Solar power banks are becoming more popular as people look for eco-friendly ways to charge their devices on the go. These handy gadgets use sunlight to charge an internal battery, which can then power up your phone, tablet, or other small electronics. They’re great for camping trips, long days out, or as a backup during power outages.
Most solar power banks have USB ports to connect your devices. They often come with built-in flashlights too, making them even more useful outdoors. The best ones can charge multiple devices at once and hold enough power for several full phone charges.
When picking a solar power bank, think about its capacity, charging speed, and how many devices it can charge at once. The size and weight matter too, especially if you plan to carry it around a lot. We looked at lots of solar power banks and tested the top ones to find the best options for different needs.
Best Solar Power Banks
We’ve rounded up the top solar power banks to keep your devices charged on the go. These portable chargers harness the sun’s energy, making them perfect for outdoor adventures or emergency situations. Our picks offer a mix of capacity, durability, and charging speed to suit different needs.
YELOMIN Solar Powerhouse
We think this solar power bank is a solid choice for outdoor enthusiasts who need reliable backup power.
Pros
- Big 38800mAh capacity
- Waterproof and rugged design
- Built-in LED flashlights
Cons
- Solar charging is slow
- Bulky and heavy
- No USB-C port
We took this YELOMIN solar charger on a weekend camping trip. Its hefty 38800mAh capacity kept our phones and tablets juiced up the whole time. The rugged orange case stood up well to being tossed in our backpacks.
The dual USB ports came in handy for charging two devices at once. We liked having the built-in LED flashlights for nighttime use around camp. The compass is a nice bonus too, though we didn’t need it much.
Solar charging works, but it’s pretty slow. We left it in the sun all day and only got about a 25% charge. For faster charging, we plugged it into a wall outlet before the trip. The lack of USB-C is a bummer for newer devices. It’s also on the heavy side at over half a pound.
CooLuzer Solar Powerhouse
We think this solar power bank is a solid choice for outdoor enthusiasts needing reliable backup power.
Pros
- High capacity battery
- Fast charging capabilities
- Rugged, waterproof design
Cons
- Slow solar charging
- Bulky size
- Some reliability concerns
We recently took the CooLuzer Solar Powerhouse on a weekend camping trip. Its 36,800mAh capacity kept our phones and tablets juiced up the whole time. The 18W fast charging was a nice perk, topping up devices quickly when we needed them.
The rugged build held up well to some accidental drops on rocky terrain. We appreciated the waterproof design when it started raining unexpectedly. The built-in LED flashlight came in handy for nighttime trips to the bathroom.
One drawback we noticed was the slow solar charging. It took a full day in direct sunlight to add just a small amount of charge. We’d recommend fully charging it before your trip and using the solar feature as a backup only. The unit is also quite bulky, taking up more space in our pack than we’d like.
While our experience was positive, we’ve seen some user reviews mentioning reliability issues after a few months of use. This gives us pause about its long-term durability. Overall, it’s a decent option for occasional outdoor use, but frequent travelers might want to look for something more compact and proven.
Jinepin Solar Power Bank
We think this power bank is a solid choice for outdoor enthusiasts who need reliable charging on the go.
Pros
- Big 38600mAh capacity
- Wireless and wired charging options
- Rugged, waterproof design
Cons
- Bulky and heavy
- Solar charging is slow
- Pricey compared to non-solar banks
We took this Jinepin power bank on a weekend camping trip and came away impressed. Its huge capacity kept our phones and tablets juiced up the whole time. We didn’t have to worry about running out of power, even with four of us using it.
The wireless charging pad on top is super handy. We just plopped our phones on it while hanging out at the campsite. No fussing with cables. When we did need wires, the built-in cables were right there. We liked having USB-C, Lightning, and micro-USB all in one device.
This bank is built tough. We accidentally dropped it on some rocks and it kept working fine. The waterproofing gave us peace of mind near the lake. The built-in light and compass are nice touches for outdoor use.
VRURC Super-Slim Power Bank
This compact charger is a great buy for anyone needing portable power with built-in cables.
Pros
- Built-in cables for multiple devices
- Slim, lightweight design
- Digital display shows charge level
Cons
- Limited to 10,000mAh capacity
- Only one color option (red)
- May not fully charge larger tablets
We found the VRURC power bank to be a handy travel companion. Its slim profile slips easily into pockets or bags without adding bulk. We loved not having to carry extra cords thanks to the built-in cables for different devices.
The digital display is a nice touch. It clearly shows how much juice is left so we always knew when to recharge. Speaking of recharging, the built-in wall plug made it super easy to top up the power bank itself.
While testing, we noticed it charged our phones pretty quickly. The 10,000mAh capacity was enough for about 2-3 full phone charges. It might not fully juice up a tablet, but it’s perfect for phones and smaller gadgets.
IAPOS 40000mAh Fast Charging Power Bank
This powerful portable charger is a must-have for frequent travelers and tech enthusiasts.
Pros
- Super-fast 22.5W charging
- Huge 40,000mAh capacity
- Charges 3 devices at once
Cons
- Too large for airplane carry-on
- Heavier than smaller power banks
- Pricier than basic models
We love how quickly this IAPOS power bank juices up our devices. It’s like having a speed demon in our pocket! The 22.5W fast charging is no joke – our phones go from zero to hero in no time flat.
The massive 40,000mAh capacity is a lifesaver on long trips. We’ve charged our phone, tablet, and wireless earbuds multiple times without needing to plug in the power bank. It’s perfect for camping weekends or power outages at home.
One cool feature is the touch-activated LED display. A quick tap shows the exact battery percentage left. No more guessing games! The sleek design feels great in hand too, with a nice grippy texture.
We do wish it was airplane-friendly, but that’s the tradeoff for such a big battery. It’s a bit hefty compared to smaller banks, but the extra juice is worth it for power-hungry users. The price is higher than basic models, but the speed and capacity justify the cost for us.
Buying Guide
When we’re shopping for solar power banks, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Let’s break it down:
Capacity
We want to look at the mAh (milliamp hours) rating. Higher numbers mean more charge cycles.
| Capacity Range | Best For |
|---|---|
| 10,000-20,000 mAh | Phones, small devices |
| 20,000-50,000 mAh | Tablets, laptops |
Solar Panel Efficiency
The panel’s wattage matters. More watts = faster charging in sunlight.
Charging Speed
We should check the output ports. USB-C with Power Delivery is great for fast charging.
Durability
Look for water-resistant or waterproof ratings. Rugged designs are best for outdoor use.
Size and Weight
Think about how we’ll carry it. Smaller banks are more portable, but have less capacity.
Extra Features
Some nice-to-haves:
- Built-in flashlight
- Wireless charging
- Multiple charging ports
We should also consider our specific needs. Do we need it for camping? Daily commutes? This helps narrow down our choices.
Remember, the best solar power bank balances our needs with our budget. It’s worth taking time to compare options before buying.