This article may contain compensated links. Learn more in our disclaimer.
Are you looking for a solar power bank? Then check out this article.
Because here I’m going to talk about a more serious solution – portable solar charger, and how to choose the best solar charger.
The main difference between the two is that solar power banks are, well, the size of a regular power bank. That’s about the size of a smartphone. Mostly. And respectively solar panels they use are small. Which leads to the fact, that while they can charge your electronics, it can take a lot of time.
Like half a day in favorable conditions to charge a phone. That much time.
And then there are solar chargers. All of the best solar chargers I’ve listed below are bigger in size – but still not too big. You can easily put them even in a carry on size backpack or attach to it.
What’s more important – they are much more effective.
Scroll down to find the best solar charger for yourself. And – to learn more about this useful piece of travel gear.
Table of Contents
Best Solar Charger 2019
Now let’s take a look at the list of the best solar chargers. Scroll down to read more about every one of them.
For the availability, latest price and user reviews check them out on Amazon. Just click on the name or image of the solar charger.
| NAME | IMAGE | POWER | WEIGHT | PRICE ON AMAZON |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anker |   | 21 W | 14.7 oz 416 g | Check the price! |
| Nekteck |  | 21 W | 18 oz 510 g | Check the price! |
| SunJack |  | 25 W | 2.7 lbs (w/ 2 power banks) 1.2 kg | Check the price! |
| ALLPOWERS |  | 80 W | 4.8 lbs 2.18 kg | Check the price! |
| X-DRAGON |  | 40 W | 2.55 lbs 1.16 kg | Check the price! |
| RAVPower |  | 24 W | 26.4 oz 748 g | Check the price! |
| ECEEN |  | 13 W | 13.6 oz 385 g | Check the price! |
| ECEEN 10W |  | 10 W | 12.8 oz 362.9 g | Check the price! |
| *** – our favorites | ||||
Solar Charger Basics
There are basically only 2 questions you need to answer first to find the right solar charger for your needs. And actually they are the same like, when choosing a solar power bank.
1. Where Are You Going to Use It
What are the conditions you want the solar charger to be ready for?
Is there something specific? Something out of ordinary? If we forget about the extremes for a moment, most of the top portable solar chargers are designed to be used outdoors for an extended periods of time. Some just are more durable than others.
2. How Serious Solution Are You After
How many devices you will want to charge? Will you want to charge your laptop as well? How often?
If it’s just a phone or two, and maybe a camera, then most of the solar chargers will do the job. Though, for the less powerful ones (2 of the bottom ones in the table above) it may take significantly longer time. If you have plentiful sunshine, it will help. Otherwise better take something more serious.
Solar Charger Reviews
1. Anker 21W Dual USB Solar Charger
A weather-resistant dual USB solar charger.
It’s designed with outdoor enthusiasts and travelers in mind. Uses industrial-strength PET polymer faced SunPower solar panels, that are sewn into a rugged polyester canvas.
Light – only 14.7 oz / 416 g – yet powerful enough to charge 2 smartphones or any other compatible USB devices simultaneously. Under direct and strong sunlight gives out up to 2.4 A per port (3 A overall).
Thanks to its compact size could be easily taken on almost any backpacking trip. Who doesn’t want some autonomy time after time? With this solar charger from Anker you can easily extend that hiking journey or stay on that remote beach, without worrying that your gadgets may run out of power. Of course, if you can get some sunshine there.
Same like many of the best portable solar chargers this one can be attached to the backpack. Or to anything else, for that matter. Is it the best solar charger out there? For me, personally, it’s clearly in top 3.
Dimensions (folded): 11.1” x 6.3” x 1.1” (28.2 x 16 x 2.8 cm).
Weight: 14.7 oz / 416 g.
If this one is over your budget, there are cheaper and less powerful alternative from Ankers on Amazon. Keep in mind that prices change. So, always compare the current price and what you are getting for it.
2. Nekteck 21W Solar Charger
Highly efficient and highly durable solar charger with 2 USB ports.
