I test the best high-capacity portable solar batteries

Our expert chose the BLUETTI AC70 portable battery for its large capacity, ease of use (also via the app), and speed of charging.

More and more people are spending their holidays camping because they enjoy being in contact with nature. This choice doesn't mean having to forgo packing portable electronic devices they're used to using or other gadgets like a fan, a battery charger, a small television, a drone, and, why not, a blender or an electric frying pan. In other words, any alternative that requires a power outlet to operate.

For this purpose, high-capacity portable batteries like the ones we've selected can be an excellent option. These generators or accumulators are characterized by the ability to bring electricity anywhere, with all the advantages this entails. You just need to make sure they're charged to supply the necessary energy. This process can be completed in several ways: using a regular electrical outlet, a car cigarette lighter, or opting for optional solar panels.

I've never had a high-capacity portable battery at home, so I've used these models both indoors and outdoors to test their effectiveness and their usefulness in situations where I don't have power (like camping, for example). To get the most out of them, I considered the following features:

• Design: Although they all have a durable design, there are slight differences in finish and quality. Also, their weight, even though they are portable models, varies.
• Capacity: the larger the better, especially if you plan to use it intensively.
• Battery: How does the charging process work and how many hours does it take? What is its battery life? Does it cool properly?
• Experience: Whether the battery fulfills its purpose and its performance is adequate for an accessory of this type. For example, simultaneously charging a mobile phone, tablet, and laptop, or powering the products it's used with. Always taking into account its technical specifications, such as the amperage it supports. The available connections, how the integrated digital display is displayed, and its ability to function as a flashlight (if this option is offered) are other aspects considered.

Who it's for: Those looking for an easy-to-use drum kit.

Why we recommend it: With a 768 Wh capacity, it can power a 60 W refrigerator for 8 hours or charge a mobile phone up to 24 times, according to the manufacturer. Although it weighs 10 kilos, it is easy to transport thanks to the handle on the top. When I took it out of the box, it was almost half charged, so to be able to test it without interruptions, I fully charged it. It was fully charged in about 40 minutes since it offers fast charging (950 W). It also has plenty of power options, such as two AC outlets (wall), two USB A outlets, two USB C outlets, and a car port.

During testing, I used it on a camping weekend, where we took a portable refrigerator, two cell phones, an electric stove, and a laptop. With the battery fully charged, we were able to keep the refrigerator plugged in for most of the weekend, cook, and charge our phones a couple of times. By Sunday, we had to charge it once to be able to use it until we went home. You can check the battery status at any time on the screen on the front of the battery, as well as the power required depending on the outlet used. The solar function can be used with a solar panel from the same brand (not included in this model), which can fully charge the battery in 2 hours with a maximum of 500W of solar input. Another interesting feature is that it has an app that allows you to remotely monitor the battery status and charging status.

Its weak points: nothing remarkable.

Who it's for: Those looking for a lightweight, long-lasting battery.

Why we recommend it: This battery is quite lightweight (6 kilos), making it easy to transport. With a 512 Wh capacity, it also features fast charging (from 0 to 100% in one hour). It can charge up to 9 devices simultaneously thanks to its various ports: two 500 W AC outlets, a car socket, and several USB A and C ports.

During testing, we used it another weekend at another campsite where we weren't alone, as several friends were with us. In this case, we brought the portable refrigerator, the stove, and our cell phones, but my friends also brought a laptop and a drone. The refrigerator was plugged in almost the entire weekend without any problems, but before Sunday arrived, we had to charge it again because we connected several cell phones, the computer, and the drone battery together. However, even though all these devices were plugged into the battery at some point, the cooling is good and it doesn't overheat excessively, as it has seven protection functions, even though the temperatures outside were high. To avoid any problems, we kept it in the shade at all times. It has a 220W solar input and can charge the battery in just 3 hours. The app for controlling it from your phone is very intuitive, and you can turn any of the power outlets on or off or check the battery's charge status at any time.

Its weak points: it does not include a solar panel and although it supports 9 devices, it is better not to use so many at the same time if you need the charge to last longer.

Who it's for: Those looking for an everyday battery.

Why we recommend it: It has a fairly compact and attractive design (it's black, but with some yellow accents that make it different from the rest of the models). It has a capacity of 299 Wh, although it can be expanded to 939 Wh with an additional battery (not included). You can connect up to 9 devices simultaneously thanks to the 2 AC outlets, 3 USB-A ports, and one Type-C port. One of the things I liked most is that it also includes a 12 V output for car chargers in case you run out of battery. This is very practical when you're on vacation or in a place without a nearby mechanic. The LCD screen, which displays the battery status and wattage used, is very visible even in very low light.

During testing, we used it at home charging all kinds of devices (phones, laptop, tablet, etc.), and we were able to do so without any problems with a full charge. However, although it supports up to nine devices, it's best to connect fewer devices, as the capacity is limited compared to other models. To charge it, even if it's halfway through its capacity, it'll be fully charged in about an hour. It can also be charged with a 100W solar panel (not included). On another occasion, I tried it to charge the car battery of a friend I had arranged to meet at my house one afternoon because her car wasn't working. She was able to charge it without any problems and in a very short time (approximately 20 minutes). I also liked that it includes an LED flashlight on the front, which is very practical for seeing in the dark, as it shines brightly.

Its weaknesses: its capacity is limited if it is needed to charge or use many devices at once, and it does not have the additional battery that expands its capacity.

Who it's for: Those looking for a battery to charge multiple devices.

Why we recommend it: It has the highest capacity (2,160 Wh), but it's also the most expensive of all the models reviewed and the heaviest (22 kilos). It can charge up to 12 devices simultaneously and has numerous USB ports, both for the car and for the wall. The screen displays the battery status and the wattage used, and it also has an LED flashlight for nighttime use.

During testing, and since it has a higher capacity than the rest, I tried charging and using many of the devices I had at home, even the portable cooler we take with us on weekends, and the truth is that the battery didn't completely drain after several hours of continuous use. I even tried using the coffee maker we have at home, and the battery lasted a full day without needing to charge it (taking into account that we charged phones, tablets, laptops, and had the portable cooler plugged in for several hours). It also has a button that allows you to select the input power (up to 5 levels). This way, if the voltage is too low, you can reduce the power, thus extending the battery life. The fan is located on one side, and even if it runs all day, it hardly gets hot at all. It also includes a cable for solar charging and is compatible with 200 and 400 W panels. On the other hand, it is a bit heavy to transport. It's best to carry it in a small wheeled cart if you need to move it around frequently.

Its weak points: its price is high and it is a bit heavy to transport.

The 1,024Wh capacity FOSSiBOT includes a 200W solar panel.

SWAREY is priced at less than 300 euros and has a capacity of 518 Wh.

From phones and laptops to household appliances like small refrigerators, power tools, projectors, fans...

Most lithium batteries have between 500 and 3,000 charge cycles, depending on quality and use.

Yes. Many high-capacity batteries allow simultaneous charging and discharging, but it's important to check the manufacturer's specifications to avoid overcharging.

Some models are water and dust resistant (IP54 or higher), but many are not. For outdoor use, it's recommended to use protective cases or models specifically designed for that purpose.

It depends on several factors: battery capacity (Wh), solar panel power (W) and sunlight conditions.

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*All purchase prices included in this article are current as of July 6, 2025.

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