Best portable chargers compared: Anker vs Belkin vs Cygnett

Fergus Halliday
May 01, 2024
Icon Time To Read7 min read
// How do the ABCs of portable charger brands stack up?

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If you're in the market for a new power bank or portable charger, you've got no shortage of options. Whether we're talking about big Australian retailers like Kmart, local startups like Cygnett and global brands like Belkin, consumers have a lot of choice when it comes to the portable power category.

Of course, the flip side of that is that it can be hard to know where to start when it comes to finding a new power bank or the portable charger that gives you the most bang for your buck. To ease the way, we've rounded up what the big three power bank brands in Australia have to offer when it comes to portable chargers and pitted them against one another.

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$119.95
  • 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$59.95
  • 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$79.95
  • 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 Anker power banks and portable chargers

Anker has been an up-and-comer in the accessories space for the past ten years. They haven't quite cracked the mainstream in the same way that Belkin has but if you're in the market for a portable charger or power bank on a budget, then they aren't to overlooked.

Price-wise, an Anker power bank can be as cheap as $65 to as expensive as $370. In terms of capacity, the smallest power bank weighs in at around 5000mAh while the largest is a whopping 60000mAh. Charging speeds vary widely, but the majority offer at least 15W.

Anker portable chargers with 9,000mAh or less

Anker 321 MagGo 5K Magnetic Power Bank
Anker 321 MagGo 5K Magnetic Power Bank
RRP$63.99
  • Icon Blank
    Capcity: 5,000mAh
  • Icon Blank
    Max Charging Speed: 12W (Wired) + 7.5W (Wireless)
  • pro
    MagSafe
Anker MagGo Power Bank
Anker MagGo Power Bank
4 out of 5 stars
4
RRP$129
  • Icon Blank
    Capcity: 6,600mAh
  • Icon Blank
    Max Charging Speed: 12W (Wired) + 7.5W (Wireless)
  • pro
    MagSafe

Anker portable chargers with 10,000mAh

Anker 10K 22.5W Power Bank
Anker 10K 22.5W Power Bank
RRP$64.95
  • Icon Blank
    Capcity: 10,000mAh
  • Icon Blank
    Max Charging Speed: 22.5W
Anker MagGo 10K Magnetic Power Bank
Anker MagGo 10K Magnetic Power Bank
RRP$129.95
  • Icon Blank
    Capcity: 10,000mAh
  • Icon Blank
    Max Charging Speed: 15W (Wired) + 7.5W (Wireless)
  • pro
    MagSafe
Anker Nano 10K 30W Power Bank with built-in USB-C cable
Anker Nano 10K 30W Power Bank with built-in USB-C cable
RRP$99.95
  • Icon Blank
    Capcity: 10,000mAh
  • Icon Blank
    Max Charging Speed: 30W
Anker PowerCore III 10K
Anker PowerCore III 10K
RRP$109.95
  • Icon Blank
    Capcity: 10,000mAh
  • Icon Blank
    Max Charging Speed: 12W

Anker portable chargers with more than 10,000mAh

Anker 20K 30W Power Bank
Anker 20K 30W Power Bank
RRP$99.95
  • Icon Blank
    Capcity: 20,000mAh
  • Icon Blank
    Max Charging Speed: 30W
Anker 548 PowerBank (PowerCore Reserve)
Anker 548 PowerBank (PowerCore Reserve)
RRP$369.95
  • Icon Blank
    Capcity: 60,000mAh
  • Icon Blank
    Max Charging Speed: 60W
Anker Prime 20K 200W PowerBank
Anker Prime 20K 200W PowerBank
RRP$229.95
  • Icon Blank
    Capcity: 20,000mAh
  • Icon Blank
    Max Charging Speed: 100W
Anker Prime 27K 250W PD 3.1 Power Bank
Anker Prime 27K 250W PD 3.1 Power Bank
RRP$299.95
  • Icon Blank
    Capcity: 27,650mAh
  • Icon Blank
    Max Charging Speed: 140W
Anker Prime 12K 130W Bank
Anker Prime 12K 130W Bank
RRP$169.95
  • Icon Blank
    Capcity: 12,000mAh
  • Icon Blank
    Max Charging Speed: 65W

Best Cygnett power banks and portable chargers

Based in Melbourne, Cygnett is an Australian accessories brand that's proven its worth plenty of times over since it was founded. If you like the idea of supporting a local Australian tech brand without compromising on quality, then it might be up your alley. It's not as competitive on price as Belkin or as competitive on the range as Anker, but it's a solid option.

Price-wise, a Cygnett power bank can be as cheap as $44.95 to as expensive as $199. In terms of capacity, the smallest power bank weighs in at around 5000mAh while the largest is a whopping 30000mAh. Charging speeds vary widely, but the majority offer at least 15W.

