Are cheap portable chargers worth it? Belkin vs Kmart compared

Fergus Halliday
Apr 30, 2024
Icon Time To Read5 min read
// No one brand should have all that power.

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Finding a new power bank or portable charger is easy. Tracking down one that's better than the rest is a little harder. Even by the standards of consumer tech, the accessories category is incredibly homogenous. You need to dig deep into the details to tease out the differences between what a more established brand like Belkin has to offer against the likes of Kmart's uber-cheap Anko brand.

In this guide, we've done the work of making that a little easier. We've rounded up what both Kmart and Belkin have to offer when it comes to portable chargers and pitted them against one another to work out whether generic is the way to go when it comes to this particular gadget.

What to consider when buying a portable charger or power bank

Pin
MagSafe support

If you're looking at buying a portable charger or power bank that offers wireless charging, you'll want to make sure it has proper MagSafe compatibility. If it does, you'll not only have access to faster charging speeds on selected iPhone models, but you'll also get the benefits of quick and easy alignment with the charging coils.

Heads Up
Wattage

While the number of ports on a portable charger should be a consideration, the speed at which those ports operate is a much more important thing to keep in mind. Higher is better here, as it means you'll be able to get your Samsung phone topped up sooner rather than later.

Light Bulb
Safety

When it comes to accessories that deal directly in the transmission of power like iPhone chargers, it can pay to go with a more expensive and well-known brand since it means you'll get the peace of mind that comes with knowing that they probably aren't cutting corners on safety.

Price Tag
Price

 Price of course is another thing to consider - but if you're just after a simple charger, you don't need to shell out the big bucks.

Best Belkin power banks and portable chargers

Accessories like portable chargers and power banks are Belkin's bread and butter, so it's no surprise that the brand is currently fielding a pretty large roster of peripherals.

Price-wise, Belkin's power banks range from as cheap as $54.95 to as expensive as $129.95. In terms of capacity, the smallest power bank weighs in at around 5000mAh while the largest is a whopping 26000mAh. Charging speeds vary widely, but the majority offer at least 15W.

Belkin portable chargers with 5,000mAh

Belkin BoostCharge Hybrid
Belkin BoostCharge Hybrid wall charger
4 out of 5 stars
4
RRP
$119
  • Icon Blank
    Capcity: 5,000mAh
  • Icon Blank
    Max Charging Speed: 20W
Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Power Bank 5K + Stand
Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Power Bank 5K + Stand
RRP
$69.95
  • Icon Blank
    Capcity: 5,000mAh
  • Icon Blank
    Max Charging Speed: 10W (Wired) + 7.5W (Wireless)
  • pro
    MagSafe
Belkin BoostCharge Power Bank 5K (12W USB-A Port)
Belkin BoostCharge Power Bank 5K (12W USB-A Port)
RRP
$39.95
  • Icon Blank
    Capcity: 5,000mAh
  • Icon Blank
    Max Charging Speed: 12W

Belkin portable chargers with 10,000mAh

Belkin BoostCharge Power Bank 10K
Belkin BoostCharge Power Bank 10K
RRP
$59
  • Icon Blank
    Capcity: 10,000mAh
  • Icon Blank
    Max Charging Speed: 15W
Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Power Bank 10K
Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Power Bank 10K
RRP
$79.95
  • Icon Blank
    Capcity: 10,000mAh
  • Icon Blank
    Max Charging Speed: 18W (Wired) + 7.5W (Wireless)
  • pro
    MagSafe
Belkin BoostCharge PD Power Bank 10K
Belkin BoostCharge PD Power Bank 10K
RRP
$79.95
  • Icon Blank
    Capcity: 10,000mAh
  • Icon Blank
    Max Charging Speed: 18W
Belkin Pocket Power 10K Power Bank
Belkin Pocket Power 10K Power Bank
RRP
$54.95
  • Icon Blank
    Capcity: 10,000mAh
  • Icon Blank
    Max Charging Speed: 12W
Belkin BoostCharge Power Bank 10K (Multi-port)
Belkin BoostCharge Power Bank 10K (Multi-port)
RRP
$59.95
  • Icon Blank
    Capcity: 10,000mAh
  • Icon Blank
    Max Charging Speed: 15W
Belkin BoostCharge Power Bank 10K Stand Play
Belkin BoostCharge Power Bank 10K Stand Play
RRP
$84.95
  • Icon Blank
    Capcity: 10,000mAh
  • Icon Blank
    Max Charging Speed: 12W

