Whether you are camping out or just want to spend a relaxing evening outdoors, you will need some form of light. Solar lanterns are a relatively recent innovation but have gained popularity quickly since they first hit the market.
However, with so many businesses hopping onto the solar bandwagon, it has become necessary to be able to determine which solar lanterns are better for long term usage. Therefore, we tried out a few options to determine our pick for the best solar lantern available in the market.
Best Solar Lanterns
We shortlisted 5, which we felt were the best performers of the entire lot we tried.
1. MPOWERD Luci Outdoor 2.0 Pro
ASIN: B07PZYWRYL
This solar lantern was one of the strongest and the most convenient one to use for us. It is collapsible, so it was easy to carry to camping sites. It’s also adjustable, so we were able to change its brightness settings based on our preferences.
It has a power of 2000mAh and absorbs solar energy efficiently but also has mobile charging to ensure both options are available in case of emergencies. If you camp out frequently, this solar lantern is a great pick.
2. MPOWERD Luci Original
ASIN: B0873GZN17
Another option by the same brand, this solar lantern is just as handy and convenient, but it is not as powerful as the Luci Outdoor 2.0 Pro.
It is water-resistant (up to 30 minutes in water), durable, and has a warranty of 12 months. Like the outdoor 2.0, it is callable, which makes it convenient to carry but has a power of 1000mAh, which makes it less powerful. It does come with mobile charging, so you will simply have to rely on that to keep it going throughout.
If you are not looking for something too powerful, this is the option for you.
3. Obell Hanging Solar Lights 2-Pack
ASIN: B07R9QVDQ7
If you are looking for solar lanterns to decorate your porch, patio, or any outdoor part of your house, the Obell Hanging Solar Lights is an excellent option. Not only does it have a beautiful traditional design, but it’s also waterproof and can be hung or placed depending on the user’s preference.
This solar lantern is only chargeable through solar energy, so it is not recommended for camping as it might not be able to last the trip.
4. AGPTEK Hand-Crank Solar Lantern
ASIN: B06XH2DRYR
Out of all the lanterns we tried, the best option in terms of versatility is the AGPTEK Solar Lantern. This one gives five different ways to charge it; solar, hand crank (manual), car adapter, AC adapter (USB), or 3 AA batteries.
While the energy is likely to run out faster than it would in the Luci options, the ability to charge it through five different mediums makes up for the disadvantage. IT is generally powerful and a good addition to camping gear, especially if you want to play it safe with your only source of light during the night.
5. LuminAID PackLite 2-in-1 Phone Charger Lanterns
ASIN: B07D42GT3J
This solar panel also has a collapsible design, which makes it super convenient to take on camping trips, and like the Luci lantern, this one too has both solar charging and mobile charging, which makes it a bit handy and reliable.
This solar lantern is generally powerful, durable, and waterproof, which makes it a suitable companion for a variety of campsites. It also has adjustable settings for the light, which helped us preserve energy and use it optimally.
Perhaps the only drawback we faced was that if it loses charging, it takes time to start back up. We had to wait for it to reach its required charging percentage before turning it on, but if you avoid depleting all of its power, it is a sturdy option.
Our Pick
While all the options are amazing in their own right, our personal pick was the MPOWERD Luci Outdoor 2.0 Pro. This solar lantern is an excellent choice for both outdoor and indoor usage in case of emergencies.
For camping and night hikes, it makes the best sense because it is powerful, adjustable, and durable and has two different efficient charging methods, both of which are accessible.
Things to Consider When Buying a Solar Lantern
While we have covered the best solar lanterns and given you our personal pick, it is also important to keep in mind a few details to ensure you select the solar lantern which perfectly fits your needs.
Usage
First off, you need to think about what you will be using the solar lantern for. Solar lanterns can be used for decorations, indoor emergencies, and/or outdoor activities. Solar lantern designs usually cater to one option predominantly, so it is better to buy the one which is better suited to your usage.
Features
The solar lanterns available in the market all have several differentiating features. When you buy one, try to create a priority list of features and choose the lantern which excels on the markers you have set on your list. Based on your destination, you might need a lantern that has more charging options, while another camper might want more power.
Therefore, remain clear on your priorities.
Weather Conditions
One of the fundamental factors to consider when buying a solar lamp is the weather condition. A substantial number of solar lanterns turn up outdoors, whether for camping or porch decoration.
Therefore, it is important to take into account what kind of weather you live in. If you live in or will be camping in a place where it rains a lot, you will need to buy a waterproof lantern to ensure it doesn’t malfunction.
Our Final Thoughts
To sum up, solar lanterns are an extremely convenient innovation to come out of the need to consume more responsibly. The best solar lantern is powerful, durable, and adjustable, which makes it convenient not just for outdoors and camping but also for indoor usage.
Make sure you consider the purpose and weather conditions and look at the features before purchasing a solar lantern for yourself.
