We’ve all been there: your laptop battery hits 10% in the middle of a crucial task, and the nearest power outlet is a mile away. Enter the Anker Laptop Power Bank – a device that promises to be your portable lifeline. But does it live up to the hype?
In this hands-on review, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Anker’s powerhouse, from its specs and compatibility to its real-world performance, so you can decide if it’s the right investment for your mobile workflow.
Pros:
- Powerful enough for most laptops.
- Clear, informative digital display.
- High-quality, durable build.
- It can charge multiple devices at once.
- Airplane-friendly capacity.
Cons:
- Premium price point.
- It’s heavy and substantial.
- Not suitable for laptops without USB-C charging.
At a Glance: Anker Laptop Power Bank
- Key Feature: True laptop-grade charging via a USB-C PD port.
- Best For: Digital nomads, students, business travelers, and anyone who works remotely.
- Our Verdict: A reliable, well-built, and essential tool for the modern professional. 4.5/5
What’s in the Box?
- Anker 737 Power Bank (or a similar model like Anker 747)
- USB-C to USB-C charging cable
- Welcome guide
Key Features & What We Love
- Serious Laptop-Charging Power:
This isn’t your average phone power bank. With a massive 24,000mAh capacity and up to 165W total output (on certain models), it delivers enough power through its USB-C Power Delivery (PD) port to charge even power-hungry laptops like the 16-inch MacBook Pro. - Massive Capacity & The “Airplane Legal” Question:
The 24,000mAh capacity is the maximum you can carry on a plane in most countries without special permission. Always check with your airline first, but this makes it a perfect travel companion. In our testing, it provided:- ~1.5 full charges for a 13-inch MacBook Pro.
- ~1 full charge for a Dell XPS 15.
- Plus, multiple full charges for your phone, tablet, and other gadgets.
- The Incredibly Useful Digital Display:
This is a game-changer. The built-in digital display shows the exact remaining battery percentage and, crucially, the real-time input and output power in watts. This lets you see exactly how fast your devices are charging. - Multi-Device Charging Champion:
With typically two USB-C ports and one or two USB-A ports, you can charge your laptop, phone, and earbuds simultaneously. It’s a true all-in-one power station for your entire tech ecosystem.
Real-World Performance & Testing
We put the Anker Laptop Power Bank through its paces for a week. Here’s how it held up:
- Charging a MacBook Air (M2): Took the laptop from 5% to 80% in about an hour and 15 minutes while we continued to work. The power bank displayed an output of around 45W.
- Topping Up a Gaming Laptop (ASUS Zephyrus): It provided enough power to extend a gaming session by over an hour, though it couldn’t replace the stock 200W charger for intensive use. It’s best for topping up or light use with power-hungry gaming laptops.
- Simultaneous Charging: Charging a laptop (via USB-C) and an iPhone (via another USB-C port) worked flawlessly, with the power bank intelligently distributing power.
Who Is This For? (And Who Is It Not For?)
Buy This Power Bank If:
- You’re a freelancer, student, or professional who works from coffee shops, libraries, or co-working spaces.
- You frequently travel and need reliable power for long flights or layovers.
- You own a modern USB-C laptop (like a MacBook, Dell XPS, HP Spectre, etc.).
You Might Skip It If:
- You only need to charge phones and tablets—a smaller, cheaper power bank will suffice.
- Your laptop uses a proprietary barrel-style charger and doesn’t support charging via USB-C.
- Your budget is tight, as this is a premium-priced accessory.
The Competition: How Does It Stack Up?
| Feature | Anker Laptop Power Bank | Generic Power Bank | Baseus 65W Power Bank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Laptop Output | Up to 165W | Usually 5W-18W | 65W |
| Build Quality | Excellent, premium feel | Variable, often plasticky | Good |
| Digital Display | Yes | No | Sometimes |
| Price | Premium | Budget | Mid-Range |
| Best For | Power users & professionals | Emergency phone charging | Budget-conscious laptop users |
Final Verdict
The Anker Laptop Power Bank is more than just a battery; it’s an insurance policy for your productivity. While it comes with a premium price tag, the peace of mind, robust build quality, and sheer power it offers are unparalleled.
It’s not for everyone, but for its target audience—mobile professionals and students with USB-C laptops—it is an essential and highly recommended piece of tech.
