10 Best Hand Crank Phone Chargers


If you’ve ever been caught short with a dying phone, you’ll know that feeling of stress is unprecedented – especially if you’re in an emergency situation.

So how can you call for help or contact a loved one if you’re unable to get home and your phone isn’t switching on? 

Sometimes, we’re lucky enough to be within reach of a charger and a power socket. Sometimes, though, we’re caught out on a long excursion away, or the elements work against us.

If you’ve even been in a situation like this, you’ll want to do everything you can to avoid it happening again.

If you’re not sure how to avoid this, why not consider a hand crank phone charger?

Even if you’re miles away from the nearest power outlet with no charger in sight, you can give your phone the juice it needs to make a call, send a text, or get help when you need it. 

Not sure where to start looking? Let us walk you through some of the best hand crank phone chargers on the market.

There’s something for everyone, from big names and quick charge times to extra features and high-quality builds. 

Ready? Let’s get started. 

1. FosPower 2000mAh Hand Crank Charger

FosPower Emergency Weather Radio (Model A1) NOAA/AM/FM with 7400mWh Portable Power Bank, USB/Solar/Hand Crank Charging, Battery Operated, SOS Alarm & Flashlight for Indoor/Outdoor Emergencies
  • [2000MAH POWER BANK WILL KEEP DEVICES POWERED] FosPower's emergency radio incorporates a 2000mAh power bank capable of providing emergency power to any small tablet or phone.
  • [3 POWER SOURCES POWER WHEN YOU NEED IT] Use the emergency weather radio's 3 power sources when you need a boost of power or need to recharge the radio. The radio's crank lever and solar panel are both capable of regenerating enough power to keep the radio, lights, and SOS alarm ready to go when you need it most. AAA Batteries ensure you have power when not able to regenerate power.
  • [2 LIGHT SOURCES ALWAYS POWERED] The emergency crank radio can also provide light. The 4 LED reading light and 1W flashlight provides enough output to keep you and your loved ones out of the dark in an emergency situation.
  • [NOAA EMERGENCY WEATHER BROADCAST ACCESS] The radio will dependably receive up to the second emergency weather forecasts and emergency news broadcasts from NOAA and AM/FM stations.
  • [LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY] Includes a Limited Lifetime Warranty. Please visit FosPower's website for more information.

First up, we have the FosPower Emergency hand crank. This little device is your one-stop shop for all emergency needs, including a flashlight, SOS alarm, phone charger, and more.

This charger can either be hand-cranked, powered by solar energy, or juiced up with AAA batteries. 

Rated for 2000mAh expressed through 3 separate ports, this bank can charge more than one device at a time, so you won’t have to worry about being left in a precarious situation without power.

This bank also comes with two light sources – a 4 LED reading light and a 1W flashlight so you can always see in the dark. 

We found that the radio always had a great reception when we tested this bank.

If you need to keep up-to-date with emergency broadcasts, you’ll never have an issue. It also includes a siren and red light for emergency purposes, which is a nice extra. 

Considering this bank is hand-held size, this is ideal for use in a bug-out bag or if you’re out hiking or camping.

The only issue we found with this bank is that the manufacturer does not state how long you need to crank this to hold a charge. It can take a consistent amount of cranking to hold a decent charge. 

Pros

  • Multiple Power Options: This bank can be hand-cranked, battery-operated, or solar-powered.
  • Two Light Sources: So you won’t have to worry about being caught in the dark.

Cons

  • Lots Of Crank Power Needed: Unfortunately, the manufacturer doesn’t specify how long you need to crank for to hold a charge. It can take quite some time to do this.

2. Eton American Red Cross FRX3 

Sale
Eton - American Red Cross FRX3+ Emergency NOAA Weather Radio, Red, Digital Display, Hand Turbine, Solar Power, Red LED Flashing Beacon, 7 NOAA/Environment Canada Weather Bands, Phone Charger
  • Emergency Radio: Be prepared for any emergencies and disasters with this rechargeable, weather alert radio with solar panel and hand turbine power generator; No emergency kit is complete without this multipurpose tool.
  • Stay Alert: The “Alert” function automatically broadcasts any emergency weather alerts for your area; Keep it charged VIA solar panel, hand crank or a built-in rechargeable battery.
  • Multifunction Digital Device: This AM/FM/NOAA weather band digital radio with display and alarm clock can also charge a smartphone via USB port; Also features an LED flashlight and red flashing beacon for visibility anywhere.
  • Keep Connected: From World Band and Weather Alert radios, to solar powered sound systems and connected home products, we'll keep you connected and in the know at home, in the office, on the road or in the great outdoors.
  • Eton's Commitment to Preparedness: We're committed to helping you be prepared for everyday fun and unexpected emergencies, whether you’re out on a 10-day backpacking trip, or just barbecuing in the backyard.

