Anker Power Bank (20,000 mAh, 87 W, Built-in USB-C Cable) Review
Research-based review. Pickora separates manufacturer specifications and third-party evidence from our editorial buying judgment. We do not present unperformed hands-on testing as our own.
The Anker 20K 87W Power Bank is a high-capacity portable charger designed for users who need to charge phones, tablets, handheld gaming devices, and many USB-C laptops while traveling or working away from an outlet.
Its 20,000mAh battery provides substantially more capacity than compact 5,000mAh or 10,000mAh power banks. The built-in USB-C cable reduces the need to carry a separate charging cable, while the additional USB-C and USB-A connections allow up to three devices to be charged.
The power bank supports up to 87W of combined output. A single compatible USB-C device can receive up to 65W, which is enough for many ultraportable and mainstream laptops. Larger performance laptops that require more than 65W may charge more slowly or may not receive their maximum supported charging speed.
The digital display provides a clear remaining-battery percentage. However, the 20,000mAh capacity also makes the unit heavier and bulkier than small everyday-carry power banks.
Best For
- Travelers who need a high-capacity power bank
- MacBook and USB-C laptop users with charging requirements up to 65W
- Smartphone and tablet users who want multiple recharges
- Nintendo Switch and handheld gaming users
- Professionals carrying multiple USB-powered devices
- Buyers who prefer a built-in charging cable
Who Should Skip It
- Buyers looking for a small pocket-size charger
- Users who need more than 65W for one laptop
- Travelers who prioritize the lightest possible power bank
- Users who need a built-in Lightning cable
- Buyers who only need occasional emergency phone charging
Key Specifications
- Product
- Anker 20K 87W Power Bank
- Model Number
- A1383
- Battery Capacity
- 20,000mAh
- Maximum Combined Output
- 87W
- Maximum Single-Device USB-C Output
- 65W
- Charging Connections
- Built-in USB-C cable, USB-C port, and USB-A port
- Simultaneous Charging
- Up to three devices
- Display
- Digital remaining-battery percentage display
- Charging Input
- Built-in USB-C cable or supported USB-C input
- Dimensions
- Approximately 6.20 × 2.89 × 1.02 inches
- Weight
- Approximately 15.5 oz (439 g, as measured by TechRadar)
- Color
- Black
- Recommended Devices
- Smartphones, tablets, Nintendo Switch, handheld devices, and compatible USB-C laptops
- Recharge input
- Up to 65 W (built-in cable or USB-C port)
Strengths
- 20,000mAh Capacity for Extended Use — The large battery capacity provides significantly more charging flexibility than smaller everyday power banks and is suitable for longer trips, workdays, and multi-device use.
- Built-In USB-C Cable Reduces Cable Clutter — The integrated cable is always attached to the power bank, reducing the need to carry and manage a separate USB-C charging cable.
- Up to 87W Shared Output — The power bank can distribute up to 87W across connected devices, making it useful for charging a phone, tablet, or other accessories at the same time.
- Up to 65W for Compatible USB-C Laptops — A single supported USB-C device can receive up to 65W, making the power bank suitable for many MacBooks, ultraportable laptops, tablets, and handheld gaming systems.
- Clear Digital Battery Display — The percentage display makes it easier to see the remaining battery level than a basic four-light indicator.
Limitations and Trade-offs
- Not Full-Speed for High-Power Laptops — The maximum output to one compatible USB-C device is 65W. Larger laptops that require 90W, 100W, or more may charge below their maximum speed.
- Heavier Than Compact Power Banks — At approximately 15.2 ounces, the 20,000mAh design is more appropriate for a backpack, work bag, or travel bag than a small pocket.
- Built-In Cable Has Limited Reach — The integrated cable prioritizes portability and convenience, but its short length offers less flexibility than a separate full-length cable.
- Only One Built-In Cable — Users with Lightning, Micro-USB, or other connector requirements will still need an additional cable.
