Solar powered phone chargers use small solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity for charging devices.
They are useful for camping, hiking, emergencies or just having a backup power source. Bringing one along means never having to worry about finding a mains socket when your phone battery is running low.
Choosing the best solar powered phone charger involves paying attention to charging speed, battery capacity, panel quality and overall weight.
Size matters if we’re carrying it in a bag, and rugged build can be important for outdoor use. We spent many hours researching and comparing solar powered phone chargers to find out which ones are truly reliable and easy to use.
Best Solar Powered Phone Chargers
We have researched and picked out the top solar powered phone chargers for you. Our list makes it easy to find a reliable charger for outdoor trips or emergencies. Let’s take a look at the best options available right now.
Hiluckey Solar Power Bank – 26800mAh Wireless Charger
If we want a practical, durable power source for phones when we are out and about, this Hiluckey solar charger covers our needs well despite some slower solar performance.
Pros
- Massive battery life lasts days off-grid
- Reliable wireless charging for any phone
- Flashlight comes in handy outdoors
Cons
- Solar panel recharges slowly in typical UK weather
- On the heavier side for carry
- USB C charging cable not included
We found the Hiluckey Solar Power Bank to be robust enough for regular hiking and camping adventures. After carrying it in our backpack for a week, it took several bumps without issue and survived a few accidental splashes. The waterproof and dustproof features were reassuring on muddy trails.
Having a large 26800mAh battery meant we could keep several devices charged for days. We managed roughly six full charges on our iPhone 7 Plus before reaching empty. The fast charging via cable was great when we needed a quick top-up.
Wireless charging worked smoothly by just placing our phone on it. However, solar charging works best as an emergency backup rather than a main power source. Even after a couple of days on a sunny windowsill, it only added a small increase in power. For extended trips away from plugs, the large capacity is the main advantage here, not rapid solar recharge.
If we need long-lasting portable power with occasional solar trickle charging, the Hiluckey Solar Power Bank stands out as a solid outdoor pick.
PAIDASHU Solar Power Bank 20,000 mAh
This portable charger is a handy choice for camping or outdoor use but comes with a few important trade-offs to consider.
Pros
- Fast charges two devices at once with USB-C and standard ports
- Sturdy and can handle a bit of rough use outdoors
- Built-in torch is genuinely useful at night
Cons
- Solar charging is very slow and works best only as a backup
- Power bank gets heavy in a daypack
- Doesn’t hold as much charge as similar-sized models we’ve tried
We tested the PAIDASHU Solar Power Bank during a short camping trip and appreciated its robust build. It fits well in the hand, and the hook lets us attach it to the outside of a rucksack when we are out for a walk. The ruggedised casing shrugged off dust and some light rain without issue.
Charging our mobile phones with it was quick. USB-C fast charge worked well for our newer phones, and it handled two devices at once easily. The built-in torch helped us find things in the tent at night. We found the simple controls and clear lights make it easy to check battery levels.
Solar charging is best seen as an emergency feature rather than a daily option. After a couple of full days in the sun, the charge indicator hardly moved. The power bank is a bit heavier than expected, and on longer hikes we noticed the weight. For topping up phones around the campsite, though, it did the job. If you need something for lots of solar charging or lighter weight, you might want to look elsewhere.
Vikeri Solar Power Bank
We do not recommend this solar charger for reliable, frequent solar charging during outdoor trips.
Pros
- High battery capacity lets us charge devices multiple times
- Built-in torch and compass are handy for emergencies
- Feels sturdy and tough enough for active use
Cons
- Solar charging barely works or is not effective
- Slow to charge, both with mains and solar
- Heavy for travel compared to similar models
When we took the Vikeri Solar Power Bank out on a hike, we were excited by its high capacity and tough design. It easily handled bumps and drops, and the built-in torch proved genuinely helpful after dark. The size is practical, making it easy to clip onto a backpack with the included hook.