Belkin portable chargers with 20,000mAh or more

Belkin BoostCharge Power Bank 20K
Belkin BoostCharge Power Bank 20K
RRP
$79.95
  • Icon Blank
    Capcity: 20,000mAh
  • Icon Blank
    Max Charging Speed: 15W
Belkin BoostCharge 4-Port Power Bank 26K
Belkin BoostCharge 4-Port Power Bank 26K
RRP
$129.95
  • Icon Blank
    Capcity: 26,000mAh
  • Icon Blank
    Max Charging Speed: 32W (20W + 12W)
Belkin BoostCharge USB-C PD Power Bank 20K
Belkin BoostCharge USB-C PD Power Bank 20K
RRP
$129.95
  • Icon Blank
    Capcity: 20,000mAh
  • Icon Blank
    Max Charging Speed: 30W
Belkin BoostCharge Power Bank 20K
Belkin BoostCharge Power Bank 20K
RRP
$79.95
  • Icon Blank
    Capcity: 20,000mAh
  • Icon Blank
    Max Charging Speed: 15W

What is the Connected Equipment Warranty?

Many of Belkin's portable chargers and power banks come with a Connected Equipment Warranty. This is someone you won't find in Kmart's portable chargers and power banks. Essentially, it's a guarantee that protects you from up to $2500 in damages if one of your connected devices is damaged during a power surge while connected to a Belkin charging accessory.

As put by the warranty itself:

"If your device is damaged by an electrical charge while properly connected to the Belkin charging accessory, Belkin will repair or replace it up to the value stated on the device packaging/warranty insert."

As always, there are a few strings attached here. For instance, "your device must be properly installed according to the usage instructions and connected to a properly earthed general power outlet" and you'll have to apply a claim to take advantage of the warranty within two months of the damaging incident.

For additional details on the process of lodging a claim and all the rest, visit the Belkin website.

Best Kmart power banks and portable chargers

From 2018 onwards, Kmart has been selling a variety of products under its generic Anko brand. That includes smaller gadgets and consumer electronics like portable chargers and power banks. 

Price-wise, an Anko power bank can be as cheap as $12 to as expensive as $69. In terms of capacity, the smallest power bank weighs in with around 2000mAh while the largest is a whopping 20000mAh. Charging speeds vary widely, but the majority offer at least 10W.

Kmart portable chargers with 5,000mAh or less

Anko Portable Charger USB A and C 15W
Anko Portable Charger USB A and C 15W
3 out of 5 stars
3
RRP
$19
  • Icon Blank
    Capcity: 5,000mAh
  • Icon Blank
    Max Charging Speed: 15W
Anko 5000mAh Power Bank
Anko 5000mAh Power Bank
RRP
$15
  • Icon Blank
    Capcity: 5,000mAh
  • Icon Blank
    Max Charging Speed: 10W
Anko 3000mAh Portable Lipstick Charger
Anko 3000mAh Portable Lipstick Charger
RRP
$12
  • Icon Blank
    Capcity: 3,000mAh
  • Icon Blank
    Max Charging Speed: 10W

