The Best Power Banks of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
If I have the choice between a device that uses conventional batteries or one that uses rechargeable batteries, I’ll always go with rechargeable. But that means I need to maintain that device, which is why a portable power bank comes with me on nearly every trip. Over the past month, I’ve tested a dozen of the top rated power banks, and from that initial pool, I’ve narrowed it down to the six best power banks.
It doesn’t matter if I’m spending time outdoors or traveling, I’ll need to recharge something, and will inevitably use a power bank. My picks for the best power banks have been used while in the outdoors as well as for everyday use and holiday travel. They’ve juiced up headlamps, GoPros, my iPhone, and even other power banks. After all that field testing, here are my findings and recommendations for the best power banks.
- Best Overall:Anker PowerCore Slim 10,000 mAh
- Best Solar:BigBlue 28-Watt Solar Charger
- Best for Fishing:Anker Solar
- Best Small:Goal Zero Flip 12
- Best for Backpacking:Anker PowerCore Essential 20,000 mAh
- Best for iPhones:Anker Powercore Magnetic 5K
How I Tested the Power Banks
I tested the power banks in three ways: First, I timed how long it takes them to fully charge and how many times they fully charged my iPhone 11 Max. Then over a one-month period I carried these portable chargers during outdoor activities in several states, on long road trips, and a fishing trip in North Carolina. During that month I subjected them to heat, cold, and water to test their durability. Finally, I weighed and measured each power bank to provide you with accurate specs.
Here are the attributes I used to evaluate the power banks:
- As advertised (Do the chargers do what the manufacturer advertises?)
- Number of charges and charge time (How many times does it charge a phone? How long does it take to charge?)
- Use in the field (Is it practical to use while hunting, fishing, camping, hiking or backpacking?)
- Durability (Can it hold up to abuse?)
- Weight (Ounces are pounds, and pounds are pain.)
Best Overall: Anker PowerCore Slim 10,000 mAh
Key Features
- 10,000 mAh
- 3-hour charge time
- Charges an iPhone twice
- One USB port
- Micro USB and USB-C input
- Weight: 8.4 ounces
- Length: 6 inches
- Width: 2.75 inches
- Depth:.5 inch
Product Overview
If you’re looking for an all-around solution, consider the PowerCore 10,000 mAh. It’s a happy medium between a small charger like the Goal Zero Flip 12 and the PowerCore 20,000 mAh. If you are going out for the day or an overnight trip, it provides plenty of juice with two phone charges. It’s also light and small enough to not take up space in a pack or
The Anker PowerCore went through three key tests: a timed charge, testing how many times it would charge my iPhone 11 Pro Max, and using the power bank in the field. One of my favorite features of this power bank is how fast it charges. In a few hours, you can bring it from dead to fully juiced and ready to hit the field. It’s fast charging ability also makes it an excellent candidate to pair with a solar panel like the BigBlue 24 watt.
In my testing, the Anker PowerCore charged my phone twice. That’s two times with the phone on and in use. So, if you keep your phone off while it’s charging, you can expect the power bank to last longer—Anker rates it at two-and-a-quarter iPhone 12 charges. I most often use this charger when I’m going to be out all day and will need to charge my phone once, along with another device like a GoPro. It would also be ideal for a two-to.three day camping trip where you need to charge your phone twice.
The Anker PowerCore is slim and light enough that you can carry it in a for everyday carry. It’s also perfect for carrying in a daypack or sling bag. Mine has been with me hunting, fishing, and traveling—it’s yet to let me down.
Best Solar: BigBlue 28-Watt Solar Charger
Key Features
- 25 Watt
- 3 USB ports
- Charges a phone in about 3 hours of full sun
- Charges a 10,000 mAh power bank in 6 hours
- Weight: 1 pound 9 ounces
- Length: 11.125 inches
- Width: 6 inches
- Depth: 1.375 inches
- Size
Product Overview
There are a lot of portable solar chargers on the market, and they range in price as much as they do in effectiveness. The BigBlue is the best solar power charger that actually works and it’s affordable. You have to manage your expectations when it comes to these small solar panels and while three hours to bring a phone to full charge seems like a lot, I think it’s pretty impressive.
