about the size of your palm, the Anker Power Bank is ready to put up a fight. With its impressive 24,000mAh cell capacity, this power bank can charge multiple devices simultaneously, including MacBooks, iPhones, Apple Watch, and more. You can charge more than one device simultaneously (so both your MacBook and iPhone can be revived in no time).
One standout feature of the Anker 537 Power Bank is its fast-charging capabilities. Its 30W high-speed recharge takes about 3.5 hours for a full charge, which is twice as fast as a standard portable charger. It comes with a travel pouch, making it easy to store on the go.
Pros:
- Portable and lightweight.
- Can charge 2 devices at the same time.
- Offers fast charging.
Cons:
- Gets hot to the touch.
3. HenHot 30000mAh Laptop Power Bank
The HenHot 30000mAh Laptop Power Bank has a 100W PD 3.0 USB-C port that enables full-speed fast charging of power-hungry laptops. With this feature, you can charge your MacBook Pro 16-inch up to 36% in just 30 minutes.
Its 30000mAh massive capacity can provide about;
- 1 charge for MacBook Pro 16″,
- 1.42 charges for MacBook Pro 13″,
- 5.4 charges for iPhone 14,
- 2.3 charges for iPad Pro 11″, and
- Upto 5 – 6 for most smartphones
This large capacity ensures you have several days of worry-free power when traveling or on a business trip.
Another great feature of this power bank is the two-way fast charging, which includes a USB-C port supporting 100W output and 65W input, plus a QC18W fast charging USB A port. You can charge your phone and laptop simultaneously thanks to the QC18W USB-A port.
It has a superior safety system that protects against overcharging, overvoltage, overcurrent, and short circuits.
Pros:
- Provides multiple charges for various devices
- Compatible with a wide range of devices
- Affordable price tag
Cons:
- Lacks an LED display
4. Mophie Portable Charger 20,000mAh
The Mophie Portable Charger 20000mAh is a versatile charging solution for your MacBook. This high-capacity power bank has a large 20000mAh internal battery capacity, which can fully charge your device up to 4.6 times.
One of the key features of this power bank is its ability to charge up to three devices at the same time. Its two USB-A ports and an 18W USB-C power delivery output make it possible. You can use the USB-C port to recharge the power station itself in record time.
The portable power bank also features an integrated 4-light LED power indicator. It displays the charging status and current battery life to keep track of the power bank’s remaining charge.
The Mophie Portable Charger 20,000mAh also boasts a stylish and durable fabric finish that prevents scuffs and scratches.
Pros:
- Offers excellent power storage
- Charges up to 3 devices at once
- Wrapped in a premium fabric for added durability and grip
Cons:
- Heavy and bulky
5. MAXOAK Laptop Power Bank – Great for 16 Inches
If you have a larger MacBook, you need a larger power bank, and the MAXOAK option is the perfect solution for a 16-inch, power-hungry laptop. This power bank is built with Lithium-ion polymer battery cells and has 6 security protections to ensure safe use and 1000+ long recharge cycles. It conforms to UL1642 and UL2056 standards, making it a superior quality and safe option for users.
The MAXOAK Laptop Power Bank has an ultra-high capacity of 50000mAh and includes 14 DC connectors for various laptops, making it compatible with multiple laptops.
Once fully charged, the MAXOAK Laptop Power Bank can charge laptops (65W) about 2.5 times and smartphones about 11-18 times without using your laptops/phones while charging.
You can also charge several devices simultaneously, saving time. It has ultra-energy savings and fast charging speeds, and the power bank can be recharged in just 6-8 hours.
Pros:
- Has several outputs to work with various devices.
- Offers fast charge capability.
- Its no-fan design keeps things quiet and functional.
Cons:
- You can’t take it on any flight because it’s 185W, and most airlines allow 100W.
6. EASYLONGER Portable Charger
Looking for a more affordable portable charging option for your 16-inch MacBook Pro? Consider this EASYLONGER portable charger –a 100W PD power bank that utilizes eight Lithium batteries to provide a fast and effective charging solution.
The power bank has a high-capacity 26800mAh battery pack with PD type C that can charge your devices multiple times. While it is a bit heavy due to its high capacity, it can store a lot of juice for outdoor activities.
The EASYLONGER Portable Charger has three output ports that ensure you can charge three devices simultaneously at top speeds. The dual USB-A Quick Charge 3.0 ports charge compatible devices up to 80% in only 35 minutes, four times faster than conventional chargers. It can be fully recharged in less than 3 hours with a 45W PD charging adapter.
Pros:
- High-speed recharging capabilities – 2 hours to 100%.
- Four outputs allow charging multiple devices at the same time.
- Stores enough charge to juice up a device multiple times.
Cons:
- The cord length is short.
