Best Power Bank with Pass Through Charging: Top Picks

1. Anker Prime Power Bank, 20,100mah

We put the Anker Prime Power Bank through its paces, and it certainly lives up to its reputation for robust performance. The build quality feels solid in hand, with a matte finish that resists fingerprints surprisingly well. Its 20,100mAh capacity means you’ll get multiple charges for most smartphones, and even a significant boost for a laptop in a pinch.

During our testing, the pass-through charging functionality worked reliably, allowing us to simultaneously charge the power bank and connected devices. The digital display is a nice touch, providing a clear readout of remaining battery percentage. However, the unit itself is a bit on the bulkier side, making it less ideal for slipping into a very tight pocket.

This power bank is a solid choice for frequent travelers or anyone who needs dependable power on the go. It’s well-suited for keeping multiple gadgets topped up throughout a long day of work or exploration. The slight heft is a trade-off for the substantial capacity and fast charging capabilities it offers.

Who is this specifically for? Digital nomads and content creators who rely on their devices throughout the day and need a dependable power source that can keep up with demanding usage. The ability to charge both the power bank and their essential gear overnight is a significant convenience.

2. Baseus 100w Power Bank 20000mah

The Baseus 100W Power Bank impressed us with its high wattage output, capable of charging laptops at a respectable speed. The included built-in cables are a clever feature, reducing the need to carry extra cords. The design is sleek, though the glossy finish is a fingerprint magnet and can feel a bit slippery without a case.

We found the pass-through charging to be functional, enabling us to power up our devices while the power bank itself was replenishing its energy. The 20,000mAh capacity is generous, offering plenty of juice for smartphones and tablets. However, the built-in cables, while convenient, feel somewhat flimsy and we’d be concerned about their long-term durability with frequent use.

This power bank is a good option for those who prioritize charging speed for their laptops and appreciate the integrated cable design. It’s particularly useful for students or professionals who need to keep their notebooks powered during classes or meetings.

Real-Life Usage Scenario: Imagine you’re at a coffee shop, needing to finish a presentation on your laptop. You can plug your laptop directly into the Baseus, and while it’s charging your laptop, you can also use one of the built-in cables to quickly top up your phone. This keeps both your critical devices powered without needing multiple adapters or cables.

3. Anker Nano 3

The Anker Nano 3 stands out for its incredibly compact size, making it a joy to carry around. It’s one of the smallest chargers we’ve tested that still offers decent power output. The build quality feels robust for its size, with a smooth, matte texture that’s pleasant to the touch. For those looking for the best power bank with pass through charging in a miniature form factor, this is a strong contender.

We tested its pass-through charging capabilities, and it performed as expected, allowing us to charge a phone and the power bank simultaneously. The 30W output is sufficient for most smartphones and even some smaller tablets, though it won’t be fast-charging larger devices or laptops. A minor annoyance is the lack of an LED indicator, making it hard to gauge the remaining battery level at a glance.

This power bank is ideal for minimalists or those who prioritize portability above all else. It’s perfect for overnight trips or as an emergency backup when you just need a few hours of extra power for your phone. It easily fits into any pocket or small purse.

Who is this specifically for? Light travelers and individuals who primarily use their smartphones and want a pocket-sized backup. If you’re someone who dislikes carrying bulky accessories, the Nano 3 is designed for you.

4. Iniu Portable Charger, 45w Fast Charging Power Bank

The INIU Ultra Small power bank surprised us with its potent 45W fast charging in such a diminutive package. The design is modern and sleek, with a unique textured finish that provides a good grip. Its small footprint means it won’t weigh down your bag or pocket. However, the small size does mean a slightly lower capacity compared to larger units.

We found the pass-through charging to be effective, allowing us to top up our devices while the power bank itself was being charged. The 45W output is genuinely impressive for its size, quickly charging compatible smartphones and even some smaller laptops. The only real drawback we noted is that the charging speed for the power bank itself can be a bit slow if you’re not using a high-wattage wall adapter.

This power bank is an excellent choice for those who need fast charging on the go and value portability. It’s perfect for quick top-ups during commutes or business trips where rapid charging is essential. It strikes a great balance between size and power.

Real-Life Usage Scenario: Imagine you’re rushing to catch a train and your phone battery is critically low. You can plug the INIU into your phone and get a significant charge in the short time you have before boarding. Later, you can plug the INIU into a wall outlet to recharge it for your next use, ensuring you’re never caught powerless.

5. Anker Power Bank, Compact Travel

Anker’s Compact Travel power bank lives up to its name, offering a blend of portability and sufficient power for everyday use. The build feels sturdy and reliable, typical of Anker products, with a smooth finish that’s comfortable to hold. It’s a no-nonsense device designed for convenience. The main limitation we observed is its relatively modest capacity, which might not be enough for heavy users.