Next on our list is the Eton American Red Cross FRX3. This emergency NOAA weather radio can also charge your phone, and it’s ideal for use in emergency situations.

This device also includes an emergency ‘alert’ function that can automatically broadcast any emergency alerts for your area, and you’ll have several charging options – hand crank, solar power, or a built-in rechargeable battery. 

This device also includes one LED flashlight and a red flashing beacon to improve your visibility and alert others to your location.

Its weather band digital radio and alarm clock are also fantastic for keeping in the loop with emergency broadcasts. 

We found that the hand-crank worked well to charge our phones when we tested this bank.

This bank requires little cranking to generate power – on average, around 2 minutes of cranking generated between 30-45 minutes of charge. 

However, we did feel that the crank was a little weak. Although it charges well, it doesn’t feel stable. We were concerned that this could break with consistent or vigorous cranking.

Pros

  • Emergency Alert Function: So you’ll automatically get emergency broadcasts in your area.
  • LED Flashlight And Red Beacon: Ideal if you’re camping, hiking, or left with minimal power.

Cons

  • Weak Crank: Although the crank is functional and provides a good amount of charge, it feels weak. It’s not sturdy and may not last long with consistent cranking.

3. RunningSnail Emergency Hand Crank Charger

Sale
Emergency Hand Crank Radio with LED Flashlight for Emergency, AM/FM NOAA Portable Weather Radio with 2000mAh Power Bank Phone Charger, USB Charged & Solar Power for Camping, Emergency
  • 【HOME & OUTDOOR NECESSARY】As reported, we used to experience several times natural disasters per year like hurricanes"Harvey", Wildfire, and so on. The emergency weather Radio will keep your family safe through it all. This Weather Radio can timely report emergency weather alerts in your areas to be well prepared; A 2000mAh Built-in Li-ion battery to charge most of the device until power back; A LED flashlight with rugged cover design could light up your darkness.
  • 【2000mAh PHONE CHARGER】When we are trapped in an emergency,This emergency radio with a 2000mAh emergency power bank may be our life-saving tool. The emergency portable radio works with most USB powered devices, which could provide enough emergency power for important calls to your family, the emergency services, or for contacting assistance in emergency situations.
  • 【3-WAY POWER SOURCES】The solar crank radios with multiple power backup options are the best choice in the emergency package. 3 Power Source including Hand Crank, Solar Panel, Built-in Li-ion Rechargeable Battery, to make it easier to keep the emergency radio running during a prolonged situation where power is off and batteries have been used up. Never Power outage!
  • 【PORTABLE RADIO WITH FLASHLIGHT】This pocket-sized portable emergency radio's dimension is 5*1.8*2.4inch and weight 0.5 LB, which is surprisingly small and light. Also, it comes with 1W LED Flashlight, which will cut through the blackness and maximize visibility. Carrying around a large unit is quite difficult when you have to move around during emergencies, this emergency radio is a smart choice.
  • 【CUSTOMER TECHNICAL SUPPORT】Your voice drives us to be the best. We back our emergency weather radio with an 18-months Warranty! If you are not satisfied with this NOAA weather radio, we will provide the solution for you immediately as you contact us. And our customer service is here for you 24/7 for anything you need! NO RISK FOR YOUR PURCHASE!

Now it’s time to take a look at the RunningSnail emergency hand crank charger.

This charger is a powerful, multipurpose tool that’s ideal for use in almost any emergency situation.

The RunningSnail charger may be pocket-sized, but it’s powerful enough to charge your phone and function as a radio and LED flashlight. 

It also comes with 3-way power sources: hand crank, solar panel, and built-in li-ion rechargeable battery. Its 1W LED flashlight can also maximize your visibility and keep you safe in emergencies. 

That said, despite having 2000mAh of power, we found the hand crank took a lot of work to generate consistent power.

