The Best Portable Solar Chargers of 2023
Adam has been writing about mobile technology since 2011. He is the former host of the Android Authority podcast, and his work has appeared in numerous publications.
Rich Scherr is a seasoned technology and financial journalist who spent nearly two decades as the editor of Potomac and Bay Area Tech Wire.
The best solar chargers use the sun’s abundant power to keep your devices and batteries topped off. Solar chargers aren’t just for nature enthusiasts. Anyone who spends time away from an electrical outlet will find them helpful.
We recommend the X-DRAGON SunPower Solar Panel Charger for its 40W power output and high-efficiency cells. This charger doesn’t include a power bank to store all that juice, but if you are away from power and need to charge your phone or even your laptop, this is a great option. Opening the eight solar panels will give you plenty of power as long as there’s daylight.
Best Overall
X-DRAGON 40W Portable Foldable Solar Panel Charger
Our best overall charger can produce up to 40W of juice from its eight efficient panels. It opens wide to collect a lot of sunlight with eight high-efficiency panels, but it folds down small enough to fit into your backpack. There’s no water-resistance rating here, so be careful not to get caught in the rain, and no battery is included. But if you have large items that need a charge, the X-DRAGON SunPower Solar Panel Charger is a great choice.
You can plug in your phone and tablet, but you can also scale that up to your laptop with the five included different-sized barrel chargers and connection for your car battery. This is a great item to keep in your emergency car kit or your backpack for camping. The 18-month warranty will give you peace of mind too.
Number of Ports: 2 | Power Output: 2.8A max USB, 18V DC | Types of Ports: USB-A, DC | Number of Cells: 8 | Efficiency: 22 to 25% | Battery Capacity: N/A
Most Portable
BigBlue 28W Solar Charger
The Big Blue Solar Charger is a highly-portable solar charging solution that folds to a tiny 11.1 x 6.3 x 1.3 inches when closed. It’s long but narrow and thin, easily fitting into most backpacks. Included carabiners allow you to open and strap it to your bag outdoors.
There is no built-in battery, but the three USB-A ports allow you to charge any phone or tablet quickly. The panels are waterproof, which our reviewer tested by submerging the cells in a bathtub.
Our reviewer also noted that the advertised 28W output is misleading. There are four 7W panels which add up to 28 Watts. Unfortunately, the panels could output only around 17W maximum during our testing.
There’s a pouch for holding cables or devices while charging, which is a nice bonus. Given its water resistance, we’d recommend this for hikers and campers, even in inclement weather. Of course, cloudy days will mean less charging, but at least you know your panels can stand up to it.
Number of Ports: 3 | Power Output: 5V / 4.8A | Types of Ports: USB-A | Number of Cells: 4 | Efficiency: Not listed | Battery Capacity: N/A
What to Look for in a Portable Solar Charger
Water Resistance
Solar power works best outside, so looking for water resistance in case you unexpectedly get caught in the rain or snow is a good idea.
Built-in Battery
Solar panels generate power, and that power has to go somewhere. If you have a solar panel and nothing plugged in, the panels will not generate energy, which is fine, but a battery would allow you to generate power and store it until you need it.
Power Output
Keep in mind the kinds of devices you’ll be using. Most solar panels can do the job if all you need to charge is a phone or tablet. If you need to power something larger, such as a laptop or car, you’ll need a powerful setup to get the job done.
That depends mostly on the cells’ efficiency and the amount of sunlight you’re getting. Solar panels are getting more and more efficient these days, which means they’re capable of generating a lot of power. On a bright, sunny day, it’s not unreasonable to think you can generate enough power for a phone and tablet or even bigger items.
If it’s big enough, a solar panel can deliver a charge to your car’s battery to allow it to start. A jump start technically means you’re drawing from a power source to start your car right away. The solar option is more of a car battery charger, meaning you’ll need to wait some time for your car’s battery to charge before you can turn the key. But yes, it is possible.
Solar panels should never be left in a window or in a car to charge. The glass from the window can FOCUS with light on the panels and cause them to overheat. Solar panels are meant to be outside and under the sun, or put away.
