With the Valve Steam Deck battery draining in as fast as 90 minutes (if you don’t cap the fps, brightness, and volume), you’re probably going to want to get your hands on a high-capacity power bank to go alongside it.
But what is the best portable charger for the Steam Deck?
Well, due to the console featuring a 45 W, USB-C (3.0) PD power supply input, a PD-supported power pack that discharges at least 45 W of power is a great starting point.
You will then want to factor in the capacity, size/ mass, and any other specifications/ features.
What is the best power bank for the Steam Deck?
9. Baseus 65W Power Bank
Capacity: 20,000 mAh
Wattage: 65 W
Dimensions: 6.1 x 2.3 x 1.1 inches
Weight: 1.02 lbs
The Baseus Power Bank has an advertised 20,000 mAh battery capacity, but really, this is closer to a 12,000 mAh rating. Nevertheless, it will still allow you to recharge your Steam Deck back up to 100% (from 0% battery) almost two times before needing a recharge itself.
At the heart of the Baseus is a 65 W power delivery system. Compatible with all quick charging technologies (while also leveraging PD tech), you’re not only going to be able to power up your Steam Deck in record time but also recharge this power pack pretty quickly, as well.
Multiple onboard outputs (two USB-A and one USB-C) make charging up to three individual devices a breeze. Moreover, the USB-C power input lets you continuously recharge your power bank while simultaneously charging other devices, too.
Finally, we also like that it has a smart display. Featuring numerical LED indicators, it’s easy to know exactly how much battery this power bank has, as well as how full the devices you are charging are. There aren’t a lot of other budget battery packs out there right now with this kind of tech.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
8. HALO Bolt Wireless Laptop Charger
Capacity: 12,000 mAh
Max Output: 65 W
Dimensions: 7 x 3.7 x 1.5 inches
Weight: 1.7 lbs
The HALO Bolt is a beefy 12,000 mAh power bank that features wireless charging capabilities. While it is marketed towards charging laptops (or even jumping cars), it’s ideal for the Steam Deck, too. However, it can only provide two charges from a completely dead Steam Deck battery.
In terms of power, you get a 65 W max output. That’s more than enough wattage to meet the 45 W demands of the Steam Deck, or for a typical 15-inch laptop. Sadly, wireless charging won’t be fast enough for either of these devices, though, it will work for a smartphone.
Once plugged into the wall, the HALO Bolt regains its charge in just 3-4 hours. Another big plus is that it can hold a charge for up to 18 months. As a result, you’ll be able to charge it up, forget about it, and then have it ready and waiting for the next road trip away or unexpected outage of power.
Finally, for I/Os, you get two USB Type-A ports as well as an AC/ DC outlet for small appliances. That gives you two different charging options: either from the socket or USB-A to USB-C (using an adapter cable) which would be slower. All in all, those after a universal power pack might fancy this option.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
7. Elecjet PowerPie Power Pack
Capacity: 20,000 mAh
Wattage: 45 W
Dimensions: 6.1 x 2.8 x 1.0
Weight: 0.86 lbs
The Elecjet PowerPie power bank is perfectly engineered for portable gaming systems, allowing you to recharge the Steam Deck back from 0% to 100% over three times on a single charge. On top of that, its dimensions are small enough to be a constant companion for this handheld system.
Gamers that demand on-the-go recharging capabilities will relish the 45 W output. With PD turbo charge technology built-in, it can power the Steam Deck from 0% to 50% in 40 minutes. Moreover, the same proprietary tech allows this bank to recharge itself from 0% to 100% in about 2 ½ hours.
Like most modern devices, the PowerPie allows you to recharge your devices (or power bank) via the USB-C and USB-A ports. Unfortunately, there’s only one port of each type so the I/ O support is a bit limited. Nonetheless, that’s still a decent amount of connectivity for charging a single Steam Deck.
The versatility of this power bank is what makes it so attractive. Besides the Steam Deck and other mobile gaming devices like the Nintendo Switch, it lets you charge your cell phones, tablets, and even some laptops as well. All in all, a great bit of kit that works exactly as advertised.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
6. Anker PowerCore III
Capacity: 19,200 mAh
Wattage: 45 W
Dimensions: 6.7 x 3.1 x 0.9 inches
Weight: 0.94 lbs
Anker boasts that more than 55M people use their powerpack technology, and with an 80%+ five-star rating on this device, it’s not hard to understand why. The PowerCore III is one of the smaller capacity banks that they manufacture, however, it will still allow you to recharge the SD three times.
With this device, gamers have access to a USB-C charging port that delivers the full 45 W power input of the Steam Deck. Moreover, thanks to the high-speed charging technology inside, it’s capable of getting your Steam Deck up to about 50% battery in approx. 30 to 45 minutes.
Two USB-A ports flank the USB-C port, allowing users to charge up to three individual devices at once. Gamers can also plug a USB-C power source into the power bank and charge through the USB-A ports. However, doing so will limit the charge to just 12 watts.
You’ll also like that this power bank is lightweight, ultraportable, and slim enough to slot into a pocket. The size and weight makes it a great little companion for your portable gaming system. The only downside is that its capacity is better suited to shorter trips than longer ones.