On average, we found that about 10 minutes of cranking generated between 2%-10% charge. 

But it’s still great for emergency situations, as it’ll get you enough power to use your phone to make a quick call or send a text.

However, if you need a more stable charge, this hand crank charger may not be suitable for you.

It may also not be suitable for people suffering from arthritis or other joint issues due to the sheer amount of consistent arm work needed to give you enough phone charge. 

Pros

  • Pocket-Sized: This is completely portable and lightweight.
  • Multi-Function And Multiple Power Options: This can be used as a radio and flashlight, and it can be charged in three different ways.

Cons

  • Limited Power: Unfortunately, even the most committed crankers might not gain enough power from this bank. Although it’s ideal for emergencies, it’s probably not good for people in need of more than a few extra minutes of charge.

4. Kuwugi Emergency Portable Solar Hand Crank Charger

【2021 Upgraded】 Hand Crank Emergency Weather Radio Solar with Cell Phone Charger, Battery Power Weather Alert Radios with Flashlights for Emergencies Survial,Power Emergy Portable NOAA/AM/FM Radio
  • 【2021 Upgraded Emergency Radio】The Newest portable emergency radio equipped with the largest LCD screen is more convenient to use for you, it shows the battery information, bright flashlight ,4 led reading lamps, bottle opener and SOS alarm, which is better than most models on the market
  • 【NOAA Weather Alert Radio】With upgraded high-performance built-in speaker, keep you preparing for the unexpected weather emergency with this AM/FM & NOAA weather radio around, it will broadcast the latest emergency weather and sound an alarm in your area such as hurricanes, tornadoes and severe storms, indicating that there is a risk of severe weather in your area, up to 16 hours of playtime on a full charge
  • 【Multi-Ways to Power the Weather Radio】This crank weather radio supports charging by solar/ hand crank/USB cable/3 * AAA batteries (not included), will provide continuous power and no worry about power off. Also can be emergency power bank to charge your phone and other electronic products
  • 【SOS Alarm and Reading Lamp】With SOS alarm and 3W large powerful speaker, it can emit a clear loud emergency call and accompany with SOS signal light which can make you get help faster if there is emergency. You can read stories for children under the radio reading lamp, also suitable for travelling, camping, backpacking, and outdoor enthusiast
  • 【Home & Outdoor Necessary】The durable and portable waterproof emergency radio with a backup power source can be an essential tool for home use and outdoor activities. Packing included: 1*Emergency Radio, 1*USB Charging Cable, 1*User Manual. We back our solar radio with limited lifetime support

Now, let’s take a look at the Kuwugi emergency portable solar hand crank charger. This charger has four power sources, one more than the competitors we’ve seen so far.

This charger can be powered up via solar panel, hand crank, Micro USB, or AAA batteries.

It also functions as a radio, bottle opener (convenient!), phone charger, SOS alarm, AUX player, flashlight, and weather alert station. 

Its 1W LED light offers enough visibility to see you through unexpected periods of darkness, and its SOS alarm is super loud and can help draw attention to you in an emergency situation.

This charger also includes some conveniently added extras, such as a compass, whistle, magnesium flint fire starter, and paracord. Put simply; it’s the ideal survival tool. 

When we tested this charger, we were impressed with the quality of the hand crank. It feels well-made and reliable, and we weren’t worried that it might break with consistent use.

With just a minute of cranking, you can use your LED light for around 30 minutes or your radio for 6 minutes.

However, the minute of cranking did not do much for our phone battery. It provided just an extra minute or two of power, so you’ll need to break a sweat to generate more than just a few minutes of charge. 

Pros

  • Lots Of Extras: Unlike other chargers, this one comes with lots of extras that are ideal for emergency situations.
  • Four Power Sources: If you don’t want to use the hand crank, you’ll have plenty of other ways to charge your phone or USB device.

Cons

  • Minimal Power From Crank: Hand cranks are always hard work. However, this one does better at powering up the radio and flashlight than a phone. It’s ideal for a last-minute burst of juice, but the crank to power ratio for mobiles is still quite weak.

