Anker 737 Power Bank Review: A Traveler's Cure for Battery Anxiety?

Author Byline: By David Miller / Last updated on August 12, 2025

Introduction

The dreaded 10% battery notification. We’ve all seen it. For me, it flashed on my MacBook Pro screen about two hours into a cross-country flight from New York to San Francisco. I had a client presentation to finish before we landed, and the in-seat power outlet was, of course, broken. I felt that familiar wave of panic, that cold feeling of being digitally stranded at 30,000 feet. It’s a constant struggle for me as a consultant who basically lives out of airports and coffee shops. My office is wherever my laptop is, and my productivity is directly tied to my battery life.

This very frustration is what led me to the Anker 737 Power Bank (PowerCore 24K). It promises a massive capacity, ridiculously fast 140W charging, and a slick smart display that gives you all the data you could ever want. But does it actually solve the real-world problems of a power-hungry professional, or is it just expensive overkill?

I’ve spent the last month putting this power bank through its paces—on planes, in chaotic cafes, and during long workdays away from a wall outlet. If you’re wondering if this is the last power bank you’ll ever need to buy, you’ve come to the right place. This is the definitive guide.

Anker 737 Power Bank Review: A Traveler's Cure for Battery Anxiety?

Is the Anker 737 the ultimate power bank for your laptop? My hands-on review reveals if its 140W speed and smart display are worth the price tag.

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The Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF)

• Who should buy this? Power users, frequent travelers, digital nomads, and tech professionals who rely on keeping multiple devices (including a laptop) charged and can't afford downtime.
• Who should skip this? Casual users who only need to top up their phone, budget-conscious buyers, or anyone prioritizing pocketability and lightness over raw power.

My Final Score: 8.8/10✨✨✨✨✨✨

What Real Users Love (The Pros)

• Blazing-Fast 140W Output: This is the headline feature, and it’s genuinely impressive. It can push enough power to fast-charge a 16-inch MacBook Pro.
  • Why this matters to you: It drastically cuts down your "tethered to the wall" time. You can get a meaningful amount of laptop battery life in the time it takes to grab a coffee.
  • In my own testing, this was a total game-changer during a tight connection at Chicago O'Hare. I plugged in my MacBook at 15% and by the time I boarded 40 minutes later, I was over 65%. That’s not just convenient; it’s a professional lifesaver.
• The Incredibly Useful Smart Display: The full-color screen shows you input/output wattage, remaining capacity, and time until full/empty.
  • Why this matters to you: It removes all the guesswork. You know exactly how fast your devices are charging and how much juice you have left, down to the minute.
• Massive 24,000mAh Capacity: This is enough to charge an iPhone 15 almost 5 times, a Samsung S23 Ultra nearly 4 times, or a MacBook Air 1.3 times.
  • Why this matters to you: It’s enough power to get you through a full workday—or a long travel day—without ever worrying about finding an outlet.
• Premium Build Quality: The device feels dense, sturdy, and well-constructed, just as you'd expect from Anker's higher-end products.
  • Why this matters to you: This is an investment, and it feels like one. It's built to be tossed in a backpack and withstand the rigors of travel.

Common Complaints & Potential Deal-Breakers (The Cons)

• It's a "Chonky" Boy (Bulk & Weight): At over 1.3 lbs (630g), this is one of the heaviest and bulkiest power banks in its class.
  • Why this matters to you: This is not a "slip-it-in-your-jeans-pocket" device. You will absolutely feel its weight in your backpack or carry-on.
  • Honestly, I noticed its presence in my backpack immediately. It’s the trade-off for having a portable power station, but if you're an ultralight traveler, you need to seriously consider this weight.
• The Premium Price Tag: This is one of the more expensive portable chargers on the market.
  • Why this matters to you: If you don't own a power-hungry laptop or don't need ultra-fast charging, you can get a "good enough" power bank for a fraction of the cost.
• The Power Bank Itself Takes a While to Recharge: Even with a powerful 140W wall charger (sold separately), it can take around an hour to fully recharge the power bank. With a weaker charger, it can take much, much longer.
  • Why this matters to you: You need to plan ahead to ensure the power bank itself is full before you head out.

Feature Deep Dive: Is The Smart Display Just a Gimmick?

Frankly, I thought the screen would be a novelty I'd ignore after a day. I was wrong. It’s the feature I didn’t know I needed. Seeing that my MacBook is drawing 98W while my phone is pulling 15W simultaneously tells me exactly how the power is being managed. Even more useful is the "Time to Full" estimate when recharging the power bank itself. Knowing it'll be ready in 52 minutes lets me plan my morning before heading out. It transforms the device from a "dumb" battery into an intelligent power management tool.

Best Alternatives (The Competition)

• For the Budget-Conscious Traveler: Anker PowerCore Essential 20000 PD. You lose the blazing 140W speed and the smart display, but you still get a massive capacity from a reliable brand for a much lower price. It's perfect if you just need to keep your phone and tablet alive.
• For a Slimmer Profile: Baseus Blade Laptop Power Bank. This offers 100W output and a 20,000mAh capacity in a thin, flat design that's easier to slide into a laptop sleeve. You sacrifice some power and capacity, but gain significant portability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• 1. Is the Anker 737 allowed on airplanes?
  Yes. The 24,000mAh capacity equals about 88.8Wh (Watt-hours), which is well under the 100Wh limit set by the FAA/TSA for carry-on luggage.
• 2. Can it charge my laptop and my phone at the same time?
  Absolutely. It has two USB-C ports and one USB-A port. It will intelligently distribute the 140W of total power between the connected devices.
• 3. Does it come with a wall charger to recharge it?
  No. To get the fastest recharging speeds for the power bank itself, you'll need a powerful wall charger (100W or 140W), which is sold separately.
• 4. Is it worth the high price?
  If your work or travel depends on keeping a laptop charged, yes. The speed and peace of mind are worth the investment. If you just need to charge a phone, it's overkill.

Final Thoughts & Recommendation

So, did the Anker 737 solve my dreaded low-battery anxiety during my travels? Without a doubt. That moment on the flight to San Francisco will be my last experience of its kind. Knowing I have a portable power station in my bag that can revive my MacBook in under an hour has fundamentally changed how I work on the go. The freedom is palpable.

This isn't a power bank for everyone. It's not a casual accessory; it's a professional-grade tool. If you're a student who just needs to keep a phone alive through classes, look elsewhere. But if you're like me—a road warrior, a digital nomad, a remote professional who sees a "Low Battery" warning as a critical failure—the Anker 737 isn't just a product, it's a piece of essential infrastructure. It's the solution.

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We hope this in-depth review helps you make a confident choice! To continue your research, check out some of our other popular guides:

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Now I'd love to hear from you! Drop a comment below with your experience or any questions I didn't cover. I read every single one.