Whether you go camping a lot, biking, hiking, or otherwise just enjoy time outside, the best way to bring along your tunes is through a Bluetooth speaker anymore. They connect to your devices super easy without those messy cables.
But even better are a solar powered portable speakers that connect up. They’re awesome because, well, they use the energy of the sun – a completely renewable energy source. They’re portable. They’re versatile. They’re weather-proof. And they don’t need new batteries all the time.
Quick-Find Table of the Best Solar Bluetooth Speaker
Image | Product | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
EDITOR’S CHOICE | EDITOR’S CHOICE |
|
| VIEW LATEST PRICE |
|
| VIEW LATEST PRICE | ||
|
| VIEW LATEST PRICE |
How Do Solar Bluetooth Speakers Work?
So, exactly how does a solar Bluetooth speak work?
Well, it’s pretty simple. They contain solar panel cells somewhere on the surface. They collect sunlight – or indirect light or man-made light, whatever’s available – and use the panels to convert that solar energy into useable electricity. The circuits within the speakers contain all the necessary component to do that in the tiny package of your speaker.
That just means that the speaker’s solar panels need to be exposed to the light after the power has been drained through use. Easy enough.
How Long Do Solar Bluetooth Speakers Take to Charge?
Of course, that leads to the next question: how long do they take to charge?
It’s a little more complicated because there are various nuances, but generally speaking, you can expect your solar panel speaker to charge within 5 to 10 hours.
The variables may include anything from how direct the sunlight is, whether or not its cloudy, if it’s sunlight or mad-made light, and, of course, the actual device itself. Some are much more efficient at charging than others.
How to Choose the Right Solar Powered Bluetooth Speaker
When you search online for the best solar powered Bluetooth speakers, you’ll come across at least a hundred different options. It’s really hard to determine which are going to be the best choice, though, with all that noise.
So, instead of relying on someone’s paid reviews, think about a few key things for how to choose the right option for your desired use of the solar Bluetooth speakers.
Audio Quality
Of course, this is going to be a no-brainer. If you’re getting speakers, you want high-quality sound. Some solar panel Bluetooth speakers compromise on sound quality to integrate the panels into the device “seamlessly,” so read those reviews carefully on the audio quality.
Keep Your Budget in Mind
After the quality, of course, you’ll need to figure out how much you’re able and willing to spend. You can find super cheap speakers – both in price and quality – for next to nothing. But that quality will definitely have an effect. If you want something decent, you can still find options in a reasonable range, but you’ll always be able to find pricier brands and models as well.
So, before you shop on Amazon, think through the basic price range and decide what’s a reasonable budget for your situation. Generally speaking, these speakers run anywhere from $10 – really low quality speakers – to $150 or even $200 for the high-end brand models. Average is going to be somewhere between $45 and $90, though.
Consider Water-Resistance and Splashproof Design for Outdoor Use
If you’re planning to spend some time outdoors with this device, you’ll want to look for solar Bluetooth speaker waterproof options. Not all are specifically rated for outdoor activities, so be sure the one you pick is.
Some are also designed to withstand higher heat, humidity, and other natural elements, so check those figures before making that purchase. If you plan to spend time poolside with the speaker, you’ll need a solidly waterproof speaker just as much as you would if you expect it to get hit by the rain.
Features of the Speakers
The actual features and function of the speakers are pretty important, too. If you’re looking for a no frills option, you’ll find them a plenty. But if you want a bit more out of the speaker than just an off/on switch and volume control, compare the features and decide which ones are actually most useful, not merely the most “exciting.”
Some of these speakers come as combo items, as well, like one of the ones we’re reviewing below that is also a light and stereo in one. Some are flashlights. Some are fan and speaker combos. Go through the options and pick which ones most fit your needs.
Charging Capabilities
Many Bluetooth speakers are capable of charging from both sunlight and USB cables. These are a great option for anyone who might go outside on the fly. This also is a great feature for those who aren’t always capable of fully planning and diving deep into preparations for camping trips, hiking, fishing, et cetera, but still want those tunes going at the campfire.
Rechargeable Battery Capacity
It’s also important to see what the capacity of the battery is. Not all outdoor solar Bluetooth speakers are created equal. Some have batteries that last as little as ten, while others will hold on for a full day, even under near-constant use. Be sure to look at the battery capacity via the online reviews from real-life users to see how well they actually hold up to manufacturer’s promises.
