Power Bank Solar Review

World travelers, wilderness campers and worried moms alike all love solar power banks. That is because they give peace of mind in an era where we are all so dependent on access to charging the devices that we use in our daily lives.

That is a key consideration to keep in mind when choosing a solar power bank.

So finding the middle ground between durable, weatherproof and charging capability will be key. That is because laying it out just once or twice during a short vacation for a few hours can give the bank enough juice to keep you going one more day. Whether youâ€™re preparing for an impending natural disaster or the zombie apocalypse, a solar charger is an essential part of any emergency kit. It might sound a little over the top to buy a solar power bank for these kinds of situations. So in order to develop a list of the best solar power banks, we needed to consider quite a few different factors for choosing the best devices.

Amount of Time Needed to Fully Charge using Solar Power

Solar power banks in optimal sun conditions will charge way faster than if you leave your solar power bank outside to charge on a cloudy day.

The problem is that to put any meaning to this number, you need to know how much current the device that the battery is powering is drawing. In very general terms, though, the higher the mAh, the more charges you can expect the battery to produce.

We looked at water- and dust-proof ratings, as well as included covers and the materials used to make the power banks in order to determine their durability and resistance to weather. Cloudy days mean less direct solar energy, so it will be a slower charge. The truth is that it depends a bit on which solar power bank you choose. All of the banks listed should charge any cell phone or tablet, or similar devices.

The average weight of the solar power banks on our list is just over 1 pound, which is pretty normal for the capacity of this charger. There are some small power banks out there that are much smaller, but the tiniest, lightest ones tend to only produce 1-3 charges, rather than 5-6+. The highest ones on our list combine the factors: amount of time it can charge an average device; amount of time needed to fully charge using solar power; battery capacity; size and weight; and durability and resistance to weather. Weâ€™ll start off each review by highlighting some features of the device and a quick list of positives and negatives to give a summary of the highs and the lows of that solar power bank. The case is made of plastic and a synthetic leather that is both durable and aesthetically pleasing, combining both functionality and pleasant design.

The case also has two USB ports (to charge two devices at the same time) which both have covers to further protect from dust and water damage.

Out of many choices, this one is combines efficiency with functionality, with thoughtful features that make it useful for every kind of user – from the hiker without electricity because it is the quickest solar charging device to the just people looking for a portable charger with some extra features because it is so practical. It has three settings, Steady, â€œSOSâ€ and Strobe, which, while just an extra feature, is a useful addition to the power bank.

It lasted 4 days for one reviewer, charging his phone multiple times along with his vape pen. Other reviewers that were just looking for a high-quality charger for daily use appreciated that it charges fast and is an attractive color. Basically, reviewers looking for many different uses of a solar power bank were all pleased with its performance, durability and design.

Features & Considerations The one consistent concern with this charger was that the device is a bit heavier than the size suggests.

Even people with those concerns, though, admitted that for the number of features that the small device brings, the weight was well worth it. Its shortcomings are small in comparison with where it performs well and people looking for the best overall solar power bank would do well to choose this one.

The Next Best: ADDTOP Solar Charger Power Bank Top Feature #1: Great solar charging ability (approximately 30 hours to reach full charge in ideal conditions) In ideal conditions this device can be fully recharged in 30 hours of direct sunlight, and that full charge can charge most cell phones about 10 times and tablet-sized devices 3 times.

Itâ€™s not quite waterproof enough to go diving with, but it will survive an accidental dunk, which for most backpackers and campers as well as everyday users is more than enough.

It also comes in a high-quality, plastic and synthetic leather case, which folds the device together to also roughly the size of a smartphone. The USB ports are covered by a small panel to prevent dust and water from entering when not in use. In addition to the charging features and the case, this solar power bank also comes with a LED flashlight, with three modes (normal, SOS and strobe).

The thoughtful design and solid capability are what bring this solar power bank into second place on our list. Reviewers highlighted the material quality, battery life and durability of this solar power bank as being the best parts about it, repeatedly expressing their contentedness with the charging capability and the batteryâ€™s ability to hold its charge. One reviewer noted that for daily life, the weight is perfectly fine, but a bit heavy for backpacking. Features & Considerations This solar power bank has some features that make it favorable for outdoor usage, such as being waterproof and the relatively strong solar capability, but its weight discouraged some users from committing to it as their choice for backpacking.

While it still has excellent solar charging capability, it is not the absolute best one, so if that is your number on priority, other devices may be a better choice. If sacrificing some solar charging capability for other pros is acceptable, then this device is probably perfect. Our Next Favorite: Hiluckey Portable Solar Charger Top Feature #1: Completely waterproof Completely waterproof Top Feature #2: Can charge the average device 8+ times

completely waterproof (IPX7), relatively quick solar charging (35-50 hours), strap for easy carrying and attaching to the outside of a backpack The low points: not the most efficient device, wall charging can be slow Similar to the other devices thus far in the list, this charger still has a relatively good battery capacity in comparison to its solar charging ability.

The case for the solar charger also has a strap to hang the device from a place where it can sit in the sun.

That is because he device should be easy to mount in order to maximize the amount of time that it spends in the sun. That adds to the convenience to this solar power charger if you plan to use it in an emergency situation.

