Solar power banks are essentially chargers with a built-in solar panel. You can use them to charge with the USB ports, but you can also recharge them with sunlight. They’re an excellent choice for hiking and camping trips.
There are certain criteria we used to determine which solar power banks are the best. The capacity is essential because you want something that lasts a long time, so it doesn’t run down the battery as frequently.
You also need to consider the maximum output. This means that the devices can charge fast without taking forever. Ports are the last thing we used to base our recommendations on. This indicates that you can connect multiple devices and charge them all efficiently.
We’re going to discuss these criteria a bit more later. However, we wanted you to know why these nine products are the best.
At a Glance
- Blavor Solar Power Bank – Best Overall
- QiSa Solar Power Bank – Best Splurge
- Riapow Wireless Solar Charger – Best for Reliability
- Addtoop Solar Power Bank – Best for Foldability
- Yelomin Solar Power Bank – Best Budget
- TekPluze Solar Power Bank – Best for Transport
- Feeke Solar Power Bank – Best Versatility
- IEsafy Solar Power Bank – Best Output
- Hiluckey Solar Power Bank – Best Waterproof
The 9 Best Solar Power Banks for Digital Nomads
Blavor Solar Power Bank
The power bank offered by Blavor is an excellent choice when you want something high-performance. This solar bank is one of the best overall products and can outperform the competition. It’s got a max output rating of 18 watts, which is the highest you can get. Therefore, you get great charging speeds, and it’s fast. Even if you choose to use the wireless charger, which is built into the system, you can get 10 watts of output.
However, we feel that the 10000 mAh rating capacity of this solar power bank is low when compared to some of the others. Still, Blavor has almost everything else you could want from a power bank. This includes two USB ports, a flashlight, USB Type C inputs, a compass, and the wireless charger. Plus, Blavor is a reputable and popular company, and you get a 1-year warranty with the power bank.
Pros:
- High charging speeds
- Offers the USB Type C
- Includes a wireless charger
Cons:
- Lower capacity rating than others
QiSa Solar Power Bank
QiSa isn’t as popular as some of the other brands making power banks, but it is an excellent choice because the power bank includes many handy features, and they’re heavy-duty.
The solar power bank from QiSa has a higher capacity rating than the other brands we mention today. However, that’s not the only thing to like about it. This power bank also features a max output rating of 15.5 watts, so it’s quite decent. It might not be the highest, but it’s still going to charge your devices quickly.
One of the best things going for this solar power bank is the fact you get a 35800 mAh capacity, which is actually the highest of all the models. Because of this, you can easily use the dual USB ports and the wireless charger simultaneously and expect them to last a while. However, we do wish that the warranty was a bit longer, as it’s only six months.
Pros:
- Highest capacity
- Features a waterproof design
- Offers dual USB ports and wireless charging
Cons:
- Has shorter warranty than others
Riapow Wireless Solar Charger
When you want a power bank for portable use, Riapow is another brand to consider. It’s not overly expensive, and it still gives a good performance and has plenty of features.
The Riapow solar power bank offers better value for the money to its buyers. Its charging speeds are rated with a maximum output of 15.5 watts, which is very high. However, it’s only on the USB ports because the wireless charger (which is included) features a bit lower of a rating.
Still, you get four ports where most of the other bands only provide two. This is extremely handy when you have multiple devices. You’re definitely going to get more out of the 26800 mAh battery capacity when using this solar power bank. Plus, we really like the 1.5-year warranty it includes, especially when it’s lower in price than some of the others.
Pros:
- Four output ports
- LED flashlight included
- High performance and great value for money
Cons:
- Lower wireless charging speed
Addtoop Solar Power Bank
The Addtoop brand isn’t as well-known as the others when it comes to power banks, but it does have a solar power bank that’s a suitable choice for many people.
With this power bank, you don’t have to spend too much to get decent performance and capacity. The power output is rated for 10.5 watts. Though it isn’t as much as some of the other brands, it’s still good. However, the one problem is that it doesn’t come with a wireless charging option.
Still, you’re going to be amazed at the charging capacity, which is 25000 mAh. This is often plenty for most users. There are also dual output ports, which is standard on almost all solar power banks. Plus, you get a 1-year warranty.
Pros:
- Good charging speed
- Dual output ports
- Suitable battery capacity
Cons:
- No wireless charging capabilities
Yelomin Solar Power Bank
If you’re on a budget, but you still want a solar power bank, the Yelomin brand is suitable. It’s actually the cheapest on the list, and when compared to the other power banks, you’re going to find that it can still offer great value.
There’s a max output rating of 10 watts, which is lower than others. However, it’s not bad and can still get your devices charged up relatively fast. The output works for 1A and 2A charging devices and automatically switches between them to pick the right one for you.