Here’s the context of my testing. I tested this solar panel in the fall when the sun sits low in the sky. The first hour of the charge the panel received partial sun. I managed the position of the panel throughout the day to keep it aligned with the sun.
The first test was to see how long it took to charge a Goal Zero Flip 12, which is good for one full phone charge. That test took three hours, which is how long it takes to charge the Flip 12 when plugged into the wall. The next test was to see how long it takes to charge my pick for the best power bank, the PowerCore 10,000 mAh. After six hours in the sun the power bank was at full power.
When you’re in the field, you probably don’t have time to sit around for six hours waiting for a power bank to charge. But, that’s not the best way to use this charger. In my opinion, using the solar panel to maintain battery life rather than fully charge a device is the best use. For example, if you are glassing in the morning, you can roll out your solar charger and plug in a device. Let’s say you stay put for just an hour, that’s enough time to charge a phone 30 percent. By charging your devices a little at a time throughout your time in the field you can make your powerbank or batteries last much longer.
Best for Fishing: Anker Solar
Key Features
- Water resistant
- Solar charging
- 20,000 mAh
- Two USB ports
- One USB-C port
- Needs to be charged overnight
- Charges a phone four times
- Weight: 1 pound
- Length: 6.875 inches
- Width: 3.625 inches
- Depth: 1.125 inches
- Takes a long time to fully charge
- Heavy
Product Description
I used the Anker Solar on a few upland bird hunting trips and a trip chasing false albacore in North Carolina making this the best power bank for fishing. While chasing albies, we had one bad weather day with a lot of chop. If I wasn’t wearing a rain suit, I would have been drenched. The Anker Solar was subjected to the same salt spray and it handled it just fine. It also had plenty of power to keep my phone, and GoPros fully charged during the ten hours of fishing. After I got off the boat, I grabbed a quick dinner before heading out on kayaks for fishing dock lights at night. That few hours wasn’t enough time to get the Anker Solar back to even half charge, which is the main downside.
If you plan to use this charger for backpacking or hunting, the weight and bulk are something to consider. The Anker PowerCore 20,000 mAh is considerably lighter and smaller, but it lacks the solar charging and weather protection the Anker Solar offers. Personally, I’d rather take the PowerCore for those applications, and think the Solar shines for fishing applications.
One of the questions you probably have is: does the solar panel on this powerbank work? If you plan to use the solar panel to fully charge your power bank, you’ll be waiting a while. I tested the solar charging capabilities by placing the power bank in full sun for six hours and did not see a measurable difference in charge. However, I think if you keep this charger in the sun all day, the battery will last longer than if you didn’t have the solar panel. So, consider it more of a battery extender, rather than a charger like the BigBlue.
Best Small: Goal Zero Flip 12
Key Features
- 3,350 mAh
- One USB port
- One full phone charge
- Three-hour charge time
- Weight: 2.6 ounces
- Length: 3.75 inches
- Width:.625 inch
- Depth:.625 inch
Why it Made the Cut
This power bank weighs nothing, has a small footprint, and has enough juice to completely charge your phone.
Product Description
This Goal Zero small power bank won’t take up space in your pack and has enough juice to bring your phone from dead to fully charged. For overnight or day trips, it’s my top choice. I also like keeping this best small charger in my carry-on to keep my phone charged while traveling.
The biggest con is that its square shape makes it uncomfortable to carry in a front But, it’s at home in a cargo. fanny pack, or day pack. My favorite features of the Flip 12 are it charges quickly and it doesn’t need a charging cable—the USB is built in. I also think it’s a great companion to a solar panel like the BigBlue.
Best for Backpacking: Anker PowerCore Essential 20,000 mAh
Key Features
- 20,000 mAh
- Up to five phone charges
- USB-C and Micro USB input
- Two USB output ports
- 11 hours to fully charge the power bank
- Weight: 12 ounces
- Length: 6.25 inches
- Width: 2.875 inches
- Depth:.5 inch
Product Description
This is a power house for charging devices. Whether you’re on a short trip where you need to charge a bunch of devices or a long trip where you need to just keep a phone juiced, this is the best power bank. It weighs less than a pound and it’s easy to carry thanks to its slim profile and beveled corners.