Best MagSafe portable battery packs and power banks for iPhone 12, 13 and 14
Portable power banks that charge your phone are popular, but wireless battery packs using Apple’s MagSafe technology offer a simpler and smarter cable-free solution for iPhone 12, 13 and 14 users.
Phone batteries are prone to run dry just when you’re heading away from a power source, so having a portable charging source is one of today’s necessities. Annoyingly, most power banks require you to carry around a cable, too.
Wireless power banks do away with cables but come with their own major limitation–the inefficiency of wireless charging means you need a high-capacity power bank to fully charge a drained iPhone.
I use one as a quick bedside iPhone charger so I can charge and use the phone at the same time without having to worry about cable length. And of course I carry one around with me in my bag for on-the-move recharging.
MagSafe is a technology that’s compatible with all iPhone 12, 13 and 14 models, from the mini to the Pro Max. It allows accessories to connect magnetically to the back of the iPhone.
The MagSafe connection is precise enough to make wireless charging more efficient as around 20% of Qi power loss is from poor placement of a phone and the wireless charging pad. WStandard Qi wireless charging can lose as much as 50% of the portable battery’s power, MagSafe wireless charging loses ‘just’ 30%.
While it’s not as efficient as using a cable to charge a phone, MagSafe is a tech that brings true wireless charging a step closer to doing away with cables altogether.
We have tested the best MagSafe chargers to find which is the right one for you and your iPhone. Here we have tested the best MagSafe battery packs.
Certified MagSafe or MagSafe compatible
Not all are officially certified MagSafe by Apple but we’ve included only those MagSafe-compatible battery packs that work as efficiently as the “Made for MagSafe” models. Official certification is more important for wired MagSafe chargers as the 15W charging power of MagSafe-certified chargers beats the 7.5W maximum for mere MagSafe-compatible accessories.
In comparison, the portable battery packs tested here can’t reach 15W, except those that can be charged simultaneously by wire and wireless, as the Apple MagSafe Battery Pack can.
We have listed the speeds at which each portable power bank can be charged itself (Input charger) and charge the iPhone (Output charger).
We’ve also included a few alternative non-magnetic options, including standard power banks and battery cases. MagSafe is cool but it isn’t always the best option.
After the list of our favorites, you’ll find more details on how MagSafe works and why you should be looking at a power bank’s capacity in Watt Hours rather than the mostly quoted Milliamp Hours.
Apple MagSafe Battery Pack – Smartest MagSafe battery
- MagSafe
- Compact
- Smarter battery features than rivals
- Cable plus wireless charging (15W)
Capacity: 11.13Wh (1460mAh/2920mAh)
Input charger: Lightning (27W)
Output charger: Wireless (5W) Lightning (15W combined)
MagSafe: Certified
Tested: Yes
Charged drained iPhone to: 60%
Weight: 114g
Dimensions: 9.6-x-6.4-1.1cm
Colors: White
Compatibility: iPhone 12/13 mini, iPhone 12/13/14, iPhone 12/13/14 Pro, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 12/13/14 Pro Max
Compatible with all models of iPhone 12, 13 and 14, the Apple MagSafe Battery Pack is an intelligent and convenient lightweight power pack that magnetically clamps to the iPhone.
While underpowered compared to the competition, it will charge a fading iPhone up to around 60%, which should be enough to get you through the day to when you have access to a power outlet.
Wireless charging isn’t the speediest at 5W, but unlike most other MagSafe chargers, the Apple Battery Pack can charge an iPhone at 15W using a wireless and a Lightning cable simultaneously.
Its Apple advantage is its Smart features that show onscreen battery power icons and safety features that stop charging when too hot or before the phone’s internal battery could be compromised – meaning it’s good practice to stop charging a phone battery at 90% for long-term battery health.
Available in white only, the Apple MagSafe Battery Pack is smarter but more expensive compared to third-party alternatives.
