Best Solar Powered Bluetooth Speakers 2023 – Top 15 Picks

Solar-powered speakers. Now that sounds like rocket science, but it really isn’t that complicated. Well, it is to us, but to some, it evidently isn’t it.

There are things called Photovoltaic cells, and on their sides are plates that act as conductors made from metal. The plates collect electrons and then send them to wires. This is then converted to electricity. The solar panels we see are made up of a framework of these cells. This then provides the power to run your Bluetooth speakers. Simple, isn’t it. We’re going for a lie-down.

Ok, better now. So let’s take a look at such space-age objects as we go through the Best Solar Powered Bluetooth Speakers currently available and find the perfect one for you…

Top 15 Best Solar Powered Bluetooth Speakers of 2023

1 Alpine Corporation Waterproof Bluetooth Rock Speaker – Best Outdoor Solar-Powered Bluetooth Speaker

This is the kind of speaker that has a very niche target audience. Let’s put it this way you are either going to love it or hate it. The rock-like outdoor speaker comes in at around $80 and ships without any accessories. It is available in either a grey or brown color.

The design of the Rock speaker is quite good, considering that it looks like a pretty believable rock from a distance. The speaker is easy to move and set up. While there is no official IPX rating on the website, the hard plastic outer coating will ensure that the speaker stands up well to some splashes and dust. 

The power of the sun…

On the back of the speaker, you’ll find the solar panel and a small flap that opens to reveal a small power button, volume knob, and MicroUSB port for charging. 

Of course, the speaker can also be charged via the Solar panel, and as long as it’s kept clean, it should do a great job of charging the battery. The led light on the back goes from red to green when the speakers are fully charged, it will provide twelve hours of playback. 

Good range…

It is not clear which version of the Bluetooth protocol the Rock speaker uses, but it provides a solid enough connection within the advertised 50ft range, provided there is no interference or too many obstructions. 

The sound from the rock speaker will not be enough to satisfy an audiophile or someone who wants to do some partying; it simply wasn’t made for that. While the shape of the “Rock” does attempt to create something resembling a speaker cavity, it doesn’t come close to the real thing. 

Relax in the garden…

That being said, you’ll be more than capable of enjoying some light music at moderate volume in a quiet setting without any problems. Likewise, if you’d like to watch some movies or videos outside in the fresh air, the rock speaker should provide more than adequate sound.

As a musical speaker, though, the rock speaker isn’t going to satisfy your party needs. The sound signature has minimal bass, and when pushed slightly passed moderate volume, the speaker begins to distort. 

2 Roaming Light Outdoor Bluetooth Rock Speaker – Most Realistic Solar-Powered Bluetooth Speaker for the Garden

The Roaming Light Outdoor speaker is a small but punchy little thing that retails for about $80. This speaker is aimed at small outdoor spaces and makes for an excellent presentation. As far as the paint job goes, this is one of the most realistic-looking fake noise-making rocks you can get.  

A handy little extra is a built-in thread on the back of the speaker so that you can mount it to a vertical surface. The Roaming Light is made from a light, weather-resistant polyresin. It comes with an IPX5 rating, so it’s water and corrosion-resistant. The battery compartment is completely waterproof. 

Multi-charging…

It can be charged via the included Micro USB cable or the solar panel on the back. A full charge can be achieved in a couple of hours and will provide around eight hours of playback time. 

There is no audio jack which is a bit of a downside, but the Bluetooth 5.0 protocol is solid and allows for a dependable connection at a range of up to 50ft. There is also stereo pairing capability, so you can link two of them together, and at this price, why not?

Good sound from a ‘rock’!

Sound quality is where the Roaming Light rock speaker is probably going to surprise you most. Thanks to the solid construction of the speaker cavity, there is quite a bit of fidelity in the sound of this little rock. The effect is, of course, increased dramatically when you have two of them paired up. And it sounds quite a lot better than the Alpine Rock speaker I just tested.

At high volumes, you’re still going to get distortion, and there are no sound shaping options, but some tweaking on your source device should give you plenty of options. All in it’s one of the best sounding competitively priced solar speakers out there. If there is one criticism, it’s that the speaker is not loud enough. 

