Since we live in the times of high tech and one of our biggest fears is that our gadgets won’t last through the day, today’s article is about choosing the best solar power bank. As usual, we’ve combed the internet and found the best deals for our readers, so keep reading because you’re in for a real treat.
The thing about solar power banks is that they’re some type of neo- perpeetuum-mobile, i.e. solar-powered stuff enjoys a form of free and (almost) perpetual energy. Well, at least until you drop your solar power bank in the pool, or whatever catastrophic event takes place (like your rechargeable battery dying on you).
Now, since we live in smart world, you’ll definitely require a smart energy solution to keep your phone or your laptop charged while you’re browsing the “interwebz” for cat pictures, and here the solar power bank comes into play, due to its inherent qualities: reliability and efficiency. Okay, there’s also a “coolness” factor embedded in this type of gear, but let’s skip that for the time being.
The concept behind a solar power bank is pretty straight forward: get a high-quality pack of rechargeable batteries, slap a solar charger (a micro solar panel with an inverter and all that jazz) on top of it, and voila: you’ve got endless juice to power up your high-tech paraphernalia. And speaking of mobility and high-tech gear, it makes perfect sense to keep your laptop charged at all times, especially if you’re constantly using an external hard drive or, why not, a travel router.
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How to Choose the Best Solar Power Bank
Since solar power banks are the ideal companion for travelers, the best ones are compact and easy to carry around, so look closely at metrics like weight and size. We know, that sounds pretty obvious, and the same stands true for the next issue: size matters. Now, before getting all giddy and giggly on us, no, we’re not thinking about what you’re thinking, but more like capacity matters.
When you go shopping for a solar power bank, make sure you know exactly what you’re hoping to charge with it. To make it simple, the portable charger’s capacity must match (in an ideal world, to exceed) the capacity of the battery of the smartphone or whatever device it’s going to charge. Battery capacity is measured in mAh aka milliamp hours, and the general rule of thumb is that if you want to charge a 3,000 mAh smartphone battery, it would be great to have a solar power bank with at least the same output.
By the way, a 5,000 mAh power bank will only charge a 5,000 mAh battery one time, hence if you want to charge multiple devices, think big (capacity, right?). And since we’re talking about charging batteries, make sure your power bank comes with safety features, like protection of short circuit and protection of overcharge. The former cuts power automatically when a short circuit occurs, while the latter protects the battery from, well, you see where this is going.
Another thing to take into consideration is the specs of the wall charger used for the device you’re going to charge with the power bank. While most smartphones require at least 5 watts/1 amp to charge correctly, more powerful gear like a tablet or a laptop will expect up to 12 watts/2.4 amps. If the solar power bank can’t match that output, you’ll be facing excruciatingly long charging times, and that’s not cool. The idea is to go for a high output power bank to get the juices flowing into your smartphone in the shortest amount of time.
Finally, check out the input/output ports, to make sure they’re enough for your specific needs (the number and type of USB ports for example), and also if they’re rated for the device they’re going to charge. Also, look into “how do I connect my stuff to the solar power bank”, or charging inputs. Remember that fast charging (charging speed is an issue with many people nowadays) is a nice feature to have, but that requires a compatible power bank, a compatible cable and, most importantly, a compatible device.
Best Solar Power Banks
Soluser Solar Charger 30000mAh
An Attractive Looking, High-Capacity Solar Power Bank
Soluser Solar Charger 30000mAh is an affordable and large-capacity solar power bank that delivers a solid 18W power delivery. Equally importantly, it features a durable design that involves the ip55 waterproof rating, as well as dustproof and shockproof characteristics.
Moreover, this power bank supports QC3.0 quick charge and it provides input or output bidirectional fast charging. Also, it is fitted with three USB output ports, the first two of which support 18W charging, while the third one supports 3A charging. In addition, there is also one USB Type-C output that may deliver much-needed power to your iPhone, Android device, or any other compatible device.
Soluser Solar Charger 30000mAh is built out of good quality BS materials and offers stylish looks, making it a full-package and one of the best solar bank options available.
- Durable build
- High-capacity battery
- Good output capacity
- Quick charging support
- Not the best quality control
QiSa Solar Charger 35800mAh
A Durable, Large-Capacity Solar Power Bank
QiSa Solar Charger 35800mAh is a large-capacity solar power bank that offers numerous features and great functionality, as it should be with one of the best solar power banks out there. This power bank supports wireless charging, as well as dual USB charging at up to 1.5A. Its total power charging capacity is 12W, while its durable build also features waterproof, dustproof, and drop-proof characteristics, making it one of the better deals out there.
