Anker A1383 Review: 87W Travel Power with Built-in USB-C Cable
The Anker A1383 is a high-capacity portable power bank delivering 87W of shared power and a convenient built-in cable, designed for professionals and travelers with multiple devices.
By Elvis Dicki
Updated October 22, 2026
The Anker A1383 is a 20,000mAh portable power bank engineered for users who need reliable, high-speed charging away from a wall outlet. It is positioned as a travel essential, combining substantial capacity with a high 87W total output and the convenience of an integrated USB-C cable. This product is aimed at busy professionals, frequent travelers, and anyone with multiple devices like a laptop, smartphone, and tablet that need simultaneous or rapid top-ups. In short, it’s a versatile power station designed to eliminate battery anxiety with fast charging for both the user’s gadgets and the power bank itself.
Anker has built a reputation for reliable charging accessories, and the A1383 model continues this trend by focusing on core user needs: speed, convenience, and capacity. The built-in cable is a standout feature meant to reduce cable clutter and ensure you always have a connection ready. With its airline-approved capacity and ability to deliver up to 65W to a single device, it promises to keep even demanding hardware like a MacBook Pro running. This review will analyze its specifications, design, real-world performance based on owner feedback, and who will benefit most from its particular set of features.
Anker 20000mAh 87W Power Bank with Built-in USB-C
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Anker A1383 at a Glance
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | Anker A1383 |
| Battery Capacity | 20,000mAh |
| Total Output Power | 87W (shared) |
| Single Port Max Output | 65W |
| Ports | Built-in USB-C Cable, 1x USB-C, 1x USB-A |
| Fast Recharge Time | Approximately 1.5 hours (with 65W+ charger) |
| Key Feature | Built-in, durable USB-C cable |
| Compatible Devices | MacBook Pro/Air, iPhone series, Samsung phones, Nintendo Switch |
| Weight | 15.5 oz (440g) |
| Warranty | 18-month limited warranty |
Design and Build
The Anker A1383 power bank features a rectangular, monolithic design with dimensions of 6.2 by 2.9 by 1.0 inches. Weighing 15.5 ounces (440 grams), it has a substantial feel that communicates its high capacity, though this also means it adds noticeable weight to a bag compared to smaller units. The construction is focused on durability, particularly for the integrated USB-C cable which is a central design element. Anker states this built-in cable is engineered to withstand over 10,000 bends, aiming for long-term reliability and convenient storage by wrapping around the body or tucking into a dedicated slot.
The physical layout is practical. Alongside the non-removable built-in cable, the unit houses two additional ports: a USB-C port and a USB-A port, providing flexibility for charging three devices simultaneously. A button and a small display are present, with the display showing remaining battery percentage. The button serves to activate output and, as noted in user reviews, can be double-pressed to enable a low-current mode for charging very small devices like Bluetooth earbuds, indicated by a green leaf icon on the screen. The overall design prioritizes function and resilience for travel and daily carry.
Performance and Features
Charging Speed and Power Delivery
The headline performance feature is the 87W total power output, which can be distributed across the three available connections. The most powerful single-device charge comes from the dedicated ports, capable of delivering up to 65W. This is sufficient for fast-charging many modern laptops; Anker claims it can charge a 14-inch MacBook Pro to 50% in under 40 minutes. For smartphones, using the built-in cable can elevate an iPhone 15 Pro to 58% or a MacBook Air to 52% in 30 minutes. The fast charging capability extends to replenishing the power bank itself, which can be fully recharged in about 1.5 hours when using a 65W or higher USB-C Power Delivery charger.
Capacity and Real-World Output
The rated capacity is 20,000mAh, which is approved for airline travel. However, due to energy conversion losses in voltage transformation and circuit efficiency, the actual energy delivered to devices is less. The manufacturer notes that a fully charged A1383 provides an estimated 11,000mAh to 14,000mAh of effective capacity to power devices. This is a critical specification for buyers to understand, as it dictates how many full charges one can expect. Using the formula provided by Anker (Power Bank Capacity x 0.65 ÷ Device Battery Capacity), a 20,000mAh bank could offer roughly 3.8 full charges for a device with a 3,500mAh battery.
Connectivity and Compatibility
Connectivity is a major strength. The built-in USB-C cable offers instant connectivity for a wide range of Android devices and for recharging the power bank, eliminating the need to pack a separate cable for those tasks. For Apple devices, the manufacturer recommends using a certified compatible cable for optimal performance, as Apple’s charging specifications can differ. The additional USB-C and USB-A ports ensure broad compatibility with virtually any device that charges via cable, including the iPhone series, Samsung Galaxy phones, the Nintendo Switch, cameras, and headphones. This makes it a universal solution for a tech-heavy kit.
Key Features Overview
- 87W Shared Power: Enables rapid charging of multiple devices, with a 65W peak for laptops.
- Built-in USB-C Cable: Designed for durability (10,000+ bends) and immediate use, reducing cable clutter.
- Fast Recharge: The power bank itself can be fully charged in 1.5 hours with a sufficiently powerful adapter.
- Airline-Approved Capacity: The 20,000mAh capacity complies with typical airline regulations for carry-on power banks.
- Multi-Device Charging: Ability to charge three devices simultaneously via the built-in cable and two ports.