5. Kaito KA500 Crank Charger

Kaito KA500 5-way Powered Solar Power,Dynamo Crank, Wind Up Emergency AM/FM/SW/NOAA Weather Alert Radio with Flashlight,Reading Lamp and Cellphone Charger, Yellow
  • 6-way powered portable emergency radio with hand crank generator, solar panel, compartment for 3 AA batteries (not included), 5V USB input, 5V AC/DC input with a wall power adapter (sold separately), built-in NiMH replaceable and rechargeable battery pack
  • Comprehensive coverage of AM, FM, 2-band shortwave and 7 pre-programmed NOAA weather channels for entertainment, sports, talk-shows, breaking news around the world, and 24/7 real-time weather forecast (USA and Canada ONLY) with PEAS (Public Emergency Alert System)
  • Works as an emergency mobile battery charger with built-in standard DC 5V USB output port for charging mobile devices, such as smart phones, GPS units, MP3 players, digital cameras, and etc. Other features include a 5-LED reading lamp, LED flashlight and a red LED S.O.S. beacon light
  • Telescopic antenna extends up to 14.5" for high sensitivity reception assisted by advanced semiconductor circuitry design and LED signal strength indicator for pin-point tuning accuracy, and built-in speaker delivers loud and crispy sound
  • Made of strong premium impact-resistant and water-resistant ABS material, suitable for both indoors home/office use and outdoors recreational activities

Now, let us introduce you to the Kaito KA500 crank charger. This charger can be powered via solar, AA batteries, or a hand crank. It also has a built-in rechargeable battery to juice it up with, too. 

While this crank is ideal for emergency situations, it’s perfect for everyday use as well.

It comes with a switch on it to access NOAA weather alerts, the LED light is bright, and the reading light is the perfect warmth for reading in the dark without being blinded.

Unfortunately, the red SOS light on this unit doesn’t pattern Morse code, though, so don’t expect anything too technical from this charger. 

When we tested this charger, we were once again impressed by the quality of the crank. It’s easy to turn and feels incredibly well made, so we weren’t worried about it breaking with vigorous cranking.

This charger also comes with a convenient rubber-covered nylon strap for better grip and portability. 

Unfortunately, the hand crank doesn’t generate a spectacular amount of power. Some other hand-crank chargers can charge up quickly and die fast.

However, when we tested this one, it seemed to charge our phone slower, but it died just as quickly. The result? An average amount of power is produced from the crank, but less power is in our phone. 

Pros

  • Multi-Function: Like our other competitors, this crank also comes with other features such as a radio, LED light, and reading light.
  • High-Quality Crank: The crank itself feels sturdy and well made. This is ideal for everyday use and more demanding emergency situations.

Cons

  • Poor Charging Power: Unfortunately, although this crank generates an average amount of power, it charged our phone incredibly slowly. This didn’t give us more than an extra minute or two of charge.

6. Greadio Crank Power Bank

Emergency Weather Flashlight Radio, Newest Crank Solar NOAA Radio with AM FM,Best Reception,4000mAh Power Bank,Super Bright Flashlight,Motion Sensor Reading Lamp,SOS Alarm for Hurricane,Outdoor
  • √【NEWEST EMERGENCY WEATHER RADIO】Equiped with updated DSP chips and high quality built-in speaker,this emergency radio broadcasts the latest weather information for you with loud and crisp sound from NOAA/AM/FM stations. With upgraded 4000mAh large battery capacity, 3 modes of super bright flashlight motion sensor reading lamp, this emergency flashlight radio can be a lifesaver during hurricanes. It makes sense for you to choose this multi-use and durable weather radio in this situation.
  • √【UNIQUE MOTION SENSOR DESIGN】Through thousands of investigations and experiments, we designed a more humanized reading lamp for you. Under motion sensor mode, this weather flashlight radio can auto turn on its reading lamp if senses someone passing within 3 meters, illuminating your way to bedroom at night. Auto turn off within 30 seconds. The most innovative change in the emergency weather radio maket and you will definitely love this crank radio for its pratical function and energy saving.
  • √【SUPER BRIGHT 3 MODES FLASHLIGHT】Buy our noaa weather radio, you will get triple pleasure on it. This crank flashlight radio comes with super bright 3 modes flashlight(far/dipped beam), brighter than other normal emergency flashlight radios in the market. For hiking or camping purpose, this weather radio is your smart choice to light up in full darkness to keep you safe in emergency. In case you need help, the SOS alarm sound is extremely loud and can be heard miles away.
  • √【4000mAh LARGEST BATTERY CAPACITY】With this 4000mAh emergency radio, you will have up to 45 hours radio time. Even power cut out, you still can use this weather flashlight radio to charge your cell phone to keep in touch with outside world. To keep the noaa solar radio running on a prolonged situation, you can charge it with micro USB in daily use; solar panel, hand crank and replaceable Li-ion battery can be used in emergency. Take it in your emergency bag, and you won't regret having it.
  • √【RESPONSIBLE SELLER & WORRY-FREE】WE CARE about you and your love ones! Greadio emergency weather radio has helped more than 100,000 USA Civilians to live through the hurricane, tornadoes and snowstorm season like Dorian, Florence, Harvey. We think about what you think and back our solar radio with 12 months Warranty! Our professional technical support and customer service are here for you 24/7 for anything you need, making you no risk to purchase this crank flashlight radio.

