Anker 325 Power Bank Review UK: Is the PowerCore 20K II Worth It?
- Fred & Ellis
- 7 hours ago
- 2 min read
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Your phone hits 3% on the train home, your earbuds died an hour ago, and there isn't a plug in sight. It's the small, modern panic a good power bank quietly solves — and the Anker 325 (PowerCore 20K II) is one of the most popular budget-friendly options in the UK. But is 20,000mAh actually enough, and is Anker's reputation deserved? We put it under the spotlight.
🔋 At a glance
20,000mAh capacity — roughly 3–4 full phone charges
Dual USB outputs to charge two devices at once
Best for: commuters, travellers and festival-goers who want reliable device top-ups
Not for: powering laptops, cameras via mains, or anything beyond USB devices
⚡ Capacity: what 20,000mAh really gives you
Capacity on the box is never what reaches your phone — conversion losses eat roughly 30%. In practice the Anker 325's 20,000mAh delivers around 13,000–14,000mAh of usable power, which is enough for about 3–4 full charges of a typical smartphone, or a couple of top-ups plus a tablet. For a weekend away or a long festival day, that's genuinely reassuring headroom.
Charging speed
The Anker 325 charges at up to 15W over USB — fine for phones, earbuds and tablets, though not the fastest on the market. If you need laptop-level USB-C Power Delivery you'll want a higher-tier Anker (the Prime range). Recharging the power bank itself takes a few hours from the mains, so top it up the night before you travel.
Build & everyday use
It's pocketable but has weight to it — that's the battery. The finish is understated, the twin USB ports mean you can share with a travel companion, and the four-LED indicator tells you roughly how much is left. It's the kind of unfussy kit that lives in a bag and just works.
⚖️ Anker 325 vs the alternatives
Anker 325 (PowerCore 20K II): best value for everyday device charging — the sensible default.
Anker Prime power bank: step up for fast USB-C laptop charging and higher output.
Anker PowerCore 325 vs a portable power station: if you want to run mains appliances, a fan, or a cool box, you need a power station, not a power bank — see our guide below.
We compare the full Anker line-up in our best Anker power banks UK guide.
The verdict
For most UK buyers who just want dependable device top-ups on the go, the Anker 325 is an easy recommendation — solid capacity, trusted brand, keen price. Only look elsewhere if you need fast laptop charging (go Prime) or want to power actual appliances (go power station).
🛒 Where to buy
Prices change constantly, so we link straight to the retailer for the current UK price:
(Affiliate links — see our disclosure at the top of this guide.)
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