New charging gadgets rarely excite me, but this one does. Twelve South built its new PowerClip, a 2,000mAh emergency power bank, around a simple premise. Most people already own a backup charger, but they rarely have it with them when they really need it. The tiny, lightweight PowerClip fixes that by living on your keychain, pocket or bag rather than in a drawer at home, the company said Tuesday.
And it’s only about the size of a container of dental floss — complete with two built-in cables! I would forget I had it with me — but hopefully remember it when my iPhone battery dropped into the red zone.
Twelve South PowerClip: Small enough to forget you’re carrying it
At just 45 grams — roughly the weight of an Apple Watch — PowerClip works for permanent everyday carry rather than the occasional travel day, according to Twelve South. A built-in attachment ring and an included zinc-alloy carabiner let you clip it to a bag strap, belt loop or backpack zipper. So it stays accessible without occupying any meaningful space.
Known for a variety of accessories, the company describes it as an emergency charger rather than a traditional power bank, and the distinction matters: it isn’t meant to carry a full day’s charge, but to get you out of trouble when your screen flashes 1%.
The capacity is deliberately modest. The 2,000mAh battery delivers around 25–30% charge back to an current-generation iPhone, or a full charge to a pair of AirPods. That’s enough to make a call, navigate home, or pull up your boarding pass — which is exactly the point.
Two cables, no separate accessories needed
Photo: Twelve South
One of the more clever details is the pair of integrated USB-C cables built directly into the device. There’s nothing to dig out of your bag or leave behind. Both cables can charge devices at up to 5W simultaneously, so you can top up an iPhone and AirPods at the same time.
One cable also serves as the input for recharging the PowerClip itself, and it supports passthrough charging. That means the PowerClip can refuel while it’s powering a connected device. A single press activates it. Four LED indicators show remaining battery at a glance. A full recharge from any USB-C source takes under two hours.
Color options for something you carry every day
Photo: Twelve South
The PowerClip is available in five finishes — Dune, Slate, Mint, Fuchsia and Teal — a nod to the idea that something you clip to your belongings every day should feel like a considered choice rather than a compromise.
Twelve South also launched a limited-edition PowerClip × ALPAKA Micro Tote collaboration. The tote is a small carry pouch with a dedicated home for the PowerClip in coordinated colors. It’s available for $29.99.
Twelve South PowerClip: Pricing and availability
Twelve South's super-compact 2,000mAh PowerClip power bank really can go with you anywhere for emergency device charging. It clips onto anything, fits in bags and pockets, and includes two built-in USB-C cables.
Twelve South PowerClip is available now directly from Twelve South’s website for $39.99. It should arrive on Amazon later in May, the company said.
David Snow, an expert on Apple hardware and software, writes on a variety of technological and cultural topics for Cult of Mac. They include Apple news, technology buying guides, and features about computer setups and Apple TV shows and movies.
With 30 years of experience covering technology and other subjects, he has written and edited for numerous print and online publications, including CMP Media, TechTV.com, CNET, Wired News, Red Herring magazine, Law.com, The National Law Journal and Law Technology News magazine. Among other roles, he served as executive editor of the Law.com network of websites and editorial director, technology, for ALM Media.
Snow graduated with a B.A. from Syracuse University with majors in magazine journalism and psychology. While there, he worked as a reporter for The Daily Orange newspaper and associate editor of Equal Time magazine.
Founder of the blog At the Waterline, he can be reached on X (formerly Twitter) via @atthewaterline and on Mastodon via @dsnow.