Next up, we have the Greadio crank power bank.

This power bank comes with an impressive 6000mAh of power (more than our other competitors so far), and according to the manufacturer, it can give your phone up to 50% more power. 

Like most of our other competitors, this power bank is also multi-functional. It includes a three-mode flashlight (including far and dipped beam), so you’ll have a brightness suitable for all visibility conditions.

Impressively, its light also has a unique sensing angle that will automatically switch on when it detects movement.

Its SOS alarm is also extremely loud and can be heard for miles, so you’ll never have to worry about drawing attention to yourself in an emergency. 

If you don’t want to use the hand crank, you can also charge this bank via USB, solar panel, and replaceable Li-ion battery.

Although this bank can’t be fully immersed in water, it has a water resistance of IPX3, meaning it can handle a small amount of water exposure in emergencies. 

Now, let’s talk power. We found that the hand crank was comfortable to hold, easy to turn, and well-made when we tested this bank.

This crank also generated a lot more power than our other competitors. On average, just 30 seconds of cranking produces around 6 minutes of charge time.

This is perfect for emergency situations but also for everyday use too. 

The only downside to this power bank was its lack of features.

Most hand crank phone chargers and radios include additional features such as aux inputs and Bluetooth capabilities, but this one lacks these features.

Although these aren’t imperative, some buyers may be deterred. 

Pros

  • 6000mAh Power: This bank has significantly more power than other competitors, and with minimal cranking, it could charge multiple devices at the same time.
  • Powerful Crank: Not only is the crank well made, but it can provide a significant boost of power with minimal cranking. This is perfect for emergencies and everyday use.

Cons

  • Lack Of Features: Although this doesn’t compromise the power of the hand crank, this bank has significantly fewer features than other multi-function crank banks.

7. Sangean MMR-88 Emergency Crank

Sale
Sangean MMR-88 AM/FM/Weather+Alert Emergency Radio. Solar/Hand Crank/USB/Flashlight, Siren, Smartphone Charger yellow
  • receives all 7 noaa weather channels & reports
  • 19 random preset stations
  • dc out(5v / 0.3a)usb a type socket for charging mobile phone or mp3 player. dc in(5v / 0.5a)micro usb b type socket for charging
  • powered by handcrank dynamo/solar panel/dc input. public alert-certified weather radio
  • micro usb-b input to recharge lithium battery

Now, let us walk you through another powerful, all-in-one tool – the Sangean MMR-88 emergency crank.

This emergency crank features shock-resistant rubber on each corner, and it can be charged via either a hand crank generator, solar charger, or its built-in rechargeable batteries.

This emergency crank also features a NOAA weather radio with 19 station presets, a built-in speaker with a headphone jack, a bright LED light with four lighting patterns, and SOS settings. 

You can use this bank to charge your phone or other USB devices with its micro USB. During testing, we were impressed with the quality of the crank.

It’s small and powerful and easy to turn without resistance. However, we did feel that finding the right angle to hold it could be tough.

This may be difficult to use if you have arthritis, or you need to hold your crank in a difficult position. 

The hand crank can also produce enough power to suffice in an emergency.

A few minutes of consistent cranking can give you enough juice to keep you going for a few extra minutes, but nothing spectacular.

Although the hand crank is well made and functional, it may be best for emergency use only. 

Pros

  • Shock Resistant Design: Perfect for outdoor or emergency use
  • Multiple Charging Methods: This can be charged using a hand crank, solar panel, or built-in rechargeable battery

Cons

  • Poor Crank: Although the crank is well made, it can be difficult to hold, and it doesn’t produce a lot of power. However, it can give you enough to send a text or make a quick call in an emergency.