QiSa Solar Charger 35800mAh also comes fitted with a built-in smart chip that automatically detects the compatible devices and adapts the voltage to ensure safe use. More importantly, this solar charger delivers a pretty good value to the customer, and overall presents a good solar charger, with a great perspective.
- Affordable
- Built-in smart chip
- Durable build
- Large-capacity battery
- Wireless charging support
- A limited number of output ports
- Limited power output
- A bit heavy
BLAVOR PN-W12 Solar Charger Power Bank
A Perfect Mainstream Solar Power Bank
BLAVOR PN-W12 is a reasonably-priced solar power bank, with a 20000mAh capacity and plenty of features that make it one of the better solar power bank solutions available. This a well-built device, with the QC3.0 fast charging capability that provides an 18W power output and Qi wireless charging capability that supports 10W, 7.5W, and 5W charging.
BLAVOR PN-W12 comes with four outputs and dual inputs and features a built-in flashlight and compass, adding quite a lot to the power bank’s versatility. Moreover, this solar power bank offers an IPX5 waterproof rating, as well as UL2056, CE, and PSE certification.
On top of that, it comes with a one-year warranty and overall provides a pretty good value for the money, making this solar power bank a respectable option suitable for the majority of mainstream users.
- Wireless charging support
- 18W Power Output
- Durable build
- Flashlight and the compass as a part of its design
- No the best solar charging performance
BEARTWO Portable Solar Charger SP10000
The Best Ultraportable Solar Power Bank
Here comes another 10,000 mAh solar phone charger, the BEARTWO SP10000 respectively. This improbably named ultra-compact portable charger is relatively spartan specs/features wise, yet it’s very affordable and offers Dual USB and a flashlight, along with the 10k battery pack. However, its main selling point is its portability, as the BEARTWO SP10000 is sold as one of the lightest and smallest devices on the market, and comes with an extra hanger included in the retail package, which makes it the ideal companion for hiking, camping and any other outdoor activity.
The chassis is built from strong ABS plastic, as usual we might add, with reinforced corners for rainproofing and extra durability. To be more specific, this solar charger measures 5.51 x 2.95 x 0.7 and weighs a mere 7 ounces (read ultralight), which makes it the size of a regular smartphone, yet it’s more chunky and grippy. The solar panel itself measures 2.5 x 4.5-inches, and you’ll also get a charge level indicator and a special cutout for attaching the charger to a lanyard loop or a carabiner.
- highly portable, very light and compact
- tough and rainproof/waterproof (IP67 certified) with a chassis made from silicone rubber and ABS + PC material
- comes with built-in LED flashlight
- dual USB allows you to charge two devices at the same time
- takes 5 hours max to fully charge via 5V/2A charger
- none really at this price
DJROLL Solar Power Bank 36000mAh
Everything You Need from a Solar Power Bank
DJROLL Solar Power Bank 36000mAh is a well-built, large-capacity solar power bank that offers just the right number of features and a capacity that makes it suitable for a large base of users. To be exact, this device supports 15W power output and simultaneous charging of up to four different devices, which includes dual USB charging, one USB Type-C charging, as well as wireless charging.
DJROLL Solar Power Bank 36000mAh is made out of ABS and PC materials result in a highly durable product that, among others, comes with the IP66 Waterproof rating. In addition, this solar power bank also comes with a built-in flashlight, as well as the included hook. It is affordable, attractive-looking, and it brings a solid value to the customer that ultimately makes it a great, if not the best solar power bank option for the majority of users.
- Wireless charging support
- It supports simultaneous charging of up to four different devices
- Flashlight and the hook that is part of the design
- Reasonably priced
- A bit heavy
SOXONO 16000mAh Solar Power Bank
More Than Meets the Eye
This Soxono solar power bank is described by the company as an eco-friendly 16000 mAh solar charger with Qi Wireless capability. Now, we don’t really know about the “eco-friendly” palaver, but what’s immediately obvious is that for less than thirty bucks you’ll get a lot of bang for the proverbial buck.
To begin with, 16000mAh capacity is nothing to scoff at, and if you add into the mix the Qi Wireless Charger and the two USB ports, plus the fact that the solar power bank is advertised to be waterproof, you’ve got yourself a winner.
The Li-Polymer battery cell is fully compatible with all iPhones, iPads and Android tablets, and just to give you a hint about what 16000mAh means in real life, well, this is enough juice to charge your average iPhone 3 times, which is respectable, or a Galaxy S10 (we know, that’s old news already, but just to put things into perspective) two times and so on and so forth.