Reviewers rated the ease of use, battery life and durability as the three best features. Others mention the great dual use – for outdoors purposes and in day-to-day life, highlighting the devices conveniences. Overall, reviewers were pleased with the performance and convenience of the device, although a few wished for some more color options.

The critical reviews all noted that the charger worked well enough, they just were hoping for something faster or more powerful. Features & Considerations You will not be disappointed with the performance of this product, between excellent customer service and great functionality, it is a good choice. Somebody that is looking for a durable, reliable solar power bank would do well with this choice.

The responsiveness of the company via Amazon, in terms of explaining compatibility and a one-year warranty make it a safe choice, even if itâ€™s not the most efficient. RavPower Solar Charger Top Feature #1: Simple but extremely durable

Simple but extremely durable Top Feature #2: Can charge the average device 7+ times The RavPower Solar Charger will charge the average smart phone 7 times. It includes caps to protect the USB ports, both of which support USB-C and iSmart quick charge. Those included the flashlight, the clip to hang the power bank or the built-in case as features that they were glad to have.

The dimensions of the power bank, including the case are 7.1″ x 3.5″ x 1.2″ and it weighs 1.25 lbs., making it the largest one in our list.

It is a good choice if the size isnâ€™t important, but if a large battery is a deal breaker, then this isnâ€™t the solar power bank for you.

If youâ€™re okay with the solar charging being a backup or a way to fill up the battery, then this is a great power bank for you. durability, two carabiners attached for hanging, quick charging, flashlight The low points: relatively low battery capacity and long charging time, heavy, some have trouble with one of the USB ports OUTEX stands for Outdoor Xtreme Energy, and OUTEXâ€™s rugged solar charger promises to fulfill the need for energy while doing extreme things outdoors.

So if you accidentally drop it in a puddle or a shallow pond, there should not be any damage to the power bank. A durable case completely encloses the solar power bank. As part of the mentality of making it best for outdoor use, the power bank has two carabiners on it. The ability to leave it out like that ideally helps to make up for the long charging time in the sun.

You can use the battery to power the built-in three-mode flashlight (bright, dim and strobe). Features & Considerations When making this device as durable and rugged as they could, the designers ended up also creating a lot of extra bulk to the solar power bank.

Instead of the absolute functionality, this power bank considers the environmental factors to build a device that is rugged and charges okay. BEARTWO Portable Solar Charger Top Feature #1: Extremely light but still durable Extremely light but still durable Top Feature #2: Can charge the average device 4-5 times

light, durable, comes with a carabiner to hang on, fast wall charging The low points: relatively slow solar panel charge and low battery capacity, covers for USB ports are not very reliable BEARTWO saw the need for a lighter solar power bank, and they decided to fill that need.

Weighing in at less than half a pound, this solar power bank is by far lighter than any of the other options and is among the lightest out there. It is still fully waterproof up to 3 feet and 30 minutes of submersion, protecting it from any accidents and comes in a silicon case that should be enough to survive mild bumps and falls.

The device also has the LED flashlight that is standard to solar power banks, complete with three modes: normal, strobe and SOS. You could even just use it as a convenient light to see when youâ€™re trying to plug in your device to the power bank at night.

The reviewers that expected the solar charging to be a backup feature tended to be happy with the product. Features & Considerations Although this solar power banks advertises as being waterproof, part of the way that it gets this rating is by having small rubber covers for the USB ports to make sure that water canâ€™t get into them. The problem with this is if the USB covers donâ€™t stay on very well, because it can compromise the waterproof quality of this device. Some users reported that the small rubber covers on their solar power bank didnâ€™t stay on very well, so it is important to keep in mind that this device might not be completely waterproof.

The other consideration to have with this device is that it is not the most efficient in terms of solar charging or battery capacity.

8 Best Solar Phone Chargers of 2021

The Anker PowerCore was also added as a top pick based on testing led by Chief Technologist & Director of Engineering Rachel Rothman and the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Media & Tech Lab. The benefit of these portable chargers is that they don’t require an external electricity source to function, making them great for outdoor enthusiasts or people who may not have access to a power outlet right away (like if you’re at a music festival in the middle of the desert or midway through a scenic hike). Based on our testing and categorical expertise, these are the best solar-powered phone chargers that are actually worth purchasing, regardless of whether they’re for everyday use, outdoor adventures or, worst-case scenario, emergencies:

Pros and Cons of a Solar Charger vs Power Bank – Sunshine Facts

Okay let’s get right into it here – this article is to cover basic pros and cons of a solar mobile charger vs a power bank. In this article I want to highlight some pros and cons that will hopefully help you understand what you need. Without diving deep into the specific mechanics, here is a broad definition of each of these devices. The battery can store electrical energy for you to use to power your phone or device later.

Some of the higher end solar chargers can offer up to 200 watts of power and the capability of charging car batteries, among other features. Although “portable”, some of the more expensive options can be larger and probably not something you want to carry around with you if you are simply looking to charge small devices.

The lower end of the price range will offer around 7-14 watts of power. Depending on brand and exact number of watts, some of these solar chargers may take 6+ hours of direct sunlight to fully charge your phone.