8. Zeus Dynamo Powerhouse

Next up, we have the Zeus Dynamo Powerhouse. This 60w hand crank charger may not be as flashy as our other competitors, but it’s called powerhouse for a reason.

This bank is made from aircraft-grade aluminum with steel construction, and it comes with both USB-A and USB-C ports so that you can charge your phone and other devices such as tablets and wearables. 

Impressively, the Zeus Dynamo Powerhouse provides a good amount of charge for only a small amount of cranking time.

On average, most hand-crank chargers require over 2 minutes of cranking to produce a 1% phone charge – the Zeus needs just 30 seconds.

When we tested the Zeus Dynamo, we found this guideline to be incredibly accurate. Our phone charged quickly, and the crank was easy to use, too. 

The hand crank feels incredibly sturdy, and thanks to the added weight of the box, you’ll only need one hand to crank.

What’s more, the powerhouse can also be secured to any countertop or table, with an overhand of just 1.5 inches.

It also features non-marking rubber on the surface to prevent marks. The 9lb Zeus Dynamo also compacts down into a portable, waterproof bag so you can carry it around when you need it. 

The Zeus Dynamo is impressive; however, if you’re looking for more features, this may not suit you.

The Zeus Powerhouse is nothing more than a hand crank charger, so don’t expect any added extras like a radio or LED lights. 

Pros

  • Aircraft Aluminum: This gives the Zeus an incredibly sturdy design, but, at just 9 lbs, it’s still lightweight enough to be portable.
  • Fast Charge: The Zeus Dynamo has an incredibly fast charge time compared to other hand-crank chargers; if you need to charge up in a rush and with minimal effort, the Zeus Dynamo is a great choice.

Cons

  • Limited Features: This hand crank charger doesn’t come with any additional features such as lights or radios, making it one of the simplest chargers on our list.

9. Tech-L Hand Crank Generator

Tech-L Hand Crank Generator 30W 0-28V Portable Dynamo Phone Charger Military for Outdoor Emergency Power Camping Mobile Phone Computer Charging with USB Plug (Green with DC Regulator+ LED Screen)
  • Durable Hand Crank Generator: Made with high-tech magnetic conversion technology and the outer case is high-strength aluminum composite alloy material, our crank generator features water-resistant ( IP65), shock-resistant, current overload and overheating protection
  • Protective Hand Power Generator: It can be charged directly for lithium-ion, nickel-metal hydride, lead-acid, and other types of batteries. The regulator shuts off power if turn the crank too fast and over-volt your system, offers excellent protection for electronic devices.
  • Hand Crank USB Charger: Power:30W ; Output Voltage:0-28V ; Rated Current:1.5-2A ; Max Current:3A. Temperature : -40C - 60C ; Relative humidity : 80% - 90%(40 2C) ; Altitude : 5000mIt is designed with a DC-DC voltage regulator with a multifunctional output port for various uses (12mm Aviation Socket +Mini USB Plug + USB 2.0 Plug + 2 x 5.5mm Plug).
  • Outdoor Emergency Power Generator: It is useful item in a power outage or out in the wild, the hand crank also has an adjustable strap to either strap it to a (small) tree and what not to make cranking easier, or strapping it to your hand for a better grip.
  • Widely Application: The hand crank generator is suitable for small power communication stations, small laptop, satellite phone, shortwave radio, regular cell phone, etc

Now, we’ll walk you through the Tech-L hand crank generator. This 30W hand crank generator has a total weight of just 480g.

It uses high-quality, high-tech magnetic conversion materials, including rare earth magnetics, to deliver fast charging and quality power.

The outer case of this generator is also made from aluminum steel, so you won’t have to worry about using a lightweight or poor-quality crank. 

The hand crank connects to a DC-DC converter which attaches to your phone or electronic device. The crank comes with a regulator, an aviation socket, and an alligator clip.

It even comes with an adjustable strap, so you can either strap this device to something in your surroundings or strap it to your hand or body for better grip when cranking. 

What’s more, this crank generator features IP65 water-resistant material; it’s also shock resistant with current overload and overheating protection to keep you, your crank, and your phone or electronic device safe.

