If you’re heading off into the woods for your next camping adventure, you don’t have to leave your phone behind! Solar power banks are the portable option to charge and recharge all your smart devices so that you can enjoy the outdoors but keep yourself up-to-date on the modern world.
Solar power banks are awesome little portable devices that double as traditional charging banks and solar panel chargers. They can charge via traditional USB, or charge via the natural power of the sun! When placed in direct sunlight, the panels on these portable solar power banks transform sunlight into energy, which charges the device’s lithium battery. Then you can simply plug in your smartphone or other device via the cable and watch as they’re charged back to 100%. But how do you choose the right solar power bank, and how do you know which one is right for your smartphone? We’ve put together a list of the best solar power banks on the market!
Read on to see why our experts love these solar power banks!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do solar power banks take to charge in the sun?
When under direct sunlight, solar power banks can charge in a matter or hours or days, depending on the quality of the power bank, the solar panels, and the size of the battery. While the technology is amazing, it’s still not as quick to charge as traditional electricity and might require a little patience. If you leave your solar power bank out to charge all day long while you enjoy your other hiking or camping activities, you can charge your phone in the afternoon or night.
Are solar power banks portable?
Solar power banks are designed to take with you when you go on your next outdoor excursion. They’re portable, lightweight, and many of them can be folded up and placed in your backpack or camping gear bag. Because they are portable, they can charge your smart devices on the go, such as when your phone is in your bag. The most attractive feature of solar power banks is their portable charging feature.
Buying Guide
We’ve put together this fun Buying Guide to help you streamline your shopping experience. Check it out!
- Battery size: Depending on your needs, you might be fine with a smaller portable charger. In some cases you may need a power bank with bigger battery capacity. Look through the summary and features of each listing to find the battery that’s right for you.
- Extra features: Compass, LED flashlight, multiple charging ports—extra features can make or break your purchase, so read through the Why We Love It section to see which features come with the solar power bank.
- Portability: While all these solar power banks are portable, they’re also different sizes. Some are lightweight and the size of a typical smartphone, others are larger and meant to be set down to charge. Read through each listing to find the one that’s the right size for you.
Riapow Solar Power Bank
Best Overall
Fast Charging Solution
The Riapow Solar Power Bank is the cable-free option for a better solar power bank with true wireless output. Supports phones for inductive chargings, such as newer iPhones and Samsungs. This phone-sized charger delivers more charges per recharge, and can simultaneously charge more devices with the fastest charging speed possible. With faster solar charging, you can ensure that your devices stay charged even in the great outdoors.
Why We Love It:
- Advanced portable charging with inductive charge capabilities for the iPhone 11 and Samsung Galaxy S20.
- More daily charges—up to 8 charges for most phones per single recharge.
- Fast charging with up to 4 simultaneous devices and auto-detection for better traveling currents.
- Faster recharge speed, up to 2.5x the typical charging speed from the USB C ports.
Something To Consider:
- Wireless charging can be finicky.
- Solar charging is dependent on full sunlight.
Riapow Solar Power Bank has faster charging options and can charge more devices per single recharge, with smartphone auto-detection.
FEELLE Solar Power Bank
Best Design
Improved Outdoor Charging
The FEELLE Solar Power Bank has improved charge capacity with a lithium polymer battery and better solar panels. Carries more charges for newer smart devices, with fold out solar panels that can capture more solar energy. Charge two devices simultaneously and protect your USB ports with waterproof silicone covers. Built-in bright LED lights for camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities.
Why We Love It:
- Higher battery capacity, with 25,000mAh lithium polymer battery and 4 solar panels.
- Holds up to 8 charges for most phones, and 2 charges for tablets.
- Folding solar panels to capture more solar energy—bank is charged in about 3 hours.
- Rainproof and waterproof, covered with silicone to protect the LEDs and USB ports.
Something To Consider:
- Great for emergency use.
- USB cord is somewhat short.
FEELLE Solar Power Bank has more solar panels, a higher capacity battery, and more charges per recharge for all your smart devices.
YELOMIN 20000mAh Portable Solar Charger
Best Quality
Compatible With More Devices
Take your smart devices out into the wilderness with the YELOMIN 20000mAh Portable Solar Charger! Made from reliable and durable silicone, this solar phone charger also features a bright LED flashlight and a compass so that you never lose your way. Charge and recharge your battery in full sunlight, compatible with more devices and a better recharge cycle. Convenient express charge options.
Why We Love It:
- Made from durable waterproof silicone so that you can take this charger hiking and camping.
- USB cable to charge the solar charger separately from the solar panels.
- Compatible with more devices, including phones, tablets, and other USB devices.
- Longer life cycle with up to 900 full recharges so that you can have more convenience from your outdoor trip.
Something To Consider:
- Solar panel charging requires full sunlight.
- Full solar charge is much longer than USB charge.
YELOMIN 20000mAh Portable Solar Charger provides more charges per recharge and works with a wider variety of modern smart devices.
Suscell Portable Solar Power Bank
Best Size
More Battery Capacity
The Suscell Portable Solar Power Bank is equipped with improved cell capacity and charges an even wider array of modern electronic devices! Charge your phone, tablet, or speakers when you’re out camping or hiking. Power up this solar bank for a few days and enjoy more recharges on all your electronic devices. Portable for easy carry, and equipped with a dual LED flashlight for emergencies.
Why We Love It:
- Full 20,000mAh lithium cell that charges phones up to 5 times per recharge.
- Portable and lightweight so that you can toss this power bank in a backpack and take it hiking or camping.
- LED flashlights with powerful lighting modes for emergencies and better illumination.
- Powerful portable charging options and waterproof design that’s sturdy enough to take anywhere.
Something To Consider:
- Read instructions before use.
- Not designed to charge low power devices.
Suscell Portable Solar Power Bank can charge more smartphones and electronic devices and is super portable for all your hiking excursions.
BLAVOR Solar Power Bank
Most Durable
Dual Camping Kit
The BLAVOR Solar Power Bank is the lightweight and sturdy option for an outdoor charger that’s compatible with more phones and can recharge all your mobile devices! Take the solar power bank on the go and charge your phone, speaker, or tablet, with improved charge time and a better adapter. Compact size with a sturdy lithium polymer battery, this power bank is equipped with USB C to charge more devices.
Why We Love It:
- Compatible with more modern devices, including the iPhon 13 and the Samsung Galaxy S9.
- Compact panel design so that you can put this power bank in your camping bag or backpack.
- Extensive charge times—charge your phone up to 3 times per recharge.
- Dual flashlight and compass kit, this solar power bank is an indispensable camping tool.
Something To Consider:
- Solar power bank feature is a secondary component.
- Smaller battery than other comparable power banks.
BLAVOR Solar Power Bank is the best option for your next camping or hiking trip, to charge your devices on the go.
