Overview

The Anker Zolo Power Bank solves the most annoying problem in portable charging: cables. With two built-in USB-C cables permanently attached to the unit, plus a USB-C port and a USB-A port, you can charge up to four devices simultaneously without packing a single extra cable. That is not a gimmick; it is a genuine workflow improvement for anyone who has ever dug through a bag looking for the right cable while their phone dies.

At 20,000mAh and 45W output, the Zolo matches the raw specs of competitors like the INIU and UGREEN Nexode at the same $40 price point. What sets it apart is the dual-cable convenience, Samsung Super Fast Charging 2.0 certification, and Anker's established reputation for build quality and customer support. It also comes in multiple colorways, a small touch that signals Anker is positioning this as a lifestyle product rather than a utilitarian slab. For users who want a single power bank that can handle an iPhone, a pair of earbuds, and a friend's Android phone all at once without cable chaos, the Zolo is the most practical option in the budget-to-midrange tier.

Features Deep-Dive

Dual Built-In USB-C Cables

The Zolo's defining feature is its two permanently attached USB-C cables, each long enough to comfortably reach a phone sitting beside the power bank on a desk or in a bag pocket. This eliminates the most common failure point in portable charging: leaving your cable at home, losing it in a bag, or discovering that the one you packed is the wrong type. The cables tuck into channels along the body when not in use, keeping things tidy. The trade-off is that if a cable is damaged, you cannot replace just the cable. However, Anker uses reinforced connectors rated for thousands of insertions, and the cables sit protected in their channels during transport rather than loose in a bag getting bent and stressed. For couples or families sharing a single power bank, the dual cables mean no waiting or taking turns.

Samsung Super Fast Charging 2.0 Support

Beyond standard USB Power Delivery, the Zolo is certified for Samsung Super Fast Charging 2.0, which enables up to 45W charging on compatible Samsung Galaxy devices. This is a meaningful differentiator if you are in the Samsung ecosystem, because many third-party power banks support PD but not Samsung's proprietary protocol extension. The result is noticeably faster charging on Galaxy S24/S25 series phones compared to generic PD-only power banks, which may negotiate down to 25W or even 15W with Samsung devices. For iPhone users, the standard PD 3.0 implementation delivers the same speeds as any other 45W power bank. The dual-protocol approach means the Zolo works optimally with both major phone ecosystems without requiring any settings changes or special modes.

4-Device Simultaneous Charging

With two built-in cables, one USB-C port, and one USB-A port, the Zolo can charge four devices at once. Total power is shared across active connections, so four devices will not each get 45W, but the power management is intelligent about allocation. A phone on one built-in cable might pull 25W while earbuds on the USB-A port take 5W and a tablet on the other cable gets 15W. The power bank handles negotiation automatically. This makes the Zolo particularly useful in group settings: road trips, airport layovers, or conference days where multiple people need a charge. The USB-A port also ensures backward compatibility with older devices, fitness trackers, and accessories that still use Type-A cables, so you genuinely can leave every cable at home.

Pricing Analysis

The Anker Zolo lists at $39.99 and frequently sells for around $35, placing it in the same price bracket as the UGREEN Nexode 20K while costing roughly double the INIU 45W at its sale prices. The premium over the INIU buys you meaningfully better build quality, an extra built-in cable, 4-device charging versus 2-device, and Anker's robust warranty and support infrastructure. Compared to the UGREEN Nexode at the same price, the Zolo offers an additional built-in cable and one more simultaneous charging slot. For the typical buyer, the $35-40 price point hits a sweet spot: affordable enough to not agonize over, yet well-built enough to last for years. The cost per watt-hour of approximately $0.54/Wh is competitive for a branded power bank with integrated cables. Available colorway options at the same price also add perceived value, since most competitors in this range come only in black.

Who Is This For?

The Anker Zolo Power Bank works best for:

• Cable-averse travelers who want to leave every charging cable at home and still charge phones, tablets, and earbuds from a single device
• Samsung Galaxy users who benefit from Super Fast Charging 2.0 certification for optimal charging speeds that generic PD-only banks cannot match
• Families and couples who share a power bank and need to charge two phones simultaneously without negotiating cable access
• Daily commuters who want a reliable 20K bank from a trusted brand at a price that does not require much deliberation

Who Should NOT Use This

The Anker Zolo Power Bank might not be the right choice if:

• You want the absolute lowest price: The INIU 45W offers the same capacity and charging speed for $15-20 less at typical sale prices. If build quality and dual cables do not matter to you, the savings are significant
• Cable durability concerns you: Built-in cables cannot be replaced independently. If you are rough on cables or work in environments where snags are common, a power bank with a separate cable gives you a replaceable failure point
• You want a smart display: The Zolo uses basic LED indicators rather than a percentage display or TFT screen. If knowing your exact remaining capacity matters, the Anker Nano 10K or INIU 45W provide more informative readouts

Bottom Line

The Anker Zolo Power Bank is the best cable-free portable charger you can buy under $40. Dual built-in cables, 4-device simultaneous charging, and Samsung Super Fast Charging support combine to create the most convenient 20K power bank in its price range. Anker's build quality and brand reliability seal the deal.

FAQ

Can the built-in cables charge a laptop?

The built-in cables deliver up to 45W, which is enough to slow-charge or maintain some ultrabooks (like a MacBook Air) but not enough to power most laptops under heavy load. For dedicated laptop charging, look at the Baseus Blade 100W or Anker Prime 26K with higher wattage outputs.

How long does the Zolo take to recharge from empty?

With a 45W wall charger, expect roughly 4 hours for a full recharge from 0% to 100%. Using a lower-wattage charger (like a basic 10W adapter) will extend that to 8-10 hours. For overnight charging, any adapter works fine; for quick turnarounds, match it with a 45W+ charger.

Do both built-in cables support fast charging simultaneously?

Yes, but total power is shared. If both cables are in use, each may deliver around 20-25W rather than the full 45W. A single cable with no other ports active will deliver the maximum 45W to a compatible device.

Is the Zolo compatible with iPhones?

Absolutely. The USB-C cables work natively with iPhone 15 and later, and USB PD fast charging delivers up to 27W to iPhones that support it. For older Lightning iPhones, you would need to use the USB-A port with a separate Lightning cable.