Thirty-six hours may sound long, but considering the high 25,000mAh capacity, this is very quick, especially for a solar charger. In our tests, we found that even when the charger was exposed to a little dirt and water, the functionality of the device was still fully intact. Addtop may be a less well-known brand, but its Solar Charger Power Bank is a great little device. A quality charger will have an efficiency rating of 20 percent or more. After our top picks, keep reading for more details on how we test solar phone chargers, plus tips on how to find the right one for your next adventure. It can take up to five full days of sun exposure to fully charge and 12 hours to charge when plugged in. Dimensions: 33.1 x 11.1 x .2 inches (unfolded) or 11.1 x 6.3 x 1.3 inches (folded) Power: 28 watts Built-in battery: No Ports: Three USB-A ports Weight: 21.5 oz (1.34 lbs) IP rating: IPX4 mAh: N/A. Made up of four 7W solar panels, it's compact enough to take on long journeys, camping trips and festivals. 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. When it comes to connectivity you have two choices: an attached 8mm cable that plugs directly into a portable power station (20W), or a USB-A port which lets you charge smartphones, camera batteries and the like at up to 10W. Weight:1.5 pounds. It also has an IPX5 rating, and in our testing, we found that it was rugged enough to handle exposure to light rain. When testing solar phone chargers, our analysts have drained over 400 hours of battery to determine how long it takes to successfully recharge various devices. And for that price, you get Qi wireless charging, USB-A and USB-C ports, and a dual flashlight. Alternatively, you might prefer a solar charger power bank, which has an in-built battery. Its also extremely lightweight and can easily be attached to a backpack with accompanying clips so you can charge while you hike. About 89 percent of reviewers rate the product 4 stars or higher. Battery bank chargers store energy that can be used to power your phone at any time. Digital Camera World is supported by its audience. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. All rights reserved. The Beartwo 24000mAh Solar Power Bank has an average Amazon review score of 4.5 out of 5 based on over 1,000 reviews. They output 21 watts to two USB ports so youll be able to charge your phone in a few hours. Copyright 2022 Motor1.com. A full 91 percent of reviewers rate the product 4 stars or higher. The Nekteck 21W Solar Chargers three solar panels are rated at 24% efficiency, which is slightly higher than most on the list. Positive customer reviews say the X-Dragon provides a fast charging rate, has a sleek design, and is easy to carry. The BigBlue is weatherproof and has built-in overcharge, short-circuit, and voltage protection. Looking for a solar charger at a more affordable price than the BigBlue, number one on our list? The BigBlue 28W USB Solar Charger is widely hailed as one of the best solar chargers on the market. You can juice up any device that supports Qi charging simply by placing it on the power bank. Weight:1.3 pounds. You can charge two devices at once via USB-C (like your Apple Watch) or USB-A, and though its recommended to fully recharge the power bank before heading out on a trip, you can always recharge with the solar panels as a backup. Nonetheless, this is a durable, high-capacity charger that is lightweight and handy. As the name implies, a solar phone charger harnesses the power of the sun (a.k.a solar energy) to supply electricity to your devices or charge batteries. If the thought of your phone running out of power and not having anywhere to plug it in is enough to keep you up at night (or you simply spend a lot of time off the grid), then a solar-powered phone charger could be just the thing you need. Having your phone die on you can be extremely inconvenient, but its even more frustrating when youre in the middle of a scenic hike and you cant access your trail map or rely on your GPS. Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Anker has earned a reputation for making quality phone chargers and power banks, and its solar-powered phone charger is an undeniably solid device. It takes about 80 hours to fully charge in the sun. Do you need a high-output model or just something to charge your phone in an emergency? When you're not charging your devices, a special PET polymer surface offers a IPX4 waterproof level to protect it from light rain or wet fog. This foldable and easy-to-carry solar charger is compatible with smartphones, tablets, laptops, external battery packs, and most USB devices. But it does give you that extra bit of juice that will stop you worrying about running out. Stephen Slaybaugh is a writer and editor with more than 25 years of experience. Choosing The Right Solar Charger For Your Phone, How To Find The Best Solar-Powered Phone Charger, Weatherproof polyethylene terephthalate (PET) polymer surface, Recognizes different devices and optimizes charging speed accordingly, 21.5 percent to 23.5 percent power conversion efficiency, Includes four carabiners for clipping or hanging, Includes one micro USB charging cable and one carabiner, Two 5.0-volt USB ports and one 18.0-volt DC port, PET solar panels and weather-resistant Oxford fabric, Built with class A temperature-resistant anticorrosive fabric, Includes three carabiners, one DC5525-to-clamp cable, one DC5521-to-DC5525 cable, one USB cable, and five connectors for computers/generators, Built-in 25,000mAh lithium polymer battery. Portability: If you don't mind added bulk, a folded solar panel can likely result in a larger surface area and more power than a single panel charger, though you'll likely have to trade some power output for