Belkin BoostCharge Power Bank 5K Stand – Best MagSafe battery pack with stand
Capacity: 18Wh (5000mAh)
Input charger: USB-C (18W)
Output charger: Wireless (7.5W) USB-C (10W)
MagSafe: Compatible
Tested: Yes
Charged drained iPhone to: 90%
Weight: 152g
Dimensions: 9.4-x-6.4-1.4cm
Colors: Black, White, Lavender Purple (US), Blush Pink (US)
Compatibility: iPhone 12/13 mini, iPhone 12/13/14, iPhone 12/13/14 Pro, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 12/13/14 Pro Max
The battle to be the best MagSafe-compatible power bank that also boasts a kickstand is a close run thing between the Belkin BoostCharge and the Anker MagGo 622. Both have 5000mAh batteries but the Belkin won in our head-to-head tests, recharging a faded iPhone 13 Pro by 90%, compared to Anker’s 80%.
The Belkin’s kickstand is easier to use and feels more robust, and the battery pack itself is marginally smaller. We still love the Anker 622 but the Belkin wins the battle of the MagSafe kickstand power banks.
It also beats Apple’s 5W wireless charging with 7.5W when clamped to the back of an iPhone, and while it doesn’t hit 15W on simultaneous wired and wireless charging like the Apple MagSafe Battery Pack, it can be charged with a cable at a chippy 10W.
The Pink and Purple colors are available in the U.S. only. Everyone else gets either Black or White models to choose from.
Anker MagGo 622 Magnetic Battery – MagSafe battery pack with stand
Capacity: 19.13Wh (5000mAh)
Input charger: USB-C (12W)
Output charger: Wireless (7.5W)
MagSafe: Compatible
Tested: Yes
Charged drained iPhone to: 80%
Weight: 146g
Dimensions: 10.5-x-6.6-x-1.3cm
Colors: White, Gray, Purple, Green, Blue
Compatibility: All iPhone 12, 13 and 14, except mini
The Anker MagGo 622 Magnetic Battery is cheaper than the Apple MagSafe Battery Pack, has a larger battery capacity and is available in multiple muted colours: white, purple, green, blue and gray.
It works with all MagSafe iPhone, but sits a little over the smaller iPhone mini when magnetically attached.
We love that the Anker 622 comes with its own built-in fold-out stand, which with MagSafe’s pulling power will hold your iPhone securely in either portrait/vertical or landscape/horizontal mode. The Belkin BoostCharge 5K, reviewed above, has a tougher metal pull-out stand, and also offer another 10% of charge on the better-looking Anker 622.
The stand folds away so that it can be popped in a to be magnetically clamped to the phone when you need it most – and operates just like the Apple battery pack.
In our battery tests, the 622 managed to charge a drained iPhone to 80% of full power, which is a significant jump on Apple’s MagSafe Battery Case and the UAG Lucent Charger (also with kickstand) that both powered the iPhone to just 60%.
The Anker battery is rated at 19.13Wh (5,000mAh) but, like all the other wireless chargers loses a decent chunk of that power to environmental factors. As its battery is larger than Apple’s, it actually loses a little more but has plenty in reserve to make up for this.
The Anker battery charges wirelessly at 7.5W–faster than Apple’s 5W charge, although the Apple battery can use the wireless Qi and cabled USB-C power simultaneously to speed charging at up to 15W.
It ships with a 60cm USB-C cable.
UAG Lucent Wireless Portable Charger with Kickstand – Best small magnetic power bank
Capacity: 15.4Wh (4000mAh)
Input charger: USB-C (18W)
Output charger: Wireless (7.5W)
MagSafe: Compatible
Tested: Yes
Charged drained iPhone to: 62%
Weight: 129g
Dimensions: 10.5-x-6.6-1.3cm
Colors: Black, Deep Ocean, Marshmallow, Orchid
Compatibility: iPhone 12/13 mini, iPhone 12/13/14, iPhone 12/13/14 Pro, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 12/13/14 Pro Max
A third-party alternative to Apple’s MagSafe Battery Pack is Urban Armor Gear’s Lucent Wireless Portable Charger. Like the Apple Battery Pack, it’s not the highest capacity battery on test here, but it is dinky—just a little larger and heavier than Apple’s.
