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What are the best solar portable chargers?

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3 Options Considered

3 Options ConsideredPriceWeightDimensions
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SunJack 14W Solar Charger With Battery Pack
$138.9524 oz (33 oz with batteries)Folded 6.5” L x 9.25” W x 2” H, unfolded 31.5” L x 9.25” W x 1” H
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ALLPOWER 60W Solar Panel Charger
$165.9947.9 ozUnfolded 44.8 x 23.6 x 0.19 in, folded 12 x 7.5 x 2.6 in
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Anker 21W 2-Port USB Powerport Solar Charger
$59.9914.7 ozUnfolded 26.4 × 11.1 × 0.2 in, folded 11.1 × 6.3 × 1.1 in
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SunJack 14W Solar Charger With Battery Pack

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Ray Allaire
Top Pro

Additional pockets and bands can carry devices

•••
Multiple options for holding devices allows for charging without having to come up with unnecessary carrying methods.
Ray Allaire
Top Pro

Included battery allows for usage in more versatile conditions

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This package comes with an 8000 mAh external battery that can be fully charged by the panels in a reported 5 hours—impressively fast—and allows device batteries to be charged under less-than-ideal weather conditions or at night.
Ray Allaire
Top Con

Poor price-to-watts ratio

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Inclusion of a battery has pushed the price up to surprisingly high levels, despite the panels producing less wattage than competitors. If the user doesn't plan on using the battery, or already has a high-quality external battery, this may not be the most effective option.
Ray Allaire
Top Con

External battery means more cables and small components

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The inclusion of an external battery can complicate carriage by adding additional cables or pieces that can be lost.
Ray Allaire
Top Con

Larger size with lower voltage than competitive panels

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Other panels can produce more current with a smaller profile, and the included clips are less versatile than the eyelets that are often included with other models.
See 3 more Pros & ConsSee 3 more Pros & Cons
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ALLPOWER 60W Solar Panel Charger

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Ray Allaire
Top Pro

Water resistant packaging increases portability

•••
Though inclement weather hampers panel effectiveness, these panels offer light water resistance in case of splashes or other mishaps.
Ray Allaire
Top Pro

Eleven eyelets give many options for attaching to packs or tents

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The eyelets and large panels make it very easy to attach this panel set to hiking or camping equipment and find optimum angles for sunlight capture.
Ray Allaire
Top Pro

High-output DC plug allows for laptop charging

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Unlike most portable solar panel chargers, this set has a built-in system that can charge a variety of laptop computers (albeit while the computers are in a low power mode) without the need for an additional power inverter. Be sure to check online for compatibility before purchase, though.
Ray Allaire
Top Con

Only one USB port limits handheld charging options

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The DC output occupies the space where many other panel sets have a second USB port, so charging multiple handheld devices is impossible with this set.
Ray Allaire
Top Con

Bulky for a solar panel set

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Though offset by superior power output, these panels can be a little more difficult to transport—when unfolded these panels are almost 4 ft long and 2 ft wide. They also weigh 3 lbs, two to three times the average panel set.
See 3 more Pros & ConsSee 3 more Pros & Cons
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Anker 21W 2-Port USB Powerport Solar Charger

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Ray Allaire
Top Pro

Identifies most effective voltage for devices

•••
The Anker is equipped with technology to identify the most effective charging conditions for devices plugged in, to offer the quickest charge without wasted energy. Keep in mind that this requires a relatively strong level of direct sunlight to utilize.
Ray Allaire
Top Pro

Higher-voltage panels can handle more power-hungry devices

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21W panel set can accommodate larger or more power-hungry handheld devices, able to charge a tablet and a phone simultaneously.
thermoplastics
Ray Allaire
Top Pro

Eyelets allow panels to be strapped to a backpack

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These panels can be laid out or propped against an object while stationary, or tied to a backpack in order to charge while on the move.
thermoplastics
Ray Allaire
Top Pro

As portable as a tablet

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When folded, this set of panels is about one foot by six inches, slightly larger than an iPad. With a basic bag or a backpack, the panels won't be a massive drain on available space. This particular set of panels weighs in at 14 oz (less than a pound), so it won't be a major impact on most...
Ray Allaire
Top Con

Lacks water resistance

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The Anker does come with a polyester sleeve that can provide some protection, but the unit is not water-resistant, so care must be taken in the rain or other wet conditions.
thermoplastics
Ray Allaire
Top Con

Monochromatic panels are less efficient than modern options

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The Anker Powerport Solar uses a more dated monochromatic panel that, while more durable than modern options, is generally heavier and usable in fewer scenarios than modern (CIGS) equivalents.
thermoplastics
Ray Allaire
Top Con

No included battery storage

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This set of panels don't come with a battery, so charging will be impossible in poor weather conditions and night time. The user can overcome this by providing their own battery.
See 5 more Pros & ConsSee 5 more Pros & Cons

6 Community Recommendations

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