The best compact portable charger / external batteries for your iPhone that we’ve found, and the only ones we ever use, are the Anker PowerCore 5000 and Anker PowerCore+ Mini. You may have a brand-new phone or a brand-new battery, but making your Instagram stories, taking video, and running Bluetooth, GPS, and Strava can drain your battery faster than you’re accustomed to. Slip this this portable, lipstick-sized external iPhone battery into your pocket or day pack, and you’ll never get stuck not being able to call an Uber or pull of the directions to your hotel. Either model is compact and reliable; we’ve found the performance of both to be outstanding. And for the low price of $19.99, they are cost-effective and necessary travel tools. In fact, I’ve started bringing two on every trip, just in case.

Each comes with a micro USB to USB-A charging cable and will fully charge in 4-5 hours. (Hint: you can charge your smartphone AND your Anker portable charger with this handy all-in-one universal power adapter.) You supply your own lightening cable.

To compare the two devices:

The Anker PowerCore 5000:

  • measures 4.2″ x 1.3″ x 1.3″
  • weights 4.8 oz
  • Fully charges iPhone 6s twice
  • in addition to black you can choose from royal blue, red, and white

The Anker PowerCore+ Mini:

  • measures 3.7″ x 0.9″ x 0.9″
  • weighs 2.8 oz
  • charges your iPhone 8 fully with charge left over
  • in addition to black you can choose from cerulean blue, baby pink, and gold

We highly recommend this device. And when you’re not traveling, will keep one handy in your car or bag at home.

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