The best solar phone chargers are an important gadget for everyone these days. Our life’s day to day activities are dependent on our cell phones, which highlights the need for portable phone chargers. When you are out camping or hiking where you don’t have access to electricity easily portable devices are a necessity for you.
Solar cell phone chargers use sunlight to power your phones. Depending on the conductivity and the quality of the silicon chip, their efficiency varies. So you should get familiar with the available models and their characteristics, and see if the one that you chose fits your needs.
You should check the features like the charging capacity, efficiency, and some other important ones. To make it much easier for you, we decided to create an article that will not only tell you what to keep an eye on when buying the solar phone chargers, but also offer you some of the best models available on the market today. But first, let us take a look at what you should consider before clicking on that “buy” button.
Our Top Picks
| Product Name | Weight | Dimensions | Watts | Efficiency | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PowerAdd | 1.3 lb | 10.4 x 6.1 x 0.2 in | 20 | Up to 23.5% | Check price on Amazon |
| Solar CHOE | 1.6 lb | 12.4 x 6.9 x 1.6 in | 19 | Between 22 and 25% | Check price on Amazon |
| ALLPOWERS | 3.6 lb | 10.8 x 7.6. x 2.8 in | 60 | Between 22 and 25% | Check price on Amazon |
| Anker | 0.91 lb | 11.1 x 6.3 x 1.1 in | 21 | Between 21.5 and 23.5% | Check price on Amazon |
| Wildtek SOURCE | 2.1 lb | 12.4 x 6.6 x 2.2 in | 21 | Unlisted | Check price on Amazon |
| Suaoki | 3.5 lb | 11.4 x 1.9 x 8.8 in | 40 | Up to 25% | Check price on Amazon |
| X-Dragon | 1.6 lb | 13.2 x 7.8 x 1.5 in | 14 | Between 22 and 25% | Check price on Amazon |
Features to Consider Before Buying
To help you understand it better, here are the things that you should keep an eye on when looking for a solar phone charger:
Charging capacity
The charging capacity varies according to the size and type of the battery. Different device functions differently. The internal system of battery is the one who decides the relationship between the panel and the battery. Some allow you to charge your phone while the solar battery is charging.
Efficiency
The efficiency of the solar charger depends on the material of the silicon chip. The first generation silicon chip is known to have better efficiency than the second generation silicon chip. So, keep an eye on that as well.
Other Characteristics
It is important for you to choose the right product that fulfills your criteria because during camping or hiking you may need a small charger with longer charging capacity. The reliability matters a lot too, because you need it for a longer period.
Price
A few years ago the prices of solar devices were so high that no one considered actually buying one. They were bigger in size and much bulkier so backpackers and hikers couldn’t think of carrying solar chargers with them.
Price range is definitely a priority for most people when they buy devices, but now there are a lot of options available in the market and you can surely get one within your price range. Plus solar energy is eco-friendly so you are doing the world a favor by using these solar chargers.
The price range depends on a number of factors that include the material of the solar panels, efficiency, charging capacity, the number of watts it can produce and the warranty of the product. The better these things are the price range of the product increases accordingly.
Compatibility
The compatibility of the product is a very important factor. If the product is not compatible with your device, then there is no reason for buying. First, make sure that the size, voltage, model and the power of your device is compatible with the charger’s specifications.
Set your priorities straight before buying a product. Because when you are buying something you can easily be confused with so many options available so you need to make sure that you need what you are buying.
Quality
The quality and durability of the solar charger matters a lot too. When you are outdoors, hiking or camping, you need a charger that you can rely on for a long period of time. The charging capacity and efficiency should be high so that you can charge your devices more than one time.
The efficiency of a normal solar charger is between 22-25% , but there are also lower efficiency chargers are available. Always keep in mind that the quality of the product will influence the price of the product so stick to your budget and buy a product that comes within your budget.
Warranty Duration
More warranty duration means more guarantee of the quality, reliability and durability of the product. This is an important factor to consider before buying any product. So keep this factor under consideration before buying a solar charger.
Top Product Reviews
We have now arrived to the section where we will do several product reviews so you can not only be aware of the solar chargers that are currently on the market, but you can find out specific details on products that may entice you to make a purchase!
