We are increasingly dependent on our portable devices, which means we need them to have a substantial charge almost all the time. We also lead busy lives; we’re frequently on the go and aren’t always able to find a plug or a USB port to give our phones a little more juice when we need it. We all know the stress of watching the charge on our phones get lower and lower until we’re forced to turn it off until we can get home.
Luckily, this doesn’t have to be the norm anymore. There are now reliable portable chargers that are small enough to be carried with you throughout the day and powerful enough to keep your devices usable. And with solar chargers, you’re provided with an added backup feature to keep you going when you need it most. A portable solar charger is key to freedom because you’re less dependent on electricity and not tethered to a wall plug.
Ready to see the best of the best and learn what to look for in a quality charger? Keep reading on and find the best one for you today.
BLAVOR Qi Portable Charger
Best Overall
Huge Charge Capacity and Great Features
This charger has a stunning capacity of 10,000mAh. It is built to be sturdy yet lightweight and has a built-in flashlight and compass. When plugged in, it can be charged quickly and go a long time without being recharged.
Pros:
- 10,000mAh
- Sturdy but lightweight
- Flashlight
- Compass
Cons:
- Heavy
- Solar charging is slow
ERRBBIC Solar Power Bank Portable Charger
Best for Camping
Waterproof with a Built-In Flashlight
This 20000mah charger is perfect for your outdoor adventures. It’s waterproof and has a built-in LED flashlight. Plus, it can charge two smartphones at once. Add some comfort and security to your outings with this helpful option.
Pros:
- 20000mah
- Waterproof
- LED flashlight
- Charge two phones at once
Cons:
- Charges slowly
- Main charging method is electricity, not solar
Tranmix Portable Solar Phone Charger
Best Solar Capabilities
Four Compact Solar Panels
Maximize your charging capabilities with this portable charger that unfolds to reveal four solar panels. At 2500mah, it can charge a phone seven to nine times without needing to be recharged.
Pros:
- 2500mah
- Four foldable panels
- Charges devices multiple times
- Charges two devices at once
Cons:
- Heavy
- Solar charge is slow
Riapow Solar Power Bank
Most Charging Ports
Charge Four Phones at One Time
This Qi-enabled charger can accommodate four devices at once due to its high capacity of 26800mAh. Charge it in seven hours with a cable, or use the solar panels whenever you need a backup.
Pros:
- 26800mAh
- Charge four devices at once
- 8 days of power before recharging
- LED flashlight
Cons:
- Slow to charge
- Solar can be ineffective
LICORNE Wireless Portable Charger
Most Durable
Sturdy and Shockproof Build
This 36800mAh-capacity charger can plug into the wall or use the backup solar panels. It can accommodate three smartphones at once. It also has an emergency LED flashlight with strobe and SOS settings.
Pros:
- 36800mAh
- Durable and shockproof
- Can charge three devices at once
- LED flashlight
Cons:
- Solar charges slowly
- Heavy
FAQs
What Does mAh Mean?
The unit mAh, which you will often see in relation to charging devices, stands for milliampere-hour. An ampere is a unit used to measure electrical current, more commonly known as an amp. An ampere-hour, or Ah, describes how much energy it will take for a battery to provide a device with one amp of power for one hour.
Thus, a milliampere-hour, or mAh, is equal to one-thousandth of an Ah. This unit is commonly used to describe how much charge a battery will hold and, by extension, how long it can go before needing to be recharged. A larger mAh measure means that the battery in question will hold more charge and go longer without recharging.
What Does Qi-Compatible Mean?
When looking into wireless chargers, you are likely to come across the terms “Qi wireless charging” or “Qi-compatible.” Several different technologies are used to transfer charge from a wireless charger to your device. Qi is one of them.
It is pronounced “chee” and comes from a Chinese word with no direct translation, but which means something along the lines of “life force” or “energy flow.” Qi is one of the earliest and most efficient wireless charging technologies, and it is commonly used. If you’re not sure if your phone is Qi-compatible, you can find out with a quick Google search or by checking your phone’s user manual.
Buying Guide
Wireless charging means you don’t need a place to plug in, and you don’t have to carry around yet another cord. It means you can rest assured that you’ll have enough charge whether at work, in town, or on a camping trip. A solar wireless charger gives you yet another backup. Look over the following key considerations and take charge of your charging.
- Device: Not all wireless chargers are compatible with all devices. Although most wireless chargers will work with both Androids and iPhones, they may only pair with certain models or generations. Take a look at the product specifications before making a purchase.
- Capacity: The larger the mAh unit, the more charge the battery in a wireless charger will hold, which means the longer it can go without recharging. If you foresee being out of reach of your wall charger for a while, look for a large mAh capacity.
- Durability: Oftentimes, people invest in wireless chargers so that they can take them hiking or backpacking. If this is the case, look for a waterproof and shockproof charger.
- Flashlight: Many solar wireless chargers have an LED flashlight. This is another great feature for outdoor adventures or any time you might find yourself in need of a light.