65 W is the number that matters for laptops
Anker rates the bank at 87 W combined, but a single USB-C device gets at most 65 W. That covers ultraportables such as the MacBook Air and MacBook Neo and most Windows laptops sold with 65 W USB-C chargers. Laptops that ship with larger USB-C adapters, such as some 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, will charge more slowly and may drain under heavy load. Gaming laptops with barrel-plug chargers of 135 W or more are not a realistic match.
How the 87 W is shared
The bank has three outputs: the built-in USB-C cable, a USB-C port and a USB-A port (output only). Both USB-C connections also recharge the bank. When several devices are connected, the 87 W total is divided between them, so a laptop charges slower while a phone is also connected. For the fastest laptop charging, connect the laptop alone.
The built-in cable: convenient, but short
The attached cable means you never leave the house without one, and Anker rates it for 10,000 bends and 5,000 twists. TechRadar found it short and flat, so it has to twist to reach some ports, and the bank needs to sit close to the device. Carry a separate cable if your laptop sits on a desk and the bank is on the floor.
Recharging the bank itself
Anker rates the input at up to 65 W through either USB-C connection. A 65 W laptop charger refills it much faster than a 20 W phone charger, which would take many hours. A 20,000 mAh bank is well below the FAA’s 100 Wh carry-on limit, so it can fly in carry-on luggage, not checked bags.
Buying Decision
Buy the Anker 20K 87 W if you want one battery for a phone and a USB-C laptop that charges at 65 W or less, and you value having the cable built in. At about 15.5 oz it belongs in a bag, not a pocket. Skip it for gaming or high-power laptops, and if you mostly charge a phone, since a smaller pack will be lighter and cheaper.
Value and Trade-offs
At $69.99 list, the price buys three things: 20,000 mAh, a 65 W single-port output that covers most ultraportable laptops, and an attached cable. TechRadar describes it as overkill for many people, which is fair: if your devices are phones and earbuds, you pay for capacity and weight you do not use. For laptop users who travel, the 65 W recharge input is just as useful, because the battery itself refills quickly from a suitable charger.
Final Verdict
The Anker 20K 87W Power Bank is a practical high-capacity charger for users who need more than basic phone charging.
Its 20,000mAh battery, built-in USB-C cable, three-device support, and up to 87W combined output make it well suited to travel, work, and multi-device setups. A single compatible USB-C device can receive up to 65W, which is sufficient for many mainstream and ultraportable laptops.
Its main trade-offs are weight, size, limited built-in cable reach, and slower charging for laptops that require more than 65W. For buyers who prioritize capacity and flexible charging over pocket-size portability, it is a strong travel power bank.
How Pickora Scored It
Pickora Rating: 4.6/5. This is an editorial research rating, not an Amazon customer rating or a laboratory measurement.
Sources and Research
- Anker Power Bank (20K, 87W, Built-In USB-C Cable) — Anker. Manufacturer product page: 87 W total output, 65 W fast recharge, 20,000 mAh capacity, built-in USB-C cable and $69.99 list price.
- Anker 20,000mAh 87W Power Bank review — TechRadar. Independent review: weight, port roles, built-in cable observations, phone-charging test, display limits and the overall verdict.
- Lithium batteries — U.S. Federal Aviation Administration. Carry-on rules for spare lithium batteries and power banks, including the 100 Wh limit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Anker 87 W power bank charge a MacBook?
Yes. It delivers up to 65 W to one USB-C device, which charges a MacBook Air or MacBook Neo at full speed. Larger MacBook Pro models charge more slowly.
How many phone charges does 20,000 mAh give?
TechRadar estimates at least three for a typical phone. In its test, charging a 4,385 mAh phone used about 30% of the bank.
How long does it take to recharge?
It accepts up to 65 W. Recharging is much faster from a 65 W USB-C charger than from a phone charger.
Is it allowed on planes?
Yes, in carry-on luggage. A 20,000 mAh power bank is below the FAA’s 100 Wh limit; power banks may not go in checked bags.
Amazon listing note: This Amazon link leads to the Black 20,000mAh model with a built-in USB-C cable and up to 87W shared output. Price, seller, and availability may change.