PowerAdd 20W Charger
Price: Approx. $50
Efficiency: Up to 25%
Specific features: Lightweight, portable, voltage regulator
Best use: Outdoors, day trips
Dimensions: 10.4 x 6.1 x 0.2 inches
Weight: 1.3 pounds
Description: The PowerAdd 20W Charger is a really good choice when you’re looking for a high efficiency solar charger.
Its high efficiency, durability and ultra portable design are features that make it stand out. It is made for Apple, Android, HTC, Samsung, Nexus, Gapro, Mp3 players and external batteries. The higher efficiency goes up to 23.5 percent, and it has 5% efficiency that goes into the 5 volt 4A output.
The design is pretty unique and has a voltage regulator to ensure you get a stable current. Plus, you can fold it up when you are done, and it packs down to the size of 31 x 10.4 x 01 inches. This charger is also water resistant and weather resistant, and it is made of high quality PET lamination and PVC fabric.
Users enjoy this product because of how well it works, plus it has eye holes that can allow you to attach the charger to your backpack or other gear, so you can tote it along with ease. Not only that, you get a 2 year warranty with it as well.
PROS:
- Auto adjust of voltage and current
- High efficiency
- Folds up
CONS:
- Some have charging problems
- Bulky
Related: For the times when you need a smaller, portable charger, you can use a power bank such as the RAVPower 16750mAh External Battery Pack.
Solar ChoeTech 19W Charger
Price: Approx. $46
Efficiency: 23.5%
Specific features: Fast charging, high efficiency, charges 2 devices at once
Best use: Day trips, camping
Dimensions: 12.4 x 6.9 x 1.6 inches
Weight: 1.6 pounds
Description: The Solar ChoeTech 19w Charger is with Dual USB Port and Auto Detect Tech. The price of this solar charger is from $46 to $159 which depends on where you are buying it from. This product is used for Samsung, Apple and other smart phones.
This solar charger is weather resistant and has a ton of power, plus it is highly efficient up to 25%. The design is compact and it’s very light in weight. There are stainless steel eye holes so you can attach it to your backpack.
When it is opened, it measures 20.9 x 10.2 inches and comes with an 18 month warranty. There are highly durable PET plastic faced solar panels, and they are sewn into a polyester canvas that can get a lot wear on it and is very durable. Secured for short circuits or surges, the max output of this charger is 5V/2.4A and can charge 3 amps if it is sitting under the sun.
This product is compatible for iPod Pro, S7/S7 Edge, Nexus 5X/6P, iPhone 7/7 Plus/6S/6/6 Plus and others. This solar charger is compact in size and very easily portable, charges faster smartly with its high quality PET plastic faced solar panels and provides limitless power.
PROS:
- Affordable and stylish
- Works with many Apple and Android products
- Charges quickly
CONS:
- Some of these chargers have a short in the circuit somewhere
- Some do not put out as much amps as they should
Related: If you ever need a multimeter while you are outdoors, the DROK USB 2.0 Digital Multimeter works great and has 7 modes to choose from. It also includes a dual color LED and is very affordable.
AllPowers 60W Charger
Price: Approx. $175
Efficiency: 22 to 25%
Specific features: Efficiency, 60 watts, folds up, 18 month warranty
Best use: Charging laptops and phones while away from home
Dimensions: 10.8 x 7.6 x 2.8 inches
Weight: 3.6 pounds
Description: The AllPowers 60W Charger is with iSolar153 and it has a price range that falls from $166 to $399 depending on where you buy it from. The product offers a USB port for charging 5V powered gadgets and high efficiency up to 22-25%.
Highly efficient, this solar panel charger will charge your devices quickly, at a 60 watt capacity. It has a compact design and is compatible with many devices. Plus, it comes with USB cables, laptop connectors and more! You get an 18 month warranty with this device, which, when unfolded, measures at 114 x 50 x 0.5 cm. It will give you an 18v/3A DC output as well!
The product is compatible for Tablet, Laptop Smartphone, iPhone, Samsung, iPad, iPod, Blackberry, Asus, Dell, Acer, Toshiba, Laptops, Lenovo Notebooks, HP, and others. The product has a 60W folded solar charger. The product has the highest efficiency so you can charge your phone more than one time.
