Here’s a detailed review of the Anker 737 Power Bank (PowerCore 24K, 140W) — what it’s good at, where it has trade-offs, and whether it might be a good fit depending on your needs.
Key Specs & Features
Based on official info and lab reviews, here are the main specs and standout features:
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 24,000 mAh (~86.4 Wh) |
| Maximum Output | 140 W from the main USB‑C port (via PD 3.1) |
| Ports | 2 × USB‑C, 1 × USB‑A |
| Input / Recharge Rate | Also supports high input, so it can recharge relatively quickly when using a sufficiently powerful charger |
| Display | OLED or smart display showing remaining battery, input/output wattage, estimated recharge time etc. |
| Size & Weight | Approx 155.7 × 54.6 × 49.5 mm; weight ~630 g (about 22.2 oz) |
| Safety / Monitoring | Includes features such as “ActiveShield 2.0” (temperature & safety monitoring) |
What It Does Very Well (Pros)
Here are the strengths of this power bank that many reviewers and users agree on:
- High Power Output
140 W is excellent, especially for charging power‑hungry laptops (even MacBook Pros etc) at high speed. For devices that can accept high wattage, it significantly reduces wait times. - Large Capacity
24,000 mAh gives you multiple full charges of a smartphone, or partial/full for tablets and small laptops. Great for travel, long work days, remote work etc. - Bi‑Directional High-Speed Charging
It not only outputs high power but also can be recharged relatively quickly (with a suitable charger) thanks to its PD 3.1 support. Less downtime between uses. - Multiple Ports
With 2 USB‑C (one main high‑wattage PD 3.1, the other somewhat lower) plus a USB‑A, you can charge several devices at once. Useful if you carry phone + laptop + accessories. - Informative Display
The OLED / smart display is helpful (shows remaining battery, power in/out etc), which many power banks skip. This makes usage more predictable. - Safety Monitoring
Good safety features (temperature monitoring, etc) help with peace of mind, especially at high output. Also fairly efficient in many modes.
What the Trade‑Offs / Limitations Are (Cons)
It isn’t perfect — here are some of the drawbacks or things to watch out for:
- Size and Weight
At ~630 g, this is not a lightweight power bank. It’s bulky, fairly thick. Not something you’ll slip easily into a slim pocket; better suited for a backpack or travel bag. - Price
It is a premium product, with a price to match. If you only occasionally need to charge small devices (phones etc), many lower-cost banks may serve you well enough. - Full Speed Requires Good Charger & Cable
To get the full 140 W in/out performance, you need compatible charger(s) and good quality cables. If your charger is only 65 W or if your cable isn’t rated, you won’t see top speed. - Thermals / Heat Under Load
With high wattage output, it tends to heat up. That’s somewhat expected, but under sustained heavy load that may affect efficiency or comfort (e.g. holding it) or battery health long term. - No Wireless Charging
If you prefer a power bank that doubles as a wireless charger/pad, this one doesn’t have that. All charging is cable‑based. - Air Travel & Regulations
Although it’s within many airline regulations (under 100 Wh or in some cases just over, depending on region), always check if it’s allowed locally. 86.4 Wh is below 100 Wh, so usually safe, but full compliance depends on law. - Battery Degradation Over Time
As with all lithium‑ion battery packs, capacity will degrade with use (number of charge cycles). Some users mention that after many cycles the capacity and performance drop noticeably. - PPS / Protocol Compatibility
Some users note issues with certain phones/trickle charging or with getting full supported speeds under certain “fast charge” protocols (PPS etc) — it depends on device compatibility.
Real‑World Performance & Use Cases
Putting it into context, here’s how it behaves in practical scenarios:
- Charging a modern laptop on the go: Yes, this is one of the few power banks that can actually deliver enough wattage to charge many laptops at near full speed or at least high speed.
- For phones + tablets + accessories: Excellent. You can likely charge two devices at high speed and a third at moderate speed.
- Travel / long journeys: Good due to capacity and ability to recharge quickly, though you’ll want to carry the proper PD charger.
- Commuting / daily carry: Might be overkill unless your daily includes laptop work or you are away from outlets for long stretches. The weight adds up.
Verdict: Who It’s For & Should You Get It
You should consider the Anker 737 if you:
- Frequently use power‑hungry devices (laptops, gaming devices, tablets) away from outlets.
- Travel often, especially overnight or long trips where you need backup power.
- Want speed + capacity, and are okay carrying a heavier device in exchange for fewer recharges.
- Care about having a display, good safety protections, and premium build.
You might skip / choose something else if you:
- Mostly just charge phones and small gadgets, with regular access to power outlets.
- Need something very lightweight or pocket‑friendly.
- Are on a tight budget and prefer cheaper, lower wattage power banks.
- Want wireless charging built in (this doesn’t have it) or other specialized features.
