What is the Best Solar Power Bank Charger? Top 10 Reviewed
Is the power in your hands? With a solar power bank, it really is. Technology has finally found a way to capture the power of the sun, it’s energy, and store it in a small and neat compact device. We have the means to convert that raw wattage into a usable source to replenish the charge our devices require to function – mobile devices like phones, tablets, and even laptops.
These devices still leave most people believing they’re too good to be true. Is it possible to keep your electronics charged and functional using nothing but the daylight nature has given us? Absolutely.
Disclosure As an independent review site, we get compensated if you purchase through the referral links or coupon codes on this page – at no additional cost to you. × Dismiss alert
If you’ve heard mixed reviews about power banks, it’s not an accurate reflection of the technology that’s available today. The best solar power banks are manufactured to be pretty powerful contraptions, capable of charging mobile devices like phones many times over before needing a recharge themselves. They’re generally designed to be compact enough to fit into a day pack without adding to your pack’s weight.
Each power bank comes complete with it’s own unique set of traits. Finding the best power bank for your needs requires some comparison and analysis. If you are looking for a solar power bank that can recharge a larger and more power consumptive device, like a laptop, a higher mAh capacity is recommended. If you value portability and durability, look for something that’s designed with shatter-proof casings.
Our 10 favorite solar power banks serve a range of purposes. From affordability to sleekness and even water-resistance, there’s something for every purpose here;
Top solar power bank charger comparison
| Hiluckey Portable Solar Power Bank | Best solar charger overall | Check Amazon price |
| Goal Zero Venture 30 7800mAh Waterproof Power Bank | Best waterproof solar power bank | Check Amazon price |
| Qi Portable Charger | Best portable solar power bank charger | Check Amazon price |
| Solar Charger 20000mAh Portable Outdoor Waterproof Mobile Power Bank | Best cheap solar power bank | Check Amazon price |
| Green Maui 20000mAh Large Capacity Fast Charge External Waterproof Portable Phone Charger | Best brand solar power bank | Check Amazon price |
| ToughTested Solar Charger – 24000mAh Portable Solar Powerbank | Best high capacity solar power bank | Check Amazon price |
| Portable Solar Charger, BEARTWO 10000mAh | Best lightweight solar power bank | Check Amazon price |
| MXX Wireless Portable Solar Charger | Best solar power bank for laptops | Check Amazon price |
| Solar Charger 24000mAh, FEELLE Solar Power Bank | Best travel solar power bank | Check Amazon price |
| ADDTOP Portable Solar Power Bank | Best USB solar power bank | Check Amazon price |
Best solar power bank charger: Here are the top 10 choices compared
Hiluckey portable solar power bank (Best solar charger overall)
The Hiluckey portable solar power bank is considered the best solar charger overall because of its high capacity (25000 mAh) combined with its intuitive functions, it’s durability (it’s great for use outdoors) and its high-speed charging. This Hiluckey power bank is also super practical with its dual USB ports.
- 25000 mAh lithium polymer battery pack
- 2.1A high-speed charging
- Charges by solar with 5W power and 1A input current
- Dual USB ports
The foldable solar panels also add to the overall experience of owning one of these Hiluckey portable solar power banks. The entire contraption opens out with 4 panels absorbing the sunlight and folding away into one lightweight and neat little package when you want to pack it up.
With a capacity of 25000 mAh, you can expect high-speed charging, both when you are recharging your devices and when you are replenishing your solar power bank’s charge. The solar power bank recharges faster when you use a USB cable and an electrical power source, but solar charging is also a great option.
It’s tough enough for outdoor use and lightweight enough to use on camping trips or business trips. Rated 4.5 stars on Amazon, this product has received predominantly raving feedback from reviewers – so if you were wondering how well they deliver on their claims, that should set your mind at ease.
Hiluckey Portable Solar Power Bank pros and cons
- Intelligently detects and matches the output current to protect it
- Waterproof, shock and dust resistant
- Includes a micro USB cable
Goal Zero Venture 30 7800 mAh Waterproof Power Bank (Best waterproof solar power bank)
The Goal Zero Venture’s IPX6 weather-proof rating makes it a popular option for those seeking the best waterproof solar power bank. The manufacturer’s popular phrase, “Dunk it, spray it, use it in the rain,” gives testament to its great design – ideal for use in extreme weather conditions and outdoors.
- Built-in Micro USB
- Certified cables for efficient charging
- Waterproof
- 30 Wh, 7800 mAh Power Pack
Just the same as all the reputable power banks, the Goal Zero Venture is able to charge two devices at once thanks to its dual USB port. To gain a full charge in the power, it needs to have sun exposure for at least 9 hours. Charging it via a power source gives you a full charge within 4 hours.
Another of its key features that makes this device noteworthy is that despite being rated the best waterproof power bank, it is not submersible. It gains this rating because of the overall engineering and durability, combined with the ease of use and portability. It’s the best all-round power bank with well-rated water-resistance.
Goal Zero is considered one of the top solar power bank recharging manufacturers. They have a solid reputation in the industry and there are many review articles that feature their products. This particular solar power bank is a worthwhile purchase; you can expect a lightweight and practical device that will keep your devices charged when you are on-the-go. On the down-low, this is also the best value solar power bank.
Best Portable Solar Chargers For 2023
Forbes Wheels independently tests and reviews cars and automotive accessories. We may earn an affiliate commission from links on our site. The analysis and opinions are our own.
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.