The biggest con of the 20,000 mAh PowerCore is it takes a long time to fully charge. But, the negatives end there. The two USB ports allow you to simultaneously charge two devices. I used it to charge my phone and headlamp each night during a weekend outing. During a November fishing trip, I left the 20,000 mAh PowerCore outside in freezing temperatures. The power bank didn’t lose a bit of charge, which has been my experience with all my Anker power banks in cold weather. Granted, my cold weather in Virginia is different from Fairbanks, Alaska’s cold weather.
Best for iPhones: Anker Powercore Magnetic 5K
Key Features
- Wireless charging
- USC-C output and input
- 5,000 mAh
- Charges in three hours
- Charges a phone once
- Magnetic charging works with iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max
- Weight: 4.6 ounces
- Length: 3.625 inches
- Width: 2.437 inches
- Depth:.625 inch
Product Description
The PowerCore Magnetic 5K is a great size for everyday carry. It’s super lightweight and charges a phone fast using a USB-C charger. But, don’t buy this charger unless you have an iPhone, preferably a 12 variant, and a compatible magnetic case. If you don’t have a compatible magnetic case, you’ll have to remove your case to use the magnetic feature and you’ll be disappointed in the strength of the magnet.
But, if you do invest in a magnetic case, it’s a great wireless charger for outdoors use. Other wireless chargers aren’t practical for outdoor use because they need to be laid flat to maintain contact with your phone. But, the magnetic power bank from Anker snaps to your phone and stays connected even in a cargo or your best backpack. You get the benefit of not needing to bring a charging cable and a continuous charge while you use your phone. I find this charger is ideal for all day sits, or days when I’m running OnX continuously.
How to Choose a Power Bank
Power banks are a lot like other outdoor gear, there’s a trade off between features and weight. You can get more capability, but you’ll pay for it in size and weight. You’ll have to decide how much capability you need and how much weight you’re willing to carry.
Here are more things you’ll need to consider when buying a power bank or solar charger.
What is a mAh and how much do I need?
A spec you’ll often see is mAh, which stands for milliamps hour. The mAh spec is a measurement of power over time, the higher the mAh the more power the battery contains. To fully charge a phone you’ll need 3,000 to 5,000 mAh.
Watts
A watt is a measurement of rate of energy transfer. So, when shopping for portable solar chargers keep in mind that the more wattage the more power the panel can provide. I’d recommend at least a 24-watt solar charger.
Are solar chargers practical?
If you’re in an area where you can provide a solar charger full sun, and leave it all day to charge a power bank or device, they are practical. But, you can’t expect a solar charger that fits in your to work well because you need surface area to effectively charge.
I found small solar panels to work best for maintaining battery life, rather than being used to fully charge a device. The main issue is that portable solar panels are small, and can only gather so much electricity. What they can do is lengthen your phone or power bank’s life. When you stop to glass or cook lunch, lay out your panel and let it charge the device for a few hours. Even if it’s a few percent increase in battery life, it’s free energy and a few percent here and there can add up over a week’s trip. If you get an extra 25 percent out of our powerbank I count that as a win.
Solar panels are also bulky and heavy. For example, the BigBlue weighs 1.5 pounds, and the 20,000 mAh PowerCore weighs less than a pound. You can pack two 20,000 mAh charges that would charge a phone ten times total and weigh the same as a BigBlue.
Waterproof power banks
Why didn’t I include any waterproof power banks? The rugged power banks that are fully waterproof and shock resistant come at the penalty of being heavy and bulky for the amount of power they provide. I’d much rather drop my power bank in a dry bag than carry the extra weight of a waterproof power bank. It’s also worth pointing out that while your waterproof power bank might survive a submersion, your phone won’t.
FAQs
Q: Which capacity of power bank is best?
A 10,000 mAh power bank is a good balance between charging ability (two phone charges) and size.
Q: Which brand power bank is best?
Anker makes the best power banks for everyday use. Goal Zero makes great power banks specific for the outdoors.