3 Westinghouse Solar Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker with Light – Best Budget Solar-Powered Bluetooth Speaker with Light

The Westinghouse speaker is a small, simple solution for playing audio in any space, and it has the added benefit of being very stylish. Speakers have got to try and be more than speakers these days, and this one is a seamless fusion between form and function. 

At $40 dollars it’s very affordable, so picking up a few might seem like a good idea for a start. Unfortunately, there’s no stereo pairing capability, so you cannot link multiple lantern speakers together. Therefore, it’s going to be mono all the way, unfortunately. 

Versatile and practical…

The stainless steel body is lightweight and durable, so it can be taken on an outing with confidence. The handle means it can be easily carried or hung on a tree branch etc.

Charging can be done via a Micro USB cable(included) or the built-in solar panel. On a full charge, it will deliver 6½ hours of playtime. 

Lighten up your evenings…

The built-in light makes for a nice moody atmosphere, and when used as a light source, the battery will last for 48 hours. Just make sure there’s no other light shining on the solar panel, or the light won’t turn on. 

While the sound quality of the Westinghouse isn’t going to come close to more solidly constructed competitors, it still does a decent job. 

Thanks to the intuitive 360-degree speaker design, it can be placed inside a bowl or boma to amplify the sound a bit. There is enough definition all round to make for a nice listening experience. It’s not the loudest speaker, though, so stick to intimate situations. 

4 Friengood – JDC01 Solar Portable Bluetooth Speaker – Best Low-Cost Solar-Powered Bluetooth Speaker

At $40, the Friengood is a lot of bang for your buck when you take into account all that it offers. Don’t let the small size of this little powerhouse fool you; it’s got a lot of oomph. 

Inside the box, you get the speaker, a micro USB cable for charging, and a lanyard that can be attached to the speaker for easy carrying. The Friengood is IPX 6 rated, so water and dust will prove no problem; just don’t go submerging it in water. Overall the build quality is very impressive considering the sub $50 price.

Good connections…

The JDC01 features Bluetooth 5.0, which delivers a crystal-clear connection at a range of up to 165ft. There is also True Wireless Stereo pairing which allows you to connect two JDC01s together, and the distance between the speakers can reach up to 100ft!

Alternatively, you can plug in your audio source via a 3.5mm audio cable or play from an SD card. The built-in microphone allows for phone calls and voice assistants. There’s also a USB A output for charging your own devices. 

Speaking of charging, the Friengood can be charged via solar panels or the Micro USB cable. On a full charge, you’ll be listening to tunes for 50 hours at 50% to 60% volume. 

Maybe too much bass?

The dual 6W woofers on the JDC01 make for a 12W output that has surprising fidelity to it. The low end is rich, but when you use the bass boost function, it becomes a bit unbearable; however, when used with the right material, it can be satisfying.

The mids and highs are sometimes recessed, but with the right EQ setting on your source device, they’ll be right where they need to be. Distortion and buzzing are minimal. When used in stereo mode (which will cost you less than $100), the sound widens and becomes much more powerful, making this little speaker sounds more expensive than it is.

The mic quality is where the JDC01 loses the most points, the sound can be very thin and walkie-talkie sounding, but you’ll be able to have a conversation if there isn’t too much noise around you. 

5 Braxus Ridge – Best Compact Solar-Powered Bluetooth Speaker

The Braxus Ridge might seem a bit timid for $40 when you take it out of the box. It’s small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, and while it definitely does feel solid like a Rolex, you can’t help but think, “Is this thing gonna cut it?”. 

The Ridge is a small package, but it’s a pretty diverse one; there’s Bluetooth 5.0 with a 70ft range and an Aux jack. On a full charge, you’ll be jamming for about 30 hours of your favorite tunes. The speaker charges via the solar panel or the micro USB port (cable not included). On the speaker itself, there are volume buttons that double as skipping controls, phone answering, and power.

As for sound…

The Braxus is definitely not loud, but it is quality. The speaker’s power is utilized properly, thanks to the well-designed enclosure. In the right setting, it will play any material at its loudest volume and sound perfect.

If you pair two of them together using the TWS functionality, you’ll get some very surprising results. This is a small but powerful package. 

The built-in microphone has a surprisingly bassy sound to it, but it’s not very loud, and if you speak too loudly, the person on the other end might have some trouble earring you. Other than that, it’s more than capable of doing the job. 

