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The best solar chargers for emergency phone power
The BigBlue 14W wins for simple, tested phone charging; the Anker SOLIX PS30 offers more output, while BLAVOR costs less.
| Best overall | Best value | Cheapest that's still good | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product | BigBlue 14W SunPower Solar Panels with USB-A Port | Anker SOLIX PS30 Portable Solar Panel | BLAVOR Solar Power Bank Portable Charger |
| Price | about $47 | about $80 | about $27 |
| Why | Travel + Leisure named it best overall after testing, and found it straightforward to set up and portable. In its phone test, two Samsung phones and an iPhone went from under 5% to full in about four hours in sunlight. | SolarReviews picked this 30-watt folding panel as its best overall in its 2025 comparison; at about $80, it offers more stated output than the BigBlue 14W for a moderate price increase. It has USB-A and USB-C ports. | SolarReviews listed this as its affordable pick and reported a price of about $27. Unlike the folding panels, it includes a battery, so it can store energy for later use. |
| Good to know | It has only one charging port. | It costs more and takes up more room than the 14W pick. | Its single small solar panel charges the battery slowly. |
| See on Amazon | See on Amazon | See on Amazon |
picture by AITravel + Leisure named it best overall after testing, and found it straightforward to set up and portable. In its phone test, two Samsung phones and an iPhone went from under 5% to full in about four hours in sunlight.
Good to know: It has only one charging port.
See on Amazonpicture by AISolarReviews picked this 30-watt folding panel as its best overall in its 2025 comparison; at about $80, it offers more stated output than the BigBlue 14W for a moderate price increase. It has USB-A and USB-C ports.
Good to know: It costs more and takes up more room than the 14W pick.
See on Amazonpicture by AISolarReviews listed this as its affordable pick and reported a price of about $27. Unlike the folding panels, it includes a battery, so it can store energy for later use.
Good to know: Its single small solar panel charges the battery slowly.
See on AmazonDanilli may earn a small commission from Amazon when you buy through these buttons. The price is the same for you. Product pictures are made by Danilli's AI to show the product; check the real photos on the store page.
What matters
Choose a folding panel with ports that fit your devices, and expect sunlight and clouds to affect charging speed. A solar panel without a built-in battery cannot store power, so pair it with a charged power bank and keep devices shaded while charging.
Who this is for
These picks are for keeping phones and other small USB devices charged during outages or outdoor use. They are not substitutes for a larger panel and power station if you need to run household appliances.
The picks, one by one
Best overall: BigBlue 14W SunPower Solar Panels with USB-A Port
Travel + Leisure named it best overall after testing, and found it straightforward to set up and portable. In its phone test, two Samsung phones and an iPhone went from under 5% to full in about four hours in sunlight. It folds into a compact rectangle, weighs about 12 ounces, and includes hooks and a pocket for a phone. It has one USB-A port and no built-in battery, so charge devices one at a time or use a power bank as a buffer. Its modest size suits phones and small USB devices, not appliances. Choose a larger panel if you need to charge several devices at once.
Good to know: It has only one charging port.
See on AmazonBest value: Anker SOLIX PS30 Portable Solar Panel
SolarReviews picked this 30-watt folding panel as its best overall in its 2025 comparison; at about $80, it offers more stated output than the BigBlue 14W for a moderate price increase. It has USB-A and USB-C ports. The panel folds for storage and includes carabiners for hanging or attachment. SolarReviews highlighted its output, ports, brand reputation, and 18-month warranty. The greater output and extra port make it a more flexible choice for charging more than one small device. It is still a panel, not a battery or home backup system.
Good to know: It costs more and takes up more room than the 14W pick.
See on AmazonCheapest that's still good: BLAVOR Solar Power Bank Portable Charger
SolarReviews listed this as its affordable pick and reported a price of about $27. Unlike the folding panels, it includes a battery, so it can store energy for later use. It is a compact power bank with USB-C charging, wireless charging, and a flashlight, according to the review. Its small built-in solar panel is best treated as a slow supplementary way to top up, not a dependable way to refill the battery quickly during an outage. Charge it from the wall whenever power is available and keep it ready. Skip it if you need faster solar charging or want a larger separate panel.
Good to know: Its single small solar panel charges the battery slowly.
See on AmazonHow we chose
Travel + Leisure tested chargers during trips and outdoor activities, and measured how long they took to charge phones. The Prepared spent over 100 hours testing panels, measuring output and efficiency in different sunlight and weather conditions; its BigBlue 28W review is useful context, but it is Danilli read the reviews and tests listed below and compared current prices; it does not take money from brands to pick a product.
Sources
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Written with Danilli's AI from the sources above and refreshed about once a month; prices change, check Amazon for today's price. Danilli may earn a small commission from Amazon when you buy through these buttons. The price is the same for you. Product pictures are made by Danilli's AI to show the product; check the real photos on the store page.