Kmart portable chargers with 10,000mAh

Anko 10W 10000mAh Magnetic Wireless and Portable Charger
Anko 10W 10000mAh Magnetic Wireless and Portable Charger
RRP
$49
  • Icon Blank
    Capcity: 10,000mAh
  • Icon Blank
    Max Charging Speed: 10W (Wired) + 7.5W (Wireless)
  • pro
    MagSafe
Anko 10000mAh Portable Charger
Anko 10000mAh Portable Charger
RRP
$39
  • Icon Blank
    Capcity: 10,000mAh
  • Icon Blank
    Max Charging Speed: 22.5W
Anko 10000mAh Universal Powerpack
Anko 10000mAh Universal Powerpack
RRP
$69
  • Icon Blank
    Capcity: 10,000mAh
  • Icon Blank
    Max Charging Speed: 15W (Wired) + 5W (Wireless)
Anko Portable Charger 10000mAh
Anko Portable Charger 10000mAh
RRP
$29
  • Icon Blank
    Capcity: 10,000mAh
  • Icon Blank
    Max Charging Speed: 15W
Anko Portable Charger 10000mAh USBA and C 20W
Anko Portable Charger 10000mAh USBA and C 20W
RRP
$39
  • Icon Blank
    Capcity: 10,000mAh
  • Icon Blank
    Max Charging Speed: 20W

Kmart portable chargers with more than 10,000mAh

Anko Portable Charger Dual Port
Anko Portable Charger Dual Port
RRP
$35
  • Icon Blank
    Capcity: 15,000mAh
  • Icon Blank
    Max Charging Speed: 10W
Anko Portable Charger USB-C
Anko Portable Charger USB-C
RRP
$39
  • Icon Blank
    Capcity: 15,000mAh
  • Icon Blank
    Max Charging Speed: 10W
Anko 20W Portable Charger USB and C 20000mAh
Anko 20W Portable Charger USB and C 20000mAh
RRP
$69
  • Icon Blank
    Capcity: 20,000mAh
  • Icon Blank
    Max Charging Speed: 20W
Anko Portable Charger USB-A and USB-C 15W
Anko Portable Charger USB-A and USB-C 15W
RRP
$59
  • Icon Blank
    Capcity: 20,000mAh
  • Icon Blank
    Max Charging Speed: 15W

