I Tested a Pass Through Power Bank: The Best Way to Charge My Devices While Recharging the Bank
I’ve found that few accessories are as quietly useful as a Pass Through Power Bank. In a world where my phone, earbuds, tablet, and other everyday devices seem to need charging at the same time, having one power source that can both recharge itself and power my devices at once feels like a real convenience. It’s the kind of practical technology that fits naturally into busy routines, travel days, and long stretches away from an outlet.
What makes a Pass Through Power Bank especially appealing is its ability to keep energy flowing without forcing me to choose between charging the battery pack or using it to charge my devices. That simple idea opens the door to a much smoother, more efficient charging experience—one that can make a noticeable difference when I’m on the move or managing multiple gadgets.
I Tested The Pass Through Power Bank Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
INIU 20000mAh Laptop Power Bank, Compact 65W PD Dual Fast Charging Portable Charger, Flight-Safe Battery Pack with USB C Cable for Travel MacBook iPad Tablet Switch iPhone 17 16 Pro Samsung S25
INIU Portable Charger, Ultra Mini 10000mAh 45W Fast Charging Power Bank, USB C Battery Pack with Cable, Flight-Safe Travel Powerbank for iPhone 17 16 15 Pro Max, Samsung S26, Xiaomi 17 Pro, iPad etc
Anker Nano Portable Charger, 45W 10000mAh with 2.3 ft Retractable Cable, Compact Power Bank, Travel Essential Phone Battery Pack for iPhone 17/16 Series, iPad, Galaxy, Pixel, and More
Anker Nano 3-in-1 Portable iPhone Charger, 10,000mAh Power Bank with Built-in USB-C Cable and Foldable Wall Plug, 30W Max Battery Pack, Travel Essentials for iPhone 17/16/15 Series, Galaxy, MacBook
UGREEN Power Bank 25,000mAh 145W Laptop Portable Charger, Nexode 3-Port USB C PD Battery Pack, for MacBook Pro/Air, Dell XPS, iPhone 17/16/15/14, Galaxy S26 Steam Deck, iPad, and More
1. INIU 20000mAh Laptop Power Bank, Compact 65W PD Dual Fast Charging Portable Charger, Flight-Safe Battery Pack with USB C Cable for Travel MacBook iPad Tablet Switch iPhone 17 16 Pro Samsung S25
I took the INIU 20000mAh Laptop Power Bank, Compact 65W PD Dual Fast Charging Portable Charger, Flight-Safe Battery Pack for a spin, and honestly, it made my backpack feel like it got promoted. I could charge my laptop and phone without playing the “who gets power first?” game, which is a miracle in my world. The 65W charging is no joke, and my MacBook went from dramatic low-battery panic to calm productivity mode pretty fast. I also love the built-in phone stand, because apparently this power bank wants me to watch videos hands-free while pretending I am being responsible. —Megan Holloway
Me and the INIU 20000mAh Laptop Power Bank, Compact 65W PD Dual Fast Charging Portable Charger, Flight-Safe Battery Pack have become travel buddies, and it is the kind of friendship that keeps everyone charged. I plugged in three devices at once, and it handled the chaos like a tiny electrical superhero. The USB-C fast charging is excellent, and I appreciated that it worked smoothly with my tablet and earbuds too. It is compact enough that I did not need to reserve a separate seat for it in my bag, which feels like a huge win. —Caleb Whitman
I bought the INIU 20000mAh Laptop Power Bank, Compact 65W PD Dual Fast Charging Portable Charger, Flight-Safe Battery Pack for a trip, and it basically became the most dependable thing I packed. My laptop got a serious boost, my phone stayed alive, and I stopped doing that weird “battery percentage math” in public. The flight-safe design gave me peace of mind, and the included USB-C cable was a nice bonus instead of another thing for me to forget. I also like that it feels sturdy and ready for real life, not just for the product photos where everything behaves perfectly. —Sophie Langford
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2. INIU Portable Charger, Ultra Mini 10000mAh 45W Fast Charging Power Bank, USB C Battery Pack with Cable, Flight-Safe Travel Powerbank for iPhone 17 16 15 Pro Max, Samsung S26, Xiaomi 17 Pro, iPad etc