What Do Recent Reviews Have to Say About Them?
Finally, something we’ve mentioned twice before because it’s so important: look at the most recent reviews before purchasing. Not just the ones in articles like this where we try to find the best options possible. But read the reviews given recently from average consumers just looking for a great product.
Yes, some people will have bad experiences with a lemon or not knowing how the tech works. But if there are consistent complaints, then you can know that product is likely not all it’s cracked up to be and you should avoid it.
Our Reviews of the Best Solar Bluetooth Speakers
Since we only want to review the best solar Bluetooth speaker and recommend those, we did a bit of research and digging through reviews of other folks, including real consumers who had a bit to say about the various speakers.
As we looked through the reviews to decide which speakers were worth contemplating and reviewing ourselves, we looked for these qualities.
- High-quality manufacture
- Trusted brands
- Excellent reviews from real consumers
- No strong evidence of tons of lemons being shipped out
- Good charging times (less than 10 hours)
- Long-lasting battery capacity
- Ease of use
- Reasonably high water-resistant
- Budget-friendly for the most part
- Functional
- Durable
- Special or bonus features
- High-quality audio ratings
- Various charging capability
Take a look for yourself and see which of these great solar powered portable speakers would work for you.
#1. ABFOCE Solar Bluetooth Portable Speaker (EDITOR’S CHOICE)
If you’re looking for a high performance, decently priced Bluetooth speaker you can take just about anywhere, then you’ll want to check out the best overall dual speaker with mic, the ABFOCE Solar Bluetooth Portable Speaker.
It’s a great sounding speaker that doesn’t require loads of charge time, lasts a long time on a full charge, and is very weather-proof for just about any outdoor activity.
- Charge time: 10 minutes equals 30 minutes playtime
- Battery capacity: 60 hours of playtime after full charge
- Volume: Good
- Weather resistant: IPX6
- Bonus features: Shock-proof, dust-proof, comes with detachable carabiner hook and straps, built-in LED flashlight
What We Loved
Okay, first off, we’ve got to talk about the playtime. Seriously. This thing will play for up to 60 hours on a full charge (a full charge is about 10 hours). It absorbs solar energy fast through its high-performance monocrystalline silicon ETFE laminated solar panel.
Next, we gotta talk about the volume. So often Bluetooth speakers are quiet little things that you can barely hear five feet away – but not this one. It’s got a dual speaker system that’s high powered and actually pretty loud at full volume. You can adjust the volume, too, which isn’t as common a feature as we’d like. Plus, that stereo sound doesn’t distort, even at the highest volume. Win-win-win.
We also love the durability of this speaker. It’s rated IPX6 weatherproof, but it’s also shockproof, dustproof, and can handle moderate impact (like dropping from several feet).
The speaker is easy to carry, compact, comes with a carabiner hook and Velcro straps, so it has high portability and versatility.
And, this has a mic you can use that’s pretty decent quality.
Finally, it’s compatible with just about anything that’s Bluetooth enabled, with strong Bluetooth connectivity. iPhones, Androids, iPads, laptops, desktops. And it works with non-Bluetooth enabled devices, as long as they have a 3.5 mm audio line.
What We Didn’t Love
Honestly, we couldn’t find anything wrong with it, and there weren’t enough consistent complaints of anything with the speaker. So, this is an all-around winner.
Our Verdict
The ABFOCE Solar Bluetooth Portable Speaker is just about as good as you’ll get with any kind of solar charging speaker that runs off Bluetooth connections. It’s powerful, easy to handle and carry, has volume control, charges quickly, and works as the power source for your sound system for days.
You really can’t beat it for a moderately priced speaker that can go just about anywhere with you.
>> Tap Here to Read More Reviews and See Today’s Price on Amazon.com <<
#2. Renogy Portable Wireless Speaker (Super Portable)
If you’re on the go a lot and want a weatherproof, uber portable speaker from a highly trusted brand in the solar energy vein, then the Renogy Portable Solar Wireless Speaker is it. It’s got a great battery life, charges quickly and easily, and has great sound. Plus, it’s uber portable thanks to the size, shape, and carry strap it comes with.
- Charge time: 2 to 3 hours
- Battery capacity: 10 hours
- Volume: Solid
- Weather resistant: IPX5
- Bonus features: dual LED light modes
What We Loved
One of the huge things we love about this one is how uber easy it is to charge. The solar panel is large and highly efficient, so you just set it in the sun and let it charge. Or plug it in via micro USB port, if you’re in a hurry.