In a way very similar to the one from Anker – almost exactly the same size, only slightly thicker, also with solar panels covered with rugged canvas. Ready for damp conditions. When folded is about the size of a medium-size notebook.
Under strong sunlight gives out up to 2 A per port and up to 3 A overall.
Thanks to installed metal grommets could be tied or attached to your backpack. Carabiners might come in handy here.
Comes with a Micro USB cable.
Dimensions (folded): 11.1 x 6.3 x 1.06 (28.2 x 16 x 2.7 cm).
Weight: 18 oz / 510 g.
3. SunJack Solar Charger with Power Bank
A set of a solar charger and 2 10 000 mAh power banks.
Both of the power banks are with a quick-charging capability, ensuring your gadgets will be charged even faster. Up to 80% faster than standard chargers.
How much does 10 0000 mAh is? It’s enough to fully charge most of the best smartphones twice. It may not be enough to fully charge your tablet, but with 2 power banks you’ll be able to do that as well.
In good conditions – under direct, strong sunlight, both of the batteries can be charged in about 10 hours.
It’s hard to say it from the pictures, but the SunJack Solar Charger is about the same size like all 3 solar chargers above. Only you should take into account, that this set is a pretty heavy one. But, again, there are 2 power banks as well, not just a solar charger.
It’s dustproof, shockproof and ready to be taken on your next outdoor adventure.
Dimensions (folded): 12.5” x 8” x 1.2″ (31.8 x 20.3 x 3 cm).
Dimensions (unfolded): 24.5”x 12.5” x 1″ (62.2 x 31.8 x 2.5 cm).
Weight: 2.7 lbs / 1.2 kg.
Capacity: 20 000 mAh (2 x 10 000).
In case you are sure you don’t need 2 power banks, there is another, cheaper option. Also from SunJack.
4. ALLPOWERS 80W Foldable Solar Panel
A compact and powerful solar charger for your smartphone, tablet and laptop.
The charger features 2 USB port (5 V / 2.4 A per port), that can be used simultaneously, and 18 V DC (18 V/2.4 A) output, which can be used to power your laptop.
The charger is ready for outdoors. Thanks to installed eyeholes it can be attached to your backpack, while you are hiking. It can also be placed on the ground. While it’s not the most compact solar charger out there, it still folds into a size of a handbag. Count in how powerful it is, and you see why it’s one of the best solar chargers. Just look at its user reviews online!
Comes with 10 laptop connectors and DC cable.
For more detailed and up to date information check it out on Amazon. And read the product description before buying it.
Dimensions (folded): 12.4” x 8.4” x 3.5” (31.5 x 21.3 x 8.9 cm).
Weight: 4.8 lbs / 2.18 kg.
5. X-DRAGON 40W Solar Charger
And another powerful solution for more demanding users.
Same like the ALLPOWERS solar panel I’ve mentioned above, it can be used to charge not only smartphone, camera, ebook reader and other small electronics, but also your laptop. Pay attention to the list of supported laptops, though.
And not only that – you can use this this solar charger to charge storage batteries, too.
Under direct sunlight it gives out up to 2.8 A (USB).
Comes with a DC Cable + 10-in-1 connector cable, compatible with a wide range of different laptops.
For more information check out the full product description on Amazon.
The set includes also 4 carabiners, that can be used to attach the charger to your bag or anything else.
Dimensions (folded): 11.5” x 7.6” x 2.7” (29.2 x 19.3 x 6.8 cm).
Weight: 2.55 lbs / 1.16 kg.
6. RAVPower 24W Solar Charger
A quality portable solar charger with 3 USB ports.
Body of the RAVPower solar charger is made of waterproof nylon fabric.
Under direct and strong sunlight gives out up to 2.4 A per USB port and up to 4.8 A overall. If 3 devices are connected at the same time output current is being evenly distributed, to ensure all of them are charging at the same speed. Which means – if, let’s say, you want to charge your phone as fast as possible, connect only your phone and nothing else, leave the rest of the ports free.