- Low-Current Mode: A dedicated mode activated by double-pressing the power button for charging small, low-power devices.
Setup, Support and Ownership
Setup is straightforward: charge the power bank first, then connect devices. It’s important to note that to achieve the advertised 1.5-hour recharge time, a separate 65W (or higher) USB-C PD charger is required, which is not included in the box. Using a lower-wattage charger, like a 30W unit, will significantly increase recharge time to around 4.5 hours. The product comes with a welcome guide and is backed by an 18-month warranty from Anker, along with access to customer service. There are no user-upgradeable components or software to manage, making ownership simple. The durable build, particularly of the integrated cable, is designed for long-term daily use with minimal maintenance.
What Owners Say
Owner feedback is overwhelmingly positive, reflected in the high average rating. The majority of reviews award five stars, praising the power bank’s reliability, charging speed, and the convenience of the built-in cable for travel and daily use. Users highlight its performance in diverse scenarios, from backpacking trips to keep phones and headlamps charged, to daily professional use for topping up laptops and phones. The ability to charge camera gear like GoPros and DSLR batteries is also frequently mentioned. The informative display and the low-current mode for small devices are appreciated features that solve common pain points. Critical feedback mentioned in lower-star reviews typically relates to the size and weight compared to lower-capacity options, and the expected but sometimes surprising realization of effective capacity being lower than the labeled 20,000mAh.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- High 87W output enables fast laptop and phone charging.
- Extremely convenient built-in USB-C cable reduces what you need to carry.
- Fast recharging capability for the power bank itself.
- Airline-approved capacity suitable for travel.
- Durable construction with a cable rated for extensive flexing.
- Wide compatibility with major laptop and phone brands.
- Useful low-current mode for small devices.
Cons
- Effective capacity is reduced due to energy conversion losses.
- Bulkier and heavier than lower-capacity power banks.
- Requires a separate high-wattage charger for fastest recharge (not included).
- The built-in cable may not be ideal for all device placements while charging.
- Primarily benefits users who need high-speed charging; overkill for slow, single-device charging.
Who Should Buy It (and Who Should Skip It)
The Anker A1383 is an ideal choice for frequent travelers, digital nomads, and professionals who carry a work laptop like a MacBook Pro or Air and need a reliable power boost during long days away from an outlet. It’s also excellent for outdoor enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone with multiple devices who values the simplicity of a built-in cable and fast charging speeds. If your primary need is to keep a smartphone alive during a day trip, consider exploring other tech gear reviews for smaller, lighter options. Similarly, if you require even more power for high-end gaming laptops or simultaneous charging of several high-wattage devices, Anker’s own higher-output models may be more suitable. This power bank is best for those whose use case justifies its size and power.
Final Verdict
The Anker A1383 20,000mAh Power Bank successfully executes on its promise as a travel-essential charger. It delivers impressive 87W power sharing, genuinely fast device charging, and the standout convenience of a durable, integrated USB-C cable. The fast recharge feature for the bank itself is a significant quality-of-life improvement over slower-charging competitors. While it is bulkier than some alternatives and its true effective capacity is lower than the labeled mAh, these are trade-offs for the high output and feature set. For the target user, these are acceptable compromises for the performance and reliability gained.
In conclusion, this is a highly recommended power bank for anyone who needs to quickly charge a laptop and other devices on the go. It combines Anker’s trusted build quality with thoughtful features like the low-current mode and a clear battery display. It fits perfectly into a workflow for busy professionals or a travel kit for adventurers. For more insights on essential gear, check out our guides on the best setups for productivity or smart home innovations. If your needs align with fast, multi-device charging and you appreciate the cable-integrated design, the Anker A1383 is a top-tier choice.
FAQs
How many times can it charge my phone?
The number of full charges depends on your phone’s battery capacity and energy conversion losses. The manufacturer states the effective capacity is between 11,000mAh and 14,000mAh. You can estimate charges by using the formula: (Power Bank Capacity x 0.65) / Your Device Battery Capacity. For a phone with a 3,500mAh battery, you could expect approximately 3 to 4 full charges from a fully depleted power bank.
Can I take this on an airplane?
Yes. The Anker A1383 has a 20,000mAh capacity, which is within the typical limit of 100Wh (which equates to about 27,000mAh at 3.7V) allowed by most airlines for carry-on luggage. It is marketed as being airline-approved, but it’s always a good practice to check with your specific airline before traveling.
Why does my device stop charging after a minute?
Some very small devices, like certain wireless earbuds or older Bluetooth accessories, draw such a low current that the power bank’s auto-shutoff feature may engage. To charge these devices, double-press the power button on the A1383 to activate its low-current mode, indicated by a green leaf icon on the display. This mode provides a steady, low-power output suitable for such gadgets.
What charger do I need to recharge the power bank quickly?
To achieve the advertised 1.5-hour full recharge time, you need to use a USB-C Power Delivery charger that provides 65W or higher output. Using a lower-wattage charger, such as a standard 30W phone charger, will still work but will take significantly longer—around 4.5 hours for a full charge. This high-wattage charger is not included with the power bank.
About the author
Elvis Dicki writes reviews and buying guides for CyberSecLabs.