5. Techsmarter Power Bank
Capacity: 30,000 mAh
Wattage: 45 W
Dimensions: 6.7 x 3.2 x 0.8 inches
Weight: 1.2 lbs
Techsmarter produce one of the most rugged and durable portable power banks for consoles on the market today. They also shoehorn in a 30,000 mAh battery, allowing gamers to recharge their Steam Deck almost five times before the power bank needs some juice itself.
The charging technology in this pack delivers 45 W of power consistently (and safely). That’s enough to charge your Steam Deck, mobile phones, tablets, and even a laptop fast enough without causing unsafe situations. Turbocharge technology is supported via the PD fast charging ports onboard.
Although the Techsmarter features four USB Type-A input/ output ports and two USB-C input/ output ports, it’s only the USB-C I/Os that support 45 W charging. This is because the Type-As are only capable of outputting a slower 12 watts. Still, that shouldn’t really bother most people.
Universal compatibility is the name of the game with this power bank. You’ll be able to charge your Steam Deck, and all kinds of mobile devices from different manufacturers. Furthermore, the pass-through support allows the battery pack to perform charges and discharges at the same time.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
4. HIYYDS Portable Laptop Charger
Capacity: 40,000 mAh
Wattage: 45 W
Dimensions: 7.4 x 4.9 x 1.8 inches
Weight: 2.2 lbs
Gamers seeking extreme battery rechargeability on the go will love this HIYYDS battery pack for mobiles and consoles. With a 40,000 mAh next-generation lithium-ion battery built right in, this unit can recharge a completely depleted Steam Deck approximately six whole times.
What’s great is that this power bank offers up to 100 W of maximum power via the AC output, providing extremely fast recharges. There’s then a 45 W USB-C PD output, plus two 15 W USB Type-A outputs. They allow you to recharge other smaller devices at a slower and more stable rate.
It’s going to be hard to find other power bank options with more input and outputs than this one. USB-A, USB-C, and AC power are all available on the front of the device. Also found on the front is an LCD screen with some important LED indicators.
We especially like that the LED indicators provide real-time data for battery level, watts, and available time (with an alarm). On top of that, there’s an integrated high/ low-temperature indicator just in case thermals do start to raise. However, this shouldn’t be an issue with this hardware.
In short, the HIYYDS is a top-tier portable charger for the Steam Deck.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
3. MAXOAK Laptop Power Bank
Capacity: 50,000 mAh
Max Output: 130 W
Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.3 x 1.3 inches
Weight: 2.8 lbs
The Steam Deck puts incredible gaming power into a portable form factor, and that means it’s going to be pretty energy hungry. Luckily, this MAXOAK power bank will help you recharge the gaming system up to 100% almost eight times before it needs a recharge itself!
Operating at 185 W (with a 130 W max output), it gets your Steam Deck back to 100% battery life in the shortest time possible. Of course, due to the Steam Decks 45 W USB-C power input, it will limit the charge to 45 W but then you could also simultaneously charge a laptop.
To power multiple devices all at once, the MAXOAK has a total of six USB outputs. These include four individual USBs (two 5 amp and two 1.0 amp), as well as one 12 V and 20 V output, too. Unfortunately, there’s no USB Type-C output, though. Therefore, for fast-charging you would have to charge your Steam Deck through the AC/ DC outlet.
It’s worth noting that a charging brick of this size does come with a few cons. Besides the obvious weight, it takes between six and eight hours to fully recharge. Moreover, the high (185Wh/ 50000 mAh) capacity means it doesn’t have TSA approval for any commercial airlines.
Nevertheless, the Li-ion battery in this hardware is still safe to use and even comes with a UL1642 certification. We also like that the life-span is top-notch, guaranteeing up to 1000+ recharge cycles. Considering its large capacity, its size isn’t overly massive, either.
All in all, if you don’t plan on flying anywhere, then we highly recommend this behemoth portable charger. The Maxoak lives up to its specs and offers superb value.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
2. Anker PowerCore+
Capacity: 26,800 mAh
Wattage: 45 W
Dimensions: 7.1 x 3.2 x 0.9 inches
Weight: 1.1 lbs
The Anker PowerCore+ power bank for Steam Deck devices offers a battery capacity of 26,800 mAh. A battery pack of this size allows you to recharge your Steam Deck four times before you have to think about recharging it.
Power distributed from this power bank is handled primarily through a 45 W USB-C port. Two 15 W USB-A ports are also available, too, allowing multiple devices to recharge at the same time. Rapid recharge technology from Anker lets you refill the power completely in just 3 and a half hours.
Gamers will be able to recharge any device that takes advantage of the USB protocol. It’s worth noting that quick charging is only possible through the USB Type-C port. That leaves the USB-A ports to deliver slower/ more stable power for phones and tablets.