The RAVPower 24W Solar Charger comes with 2 micro USB cables and 4 stainless steel hooks. The latter you will use for attaching it to your backpack or hanging on a tent.
Dimensions (folded): 11.8” x 6.5” x 0.2” (30 x 16.5 x 0.51 cm).
Weight: 26.4 oz / 748 g.
7. ECEEN 13W Foldable Solar Charger
A highly efficient (up to 22%) and ultra portable foldable solar charger.
It’s one of the lightest among all the best solar chargers I have listed in this article. It’s made of quality polyester, making it weather resistant and ready to be used outdoors.
Don’t forget that it’s a charger, not a battery pack. You’ll have to get a power bank separately, if you want to be more on the safe side of not running out of juice. The charger features 2 USB ports, meaning you can charge 2 devices simultaneously (max output 2.0 A total).
On the back of the charger there is a pocket with velcro straps, where you can keep your phone, power bank or, for example, cables. The pocket is big enough to hold an iPad Mini. The charger features several attachment points.
When unfolded it can be easily attached to the outside of a regular backpack, to continue charging on the go.
When folded it’s about the size of an iPad.
Comes with 4 carabiners.
Maximum currency output – 2 A.
Dimensions (folded): 14” x 7” x 1” (35.6 x 17.8 x 2.5 cm).
Weight: 13.6 oz / 385 g.
8. ECEEN 10W Solar Panel Charger
A compact and very lightweight solar charger.
More of a backup solar panel charger than a main source of electricity. At the same time – it’s small, compact and light, one that will always fit in the bag. And, who said, that everyone needs to charge several gadgets while off-the-grid?
Just take a bigger power bank and even with this solar charger you’ll be ready to go away for a longer time. Otherwise – use your phone, tablet or what else electronic you may take with you more mindfully, and you’ll be ok. Note, that this solar charge can charge only via USB (max 1.5 A) and for anything bigger than a smartphone it may take 2 days or more to fully charge it.
Closes with a zipper for more convenient transporting.
Comes with 4 carabiners. Available in several colors.
Dimensions (folded): 11.5” x 6” x 0.5”'(29.2 x 15.2 x 1.27 cm).
Weight: 12.8 oz / 362.9 g.
Do you use a solar charger? Or maybe a solar power bank? What’s your experience?
Book Your Trip Like a PRO
1. Book Your Flight. Find cheap flights using Kiwi.com, Momondo.com. Or subscribe to Dollar Flight Club, if you don’t want to be searching for the flights yourself. Momondo usually is my first choice.
2. Book Your Accommodation. Booking.com, Agoda.com and Airbnb. I use Booking and Agoda at least a dozen times a year, and Airbnb – when looking for a long-term stay. My best tip is to ALWAYS compare the price. Sometimes the same hotel is cheaper on Booking.com, other times – on Agoda. Always compare the price!
3. Buy Your Travel Insurance. World Nomads and SafetyWings are two companies I can recommend. World Nomads offers some extra benefits, that will be important for those doing some higher risk activities, while SafetyWings is significantly cheaper. SafetyWings is only $9.25 / week.
Disclaimer for Amazon Associates: MakeAdventureHappen.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.Junyuan Bags
Ten articles before and after
Osprey Fairview 40 Review: A Women's Specific Travel Backpack – Junyuan Bags
NeatPack Foldable Daypack Review – Junyuan Bags
Best Travel Pillows: 8 Top Travel Pillow Reviews – Junyuan Bags
Best Microfiber Towels for Travel 2019 – Junyuan Bags
Best Waterproof Backpack for Travel & Commuting: Comparison Chart + Reviews – Junyuan Bags
Best Solar Power Bank 2019 [Comparison] – Junyuan Bags
Where to Go Hiking in Macau – Junyuan Bags
Osprey Aura AG 65 Review – Backpack Review – Junyuan Bags
Best Neck Wallet: 7 Best Travel Wallet Reviews – Junyuan Bags
Mobile/What's App/Wechat
E-Mail
ADD