lightweight portability. Dimensions: 26.4 x 11.1 x .7 inches (unfolded) or 6.3 x 11.1 x 1.1 (folded) Power: 21 watts Built-in battery: No Ports: Two USB-A ports Weight: 17.3 oz (1.08lbs) IP rating: IPX4 mAh: N/A. Based on our research, one of the best solar-powered phone chargers is the BigBlue 28W Solar Charger. Hang this solar phone charger outside your camper van on your next trip and charge your phone or battery pack as you relax. Weight:14.24 ounces. With any charger, make sure that it is compatible with your phone. Happy customers mention the relatively fast charging time, durability, and convenience. To determine which is the best solar-powered phone charger, we considered the following categories: Power output determines what devices a solar charger can power, as well as how fast it can charge these devices. review process. We'll start with the best solar charger of the basic type, but if you want an in-built battery too, then skip ahead to the best solar power banks. They enable you to attend a festival, head off camping, or go hiking in the wilderness without having to worry about the lack of power sockets. Not all solar panels are of the same quality. However, those with a battery will usually cost more. Chief Technologist & Executive Technical Director. Any product can claim to be great and may look good on paper, but the real test is how it functions in the field. As such, check the chargers size to make sure you can accommodate it. She leads efforts for the constant evolution of GHs technical and testing protocols, responding both to market drivers and growth opportunities. Goal Zero Nomad 20 solar panel charger, Goal Zero Nomad 20 solar panel charger review, I spent a week in Iceland with the OM SYSTEM OM-1 and this is what I learned, My 5 favorite features of the OM SYSTEM OM-1 I for landscape photography, Quotes on photography and art to change the way you shoot, What's the point of Manual mode in photography? TheX-Dragon 40W Solar Chargeris waterproof, dustproof, and boasts a 22 to 25 percent energy conversion efficiency. This convenient charger holds 20,000mAH of power and can be really handy in a pinch. Many appreciate the high capacity of the energy bank, as well as how easy it is to store. Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. It includes two USB charging ports and is dust, shock, and waterproof. This charger does not include its own rechargeable battery bank, so it can only charge items while being exposed to the sun. Is the Nikon Z8 coming next month and will it kill the Nikon Z7 II? In their own words: "Solar charging is for emergency use, do not take solar power as a primary charging source. Portable phone chargers for backpacking, camping, hiking and beyond. Three USB ports allow you to charge multiple devices at once, making this a great pick for a family camping trip. At just under 7 inches, this portable solar charger is small enough to pack in your backpack so toting it along on your next outdoor trip is a no-brainer. In our most recent tests, we evaluated each solar phone chargers performance, durability, ease of use and more. Pilot captures mysterious red glow in clouds above the Atlantic: fishing vessel or the upside-down?! Power: 28.0 watts Stay charged up and connected, no matter how far from an outlet you find yourself. That means you should look for a charger with at least 7 watts to charge a smartphone and closer to 15 watts or higher for charging multiple devices or more power-intense ones like an iPad. This power bank is also dustproof and water-resistant to IP65 standards, comes with four-corner drop protection, a handle, and an in-built flashlight, making it a good choice for outdoor adventuring. One reviewer said that the power bank would not charge in the sun, though this was not the case for most others. The BigBlue 28W Solar Charger has an average Amazon customer review score of 4.5 out of 5 based on over 2,300 reviews. She continues to stay on top of the industrys latest innovations and helps readers make better buying decisions by testing and reviewing the best gadgets to hit the market. Based on over 400 Amazon customer reviews, the Blavor 18W solar charger has an average score of 4.6 out of 5. And at time of writing, it was the cheapest option on this entire list. Heres why you can trust us. Best laptop battery pack (opens in new tab) To assess performance, we positioned each unit outside when the sun was at its highest point and recorded how much it charged a drained iPhone XR battery within 30 minutes. Many mention that it is effective even in cloudy weather and provides a high power output. It also includes a built-in three-watt flashlight and compass. Want a solar charger power bank that's a bit cheaper than the Anker PowerCore Solar 20000, above? Power: 10.0 watts To charge the battery pack just attach it to the included solar panel and adjust the kickstand to the best angle for optimum charging, or top up at home before you head out. What features should you look for in a solar phone charger? Keep reading to learn how to find the right charger for your needs and budget. Weve been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. Before buying a solar-powered phone charger, make sure to figure out what would best suit your needs. If you want wireless charging from your solar power bank, here's our top recommendation. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, It's rugged and durable, folds down nice and flat, and provides an impressive 20W of power in full sunshine. Power: 20.0 watts An efficient solar charger good for charging multiple devices at once. It has one of the highest power outputs, is competitively priced, and though its nearly 3 feet long when unfurled, it folds down to a lightweight, compact size that wont take up much real estate in your knapsack. One customer was delivered a faulty device and had difficulty getting it replaced through the warranty. He has also worked for a wide range of mainstream titles including The Sun, Radio Times, NME, T3, Heat, Company and Bella. It doesnt have a battery of its own, but its eight solar panels are capable of producing 40 watts of power. Nikon D7100 owners rejoice. Their efficiency rating measures how well they convert sunlight into electricity. Approximate cost: $60 This small and portable charger holds up to 24,000.0 milliamp-hours (mAh) of power and can be charged with alternating current (AC) or solar power. A solar-powered charger is a good way to keep your phone, GPS, or other devices charged on the go, especially while riding your motorcycle on a sunny day. Its an excellent moderately-priced charger with a relatively short charging time (12 hours plugged in or 36 hours in the sun). Many solar devices have an efficiency of around 10 percent, though the best products have a conversion efficiency above 20 percent. It is highly recommend you fully charge via wall charger on first use.". Our experts also evaluated how much power each solar panel produced by plugging it into a PortaPow power monitor. This solar panel tops our list as an excellent, affordable solar phone charger for your next adventure. The final product on our list of the best solar-powered phone chargers is theHiluckey 25000mAH Solar Charger, a high-capacity power source that provides a lot of bang for your buck. It offers multiple charges and the flashlight feature can be very useful. The Hiluckey is also easy to carry and deploy. Power: 18.0 watts The Best Solar-Powered Phone Chargers for Powering Up on the Go, PackLite 2-in-1 Solar Phone Charger Lantern. Having a battery allows you to not only charge it using an outlet before you leave home, but you can leave the charger in the sun to power back up then charge your phone overnight. Most recently, we tested durability by dropping each solar phone charger from a 3-foot height and assessing any damage. Similar in size and power output to the BigBlue, it usually sells for the same amount or less, so if getting a name-brand device matters to you, this may be the way you want to go. Solar chargers can be divided into two categories: those with and those without a battery. For more details, see our BioLite SolarPanel10+ review. The Anker PowerCore Solar 20000 is our top recommendation. There was a problem. Media & Tech Reviews Analyst Olivia Lipski oversees product testing and covers everything from connected devices to appliances, health, home and fitness. Plus that battery, as you might have guessed, can be charged up from sunlight itself. The best iPhone charger cable, Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access, Enjoy your first month for just 1 / $1 / 1, *Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription. With a B.A. Skimping on wattage also may mean a slower charge rate, so if you can afford to go a bit higher, go for it! On the plus side, though, there's a built-in kickstand so you can angle it for optimal solar collection, there's an attachment point at each corner for strapping it to your rucksack, and it's nice and cheap, too. It is waterproof, shockproof, dustproof, and can be charged in a wall socket or via its four foldable solar panels. A direct charger sends power straight to your phone while exposed to the sun. We read through reviews from a number of respected publications including Wirecutter, Lifewire, and Spy to suss out the best solar phone chargers on the market. But if you're going to be off-grid for a long time, it does provide a practical way to keep your devices juiced up without going near a power socket. Connections: Make sure the solar charger is capable of charging the device you own and that it has enough ports to charge multiple devices if that is desired. Our only caveat is that this charger cant store electricity, so youll need daylight to keep your devices up and running. Get the best camera deals, reviews, product advice, competitions, unmissable photography news and more! Most chargers have USB ports that will work with almost any cell phone, but it always pays to check. Solar phone chargers really work. Power banks that come equipped with solar panels are placed outside in direct sunlight to assess how much battery accumulates in four hours. Where once solar chargers where more a novelty than a practical solution, these days many are powerful enough to get your phone back to full power in just a few hours. Approximate cost: $60 You get a USB-C to USB-C cable in the box, too, along with a Handy-Carry wrist strap. Instead you can keep your phone, tablet or laptop topped up, purely using sunlight. We also added additional product details such as specs, testing notes and more. Solar panels with this output typically have a surface area of at least eight square feet. If you want to power multiple devices, or something bigger like an iPad, look for a solar charger that offers higher wattage. There are two types of solar chargers. In our tests, we were able to get two full charges on an iPhone 11 from the Venture 35 power bank, and it took eight hours on a very sunny day to completely charge the power bank with the Nomad 10 solar panel. Inspirational images plus all the latest kit. TikTok's "Product Overload" Trend Is Dangerous, The Best Spanish-Language Shows on Netflix, Best Solar Phone Charger for Multi-Device Charging, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. Provided you have access to enough direct sunlight, even a mid-priced ($60 to $90) solar charger can fully charge a cell phone. This waterproof, dustproof, and shockproof solar charger includes a built-in, four-function flashlight, making it great for throwing into your top box or bag for emergency use. Built-in battery bank:No Along with solar charging, theBeartwocan be fully charged in 10 hours when plugged into an outlet through a micro USB cable. If you don't have blue skies and all day to spare, you can also use the onboard 3,200 mAh battery to charge your devices directly. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). These panels are also waterproof in case you get caught in an unexpected rain shower. Solar chargers are designed for outdoor use, and often for situations where you are away from urban spaces. Thank you for signing up to Digital Camera World. Charging a 12-volt battery requires a fairly large amount of power and therefore a good-sized solar panel. Ports:Three USB ports Dissatisfied customers complain about the long charging time in the sunlight. Olivia Lipski is the Media & Tech Reviews Analyst for the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she tests products and covers tech, home, appliances, health and more; prior to joining GH, she was a writer for Android Central and Lifewire reporting on all things smart home and cellular, as well as a content creator for the Association of National Advertisers where she wrote about marketing trends and innovation. For more details, see our Goal Zero Nomad 20 solar panel charger review. Digital Camera World is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. This mid-priced charger boasts 21.5 to 23.5 percent conversion efficiency and is compatible with most compact Android devices and Apple devices. It expands to more than 25 inches unfolded and comes equipped with two USB-A ports, meaning you can charge two devices at once. As such, its a great option for keeping in your car for emergencies. Theyre a great option for hikers and campers to keep their phones juiced up, as well as a handy device to keep in your car in case of emergency. Dimensions: 6.9 x 3.5 x 1.1 inches Power: 18 watts Built-in battery: Yes Ports: Four USB ports (Two USB-A, one USB-C, one Micro USB) Weight: 1.43 lbs IP rating: IPX5 mAh: 20000. If youre going camping, this inflatable lantern is a great option. Rachel Rothman, Chief Technologist and head engineer, has a B.S.E. That said, the makers warn that you should not depend on this. Power: Make sure you get a charger that is powerful enough to charge the device you want in an adequate amount of time. To put that in context, it's enough charge up an iPhone 12 around 4.7 times, a Galaxy S20 3.4 times, and an iPad mini 2.7 times. Based on our testing and categorical expertise, these are the best solar-powered phone chargers that are actually worth purchasing, regardless of whether theyre for everyday use, outdoor adventures or emergencies. Yet it folds out to quite a large size, which provides enough power for stable, reliable charging, whether you're in dazzling sunshine or under clouds. If you are on a multi-day ride, leaving the Hiluckey basking in the sun each day should provide enough power to completely charge a cell phone each evening. New York, When you're out on the trial for days, weeks or even months, you want to keep your backpack as light as possible. And with four panels, you can be sure it will soak up as much sunlight as possible. Though we like how the included micro-USB cable can charge compatible battery packs or cameras (you'll want to check your device's setup), you should bring your own USB-A cable to charge your smartphone and more. The best Hasselblad camera in 2022: for professional and advanced photographers, 10-year-old DSLR gets firmware update! Tom May is a freelance writer and editor specializing in art, photography, design and travel. And then there's the added benefit of being able to top up your charger through solar energy. Its solar power output is 5W, which isn't enormous, but it does the job well, and at this price it represents very good value. At the Good Housekeeping Institute, our experts test outdoor products ranging from outdoor speakers to hiking shoes, hiking socks, backpacks and beyond. Chances are you will be carrying your charger in your backpack (or strapped to it). We cross-checked those with user reviews, taking price and configuration into consideration to finalize our list. For reference, 24,000mAh will be able to fully recharge most cell phone batteries about eight times, though the exact number depends on your specific device. When choosing a solar battery charger, first consider your needs. from George Washington University and a Masters in communications from Sciences Po Paris, Olivia has several years of experience writing about tech and trends. Another common complaint is that the battery indicator lights dont provide a good estimate of the amount of charge that remains. We'll be honest; with the latter, the solar aspect is going to be quite limited. In a word: consistency, Nikon Z lens roadmap: full schedule for Z5, Z6, Z7, Z6 II, Z7 II, Z9, Z50, Z30 & Z fc. There are mixed reviews regarding the X-Dragons ability to charge a laptop, however. So while its output of 21W isn't as powerful as the BigBlue's, it's still a worthy option, especially at this affordable price. Physicists May Have Created a New State of Matter, Earth Just Experienced Its Shortest Day Ever, Amaze Your Friends With This DIY Potato Cannon, The War in Ukraine Is Elevating New Military Tech, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. Dimensions: 6.85 x 3.46 x 1.18 inches Power: 18 watts Built-in battery: Yes Ports: Two USB ports (One USB-A, one USB-C) Weight: 16.5 oz or 1 lb IP rating: IP65 mAh: 20000. Theyre also a key addition to an emergency preparedness kit and can help you stay connected when the power goes out.