If you are simply looking to charge small devices like your cell phone, you will not need an expensive power bank (but those more expensive/more powerful options may work for you if you have greater needs than to charge simple devices).

Portable power banks that you might be looking to stuff in a pocket can range in price from $20-$125 depending on brand and energy storage capacity. We will get into the details of storage capacity later when we discuss power bank scenarios. Wanted to give some pictures of size so that you can have an idea of what to expect from a solar charger.

Even if you are in a part of the world where electricity is not available, you can rely on your solar charger to provide power to devices when needed. Solar power converted to electricity is clean energy that doesn’t leave a carbon footprint. This leaves open scenarios where you start your outdoor adventure, and when the weather doesn’t cooperate, you’re left without a power source.

For cloudy days, you may still be able to get your solar charger to produce 25% of its rated capacity.

If you are hiking along a trail during the day and hoping to charge a device with solar panels clipped to your backpack, it can be difficult to pull off because those solar panels need direct sunlight to work properly. If you are hoping to take your solar charger to the lake with friends, don’t forget about space. You would need to take the solar panels off into an open area with direct sunlight and let your device charge. If you plan to be at base camp only at night, then you may have to leave your charger and device behind to charge under direct sunlight.

The next option is to stop during the day and find direct sunlight and charge your devices.

To fully charge a phone may take a couple hours if you expose it to direct sunlight. But if you’re simply looking for something that can give you an emergency boost of power if needed, then a solar charger could do that in 10-15 minutes. Also, what if you have multiple devices amongst your group: 4 phones, GoPro camera, lantern and a drone?

It could take an entire afternoon to charge all these devices depending on what solar charger you have. CONCLUSION: Using ONLY a solar charger for a base camp hunting or hiking trip These options may be a bit of a hassle but it’s likely that your hunting or hiking party can find one that works best for you.

You don’t want to have to stuff your backpack with handfuls of power banks that will eat up valuable space and weigh down your pack.

Most thru hikers however do eventually stop at hostels or restaurants along their lengthy journey to shower, eat, and power devices. If something unforeseen happens while on the trail – change of schedule, emergency injury etc – a solar charger can provide you access to power for as many days as you need as long as you are exposed to direct sunlight. If you choose to use a solar-powered charger you will need to commit to take time under direct sunlight to stop your hike and charge devices. On a trail with poor access to direct sunlight, a solar panel will not be reliable and therefore it would be difficult to recommend.

But for long hikes, you will want some sort of power source (especially if you don’t plan on stopping at hostels along the way to charge devices), and a solar panel power source can provide you that if given adequate access to direct sunlight.

Example includes day hike, lake trip, youth sports tournament, concert, and fishing etc. If those things cooperate, then solar charging your devices can be a good option under these scenarios. You may need to charge 5+ phones, and a couple tablets, a gaming device, a digital camera, and a Bluetooth speaker.

You may need multiple solar chargers to cover a large family like this. Because this is a shorter outing, this may be an example of where a power bank would work better and therefore I knocked the grade down to a B-.

If you have a lot of devices, you will want to strongly consider a solar charger in some capacity. And if you have a lake cabin that your family often retreats to, the solar charger is something you can leave there and not have to worry about packing every time.

As a rule of thumb, you can expect the actual charge capacity to be approximately 2/3 of what is advertised on the box. Using just power banks on a week-long section hike with multiple devices like phone, camera, lantern, and tablet will cause an issue.

You will need to carry likely a handful of power banks to keep these devices charged throughout your trip. Bulk power banks can add weight and take up precious space in your pack.

If you are just wanting to find a power bank to shove in your pocket, there may be some slimmer types that work well for you. Now remember, if you feel like you will need multiple power banks for a thru hike, this can be a costly issue.

Charging your power bank can be done simply by connecting to a wall outlet or some other type of device like a solar charger or generator. One thing you will want to consider now as you begin your buying process is to remember that these power banks themselves take time to charge.

The charge energy storage capacity is measured in milliamp hours (mAH). And as we stated above, we want to plan for a 30% loss on the out-of-box advertised storage capacity. Remember, again, you want to adjust the out-of-box storage capacity of the power bank down by approximately 30% to account for conversion losses etc. But remember, the 30% reduction is just a general estimation and every power bank has a different level of efficiency.

Yes, there are power banks that support Qualcomm Quick Charge capabilities. One of the key things I wanted when creating this post was to avoid a deep dive into the specifics of the mechanics of these devices and how they work. I don’t want to see you purchase a power bank and then get miles into the woods and find out it won’t fully charge your devices. Now, for a USB cable, that runs at 5 volts, when the conversion from 3.7v to 5v occurs during the charge, I’m going to take our original out-of-box numbers for the power bank (3.7v 15000mAH) and multiply them, then divide them by the 5v of the USB cable.

Will using ONLY a power bank(s) work for week-long hunting or hiking trip with a base camp?

Let’s dive a bit deeper here and discuss the scenario where you don’t have access to a power source.

So, for our example, we estimate that we will need to be able to charge a total of 28,400 mAH to power all our devices for the week. So, we need our estimated total to be reachable even after we deduct 30% off the out-of-box advertised mAH of our power bank.