Q: How do I choose a good power bank?
First decide how much capacity you need and the physical size of the charger you’re willing to carry. Then you can look at the available options with your required specifications.
Q: What is the difference between a power bank and a portable charger?
They are synonyms and serve the same functions.
Why Trust Outdoor Life?
Since 1898, OL has been a leading authority in testing and reviewing hunting gear, fishing tackle, guns and shooting equipment, and much more. We have more than a century-long history of evaluating products, and we’re now bringing that expertise to online reviews. Our editors are experienced outdoorsmen and women, and most importantly, we’re trained journalists. We prioritize field testing and objective data when reviewing products. We conduct interviews with gear manufacturers and engineers as well as outdoor experts so that our readers have an understanding of how and why a product works—or doesn’t.
Advertising does not influence our gear reviews and it never will. While we always FOCUS our coverage on standout products—because we want our readers to be aware of the latest and greatest gear—we also cover the flaws and quirks of any given product.
Final Thoughts on the Best Power Bank
The best power bank for you is going to be the one that best fits your specific needs. If you’re a whitetail hunter that just needs something for an all day sit, then the 10,000 mAh PowerCore is going to work well for you. If you spend all your time on a boat and need a power bank to keep your GoPros charged and not slow down if it gets wet, the Anker Solar is perfect. The key is deciding what features best fit how you’ll use your power bank and then choose the charger that best matches your requirements.
- Best Overall:Anker PowerCore Slim 10,000 mAh
- Best Solar:BigBlue 28-Watt Solar Charger
- Best for Fishing:Anker Solar
- Best Mini:Goal Zero Flip 12
- Best for Backpacking:Anker PowerCore Essential 20,000 mAh
- Best for iPhones:Anker Powercore Magnetic 5K
ANKER PowerCore Solar 20000 Power Bank User Manual
Home » Anker » ANKER PowerCore Solar 20000 Power Bank User Manual
Charge Fast, Live For FAQs and more information, please visit:anker.com/support
USER MANUALPowerCore Solar 20000Power Bank
Product Number: A1650External Battery / Portable Charger51005002392 V01
Charging Your Smart Watches or Bluetooth Earphones
- To activate the trickle-charging mode, press the power button twice. The LED indicator will turn green.
- Charge your smartwatch, Bluetooth earphones, or other low-power accessories.
- To turn off trickle-charging mode, press the power button once again.
Recharging Your PowerCore Solar
Recharge Your PowerCore Solar via the USB Ports
When your PowerCore Solar is fully charged, the LED indicators will turn off after 10 minutes.
Recharge Your PowerCore Solar via the Solar Panel
When there is sufficient sunlight, PowerCore Solar will be recharged by the solar panel, and the solar charging indicator will turn blue.When the high-temperature indicator turns red, it means PowerCore Solar has exceeded the temperature limit. Let it cool down before using it again.
Solar charging is subject to sunlight intensity and panel conversion rate, so it may take several days to recharge PowerCore Solar. It is recommended to fully charge the battery if you plan on going on a lengthy trip.
Using the Flashlight
- Press and hold the power button for 2 seconds to turn the flashlight on or off.
- Press once to toggle between low light, high light, and SOS flash modes.
Important Safety Instructions
When using this product, basic precautions should always be followed, including the following:
- Store the product in a cool and dry place.
- Do not store the product in a hot or humid environment.
- Use of a power supply or charger not recommended or sold by the product manufacturer may result in a risk of fire or injury to persons.
- Operating temperature should be between 0℉C to 55℉C/ 14℉F to 131℉F.
- Do not disassemble the product. Take it to a qualified service person when service or repair is required. Incorrect reassembly may result in a risk of fire or injury to persons.
- If the product is not used for long periods of time, you should charge and discharge once every three months.
- When charging a device, the product may feel warm. This is a normal operating condition and should not be a cause for concern.
- In normal conditions, the battery performance will decline over several years.
- Do not dispose of the product in heat or fire.
- Do not clean the product with harmful chemicals or detergents.
- Misuse, dropping, or excessive force may cause product damage.