PROS:
- Slim and compact design
- Powerful with high efficiency
- 60 watts
CONS:
- Pricey
- Car charger may quit working over the time
Related: The Instapark INCC1205 PWM Solar Charge Controller is a great solar charge controller that is waterproof and has 4 LED battery lights that show you the amount of charge. Affordable, this works well with many solar chargers.
Anker 21W Charger
Price: Approx. $60
Efficiency: 21.5 to 23.5%
Specific features: Fast charging speed, durable, compact
Best use: Outdoor use, day trips
Dimensions: 11.1 x 6.3 x 1.1 inches
Weight: 14.7 ounces
Description: The Anker 21W Charger created by Anker and comes with Anker advantage. Decent price ranging from $59 to $99 depends on where you buy it. This is a really good investment if you are looking for a solar charger that is less expensive and is of high quality.
The product is compatible for technologies of smart phones, Laptops, Tablets and other gadgets. If you want to buy a charger with high efficiency and long term use then this is a good investment decision for you.
The product has 21W sun power array with high efficiency. It is weather resistant and its solar panels are sewn into rugged polyester canvas.
This charger is compact and fast charging, with a speed of 2.4 amps at each port, and at 3 amps total. Made with PET plastic faced solar panels, this durable charger, when unfolded, measures at 26.4 x 11.1 inches. The great thing is that it can charge 2 devices at once with an efficiency up to 23.5%
Very portable, this charger comes with an 18 month warranty as well as a micro USB cable that is 3 feet long.
PROS:
- Limitless power
- High efficiency
- Light in weight and very strong
CONS:
- May not get full amount of watts
- If you encounter gray skies, when the sun comes back out, you may have to restart it
Related: If you want a power bank that is small and can go places where your solar charger can’t, Anker makes the Anker PowerCore 10000, which is powerful and can be used with various devices.
Wildtek SOURCE 21W Charger
Price: Approx. $70
Efficiency: Unlisted
Specific features: Waterproof, dust proof, high efficiency
Best use: Outdoors, even near water
Dimensions: 12.4 x 6.6 x 2.2 inches
Weight: 2.1 pounds
Description: The Wildtek SOURCE 21W Charger with dual USB port. A really good option for those who are looking for a solar charger that can be used when they are out hiking or camping.
The ultra high efficiency charger features Sunpower’s latest high efficiency solar cells that deliver more efficient and faster charging. This solar charger is more or less 2 times more efficient than other solar chargers.
The solar charger is compatible for all types of smart phones. Its SmartCharge technology can detect your device and delivers the fastest charging.
With this solar charger you are able to charge two devices at a time because of the dual USB charging port. With just a little sunlight you can charge your phone, tablets, laptops or any other USB powered gadgets.
This charger also comes with a 2 year warranty and is great because it is waterproof, dust proof, and weatherproof. It can handle any type of terrain and is durable, plus it comes with carabiners to attach to your backpack.
The 1% of all the Wildteck products, goes to the preservation and the restoration of the planet, so you can always feel good about buying this solar charger. This solar charger is made for any kind of adventure because its foldable, compact and light weight so you can take it with you without any hesitation.
PROS:
- Weatherproof
- Dust proof
- Waterproof
- Durable and affordable
CONS:
- Can occasionally give an error message
- Will not charge at max power if there are lots of clouds
Related: Sometimes you need a battery charger for your rechargeable batteries, which is why the SunJack USB Battery Charger is so handy. It’s portable, affordable, and can be of great use when you need it while outdoors.
Suaoki 40W Charger
Price: Approx. $140
Efficiency: Up to 25%
Specific features: 40 watts, dual port output, waterproof
Best use: Hiking, traveling
Dimensions: 11.4 x 1.9 x 8.8 inches
Weight: 3.5 pounds
Description: The Suaoki 40W Charger with DC 18V and USB 5V Output Charger for Laptop Tablet SLR GPS Cellphone Other 5-18V Device. The price range is between $149 to $189 depends on where you are buying it from. Its design is made for outdoor use to carry it around easily, so very convenient for hiking, camping and other adventures.