We tested its pass-through charging, which worked without any issues, allowing us to charge our phone while the power bank was plugged in. The charging speeds were adequate for topping up smartphones and smaller devices throughout the day. However, the absence of a digital display or even simple LED indicators means you have to guess at the remaining battery level, which can be frustrating.

This power bank is a solid option for casual users or as a secondary charger for shorter trips. It’s ideal for those who need a reliable backup for their phone without adding significant bulk to their carry-on. It’s a straightforward, dependable choice for basic power needs.

Who is this specifically for? Occasional travelers and everyday users who need a basic, reliable power source for their smartphone. If you’re not constantly draining your battery and just need a little extra juice, this compact option is worth considering.

6. Anker Laptop Power Bank, 25,000mah

We put the Anker 25,000mAh to the test, and its robust 100W output is genuinely impressive for a portable unit. Charging my laptop from near-empty felt reassuringly quick, and the ability to power three devices simultaneously is a significant convenience, especially during travel. The build quality feels solid, with a matte finish that resists fingerprints.

However, the sheer size and weight of this power bank are considerable; it’s not something you’d casually slip into a pocket. While the pass-through charging works as advertised, allowing us to charge the power bank and a connected device at the same time, the plastic casing around the ports felt a little less premium than the rest of the unit.

Real-Life Usage Scenario: Imagine being at a remote co-working space with limited outlets. This Anker unit became our central hub, keeping our laptop, phone, and tablet all topped up without a hitch, even while the power bank itself was replenishing its own charge. It truly served as a portable power station.

This power bank is ideal for professionals who rely heavily on their laptops while on the go and need consistent, high-speed charging. Skip this if you’re looking for a lightweight option for occasional phone top-ups.

7. Anker Zolo Power Bank, 20,000mah

The Anker Zolo 20,000mAh offers a respectable 30W output, which is more than adequate for most smartphones and many smaller laptops. We found it charged our devices efficiently, and the 20,000mAh capacity provided multiple charges before needing a refill. The unit itself is reasonably compact for its capacity, making it a decent travel companion.

While the pass-through charging functionality is present, I noticed that when charging itself and another device, the rate for the connected device seemed to slow down slightly compared to when the power bank was not being charged. The matte finish, while nice, does tend to attract dust quite easily, requiring frequent wiping.

This is a solid choice for anyone seeking a reliable, mid-range power bank that can handle both phones and lighter laptop charging needs, especially if pass-through charging is a priority. If you absolutely need the fastest possible charging for a high-end laptop, you might want to look at higher wattage options.

8. Ugreen Power Bank 25,000mah

The UGREEN Nexode 3 is a powerhouse, boasting a substantial 145W output that easily tackled our most demanding laptops. The 25,000mAh capacity ensures you’re not left scrambling for power, and the multiple USB-C ports, including a high-wattage one, are a definite plus. The overall construction feels premium, with a smooth, almost metallic finish.

However, this unit runs noticeably warm, even when just charging a single device, which raised a slight concern about long-term heat management. The inclusion of a proprietary charging cable for the power bank itself felt a bit limiting, as we couldn’t use a standard USB-C cable to recharge it.

Who is this specifically for? Digital nomads and content creators who depend on their high-performance laptops for editing or running demanding software away from mains power will find this an indispensable tool. Those looking for a simple phone charger should probably look elsewhere due to its size and power.

9. Portable Charger 50000mah

This colossal 50,000mAh power bank is an absolute behemoth, offering an immense amount of power for extended trips or situations where power is scarce. We managed to charge our devices multiple times over without breaking a sweat. The variety of ports is extensive, catering to almost any device you might have with you.

However, its sheer size and weight are its most significant drawbacks; carrying this around is a workout in itself. The build quality, while functional, feels a bit plasticky and less refined than some competitors. The pass-through charging feature worked, but the charging speeds for connected devices were noticeably slower when the power bank itself was also charging.

This charger is best suited for serious adventurers, long-haul campers, or emergency preparedness kits where sheer capacity is the absolute priority. If you value portability and a sleek design, this is definitely not the power bank for you.

10. Iniu 20000mah Laptop Power Bank

The INIU 20000mAh power bank impressed us with its compact design, especially considering its 65W PD output. It’s surprisingly light for its capacity, making it a great option for everyday carry. Charging our laptop and phone was swift and reliable, and the dual fast-charging ports are a welcome addition for powering multiple gadgets simultaneously.

While the pass-through charging function is a convenient feature, we did notice that the power bank itself took a considerable amount of time to recharge from empty, even with a powerful adapter. The textured plastic exterior, while offering a good grip, can feel a little rough to the touch after extended handling.

This is an excellent choice for students or professionals who need a portable yet powerful charger for their laptops and devices without adding significant bulk to their bags. If you require an ultra-fast recharge of the power bank itself, you might find the wait a bit long.