Hand crank flashlights are great when you may need light, but found out that the batteries were dead and you have no way to get any more at that moment. Hand crank flashlights can be cranked for power. They are constructed with a small generator called a dynamo. When the handle is cranked, it creates an electrical current through the wire movement, and this will power the flashlight.

High-quality hand crank flashlights are especially useful in an emergency situation, and they are extremely portable and easy to use. Since you do not have to use batteries to power them just a little cranking, they are a more affordable option to other flashlights that do require expensive batteries. Some even have emergency radios and can be used as a power outage to charge cell phones or similar. They really are the ultimate emergency flashlight.

There are many different options when it comes to hand crank flashlights including the twist-crank motion light, shake motion lights, and lever-crank motion lights. You also have the choice of many different design and size options including a more rugged design all the way to a more feminine design. There is something for everyone.

Dynamo powered flashlights offer durability, convenience, and affordability and make the perfect addition to your gear for any outdoor activity or emergency kit.

1. Cynergy Lifelight Crank Flashlight

cynergy lifelight crank flashlight image

This Cynergy flashlight is perfect in any emergency situation because it is self-powered, multi-purpose, and waterproof. It also includes other safety features such as being able to cut a seat belt, break a car window, or charge a cell phone or other device with the built-in USB port. It does not require any batteries or alternative power sources.

PriceItem DimensionsItem WeightIdeal Uses
Under $30.002.28” x 10.83” x 3.74”0.62 lbCamping, hiking, climbing, emergency

Key Features

  • Window breaker
  • Seat belt cutter
  • Compass
  • USB cell phone charger
  • Red light flasher
  • Self-powered

Cons

  • Does not seem to work with an iPhone
  • Light switch cover issues
  • Light is too dim

>> Check Price, More Images and Reviews <<


2. CyberTech All-in-One Emergency Hand Crank Flashlight

cybertech all in one emergency hand crank flashlight image

This CyberTech hand crank flashlight is ideal for any emergency situation because it features a seatbelt cutter, USB charger, and is capable of breaking car windows. It has four embedded magnets and has rainproof protection so it can operate in even the less than ideal environment. It is made with safe and high-quality materials and is self-powered with the hand crank, so you don’t have to worry about forgetting to bring the batteries.

PriceItem DimensionsItem WeightIdeal Uses
Under $30.0011” x 4” x 3”15.4 ozCamping, hiking, climbing, emergency

Key Features

  • Added safety features in case of emergency
  • Four embedded magnets
  • Rainproof protection
  • 10,000-hour LED lifespan

Cons

  • Very large

>> Check Price, More Images and Reviews <<


3. Wind N Go Ultralight

wind n go ultralight image

This Wind N Go Ultralight hand crank flashlight utilizes five LEDs and includes an AM/FM and weather radio and a high-decibel siren with a red LED emergency flasher. It is a self-powered flashlight with a high-efficiency dynamo charging system that will provide up to 60 minutes of light with only one minute of winding of the hand crank.

PriceItem DimensionsItem WeightIdeal Uses
Under $10.002.4” x 7” x 3.5”0.75 lbCamping, hiking, fishing, emergency

Key Features

  • Glow in the dark ring
  • Low-glow LED
  • High-decibel siren
  • Emergency red flashing light
  • AM/FM and NOAA weather band radio

Cons

  • Might not charge newer model phones
  • No headphone jack for the radio

>> Check Price, More Images and Reviews <<


4. Solar LED Flashlight, Portable Hand Crank

solar led flashlight portable hand crank image

This Solar LED flashlight includes a 1W bright LED and has three different ways of charging it including the hand crank method, solar panels, and USB charging. You also have the ability to play music via a micro secure digital memory card slot. The flashlight is also waterproof which makes it perfect for any weather conditions and outside activities.

PriceItem DimensionsItem WeightIdeal Uses
Under $20.005.3” x 2.4” x 1.8”10.5 ozSurvival and emergency situations, camping, hiking

Key Features

  • Waterproof 8-10 hour illumination duration
  • AM/FM radio
  • USB cable included
  • Compact
  • Lightweight
  • Easy to carry

Cons

  • Smaller than expected
  • Poorly written instructions

>> Check Price, More Images and Reviews <<


5. Esky Solar Hand Crank Self-Powered Emergency Radio with LED Flashlight

esky solar hand crank self-powered emergency radio with led flashlight image

This Esky Solar Hand Crank Flashlight is completely versatile and is ideal for many different situations. It is compact and can be charged with the hand crank, solar charging, or a mini USB. This model has been upgraded so that it is eight times brighter than the older model and the battery capacity is three times larger. One minute of cranking will provide you with at least twenty minutes of radio time or thirty minutes of flashlight power.

PriceItem DimensionsItem WeightIdeal Uses
Under $20.005.9” x 2.5” x 3.1”10.4 ozCamping, hiking, fishing

Key Features

  • Three ways to charge
  • Small and compact size
  • 1000mAh power bank
  • Loudspeaker
  • Weather radio
  • 1W/50 Lumen Flashlight

Cons

  • No storage for adapters
  • Bad connection for the radio

>> Check Price, More Images and Reviews <<


6. Flexzion LED Flashlight Hand Crank

flexzion led flashlight hand crank image

The Flexzion hand crank flashlight has a bright LED bulb that provides over 100,000 hours of run time. It also features a compass, hammer, seat belt cutter, USB charging capabilities, and an AM/FM radio. This flashlight also comes with a universal adaptor that can connect to your cell phone charger. It never needs batteries, so it is great for an emergency kit.

PriceItem DimensionsItem WeightIdeal Uses
Under $30.003.25” x 4.5” x 12.25”1.07 lbCar, home, camping, hunting, fishing

Key Features

  • Built-in USB port
  • Built-in magnet
  • Blink and siren for emergency
  • Seatbelt cutter
  • Compass
  • Hammer
  • AM/FM radio

Cons

  • None found

>> Check Price, More Images and Reviews <<


Conclusion

Remember, high-quality hand crank flashlights are great when you need a flashlight with an alternate power outage. Hand crank flashlights are self-powered and are ideal for taking on camping trips, using around the house – they really are the ideal emergency flashlight.

More Guides: Guide to AAA Flashlights