You’re going to appreciate that it has a battery capacity of about 20000 mAh, which is quite good for a budget solar power bank. Plus, it still comes with dual USB ports, a compass, and an LED light. Therefore, it’s suitable for camping and hiking trips. Unfortunately, the warranty isn’t all that great. It only lasts 90 days, so it’s much lower than other options.
Pros:
- Includes compass and flashlight
- Great performance for its price
- Affordable and built to last
Cons:
- Very short warranty period
TekPluze Solar Power Bank
TekPluze is yet another great choice for people who need high capacity and good performance from their solar power banks. While the brand isn’t well-known, you’re going to like the power bank it offers.
You get a max output rating of 10.5 watts, so it’s similar to the others on the market. With the battery pack, you also have a wireless charging pad. We think it’s always great to have that feature.
There’s also a higher capacity rating than with some of the others, and it comes in at 30000 mAh. Therefore, it’s going to last a long time. You also get dual USB ports, and there’s the USB Type C, as well. This makes it extremely versatile.
However, we worry about the longevity of the product since there is no warranty at all. Though it’s shockproof and waterproof, there are a few reliability concerns.
Pros:
- High battery capacity
- Sturdy design
- Features wireless charging pad
Cons:
- No manufacturer’s warranty at all
Feeke Solar Power Bank
Feeke is another excellent brand for solar power banks, and it’s popular within the industry. Its options are quite decent, even though it’s lesser-known. Still, you can get affordable prices and great products.
We think the Feeke solar power bank has a high capacity with a max output rating of 15 watts. It’s stronger than some of the others listed here. When you combine that with the wireless charging pad, it ensures that you can charge up your devices fast and without any hassles.
One great feature about this solar power bank is the high capacity rating of 32800 mAh. This means you can get everything charged up fast without having to recharge in between. Plus, there are triple output ports and dual input ports on this solar power bank. If that weren’t enough, there’s a 1-year warranty, and the product is IP66-rated for water resistance. When you want something reliable, this is it.
Pros:
- Inbuilt LED flashlight
- Suitable charging speeds
- IP66 rating for water resistance
Cons:
- Heavier and bulkier than others
IEsafy Solar Power Bank
Those who need something durable and reliable are going to appreciate the IEsafy solar power bank. It’s got many features and lasts for long periods without a problem.
This is actually the most reliable option available that we’ve talked about today. It also has a decent performance because of the max output rating of 12 watts. Though it isn’t the highest, it is a great choice.
You’re going to like that there are four foldable solar panels included with this solar power bank. That means you catch the most sunlight possible, but it’s still portable.
Everyone can appreciate this 26800 mAh power bank, which is a pretty high capacity when compared to others in its class. Therefore, it’s going to be more than powerful enough for most people. While you do get the two output ports with this power bank, there aren’t any USB Type C ports. Still, we like the 2-year warranty that comes with it, which is more than any other solar power bank we’ve talked about.
Pros:
- Offers four solar panels
- Good capacity rating
- Durable and reliable
Cons:
- No USB Type C ports
Hiluckey Solar Power Bank
Lastly, there is the Hiluckey brand, and it made the list for many reasons. If you want another viable option and high performance is a big concern for you, this is the power bank to choose.
Though it doesn’t have the highest max output rating, it is 15 watts, which is enough for most needs. Plus, you can use the two flashlights that are built-in. No matter where you’re camping or what you’re doing, you can see enough to get by at night.
As with many of the other models listed here, you have a 26800 mAh battery capacity, so it’s similar to the others. However, it also begs to be different because there are four output ports, and one of them is a wireless charger. This is always ideal to have. If that weren’t enough, there’s a 1.5-year warranty, so it’s quite decent considering the affordability of the solar power bank.
Pros:
- Decent output rating
- Multiple charging ports
- Supports the wireless charging capabilities
Cons:
- Slightly pricier than some of the other affordable models
What Criteria to Look at When Choosing a Solar Power Bank?
Even if you choose to buy the higher capacity power banks, they are eventually going to run out of battery life with time. This is a significant issue, especially for those who spend a lot of their time traveling and are away from their home. If that’s the case, it’s essential to get something with built-in solar panels to help you keep the power bank charged and ready for anything.
We’ve already talked about the best solar power banks and given you nine great choices. You can read through them to get important information, such as options and features. That way, you can get the one that meets all of your needs.
However, you may also be wondering about solar power banks in general. This helpful guide shows you what to look for and why.
1. Capacity
When focused on buying a solar power bank, the first thing you should consider is the capacity rating. This just tells you how long the power bank lasts on one charge. That is important because you need to know how often you’re going to be charging it with the solar panels and can plan ahead for cloudy days when you may not get a lot of power.
The ratings often look like this: “20000 mAh” or “30000 mAh.” The numbers can even be higher than that. We often recommend that you choose a solar power bank with the highest rating possible. For example, a rating of 30000 mAh means that it’s going to last longer than one that’s only rated for 20000 mAh. This means you can charge up the power bank once and then charge your devices multiple times from that.
