Solgaard Solar Boombox — A Speaker that Pulls Its Weight
Introduction
If you’re in the market for a new portable Bluetooth speaker and love a good dual-purpose product, look no further. Today I’m sharing my thoughts on the Solgaard Solar Boombox — a speaker I recently added to my everyday lineup.
I first came across Solgaard when researching sustainable luggage options a while back. Their patented Closet suitcase caught my eye, and I’ve been a fan of their mission ever since. Solgaard designs travel gear and accessories with the planet in mind. Each item sold helps remove plastic from the ocean, and many of their products are made with that very same recycled material — a full-circle kind of thing I really respect.
So, when my trusty JBL Charge 4 suddenly stopped holding a charge, I finally gave myself the green light to try the Solar Boombox. I had already been eyeing it for months, and to be honest, it felt like a sign. Between the solar charging, the built-in power bank, and the sustainable angle, it checked off a bunch of things I didn’t even realize I wanted in a speaker until now.
Portability
The Solar Boombox weighs just around 1.5 pounds and measures 6.4 x 3.6 x 2.3 inches — compact enough to toss into a bag without giving it a second thought. The rectangular shape makes it easy to pack, and the casing feels solid and durable. I don’t feel like I need a protective case, which is a bonus in my book.
One of my favorite physical features is the built-in clip. It doesn’t swing around or get in the way, and it’s perfect for attaching to a backpack for travel or even a caddy in the shower. And speaking of the shower — yes, you can use it there. It’s IPX7 waterproof, which means it can handle splashes, rain, and even full submersion for a short time. I wouldn’t toss it in a lake, but for camping trips or beach days, it’s definitely up for the task.
Charging & Power
This was a big selling point for me. The Solar Boombox charges via USB-C, but it also has a built-in solar panel — which is where it really shines (pun intended). I keep mine on my south-facing windowsill while I work, and it charges throughout the day while playing music. It’s a great low-maintenance setup.
When fully charged, it boasts an impressive amount of playtime. I’ve found that I have to charge it way less often than I ever did with my old speaker. And as a bonus, it doubles as a power bank. You can charge your phone or other devices right from the speaker, which is super handy for travel or outdoor days when outlets aren’t nearby. According to Solgaard, it can charge a phone multiple times on one full charge — and while I haven’t put that to the test fully, I love knowing that backup power is there if I need it.
Ease of Use & Pairing
The design is simple, which I really appreciate. There are only three buttons, but they serve multiple purposes:
Hold the power button for two seconds to turn it on and enter pairing mode.
Quick press the power button to pause/play music or to light up the LED indicators.
• White lights = battery level
• Green lights = solar charging strength
Press and hold the minus button to go back to the previous track. Quick press to adjust volume down.
Press and hold the plus button to skip forward. Qiock press to adjust volume up.
Press and hold plus and minus buttons to disconnect and enter bluetooth search mode.
It’s easy once you get used to the controls, and the minimal design keeps things from feeling cluttered.
One cool feature I haven’t used yet (but plan to) is the ability to pair two of these speakers together for a stereo or surround-sound setup. Perfect for movie nights or outdoor hangouts.
Sound Quality
Okay, I’ll be honest, sound quality isn’t my top priority in a speaker. I’m not an audiophile — I just want my music to sound good, and for it to work in different situations like work, cleaning, or casual hangouts.
That said, I really like how this speaker sounds. It’s less bass-heavy than my old JBL, which is actually a win for me. I found the JBL to be a bit much when I was trying to work with background music — even on the lowest volume. With the Solar Boombox, I can keep it near my desk and still focus, which I really appreciate.
It also means I don’t have to worry about the bass carrying through the walls to my neighbors (I live in a townhome, and we all know bass is the first thing to punch through drywall). But don’t get me wrong — it still gets plenty loud. For casual use around the house or in small group settings, the volume and clarity are more than enough.
Is It Worth It?
For me — yes. The price tag felt like a splurge at first, but when I consider the functionality, portability, and sustainability, I feel like I got a lot of value in return.
I love supporting brands that are actively working to make a positive impact, and Solgaard is one of those companies. Knowing that my speaker is made with recycled materials and contributed to cleaning plastic out of the ocean makes it feel like more than just another gadget.
The compact size, solar charging, built-in power bank, and thoughtful design details make this an ideal travel companion. I also appreciate that it pairs perfectly with Solgaard’s Lifepack Backpack, which has a special sleeve where the speaker can charge while you’re on the move.
If you’re looking for a bass-thumping, party-starting speaker, this might not be the one for you. But if you want a reliable, versatile speaker that does more than just play music — and supports a company doing real environmental work — I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the Solar Boombox.
Let me know if you’ve tried it too — or if you’ve found any other dual-purpose tech that’s made your life easier. I’m always up for hearing about gear that works smarter, not harder.