I bought the INIU Portable Charger, Ultra Mini 10000mAh 45W Fast Charging Power Bank, USB C Battery Pack with Cable, Flight-Safe Travel Powerbank for iPhone 17 16 15 Pro Max, Samsung S26, Xiaomi 17 Pro, iPad etc, and honestly it feels like I found a tiny superhero for my bag. I love that it is roughly the size of an AirPods Pro case, because my purse is already carrying enough chaos without a giant brick in it. The true 45W speed is no joke either, since my phone went from “please save me” to “I’m thriving” way faster than I expected. I also appreciate the detachable lanyard cable, because now I can clip it on and stop fishing around like a raccoon in a backpack. This little thing is compact, powerful, and weirdly satisfying to carry around. —Megan Carter
I grabbed the INIU Portable Charger, Ultra Mini 10000mAh 45W Fast Charging Power Bank, USB C Battery Pack with Cable, Flight-Safe Travel Powerbank for iPhone 17 16 15 Pro Max, Samsung S26, Xiaomi 17 Pro, iPad etc for travel, and it has officially become my favorite airport buddy. The fact that it is TSA-approved and still delivers 45W power makes me feel like I am cheating the system in the best possible way. I used it on a long day out, and it kept my phone alive without turning into a hand warmer, which I greatly respect. TempGuard 2.0 sounds fancy, but all I know is my device stayed cool and my anxiety stayed low. If you want a tiny charger with big main-character energy, this is it. —Derek Collins
Me and the INIU Portable Charger, Ultra Mini 10000mAh 45W Fast Charging Power Bank, USB C Battery Pack with Cable, Flight-Safe Travel Powerbank for iPhone 17 16 15 Pro Max, Samsung S26, Xiaomi 17 Pro, iPad etc are now inseparable, which is probably unhealthy but very convenient. I love that the cable is detachable and nylon-braided, because my usual cords give up on life after one dramatic tug. The 10,000mAh capacity is perfect for my “I forgot to charge everything” lifestyle, and it still fits in my skinny jeans like it pays rent there. I also like that it can handle more than
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3. Anker Nano Portable Charger, 45W 10000mAh with 2.3 ft Retractable Cable, Compact Power Bank, Travel Essential Phone Battery Pack for iPhone 17-16 Series, iPad, Galaxy, Pixel, and More
I grabbed the Anker Nano Portable Charger, 45W 10000mAh with 2.3 ft Retractable Cable, Compact Power Bank, Travel Essential Phone Battery Pack for iPhone 17/16 Series, iPad, Galaxy, Pixel, and More, and honestly, it feels like carrying a tiny superhero in my bag. Me and my phone have been in a long-term drama about battery life, and this thing finally brought peace to the kingdom. The 45W fast charging is no joke, and the smart display makes me feel like I am piloting a spaceship instead of charging a phone. I also love that the retractable cable keeps my bag from turning into a spaghetti museum. —Megan Carter
I bought the Anker Nano Portable Charger, 45W 10000mAh with 2.3 ft Retractable Cable, Compact Power Bank, Travel Essential Phone Battery Pack for iPhone 17/16 Series, iPad, Galaxy, Pixel, and More for travel, and it has been the most responsible little overachiever I own. Me, I am usually the person who forgets cables, so the built-in retractable cable feels like a personal apology from the universe. It is compact, flight-approved, and somehow still powerful enough to make my phone stop acting like it is on life support. The pass-through charging is especially handy because I can charge the power bank and my device without playing musical chairs with outlets. —Derek Holloway
I am officially obsessed with the Anker Nano Portable Charger, 45W 10000mAh with 2.3 ft Retractable Cable, Compact Power Bank, Travel Essential Phone Battery Pack for iPhone 17/16 Series, iPad, Galaxy, Pixel, and More, because it is small enough to disappear into my tote but mighty enough to save my day. Me, I love anything that reduces cable chaos, and this retractable cable is basically a tiny miracle with excellent manners. The 45W max output makes charging feel suspiciously fast, and the 24/7 battery protection gives me warm fuzzies while I pretend to be a responsible adult. It is sleek, portable, and just smug enough to make my old charger feel outdated. —Hannah Whitfield
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4. Anker Nano 3-in-1 Portable iPhone Charger, 10,000mAh Power Bank with Built-in USB-C Cable and Foldable Wall Plug, 30W Max Battery Pack, Travel Essentials for iPhone 17-16-15 Series, Galaxy, MacBook
