The Best Solar Chargers
There's no worse feeling than being stranded in an unfamiliar area with a phone that's about to run out of power. A solar charger is a great way to alleviate this fear, fueling your phone with the power of the sun as you go about your day. This offers safety and convenience in spades, and we decided to help you find the best of them with our list.
What to Look For
We had three major considerations while picking chargers for this list: How much (and how long) of a solar charge can it use? Will it power a phone reliably? Is it convenient to transport and carry? With those questions leading our search, we found a few excellent solar chargers that can help you through adventures great and small. BigBlue’s wrappable charger is highly compact while also adept at charging more than one device. The Hybridlight solar lantern with charger, however, is a must-have for the serious outdoorsman thanks to its rugged design and luminescence. There’s a solar charger to suit your needs on our list, so read on and get ready for fun in the sun.
Blavor Solar Charger Power Bank
Let there be light
This solar charger from BLAVOR gives you the best bang for your buck when it comes to features and quality. The charging bank can provide juice to up to three devices simultaneously, and the flashlight can see up to 164 feet and last 100 hours at full charge. Plus, it’s sturdy enough to guard against the elements while being light enough to not be a bother. This is the go-to solar charger for people who need a worry-free solution to power their phones.
Pros
- This charger comes with a USB port in addition to solar panels, so you can use it even when the sun is down.
- The compass is detachable from the phone, allowing you to clip it anywhere your traveling needs require.
- Even dim lighting is sufficient for helping this solar charger get your phone to maximum power.
Cons
- The power button for the flashlight requires you to hold it down for a couple of seconds to turn it on and off, rather than instantaneously.
DJROLL Portable Solar Charger
Come hell or high water
This pick from DJROLL is another excellent overall option for those looking for a hardy, dependable charger. This charger puts safety first, featuring surge protection that guards your device against overcharging or short-circuiting. The power bank is also designed to fit under a large range of phone types, from Apple products to LG and Android. For both hikers and everyday household users, this solar charger makes for an appealing option.
Pros
- The bright colorful accents help you locate it in dim lighting. Plus, it’s available in both vibrant blue and safety orange.
- Its power bank can replenish a phone’s charge several times over without needing to be recharged itself.
Cons
- The provided carrying strap can be flimsy.
BigBlue Foldable Portable Solar Phone Charger
Wrap it up
The convenience of a portable solar charger can’t be topped, and BigBlue stands head and shoulders above the rest. Large panels and powerful USB ports charge your devices quickly and safely thanks to smart charge technology and overcharge protection. Plus, the durable polymer surface ensures protection against the elements and can absorb sunlight even in foggy or inclement weather. Put this all together with the convenience afforded by foldability, and you have a solar charger that can count itself among the best.
Pros
- Small when folded up and large when in use, it’s perfect for charging multiple devices at once.
- A helpful power indicator tells you how much sunlight your charger is absorbing at any given time.
- Unlike some other units, the battery doesn’t drain when the charger is removed from sunlight.
Cons
- Charging can be notably slow when the charger is not in direct sunlight.
Hybridlight Solar Rechargeable Lantern/Cell Phone Charger
Light the way
This hybrid solar charger and portable lamp can’t be beat when it comes to convenience. This lantern is made perfectly for hazardous situations, thanks to its high-visibility coloration, weatherproof build, and ability to hold a long charge. You can also collapse it into a flashlight to get a more concentrated light source. For the seasoned hiker or nighttime explorer, this one-of-a-kind solar charger is an indispensable tool.
Pros
- Two choices of light intensity allow you to plan your lighting for spaces that are both pitch black and simply dim.
- The feel of it is lightweight yet robust, making it satisfying and easy to carry.
Cons
- The phone charging feature does require a USB cable, making it a more roundabout way of getting a solar charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why won’t my solar charger power my phone as quickly as a standard charger?
Consumer solar technology is still in a relatively young phase, and gathering solar energy takes time for smaller devices like chargers. Solar chargers are most efficient in areas where there are no outlets available, such as the wilderness.
What type of solar charger is right for me?
If you’re a frequent camper or outdoor adventurer, we recommend going with a charger that has additional navigation features, such as a flashlight and compass. Those who simply need a backup charger may be better served going for a more minimal design that can still soak in the sun without bloating your electricity bill.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.