The battery capacity appears a lot larger in the specs, but Apple’s Smart magic means they both tested in real life around the same–raising a dead iPhone to just over 60% charge.
This UAG portable magnetic charger beats Apple on having a handy built-in kickstand and a choice of colors, as well as faster charging at 7.5W. And it’s also a decent amount cheaper.
It ships with a 1m USB-C cable, although it’s old-school USB-A on the wall-plug end.
Moft Snap Stand Power Set – Best wallet/stand magnetic battery pack
Capacity: 13.1Wh (3400mAh)
Input charger: USB-C (10W)
Output charger: Wireless (7.5W)
MagSafe: Compatible
Tested: Yes
Charged drained iPhone to: 50%
Weight: 120g
Dimensions: 9.9-x-6.6-x-1.2cm
Colors: Black, Blue, Brown, Purple
Compatibility: iPhone 12/13 mini, iPhone 12/13/14, iPhone 12/13/14 Pro, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 12/13/14 Pro Max
The Moft Snap Stand Power Set is a clever combination of magnetic battery pack with a detachable stand that also holds up to three travel or credit cards.
The faux leather stand took me a few goes to work out how it works, but once you’ve mastered it, it’s easy. Previously, I haven’t seen a stand that can hold cards at the same time, so this is smarter than most MagSafe stands.
The supplied USB-C cable also links magnetically to the battery pack, which will charge a connected iPhone first before the power bank itself. While the battery pack offers only a 50% charge, that will likely be enough for most trips away from a fixed power source. If you need more portable battery capacity, look at an alternative such as the Anker MagGo 622 (80% charge).
It is MagSafe-compatible but curiously boasts a usually only-MagSafe-certified feature, where there’s a visual representation of available charge on the iPhone itself.
Anker MagGo 633 Magnetic Wireless Charger – Best multi-function MagSafe charger
- Battery capacity
- Portable power bank and dual-device charging stand
- 7.5W
- Colors
Capacity: 19.13Wh (5000mAh)
Input charger: USB-C (25W)
Output charger: Wireless (7.5W)
MagSafe: Compatible
Tested: Yes
Charged drained iPhone to: 84%
Weight: 132g
Dimensions: 10.6-x-6.6-x-1.2cm
Colors: White, Blue, Gray
Compatibility: All iPhone 12, 13 and 14, except mini
The Anker MacGo 633 Wireless Charger is more than just a MagSafe charger. It’s also an adjustable stand that charges the iPhone when in place, and also keeps the 633 battery charged for when you need to slip it out of its holster for portable use.
And the base of the stand is also Qi-enabled so can wirelessly charge an Airpods case or similarly sized Qi-ready device.
As a portable battery charger that magnetically attaches to the iPhone it is similar to its non-charge-stand sibling, the Anker MagGo 622. And it has the same 19.13Wh (5000mAh) battery that offers a greater charge potential than Apple’s own MagSafe Battery Pack.
In our tests, it charged an empty iPhone 13 Pro up to 84%, beating the 622’s 80% and Apple’s 60%.
It charges the iPhone at a decent 7.5W–the same as the 622 and 1.5x better than the Apple – and comes with a 25W wall charger and 1.5m USB-C cable.
The Anker MagGo 633 is great value as it offers so many functions: desktop charger, portable power bank, Airpods charger, and adjustable viewing stand, and is doesn’t compromise on any of those roles.
ESR HaloLock Kickstand Wireless Power Bank
Capacity: 37Wh (10000mAh)
Input charger: USB-C (18W)
Output charger: Wireless (7.5W), Wired (20W)
MagSafe: Compatible
Tested: Yes
Charged drained iPhone to: 149%
Weight: 219g
Dimensions: 10.4-x-6.9-x-2cm
Colors: White, Black
Compatibility: All iPhone 12, 13 and 14
The ESR Halolock Kickstand Wireless Power Bank might not mention its magnetism in its name, but it is a worthy alternative to Apple’s MagSafe Battery Pack.