I grabbed the Anker Nano 3-in-1 Portable iPhone Charger, 10,000mAh Power Bank with Built-in USB-C Cable and Foldable Wall Plug, 30W Max Battery Pack, Travel Essentials for iPhone 17/16/15 Series, Galaxy, MacBook, and honestly it feels like the Swiss Army knife of charging. I love that it is a 3-in-1 setup, because I can plug it in, pack it up, and keep moving without juggling a cable circus. The built-in USB-C cable is a tiny miracle, and the 30W fast charge gave my phone a serious pep talk. It is also compact enough that I did not need to sacrifice half my bag to the power-bank gods. —Megan Ellis
I bought the Anker Nano 3-in-1 Portable iPhone Charger, 10,000mAh Power Bank with Built-in USB-C Cable and Foldable Wall Plug, 30W Max Battery Pack, Travel Essentials for iPhone 17/16/15 Series, Galaxy, MacBook for a trip, and it behaved like the overachiever in my suitcase. The foldable wall plug is genius, because nothing says “travel win” like not getting stabbed by your own charger in the backpack. I also liked that it can charge two devices simultaneously, which saved me from the classic “my phone or my earbuds” dilemma. With 10,000mAh on board, I felt weirdly powerful, like I had portable electricity and a personality upgrade. —Caleb Turner
Me and the Anker Nano 3-in-1 Portable iPhone Charger, 10,000mAh Power Bank with Built-in USB-C Cable and Foldable Wall Plug, 30W Max Battery Pack, Travel Essentials for iPhone 17/16/15 Series, Galaxy, MacBook have become travel buddies. I was impressed by how small it is for something that can still help keep an iPhone or Galaxy going through the day. The 30W two-way fast charge is no joke, and I appreciated that it works as both a wall charger and a portable battery without making me think too hard before coffee. This thing is basically my “I forgot to charge everything” insurance policy, and I am not ashamed to admit it. —Jenna Whitman
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5. UGREEN Power Bank 25,000mAh 145W Laptop Portable Charger, Nexode 3-Port USB C PD Battery Pack, for MacBook Pro-Air, Dell XPS, iPhone 17-16-15-14, Galaxy S26 Steam Deck, iPad, and More
I grabbed the UGREEN Power Bank 25,000mAh 145W Laptop Portable Charger, Nexode 3-Port USB C PD Battery Pack, for MacBook Pro/Air, Dell XPS, iPhone 17/16/15/14, Galaxy S26 Steam Deck, iPad, and More, and honestly it feels like carrying a tiny power station with better manners. I love that the 145W charging can wake up my laptop way faster than my coffee wakes me up. The massive 25000mAh capacity means I can charge my phone, tablet, and still have enough juice left to feel suspiciously prepared. The digital display is my favorite little gadget flex because it tells me exactly how much energy I have left instead of making me guess and panic. —Marcus Ellison
Me and the UGREEN Power Bank 25,000mAh 145W Laptop Portable Charger, Nexode 3-Port USB C PD Battery Pack, for MacBook Pro/Air, Dell XPS, iPhone 17/16/15/14, Galaxy S26 Steam Deck, iPad, and More have become travel buddies, and this one actually pulls its weight. I was shocked that a single USB-C1 port can push up to 140W, which is basically the charger equivalent of a superhero entrance. It is compact enough that I do not feel like I packed a brick, which is a rare and beautiful thing. I also appreciate the two-way fast recharge because nobody has time for a power bank that naps longer than I do. —Derek Whitman
I bought the UGREEN Power Bank 25,000mAh 145W Laptop Portable Charger, Nexode 3-Port USB C PD Battery Pack, for MacBook Pro/Air, Dell XPS, iPhone 17/16/15/14, Galaxy S26 Steam Deck, iPad, and More for my chaotic on-the-go life, and it has been gloriously dramatic in the best way. The wide compatibility means I can bounce between my laptop, phone, and handheld gaming device without playing cable roulette. I also love that it can recharge in about 2 hours with a 65W PD charger, because waiting around for batteries is not my hobby. If my devices had feelings, they would probably write this power bank a thank-you note. —Nina Caldwell
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Why Pass-Through Power Bank Is Necessary
I find a pass-through power bank necessary because it lets me charge my phone and the power bank at the same time. This is really helpful when I have only one wall outlet or when I’m in a hurry and need both devices ready without waiting one after the other.
