Power banks have become essential for anyone who relies on their devices throughout the day. Anker, known for reliable charging solutions, offers a wide range of models, and two popular choices are the Anker 525 and the Anker 325.

Both deliver strong performance, but they serve slightly different needs. The 525 packs advanced features and higher charging capacity, while the 325 focuses on simplicity and dependable power at an affordable price.

Comparing them side by side helps buyers understand which model offers the best balance of speed, portability, and value. The 525 appeals to heavy users who want extra ports and faster charging, while the 325 remains a great pick for those who prefer a compact, no-fuss option.

This guide breaks down their features, charging performance, battery size, and overall value so readers can pick the right one for daily use or travel.

Anker 525 vs Anker 325

Portable power banks have become daily essentials. Phones, tablets, and even smart accessories need extra charging on busy days. Anker, a trusted name in charging technology, offers several 20,000mAh models.

Two popular ones are the Anker 525 (PowerCore Essential 20000 PD) and the Anker 325 (PowerCore 20K). Both share the same battery size but work in different ways. The 525 focuses on faster USB-C charging.

The 325 focuses on more device compatibility with extra ports. This article breaks down every detail—features, strengths, drawbacks, and overall opinion – so you can pick the right one.

ANKER Portable 525 Power Bank

 

Product Details

The Anker 525 is a 20,000mAh PD power bank designed for fast-charging smartphones and tablets. It includes:

• 1 USB-C port with 20W Power Delivery output

• 1 USB-A port with 18W output

• USB-A to USB-C cable

• USB-C to USB-C cable

• Anker’s 18-month warranty

This model is aimed at users who need quick charging for modern iPhones, Samsung phones, and other devices that support USB-C PD.

Features

High-Speed USB-C Power Delivery

The 20W PD USB-C port allows much faster charging compared to normal chargers. For example:

• iPhone 12 → 50% in about 30 minutes

• iPad Mini → around 2.5 hours for a full charge

This speed is critical for users who need a quick boost during short breaks.

Dual-Port Flexibility

The second USB-A port adds flexibility. You can charge an older device, earbuds, or a second phone at the same time. Though power splits between ports, it’s still strong enough for two devices.

Huge 20,000mAh Capacity

With 20,000mAh, the Anker 525 provides:

• 5 full charges for iPhone 12

• 4+ charges for Samsung Galaxy S10

• About 2.5 charges for iPad Mini 5
  This capacity can easily last a full weekend trip without needing a wall outlet.

Safety Features

Anker includes multi-protect safety system with overvoltage protection, short-circuit prevention, and temperature control. This makes it safer for expensive devices like iPhones or Samsung flagships.

Portable Yet Large

It’s smaller than many 20,000mAh power banks but still a bit heavy for a pocket. The design is made for travel bags, not jeans pockets.

What is the Good?

• True 20W PD fast charging for modern iPhones and Android phones.

• Two-port setup is simple and reliable.

• High battery capacity supports full weekends of charging.

• Includes two cables, which saves you from extra purchases.

• Solid safety and durability from Anker.

What is the Bad?

• Only two ports, less flexible for families or multiple gadgets.

• Slightly heavy, not ultra-portable for pockets.

• No dedicated trickle mode for small devices like smartwatches.

Overall Opinion

The Anker 525 is ideal for users who want fast charging speed more than extra ports. It’s especially good for iPhone users who want to use PD charging.

Travelers and heavy phone users will like its reliable performance. It’s not the best for charging three devices at once, but for speed-focused charging, it’s one of the best options.

Anker 325 Portable Power Bank

 

Product Details

The Anker 325 is another 20,000mAh power bank, but with a slightly different setup. It includes:

• 1 USB-C port with 15W bi-directional input/output

• 2 USB-A ports

• USB-C cable

• 18-month warranty

This model balances capacity and multiple-device support at the same time.

Features

Triple-Port Charging

Unlike the 525, the 325 has three ports. You can charge three devices at once a phone, tablet, and earbuds, for example. Families or travelers with multiple gadgets may find this more useful.

Bi-Directional USB-C Port

The USB-C port not only charges devices but also recharges the power bank itself. At 15W, it’s slower than the 525, but the flexibility is valuable.

Large 20,000mAh Battery

The capacity delivers:

• 3.6 charges for iPhone 15

• 2.9 charges for Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

• Over 40 hours of extra use for small devices like headphones or smartwatches

PowerIQ and VoltageBoost

These are Anker’s smart charging technologies. They automatically detect the device and adjust the charging flow for faster, safer results. There’s also a trickle-charge mode that prevents overcharging of small devices like AirPods.

Travel-Friendly Build

Its design is simple, compact, and reliable. It’s slightly lighter than the 525 because the output wattage is lower, but size differences are minor.

What is the Good?

• Three ports for charging multiple devices at the same time.

• Bi-directional USB-C means one port for both input and output.

• Trickle mode makes it safe for small gadgets like AirPods or watches.

• Broad compatibility with almost any device.

• Reliable safety and durability from Anker.

What is the Bad?

• Slower charging speed compared to Anker 525 (only 15W max).

• Only one cable included in the box.

• Not strong enough for laptops or large tablets.

Overall Opinion

The Anker 325 is best for users who value more ports and flexibility over raw speed. It works well for families, group travel, or anyone carrying multiple devices. It may not charge as fast as the 525, but the extra USB-A port and trickle-charge support make it versatile.

Detailed Comparison: Anker 525 vs Anker 325

Both are 20,000mAh power banks, but their strengths are different.

• Charging Speed: Anker 525 leads with 20W USB-C PD. Anker 325 caps at 15W.

• Port Count: Anker 325 has three ports. Anker 525 has only two.

• Accessories: Anker 525 comes with two cables. Anker 325 has only one.

• Best for Phones: Anker 525 is better for iPhone 12, 13, 14, or 15 users because of PD support.

• Best for Multi-Device Use: Anker 325 is better for travelers or families carrying three devices.

• Trickle Mode: Present in 325 but not emphasized in 525. Helpful for earbuds or watches.

• Weight & Size: Both are nearly the same, but 325 feels a little lighter since it doesn’t need PD hardware.

In short: Speed lovers pick Anker 525. Multi-device users pick Anker 325.

FAQs

Q1: Can either charge laptops?
No. Both are limited to 20W or below, which is not enough for most laptops.

Q2: Which is faster for iPhone 15?
The Anker 525 with 20W PD will charge iPhone 15 faster than the Anker 325.

Q3: Do they both support tablets?
Yes. Both can handle iPads and Samsung tablets, but slower than wall chargers.

Q4: Which lasts longer in real use?
Both have the same 20,000mAh capacity, so backup time is equal. The only difference is charging speed.

Q5: Which is better for travel?
The Anker 325 is more practical if you travel with friends or family and need multiple ports. The Anker 525 is better if you travel alone and need fast charging.

Conclusion

Both the Anker 525 and Anker 325 share a 20,000mAh battery, but they are built for different users. The Anker 525 shines with 20W USB-C Power Delivery, making it the right choice for fast-charging iPhones and modern Android phones.

The Anker 325 offers three ports and trickle charging, making it better for multiple gadgets and accessories. Your decision depends on your priority: faster charging (525) or more device support (325). Both are strong choices backed by Anker’s reliable quality.