Remote Tech Gear

I travel with a MacBook Pro 14-inch, an iPhone, and AirPods. On a good day, the MacBook lasts six hours. On a day full of video calls and screen sharing, it's more like four. I've tried half a dozen portable chargers over the years, and most of them either can't charge a laptop at all or do it so slowly that the battery still drains while plugged in. The Anker 737 is the first power bank that actually charges my MacBook at the same speed as the wall adapter. That's the whole pitch, and it delivers.

Why 140W Matters

Most portable chargers top out at 65W or 100W. That's enough for phones and tablets, and technically enough to charge a laptop — but slowly. A MacBook Pro 14-inch ships with a 70W adapter, and the 16-inch comes with a 140W adapter. The Anker 737's 140W Power Delivery 3.1 output means it can charge either at full speed, the same as being plugged into a wall outlet. This is the difference between "your laptop is slowly dying while connected" and "your laptop is actually gaining charge."

I tested this on a cross-country flight. Boarded with my MacBook at 35%, plugged it into the Anker 737, worked for three hours, and landed at 80%. The power bank still had about 30% left — enough to top off my phone afterward. That's the kind of real-world performance that justifies the premium price.

Specs

Capacity24,000mAh (86.4Wh)
Max Output140W USB-C (Power Delivery 3.1)
Ports2x USB-C (140W) + 1x USB-A (18W)
Recharge SpeedUnder 1 hour at 140W input
DisplaySmart display (wattage, percentage, time remaining)
Weight1 lb 6 oz (630g)
Airline SafeYes — 86.4Wh (under 100Wh FAA limit)
Included140W USB-C cable, travel pouch
[rtg_pros_cons pros="140W output charges MacBook Pro and other laptops at full wall-adapter speed|Recharges itself in under an hour — most 24,000mAh banks take 3-5 hours|Smart display shows live wattage, percentage, and time remaining — no guessing|86.4Wh is under the FAA 100Wh carry-on limit for air travel" cons="630g brick is heavy and bulky — this goes in a bag, not a pocket|Effective delivered capacity is about 13,000-14,000mAh due to voltage conversion|$150 is steep if you only need to charge phones — get a smaller Anker instead"]

The Smart Display

This is a small thing that makes a big difference. Instead of four LEDs that vaguely indicate battery level, the 737 has a digital display showing exact percentage, current output wattage, input wattage (when charging), and estimated time remaining. When I plug my MacBook in, I can see it's pulling 62W and the power bank will last another 2 hours and 15 minutes. When I plug the power bank into a wall charger, I can see it's receiving 87W and will be full in 40 minutes.

After using this for months, I can't go back to LED dots. Knowing exactly how much power you have and how long it'll last changes how you plan your work day when traveling.

Size and Weight Reality Check

The Anker 737 is big. At 630 grams (about 1.4 pounds) and the size of a small brick, this is not a "toss it in your pocket" device. It lives in my laptop bag's side pocket. If you're the kind of traveler who counts every ounce, this is a meaningful addition to your load.

That said, the alternative is carrying a full laptop charger plus an extension cord in case there's no outlet at your seat. The 737 weighs less than most laptop chargers and is more flexible — it charges everything, not just the laptop. For me, it replaced both my old phone power bank and my laptop charger for short trips.

Who This Is (and Isn't) For

If you travel regularly with a power-hungry laptop, this is the best portable charger you can buy. Period. The 140W output, airline-safe capacity, and fast self-recharge solve the exact problem that every other power bank in this category fumbles.

If you just need to charge your phone a few times, this is overkill. Anker makes excellent 65W and 100W power banks at half the price and half the weight. Don't pay the premium unless you actually need laptop charging. For more charging options, see our USB-C charger guide.

[rtg_buy_button url="/go/anker-737" text="Check Price on Amazon"]

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the Anker 737 on a plane?

Yes. At 86.4Wh, it's under the FAA's 100Wh limit for lithium-ion batteries in carry-on luggage. You cannot check it in luggage — it must be in your carry-on. This is true for all portable chargers over 100Wh, but the 737 is specifically designed to stay under that threshold.

How many full phone charges does it provide?

Roughly 4-5 full charges for a typical smartphone (iPhone 15, Galaxy S24, etc.). The 24,000mAh rated capacity translates to about 13,000-14,000mAh of delivered capacity due to voltage conversion — this is normal for all power banks, not an Anker-specific issue.

Can I charge my laptop and phone at the same time?

Yes. The three ports work simultaneously. When multiple devices are connected, the 140W total output is shared intelligently between them. Your laptop might get 100W while your phone gets 20W, for example. The display shows real-time wattage per port.

How long does it take to recharge the power bank?

Under one hour with a 140W USB-C charger. With a standard 30W charger, expect about 3 hours. The fast self-recharge is one of its best features — plug it in while you shower and it's full before you leave the hotel.


Bottom Line: The Anker 737 Power Bank is the gold standard for portable laptop charging. The 140W output, smart display, and airline-safe capacity make it indispensable for anyone who works on the go with a laptop. At $150 it's a premium product, but it replaces both your phone charger and your laptop adapter for travel days.

Remote Tech Gear is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we've actually tested in our Marietta, GA home office. Full disclosure here.