The Anker Nano 3-in-1 power bank is my must-have travel device

When it comes to packing, I bring too many socks, triple-check that I have my meds, and unpack and repack to ensure I don’t forget that one pair of pants. But chargers? Well, too often, they’re back at home when I’m already on the road. Realizing that this was no way to live, I finally invested in a travel charger and power bank.

The Anker Nano 3-in-1 is a power bank and charger in one device

This small but mighty device has kept my phone charged all across the country.
Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Over the past few months, the Anker Nano 3-in-1 has been my most consistent travel companion, coming with me to California, New York, Texas, and Vermont. While it’s technically a power bank, with an included AC outlet plug-in, it’s also a great charger, and multi-use devices are my love language.

This Anker power bank includes either a short Lightning or USB-C cable, a USB-C port, and an AC plug. Overnight, I plug the power bank into an AC outlet and plug my phone into the built-in lightning cable, and wake up to a fully charged phone and power bank. That’s certainly not novel for a charger; however, in the months of use, it’s never once faltered. Plus, it can charge two devices at once. Using the USB-C port, I charge both my phone and Apple Watch overnight.

The Anker Nano 3-in-1 charges phones and laptops on the go

When plugged in, the Anker Nano tells you it’s power percentage.
Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Where the Anker really impresses me is when plugged into an AC outlet and simultaneously charging multiple devices, it also charges the power bank. If I plug it in overnight, it has a full battery by the morning. That way, I can just throw the power bank in my bag, and it’s ready to go for the day.

This was clutch while covering VidCon, where I was on the go for over 12 hours a day. Rather than worrying about where to find an outlet in the bustling Anaheim Convention Center, when my phone battery was low, I could just plug it into the power bank and keep it inconspicuously charging in my bag. It holds enough power to fully charge my iPhone 14 Pro twice over, but it’s compatible with plenty of other devices. With the USB-C port, I could plug in my laptop charging cord to the Anker Nano and juice up my MacBook Pro.

It has one design flaw…

Having the built-in lightning cord (it’s also available with a built-in USB-C cord) on the Anker Nano is great, and means you never have to haul around extra cords in addition to the power bank. However, that built-in cord is so short. If you’re using it as a power bank, that’s not really a problem, but as a charger, it’s definitely annoying. I like to indulge in pre-bed phone time while my phone is charging, but with how short this cord is, it’s nearly impossible to hold onto your phone while charging. Plus, if you want to charge your phone while it’s plugged into an AC outlet, unless you’re close to a table, the phone tends to end up dangling.

I’ve maneuvered my way around this pretty easily. On my honeymoon, our charming Cape Cod cottage didn’t have any well-placed outlets for overnight charging, so I plugged the power bank in during the day and used it in power bank mode to charge my phone overnight.

I use the Anker Nano at home, too

The Anker Nano has a permanent spot in my travel bag.
Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

While the Anker Nano 3-in-1 has a permanent home in my travel bag, I still reach for it when I’m not on the road. Our living room has poorly placed outlets, so there’s no good spot for a charger. When I want to keep my phone charged but still within reach while lounging on the couch, I grab my Anker Nano.

I purchased the Anker Nano 3-in-1 for $34.99, $10 cheaper than its full price of $44.99, but I’d still tell you to buy it at full price. It’s a convenient multi-use power bank that keeps all your devices fully charged on the go and at home.