Most solar power banks I've tested were gimmicks - this one is the real deal

ZDNET's senior contributing editor Adrian Kingsley-Hughes has declared the ToughTested ROC16 the first genuinely recommendable solar power bank after testing numerous disappointing models over the past two decades. The $85 rugged device represents a breakthrough in portable solar technology, moving beyond the gimmicks that plagued earlier products—some of which featured fake solar panels or panels that actually drained batteries. This recommendation comes as solar panel efficiency has improved to the point where even small panels can deliver meaningful energy, with the ROC16's panel providing practical emergency charging capabilities rather than just marketing appeal.

The ROC16 features a 16,000 mAh capacity, three charging ports, wireless charging capability, and shockproof construction designed for outdoor use. While the solar panel collects modest amounts of energy (comparable to "thimblefuls" rather than "buckets" according to Kingsley-Hughes), it provides genuine emergency charging that could prove critical in outdoor or disaster scenarios. The device is part of ToughTested's ROC series that also includes a 24,000 mAh version, with both models representing a significant advancement in making solar charging practical for everyday portable electronics. This development signals that solar power bank technology has finally matured beyond novelty status to become reliable emergency equipment.