The sound on this is amazing. It’s fully balanced, immersive sound that’s delivered through high clarity with deep bass boost, powered by two high-performances drivers. Plus, it has three different EQ modes for adapting and adjusting your sound for the best experience possible.
It’s got pretty great battery life, too, with full volume lasting up to 10 hours on a full charge.
The speaker is weatherproof, as well, and comes with two different LED light modes – flashlight and SOS light, for any needs you might have along the way.
What We Didn’t Love
The only real problem we found can be hit or miss for some.
There’s no volume control. The volume is solid, but you can’t get it louder or softer via use of the speaker itself. That can be frustrating for some.
Our Verdict
We love how portable and easy to manage the Renogy Portable Solar Wireless Speaker is. It’s high-powered, weather-proof, has great battery life, and has amazing sound. Plus, it has both a flashlight and emergency light mode, which makes it great for your outdoor adventures.
The solar panel is high-efficiency for charging, too, so it’s an all-around fantastic option for the outdoors enthusiast looking to listen to some tunes along the way. The only potential issue with it is that it doesn’t have a specific volume control.
>> Tap Here to Read More Reviews and See Today’s Price on Amazon.com <<
#3. Soluser Portable Bluetooth Speaker with 12W Subwoofer (Great Bass)
Now, if you’re a fan of that deep bass, then the Soluser Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker with 12W Subwoofer is the one you’re going to want to look into. It’s got great playing time, clear, crisp sound, and, of course, that powerful subwoofer to give you that deep humming musical throb. Plus, it works as a power bank to charge your cellphone and offers 360 degrees surround sound – making it a full-range speaker.
- Charge time: 3 to 4 hours
- Battery capacity: 50+ hours
- Volume: Good
- Weather-resistant: IPX6
- Bonus features: 12W subwoofer, power bank/cellphone charger, built-in mic, 360 degrees surround sound
What We Loved
Obviously, there’s lots to love about this one. The built-in mic is a great place to start. The clear sound helps with communication on your speakerphone, et cetera, which is always a great start.
The speaker has an amazing subwoofer for that deep, throbbing bass, so it’s great for hip-hop lovers, especially.
It’s also got amazing playtime of 50+ hours with the volume at 50% or lower.
But one really great thing about this one is that it also works as a power bank for charging your phone if it gets low while you’re out and about. This means you can charge up the speaker with the solar panels and then play music and keep in touch all day long.
What We Didn’t Love
The only consistent problem we really see with this is that it’s not as shock-proof as it ought to be. If you’re careful with it and plan to pack it well, it should be fine. But if you’re letting the kids run with it or you’re just generally rough on things, you might find it doesn’t work the best after a while.
Our Verdict
Overall, it’s a fantastic device that pairs quickly and easily with your iPhone, iPad, Android, laptop, and other Bluetooth devices. It’s got great sound, solid bass, and amazing playtime at 50+ hours at 50% volume or lower. Plus, it’s a power bank for charging your cellphone when it gets low while you’re out moving around. The only real issue is that it’s not for the rough and tumble type. It’s modestly durable, but it’s definitely not for the rock climber.
>> Tap Here to Read More Reviews and See Today’s Price on Amazon.com <<
Solid Runners Up
There are, of course, other great speakers out there. This handful of options came very high on the list, even if they didn’t quite reach the tip top. If you feel the other recommendations don’t quite fit your needs, you can check these alternate options out instead to see if one of them might.
#4. Eco-Friendly Bamboo REVEAL Speaker (Most Attractive)
This one is slightly pricier, but well-worth the extra $20 or so, especially if you’re looking for something a bit more aesthetically pleasing than some of the options out there. The sound quality is great, the price reasonable, and the looks are top-notch. You won’t find a more attractive option for blending into a rustic environment.
#5. ZeroLemon Bluetooth Solar Speaker Powerbank (Longest Playing)
Modestly priced, high-quality, and reasonably durable describe this powerbank, solar speaker that can run your music for up to 72-hours from a single charge in sunlight. Of course, your phone probably won’t last that long, so that means you’re going to be good for a couple of days with this. Plus, since it’s a power bank, too, you can use to charge the phone and keep the party going with the ZeroLemon speaker.