The Best Solar-Powered Phone Chargers for Powering Up on the Go (2023)

Key Specs

• Dimensions: 11.1 x 6.3 x 1.3 inches (folded); 33.1 x 6.3 x 0.33 inches (unfolded)
• Ports: Two 2.4-amp USB ports and one 1-amp USB port
• Weight: 20.1 ounces

The BigBlue 28W USB Solar Charger is widely hailed as one of the best solar chargers on the market. It has one of the highest power outputs, is competitively priced, and though it’s nearly 3 feet long when unfurled, it folds down to a lightweight, compact size that won’t take up much real estate in your knapsack.

It doesn’t include a battery, so you will have to connect your phone to it during the daytime (or use a power bank), but it does include three USB ports so you can connect multiple devices while the sun is out. And with four panels, you can be sure it will soak up as much sunlight as possible.

Key Specs

• Dimensions: 5.9 x 3.1 x 0.9 inches
• Ports: One 2.1-amp USB-A and one 2.1-amp USB-C
• Weight: 10 ounces

Generally available for under $30, the Blavor Solar Bank is one of the cheapest solar-powered phone chargers on the market. And for that price, you get Qi wireless charging, USB-A and USB-C ports, and a dual flashlight.

However, the Blavor’s solar cell capabilities leave a lot to be desired. As such, you’ll want to make sure its 10,000 mAh battery is fully charged before you head out into the wilderness, as it will take a few days to charge it back up via the sun.

Key Specs

• Dimensions: 12.1 x 7.2 x 0.5 inches (folded); 23.3 x 12.1 x 0.12 inches (unfolded)
• Ports: Two 2-amp USB-A ports
• Weight: 21.9 ounces

Capable of outputting 20 watts of power to two USB ports, this X-Dragon solar charger is a great choice if you’ll have plenty of sunlight. It doesn’t have a battery, so you’ll only be able to charge your phone(s) during daylight hours—however, its three 12-inch-wide panels will catch plenty of rays.

It folds down relatively flat and it also has several strategically placed loops so you can easily strap it to your backpack and soak up the sun while you’re hiking.

Key Specs

• Dimensions: 11.1 x 6.3 x 1.1. inches (folded); 26.4 x 11.1 x 0.4 inches (unfolded)
• Ports: Two 2.4-amp USB-A ports
• Weight: 14.7 ounces

Anker has earned a reputation for making quality phone chargers and power banks, and its solar-powered phone charger is an undeniably solid device.

Similar in size and power output to the BigBlue, it usually sells for the same amount or less, so if getting a name-brand device matters to you, this may be the way you want to go. It consists of three panels with grommets for hanging, and folds down to a compact size easy to slide into your backpack. Its industrial strength, water-resistant polymer fabric means that it can hold up in the elements, too.

Key Specs

• Dimensions: 10.12 x 8.19 x 0.94 inches
• Ports: One USB-A output, one micro-USB input
• Weight: 13.8 ounces

Equipped with a kickstand that does double-duty as a hook for hanging, as well as a sundial for finding the optimum angle for positioning it, the BioLite SolarPanel 5+ works well for setting up camp and charging your batteries.

It’s equipped with its own 2,200 mAh battery, so it's able to store power when your phone isn’t connected to it, which is good because it only outputs 5 watts, meaning it may take an overnight charge to get your phone back up to full power.

Key Specs

• Dimensions: 10.4 x 6.3 x 2.8 inches (folded); 26.8 x 20.9 x 0.20 inches (unfolded)
• Ports: One 2-amp USB-A port and one 18V DC port
• Weight: 40.8 ounces

Not only does this charger have a USB port for charging your phone, but it also has a DC port for charging larger devices like your laptop, as well as a cable for connecting it to your car battery. As such, it’s a great option for keeping in your car for emergencies. It doesn’t have a battery of its own, but its eight solar panels are capable of producing 40 watts of power.

Key Specs

• Dimensions: 6.3 x 11.1 x 1.1 inches (folded); 26.2 x 11.1 x 0.4 inches (unfolded)
• Ports: Two 2-amp USB ports
• Weight: 17.3 ounces

The Nekteck 21W Solar Charger’s three solar panels are rated at 24% efficiency, which is slightly higher than most on the list. They output 21 watts to two USB ports so you’ll be able to charge your phone in a few hours.

These panels are also waterproof in case you get caught in an unexpected rain shower. It folds down to a compact size to store in your backpack, but also has grommets if you’d rather hang it from the outside of your pack so it can soak up the sun.

Key Specs

• Dimensions: 6 x 6 x 6 inches (inflated); 6 x 6 x 1 inches (flat)
• Ports: One 2.1-amp USB-A port
• Weight: 8.5 ounces

If you’re going camping, this inflatable lantern is a great option. Not only does it provide 130 lumens of light for up to 50 hours, but you can also use it to charge your phone. It’s equipped with a built-in 2,000 mAh battery that will be fully recharged after 12 to 14 hours of sunlight (or 1 to 2 hours plugged into a wall outlet). It has five brightness settings and is completely waterproof and shatterproof.