No charger, no problem: The best ways to charge your phone away from an outlet
The article offers practical advice on keeping a smartphone charged when a wall outlet or the standard charger isn't available, noting this is an increasingly common scenario given heavy phone use for navigation, photos and entertainment. It recommends carrying a portable power bank as the most reliable solution, highlighting that modern models are far smaller and lighter than older, bulkier versions, with even high-capacity options now compact enough to fit in a pocket or small bag.
The piece runs through several tested products, including the Anker MagGo (10,000mAh, wireless MagSafe/Qi2 charging), the ultra-compact Anker Nano (5,000mAh with built-in USB-C connector), the Belkin BoostCharge 20K (20,000mAh with an integrated cable) and the fast-charging 65W Nimble Champ Pro, giving real-world charging times and capacities for each. It suggests matching the power bank to individual needs, from tiny lipstick-sized units for emergencies to larger models capable of multiple full charges, and notes the article also covers what to do if no power bank is on hand.
- Power banks are the best way to charge phones without an outlet
- Newer models are much smaller and lighter than before
- Anker, Belkin and Nimble options tested with real charging times
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Smartphones use battery power for tasks such as maps, taking photos and watching videos, so their charge can run low while people are away from home. A wall socket may not be available, or the usual charging cable may be missing.
A portable power bank stores electricity and can recharge a phone through a cable or, with compatible devices, wirelessly. They vary in size and capacity: smaller ones are easier to carry, while larger ones can provide more charges.
Choosing one depends on the phone’s charging connection and how much extra battery life is needed. This matters especially on journeys or days out, when a working phone may be useful for directions, communication and other everyday tasks.