6 Eton Rugged Rukus Rechargeable & Solar Powered Wireless Bluetooth

So what we have here is a sound system with Bluetooth. You can play music or just listen to the radio via your Bluetooth enabled devices. It will connect wirelessly, and It is rechargeable and will also charge your phone at the same time. Does it make the tea? No? Useless thing. Just joking, let’s see what this is all about.

It is certainly a rugged build and designed for a lot of outdoor use. It carries an IPX-4 category certificate. This means it is splash-proof rather than waterproof. So don’t drop it in the pool; it might not like it much.

The solar panels are rather obviously located on the top with some simple controls. There is a Lithium battery that is recharged by the panels that will give you up to 8 hours of music. Re-charging isn’t particularly quick. It takes 4-5 hours to fully recharge providing the speaker is in direct sunlight for the whole time.

You are not totally reliant on the sun, though, as there is a micro USB built-in. That will give you a full charge in two and a half hours when using the mains supply. The speaker is not supplied with the charger. The USB will also charge your phone or other connectable devices.

There is an AUX-in for any devices that do not have a Bluetooth connection.

The controls are very simple to operate, and there is a Blue LED light to tell you that Bluetooth is operating. A Red LED lights up when it is charging. It is a compact little speaker measuring 5.9 inches by 6.5 by 1.8 inches and weighs just over one pound. Easy to carry around with you.

It is certainly a practical little speaker with a good Bluetooth connection. As with most of these small speakers, the sound leaves a bit to be desired, but that hardly matters. It is not designed for critical analysis of the sound. It’s designed for some music around the pool, or outdoors in general. At its price point is a decent speaker.

7 Elzle Portable Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker

Elzle is a company based in China and has been producing audio equipment since 2008. This portable speaker has been given a lot of thought in the design stage. They have ensured you get as much from this speaker as possible.

It is a compact speaker measuring 7.87 inches by 3.35 by 3.23 inches and weighs just over one pound. This makes it easy to carry around with you wherever you go. It has two 40mm speakers that deliver 6 watts of power each. Not a great deal of volume if it is for an outside party. But it is enough for a visit to the pool or the beach.

That doesn’t mean it is waterproof but water-resistant. There is a difference. A big one. It will be ok in a shower or light rain, but you can’t submerge it in the pool. Though I suppose why would you want to?. The rating also says it is protected against snow and dust, as well as shock. Though if you are in the rain and snow, solar panels aren’t going to be much help. It comes with its rechargeable power bank.

There is connectivity using Bluetooth 4.2 with about 30 meters of range. And Elzle claims twenty hours of music playtime on one charge. It is designed so that it has multi-directional use. It will operate with non-Bluetooth devices using the 3.5mm connection.

The solar panel is made from a silicon material, and there is a Lithium battery. There is a built-in microphone for answering calls hands-free. Controls are located conveniently on the top panel and include the microphone, off/on button, and the usual volume, playback controls. There is also the incoming call answer key. On the rear are the input and output sockets.

This represents a good little speaker. Its functions are good and well laid out, and it has a good Bluetooth connection. It has a sturdy build with a silicone speaker grille. It is also lightweight and easy to carry around. The sound is reasonable which is all you can ask for from a portable speaker,

It is set at a reasonable price point, which makes this one of the best solar-powered Bluetooth speakers around.

8 ABFOCE Solar Bluetooth Speaker

This solar-powered Bluetooth speaker makes some incredible claims. It has the usual features, but it also has something ou won’t find on many speakers at this price point. More on this later.

It is a compact little machine. Designed to be portable and easy to carry around. It weighs just over one pound and measures 8.07 inches by 2.6 by 2.4 inches.

It is built for outdoor use and has a category IPX6 certificate. This means that it is water-resistant and can handle rain, snow, and even excessive dust. This makes it ideal for camping or just a day by the pool or the sea.

We mentioned it has a feature that is very special. It has a massive 60 hours of music playing time, and that is with continuous use. It gets that from its 5000 mAh battery, and it uses crystal silicon solar panels to absorb the sun’s rays. And it can even charge your phone while it is playing music.

It has two 40mm speakers to give you a great stereo sound. The charge needed to run it for such a long time does take some time if you are using solar power. If you are going away for the weekend, it might be best to use the built-in USB to fully charge before leaving.