Buying a Power Bank for MacBook: What to Look For
With the limited battery life of MacBook models, you may find yourself constantly searching for a power source. One solution to this problem is to invest in very few power banks specifically designed for MacBook. But with so many options available on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. Below, we’ll discuss what to look for when buying a power bank for your MacBook so that you can make an informed decision.
Capacity
The power bank’s capacity determines how much charge it can hold and is measured in milliamp hours (mAh).
You’ll want at least 20,000 mAh for a full charge and around 12,000 mAh for about half a charge.
However, these numbers aren’t precise or scaleable due to energy loss during transfer. The rate at which your computer charges is determined by the connection and the output rate, which should be published (though it often takes some digging to find) in any product’s description.
Size & Weight
Power banks imply portability, but this isn’t always the case. You’ll notice that the larger the capacity gets, the bulkier and heavier the power bank becomes, which means you’ll need to strike a balance between the two.
If you know you’re already carrying a lot, you may be more inclined to a slimmer model, but if you aren’t afraid of weighing your backpack down, it may be worth it to go for a little extra battery life.
Additional Tips & Resources
Besides purchasing a power bank, you can do a few things to keep your Mac from draining the battery any faster than necessary. Here are a few to get you started:
- Keep the brightness down (it’s good for your eyes, too!).
- Turn off Bluetooth when you aren’t using it. After all, there’s no point in scanning for nonexistent devices.
- Turn off Wi-Fi and location services if you don’t need them or are working off the grid.
- Constantly searching for the signal is a huge power drain.
- Close programs you don’t need rather than leave them running in the background.
For guidance on these tricks and a few other methods for extending battery life, check out this article from Macworld.
If you want something portable and protective, think about getting a battery backpack instead of a regular power bank. These backpacks securely store your Mac but are designed to make charging easy with special ports, pockets, and sleeves to keep everything in order. This review of the best backpacks for MacBook Pro is a great place to begin looking into these devices.
FAQs
Can a power bank charge a MacBook Pro?
Yes, all standard power banks can charge a MacBook Pro. You just have to ensure they contain at least 20,000 mAh for a full charge and have a working USB-C port to prevent compatibility issues.
How much mAh and watts should the power bank need for 16″ inch MBP?
If you are just looking for charging without using it, a 40-60-watt power delivery will work just fine. And if you are looking to charge and use it simultaneously, you would need 100 watts. For mAH, you would need at least 25,000, which is about 20% higher mAH than the 13″ MacBook Pro.
Can a power bank damage my MacBook Pro?
If you choose a power bank that is not compatible with your MacBook Pro, it could potentially damage your laptop. Make sure to choose a power bank that is specifically designed for MacBook Pro and has enough power output to charge it safely.
Are power banks allowed on airplanes?
Yes, power banks are allowed on airplanes, but there are restrictions on the capacity of the power bank that you can carry. Check with your airline to see what their specific rules are.
Final Words
Maybe one day we’ll have MacBooks that can draw power from the air around them, but until then, power users will need power banks to keep them going on a day-to-day basis.
Whether you need at least one whole additional charge or just a little something extra to make sure your files get saved before the screen goes black, a variety of power banks can help you ensure that happens.
We’d also love to hear what power banks you prefer for day-to-day use, so leave a comment and let us know!
About Eric
Mark
I have the Maxoak battery that I use with my Linux laptop, but it doesn’t work with my 2017 Macbook pro because the Maxoak has no USB-C output ports, and the 2.4A USB-A doesn’t provide enough power.
Are you aware of a particular cable that would let me connect the Maxoak 20V output to the Macbook pro’s USB-C input for proper charging?
tom Mead
Hello, great article. Do you have any recommendations though for solar chargers? I am going camping for a few weeks but need to be checking things on my laptop etc.
Thomas Jackson
I plugged in a power bank to my MBP. It showed that it isn’t charging but after a while it started charging my device. I want to know is it safe to keep on using that power bank for my Mac? Or should I buy a new one?
Craig
What do you recommend for a MacBook Pro 15″ or larger that requires power bank to have output of 90W or more?
Lorena
Hi, we just covered it above. In short, 90W or more is not required if you are charging it in idle mode. 40-60w is good enough.
Pat Cassity
Thanks so much for the thorough review of these products! Very helpful. Quick question. I understand that these devices will charge my 2019 16” MacBook Pro. However, will a fully charged power bank allow me to use my computer once the internal battery is drained?
Thanks,
Pat Cassity
Lorena
Hi Pat, not sure if I understand your question correctly. Suppose your MBP internal battery is drained out and you are charging it with a power bank, sure, your Mac should work because the power bank is charging it? About the 16″ what we covered previously were for 13″, for 16″ you would need at least 40-60w power. Learn more above. Thanks!
tom
haha you didn’t say which MacBook Pro…. there is a different between 13″ and 16′ battery…. ;d
Lorena
Thanks for pointing out! We have updated the article to incorporate that.