This is a large amount of mAH and likely means you would need to purchase 2-4 power banks which could run your cost well over $100+. If you have no generator or electricity, and are relying only on these power banks, your flexibility will be greatly decreased. CONCLUSION: Using ONLY power banks for week-long hunting or hiking trips with a base camp:

With alternate power supply like generator or electricity or solar charger – GRADE: A+ A power bank would obviously only work for week-month(s) long hiking trip if you also plan to stop consistently at hostels etc. In my opinion, it is still nice to have a solar charger with you in case of emergency and if you are stranded on a trail for days.

It is realistic to use only power banks if you will also be stopping to re-charge via electrical outlets throughout your trip. There are too many unpredictable things that could occur where my limited power supply would put me in a bind.

Combining a solar charger with a power bank would be a possible solution that give you flexibility and peace of mind.

If the answer to these questions is yes, the combination of a solar charger with USB ports and a power bank could be a perfect solution for your hike. Pocket-sized power banks are easy to take with you and give you that extra boost if your device runs out. If your family has a lake cabin and you have handfuls of devices, then perhaps at that point you’d want to consider combining power banks with a solar charger or small battery-powered generator.

If you’ve browsed power banks, I’m sure you’ve seen power banks that have a built-in solar panel that advertise with the ability to re-charge the internal battery with solar energy. Let’s also say that under direct sunlight the solar panel produces a max input current of 300 mAH. That means that you would need over 83 hours to fully re-charge the power bank’s internal battery from the solar panel. I feel like the solar panel addition to power banks is a gimmick that tries to trick me into buying the product.

Here’s a link to a YouTube video where a user demonstrates the ineffectiveness of a small solar panel on a power bank. These are best for hunting or hiking trips where you will have a base camp you return to every night. But the size of solar panel that you have is going to directly affect the amount of time it takes to recharge the generator. Some solar panels may take upward of 20 hours of direct sunlight to fully restore the energy storage capacity of a generator. You may still want to take a power bank with you out into the woods in case you need to charge a device away from camp. These stoves can be decently compact, some of them measuring under 8.5 inches tall with foldable legs. This may possibly be a solution for long distance hikers who don’t stop at hostels and who can’t find luck with solar power due to trail restrictions. If direct sunlight for a solar charger is not an option, and you don’t plan on stopping, and hauling a wood-burning stove won’t work, then you might want to buy a hand crank charger.

When comparing the pros and cons of a solar mobile charger vs a power bank ultimately it will be your specific outdoor environment that will dictate which works better for you. Combining a solar charger with a power bank may provide you the flexibility you need.

Best Solar Power Bank In India 2021: Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

In this article today, we will discuss the topic of solar power banks, as we try and encourage people to go green and take the eco-friendly route. Hopefully, by the end of this article, you can be in a position to judge what makes a solar power bank worth your money. We have also surveyed a lot of online reviews and user ratings, to prepare a list of the 6 best solar power banks that we feel would be worth your money. If you are looking to make the transition into the world of eco-friendly, renewable energy and sustainable living patterns, then this power bank is a very good start.

Not only should this give you the confidence that this product is worth the investment, it will also enable you to have renewable energy at the tip of your fingers – no matter where you go. The AC adaptor that comes with this power bank is provided to enable fast charging – another touted feature.

The 20000 mAh battery that comes with this device is also really useful, as it manages to store power efficiently and use it in the most effective way possible. Other than that, it is also perfectly compatible with the iPad, digital cameras, PSP, ND, PDA, Mp3/Mp4 player, GPS, E-Lites, electronic cigarettes, Bluetooth, and virtually all other devices which use a USB charging system.

We feel that it has all the makings of a really solid product that will take care of your portable charging requirements with the utmost ease. It has been praised for its stylish and sleek design, and the 6 different LED light options add further visual enhancement to it. The IFITech Solar Power Bank comes with multiple in-built intelligence security protections, which are designed to avoid damage to the producer by guarding it against overcurrent, overload, and short circuit issues. The ABS material used to make this device is strong and resilient, and it is ideally suited to the rough and tumble of regular usage.

Lastly, the design also enables a higher degree of portability and comes with a hook – which is very handy during outdoor travels. This 15000 mAh power bank comes with a lithium-ion battery that is perfectly suited to meet your charging requirements.

The gold-colored plating makes this product a win in terms of aesthetics, which has resulted in many users preferring it over other variants in this price range.

The product also comes with a one month warranty period – and this makes it more suitable for purchase as you are well covered against any type of manufacturing defects. For the fourth position on our list, we have another well regarded, high performance 20000 mAh power bank from HBNS, and we are pleased to bring this product to your attention. This one also has a lithium-ion battery – just like our previous model, and it certainly manages to outperform many other generic power banks in this price range.

This 20000 mAh power bank is an ultra high capacity power bank that can charge a 4000 mAh phone multiple times within a short time and can prove to be somewhat invaluable during your travels as well as outdoor activities, such as camping or even business and work trips. It also comes with an impressive in-built smart protection system that guards actively against a host of different evils such as over-current, over-heating, over-charging, over-voltage, and short circuits.