- When disposing of secondary cells or batteries, keep cells or batteries of different electrochemical systems separate from each other.
- Be aware that discharged battery may cause fire or smoke. Tape the terminals to insulate them.
Declaration of Conformity
Hereby, Anker Innovations Limited declares that the product type A1650 is in compliance with Directives 2014/35/EU, 2014/30/EU 2011/65/EU.The full text of the EU declaration of conformity is available at the following internet address: https://www.anker.comAnker Innovations LimitedRoom 1318-19, Hollywood Plaza, 610 Nathan Road, Mongkok, Kowloon, Hong KongAnker Innovations Deutschland GmbH I Georg-Muche-Strasse 3-5, 80807Munich, GermanyAnker Technology (UK) Ltd I Suite B, Fairgate House, 205 Kings Road, Tyseley,Birmingham, B11 2AA, United Kingdom
This symbol means the product must not be discarded as household waste and should be delivered to an appropriate collection facility for recycling. Proper disposal and recycling help protect natural resources, human health, and the environment. For more information on the disposal and recycling of this product, contact your local municipality, disposal service, or the shop where you bought this product.
CAUTION: Risk of explosion if the battery is replaced by an incorrect type.WARNING: The batteries (battery pack or batteries installed) shall not be exposed to excessive heat such as sunshine, fire or the like.
FCC Statement
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to thefollowing two conditions:(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:(1) Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.(2) Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.(3) Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.(4) Consult the dealer or an experienced radio / TV technician for help.
The following importer is the responsible party.company Name: Fantasia Trading LLCAddress: 5350 Ontario Mills Pkwy, Suite 100, Ontario, CA 91764Telephone: 1-800-988-7973
IC StatementThis device complies with Industry Canada license-ICES-003. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause interference, and (2) This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.Li-ion20
Customer Service
18-Month Limited Warranty
Lifetime Technical Support
support@anker.com
(US) 1 (800) 988 7973 Mon-Fri 9:00 – 17:00 (PT)(UK) 44 (0) 1604 936200 Mon-Fri 6:00 – 11:00 (GMT)(DE) 49 (0) 69 9579 7960 Mo-Fr 6:00 – 11:00( 日本 ) (0)3 4455 7823 月 – 金 9:00 – 17:00( 中国 ) 86 400 0550 036 周一至周五 9:00 – 17:30971 42463266 (Middle East Africa) Sun-Thu 9:00 – 17:30(GMT4)971 8000320817 (UAE) Sun-Thu 9:00 – 17:30 (GMT4)966 8008500030 (KSA) Sun-Thu 8:00 – 16:30 (GMT3)965 22069086 (Kuwait) Sun-Thu 8:00 – 16:30 (GMT3)20 8000000826 (Egypt) Sun-Thu 7:00 – 15:30 (GMT2)
Please note that your rights under applicable law governing the sale of consumer goods remain unaffected by the warranties given in this Limited Warranty.
The Best Solar Chargers of 2023
Cory Gunther / How-To Geek
Sydney Butler
Sydney Butler Writer
Sydney Butler has over 20 years of experience as a freelance PC technician and system builder. He’s worked for more than a decade in user education and spends his time explaining technology to professional, educational, and mainstream audiences. His interests include VR, PC, Mac, gaming, 3D printing, consumer electronics, the web, and privacy. He holds a Master of Arts degree in Research Psychology with a FOCUS on Cyberpsychology in particular. Read more.
Elizabeth Henges Commerce Editor Elizabeth Henges is the Commerce Editor for How-To Geek. She has close to a decade’s experience reporting on tech, gaming, and gadgets. Elizabeth has had her commerce work featured on XDA Developers, The Inventory, and more. She has also written for publications The Washington Post and The Verge. Read more. About How-To Geek
Whether you’re dealing with an unreliable power supply or want to make sure you can charge your essential gadgets when far away from the grid, a solar charger is an essential part of your hiking, travel, or emergency kit.
