Power banks are one of those gadgets I take for granted – until the exact moment I desperately need one. Over the years, I’ve carried everything from chunky 20,000mAh bricks to razor-thin travel chargers, but very few have actually felt “right”. The Anker Nano Power Bank (10K, 45W) with its built-in retractable USB-C cable is one of the rare ones that did.
It’s small, it’s fast, and it solves the single most annoying issue we all face when travelling or commuting:
“Where’s my cable?”
Built for People Who Hate Carrying Extra Cables
The standout feature is undeniably the retractable USB-C cable. It tucks neatly into the body, doesn’t dangle, doesn’t twist, and feels sturdy enough to survive long-term use. It reminded me of those old retractable badge reels – satisfying to pull, just as satisfying to snap back in.
For someone like me who switches bags often (,laptop bag, vending-machine-engineering-toolbag…), having a power bank with a cable permanently attached is a blessing. You never leave the house unprepared. You never fumble for wires at the bottom of your bag. It just works.
45W Output – Surprisingly Fast, Even for Laptops
On paper, 45W doesn’t sound groundbreaking, but in practice, it’s extremely useful.
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Phones charge at full speed
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Tablets are no problem
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And yes – it tops up my ultrabook in a pinch
I tested it with my Xiaomi 15 and the quick-charging icon popped up instantly. From 20% to around 60% took under half an hour. This is the kind of real-world speed that changes how you use a power bank. Instead of plugging in “just to survive”, you plug in and actually gain hours of usable power.
10,000mAh: The Sweet Spot
I’ve carried larger power banks before, including 20K and even 30K units, but unless I’m travelling overseas, they’re honestly overkill.
10,000mAh is the sweet spot: enough to fully charge most modern phones once (and a bit more), but not too heavy.
This Anker Nano is compact enough to disappear into a pocket, yet dense enough to feel premium. The matte finish and rounded edges give it a friendly, refined look – not the industrial “black brick” style that many power banks still cling to.
Two Ports and Pass-Through Charging
You get:
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1× USB-C Port (in/out)
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Built-in retractable USB-C cable
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Pass-through charging (charge the power bank and your device simultaneously)
Pass-through charging is especially convenient at cafes or airports. You plug the Nano into the wall, plug your phone into the Nano, and everything charges in one neat stack.
Perfect Companion for Today’s USB-C Everything Era
Apple moving to USB-C.
Android long being USB-C.
Laptops adopting USB-C.
Accessories using USB-C.
We’re finally in a place where a single cable can do everything. And this power bank leans into that future by saying, “Why even carry a cable at all?”
It’s honestly the most modern expression of what a power bank should be: small, fast, cable-free, and ready to go.
Any Downsides?
Just one:
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The retractable cable is USB-C only
(If you still live in a Lightning or Micro-USB world… it’s time to move on.)
Other than that, it’s hard to complain. The build quality is top-tier, charging speeds are reliable, and the device never feels hot even when pushing 45W.
Final Thoughts – A Power Bank I Actually Enjoy Carrying
The Anker Nano Power Bank (10K, 45W) ticks all the boxes for me:
✔ Built-in USB-C cable
✔ Fast 45W charging
✔ Compact size
✔ Premium build
✔ Great for phones, tablets, and even laptops in emergencies
✔ Travel-friendly and clutter-free
It’s one of those gadgets that quietly integrates into your daily life. No extra cables, no extra thinking — just a solid, reliable power companion that’s always there when you need it.
If you’re tired of carrying a cable jungle, or if you just want a compact power bank that charges faster than expected, this is one of the easiest recommendations I can give.
