Anker 25,000mAh 165W review

Who it is for

This is the power bank for someone who needs a laptop through an outage: remote workers, students, anyone whose job or schoolwork lives on a computer. It also keeps phones, tablets and a small router alive. Anker lists it at about 6.2 by 2.1 by 1.9 inches and 21 oz, which is heavy for a pocket but fine in a bag or on a desk.

If you only charge phones, a lighter bank such as the Anker 20,000mAh with built-in cable does the job. For days without power, step up to a small station on our power station comparison.

Ports and output

There are four ways to connect: a retractable USB-C cable that extends to 2.3 ft, a short USB-C cable that doubles as a carry strap, a USB-C port and a USB-A port, and all four can be used at once. Each USB-C connection delivers up to 100W, enough for most laptops, and the USB-A port up to 33W.

The 165W figure is the total across all ports, not per port. Two laptops at once will share it, and one 100W laptop plus a phone leaves plenty of headroom. A trickle-charging mode, turned on with a double press of the power button, handles low-power gadgets such as earbuds.

How much charge you really get

Anker's user guide rates the battery at 90Wh: five cells in series at 18V. The 25,000mAh figure is measured at the cells, and Anker itself says the real output works out between about 15,970 and 17,300mAh after conversion. In plain terms, expect most of a laptop charge plus some phone top-ups, not several full laptop charges; the exact figure depends on your laptop's battery.

Recharging is quick: Anker says about two hours from a 100W charger, which is not included, and 30% in 20 minutes. Pass-through charging works if the wall charger is rated 20W or more and supplies more than the bank is putting out. The screen shows charge level and warnings, including when the battery has dropped below 60% health.

Storage, safety and flying

Anker's safety guide gives an operating and storage range of 32°F to 95°F, and says to keep power banks out of direct sun and parked cars, and to recharge every three months in long-term storage. That makes a closet or desk drawer the right home, not a glove box. The bank slows charging when warm and stops if it gets too hot or cold. Our lithium battery fire safety guide covers the rest.

At 90Wh it is under the FAA's 100Wh limit for spare lithium batteries, which must go in carry-on bags, not checked luggage. The FAA notes many airlines set stricter limits, so check with yours.

How it compares, and the verdict

On our power bank comparison, the Anker 20,000mAh offers 87W total and weighs far less, while the Anker Prime 26,250mAh is the slightly larger alternative. This 25K sits in the sweet spot for laptop users: enough output for a laptop at full speed, with cables built in so nothing gets lost in the kit. Anker gives an 18-month warranty.

Verdict: the right power bank for working through an outage. Skip it if you only charge phones, want the lightest possible go-bag, or need power for more than a day without recharging.

Can the Anker 25,000mAh power bank charge a laptop?

Yes. Each USB-C connection supplies up to 100W, which suits most USB-C laptops. With about 90Wh in the battery, expect most of one laptop charge, depending on the laptop.

Can I take it on a plane?

Yes, in your carry-on. Its 90Wh rating is under the FAA's 100Wh limit for spare lithium batteries, which are not allowed in checked bags. Airlines can set stricter rules, so check before you fly.

How long does it take to recharge?

Anker says about two hours with a 100W USB-C charger, sold separately, and 30% in 20 minutes. A slower phone charger will take much longer.

Why does a 25,000mAh bank not deliver 25,000mAh?

The rating is measured at the cells. Converting to the voltages devices use costs energy, and Anker says real output is about 15,970 to 17,300mAh. That is normal for every power bank, not a fault.