These excellent portable batteries are perfect for frequent travelers

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AmazonAnker's Astro series of portable USB battery packs have received near-universal acclaim from users and professional reviewers alike, but now the accessories maker has released its follow-up in the PowerCore line.

The new series consists of three battery packs, all of which provide an impressively large chunk of power for their current price. There's the $18 PowerCore 10400, the $30 PowerCore 15600, and the $40 PowerCore 20100. (There are also two PowerCore+ packs that can be recharged faster.) Each battery's name corresponds to their capacity, so the 10400 carries a 10400mAh pack, the 15600 has a 15600mAh pack, and so on.

The three batteries share a smooth matte finish and rounded edges that feel nice in the hand — though the 10400 comes in a more easily pocketable square design, while the larger two are more elongated rectangles that're better suited for keeping at home or throwing in a bag. Either way, they're all conveniently light for the amount of power they're packing.

We've been able to test the PowerCore 10400 and PowerCore 20100 over the past couple of weeks, and thankfully, their performance matches up with their design. Per usual with portable batteries, they can't output quite as much power as they advertise (it's usually somewhere around 75-80%), but that still accounts for a sizable amount. We were able to charge a OnePlus One between four and five times with the 20100 before it died, for instance, and a iPad mini about one and a half times with the 10400.

The Panasonic-made batteries charge relatively quickly, too, with a combined output max of 3 amps on the smaller model and 4.8 amps on the larger two. (It's 2.4 amps per port on both.) That's enough to comfortably refill a device on the go. They're reliable. All three packs come with two USB ports for simultaneously charging devices — though those will work best on a larger model — as well as a micro-USB input for hooking it up to a wall charger. Four LED lights are also included to let you know how much power each battery has left.

All told, the PowerCores are well-made, powerful enough for the money, and highly affordable. (At $23, the discounted 15600 model is a particularly great value as of this writing.) They're another set of solid values for most people's portable battery needs.

Anker PowerCore 10400 Portable Charger, $19.99, available at Amazon.
Anker PowerCore 15600 Portable Charger, $22.99, available at Amazon.
Anker PowerCore 20100 Portable Charger, $39.80, available at Amazon.