Despite the positive first impressions, we found the small solar panel unable to recharge the power bank in full sun, even after hours of exposure. This was disappointing, as we bought it specifically for off-grid charging. Recharging with a wall plug was slow and took longer than we expected, leaving us wondering if the battery would last during longer outings.
We liked that the power bank offers a large number of ports for simultaneous charging. Still, the main reason for choosing a solar charger is the solar feature itself, and this one does not deliver on that front. For this reason, we think there are better alternatives for anyone needing reliable solar charging on their adventures.
WOWMVP Solar Power Bank 26800mAh
This solar charger is a practical pick if we want something versatile for both everyday backup and outdoor trips.
Pros
- Charges our phone quickly with fast output.
- Can power three devices at once without slowing down.
- Built-in bright LED torch is helpful during outdoor use.
Cons
- Solar panel is slow for full recharging.
- Needs initial charge from the mains.
- Slightly bulky compared to smaller power banks.
When we tested the WOWMVP Solar Power Bank, we found that its fast charging capabilities made a big difference when out and about. Our devices were ready to go in less time, so we could focus on enjoying the outdoors rather than waiting around. The LED light included is impressively bright, making it really useful in a tent or if we drop something at night.
Having three outputs meant we could share battery power between our phones and a smaller gadget with no fuss. We liked the rugged feel of the charger and the secure clip attachment, which let us hang it on our bag during hikes.
Charging with the sun is great as a backup, especially in emergencies, but it is slower than plugging the device into a traditional outlet. For longer trips, we made sure to fully top it up at home first. If size is a concern, it is on the larger side, yet the extended battery life meant we did not have to worry about running out of power. Overall, the WOWMVP Solar Power Bank is reliable for camping or as an emergency power source.
PSOOO Solar Power Bank 26800mAh
A solid choice for those needing high-capacity portable charging but the slow solar speed means it is best for emergencies.
Pros
- Impressive battery capacity lasts through several charges
- Simultaneously charges up to three devices
- Feels sturdy and compact for easy packing
Cons
- Solar charging is very slow
- No USB C cable included
- Some reliability concerns after months of use
When we took the PSOOO Solar Power Bank camping, the large capacity proved its worth straight away. On one charge overnight, it kept our devices powered the whole weekend without needing to hunt for a socket. The three output ports are practical when several gadgets need a top-up at once, and the overall size is easy to carry.
Using the solar panel, though, revealed some limitations. Charging with sunlight works in a pinch but is definitely not fast. As a backup, it is fine, but we found ourselves relying on mains charging whenever possible for convenience.
Build quality feels decent, and it’s handy having a torch built in for outdoor trips. We would prefer the manufacturer included a USB C cable, especially since newer devices use this standard. The customer support is helpful, though there have been reports of units failing over time, so it’s worth checking yours as soon as it arrives. Overall, PSOOO Solar Power Bank is an affordable pick for travel if you want a power bank that doubles as an emergency solar backup.
Buying Guide
When we choose a solar powered phone charger, we should start by considering its charging capacity. Look for the mAh rating and ensure it matches our needs. Higher capacity can charge devices more times before the charger itself needs recharging.
Portability is another key factor. If we plan on travelling or hiking, compact and lightweight models are more convenient. Foldable panels are easier to pack.
Let’s compare features using a simple table:
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Capacity | More mAh means more charges |
| Weight | Easier to carry on the go |
| Waterproof | Good for outdoor use |
| Output ports | Charge multiple devices |
| Panel size | Larger panels charge quicker |
Consider charging speed. Faster output (more amps) can save us time, especially when charging bigger devices. Models with multiple outputs allow us to charge more than one device at once.
Look for durability features like water resistance or dust proofing if we use it outdoors. Built-in hooks or stands are handy for hanging the charger in direct sunlight.
Don’t forget compatibility. Checking if our devices can connect easily via USB or other connectors is crucial. Some models use a built-in cable while others have multiple port options.
Reading customer reviews gives us an idea of real-world performance. It’s wise to check reviews for reliability and ease of use before deciding.