After all of these detailed and lengthy discussions, it is easy for us to see why this product is so highly rated, and why we feel that it is in contention to be christened as the best power bank under 10000. It is capable of recharging all modern smartphone variants, as well as other devices such as fitness bands, wireless earphones, and tablets, alongside many more. It is so compact, that it can fit easily into small backpacks or pockets – and that makes it the ideal charging partner for anyone under a variety of different circumstances. Just like other power banks from this brand, this one also has numerous well-crafted safeguards against the usual suspects that can cause damage to the device.

Be it an emergency or non-emergency environment, this weather radio gives you enough tools to deal with any situation related to the power supply. There is a 4 LED reading light that can be easily utilized by children to study and adults to do their office work, etc., even during power cuts in the house. Get home this lightweight, compact, stylish, and highly efficient device to deal with all kinds of power supply related emergency situations. A simple old school smartphone can be charged using the most basic solar power bank, which has a wattage rating as low as 4-5 watts. Also, make sure to note that some of the lower wattage power banks require a lot of time to charge devices, and this could prove to be an issue. Make sure to note that in places where the weather is predominantly rainy or cloudy, it might prove to be slightly more difficult for you to charge your device.

Most of the solar power banks nowadays come with a standard USB 2.0 port, that can be used to charge a plethora of different electronic devices. Make sure to note the fact that most devices that use a 12-volt cigarette type charging port, generally do not work with solar power banks.

Whenever you buy any type of electronic equipment, the convenience of usage should be right up there as one of the most crucial factors that you use to determine the overall value and feasibility of the product you are looking to purchase. You need to simply expose your solar power bank to direct sunlight for a specific amount of time to charge it fully. Some solar power banks also come with separate chargers and adapters, which can be plugged into wall sockets and charged comparatively quickly. Following this, we proceeded to our list of compiled products, which has been formulated using the wisdom of many of our industry experts, as well as different online reviews and ratings from users all over the country.

Hopefully, this list will guide you to the right path and enable you to find the right solar power bank that fits in with your own personal needs and user expectations. In the next section, we have attempted to give you a comprehensive review of some of the crucial factors that should form a part of your thinking while choosing the ideal solar power bank for those extended trips and travel assignments.

Then we moved on to a short section, where we discussed a few frequently asked questions regarding solar power banks and we tried to answer them as succinctly as possible.

6 Best Solar Power Banks: Solar Charger Power Bank (Reviews)

It might sound a little over the top to buy a solar power bank for these kinds of situations. So in order to develop a list of the best solar power banks, we needed to consider quite a few different factors for choosing the best devices. Amount of Time Needed to Fully Charge using Solar Power

Solar power banks in optimal sun conditions will charge way faster than if you leave your solar power bank outside to charge on a cloudy day.

All of the banks listed should charge any cell phone or tablet, or similar devices. The average weight of the solar power banks on our list is just over 1 pound, which is pretty normal for the capacity of this charger. There are some small power banks out there that are much smaller, but the tiniest, lightest ones tend to only produce 1-3 charges, rather than 5-6+. The highest ones on our list combine the factors: amount of time it can charge an average device; amount of time needed to fully charge using solar power; battery capacity; size and weight; and durability and resistance to weather. Weâ€™ll start off each review by highlighting some features of the device and a quick list of positives and negatives to give a summary of the highs and the lows of that solar power bank.

The case is made of plastic and a synthetic leather that is both durable and aesthetically pleasing, combining both functionality and pleasant design.

The case also has two USB ports (to charge two devices at the same time) which both have covers to further protect from dust and water damage. Out of many choices, this one is combines efficiency with functionality, with thoughtful features that make it useful for every kind of user – from the hiker without electricity because it is the quickest solar charging device to the just people looking for a portable charger with some extra features because it is so practical. It has three settings, Steady, â€œSOSâ€ and Strobe, which, while just an extra feature, is a useful addition to the power bank.

Basically, reviewers looking for many different uses of a solar power bank were all pleased with its performance, durability and design.

Features & Considerations The one consistent concern with this charger was that the device is a bit heavier than the size suggests. Even people with those concerns, though, admitted that for the number of features that the small device brings, the weight was well worth it. Its shortcomings are small in comparison with where it performs well and people looking for the best overall solar power bank would do well to choose this one. The Next Best: ADDTOP Solar Charger Power Bank Top Feature #1: Great solar charging ability (approximately 30 hours to reach full charge in ideal conditions) In ideal conditions this device can be fully recharged in 30 hours of direct sunlight, and that full charge can charge most cell phones about 10 times and tablet-sized devices 3 times.

Itâ€™s not quite waterproof enough to go diving with, but it will survive an accidental dunk, which for most backpackers and campers as well as everyday users is more than enough.

Overall, reviewers were pleased with the performance and convenience of the device, although a few wished for some more color options. The critical reviews all noted that the charger worked well enough, they just were hoping for something faster or more powerful. Features & Considerations You will not be disappointed with the performance of this product, between excellent customer service and great functionality, it is a good choice. Somebody that is looking for a durable, reliable solar power bank would do well with this choice.

Simple but extremely durable Top Feature #2: Can charge the average device 7+ times The RavPower Solar Charger will charge the average smart phone 7 times.

