The Best Solar Power Banks
Solar power banks are an invaluable resource for people who want to make sure they'll never run out of juice for their devices. These batteries take in energy from the sun that they then pass along to your other devices, like phones, tablets, and laptops. This way, you'll always have power even when you're nowhere near an outlet. But not all solar power banks shine as brightly as the rest, which is why we've developed this list of our personal favorites. Read on and let the sunshine in.
What to Look For
We had three questions that required answers when looking for the best solar power banks: Will they charge your products quickly and reliably? Are they durable enough to survive travel? Are they compatible with a wide variety of different devices? All of the solar power banks you see on this list fulfilled at least two of these requirements, and sometimes more. Our favorite was the Mregb power bank, which came in an impenetrable case and provided worthy bonuses such as compass navigation. We also loved the Durecopow bank, which came decked out with lots of survivalist features that campers are sure to love. Keep reading to find out which solar power banks should start lighting up your life today.
Mregb Solar Power Bank
The brightest of the bunch
We looked at a lot of solar power banks, and few ticked as many boxes for us as this one. This bank can charge up to three devices simultaneously and is protected by a casing that guards against water, dust, and power surges alike. Its precision compass and bright LED flashlight also help you to navigate the wilderness with ease. No matter what you’re seeking in solar power banks, this one will likely serve you well.
Pros
- These solar power banks can be used to charge one another, making bulk purchases a smart choice.
- Its bright LED screen is great for legibility, so you can see it clearly even in the dark.
Cons
- The digital compass can lag behind your actual location, requiring you to stop every so often as it recalibrates.
Tometc Portable Solar Power Bank
This is one of the most rugged and powerful solar power banks we had the pleasure of checking out. With a 36,800mAh light output, its beam can reach up to 130 feet, ensuring no area will be too dark for you to traverse. The shell is incredibly durable and weatherproof, hitting the high standard of IPX7 protection status for rough trips. Those who spend lots of time in the wilderness will find this one of the best solar power banks.
Pros
- It charges rapidly in the sun, able to reach full battery in as little as 90 minutes.
- This is one of the more compact solar power banks we came across considering the amount of solar charge it provides.
Cons
- Before it can be used it needs to be charged up via a power outlet after unboxing.
Durecopow Outdoor Solar Power Bank
Tech for your trek
Frequent campers will want to put this product at the top of their lists when searching for solar power banks. This bank is made with the wider world in mind, as it’s not only water and dustproof but also cased in environmentally friendly silicone rubber. The 2LED flashlight will also be a boon to campers who like to explore at night. If you spend lots of time outside, this is one of the best solar power banks you can pick up.
Pros
- It comes in a much wider range of color options than other solar power banks.
- This bank absorbs solar energy efficiently even on cloudy days.
Cons
- The flashlight button blends in with the rest of the case, making it hard to find.
Tranmix Portable Solar Phone Bank
The might of light
Many solar phone banks suffer from slow charge times, but you won’t have that problem with this device from Tranmix. Four massive solar panels harness the power of the sun into your phone for charges on the go. And with more panels, the charge goes faster, especially compared to the single-panel options. These huge panels fold easily as well, making this one of the most easily storable solar phone banks we tried. When you don’t want to settle for anything but the fastest charge possible, Tranmix has you covered.
Pros:
- A tactile, rubbery surface keeps this charger from sliding around while charging on desks or dashboards.
- We consider this an excellent portable charger in its own right, and the solar panels are a bonus for keeping your electronics juiced up on the road or during emergencies.
Cons:
- Even when completely folded up, this solar phone charger can still be quite heavy.
BigBlue 28W SunPower Solar Phone Bank
Big groups in need of fast charges won’t find many solar power banks better than this one. Large panels and three 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 one of the all-around best solar power banks.
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 solar power banks, 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I look at solar power banks instead of standard phone chargers?
Solar power banks require no outlets or exterior power sources to charge your devices and can be used with almost any device regardless of what type of charging port it might have. Plus, many solar power banks also function as standard chargers in case you want to use them via outlet as well.
For how long should my solar power bank charge in the sun?
Each power bank is different. Usually, one or two days of sunlight is long enough for most solar power banks to be able to charge your devices for weeks to come. Many of them can even receive a charge on cloudy days, so don’t feel the need to bring your power bank in and out of doors according to the day’s amount of sunlight.
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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.