It has a strong build using ABS and silicon in a wrap-around design that means there are no hard edges. And is compatible with all Bluetooth devices and operates at the standard 30-meter range. The controls are basic but effective and are located on one end of the outer cabinet.

The sound, as with the majority of these speakers, is basic but adequate. Nevertheless, it is a powerful and rugged speaker that also has an LED flashlight and SOS lighting. At the price point, it is good value and is certainly one of the best solar-powered Bluetooth speakers around.

9 Goal Zero Rock Out 2 Solar Rechargeable Speaker

This speaker sounds like it has come straight out of a Harry Potter film with its Dark bass chamber.

This is quite a small speaker that has been designed compact enough to carry around with you. The music on your phone or other Bluetooth enabled devices gets a big upgrade in sound quality. It is just 7 inches by 2.5 by 3.7 inches and only weighs one pound. Ideal to just put in your bag.

Charging is through solar panels or via the USB port to the mains. It is well made with a weatherproof exterior that is made of fabric that provides good protection. Made in China.

To pair up, it needs Bluetooth devices using 3.0 or later versions. It has the usual 30 meters of range with line of sight. Non-Bluetooth devices can be used through the AUX port.

Monocrystalline solar panels will recharge the speaker in about 8 hours if placed in direct sunlight. Re-charge through the USB to the mains takes about two hours. On a full charge, you can expect about ten hours of playtime.

Built-in to the design of this little speaker is what the manufacturers call the Dark Bass chamber. Essentially what they have done is design a larger space that allows more airflow. This creates more bass. It has a sinister overtone, but it is quite harmless, really. No one is going to turn into a frog if they use it.

What it does do is give you an upgrade in sound that is quite surprising. You don’t normally find small portable speakers giving a decent sound. This gives an impressive sound from its two 3 watt speakers. It is not the loudest out there but makes up for it with the sound reproduction.

As solar-powered wireless outdoor speakers go, this is an impressive option. It is a little more expensive than most of its competitors.

10 Ecoxgear Sol Jam Solar-powered Waterproof Speaker

When this was designed and built, we are sure that making it able to swim wasn’t high on the agenda.

It is a compact speaker and measuring 6.2 inches by 5 by 3 inches extremely portable, and it weighs one and a half pounds. It has a good design that is rugged and is made of a rubber-based black matte material. The solar panel takes up most of the space on the top of the speaker, along with some basic controls.

They are on an easy to use display. They feature the usual volume and play, forward and back controls. There is also Bluetooth and speakerphone control for hands-free calls, as well as the power button.

There is a fitting on the bottom to give you an option for mounting. On the back, a sealed port for charging the speaker or phone. There is also a socket for the audio cable and on the side a carabiner clip. It has an IP67 rating, which is a high level of protection. The speakers are built to be front-facing with a rather bright orange grille.

There are two front-facing speakers that generate 10 watts each, giving you a reasonable volume. The bass is especially prominent, with its down-firing subwoofer, rare for a speaker of this size. Devices can be connected via Bluetooth or non-Bluetooth through the 3.5mm jack socket.

We mentioned the design brief, probably not mentioning the capacity to swim. Maybe not, but it can. Throw it in the water, and it floats along quite happily. We are led to believe it can be submerged for up to 30 minutes. So there you are. In the pool for some swim training? Tow it behind you as you go using a wire attached to the carabiner.

This is a well-made and a good solar Bluetooth speaker that is a bit more than waterproof. It is a bit pricey, though, but a good choice.

11 Braven BRV-PRO+SOLAR Bluetooth Speaker

Next on our reviews of the Best Solar Powered Bluetooth Speakers, we have a speaker that has been given a very hard-wearing design. At 4.8 inches by 4 by 9.8 inches and weighing in at 2.3 pounds, it is a sturdy speaker made for outdoor life. It has a metal outer casing and has an IPX7 rating. This means it can handle most things that are thrown at it.

The speaker grille is at the front and protects the stereo drivers. They can be repositioned in any direction you choose, which is a useful addition. It has rubber feet to cut out vibration on two of the surfaces. You can use it in a standing or flat position.

Controls are located on the top of the unit around the solar panel. There is an off/on control and a multifunction button. This handles play and pause and also call answering. There are also buttons for navigating through tracks and a volume control.