It includes caps to protect the USB ports, both of which support USB-C and iSmart quick charge. Those included the flashlight, the clip to hang the power bank or the built-in case as features that they were glad to have.

According to many reviews, the best part about the solar power bank is its high-capacity battery. The size is a concern especially because it is a single solar panel power bank, so the battery is much thicker than others. The dimensions of the power bank, including the case are 7.1″ x 3.5″ x 1.2″ and it weighs 1.25 lbs., making it the largest one in our list.

It is a good choice if the size isnâ€™t important, but if a large battery is a deal breaker, then this isnâ€™t the solar power bank for you.

The ability to leave it out like that ideally helps to make up for the long charging time in the sun. You can use the battery to power the built-in three-mode flashlight (bright, dim and strobe). Features & Considerations When making this device as durable and rugged as they could, the designers ended up also creating a lot of extra bulk to the solar power bank.

Extremely light but still durable Top Feature #2: Can charge the average device 4-5 times light, durable, comes with a carabiner to hang on, fast wall charging The low points: relatively slow solar panel charge and low battery capacity, covers for USB ports are not very reliable BEARTWO saw the need for a lighter solar power bank, and they decided to fill that need. Weighing in at less than half a pound, this solar power bank is by far lighter than any of the other options and is among the lightest out there. It is still fully waterproof up to 3 feet and 30 minutes of submersion, protecting it from any accidents and comes in a silicon case that should be enough to survive mild bumps and falls. The device also has the LED flashlight that is standard to solar power banks, complete with three modes: normal, strobe and SOS. You could even just use it as a convenient light to see when youâ€™re trying to plug in your device to the power bank at night. The reviewers that expected the solar charging to be a backup feature tended to be happy with the product. Features & Considerations Although this solar power banks advertises as being waterproof, part of the way that it gets this rating is by having small rubber covers for the USB ports to make sure that water canâ€™t get into them. The problem with this is if the USB covers donâ€™t stay on very well, because it can compromise the waterproof quality of this device. Some users reported that the small rubber covers on their solar power bank didnâ€™t stay on very well, so it is important to keep in mind that this device might not be completely waterproof.

The other consideration to have with this device is that it is not the most efficient in terms of solar charging or battery capacity.

The 7 Best Solar Power Banks of 2021

Solar power banks are a packing essential for outdoor enthusiasts and offer a way to keep cell phones, cameras, and other gadgets charged when electricity is scarce. Here are the best solar power banks, many with added features such as wireless charging, waterproof exteriors, and built-in flashlights.

The Best Portable Solar Battery Charger

After spending more than 60 hours testing 12 models, we’re confident that the BigBlue 28W USB Solar Charger is the best portable solar charger for people who need to charge their gadgets and stay connected in an emergency or when they’re off the grid. Although other models come close to matching it in terms of power, the BigBlue is also smaller and lighter than other options with similar output, so it can more easily fit into a camping backpack, hiking daypack, or emergency kit.

Best solar power banks of 2021

Note that you can charge them by plugging them into a power outlet as well as with solar energy. The biggest pro of using one of these gadgets is that you will be able to charge your electronic devices without being near a power outlet. If you’re considering buying a solar power bank, you need to keep a few shopping criteria in mind that will help you make the best choice.

To help you, we have selected some of the most important factors to consider when choosing exactly which solar power bank you want. The size and weight of this gadget are both very important criteria to consider when choosing the perfect solar power bank for you. To understand how quickly the solar power bank you purchase will charge your device, you should look at the voltage and output amperage.

The higher it is, the faster the solar power bank will charge your device. The majority of power banks that you will find on the market generally have an output amperage between 2 and 3 amps (A).

Keep in mind that when you charge this gadget with solar energy, it will take much more time—often more than 24 hours of direct sunlight. The time it takes to charge when connected to an outlet will also depend on its voltage and output amperage. If you are planning on hiking in the rain, it is also important to get a waterproof power bank. Solar power banks are great for nature lovers, especially for long trips without the reliable availability of outlets to charge your electronic devices.

Solar power banks are very useful if you are going to spend an extended period of time away from a source of electricity. This may be out at a music festival, camping, hiking, or on a plane, bus, or anywhere else you might not find an outlet to charge your electronic device. We recommend power banks with monocrystalline photoelectric cells, as they usually work better.

Most manufacturers recommend charging this gadget with solar energy only when you do not have access to electricity. However, solar power banks are portable batteries and can store the energy collected from the sun or an outlet.

The 10 Best Solar Power Banks In 2021 Reviews and Buying Guide

This is due to the reason that a 30000 mAh solar power bank will last much longer than a 20000 mAh power bank, which means that you can charge your devices for much longer before it runs out of battery. Whether you are buying a solar power bank or a standard one, checking its capacity is quite important. This is due to the reason that a 30000 mAh solar power bank will last much longer than a 20000 mAh power bank, which means that you can charge your devices for much longer before it runs out of battery. For output, all power banks use full-size USB Type-A ports so that you can use any cable of your choice.

The Blavor solar power bank is present in the 1st position in this article as it is the best performing option here. You get the highest maximum output rating of 18 watts with this solar power bank resulting in excellent charging speeds. Although the rated capacity of 10000 mAh offered by this solar power bank is a bit low compared to others. The best thing about this solar power bank is that you get a capacity of 35800 mAh with it, which is the highest in this article.

