Anker Nano 10K Power Bank 45W review: Compact power house

Macworld

At a glanceExpert's Rating

Pros

High charging power

Compact dimensions

Integrated USB-C charging cable

Display

Cons

Scratch-sensitive housing

No rubber feet

Not magnetic

Our Verdict
The Anker Nano 10K Power Bank (45W) impresses with its fast charging, robust cable and practical display—a slightly chunky companion that you’ll love using on the go.

Price When Reviewed
This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined

Best Pricing Today


Best Prices Today: Anker Nano 10K Power Bank 45W






Retailer


Price









Check




Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide






Product


Price




Price comparison from Backmarket



















With its compact dimensions of 3.2 x 2 x 1.4 inches (8.2 × 5.1 × 3.6cm), the Anker Nano Power Bank disappears effortlessly into your pocket, although might be too chunky for tight trousers. Thanks to the carrying strap, you can even wear it comfortably on your wrist. The 10000mAh capacity is easily enough for a whole day’s iPhone usage—and Anker has even thought of the classic (some would say, “old” or “legacy”) USB-A connection. Its 45W power output is enough for even a MacBook Air if laptop power is required.

Power reduces with more than one device

The Nano 10K Power Bank has an easily accessible USB-A and USB-C charging port next to each other on a narrow side. The retractable USB-C cable on the long side is around 2.3 feet (70cm) long. The Nano power bank can deliver a maximum of 45W of charging power from one of the USB-C ports. Anker notes in its small print, however, that 45W is for Samsung mobiles, with the iPhone limited to 40W.

The maximum output on USB-A is 22.5W. Once you start using all the ports, the power out for each is significantly reduced. With two devices, it is only up to 15W on the USB-C charging cable and up to 7.5W on one of the charging sockets. With three devices, the maximum is 7.5W per charging port.

The display, which is discreetly concealed under plastic, shows the charging status, power and operating status in real time. Active Shield 3.0, Anker’s protective circuit, is also included.

Small and powerful

We tested what you can expect from such a small power bank while travelling.

First the Leica camera needed fresh energy, then the Insta360 Go Ultra got hungry. The size plus the integrated USB-C charging cable are ideal for this kind of use.

In our test, the Anker Nano Power Bank charged an iPhone 15 by 52% in just 30 minutes, an 11-inch iPad Pro by 35% and an M3 MacBook Air by 31%—a strong result for such a compact device. The capacity is also sufficient to fully charge an iPhone 15 twice.

The power bank itself can be recharged with up to 30W in around 2 hours and 15 minutes. According to Anker, the permanently integrated USB-C cable is designed for more than ten years of use and is said to be able to withstand over 20,000 bends and just as many insertions—it should even be able to support a weight of almost 17.5lbs (8kg). We were unable—and unwilling—to check whether this is true. The choice of colors provides some variety: not just the standard black or white but also a fetching teal model.

Price

The Anker 45W Nano 10K Power Bank is priced at $59.99 or £45.99.

It should be noted that this power bank is not of the MagSafe-compatible kind that can clamp to your iPhone without needing a cable. If you want a power bank that can charge wirelessly check out the options in our roundup of the best magnetic power banks for iPhone.

Should you buy the Anker Nano 10K Power Bank?

The ideal (non-MagSafe) power bank is compact, powerful enough for a MacBook and comes with an integrated charging cable—this is exactly what the Anker Nano 10K offers. Technically, it delivers impeccable charging performance, but there are drawbacks with the housing: It is somewhat susceptible to scratches, and as Anker has dispensed with rubber feet, unsightly marks will appear quicker than you would like.

Nevertheless, you will quickly appreciate the small power bank in your rucksack or photo bag when travelling. And the price is fine.