2. Maximum Output
Since you should choose a high capacity power bank to charge the devices many times before a recharge is necessary, the maximum output rating (in wattage) is also important.
This rating tells you information about the charging speeds allowed by the power bank, and it’s shown in watts. Usually, you’re going to find options like 10 watts, 15 watts, 12 watts, and 18 watts. This means that you can charge the smartphone or another device quickly and save time and battery life.
We recommend that you pick a high wattage, but you must compare that to the capacity amounts of the battery, too. In general, an 18-watt power bank is going to charge things faster than one with only 10 watts.
3. Ports
When you’re thinking of buying a solar power bank, make sure you pay attention to how many ports are available and their type. As you might expect, you want multiple output and input ports. This is important because it means you can charge more than one device at the same time. Therefore, most power banks offer at least two output ports and might include two input ports, too.
For the output needs, you are sure to find USB Type-A ports. This means they can be used with most cables. Some of the newer power banks might include the USB Type C port along with the output support. That gives you more versatility. Other than that, you may want to consider getting a power bank with a micro USB port so that you can charge it from a laptop.
4. Warranty
Most people don’t realize how important a warranty is. While many warranties focus on defects from the manufacturer’s end, they can also be a sign that the manufacturer cares about its products and is willing to stand behind them.
You don’t want to be buying new solar power banks all the time. Therefore, make sure that you check the warranty for the product. Most models feature a 1-year warranty, but some have better ones and go up to two years. Therefore, it stands to reason that they are going to be more reliable than solar power banks with no warranty or a short one.
FAQs
Now that you know what to look for in your solar power bank, we realize you may still have questions. It’s important to learn as much as you can so that you make the right choice. Therefore, we’ve come up with some helpful questions that you may be wondering about.
How Does a Solar Power Bank Work?
Even those who know how great solar power banks are and want one may not understand how they work. Most sellers aren’t going to explain it. However, we decided it was important enough for you to know.
Solar power banks use special lenses to concentrate the sunlight on a very small beam to charge up the batteries inside. The battery itself has a circuit controlling the power flow provided by the sun. These batteries can store the electrical energy from the sun, which can be used later to charge your electrical devices.
What Benefits Are There of Having a Solar Power Bank?
Solar power banks are an energy-efficient and economical choice for people. They can make life much easier, and they have many benefits, which include:
- They can charge your devices without electrical currents. This means there aren’t any other associated costs with owning them.
- You can use them anywhere that there is sunlight.
- Solar power banks are versatile and can charge up most gadgets. You don’t have to fear electrical shortages because sunlight is generally always available.
What Types of Solar Chargers Are Available?
There are two categories of solar power banks and many manufacturers that produce both styles. You can find different designs and concepts, but they generally focus on:
- Small and portable
- Foldable and portable
The small and portable models are designed to charge various devices, such as smartphones, iPods, and tablets. They can fit into a backpack or in a pocket, so you’re never without juice when you need a charge.
Then, you’ve got the foldable and portable models. They’re easier to charge because there are multiple panels. You can unfold it to capture more sunshine and then fold it back when you’re done to carry it easily.
Why Choose a Portable Solar Power Bank?
It is possible to find solar power banks that are bigger and can charge things like laptops. However, they may not be very portable. For example, with a smaller one, you can stick it in your pocket or put it in a backpack and take it anywhere.
You’re also going to find it easier to catch the sun when the power bank is portable. This means you can put it on the ground and enjoy the peacefulness of the area while it charges back up. Plus, you don’t have to lug a huge piece of equipment outside just to get it charged.
Final Words and Our Recommendation
If you spend much of your time going on road trips, hiking, and camping, you may want to consider a power bank. It’s going to help you keep your devices charged and ready to go in case there’s an emergency or you want to connect to the modern world for a while.
However, if you are frequently in areas without power, your power bank could lose its charge, even if it has a higher capacity or charges quickly. This is a huge issue if you’re in a remote place and can’t get to an outlet to charge the power bank.
Therefore, it’s essential that you choose the best solar power bank possible. The ones we’ve talked about today are all great. We’ve given you plenty of information about the features so that you can make an informed decision.
Then, we went a step further with the buying guide. That way, you can do some research on your own if you prefer and know what to look for. Here is what we recommend based on certain factors and needs:
Those who are on a tight budget should consider the Yelomin Solar Power Bank because it’s one of the least expensive options. It still has high output and capacity ratings, and there are a few other features you can enjoy, such as the compass and flashlight.
However, if you need a high-capacity power bank, the QiSa is the right brand for you. It’s got the highest capacity rating than any of the others mentioned and still has a good output rating, too. Since it’s waterproof and has the wireless charging station, it’s more versatile than some of the others.
When money isn’t an object, and you want the best of the best, consider the Blavor Solar Power Bank. It has the best performance of all the brands mentioned. Though it does have a lower capacity rating than others, it’s justified because it’s so small and has a high output rating.
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