Although, the 6-month long warranty offered by this solar power bank is a bit shorter than others You can also consider Riapow if you want power banks for portable usage that have a justified price tag without compromising on the features and performance. This Rainpow solar power bank is present in the 3rd position in this article as it offers a great value for money to its buyers. Starting with its charging speeds, it is rated to have a maximum output of 15.5 watts, which is quite high.

That being said, this is only available over its USB ports since the wireless charger offers a slightly lower output rating. This can be quite handy to get the most of the 26800 mAh battery capacity offered by this solar power bank. A great thing about this Riapow solar power bank is that it is quite reliable thanks to its 1.5-year long warranty despite having a lower price tag than others.

With the Addtop solar power bank, you get decent capacity and performance without paying a high price tag for it. As for the charging capacity offered by this power bank, it is rated at 25000 mAh, which is quite decent for most users. You can get the most out of this capacity using the dual output ports offered by this solar power bank.

Despite the lower price tag, you still get a decent maximum output rating of 10 watts with it. Although unlike other budget options, this one comes with dual USB ports, inbuilt LED light, and even a compass making it a great camping companion.

Durecopow offers a high quality solar power bank, which is made of silicone and ABS plastic material that not only makes this charger durable but also water-resistant, shock-resistant and dust proof. It’s lithium ion battery has the capacity of 20000 mAH, so you can charge your phone 4 times in a day. So, you can use this power bank to charge iPhones, Samsung, Nexus, HTC smartphones, tablets and others. The outports come with an auto-detect feature that identifies the device for super fast charging.

The power bank features 18 LED lights with 4 different operating modes that you can use for emergencies. This wireless solar power charger from Qi works on a 35800 mAH battery, so you can charge your smartphone 5 times in a day.

It works on 12W solar power, which means you can use it for all iphones, Samsung phones and other USB compatible devices. Moreover, the outer shell of this charger is made of ABS plastic, which is dustproof, waterproof and is also shock absorbent.

Moving over to its capacity, this is a 26800 mAh solar power bank, which is very similar to other options out there. But unlike others, this solar power bank offers 4 output ports, including a wireless charging one, which is always great to have.

Suscell is another small brand that specializes in developing power storage devices. The brand uses efficient solar panels and dual USB ports to collect more energy and enable fast charging. It takes 3 to 7 days for reaching full charge on solar power and 10 hours using the adapter.

The power bank features a compass and 2 LED lights that come in handy during emergencies and outdoor activities. There is also an extra hook on the power bank that allows you to hang it on your backpack while travelling. Suscell backs this portable solar power bank with a 1 year warranty from the original date of purchase.

Even if you buy a high capacity power bank, it will eventually run out of battery after some period of time. But if you want to learn more about these solar power banks, then make sure to go through this detailed buying guide: If you are going with a high capacity power bank for charging your smartphone multiple times before running out of battery, you should also check the maximum output wattage rating.

This rating simply tells you about the charging speeds offered by your solar power bank and is given in watts.

As you would expect, having multiple input and output ports on a power bank is highly important. For output, you will generally find USB Type-A ports so that you can use any cable of your choice. A few power banks might also have a USB Type C port that offers input as well as output support for high versatility. Other than this, you might also find a second micro USB port on some power bank models so that you can charge it as you please.

Thankfully, this can be easily ensured by simply checking the warranty duration offered by your solar power bank.

Because of this, getting one of the best solar power banks mentioned up above in this article can be a great idea.

You can even find a detailed buying guide related to the best solar power banks. Those of you who are on a budget should go with the Yelomin solar power banks as it is the cheapest option present in this article.

Apart from offering dual USB output ports, you also get an inbuilt LED flashlight and a compass with this solar power bank. Apart from offering dual USB output ports, you also get an inbuilt LED flashlight and a compass with this solar power bank. A great thing about this power bank is that it also offers wireless charging support while being waterproof.

A great thing about this power bank is that it also offers wireless charging support while being waterproof.

The Blavor solar power bank is the best performing option present here in this article. While its capacity of 10000 mAh might be a bit low compared to other options, that is justified for the given portable size.

As for its maximum output rating of 18 watts, it results in excellent charging speeds along with a 10-watt wireless charger pad present on its one side.

Best Solar Chargers of 2021: Solar Panels & Power Banks

It also detects the fastest charging speed for your device – mind you, that’s only 3.4A at most, but you can expect a slow, yet reliable top-up.

Best Portable Solar Charger of 2021

Thanks to its impressive charging abilities and consistent performance across the board, this panel maintains its place at the top of the pack for another year. When your electronics need a boost, this panel will deliver a consistent charge in variable conditions (from full sun to partially cloudy).

With three USB ports and a classic fold-out design, the BigBlue is an excellent all-arounder that will efficiently charge most small gadgets.