It’s MagSafe compatible rather than certified, so charges at 7.5W instead of 15W, but its 10000mAh battery capacity is significantly greater.
It also boasts a robust metal kickstand that can be used in both portrait and landscape modes.
That and its giant capacity positions it as a competitor to the SWIO/CAVN Magnetic Wireless Portable Charger (reviewed above). While it’s more expensive, it did power our faded iPhone for longer and has a tougher kickstand. It’s also a little smaller, but a tiny bit heavier.
Passthrough charging lets you charge your phone and power bank at the same time.
SWIO Magnetic Wireless Portable Charger – Highest capacity attachable MagSafe battery pack
Capacity: 38.5Wh (10000mAh)
Input charger: USB-C (22W)
Output charger: Wireless (7.5W) USB-C (22W combined)
MagSafe: Compatible
Tested: Yes
Charged drained iPhone to: 136%
Weight: 210g
Dimensions: 10.4-x-6.6-x-2.1cm
Colors: Black, Blue
Compatibility: All iPhone 12, 13 and 14 models
The SWIO/CAVN Magnetic Wireless Portable Charger boasts a giant battery, with 38.5Wh (10,000mAh) capacity. This colossal capacity means it is a bit of a colossus itself, significantly fatter than other portable chargers tested here.
It’s chunky thickness will fit in a while clamped to a phone but only just. It’s more a charger on the table type of power bank.
Indeed, with its handy built-in stand, you can settle down to watch a movie while your phone is re-energized.
It recharged our test iPhone 13 Pro to 100% and then another 36% above that, so it can charger a couple of flagging phones, or iPhone and Airpods (via cable), or just keep juice spare for a decent top up later. It will charge a non-Pro 12, 13 or 14 even further. It’s even capable of giving a respectable charge to an iPad Pro.
iWalk Magnetic Wireless Power Bank – Best MagSafe battery with LED display
Capacity: 22.2Wh (6000mAh)
Input charger: USB-C (18W)
Output charger: Wireless (7.5W), USB-C (18W)
MagSafe: Compatible
Tested: Yes
Charged drained iPhone to: 105%
Weight: 158g
Dimensions: 10.3-x-6.5-x-1.8cm
Colors: Black, White, Pink
Compatibility: All iPhone 12, 13 and 14 models
The iWalk Magnetic Wireless Power Bank has a couple of features not found on other magnetic battery packs.
The most obvious is the finger ring, which is meant to mean safer holding but we prefer to grip our phone using a whole hand. But it does double-up as a kickstand for the iPhone so you can place it in a horizontal/landscape viewing position–horizontal feels more stable.
Even more useful is the LED battery-charge indicator that shows you exactly how much charge is in the power bank. This is way more helpful than the usual array of four tiny LEDs that most battery packs come with and especially more informative than Apple’s single Orange (not full) or Green (full) LED that lights up only when cable- connected to a power source.
The iWalk power bank also boasts a sizeable battery, with 2.2Wh (6000mAh) capacity. It recharged our test iPhone 13 Pro to 100% and then another 5% above that, so, in reality, a full charge with a little over for expected battery drain if left sitting in your bag for a few days. And it will charge a non-Pro 12, 13 or 14 even further.
As such, it’s heavier and fatter (including the pull-out ring) than most other magnetic power banks tested here.
It can charge while magnetically clamped to the iPhone and also (but not simultaneously) by USB cable at an impressive 18W, although you’ll need a USB-C-to-Lightning cable for wired charging.
it comes with a USB-C-to-USB-C cable for charging the pack itself, and also a Magsticker to attach to non-MagSafe phones for the same battery-pack functionality.