Cygnett portable chargers with 9,000mAh or less

Cygnett ChargeUp Boost (4th Generation)
Cygnett ChargeUp Boost (4th Generation)
RRP$44.95
  • Icon Blank
    Capcity: 5,000mAh
  • Icon Blank
    Max Charging Speed: 12W
Cygnett ChargeUp Explorer
Cygnett ChargeUp Explorer
RRP$99.95
  • Icon Blank
    Capcity: 8,000mAh
  • Icon Blank
    Max Charging Speed: 10W

Cygnett portable chargers with 10,000mAh

Cygnett Chargeup Reserve (3rd Generation)
Cygnett Chargeup Reserve (3rd Generation)
RRP$79.95
  • Icon Blank
    Capcity: 10,000mAh
  • Icon Blank
    Max Charging Speed: 20W
Cygnett ChargeUp Boost (4th Generation)
Cygnett ChargeUp Boost (4th Generation)
3.5 out of 5 stars
3.5
RRP$59.95
  • Icon Blank
    Capcity: 10,000mAh
  • Icon Blank
    Max Charging Speed: 15W
Cygnett ChargeUp Pocket
Cygnett ChargeUp Pocket
RRP$99.95
  • Icon Blank
    Capcity: 10,000mAh
  • Icon Blank
    Max Charging Speed: 20W
Cygnett ChargeUp Reserve (2nd Generation)
Cygnett ChargeUp Reserve (2nd Generation)
RRP$79.95
  • Icon Blank
    Capcity: 10,000mAh
  • Icon Blank
    Max Charging Speed: 20W
Cygnett ChargeUp Prime
Cygnett ChargeUp Prime
RRP$59.95
  • Icon Blank
    Capcity: 10,000mAh
  • Icon Blank
    Max Charging Speed: 15W
Cygnett ChargeUp Boost (3rd Generation)
Cygnett ChargeUp Boost (3rd Generation)
RRP$64.95
  • Icon Blank
    Capcity: 10,000mAh
  • Icon Blank
    Max Charging Speed: 15W

Cygnett portable chargers with more than 10,000mAh

Cygnett ChargeUp Reserve (3rd Generation)
Cygnett ChargeUp Reserve (3rd Generation)
RRP$119.95
  • Icon Blank
    Capcity: 20,000mAh
  • Icon Blank
    Max Charging Speed: 30W
Cygnett ChargeUp Boost (4th Generation)
Cygnett ChargeUp Boost (4th Generation)
RRP$79.95
  • Icon Blank
    Capcity: 20,000mAh
  • Icon Blank
    Max Charging Speed: 15W
Cygnett ChargeUp Outback
Cygnett ChargeUp Outback
RRP$99.95
  • Icon Blank
    Capcity: 20,000mAh
  • Icon Blank
    Max Charging Speed: 15W
Cygnett ChargeUp Pro
Cygnett ChargeUp Pro
RRP$199.95
  • Icon Blank
    Capcity: 25,000mAh
  • Icon Blank
    Max Charging Speed: 100W
Cygnett ChargeUp Edge+
Cygnett ChargeUp Edge+
RRP$199.95
  • Icon Blank
    Capcity: 27,000mAh
  • Icon Blank
    Max Charging Speed: 60W (Wired) + 10W (Wireless)
Cygnett ChargeUp Reserve (2nd Generation)
Cygnett ChargeUp Reserve (2nd Generation)
RRP$119.95
  • Icon Blank
    Capcity: 20,000mAh
  • Icon Blank
    Max Charging Speed: 30W
Cygnett ChargeUp Prime
Cygnett ChargeUp Prime
RRP$79.95
  • Icon Blank
    Capcity: 20,000mAh
  • Icon Blank
    Max Charging Speed: 15W
Cygnett ChargeUp Pro USB-C
Cygnett ChargeUp Pro USB-C
RRP$179.95
  • Icon Blank
    Capcity: 27,000mAh
  • Icon Blank
    Max Charging Speed: 60W
Cygnett ChargeUp Maxx
Cygnett ChargeUp Maxx
RRP$119.95
  • Icon Blank
    Capcity: 30,000mAh
  • Icon Blank
    Max Charging Speed: 15.5W
Cygnett ChargeUp Prime
Cygnett ChargeUp Prime
RRP$59.95
  • Icon Blank
    Capcity: 10,000mAh
  • Icon Blank
    Max Charging Speed: 15W
Cygnett ChargeUp Boost (3rd Generation)
Cygnett ChargeUp Boost (3rd Generation)
RRP$84.95
  • Icon Blank
    Capcity: 20,000mAh
  • Icon Blank
    Max Charging Speed: 15W
Cygnett ExoCharge
Cygnett ExoCharge
RRP$159.95
  • Icon Blank
    Capcity: 20,000mAh
  • Icon Blank
    Max Charging Speed: 100W

