AGPTEK Solar Lantern: Definitive Review (2024)
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Welcome to our Ultimate TopNotch AGPTEK Solar Lantern Review 2024.
After our series of testing, we gave the AGPTEK our TopNotch Editor’s Choice Award for best overall performance.
Quite an achievement – we’re seasoned campers and very difficult to please…
We field-tested the top 10 solar lanterns on the market and the very best is this AGPTEK.
Well in this review we’re going to cover…
- Whether it’s a good option for your camping trips?
- Run time, weight, durability
- Lots more…
Planning a camping trip with family or trekking adventure with friends?
Love night walks in the woods with the doggo or extended night-time reading?
You’re in the right place.
Check out this detailed breakdown of the AGPTEK Solar Lantern before making your choice.
It’s time to cut to the chase…
Let’s get started…
- Manufacturer: AGPTEK
- Power type: Solar Power
- Weight: 2.6 Ounces
- Lumens: 180 Lumens
- Run time: 70 Hours
Bottom Line : A great option especially if you’re looking for versatile lighting
Pros
- Multiple methods of charging
- Multiple brightness modes
- Energy efficient
Cons
- The lantern is not waterproof
- No battery indicator
Our Verdict: AGPTEK Solar Lantern
This camping solar lantern stole our hearts. What you’ll get for the price you pay is impressive.
That’s not all…
There’s more…
Solar power, USB charging, or 3xAAA batteries, any of these will keep your solar crank lantern charged throughout the night.
It comes with a car charger adaptor, meaning you’ll always have enough light to last until your nighttime campfire.
You can even crank charge your mobile device from this lantern, what a design!
It’s also perfect for in-home use and it performs much better than other emergency lights built for indoor use.
AGPTEK Solar Lantern. comes with two different brightness modes. You can turn the light intensity to low anytime and save power.
All that said….. this solar light lantern does have a couple snags.
We found it’s not fully waterproof, which can be a problem on outdoor trips.
Though lightweight, the design can be considered a bit on the bulkier side which can make it difficult to pack – especially if you plan to backpack.
If you’re looking for better packability, go for a collapsible solar lantern like the Black Diamond Apollo which is our Best Value Award winner.
But here’s the kicker:
This AGPTEK lantern is one of the best crank lanterns you’ll get on the market at this kind of price.
It works pretty great for multiple purposes and represents amazing value. No doubt it got the TopNotch Editor’s Choice Award.
Related: 10 Best Camping Lantern
Our Analysis, Comparisons, and Test Results
We tested a wide range of solar lanterns using several different parameters.
Drawing on this experience we’ve published a detailed camping lantern buyers’ guide – Best Camping Lantern: Definitive Buyers Guide 2024.
The AGPTEK camping lantern is our TopNotch Editor’s Choice.
No doubt about it – this solar panel lantern offers the best features for a pocket-friendly price.
Brightness
With 240 maximum Lumens output and 36 LEDs – used in the bright mode – this solar-powered lantern will easily light up your camping nights.
That’s not all…
The low/high brightness adjustment feature makes it simple to set the light intensity as you like it.
Brightness Rating
The super-bright mode makes it useful around larger groups.
On the other hand…
It works pretty nicely on the low brightness mode for reading or when you’re alone. The lower power mode uses only 18 LEDs of the 36 it has in total.
Whilst we were testing for our solar camping lantern review the energy consumption rate was pretty low, particularly when not in the super bright mode.
It held the charge for quite some time even when in continuous use.
Once fully charged, it can discharge light for as long as 12 hours.
Overall, it’s really effective for camping and outdoor trips.
According to solar lantern reviews, if you consider the light quality and the charge holding capacity, it is certainly one of the best in the market.
In the brightness metric, UST 30 Day Lantern is a good challenger.
But…
It’s certainly the brightest lantern you’ll find at that price point – and considering all the other features, it’s a great buy!
This 36 LED solar and dynamo powered lantern was a super effective night-time companion for indoor as well as outdoor use.
Durability
When it comes to durability, it performed pretty well.