Best Portable Solar Chargers For 2023
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For decades, “solar power” meant either large industrial facilities or bulky, expensive home arrays on a roof. But technology has come a long way, and solar power has become far more affordable. than that, you can now take solar power with you. Whether you’re camping, on a hike or simply out on the town for the day, there are plenty of great options for affordable portable solar chargers. These devices range from battery packs with integrated solar panels to suitcase-sized kits that offer more charging and battery capabilities. The smaller units are great for tossing in a backpack, while the larger ones will make a great addition to a day at the beach. Whatever your budget or needs, we’ve found the best five options on the market today.
- Blavor Qi Portable Charger : Best Handheld Solar Charger
- QiSa Solar Power Bank : Best Enhanced Handheld Solar Charger
- TopSolar SolarFairy : Best Compact Camping Solar Charger
- BigBlue Solar Charger : Best Charger for Long Hikes
- Jackery Solar Generator : Ultimate Solar Charger
Featured Products
Editorial Picks
This device is a tank. It is waterproof, dustproof and shockproof. You can toss it in a backpack or your trunk and never have to worry about it. Designed for camping and hiking, it includes two flashlights that work up to 164 feet away as well as an integrated compass and a clasp to hitch it to a backpack. In addition to USB and USB-C ports, the side opposite the solar panel is a Qi wireless charging pad. Make sure to charge before heading out, as this is more like a battery pack with additional solar capability (it could take several days to recharge on just solar). It has a 10,000-mAh capacity and provides six hours of power when fully charged.
- Affordable
- Multiple power points, including wireless charging pad
- Immensely versatile
- Takes a long time to charge on solar
- Rubber outlet cover may fall off over time
- Cannot solar charge and use wireless charging pad simultaneously
As we mentioned, the first item is more of a battery pack with additional solar capability. This solar power bank is larger, holds more charge and has additional solar panels, making solar recharging more viable when the battery is depleted. It can fully recharge in the sun in several hours, rather than days. In addition to the two USB ports, it has a wireless charging pad, which is on the same side as the solar panel. That means you can charge three items while the solar panels are deployed. Though it’s not as brutally rugged as the Balvor charger, it’s still waterproof, dustproof and shock proof.
- effective than single solar panel
- Enhanced capacity while still durable
- Built-in flashlight
- Cannot hike-and-charge
- Fold-out panels not as durable
- Using wireless charging pad obscures part of main solar panel
This is a serious solar panel system that packs up into the size of a laptop. With USB, USB-C and even DC 14.4V and 19V outputs, it can keep all your devices going for your camping trip or day at the beach. It also has a rack system that allows you to point the panels in the direction of the sun at all times, and anchors at each corner allow you to secure it in windy conditions.
- Legitimate instant solar power
- Compact storage
- Multiple outputs, including DC power
- Cannot charge while on the move
- Requires additional equipment for 19V power delivery
- Not as durable as handheld units
So you want legit charging capability, but you also want it while you’re on a long hike? And you want it to pack up so it fits almost anywhere? Guess you just want it all, huh? The Big Blue solar charger has three USB ports located in the same canvas pack into which the panels are stowed. It’s waterproof and the large corner anchors allow you to charge on the go or firmly secure it. This is the ultimate solar panel for truly roughing it.
- Compact
- Flexible and foldable matt design
- Impressive charging rate
- No built-in battery bank
- No USB-C or 12V outputs
Not every camping trip involves backpacking to a remote region. For many, camping means loading up the family car and hitting a relaxing campsite with stoves and inflatable mattresses. This solar generator has multiple outlets, including USB, USB-C and AC wall-style outlets. Like a handheld solar device, this solar generator can be charged up before your adventure, but it’s not necessary for smaller items. When fully charged, you can power an electric grille, blender, coffee maker, laptop, mini-fridge and more.
- Massive capacity
- Multiple power outputs
- High-capacity (for portable) solar charging
- Expensive
- Heavy and bulky
- Requires pre-charging for best results
Featured Products
How Do I Know What Size Solar Charger I Need?
