The Best TSA-Approved Power Banks That Can Actually Charge Your Laptop
Hey everyone, let's talk about something that’s become a modern travel essential: the humble power bank. It’s no longer just about keeping your phone alive to scroll through social media at the gate. These days, we’re talking about serious power – enough to keep your laptop running through a long-haul flight or a full day of remote work from a coffee shop in a new city. But here's the thing, traveling with these high-capacity batteries comes with its own set of rules, courtesy of the TSA. & navigating those rules can be a real headache.
Honestly, the last thing you want is to have your expensive power bank confiscated at security. I’ve seen it happen, & it’s a total travel buzzkill. So, I’ve decided to put together a comprehensive guide to the best TSA-approved power banks that are beefy enough to actually charge your laptop. We’ll get into the nitty-gritty of the TSA regulations, what to look for in a good laptop power bank, & my top picks for 2025.
Understanding the TSA's Rules: What You Absolutely Need to Know
Before we dive into the fun stuff (the gadgets!), let's get the serious business out of the way. The TSA has some pretty strict rules about flying with lithium-ion batteries, which is what all power banks are. These rules are in place for a good reason: safety. Lithium-ion batteries have a small, but real, risk of catching fire, & that’s not something anyone wants to deal with at 30,000 feet.
Here's the breakdown of what you need to know:
Carry-On Only: This is the most important rule. Power banks MUST be in your carry-on baggage. They are absolutely not allowed in checked luggage. The reason is simple: if a battery were to have a thermal event & catch fire, the cabin crew can respond to it quickly if it's in the cabin with you. In the cargo hold, it could be a catastrophic disaster.
The 100 Watt-Hour (Wh) Limit: This is the magic number. Generally, you can bring power banks that are 100Wh or less without needing any special permission from the airline. Most of the power banks we’ll be talking about in this guide fall into this category.
The 100-160 Watt-Hour Gray Area: If you have a power bank that's between 101Wh & 160Wh, you'll need to get approval from the airline before you fly. You're also limited to two of these larger batteries per passenger.
Over 160 Watt-Hours is a No-Go: Anything over 160Wh is strictly forbidden on commercial flights. Don't even try it.
How to Calculate Watt-Hours: Most power banks are advertised in milliamp-hours (mAh). To figure out the watt-hours, you’ll need to do a little math. The formula is:
(mAh / 1000) x Voltage = Wh
Most power banks have a standard voltage of 3.7V. So, for a 27,000mAh power bank, the calculation would be:
(27,000 / 1000) x 3.7V = 99.9Wh
As you can see, this is just under the 100Wh limit, which is why you’ll see so many power banks with capacities around 27,000mAh. It's the sweet spot for maximum power while still being TSA-friendly.
What to Look for in a Laptop Power Bank
Now that we've got the rules down, let's talk about what makes a good laptop power bank. It's not just about the capacity. Here are a few key things to consider:
High Power Delivery (PD): This is crucial. Laptops, especially modern ones, require a lot of power to charge. Look for a power bank with a high-wattage USB-C PD port. A 60W or higher output is a good starting point for most laptops, but some of the more powerful models will need closer to 100W.
Multiple Output Ports: A good power bank should be able to charge more than just your laptop. Look for models with multiple USB-C & USB-A ports, so you can charge your phone, headphones, & other gadgets at the same time. Some even come with an AC outlet, which is super handy for older laptops or other devices that don’t use USB-C.
Capacity (mAh/Wh): As we discussed, you’ll want to get the highest capacity you can within the TSA limits. A 20,000mAh to 27,000mAh power bank will give you at least one full charge for most laptops, with some juice left over for your other devices.
Portability & Weight: These high-capacity power banks can be pretty beefy. Consider the size & weight, especially if you’re trying to travel light. A pound or two might not seem like much, but it can make a difference in your carry-on.
Durability & Build Quality: You want a power bank that can withstand the rigors of travel. Look for models with a solid construction & good reviews from other travelers.
