Anker Nano 10K 45W Power Bank Review: A Compact Fast-Charging Power Bank With A Built-In Retractable USB-C Cable

Portable power banks have become everyday essentials, especially as smartphones, tablets, and wireless accessories demand more frequent charging. The challenge is finding a power bank that is easy to carry while still offering enough output to handle modern devices. The Anker Nano 10K 45W Power Bank aims to solve this by combining a compact form factor with fast charging support and a built-in retractable USB-C cable.

What Is It

The Anker Nano 10K 45W is a compact 10,000 mAh power bank designed to balance portability and performance. Its comes with a built-in retractable USB‑C cable, alongside standard USB‑C and USB‑A ports. At first glance, it looks small, almost pocketable, and that sense of portability carries through the rest of its design. It offers up to 45W output, which is enough to recharge most smartphones and tablets. With a 10,000 mAh battery, it is suitable for topping up devices on the go or providing a full charge or two to a phone.

Design & Build

In terms of size, the Nano measures roughly 3.2 x 2 x 1.4 inches, which is noticeably compact for a fast-charging power bank. It fits easily into a backpack pocket or or small pouch without feeling bulky. The plastic body keeps it lightweight while still feeling solid enough for everyday use. The retractable USB-C cable extends about 70cm, providing enough length for comfortable charging, and tucks back neatly inside the device when not in use. This alone removes the common hassle of carrying separate charging cables.

In addition to the built-in cable, the power bank includes a dedicated USB‑C port and a USB‑A port, which adds flexibility for charging multiple devices at once.  There is also a small display that shows battery percentage, output wattage, charging status and battery health. This is a convenient feature for users who  likes to know exactly how much power is left and whether their device is drawing power effectively. The overall design focuses on portability and convenience, with a clean layout that feels practical rather than decorative.

Performance

Performance-wise, The Anker Nano delivers up to 45W output through the USB-C port or the built-in USB-C cable, while the USB-A port supports lower fast-charging speeds at 22.5W max. In daily use, it handles smartphones, tablets, wireless earbuds, and other accessories without any issues. It can also charge light-load laptops, although expectations should be kept realistic due to its size and capacity.

During charging, peak output is usually achieved at the start, but the power bank will reduce output under sustained load to manage heat. This means the full 45W output is not maintained throughout longer charging sessions, especially when charging laptops or multiple devices at the same time. The 10,000 mAh capacity is enough for roughly one full smartphone charge, with some remaining power for a partial top-up depending on the device and charging conditions.

Charging multiple devices simultaneously is possible, but total output is shared between ports. For dual-port USB-C charging, the output is lowered to 15W max at the built-in cable and 7.5W max for the USB-C port. For three-port charging, its further split down to 7.5W Max at each port. This is expected for a power bank of this size and reinforces its role as a daily carry solution rather than a high-capacity charging hub so do keep that in mind if you plan to use all ports simultaneously.

The Anker Nano is also equipped with the improved ActiveShield 3.0 protection. This system monitors temperature over 6,000,000 times per day for intelligent temperature control during charging, around 80 times per second. This help to regulate heat and protect both the power bank and connected devices, adding a peace of mind for charging your devices.

What It Does Well

The Anker Nano 10K 45W stands out for its compact and travel-friendly size, making it easy to carry around for daily commuting or short trips. The built-in retractable USB-C cable adds real convenience, as there is no need to bring extra cables, reducing clutter and the chance of forgetting one. Its combination of a built-in cable with USB-C and USB-A ports allows you to charge multiple devices at once, such as a phone and tablet or a phone and earbuds. The real-time display is also a useful addition, letting you check battery level and output status at a glance. With a 45W output, the Nano offers flexibility beyond just smartphones, making it suitable for tablets and lighter laptops as well.

Where It Falls Short

Despite its strengths, the Nano has clear limitations. Performance can drop during longer charging sessions due to thermal throttling, which means the advertised 45W peak output is often not sustained throughout the entire charge cycle. Its 10,000 mAh capacity limits how many full charges it can provide, making it better suited for topping up a single device rather than powering multiple devices or heavy loads. The cable and casing are designed with portability in mind rather than ruggedness, so it may not be ideal for users who expect extreme durability or frequently travel in rough conditions. In addition, the lack of water or dust resistance means the power bank requires careful handling to avoid exposure to moisture or spills. Also do note that its not 3C certified, so do check with your airline regulations despite it being ultra portable.

Verdict

The Anker Nano 10K 45W is well suited for users who want a compact, easy-carry power bank for everyday devices such as phones, tablets, earbuds, and other light-load electronics. Its combination of portability, convenience, and sufficient power makes it a practical choice for daily commuting, travel, or emergency backup use. However, it is not suitable for heavy-duty laptop charging or for users who need multiple full-device charges on a single outing, as sustained output will throttle and the 10,000 mAh capacity remains limited. Overall, the Nano works best as a reliable daily carry power bank rather than a one-size-fits-all charging solution.