Portable chargers compared

Belkin versus Kmart Anko power banks and portable chargers
Model
Capacity
RRP
Max charging speed
Output ports
Input ports
Magnetic attachment
Belkin BoostCharge Power Bank 10KBelkin BoostCharge Power Bank 10K
10000mAh$59.9515W2x USB-A1x USB-CNo
Belkin BoostCharge Power Bank 20KBelkin BoostCharge Power Bank 20K
20000mAh$79.9515W2x USB-A1x USB-CNo
Belkin BoostCharge 4-Port Power Bank 26KBelkin BoostCharge 4-Port Power Bank 26K
26000mAh$129.9532W (20W + 12W)2x USB-A + 2x USB-C2x USB-CNo
Belkin BoostCharge Hybrid wall chargerBelkin BoostCharge Hybrid
5000mAh$11920W1x USB-A + 1x USB-CNo
Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Power Bank 5K + StandBelkin BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Power Bank 5K + Stand
5000mAh$69.9610W (Wired) + 7.5W (Wireless)1x USB-C Yes
Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Power Bank 10KBelkin BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Power Bank 10K
10000mAh$79.9518W (Wired) + 7.5W (Wireless)Yes
Belkin BoostCharge USB-C PD Power Bank 20KBelkin BoostCharge USB-C PD Power Bank 20K
20000mAh$129.9530W1x USB-A + 1x USB-C1x USB-CNo
Belkin BoostCharge PD Power Bank 10KBelkin BoostCharge PD Power Bank 10K
10000mAh$79.9518W1x USB-A + 1x USB-C1x USB-CNo
Belkin Pocket Power 10K Power BankBelkin Pocket Power 10K Power Bank
10000mAh$54.9512W2x USB-A1x USB MicroNo
Belkin BoostCharge Power Bank 10K (Multi-port)Belkin BoostCharge Power Bank 10K (Multi-port)
10000mAh$59.9515W2x USB-A + 1x USB-C2x USB-CNo
Belkin BoostCharge Power Bank 10K Stand PlayBelkin BoostCharge Power Bank 10K Stand Play
10000mAh$84.9512W1x USB-A1x USB-CNo
Belkin BoostCharge Power Bank 20KBelkin BoostCharge Power Bank 20K
20000mAh$79.9515W2x USB-A1x USB-CNo
Belkin BoostCharge Power Bank 5K (12W USB-A Port)Belkin BoostCharge Power Bank 5K (12W USB-A Port)
5000mAh$39.9512W1x USB-A1x USB-CNo
Anko Portable Charger Dual PortAnko Portable Charger Dual Port
15000mAh$3510W2x USB-A1x USB MicroNo
Anko Portable Charger USB A and C 15WAnko Portable Charger USB A and C 15W
5000mAh$1915W1x USB-A + 1x USB-C1x USB-CNo
Anko 10W 10000mAh Magnetic Wireless and Portable ChargerAnko 10W 10000mAh Magnetic Wireless and Portable Charger
10000mAh$4910W (Wired) / 7.5W (Wireless)1x USB-C (Input/Output)Yes
Anko 5000mAh Power BankAnko 5000mAh Power Bank
5000mAh$1510W2x USB-A1x USB Micro + 1x USB-CNo
Anko Portable Charger USB-CAnko Portable Charger USB-C
15000mAh$3910W1x USB-A + 1x USB-C1x USB MicroNo
Anko 10000mAh Portable ChargerAnko 10000mAh Portable Charger
10000mAh$3922.5W2x USB-A1x USB-CNo
Anko 10000mAh Universal PowerpackAnko 10000mAh Universal Powerpack
10000mAh$6915W (Wired) / 5W (Wireless)2x USB-C1x ACNo
Anko 3000mAh Portable Lipstick ChargerAnko 3000mAh Portable Lipstick Charger
3000mAh$1210W1x USB-A1x USB-CNo
Anko Portable Charger 10000mAhAnko Portable Charger 10000mAh
10000mAh$2915W2x USB-C + 1x USB-A1x USB-CNo
Anko 20W Portable Charger USB and C 20000mAhAnko 20W Portable Charger USB and C 20000mAh
20000mAh$6920W2x USB-A + 1x USB-A1x USB-CNo
Anko Portable Charger USB-A and USB-C 15WAnko Portable Charger USB-A and USB-C 15W
20000mAh$5915W2x USB-C + 1x USB-A1x USB-CNo
Anko Portable Charger 10000mAh USBA and C 20WAnko Portable Charger 10000mAh USBA and C 20W
10000mAh$3920W2x USB-C + 1x USB-A1x USB-CNo

How we review power banks (and give them that star rating)

We use standardised testing across every product we review to ensure we're giving you the best recommendations possible. Our team designs these tests uniquely to the product category, taking into account the most important factors for consumers.

When we review power banks and portable there are five main considerations;

  • Price: What is the value proposition? Are you being asked to pay too much for too little? 
  • Capacity and charging speed: Just how much extra battery life are you getting per dollar spent? How friendly is it to multiple devices? Does it support fast charging?
  • Features: The basics of power banks and portable chargers aren't complicated so what does this one do that's different? What thoughtful features does it use to make your life easier?
  • Design: How heavy is it? How long is the charging cable? Does it feel nice in your hand, are the buttons in a useful position?
  • Expert testing: What is it like to use? Does it feel like it's worth the price? Does it deliver on the promises that the manufacturer makes?

In some cases, we may not have had a chance to do hands-on reviews with these products, in which case we omit the expert testing section in our rating. This doesn't affect how the products are scaled against each other. However, it does mean that our ratings may change as we get through practical reviews.

Fergus Halliday
Written by
Fergus Halliday
Fergus Halliday is a journalist and editor for Reviews.org. He’s written about technology, telecommunications, gaming and more for over a decade. He got his start writing in high school and began his full-time career as the Editor of PC World Australia. Fergus has made the MCV 30 Under 30 list, been a finalist for seven categories at the IT Journalism Awards and won Most Controversial Writer at the 2022 Consensus Awards. He has been published in Gizmodo, Kotaku, GamesHub, Press Start, Screen Rant, Superjump, Nestegg and more.

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