Anker Ultra-Thin Fast Charging Solar Window Charger
Last updated: September 20, 2022
Not only does this charger fit in a backpack for hiking trips, but it's also made out of a weather-resistant canvas for camping weekends. Under direct sunlight, the solar window charger has a charging speed of up to 3 amps.
We looked at the top Solar Window Chargers and dug through the reviews from some of the most popular review sites. Through this analysis, we've determined the best Solar Window Charger you should buy.
Product Details
Key Takeaway: If you're searching for a solar window charger with a high-speed charge, opt for this pick.
In our analysis of 54 expert reviews, the Anker Ultra-Thin Fast Charging Solar Window Charger placed 5th when we looked at the top 10 products in the category. For the full ranking, see below.From The Manufacturer
Fast Charging Technology: PowerIQ delivers the charging speed up to 2.4 amps per port or 3 amps overall under direct sunlight. 21 watt SunPower solar array is 21.5-23.5% efficient, providing enough power to charge two devices simultaneouly. Incredibly Durable: Industrial-strength PET polymer faced solar panels sewn into a rugged polyester canvas offer weather-resistant outdoor durability. Highly Portable: Compact size (11.1 × 6.3in folded or 26.4 × 11.1in opened) and stainless-steel eye-holes on each corner allow easy attachment to backpacks, trees, or tents. Lightweight and ultra-thin design make it ideal for long treks. What You Get: Anker PowerPort Solar (21W 2-Port USB Solar Charger), 3ft Micro USB cable, welcome guide, our fan-favorite 18-month warranty and friendly customer service
Expert Reviews
What reviewers liked
Lightweight and portable thanks to its folding storage case. Charges smartphones and small electronic devices well, users report.
At 21W, it is the most powerful of all the panels, so it makes sense that it delivers a consistent charge to two devices at once. In ten minutes, the 21W from Anker was able to charge a single battery to 3%. Once another battery was plugged in, the panel continued charging the two batteries and even increased the first from 3% to 4%. No other competitor was able to increase the charge of the batteries during the short period.
Incorporates the fast charging technology that allows it to deliver up to 2.4 amps per USB port under direct sunlight. Moreover, the simple design of the product makes it the ideal backpack solar charger. The compact size of 11.1 x 6.3 inches and the ultra-thin design of 1.1 inches when folded, offers portability and simplicity, making it suitable for the camper or the adventurous one. Lightweight is also an important property, representing only an additional 14.7oz of weight to your backpack.
The eye-hole rings are made of stainless steel and the rest of the solar charger is made of rugged polyester. The USB Port Hub is covered by the Polyester as well. When you fold the charger it does a great job at keeping the charging ports very safe and although this solar charger isn’t exactly water resistant, it does a good job at keeping water away from the main parts.
Made up of three polymer-faced solar panels sewn into a polyester canvas material with a fourth section designed as a Velcro pocket, the entire device folds up to be about an inch thick. This makes it perfect for stashing in just about any bag that has a laptop/tablet compartment. It also turns out to fit perfectly in a small F-Stop Gear ICU right on top of everything in it. This worked out great for me since I often use this in my hiking pack.
Four metal-reinforced holes in each charger’s corners let you attach carabiner hooks to mount the opened panel, most likely on the outside of a large camping/hiking backpack; Anker lets you supply them yourself if you need them, packing in a micro-USB cable.
- 9to5Mac
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. 1W panel set can accommodate larger or more power-hungry handheld devices, able to charge a tablet and a phone simultaneously.
- Slant
Does it all. It is well made, light, and compact. It can also carry its weight as a charging powerhouse. It’s more efficient when charging one or more devices, and can recover its charge even after being shaded for a few minutes. The panel also works decently well on overcast days, whereas some of the lower wattage panels could not keep a charge going when clouds overhead. A larger watt panel means faster charge times, less interruption, and a more stable supply of power.
Hook this solar charger up to your backpack on your next hike and charge your phone or battery pack as you walk. The panels unfold to span about 18 inches, which is lots of surface area to capture sunshine. It can charge two devices at once and is super lightweight, weighing in at just under a pound.
Our top pick for the best solar charger since it offers an amazing combination of price, portability, and charging speed. Its performance leaves most of the comparable competition behind and it delivers where it counts: reliable power output.
Anker's solar phone charger makes it to our top three, thanks to some great reviews. Anker uses three 15W highly efficient (21.5% - 23.5%) SunPower solar panels. Weighing just 14.7oz, this solar charger is the most lightweight and compact variation in this category. So, if you want to use some of that free solar power during a camping trip without making your backpack heavier, this is your best bet.
One of my favorite technological lifesavers. The power port is like a power bank, only this time it’s powered up by the sun, not from the electricity flowing from your wall outlet. This makes it a very versatile product. Not only does it produce power for your device when you’re on the go, it also helps you get introduced to solar panels and energy. Think green power. In addition, solar-powered portable phone charger allows you to charge two devices simultaneously because we all have more than 1 USB device.
What reviewers didn't like
Charges too slowly for some users, even in direct sunlight. Storage pocket in charger case can hold heat from charging devices stored there.
Must be in a source of light to charge.
Velcro pouch doesnt do much. It could come with a couple mini carabiners. Four panels might have made the amperage closer to stated specs. Removable USB hub would make it thinner for packing.
The pockets are unfortunately only large enough for an iPhone (or similarly-sized battery pack) at best, not an iPad. My personal impression is that both companies are overly optimistic about their chargers’ ability to perform in partial sunlight.
- 9to5Mac
This set of panels does not include any power storage options. 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.
- Slant
Pocket too small to hold extra cords and accessories. Must be in a source of light to charge.
The storage compartment design isn’t quite secure. Velcro is used rather than a zipper. Isn’t fully waterproof only water resistant. Not compatible with the iPod Nano, iPod Classic, iPod Shuffle, HP TouchPad, and some Asus tablets. Due to higher charging rates required. See below for the workaround. No other colors available. I would like white or a camo color.
View our Solar Window Charger buying guide for in-depth advice and recommendations.