To put things into a more modern perspective, you can charge an iPhone X two times fully, and you’ll have enough juice left for a Nokia 3310. Kidding aside, the Qi thing also functions pretty well, though it’s kind of slow, and if you have a magnetic case like Rokform, forget about it, it won’t work. The 15 LED power indicator is a nice feature to have for outdoors scenarios, as well as waterproofness.
Add into the mix the fact that the out case of the Soxono is made from a very tough plastic, that protects the power plant from dust, drops, or crashes, and you’ve got yourself a winner.
- Solid as a brick
- Qi Wireless charging
- Comes with LEDs
- Outdoors ready
- Waterproof
- Good value for money
- None really
ERRBBIC Solar Power Bank Portable Charger 20000mah
A Cheap, yet Functional Solar Power Bank
ERRBBIC Solar Power Bank Portable Charger is a super cheap, yet effective device that isn’t intended to be the best solar power bank available, but an efficient and easy-to-use power charging tool, which is what ERRBBIC is.
This is a 20000mAh solar power bank, with dual USB support, LED indicators, and support for 1A and 2.1A power charging support. Moreover, this is a relatively lightweight device, weighing only 306 grams, and it has a solid build that offers waterproof characteristics and brings attractive looks, all in one package.
Yes, fact remains that ERRBBIC Solar Power Bank Portable Charger 20000mah isn’t a premium product; however, if you are after an affordable, yet functional solar power bank charger that will bring a decent backup battery capacity, this device is more than a reasonable option.
- Cheap
- Portable
- User-friendly
- Nice looking
- Waterproof design
- Short cable
- Not the best solar charging performance
- No wireless charging
Riapow Solar Charger
Great Versatility in the Affordable Package
Riapow Solar Charger is a 30000mAh solar charging power bank compatible with both Android and iOS devices and more importantly, it is affordable.
This is a highly portable (it weighs 470 grams) and versatile device, fitted with built-in USB C/iOS/USB Input Cables and two USB A output ports, and one USB Type-C port. Moreover, this solar power charger features LED indicators and offers a solid build that makes it suitable for both indoors and outdoors uses.
In other words, there is everything needed for a good user experience. Therefore, if you are after a versatile and cheap solar power bank, Riapow is more than a reasonable choice.
- Three built-in power charging cables
- LED indicators
- Compatible with both Android and iOS devices
- Large-capacity battery
- No wireless charging
FEELLE HI-S025 Solar Charger 25000mAh
Travel-Ready Solar Power Bank
We’ve almost finished, but we saved some of the best for last: enter the strangely named FEELLE HI-S025, a high capacity 25,000 mAh outdoor waterproof solar charger. This little monster also features a cool folding 4-solar panel gizmo, i.e. it charges pretty fast compared to regular single-solar power models. Besides high capacity and multiple solar cells, the FEELLE HI-S025 offers dual USB 2.1A ports for charging two devices simultaneously and the usual LED flashlight.
One of the main selling points of this power bank, besides its high capacity, is its fast charging capabilities. In layman’s terms, that means a regular 2000mAh smartphone can be charged fully in approximately 75 minutes, which is very close to a regular wall charger. Oh, and we’ve almost forgotten the price, which is way under $50.
- high capacity affordable solar charger
- amazing value for money
- waterproofing and LED lighting make it ideal for outdoors lovers
- fast charging tech that really works
- 4 solar panels instead of one
- none really
Suscell Solar Power Bank 30000mAh
An Ideal Power Bank/Solar Charger for the Average User
Suscell Solar Power Bank is a basic, yet highly affordable power bank/solar charger that brings exactly what it should, a large 30000mAh battery at a low cost.
As you may guess, this power charger doesn’t bring any special features – offers a 2.1A USB output, and supports both USB charging and solar charging (which shouldn’t be the preferred option and should be used only in the case of emergency).
Suscell Solar Power Bank comes with a one-year warranty and offers a decent build quality and lightweight design (it weighs 420 grams). Moreover, it is fitted with bright dual LED lights that offer Steady, SOS, and Strobe mode and for the most part, they are present to alarm you in the case of an emergency. Also, they can be used instead of a flashlight, providing an additional handy function.
All in all, Suscell Solar Power Bank is a decent device that won’t impress anyone; nonetheless, it will do the job.
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Flashlight
- Large capacity battery
- No wireless charging
