On the hunt for a reliable backup power solution in case of emergencies? Spend lots of time off-grid? Or perhaps you’re just looking for a way to keep your phone charged throughout the long workday.
Whatever your power needs, harness the energy of the sun in one small device with a solar power bank!
Solar power banks are an amazing, portable solution if you’re looking to access power from anywhere there is sunshine. Bring them camping, hiking, RVing, or charge them up for emergencies at home.
With a variety of different sizes, weights, and capacities, choosing the best solar power bank might be a little overwhelming. But don’t worry, because we’ve got all your needs covered with our list of the six best solar power banks for the year!
So read on, and find the best solar solution for your needs in our list below.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
Jackery Solar Generator 1000
Best Budget:
BLAVOR Solar Power Bank
Best Portable:
QiSa 38800mAh Solar Power Bank
Best Overall
Jackery Solar Generator 1000
Powerful. Peaceful. Portable.
The Jackery Solar Generator 1000—which comes equipped with a power station and two solar panels—can silently reach a full charge in only six hours.
From the get-go, connecting the panels to the power station is super easy and you’ll be up and running your solar power bank within minutes. With an easy-to-read LCD screen, you’ll also be able to get real-time insights into power input and output numbers, as well as the power station’s minute-to-minute charge level. And when you’re done recharging, the solar panels fold up easily for portability and storage.
The Jackery is ideal for camping or emergency power storage with a massive battery capacity capable of charging everything from your phone to running appliances. Its huge power, portability, and peaceful silence are what earn the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 the best overall solar power bank slot.
If you need a solar power bank capable of running pretty much anything, this is your best option!
Pros
- Large battery storage capacity with a fast solar recharge time
- Easy-to-read, real-time display
- Ability to run appliances
Cons
- Heavy compared to handheld solutions
- Solar panel legs are not well suited for rougher terrain
Solar Power Bank Stats
- Battery capacity: 1002Wh
- Outputs to devices: one USB port, one USB quick charge port, two USB-C ports, three AC outlets, and one car charging outlet
- Weight: 34lbs
- Battery type: Lithium-ion
Best Budget
BLAVOR Solar Power Bank
The BLAVOR Solar Power Bank is one of the market’s lightest and smallest solar power banks and is extremely well-suited for portability. With USB-C, USB, and wireless charging ports, this is an inexpensive option to keep your small devices running.
At full capacity, the BLAVOR Solar Power Bank can fully recharge your iPhone 14 Pro twice and your iPad Air once. Or, use the wireless charger on this solar power bank for smaller items like Airpods!
The BLAVOR is waterproof, dustproof, and made from flame-retardant materials. So no matter what activities you’re doing, this solar power bank will persevere. To top it all off, the BLAVOR has a built-in dual flashlight and comes with a compass carabiner for added safety and adventuring features.
Pros
- Portable and lightweight
- Extremely durable
- Wireless charging port
Cons
- Small battery capacity
- Slow solar charging speeds
Solar Power Bank Stats
- Battery capacity: 10,000mAh
- Outputs to devices: one USB port, one USB-C port, one wireless port
- Weight: 10oz
- Battery type: Lithium-cobalt
Best Portable
QiSa 38800mAh Solar Power Bank
The QiSa takes the BLAVOR and steps it up a notch. Loved by outdoorsmen and women for its large battery capacity—meaning you won’t have to worry about running out of charge—the QiSa 38800mAh Solar Power Bank is built for life on the move.
The QiSa boasts four collapsable solar panels that can be used to continuously charge the solar power bank. And, unlike small, single-paneled options, this solar power bank can fully recharge on just sunlight in mere hours.
With the QiSa in your backpack, you’ll carry around the ability to charge your iPhone up to twelve times. And, with two USB ports and one wireless charging port, you’ll also be able to power up three different devices at once.
And when you’re charging up, rest assured your devices are safe! The QiSa comes with a built-in smart chip to stabilize voltage, so your devices will never be at risk of a surge or damage.
Pros
- Large energy storage capacity and fast solar charging
- Smart chip for voltage stabilization
- Waterproof, drop-proof, and dustproof
Cons
- Slow wireless charging port
Solar Power Bank Stats
- Battery capacity: 38,800mAh
- Outputs to devices: two USB fast ports, one wireless charging port
- Weight: 22.88oz
- Battery type: Lithium polymer
Hiluckey Outdoor USB-C Portable Power Bank + 4 Solar Panels
The Hiluckey solar power bank is here to charge your devices in a jiffy!
With fast-charging capabilities, the Hiluckey can charge your iPhone from zero to one hundred in under an hour. Also equipped with the ability to fully charge tablets up to four times, and iPhones up to ten times, you won’t have to worry about recharging the Hiluckey very often!
Covered in a sleek leather case for a more subtle look, this solar power bank is compact and stylish. Open it up and fold-out solar panels can be laid out for quick power bank charging speeds.
