Joybuy Insights

Laptop Power Banks: Top Picks for Reliable Portable Charging

Nothing disrupts a productive day quite like a laptop battery warning in a place with no access to a mains socket. For professionals, students and travellers across the UK, staying connected is not a luxury—it is a necessity. A standard power bank might keep your phone going, but a modern laptop requires a much more capable power source.

This guide is designed to help you navigate the technical specifications of a laptop power bank. We will break down the essential features to look for and provide our recommendations to help you find a reliable portable laptop charger that keeps your devices powered throughout the day.

What to Look for in a Laptop Power Bank

Choosing the right power bank for your laptop involves more than just picking the largest capacity. To ensure compatibility and efficient charging, consider these key factors.

Power Output (Wattage) and Charging Standards

The single most important specification is the power output, measured in watts (W). While a smartphone may only require 15-20W, most modern laptops need at least 45W to charge effectively. For more powerful machines, such as a power bank for MacBook Pro or a gaming laptop, you should look for models that can deliver 100W or more.

Pay close attention to the charging standard. A USB C power bank featuring Power Delivery (PD), particularly the newer PD 3.1 standard, can support outputs up to 140W. This ensures a fast charging power bank experience, bringing your laptop back to full power in a much shorter time.

Capacity (mAh) and Portability

Capacity, measured in milliampere-hours (mAh), determines how much energy the power bank can store. A higher number means more charging potential. For laptop charging, a capacity of at least 20,000mAh is advisable. A 25000mAh power bank often provides a good balance, typically holding enough energy to fully charge a standard ultrabook at least once.

It is also important to consider airline regulations. Most airlines, including those in the UK and EU, restrict power banks in checked luggage and limit those in carry-on baggage to 100 watt-hours (Wh). A 25,000mAh power bank (at a nominal 3.6V) is approximately 90Wh, placing it safely under this limit. Always confirm with your airline before you fly.

Connectivity and Ports

A modern laptop power bank should have at least one high-wattage USB-C port for both input (charging the power bank itself) and output (charging your devices). Many models also include additional USB-C or USB-A ports, allowing you to charge your laptop, tablet and smartphone simultaneously. Check the specifications to understand how the power is distributed when multiple ports are in use, as the maximum output is often shared.

Top Laptop Power Bank Recommendations

Here are our recommendations for high-performance power banks that are well-suited for demanding users.

CUKTECH NO.20 Power Bank 25,000mAh, 140W

CUKTECH NO.20 Power Bank 25,000mAh, 140W

Why It Stands Out This model is built for those who need maximum power on the go. Its standout feature is the 140W single-port output, which leverages the PD 3.1 standard to charge even the most power-hungry laptops at high speed. The 25,000mAh capacity provides substantial energy reserves, and the integrated TFT colour display offers real-time data on power output, input and remaining battery life.

Pros

  • High-speed 140W USB-C output for fast charging of compatible devices.
  • Large 25,000mAh capacity for multiple device charges.
  • Informative digital display shows detailed charging statistics.
  • Three ports (2x USB-C, 1x USB-A) for charging multiple devices at once.

Who is it for? This is an excellent choice for tech professionals, content creators and digital nomads using high-performance laptops like the 16-inch MacBook Pro, who require the fastest possible charging speeds.

View Details for the CUKTECH NO.20

CUKTECH 15 Ultra Power Bank, 20000mAh, 140W

CUKTECH 15 Ultra Power Bank, 20000mAh, 140W

Why It Stands Out The CUKTECH 15 Ultra offers the same impressive 140W PD 3.1 charging capability as its larger sibling but in a more compact and lighter 20,000mAh package. It retains a versatile three-port design, making it a powerful yet more portable solution for charging a laptop and other gadgets simultaneously.

Pros

  • Powerful 140W fast charging performance.
  • A more compact and travel-friendly form factor.
  • Three-port layout (2x USB-C, 1x USB-A) adds flexibility.
  • Supports the latest PD 3.1 charging standard.

Who is it for? Ideal for frequent travellers, commuters and students who need to power a modern laptop but want to minimise the weight and bulk in their bag.

Explore the CUKTECH 15 Ultra

DELL Targus 100W 25000mAh USB-C Portable Power Bank

DELL Targus 100W 25000mAh USB-C Portable Power Bank

Why It Stands Out This power bank combines a substantial 25,000mAh capacity with a solid 100W power output. It is a dependable workhorse designed for compatibility with a wide range of USB-C laptops and other devices. Its straightforward design features a simple LED battery indicator and multiple ports for practical, everyday use.

Pros

  • Strong 100W output is sufficient for most mainstream laptops.
  • Generous 25,000mAh capacity offers extended power.
  • Features both USB-C and USB-A ports for broad device compatibility.
  • Simple and reliable design with integrated safety features.

Who is it for? A great all-rounder for professionals and students who need a high-capacity, no-fuss power bank to reliably charge their laptop, tablet and phone.

Learn More About the DELL Targus Power Bank

Looking for Other Options?

If these models are not the perfect match for your specific needs, or if you wish to compare other specifications, a wider selection is available. Explore our full range to find a portable power solution that fits your lifestyle.

Browse All USB C Portable Power Banks

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any power bank to charge my laptop? No, most standard power banks do not have sufficient power output (wattage) to charge a laptop. Laptops typically require a portable laptop charger with a USB-C Power Delivery (PD) port that can supply at least 45W-65W. For faster charging and more powerful laptops, 100W or more is recommended.

How many charges can I get from a 25000mAh power bank? This depends on your laptop's battery capacity, which is measured in watt-hours (Wh). A 25000mAh power bank holds approximately 90Wh of energy. It can generally provide around one full charge for a 13-inch ultrabook (which has a ~50-60Wh battery) or about 70-80% for a larger 16-inch performance laptop (~100Wh battery), after accounting for energy loss during transfer.

Are laptop power banks allowed on flights in the UK? Yes, but with restrictions. In the UK and globally, power banks must be carried in your hand luggage, not in checked bags. The capacity is typically limited to 100Wh per battery. A 25,000mAh power bank is usually around 90-92.5Wh, which is within the permitted limit. However, it is always best to check the specific regulations of your airline before travelling.