It has a sturdy design and easily holds up to heavy-duty use.
Nevertheless…
The only downside – it’s not the best among the waterproof solar lanterns, which can be a problem during outdoor use or camping trips.
Durability Rating
We put the AGPTEK through a few durability tests (intentional knocks and drops, and attempts to crush it) and it came out unscathed
The plastic shell with the steel support rings will last years and durability is pretty guaranteed.
No wonder, the AGPTEK Solar Lantern caught our eye.
Features
Well, in terms of features, this rechargeable camping lantern easily beat most of its competitors.
And, when you take the price into consideration, it’s hands down the best option out there.
Here’s why:
The 5 different modes for charging is impressive and makes it one of a kind.
Features Rating
You can charge the unit simply by cranking. It takes less than a minute – you definitely won’t break into a sweat.
The solar panel is quite effective and a day’s charge will last you well through the night.
No sun?
No matter.
It works on 3*AAA batteries too.
Moreover…
…you can charge it through a USB port and it has a car charger adaptor. You can even charge your mobile through this USB port by cranking or using sunlight, which is a very useful feature in the wild.
So, if you’re going on a long trip where you might be out of electricity for a few days, this one is a must-carry.
Among all the contenders in our solar camping lantern reviews, this stands out particularly well with its 5 mode charging feature.
That’s not all.
Need an overhead light?
The retractable hook at the top makes it easy to hang the lantern to light an area from above.
Ease of Use
Every feature is easy to access.
The bottom line…
Definitely don’t need to be an expert to use it.
Anyone can handle the AGPTEK Solar Lantern without needing to go through tutorials, or even read the manual.
Ease of Use Rating
The crank handle attached to the base is smooth and the charging ports are nicely located.
Moreover…
The 12 volt car adapter or the wall plug AC adapter give you full flexibility.
Or – just place the unit in sunlight to charge the polysilicon solar panels.
But you might be wondering:
Is it okay to use in the dark?
We say yes.
Just press the switch at the front of the base to turn it on or off. The same works for setting the light intensity in bright mode or low mode.
The indicator at the front lets you know when it’s fully charged.
While doing the AGPTEK solar lantern review, the carrying handle of the unit caught our attention.
The retractable hook within the handle is a simple but effective addition.
That’s not all.
With the compact design and hook to attach to a backpack, it scores high in portability.
Weight
This rechargeable camping light weighs around 2 pounds, which makes it an easy carry for camping, hiking, fishing, or just about any outdoor activity.
Here’s the deal:
The weight (or rather the lack of it) gives this rechargeable camping lantern a sense of fragility.
Weight Rating
But…
The components are tough as well as lightweight.
But wait, let me tell you something..
…if you’re looking for the lightest camping light, Goal Zero Crush Light Solar Powered Lantern is your guy.
At the same time…
…our AGPTEK camping lantern did come a very close second…
And at this price point, it’s simply the best you can get.
Our Final Verdict: AGPTEK Solar Lantern
Conclusion: AGPTEK Solar Lantern
Now we’ve reached the end of our AGPTEK solar lantern review and it’s time to sum things up.
By now you must have a fairly good idea about the features, pros and cons of this solar crank lantern; what it does best, and how it can be your go-to portable lighting solution during outdoor trips as well as for indoor use.
Considering all the factors, the 5 charging methods, minimal weight, portability, durability, versatility and great price, it was easy to give the AGPTEK our TopNotch Editor’s Choice Award.
Over to you, is this hand-cranked Solar Lantern going to be on your shopping list?
See owner reviews and check out current prices by clicking on the link below.
Other Versions: AGPTEK Lanterns
AGPTEK lantern Ultra Bright LED Camping Lantern is a low range, basic lantern from the same brand.
It works efficiently both outdoors and indoors, but the light is certainly not as bright.
However…
The omnidirectional lighting feature is a cool alternative and the collapsible design adds considerably to the portability. This battery-powered unit can give up to 72 hours of lighting. A point to take note of!
If you need a basic lantern for in-home use at a basic price, you might want to give it a try.
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