Pros
- Affordable compared to other similar models
- Subtle and discrete look with a leather exterior
- Fast device charging
Cons
- Slow at reaching a full charge with the solar panels alone
- Not well suited for harsh conditions
Solar Power Bank Stats
- Battery capacity: 25,000mAh
- Outputs to devices: two USB ports, one USB-C port
- Weight: 21.44oz
- Battery type: Lithium polymer
42800mAh Solar Power Bank
Spending long periods of time away from a power supply? Another great budget option is the 42800mAh Solar Power Bank.
With a large battery capacity compared to other products of similar weight, this portable solar power bank will give you peace of mind that your devices will remain charged throughout the day.
The 42800mAh Solar Power Bank was built with durability and extreme environments in mind. It is waterproof, drop-proof, and dustproof, making it a great addition to any adventurer’s backpack. So whether you’re keeping your phone charged at work or going on the most treacherous of hikes, this solar power bank will survive any condition.
Pros
- IP67-certified waterproof, drop-proof, and dustproof
- Built-in LED flashlight
- 1600+ charging lifecycles
Cons
- Slow solar charging, solar should be used as a backup
- Fewer output options
Solar Power Bank Stats
- Battery capacity: 42,800mAh
- Outputs to devices: two USB ports
- Weight: 22.24 oz
- Battery type: Lithium polymer
Goal Zero Yeti 200X Portable Power Station + Nomad 20 Solar Panel Kit
With fast solar recharge speeds and quick electronic charging capabilities, there was no question that the Goal Zero Yeti 200X would earn itself a spot on this list of best solar power banks.
The Goal Zero Yeti 200X solar power kit comes complete with everything you need to charge anything from small electronics to larger items like laptops, lights, or even portable fridges. Then once you’re done charging your devices, pack up your solar power bank quickly with a collapsable panel and a lightweight power station.
Pros
- Allows you to link additional solar panels to capture more sun
- Recharges fully on sunlight alone within 12-24 hrs using one panel
- Lightweight compared to other solar power stations of similar capacity
Cons
- More difficult to transport than a handheld solar power bank
- Solar panels may lack some durability
Solar Power Bank Stats
- Battery capacity: 187Wh
- Outputs to devices: one USB port, one USB-C port, and one USB port directly from the solar panel
- Weight: 7lbs 4.5oz
- Battery type: Lithium-ion
Solar Power Bank Buyer’s Guide
Types of Solar Power Banks
Solar power banks come in all different shapes and sizes, but the most common you’ll find are single-panel solar power banks, solar power banks with multiple panels or fold-up panels, or solar power banks with larger, attachable panels.
In general, solar should be used as a backup power source for anything with a single, built-in panel. Charge these solar power banks at home before you’re without power and use the sun as a top-up when you’re out and about.
Multi, fold-up, or larger paneled solar power banks are able to capture more sun. This allows them to charge faster off of sunlight alone and makes them more reliable in a pinch. The trade-off? These solar power banks are generally a little bulkier or heavier.
What to Look For in a Solar Power Bank
There are plenty of things to look for when choosing your next solar power bank. Definitely keep an eye out for these key elements:
- The first thing you’ll want to take a look at is the solar power bank’s battery capacity. This is the measure of how much power, or charge, the battery can hold. The more energy your solar power bank can store, the more you’ll be able to use it before having to recharge.
- Battery recharge time indicates how long it’ll take for your solar power bank to recharge. If you’re plugging your solar power bank into an energy source (e.g. a wall outlet or car) you can expect a faster recharge time. If you’re relying on the sun alone to recharge your power bank, take into account that recharging may take a little longer depending on the solar panels being used.
- Weight and size are crucial to know if you’re going to be adventuring with your solar power bank.
- Remember to also consider which outputs to devices (e.g. USB, USB-C, etc.) you need from your solar power bank.
- Lastly, but perhaps most importantly, investigate the solar power bank’s charging speeds. Will it take an hour to charge your phone or an entire day? Make sure you deep dive into this when choosing the best option for you!
Distinguishing Features to Help You Choose Your Solar Power Bank
Outside of the general items to weigh when choosing the best solar power bank for your needs, there are plenty of distinguishing features that may help one stick out over another.
Durability is especially important if you’re going to be using your solar power bank camping, hiking, or in the outdoors. Many options are certified waterproof, drop-proof, and dustproof, so keep an eye out for those features.
Plenty of the best solar power banks also come with interesting built-in features like flashlights or compasses. When deciding between two similar models, these special add-ons could definitely be something that may sway your decision.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Solar Power Bank
To make the best solar power bank even better, implement some of our super-simple tips to optimize your experience:
- Charge your smaller, single-panel solar power banks at home with a plug-in power source, and use the sun as a top-up when you’re on the go.
- Clean your solar panels regularly.
- Check the area surrounding your solar power bank for any obstructions that could be blocking the sun and clear them away.
- Move the solar panels with the sun throughout the day to capture the most power.
Time to Soak Up the Sun
Thank you for taking the time to peruse through this list of the best solar power banks for 2023! Whether you’re just looking for something to carry in your backpack to keep your phone charged all day, or you want to go with a larger machine that can power appliances, this list has hopefully given you options for just about anything.
Now get out there and soak up the sun… literally!
Looking for even more solar power? Read all about the best solar generators for off-grid living.