In order to determine which solar charger is right for you, you’ll need to think about how you plan to use it. Then you’ll have to compare the mAh (milliampere/hour) capacity of the charger with the mAh capacity of the batteries in the devices you plan to charge. For example, if your solar charger has a capacity of 20,000 mAh and your cell phone’s battery has a capacity of 5,000 mAh, when you divide the charger’s capacity (20,000) by you cell phone battery’s capacity (5,000), you see that you can charge that phone four times total (20,000/5,000 = 4). The higher the mAh of your solar charger, the more energy it can store, and the more devices it can charge. Keep in mind that a higher mAh does not equal a faster charge time. That depends on the amperage and voltage of the solar charger (the higher the output, the faster the charge), as well as the charging circuit inside the device you are charging.
METHODOLOGY
The team at Forbes Wheels is out there in the real world, just like you. When we’re not on deadline, we camp, go on road trips and head out to the beach. We have real-world experience in keeping our phones and laptops fully charged at all times, and have some direct experience with devices just like these. We combined this real-world experience with the expansive selection of user product reviews and ratings to bring you an accurate snapshot of these products.
FAQ
It all depends. The small handheld chargers could take days, and so they require pre-charging the battery pack. For a compact battery and a fold-out panel, it could take three hours to charge. The same issues arise when you scale up, and so without pre-charging, a solar power bank could take days in direct sunlight to fully charge.
Even a small solar charger can power up your mobile phone between five and 10 times. It all depends on the battery size. A handheld device is perfect for a few people looking to keep their phones fully charged. The standalone fold-out panels work as long as you’ve got them deployed.
Technology is improving all the time, but it often comes down to the quality of the manufacturer. Reports vary wildly, from three to 20 years. For the smaller, more affordable options, it’s likely closer to a handful of years. Expect about 80 percent of the stated life by the manufacturer.
Yes. Though most effective in direct sunlight, the panel can still capture energy when it is overcast. They can also capture some residual energy when you are in the shade or if you are in indirect sunlight. They will even work by capturing light from a lamp at home, but at that rate, you should use the power input to charge its battery pack from a wall outlet.
Some of these products have a one-year warranty. Others have a two-year warranty. Some do not have a warranty at all. For the more expensive products, it may be possible (and recommended) to buy an extended warranty.
Solar Apple phone charger
BigBlue foldable solar charger panel bag is small and light enough to fit into any camping backpack, hiking daypack, or emergency kit.
3 USB Ports
With SmartIC Technology, detect and deliver the optimal charging current for your devices.
SunPower Solar Panels
Elevated solar power conversion rate of 24%. No grid lines on front of cell, solid copper at back and with integrated circuit.
Water Dust Resistant
This special PET polymer surface protects it from occasional rain or wet Fog and all the ports are covered by a cloth flap and rubber cover to protect them from dust or water damage.
Ultra-thin Light Weight Design
With portability in mind, SolarPowa 28 features an ultrathin and lightweight design, only 11.1 x 6.3 x 1.3 inches and 1.41 pounds. Foldable design further saves space, you can take it and charge anywhere.
Smart Charging Technology
Recognize your device smartly then providing optimal charging speed vary with different devices. Compatible with most of the mobile phones, iPad etc.
User Manual
The SunPower panel part is IPX4 waterproof and other parts are not waterproof, please do not immerse it in water.
Can they be chained with each other?
They can be chained with each other using the buckles that comes with. But it is not possible to improve the power of the charge by using two solar chargers together. Each one has its own inner structure that can’t be connected with another one.
Is this rugged enough to be kept folded in a typical backpack with other gear pushing against it without damage?
Of course it is very rugged, but please be careful to not over bend or scratch the panels.
Would it be Safe to charge 3 mobile battery packs/mobile batteries at once with this?
Might take a while but it has 3 USB connections.
Do all four panels have to get sun for one USB port to charge?
All the solar panels need to be exposed under direct sunlight, otherwise, the solar panels that are not exposed to the sun will become resistors, making it impossible to charge.
Do the panels have auto-restart while in the sun?
Of course. It starts charging again the moment it produces enough output for the attached device to charge.