Anker has a near-legendary reputation for making some of the best battery packs in the industry today. This unit is solid, reliable, sleek, and comes with a worry-free 18-month warranty from top to bottom.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
1. Anker PowerCore III Elite
Capacity: 25,600 mAh
Max Output: 60 W
Dimensions: 7.2 x 3.2 x 0.9 inches
Weight: 1.3 lbs
The PowerCore III Elite for handheld consoles takes advantage of proprietary “Colossal Cell Capacity”. Gamers will have enough juice in this 25,600-mAh battery to refresh their Steam Deck four times before the power bank has to go back on charge.
Compared to the PowerCore III, the Elite has an increased 60 W USB-C output. For the Steam Deck, this is slightly overkill, though. While this power bank can bring a 60 W input device up to 50% in 75 minutes or so, it will take roughly 90 minutes for the 45 W constraints of the Steam Deck.
With two USB-C and two USB-A outputs, it’s possible to simultaneously charge up to four devices with this hardware. Obviously, connecting multiple devices will draw down the battery faster – and limit your recharge capability – but it’s nice to have this sort of flexibility all the same.
Bringing this Anker back up to full charge takes a little under three hours, and that’s from a 0% battery. We also like that you can recharge it on the go using the high-speed 60 W USB-C connection, and that it comes with a free 65 W PD wall charger.
Overall, if you’re not searching for a larger capacity device, then this is the best, less-hassle-free power bank for the Steam Deck.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Is it worth buying a Power Bank for the Steam Deck?
It’s worth buying a power bank just to keep the Steam Deck on an even keel. Numerous test reviews indicate that games like God of War are chewing through 100% of the battery in as little as an hour and a half.
As of right now, running Linux on the Steam Deck platform is a nightmare scenario for the battery life and one that Steam needs to rectify in future updates. While running Linux, the battery life dwindles so fast that even being connected to power doesn’t stop it.
What could a power bank do in the face of such battery-draining prowess? Well, for one, it can certainly minimize it.
For two, if you choose the right power bank, specifically power banks that hold a ton of charge and have quick-charging ports, you will be able to extend the battery cycle on your Steam Deck.
After all, Steam Deck is an 11.7-inch handheld console that’s designed for playing full-fledged, PC games straight out of the Steam Library and on the go. That’s a lot to ask from a portable device, especially considering the power necessary to run some of these games.
How to Choose the Best Power Bank for the Steam Deck in 2023?
There’s little doubt that the Steam Deck is a seriously power-hungry device, especially if you are running graphics intense games on max settings. It’s also something that Steam will certainly address in future updates. For now, though, you’ll need to match power with power.
Capacity
The Steam Deck has a 5,200 mAh battery so it makes sense that you need a power bank to exceed that size and the Steam Deck’s output, which is 40Wh. Your best bet is to go high, somewhere along the lines of 25,000 to 36,000mAh.
That will give you plenty of juice for long periods on the go; especially if you’re Steam Deck is power-hungry, with whatever you are focusing on playing.
Wattage
You want something that is going to exceed what the Steam Deck uses, which we determined above at 40Wh. In fact, go with something that far exceeds it, like a power bank designed for a high-end laptop. We’re talking something along the lines of 45Wh+ to be more precise.
Size/ Weight
Obviously, you’ll need to make some concessions here. The Steam Deck consumes too much to go with a power bank that you can slide on your keychain. It would simply laugh at such a tiny power bank and then gobble it up whole.
Price
Price is going to range between $35 and $100, depending on how large of a power bank capacity you want. If you spend a lot of time away from a power source throughout the day, a $75 power bank is reasonable.
Reliability/ Brand Reliability
The problem with places like Amazon is that you will find 100 generic, non-brand power banks for every individual one that is a recognizable brand.
Anker is one of the biggest and most reliable names in the industry and they design some really innovative, speed-charging power banks that could both fit in your pocket and run half of your home at the same time. Renogy is another quality brand worth looking into.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Steam Decks battery capacity?
The Steam Deck has a 5,200 mAh battery capacity. It uses a 40Whr lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery with an internal current of 7.7V.
How many times can a 10000 mAh power bank charge a Steam Deck ?
A 10,000 mAh power bank can charge your Steam Deck battery up to 1.6 times.
How many times can a 20000mAh power bank charge a Steam Deck ?
A 20,000 mAh power bank can charge your Steam Deck battery up to 3.2 times.
Does any power bank work with Steam Deck?
Any external power bank will work with the Steam Deck but ideally you want one with a USB-C PD 45 W output. A power bank without a USB Type-A port will also work with an adapter. 45 W is the max amount of power the Steam Deck can charge at.
How powerful should a Steam deck portable charger be?
Although any external portable charger can connect to the Steam Deck and have it draw power, ideally you want one with at least a 45 W PD output. This is because the Steam has a 45 W USB-C PD input. Chargers with less power than 45 W will be limited. Any higher will be throttled.
Are power banks safe for Steam Deck?
Third-party USB portable chargers or power banks are generally safe for the Steam Deck. So far, there have been no reports of an aftermarket charger damaging the console.
Does the Steam Deck come with a charger?
The Steam Deck comes with a 45 W USB-C Power Delivery (PD) adapter and a USB-C charging cable. The length of the cable is 1.5 meters or 4.9 feet.
We hope you found a Steam Deck power bank on this list.
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