The Best TSA-Approved Laptop Power Banks for 2025
Alright, let's get to the main event. I’ve rounded up my top picks for the best TSA-approved laptop power banks for 2025. These are all models that I’ve either used myself or have been highly recommended by other tech experts & frequent travelers.
1. Anker 737 Power Bank (PowerCore 24K)
- Capacity: 24,000mAh / 88.8Wh
- Max Output: 140W
- Ports: 2x USB-C, 1x USB-A
The Anker 737 is a powerhouse, & honestly, it’s my top pick for most people. It’s got a massive 140W max output from its USB-C ports, which is more than enough to charge even the most power-hungry laptops, like a 16-inch MacBook Pro, at full speed. The smart digital display is also a great feature, showing you the remaining battery percentage & the power output in real-time. It’s compact for its power, about the size of a soda can, making it super convenient for travel.
2. Mophie Powerstation Pro AC
- Capacity: 27,000mAh / 99.9Wh
- Max Output: 100W AC, 60W USB-C
- Ports: 1x AC, 2x USB-C, 1x USB-A
If you need an AC outlet, the Mophie Powerstation Pro AC is a fantastic option. This is a lifesaver for older laptops or other devices that don't use USB-C. It’s a bit of a beast, weighing in at over two pounds, but the added versatility of the AC port is worth it for many. It’s also built like a tank, so you know it can handle being tossed around in your backpack. I’ve taken this one on a few trips, & it’s never let me down.
3. UGREEN 145W Power Bank
- Capacity: 25,000mAh / 92.5Wh
- Max Output: 145W
- Ports: 2x USB-C, 1x USB-A
UGREEN has been making some really impressive charging gear lately, & this power bank is no exception. It’s got a super-fast 145W max output, which can charge a MacBook Pro 16-inch to 50% in about 40 minutes. The digital display is clear & easy to read, & it’s a bit more compact than some of the other high-capacity options out there. It’s a great all-around choice for travelers who need a lot of power in a relatively small package.
4. Lion Energy Eclipse Mag
- Capacity: 27,000mAh / 99.9Wh
- Max Output: 150W
- Ports: 3x USB-C, 1x USB-A, 3x Wireless Charging Pads
This one is for the ultimate gadget geek. The Lion Energy Eclipse Mag not only has a ton of wired charging power, but it also has three wireless charging pads on top. You can charge your phone, earbuds, & Apple Watch all at the same time, without any extra cables. It's a bit on the pricey side, but if you've got a lot of devices to keep juiced up, it's a game-changer.
5. INIU 140W Power Bank
- Capacity: 27,000mAh / 99.9Wh
- Max Output: 140W
- Ports: 2x USB-C, 1x USB-A
INIU might not be as well-known as Anker or Mophie, but they make some seriously good power banks. This one has a powerful 140W output, a large 27,000mAh capacity, & a clear digital display. It’s also one of the more affordable options in this high-power category, making it a great value for the money.
A Quick Note on Travel & Parking
Speaking of travel, one of the biggest hassles of any trip is figuring out where to park your car, especially at the airport. Airport parking lots are notoriously expensive, & off-site lots can be a pain to deal with. Here’s a little travel hack for you: check out Prked. It’s a pretty cool service that lets you rent a private driveway or garage from a homeowner near the airport. It's often cheaper & more convenient than traditional airport parking. You can find a safe spot for your car & even get a ride to the airport from the homeowner in some cases. It's a great way to save some money & stress on your next trip.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – a complete guide to the best TSA-approved power banks for your laptop. Honestly, having a reliable power bank is a total game-changer for travel. It gives you the freedom to work or play from anywhere, without having to constantly hunt for an outlet.
Just remember to always check the latest TSA regulations before you fly, as they can change. & if you’re ever in doubt, it’s always a good idea to contact your airline directly.
I hope this was helpful! Let me know what you think in the comments below. What’s your go-to power bank for travel?
