You are at the airport. Your laptop is at 5% and you have a three-hour flight ahead. You reach into your bag and pull out a brick of power. But is it the right brick? Choosing between the anker 737 vs anker prime is tough because they look so similar. One is a classic that everyone loves. The other is the new, shiny model with app support.

I have spent weeks carrying both in my backpack, charging my MacBook, and watching the screens. One of these will save your day, while the other might just be an expensive paperweight depending on what you need. Let’s look at what really matters: heat, speed, and how much juice you actually get.

Key Takeaways:

• The 737 is better value: You can often find it on sale for under $90, and it still hits 140W speeds.

• Prime has a base: If you hate cables, the Anker Prime models can sit on a wireless charging dock (sold separately).

• Watch the capacity: The Anker 737 has 24,000mAh. The Prime comes in 20,000mAh and 27,650mAh sizes.

• The 737 screen is better: It shows battery health and cycles right on the device. Prime hides some of this in an app.

• Efficiency matters: In real tests, the 737 often gives you more usable power than the smaller Prime 20K.

• Shape: The 737 is like a thick "Coke can." The Prime 20K is more like a thin, tall deck of cards.

• Samsung users take note: The 737 has better PPS support for "Super Fast Charging 2.0."

Look at side by side Comparison

The Backpack Test: Size and Weight

When you compare the anker 737 vs anker prime, the first thing you notice is the shape. The 737 (also called the PowerCore 24K) is a chunky beast. It is thick. If you put it in a small laptop bag, it leaves a big bulge. It weighs about 1.4 pounds. It feels like a solid piece of gear, but it is not "pocket friendly."

The Anker Prime (specifically the 20,000mAh model) is a bit sleeker. It is narrower and fits better in side pockets. However, if you go for the massive Prime 27,650mAh, it is even heavier than the 737.

My experience: I found the 737 easier to grab out of a deep bag because of its boxy shape. The Prime models are slippery. If you drop them, they will likely scuff. The 737 has a textured finish that hides scratches much better.

Charging Speed: Is 250W Overkill?

The Anker 737 offers 140W of power. That is enough to charge a 16-inch MacBook Pro at full speed. For most people, this is plenty.

The Anker Prime models go higher. The top-tier Prime hits 250W. But wait—your phone can't take 250W. Even a high-end laptop usually stops at 140W. The only reason you need 250W is if you are charging two big laptops at the same time.

If you are just charging a phone and a tablet, the extra power in the Prime is a waste of money. The 737 is the "sweet spot" for 90% of people.

The Screen: Its Helpful?

Both of these have cool color screens. They show you how much power is going in and out. They also tell you how long until the battery is full.

Why the 737 Wins on Info

The 737 screen is a nerd’s dream. Without any app, you can see:

• Cycle count: How many times the battery has been charged.

• Battery health: If the cells are still in good shape.

• Temperature: If the unit is getting too hot.

Why the Prime is High Tech

The Prime series uses Bluetooth. You can link it to your phone. This is handy if the power bank is at the bottom of your bag and you want to check the percentage. It also has a "Find My" feature to make the power bank beep if you lose it under a couch. But honestly? I rarely used the app. I prefer having the info on the screen like the 737 does.

The Charging Base: The Prime's Secret Weapon

This is the biggest difference in the anker 737 vs anker prime debate. The Prime models have metal pins on the bottom. Anker sells a Charging Base for about $70.

You just set the Prime power bank on the base, and it charges. No cables. It is always ready to go when you leave the house. The 737 cannot do this. You must plug a USB-C cable into the top of the 737 every time.

If you are lazy like me, the base is a life-saver. But it costs extra. If you are on a budget, stick with the 737 and a regular wall plug.

Real Capacity: The Truth About mAh

On paper, the 737 has 24,000mAh. The Prime 20K has less. In my tests, the 737 is very efficient. It doesn't get too hot, so it doesn't waste energy as heat.

Some users report that the Prime 20K drains faster than expected. This is because pushing 200W through a small battery makes it get hot. When a battery gets hot, it loses power. If you want the most "juice" for your buck, the 737 feels like it lasts longer during a long day of travel.

Heat Management: Staying Cool Under Pressure

A hot power bank is a slow power bank.

• Anker 737: It is thick for a reason. There is more space for air. It stays fairly cool even when charging a laptop.

• Anker Prime: The smaller models get warm fast. If it gets too hot, the internal computer will slow down the charging speed to protect itself.

If you live in a hot place or plan to use this outdoors, the 737 is the safer bet for steady speed.

Why the Anker 737 is Still the GOAT in 2026

Even though the Prime is newer, the 737 (PowerCore 24K) is still a favorite on Reddit and tech forums. Why? Because it supports 5A PPS. This is a technical term that means it can charge Samsung phones at their absolute fastest speed. Some Prime models actually have "worse" support for this specific standard.

Also, the 737 is built like a tank. I have dropped mine on concrete twice. It has some scuffs, but the screen still works and it charges perfectly. The Prime's glossy screen looks nice, but it picks up fingerprints and scratches the moment you put it in a bag with keys.

Which One Should You Buy?

After using both, here is my honest take.

Buy the Anker 737 if:

• You want the best price and value.

• You want to see your battery health on the screen.

• You charge a Samsung phone or a Steam Deck.

• You don't care about a "charging base."

Check the Anker Prime if:

• You have the extra money for the charging base.

• You need to charge two laptops at once (get the 27,650mAh model).

• You love using apps to track your gadgets.

• You want the newest, thinnest look.

Our Final lab test

The anker 737 vs anker prime battle comes down to value vs. luxury. The 737 is like a reliable truck. It’s big, it’s strong, and it works every time. The Prime is like a sports car. It’s faster and has more gadgets, but it costs way more and might not be as practical for everyday use.

For me? I still carry the 737. It’s cheaper, it holds more power than the base Prime, and the screen tells me everything I need to know without opening an app.

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