We found this crank easy to use and hold when we tested it. Unfortunately, though, it does take a lot of effort to charge up.

We found this took around 5 minutes of consistent cranking to increase your phone charge by just 1%. 

Pros

  • Aluminum Steel Design: This generator has a sturdy, reliable design that makes it a must-have for precarious emergency situations.
  • Shock Resistance And Safety Features: This generator also includes a range of safety features to prevent shocks or overloading, keeping you and your devices safe.

Cons

  • Effort Required To Charge: Unfortunately, this doesn’t charge as fast as other hand-crank generators. You’ll need to crank for longer to generate more power.

10. Midland ER210 Emergency Crank Generator

Sale
Midland - ER210 Emergency Compact Crank Weather AM/FM Radio - Multiple Power SOS Emergency Flashlight, NOAA Weather Scan + Alert
  • Multiple Power Sources: The ER210 radio features three sustainable power sources for recharging: a built-in solar panel that harnesses direct sunlight, a hand crank for manual recharging during power outages or away from a power source, and a rechargeable 2200 mAh battery offering up to 32 hours of continuous radio operation. This makes the radio eco-friendly and suitable for emergencies and outdoor activities where traditional power access is limited.
  • Emergency Flashlight: Introducing the SOS FLASHLIGHT BEACON, an essential emergency tool. This flashlight flashes Morse code in critical situations, allowing you to signal for help effectively. Its Bright CREE LED emits 130 Lumens, ensuring high visibility for rescue efforts. Choose the Low brightness setting to conserve battery life or opt for the High brightness setting to maximize illumination. Be prepared for any emergency with this versatile and reliable flashlight.
  • NOAA Weather Scan + Alert: NOAA Weather Scan will automatically scan through 7 available weather (WX) band channels and locks onto the strongest weather channel to alert you of severe weather updates. NOAA Weather Alert will sound an alarm indicating that there is a risk of severe weather in your area. NOAA Weather Radio will also be used to broadcast AMBER alerts for missing children.
  • Charge Your Device: The package includes a USB charging cord specifically designed for charging the radio, ensuring hassle-free and efficient charging whenever you need it.
  • Large LCD Display: Experience the power of convenience with our backlit LCD display! Seamlessly switch between radio station, time, or weather channels, all in one glance. Stay informed and connected with ease using this feature-packed radio. Discover the ultimate level of functionality with our illuminated LCD display, making it easier than ever to access important information at any time.

Last but not least, let’s take a look at the Midland – ER210 emergency compact crank.

This handy little device is another all-in-one solution that can also be used as a radio, NOAA weather scan + alert, charger, and flashlight. 

This generator also includes three sustainable power sources, including a solar panel, a rechargeable battery, or a hand crank.

Its rechargeable 2200mAh battery is incredibly powerful, and the SOS flashlight flashes in Morse code, making it ideal for use in almost any emergency scenario imaginable.

What’s more, this generator includes a generously sized LED display, so you can clearly see your radio stations, the time, or your weather channels, even in low light conditions.

It also includes a headphone jack and a flashlight dimmer which can be used to conserve your battery. 

We found the crank was well-built and relatively easy to use when we tested this generator.

It doesn’t feel as strong as other generator cranks, but it could be easily cranked with one hand, and it wasn’t awkward to hold, even when using it for extended periods. 

Unfortunately, although just one minute of cranking can give you 10 minutes of radio power, it doesn’t work as well for phones.

This crank will require anywhere between 5-10 minutes of consistent cranking to give you a few extra minutes of battery.

This is perfect for emergency situations, but it may not be suitable for frequent or everyday use. 

Pros

  • Multi-Functional: This isn’t just a hand crank charger. This generator can also be used as a radio, flashlight, and emergency alert system.
  • Sturdy Crank: This hand crank is well built, easy to use, and comfortable to hold, even for extended periods of time.

Cons

  • Poor Cranking Power: Unfortunately, this generator will require a lot of consistent cranking to generate a good level of charge. This is fine for emergency situations, but it may not be suitable for everyday use or consistent charging during long trips or outages.

Buyers Guide

If you’ve made it this far, you’ve probably taken a good look through our roundup of the best hand crank phone chargers. If you’re lucky, you may have even seen a few you like. 

You may have also discovered so many options that choosing the right one feels impossible. Hand crank phone chargers are an incredible invention.