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24 Models Evaluated
5 Hours Researched
24 Reviews Analyzed
What to Look For In a Solar Charger in 2023
Before we get into what makes for a good solar charger, let’s clear up what we mean by “solar charger” since it’s distinct from concepts like a “solar power bank” or “solar panel.” A solar charger is a device that converts solar power using solar panels into an electric current suitable for charging devices, usually in the form of a USB power port conforming to USB power specifications. Solar chargers typically don’t have any power storage of their own, but you can use the charger with a power bank of your choice. In general, putting a lithium battery in direct sunlight is not a good idea, so it makes sense that most solar chargers don’t integrate them. Instead, you’d use a lengthy cable to connect devices under shade or in your bag, protected from direct sunlight. It’s important to use a solar charger with the necessary safety circuitry to prevent device damage. In models with poor safety controls, too much voltage may go to the device, damaging it. The charger may also keep pushing charge to the device even though it’s full. So look for mention of overcharge protection and other similar features. If you do use a charger that doesn’t explicitly mention these features, it’s usually a better idea to charge up an inexpensive power bank, rather than charge your tablet, phone, or other devices directly. Then use the power bank to charge your devices in turn. Size, weight, and mounting features are other key considerations. Small, foldable, and light solar chargers are more common now. Despite their size, they can produce usable amounts of power thanks to advancements in solar panel efficiency. Chargers may come with backpack mounts, kickstands, frames, or other mounting solutions. It’s best to pick one that matches your use case. For higher-capacity chargers, it’s always nice to have multiple ports to charge several devices simultaneously. Weatherproofing is a must since the odds of it raining at some point are virtually assured. Finally, an oft-overlooked feature is “auto resume.” Many solar chargers will stop charging when the sunlight drops below a certain level, and then fail to resume unless you manually reinsert the charging cable. Chargers with auto-resume ensure you don’t come back after a few hours to find that your device stopped charging ages ago.
Frequently Asked Questions
Solar chargers don’t store energy, and they need sunlight to produce electricity, so sadly, you can’t use them without sunlight.
Yes! Even if it’s cloudy or overcast, you’ll still get power from the sun. Things may not charge as quickly, but there’s still plenty of usable light.
In theory? Yes. In practice? Apart from the flashlight putting out a low total amount of power as light, it’s not in the same spectrum as sunlight, and it would be so inefficient that there’d be little point.
It all depends on the peak wattage of the charger in question and how much sunlight you’re getting. Under good conditions, it’s totally possible to get the same charge rate as typical wall chargers.
Best Solar Charger Overall: Anker 24W 3-Port USB PowerPort
Anker has developed a reputation for affordable gadgets that perform better than they have any right to. The PowerPort Solar is a great solar charger, even more so for its low price point, and it’s the one we recommend most people in the market for one of these devices to look at first.
Let’s get the negatives out of the way first, because if they’re dealbreakers for you, it’s best to know them upfront. First, there are no USB-C ports, so you’ll have to keep a USB-C to A cable handy for your USB-C devices. Secondly, this charger is not water resistant, so you’ll have to be vigilant for rain. The panels themselves have an IPX4 rating, but not the electronics box.
If you’re happy with these small compromises, you’ll find a lightweight, foldable, and flexible solar charger with a built-in kickstand and enough power output to charge most phones and tablets at rates similar to wall chargers. Each port can provide up to 12W of power. Considering that common “fast” chargers are 18W and typical iPad wall chargers are also 12W, this isn’t a bad result.
While it would have been nice to get more than 12W for single-device charging, Anker makes up for it thanks to its auto-resume charging if the sun is blocked temporarily. Whether you’re camping or want a backup power solution to keep in your car for an emergency, this is a fantastic choice.
Solar Charger, Anker 24W 3-Port USB Portable Solar Charger with Foldable CIGS Panel for Camping, PowerPort Solar for iPhone 12/SE/11/XS Max/XR/X/8, iPad, Samsung Galaxy S20/S10/S9/S8, and
The Anker PowerPort strikes the perfect balance between price and performance. It’s thin, flexible, and supports multi-device charging with auto-resume if sunlight is interrupted. It’s not 100% water resistant, but in every other way it’s a great deal.