Efficient Powerful Great value for its size Lightweight Pocket too small to hold extra cords and accessories

It has a fast-charging speed: 3 hours and 40 minutes to charge a 6,000 mAh external battery in full sun, one of the faster in our review. We love that it has a large capacity and can fully charge a phone multiple times when the battery is topped off. In addition to all these great features, the Goertek rings in as one of the most reasonably priced options for solar charger set-ups. This product does not work that well as a solar charger alone; if you’re planning to fully charge the 25,000mAh battery off the sun, give yourself a few full days.

That said, the panel will continue to trickle charge the battery pack, even when small electronics are plugged in, which is a feature that we appreciate. The Ryno-Tuff also works fairly well at charging multiple devices simultaneously, even though its claimed output isn’t all that impressive.

This combination of features and a reasonable price tag make this panel an excellent option for those on a budget. First of all, the storage pocket is very small and barely fits a phone, making it feel a bit useless.

Additionally, the Ryno-Tuff ended up with underwhelming results in our interruption recovery tests, showing that it is not the best option for use in marginal conditions. Sleek design Durable construction Portable size and shape Built-in battery adds efficiency No storage pocket Expensive Its rugged construction makes it incredibly reliable, as does its hidden built-in battery pack. We liked the kickstand and fold-out design, as it’s sleek and portable enough to fit into our backpacks on most light and fast missions.

Durable construction Thoughtful design with great storage pocket Very fast charging speeds Works well in marginal conditions Expensive Bulky Though it is doesn’t have the highest listed wattage of any panel in this review, the SunJack 25W wowed us with its impressive performance.

It rapidly and easily charged our cell phones, external battery packs, and other random electronic gadgets. Jane Jackson authors this review and spend 200+ days a year outside using and testing gear. When she’s not living in her van, which is complete with its own solar setup, Jane is in the backcountry, using these smaller, portable panels to keep her electronics charged.

Our process reflects the most up-to-date products, with updates occurring multiple times per year. Our current line-up includes small panels with built-in battery packs to massive 50W behemoths. Whether you are looking for a solar setup for car camping or a compact charger to power your iPhone while on a backpacking trip, our review offers excellent recommendations for anybody.

Dozens of companies produce affordable, effective monocrystalline panels ranging from small 5W models to more substantial, powerful options that will allow for a faster charge. Next, we filled out the upper end of the wattage range, with the addition of the Anker 21, the SunJack 25, and the Ryno-Tuff.

That said, it’s important to note that in this review, the panels’ metric ratings range in scores, mostly due to their output capabilities (i.e., wattage), rather than the design of the models themselves. With this style of charger, we recommend topping off your battery pack at home before bringing it into the field.

), portable solar chargers tend to be on the affordable end of the outdoor gear spectrum. For example, the reasonably priced ECEEN 10W and Goertek performed exceptionally well across the board, even standing up to some of the more expensive, higher capacity models.

Like the Goal Zero Nomad 50, other models cost a pretty penny and did not compare to the high scorers in our side-by-side tests. Here we consider the following questions: is your panel going to quit on you just because one cloud passes overhead, as you left it out on what appeared to be a clear afternoon?

Or is the solar model strapped to your backpack, causing your phone to constantly vibrate as the connection goes in and out of the USB port?

The highest performing models in this category were the ones with a large capacity (15-20W or higher) or a built-in external battery.

The Renogy 15,000mAh and BioLite 10+ have built-in battery packs that can sequester energy and meter it out to plugged-in electronics, regardless of the sun quality. The panel capacity of these models means their solar production provides a backup as opposed to a primary power source.

Compared to the BigBlue, the Falcon has a larger surface area with solar cells, improving its performance in this metric. This is one of the significant benefits of the Powertraveller Falcon 40, which has tons of surface area and a large capacity. We timed each panel as it charged our phone and also used a standard small-capacity battery pack to cross-reference our results. We set each one in full sun for thirty minutes to test the panels and noted how much charge the phone received.

This way, we could obtain a good read on how efficiently the individual models worked over extended periods. This considerable variability is due to the extensive range in output power of the contenders we tested. Twenty-one watts is four times as powerful as a 5W device, so it makes sense that panels like the BigBlue earned one of the highest in our testing. As discussed above, the results show that models with higher wattage are more effective at charging multiple devices at once.

The way to get ample charge to small electronics is by leaving the panels exposed to the sun for long periods. To ensure these panels are up to the task, we have tested them in all kinds of conditions — from the baking desert sun to high alpine terrain to extreme wind and rain.

Solar technology seems to be advancing too, with companies working to make cells more durable and resistant to sun and water damage. When scanning through reviews online, we noticed complaints about various models withering and warping in the sun.

These are robust machines, and with technology advancing every year, solar panel companies have come leaps and bounds in the construction of portable options. The ECEEN 10W has a cool neoprene pocket that inspired confidence in wet conditions and kept dirt out of the USB port. These panels lack canvas covers but instead are made from solid plastic that improves their overall durability. A too heavy or bulky model will be left behind to collect dust in the closet rather than accompany you on your next adventure. These models are the latest in battery-pack/solar charger combos, and we were impressed to see manufacturers getting this design into such a compact shape and size. Most modern tablets and smartphones demand higher power (like 2A charging ports), and this becomes harder to produce from the sun (which is variable at best). Some of our testing fleet catching rays under the watchful eye of Castleton Tower in Southern Utah.