However, there are so many to choose from that it can be hard to know what to look for. 

So, before you dive headfirst into your research, let us do some of the heavy lifting for you. S

tick with us to explore our buyer’s guide, and learn more about the key features of hand cranks chargers and what you should be looking for in a quality design. 

Portability 

One important factor to consider is portability. If you’re looking for a hand crank phone charger, you’re probably after something that you can use on-the-go, or in challenging environments.

If you’re going on a camping or hiking trip, you’ll need something lightweight

Look for a hand crank phone charger that can be put in your pocket or bag, but that doesn’t compromise on charge power.

If you want something you can use on the go, you should also be looking for durable build material, such as aluminum, so that you can crank with one hand.

Plastic cranks will usually require two hands, which isn’t always practical.

Comfort

Another thing to consider is comfort. Most hand cranks will need you to crank for a considerable amount of time before generating a charge.

If you’re cranking profusely, your hands can become tired and sore. 

Ideally, your hand crank will have rubber-supported handles, but if not, the crank handle should be fairly large and positioned at a comfortable angle. 

Charge Time

One of the most important things to consider is the charge time. Although all hand crank chargers will require some effort to juice up your phone, look for a charger that requires less effort.

For example, chargers like the Zeus Powerhouse have guidance from the manufacturer, which states only 30 seconds of crank time is needed to produce 1% of charge. 

Always look for the manufacturer’s guidance before making a purchase. If you buy a model that doesn’t specify charge time, you won’t be sure what to expect.

This isn’t good if you need to power up in an emergency. 

Additional Features

It may not be a necessity, but it’s always useful to look for models with additional features. For example, many of our models include features like flashlights, solar panels, and radios.

If you need a hand crank phone charger for an emergency situation or long outdoor trip, these extra features are not only useful, but they can save you the expense of having to source them elsewhere. 

Multiple Charging Options

Sure, your main priority is to look for a hand crank charger, but don’t you want the peace of mind of having extra charging options?

If you want to put your mind at rest, we recommend buying a hand crank phone charger with more than one charging option.

Many chargers can also be powered up using solar energy, AAA or AA batteries, or by using a built-in rechargeable battery. 

This way, if your hand crank charger fails, you’ll have solar or battery power to fall back on.

You could even fully charge your hand crank charger through a power outlet before leaving your home, so you’ll have even more backup juice if you need it for your trip.

Note: If you’re doing this, we recommend buying a hand crank generator between 2000mAh to 6000mAh. This means you’ll get more charge in the generator, and it should preserve itself for longer between uses.  

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Make A Crank Phone Charger? 

If you don’t want to buy a crank phone charger, you can DIY one. A crank phone charger can be made from: 

  • Wood
  • Yarn
  • A mixing beater
  • A salad form
  • Aluminum foil
  • Scotch tape
  • A cordless drill

For detailed instructions on how to make your own hand-crank phone charger, click here

How Long Does It Take To Charge A Phone With A Hand Crank?

Charging times vary, however, the average is 10 minutes of cranking for a 2% charge. This will be enough to send a text or make a call but won’t be enough for all-day use. 

Can You Charge A Battery With A Hand Crank? 

Although it’s possible to charge a battery with a hand crank, it’s not practical. For example, some batteries may take as long as 16 hours to charge with cranking alone. 

How Much Power Can A Hand Crank Generator Produce? 

The power of each hand crank generator varies. However, it’s estimated that most produce somewhere between only five and fifteen watts.

This would mean that an hour of non-stop cranking could charge the average smartphone for around 16 minutes. 

Final Thoughts

If you’re fed up with being caught short without power, or you want to do everything you can to avoid it, it’s time to add a hand crank phone charger to your arsenal. 

There may be an abundance of options to choose from, but buying the right one doesn’t have to be difficult.

Take another look through our roundup and consult our buyer’s guide to help you find the best hand crank charger for your needs. 

So, whether you live in a hurricane-prone state, or you’re planning a long camping trip, hike, or sailing excursion away, make sure you have a hand crank charger to hand. 

Cody Martin

With over 18 years of federal law enforcement, training, and physical security experience, Cody focuses his time nowadays on both consulting and training. He regularly advises individuals, groups, multinational corporations, schools, houses of worship, and NGOs on security threats while conducting customized training as needed.

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