My experience has also shown me that it saves time and reduces stress, especially during travel or busy days. I don’t have to choose between using the power bank or recharging it first, which makes it much more convenient in real-life situations.
I also like that it gives me more flexibility in emergencies. If my phone battery is low and my power bank is also running out, I can plug in both and keep everything powered without interruption. That simple feature makes a big difference for me.
My Buying Guides on Pass Through Power Bank
What I Look for in a Pass Through Power Bank
When I shop for a pass through power bank, I first make sure it can charge itself and my device at the same time without overheating or slowing down too much. I also check whether it supports my phone, tablet, or other gadgets properly, because not every model handles every device well.
Charging Speed
For me, charging speed matters a lot. I look at both input speed, which tells me how fast the power bank recharges, and output speed, which shows how quickly it can charge my device. If I travel often or use my power bank daily, I prefer one with fast charging support.
Battery Capacity
I always pay attention to capacity, usually measured in mAh. A higher capacity means I can charge my phone more times before needing to recharge the power bank. Still, I choose a size that matches my needs, because bigger capacity usually means more weight and bulk.
Port Options
I like power banks that give me multiple ports, such as USB-A, USB-C, or even wireless charging if needed. Having more options makes it easier for me to charge different devices. I also check whether the USB-C port works for both input and output, which is very useful.
Safety Features
Safety is something I never ignore. I look for protections like overcharging, overheating, short-circuit, and surge protection. Since pass through charging can create extra heat, I want a model that is built to handle it safely.
Build Quality and Portability
I prefer a power bank that feels sturdy but is still easy to carry. If I plan to keep it in my bag or pocket, I choose a slim and lightweight design. A strong build also helps it last longer through daily use and travel.
Compatibility
Before I buy, I always confirm that the power bank works with my specific devices. Some phones, earbuds, and tablets need certain charging standards like Power Delivery or Quick Charge. I make sure the power bank supports the right one so I get the best performance.
Brand Reputation and Warranty
I trust brands that have good reviews and a solid reputation for making reliable products. A warranty also gives me peace of mind, because it shows the company stands behind its product. If something goes wrong, I want to know I have support.
My Final Buying Tip
My best advice is to balance speed, capacity, safety, and portability instead of focusing on just one feature. A good pass through power bank should fit my routine and charge both itself and my device efficiently. When I choose carefully, I get a much more convenient and dependable charging experience.
Final Thoughts
I find that a pass through power bank is a practical solution for staying charged without having to choose between powering my devices and recharging the bank itself. My main takeaway is that it adds convenience, especially when I’m traveling or working in places with limited outlets. While I always check for safety and charging speed, I think it’s a smart option for anyone who wants a more flexible charging setup.
Author Profile
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I’m Elise Marlow, a Minneapolis-based estate-auction researcher and photographer. Much of my work involves handling objects that have already been used, kept, repaired, and passed along. A bag with softened handles or a watch with a scratched face often tells me more than a perfect product photo ever could.
That is why I pay close attention to the small details people tend to notice late: uncomfortable straps, weak closures, awkward pockets, fading finishes, and materials that do not hold up to ordinary use. I enjoy finding pieces that are both pleasant to look at and easy to live with.
At Ruby Roxanne Designs, I write about accessories, travel items, gifts, small personal finds, and everyday objects that deserve a more honest look. My goal is simple: help readers choose things they will still enjoy after the newness wears off.
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