Portable chargers compared

How do the best portable chargers from Belkin, Anker and Cygnett compare?
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$119.9520W1x USB-A + 1x USB-CNo
Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Power Bank 5K + StandBelkin BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Power Bank 5K + Stand
5000mAh$69.9510W (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$79.9512W2x 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
Anker 10K 22.5W Power BankAnker 10K 22.5W Power Bank
10000mAh$64.9522.5W1x USB-C + 1x USB-A1x USB-C + 1x USB-ANo
Anker MagGo 10K Magnetic Power BankAnker MagGo 10K Magnetic Power Bank
10000mAh$129.9515W (Wired) + 7.5W (Wireless)1x USB-A1x USB-CYes
Anker 20K 30W Power BankAnker 20K 30W Power Bank
20000mAh$99.9530W1x USB-A + 2x USB-C1x USB-CNo
Anker 548 PowerBank (PowerCore Reserve)Anker 548 PowerBank (PowerCore Reserve)
60000mAh$369.9560W2x USB-A + 2x USB-C1x USB-CNo
Anker Prime 20K 200W PowerBankAnker Prime 20K 200W PowerBank
20000mAh$229.95100W1x USB-A + 2x USB-A2x USB-CNo
Anker Prime 27K 250W PD 3.1 Power BankAnker Prime 27K 250W PD 3.1 Power Bank
27650mAh$299.95140W2x USB-C + 1x USB-A2x USB-CNo
Anker Nano 10K 30W Power Bank with built-in USB-C cableAnker Nano 10K 30W Power Bank with built-in USB-C cable
10000mAh$99.9530W1x USB-A + 1x USB-C1x USB-CNo
Anker 321 MagGo 5K Magnetic Power BankAnker 321 MagGo 5K Magnetic Power Bank
5000mAh$63.9912W (Wired) + 7.5W (Wireless)1x USB-C1x USB-CYes
Anker Prime 12K 130W BankAnker Prime 12K 130W Bank
12000mAh$169.9565W1x USB-C + 1x USB-A1x USB-CNo
Anker PowerCore III 10KAnker PowerCore III 10K
10000mAh$109.9512W2x USB-A1x USB-CNo
Cygnett ChargeUp Reserve (3rd Generation)Cygnett ChargeUp Reserve (3rd Generation)
20000mAh$119.9530W2x USB-C + 1x USB-C1x USB-CNo
Cygnett Chargeup Reserve (3rd Generation)Cygnett Chargeup Reserve (3rd Generation)
10000mAh$79.9520W2x USB-C + 1x USB-C1x USB-CNo
Cygnett ChargeUp Boost (4th Generation)Cygnett ChargeUp Boost (4th Generation)
20000mAh$79.9515W2x USB-C + 1x USB-C1x USB-CNo
Cygnett ChargeUp Boost (4th Generation)Cygnett ChargeUp Boost (4th Generation)
10000mAh$59.9515W2x USB-C + 1x USB-C1x USB-CNo
Cygnett ChargeUp Boost (4th Generation)Cygnett ChargeUp Boost (4th Generation)
5000mAh$44.9512W1x USB-C + 1x USB-A1x USB-CNo
Cygnett ChargeUp OutbackCygnett ChargeUp Outback
20000mAh$99.9515W2x USB-A + 1x USB-C1x Solar + 1x USB-C + 1x USB MicroNo
Cygnett ChargeUp ExplorerCygnett ChargeUp Explorer
8000mAh$99.9510W2x USB-A1x USB Micro + 1x Solar
Cygnett ChargeUp ProCygnett ChargeUp Pro
25000mAh$199.95100W2x USB-C + 1x USB-C1x USB-CNo
Cygnett ChargeUp Edge+Cygnett ChargeUp Edge+
27000mAh$199.9560W (Wired) + 10W (Wireless)2x USB-C + 1x USB-C1x USB-CNo
Cygnett ChargeUp PocketCygnett ChargeUp Pocket
10000mAh$99.9520W1x USB-C + 1x Lightning1x USB-C + 1x LightningNo
Cygnett ChargeUp Reserve (2nd Generation)Cygnett ChargeUp Reserve (2nd Generation)
20000mAh$119.9530W2x USB-C + 1x USB-C1x USB-CNo
Cygnett ChargeUp PrimeCygnett ChargeUp Prime
20000mAh$79.9515W2x USB-C + 1x USB-C1x USB-CNo
Cygnett ChargeUp Reserve (2nd Generation)Cygnett ChargeUp Reserve (2nd Generation)
10000mAh$79.9520W1x USB-C + 1x USB-A1x USB-ANo
Cygnett ChargeUp Pro USB-CCygnett ChargeUp Pro USB-C
27000mAh$179.9560W2x USB-C + 1x USB-C1x USB-CNo
Cygnett ChargeUp MaxxCygnett ChargeUp Maxx
30000mAh$119.9515.5W2x USB-C + 1x USB-C2x USB-CNo
Cygnett ChargeUp PrimeCygnett ChargeUp Prime
10000mAh$59.9515W2x USB-C + 1x USB-C1x USB-CNo
Cygnett ChargeUp Boost (3rd Generation)Cygnett ChargeUp Boost (3rd Generation)
20000mAh$84.9515W2x USB-C + 1x USB-C1x USB-CNo
Cygnett ChargeUp Boost (3rd Generation)Cygnett ChargeUp Boost (3rd Generation)
10000mAh$64.9515W2x USB-C + 1x USB-C1x USB-CNo
Cygnett ExoChargeCygnett ExoCharge
20000mAh$159.95100W2x 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 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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