On the back is a micro USB port for external charging with the cable which is provided. There is also another USB for charging phones and any other devices using the speakers’ battery. For non-Bluetooth devices, there is a 3.5mm jack socket. A battery indicator light will warn you of low battery status. Battery life is estimated at 12-15 hours, but it will depend on the volume of the music.

The speaker’s sound is quite good, with a very prominent bass given by the sub-woofer. For what is a relatively small box, it is surprisingly deep with very little distortion. The Bluetooth connection is quick and easy with the usual range.

In the world of solar-powered Bluetooth speakers, this is a good option. It is though very expensive, and the battery life estimates might be a little unrealistic. It does depend on how loud you play your music, but 12-15 hours seems a little hopeful.

12 ZeroLemon SolarSound Solar-Powered Bluetooth 4.0 Speaker

Some might accuse this ZeroLemon speaker as being lacking in design ideas. We couldn’t really argue with that. It’s unlikely you will find a less-inspiring speaker anywhere. But what it lacks in appearance it makes up for in other areas.

It’s quite small, weighing just over one pound and measuring 5.9 inches by 2 by 3.1 inches, which makes it ideal for carrying around with you. You should be aware that unlike most other speakers of this kind, this carries no category rating. Therefore, it is not waterproof, water-resistant, or shockproof.

It has good Bluetooth 4.0 connections and is compatible with all devices and phones that are Bluetooth enabled, and has the usual range of 32 feet. Should there be a loss of signal, it will automatically connect with the last-known source.

ZeroLemon claims the longest internal battery playtime of 72 hours with this speaker. It is driven by a 10,000 mAh polymer battery. It not only converts the solar energy for use and it will store it in its power bank. Phones and other devices can then be charged from this power source. It takes approximately 6 hours to fully charge the power bank.

It has two speakers that give 10 watts of power that has an enhanced low frequency. The speakers deliver a nice sound with plenty of bottom end. Controls are placed on the top and are recessed buttons and on one end extra connections for headphones, TF card, and non-Bluetooth devices.

As far as we are concerned, the jury is still out on this speaker. It has some good features, but it is rather boring. Nevertheless, the sound it produces is quite good. The build quality is a little bit light, and it won’t take too many knocks. But, it is at an affordable price point.

13 Renogy Solar Bluetooth Speaker, Portable Wireless Speaker

This Renogy Solar Bluetooth speaker is very much a budget model. However, it has some very good features. It is a compact little speaker measuring just 5.9 inches by 5.9 by 1.8 inches. It weighs just under 2 pounds. Compact it might be but also maybe a little on the heavy side for its size.

It has a category rating of IPX5. This makes it water-resistant rather than waterproof, but it also withstands dust and a low level of shock. It is, therefore, a good little speaker for the beach. Care needs to be taken with it, though.

The solar panels fill one complete side and will give you up to ten hours of use at moderate volume levels. This from one full charge. It can also give charge to your phone or other devices via the USB port. It has a 5000 mAh battery that will give you up to ten hours of use. This, of course, depending on the volume you use. It does take a few hours to charge to its maximum.

The sound is adequate rather than being anything special. Two small drivers provide a decent frequency range, but it is a rather lightweight at the bottom end. You would, of course, expect that from such a small speaker at what is a budget price point.

It does offer some decent tone controls, and it has three built-in EQ modes to provide you with sound options. It gives you some interesting features with the LED light. This serves as a flashlight as well as an SOS light, if needed.

Controls are very basic, and essentials like volume must be controlled from your Bluetooth enabled device. It is not a star in the world of solar-powered Bluetooth speakers. It is though a cheap alternative if you don’t want to spend a lot of money.

14 REVEAL Portable Solar Wireless Bluetooth Speaker

Our next speaker in our reviews of the Best Solar Powered Bluetooth Speakers has a novel idea. Manufacturing a portable speaker from Bamboo wood. It is not the smallest of speakers measuring 8 inches by 3.3 by 3.8 inches. But at about one pound in weight, it certainly isn’t heavy.

It is not water-resistant or dust or anything else proof. This does put it behind some of its competitors. So if you are taking it to the beach or the pool, it won’t appreciate a good wash. Neither will it like having sand kicked all over it.