The best solar power banks for the iPhone
The latest iPhones offer pretty good battery life but it’s always handy to carry a portable charger, just in case. Solar power banks are particularly nifty because you can charge them on the go with the sun’s energy. This makes them perfect for outdoor adventures like camping, hiking, backpacking, or a day at the beach where you wouldn’t have access to an electrical power supply.
We’ve picked out some of the best solar power banks for the iPhone that will ensure you never need to worry about a low battery when out and about.
Best solar chargers for iPhone
Editor’s Choice: Anker PowerCore Solar
Just like its USB C power banks, the Anker PowerCore solar power bank is a highly reliable charging solution for your iPhone. It boasts a 10,000mAh capacity and dual USB ports to provide multiple charges. The battery consists of premium heat-resistant materials that can withstand even the strongest sunlight.
Further, it’s sleek and portable, with an IP64 rating for protection against dust and water splashes. This makes it perfect to carry along on your adventures. An added perk is the built-in flashlight that can come in handy after hours. I especially appreciate that this solar power bank comes with an 18-month warranty, all at a pretty affordable cost.
Best wireless solar charger: BLAVOR
One limitation of my favorite Anker PowerCore solar charger is the lack of wireless charging. Enter the BLAVOR wireless solar power bank with five detachable solar panels. It’s got a massive 20,000mAh capacity and seamlessly supports Qi wireless charging along with wired charging through dual USB ports.
The fold-out solar panels are magnetically attached for convenience and provide a maximum charging current of 1300ma. When the panels are detached, it functions as an individual portable power bank for your iPhone or other devices. It features a built-in LED flashlight and comes with a complimentary compass ring kit.
Best budget solar power bank: ADDTOP
If you’re looking for an affordable solar power bank that gets the job done, you can’t go wrong with ADDTOP. It features four foldable solar panels and a battery capacity of 25,000 mAh. The dual USB ports provide high power output to quickly charge your iPhone from 0%-50% within 30 minutes.
Further, it features a waterproof silicone cover for protection from the elements. And the bright built-in flashlight with three modes makes it a reliable power resource for emergencies or the outdoors.
Best solar charger without a battery: BigBlue
Most solar power banks take a long time to get charged under the sun. They can be inconvenient when you’re going on a long trip or don’t have an electrical power source to charge from. That’s why it can be useful to get this BigBlue 5V 28W solar charger with four foldable solar panels. It functions like a mini power plant to charge your devices via triple USB ports.
It’s perfect for when you go camping or attend a music festival as it harnesses sunlight to power up your devices. Its Smart charge technology can automatically recognize any device you connect to provide optimal charging speed while ensuring safety. A special PET polymer surface protects the solar panels from occasional rain or wet fog while rubber covers on the USB ports keep out dust and water. The only downside is that it doesn’t have a battery to store any power. But given its speed and convenience, it’s a must-have for outdoor enthusiasts.
Best portable power bank: Survival Frog
The Survival Frog power bank has a capacity of just 6,500 mAh which is lower than the other options on my list, but it still packs a punch. That’s because it charges up quickly with its four high-powered 5.5W solar panels. It supports wireless charging and features two 5V USB output jacks that allow you to charge three devices at the same time.
I love how the power bank is contained within a leather wallet with a waterproof coating on the inside that provides durability, flexibility, and heat resistance. over, it’s got nifty loops and magnets that make it easy to attach to your car or other metal surfaces for easy charging in the sun. List the other options on this list, it features a built-in LED flashlight for emergencies.
Most versatile solar power bank: Raddy SW5
There’s a special place in my heart for multifunctional tech gadgets and this nifty solar power bank perfectly fits the bill. It’s an all-in-one outdoor companion featuring a 5,000 mAh power bank, IPX5 waterproof case, SOS alarm, compass, reading lamp, flashlight, and AM/FM/NOAA radio.
It has three charging modes via the solar panel, USB ports, and a hand crank that ensures you’re backed up in any situation. Each mode generates sufficient power for the radio, flashlight, reading lamp, or SOS alarm, which makes it a must-have for emergencies. Don’t forget to add this to your gear for your next camping, hiking, or other outdoor adventure!
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