5 Best Solar-Powered Phone Chargers, According to Testing
Portable phone chargers for backpacking, camping, hiking and beyond.
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We updated this article in March 2023 to ensure the information reflected current prices and features. Our top picks, based on testing notes from the Good Housekeeping Institute, remain the same.
Nothing is more frustrating than arriving at a mountain’s summit only to discover your iPhone’s battery is dead and there’s no outlet in sight. Fortunately, a solar phone charger can save the day by harnessing the power of the sun (a.k.a. solar energy) to charge your phone or other gadgets so you can take photos, access trail maps or even call for help. These chargers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, whether you need a solar power bank that’s compact and easy to pack along with your camping essentials or you’re looking for a lightweight panel that you can attach to your backpack as you hike. Solar phone chargers are not only perfect for outdoor enthusiasts but a must-have in any emergency preparedness kit.
The experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute test travel gear and accessories for all your outdoor adventures, including everything from durable phone cases to outdoor speakers, hiking shoes, hiking socks, backpacks and beyond. While solar technology is an effective way to charge your mobile devices when you can’t get to an outlet, some chargers work better than others and not all are designed to handle every situation. To narrow down the best solar phone chargers, our pros evaluated each unit’s performance, ease of use, durability, design and more. Based on our testing and categorical experience, these are the best solar-powered phone chargers that are actually worth purchasing, regardless of whether they’re for everyday use, outdoor adventures or emergencies.
Our top picks:
After our top picks, keep reading for more details on how we test solar phone chargers, plus tips on how to find the right one for your next adventure.
Olivia (she/her) is a media and tech product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute, covering tech, home, auto, health and more. She has more than five years of experience writing about tech trends and innovation and, prior to joining GH in 2021, was a writer for Android Central, Lifewire and other media outlets. Olivia is a graduate of George Washington University, with a bachelor's degree in journalism, political science and French, and she holds a master’s degree in communications from Sciences Po Paris.
Rachel Rothman was the chief technologist and executive technical director of the Good Housekeeping Institute for over 15 years, overseeing testing methodology, implementation and reporting for all GH Labs. She also managed GH's research division and the analysis of applicants for the GH Seal and all other testing emblems.
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