Charging one device at a time is not enough most of the times, therefore this solar charger comes with dual ports that enable you to charge your laptop and phone simultaneously. With this solar charger you are able to, not only charge your mobile devices, but also charge your car with its car charger using DC port.
This solar panel has 40 watts of sun power and has Smart IC for each USB port. Waterproof, this product comes with a car charger and connector cables, plus a bag to store it all.
PROS:
- Dual port output
- Waterproof
- Charge any of your devices anywhere
CONS:
- Somewhat costly
- May not get up to 40 watts in certain weather
Related: If you would like different USB cables, or if yours, have worn out, AmazonBasics Apple Certified Lightning to USB Cable is 4 inches and comes in black or white, and up to 10 feet long depending on your needs.
X-Dragon 14W
Price: Approx. $40
Efficiency: Up to 25%
Specific features: iSolar Technology, high efficiency, dual USB power
Best use: Indoor and outdoor use
Dimensions: 13.2 x 7.8 x 1.5 inches
Weight: 1.6 pounds
Description: Efficiency 20W Solar Panel Charger with iSolar Technology for iPhone, ipad, iPods, X-DRAGON High, Samsung, Android Smartphones and others iSolar Technology, Foldable, Portable. The price range is between $48 to $269, depending on where you are buying it from. The X-Dragon 14W is high quality and portable charger, has a 14W Sunpower panel.
The product is compatible with almost all 5V USB devices and that includes Samsung, Iphones, Blackberry, etc. The solar panel of the product is FCC, RoHS, CE certified.
Lightweight, portable, compact and high efficiency dual USB solar charger is made of high quality material to ensure the durability of the product. The package of this solar charger includes 4 hooks, micro USB cable and an instruction manual.
This solar charger has iSolar Technology that will adjust the current and voltage on its own, and it has an efficiency up to 25%. It folds, has eye holes to attach to your backpack, and is compact in design. You can rest assured that it is surge protected and short circuit protected, plus you get an 18 month warranty!
The solar charger delivers fastest possible current that is up to 1.5 amps per port or 3 amps overall if placed under direct sun power.
PROS:
- High efficiency
- Comes with carabiner and micro USB cable
- Affordable
CONS:
- No built in protections
- No diodes
- Some devices will charge slowly in cloudy weather
Related: If you are going hiking or going to use this during a day trip, you may want to think of your safety. The Survival Spark Magnesium Fire Starter with Compass and Whistle is something you can wear around your neck and it lights up. Plus, it has a fire starter stick, compass, and more so you can be safe while outdoors.
Concluding Thoughts
In the end the choice is always yours. The best solar chargers are those which have higher charging capacity, higher efficiency, compact design, small size. So whenever you are buying a solar charger look for these things and then decide which one is the best for you.
Always make sure that it’s compatible for your device and it is light weight so you can carry it with ease. As we all know, the solar energy is environmentally friendly, so by using solar energy products, you are doing your environment a favor and you can always feel good and responsible for buying these products.
The solar chargers, available in the market today, offer all of these features with fair prices. They come with the tools that are handy whenever you need a green power source.
What do you think about these solar chargers? Have you used any of these? Please let us know your reviews and thoughts in the Comments section below!
The Poweradd High Efficency 20W Dual USB Port Solar Charger delivered as promised. It charges two gadgets at once so I can charge my phone and iPad at the same time. Even when it is not in direct sunlight, it still charges, though at a slower speed. When in direct sunlight, the charging speed is really impressive.
Don’t you just love these new gadgets? This means longer hours and days camping without being worried that your batteries will run out. The Poweradd is also compact and affordable. I love that it is water- resistant and ensures continuous charging even when wet.
The Poweradd High Efficency 20W Dual USB Port Solar Charger has saved me so many times. My extended backpacking trips used to have one major challenge, and that is my phone dying on me. I tried to carry a power bank but that too would be out by the third day. Then I decided to try out a solar charger and the Poweradd charger has not disappointed; in fact, it works better than I expected.
Thanks for your input Eddy! As campers, there can be so many things going on in our minds. it’s a relief not to be troubled by worry on how to cope with our devices. Those solar phone chargers are absolute game changers. For one, these chargers help us keep in touch with friends and families when we extend our days in camp.