The best solar power banks for the iPhone
The latest iPhones offer pretty good battery life but it’s always handy to carry a portable charger, just in case. Solar power banks are particularly nifty because you can charge them on the go with the sun’s energy. This makes them perfect for outdoor adventures like camping, hiking, backpacking, or a day at the beach where you wouldn’t have access to an electrical power supply.
We’ve picked out some of the best solar power banks for the iPhone that will ensure you never need to worry about a low battery when out and about.
Best solar chargers for iPhone
Editor’s Choice: Anker PowerCore Solar
Just like its USB C power banks, the Anker PowerCore solar power bank is a highly reliable charging solution for your iPhone. It boasts a 10,000mAh capacity and dual USB ports to provide multiple charges. The battery consists of premium heat-resistant materials that can withstand even the strongest sunlight.
Further, it’s sleek and portable, with an IP64 rating for protection against dust and water splashes. This makes it perfect to carry along on your adventures. An added perk is the built-in flashlight that can come in handy after hours. I especially appreciate that this solar power bank comes with an 18-month warranty, all at a pretty affordable cost.
Best wireless solar charger: BLAVOR
One limitation of my favorite Anker PowerCore solar charger is the lack of wireless charging. Enter the BLAVOR wireless solar power bank with five detachable solar panels. It’s got a massive 20,000mAh capacity and seamlessly supports Qi wireless charging along with wired charging through dual USB ports.
The fold-out solar panels are magnetically attached for convenience and provide a maximum charging current of 1300ma. When the panels are detached, it functions as an individual portable power bank for your iPhone or other devices. It features a built-in LED flashlight and comes with a complimentary compass ring kit.
Best budget solar power bank: ADDTOP
If you’re looking for an affordable solar power bank that gets the job done, you can’t go wrong with ADDTOP. It features four foldable solar panels and a battery capacity of 25,000 mAh. The dual USB ports provide high power output to quickly charge your iPhone from 0%-50% within 30 minutes.
Further, it features a waterproof silicone cover for protection from the elements. And the bright built-in flashlight with three modes makes it a reliable power resource for emergencies or the outdoors.
Best solar charger without a battery: BigBlue
Most solar power banks take a long time to get charged under the sun. They can be inconvenient when you’re going on a long trip or don’t have an electrical power source to charge from. That’s why it can be useful to get this BigBlue 5V 28W solar charger with four foldable solar panels. It functions like a mini power plant to charge your devices via triple USB ports.
It’s perfect for when you go camping or attend a music festival as it harnesses sunlight to power up your devices. Its Smart charge technology can automatically recognize any device you connect to provide optimal charging speed while ensuring safety. A special PET polymer surface protects the solar panels from occasional rain or wet fog while rubber covers on the USB ports keep out dust and water. The only downside is that it doesn’t have a battery to store any power. But given its speed and convenience, it’s a must-have for outdoor enthusiasts.
Best portable power bank: Survival Frog
The Survival Frog power bank has a capacity of just 6,500 mAh which is lower than the other options on my list, but it still packs a punch. That’s because it charges up quickly with its four high-powered 5.5W solar panels. It supports wireless charging and features two 5V USB output jacks that allow you to charge three devices at the same time.
I love how the power bank is contained within a leather wallet with a waterproof coating on the inside that provides durability, flexibility, and heat resistance. over, it’s got nifty loops and magnets that make it easy to attach to your car or other metal surfaces for easy charging in the sun. List the other options on this list, it features a built-in LED flashlight for emergencies.
Most versatile solar power bank: Raddy SW5
There’s a special place in my heart for multifunctional tech gadgets and this nifty solar power bank perfectly fits the bill. It’s an all-in-one outdoor companion featuring a 5,000 mAh power bank, IPX5 waterproof case, SOS alarm, compass, reading lamp, flashlight, and AM/FM/NOAA radio.
It has three charging modes via the solar panel, USB ports, and a hand crank that ensures you’re backed up in any situation. Each mode generates sufficient power for the radio, flashlight, reading lamp, or SOS alarm, which makes it a must-have for emergencies. Don’t forget to add this to your gear for your next camping, hiking, or other outdoor adventure!
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