The battery is driven by monocrystalline solar panels. When fully charged, it will give you about 15 hours of use. Charging it to the full is the problem, and it is better to charge it using the mains via the USB. Then you can use solar power to keep it going. If you rely on solar power for a full charge, you might be waiting a long time.

The Bluetooth is easily paired up to any device you may have, including all OS and Android units. The range is the standard 30 meters. You can answer phone calls. Your devices can be charged from this speaker while you are using it. Just be aware of the battery level status. It has an AUX for non-Bluetooth devices to plugin.

The sound is adequate but not particularly inspiring, and the case needs to be taken care of and won’t take any major impact. It is quite a nice looking speaker and certainly something different. Not cheap though and for what it is quite expensive.

15 Suncat Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

This is a speaker that is designed for those with an active life. It is a compact speaker measuring 5.5 inches by 4.5 by 2.5 inches and weighs just 9 ounces. They don’t come much more portable than that. It is fitted with a carrying strap.

Yes, it has an IPX6 rating, which is water-resistant rather than waterproof. However, if there is an accident and it is knocked into the water, it does float. However, we do suggest though that you remove it as soon as possible.

Bluetooth connections are simple, and you can pair it up with your phone or other devices. If your phone is connected, you can answer calls and call out. The speaker has a built-in microphone.

It is claimed that the speaker will fully recharge in 16-18 hours if it is placed in direct sunlight. That is quite a long time, so it might be advisable to use the USB to charge it. This takes just 2 hours using the micro USB port. The cord to connect is included. You can then keep it topped up with the solar power option while it is in use.

Battery life is listed at 15-20 hours of playback time if it is fully charged. That, of course, will depend on how you use it. The solar panel is fitted to the front, and the unit is made of lightweight plastic. It is though quite durable.

The sound quality isn’t great, but for what you will likely use it for it is adequate. Compared with other solar-powered wireless outdoor speakers, it is a decent product with a medium-range price point.

Best Solar Powered Bluetooth Speakers Buyers Guide

Finding The Best Solar Powered Bluetooth Speakers

As always, what is best for one is not going to be good for another. And one person’s requirement will differ from another’s. Connectivity is rarely an issue. Bluetooth connections are reasonably reliable these days, and all the speakers have similar performance levels.

Most also cater for non-Bluetooth devices by offering alternative connection options. Making and receiving calls is something that is included in some speakers.

One of the big issues, though, is where you will use it. If it is by the pool or maybe on the beach, then some sort of category rating might be a good idea. Some possess IPX6 certification, which the manufacturers sometimes claim is waterproof. IPX6 is water-resistant, not waterproof there is a difference.

IPX7 is waterproof and means you can submerge it for up to 20 or so minutes. Though we are not sure why you would want to?

Size Is Another Consideration…

If you are going to be taking it out with you, a compact speaker that doesn’t weigh too much is a good idea. If it is for the home or office, this is not so vital.

Solar energy is a nice idea, but despite some manufacturers’ claims, solar power is slow to accumulate. It can take a long time to realize a full charge, so a USB connection to a mains supply is a good idea. Some manufacturers admit to full charge might take 8-12 hours of strong sunlight.

Not much good if you live in an area that only gets four hours or maybe none at all. Once charged, careful usage will conserve the battery status, but high volumes of playing will run it out quite quickly.

The sound will not be the best, but then that is obvious. You cannot get a great sound from a little tiny box. You can get a decent sound, but it’s usually the bottom end that suffers. Find a speaker with a decent low frequency, and that will normally give you a better overall sound.

Lots to consider, but really all comes down to what you need it for.

Love Bluetooth? Then You’ll Love These…

If you just can’t get enough of Bluetooth technology, then check out our reviews of the Best Bluetooth Headphones under 100 dollars, the Best Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, and the Best Waterproof Bluetooth Headphones currently available.

You may also be interested in our reviews of the Best Wireless Outdoor Speakers and the Best Tailgate Speakers on the market.

So, What Are The Best Solar Powered Bluetooth Speakers?

For us, we would pick a fairly basic speaker. Reasonable looking with good functions. Easy to use and carry and has a good Bluetooth and other connections. We would also expect it to have a decent build quality and be affordable. Too much to ask? Not really, our choice does all of that. We would choose the…

This, for us, is the Best Solar-Powered Bluetooth Speaker currently available.