The Best Hand-Crank Flashlights of 2026

Keep your family safe in an emergency situation with a hand-crank flashlight that provides light without requiring batteries, solar panels, or electricity.
One of the Best Hand Crank Flashlights lit up atop a tree stump
Photo: Amazon

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Whether you’re at home or on a camping trip, losing power is a little less stressful when you have a hand-crank flashlight. These essential safety and security tools provide instant light using only kinetic energy, making it easier to navigate the situation without having to dig for batteries. Many also include additional emergency features, such as built-in radios, seat-belt cutters, and small hammers for breaking car windows. To help you stay prepared, we’ve rounded up the best hand-crank flashlights for your emergency kit.

RunningSnail 090PG Emergency Crank Radio/Flashlight

RunningSnail’s hand-crank flashlight comes with all the features you expect—and several extras that make it invaluable in emergencies. It offers four ways to charge: a folding hand crank, a replaceable lithium-ion battery, a USB port, and a built-in solar panel for easy charging in daylight. The flashlight also includes a built-in radio with seven preprogrammed weather channels and a telescoping antenna, three light-level settings (far beam 75 lumens, dipped beam 70 lumens, combined 135 lumens), and a motion-activated reading lamp that stays on for 30 seconds.

Get the RunningSnail 090PG hand-crank flashlight at Amazon for $27.28.

Kaito KA500 Solar Crank Weather Alert Radio & Light

This innovative hand-crank flashlight from Kaito features a built-in rechargeable Ni-MH battery, optional AA batteries, a solar panel, three charging ports, and a hand crank to ensure power is always available. The flashlight offers a main LED light, a red SOS beacon, and a small reading lamp, plus charging ports for phones or tablets. It also includes an emergency radio with seven preprogrammed NOAA weather channels for breaking news, real-time forecasts, and public alerts with an impact- and water-resistant ABS frame that protects the internal components during hikes or portages.

Get the Kaito hand-crank flashlight at Amazon or Kaito, starting at $49.99.

ThorFire Hand-Crank Rechargeable LED Camping Lantern

The ThorFire hand-crank lantern is a versatile tool that can function as a standing lantern or collapse into a disc-shaped flashlight. It charges via the hand crank or the included USB cable, which can also power a connected phone or tablet. The flashlight offers two lighting modes—a high setting of 125 lumens and a low setting of 30 lumens to conserve energy. Its compact, foldable design makes it easy to carry in a pocket or backpack, and the internal battery includes a fail-safe to prevent overcharging.

Get the ThorFire hand-crank flashlight at Amazon for $19.99.

Luxon 8-in-1 Car Safety Tool With LED Flashlight

Take emergency preparedness seriously with the Luxon Emergency Tool Kit hand-crank flashlight, designed with multiple tools to help escape dangerous situations. It features a built-in window hammer for quickly breaking car windows and a seat-belt cutter for freeing trapped passengers. The flashlight charges with kinetic energy and can also power mobile devices via its USB outlet. A built-in magnet lets you mount it to a car hood or roof, where it can switch to red SOS lighting to signal for help.

Get the Luxon hand-crank flashlight at Amazon for $33.99.

The Midland ER310 combines a hand-crank flashlight with AM/FM and NOAA weather band reception, making it an excellent tool to keep on hand for emergencies. The built-in Cree LED flashlight offers adjustable brightness and an SOS beacon for signaling, while multiple power options—including hand crank, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, built-in solar panel, and six AA battery backup—keep it running during prolonged outages. The USB port can charge small devices, and an ultrasonic dog whistle adds another layer of emergency preparedness.

Buy at Amazon, Tractor Supply Co., Best Buy, Target, or Midland USA, starting at $69.72.

The FosPower AI Emergency Hand‑Crank NOAA Radio & Light pairs a hand‑crank flashlight with NOAA weather band and AM/FM radio to keep you both visible and informed during power outages or outdoor emergencies. Its built‑in LED flashlight and separate reading lamp provide dependable illumination, while multiple power options (hand crank, solar panel, and internal rechargeable battery) help ensure the light and radio stay powered when outlets aren’t available. The integrated USB power bank can top up small devices, and access to NOAA weather broadcasts helps you stay updated on changing conditions, making this a practical multi‑tool for emergency kits and off‑grid use.

Get the FosPower hand-crank flashlight at Amazon, Target, or FosPower, starting at $39.99.

Eton Scorpion II Portable Radio and LED Flashlight

The Eton Scorpion II is a rugged, splash-resistant hand-crank flashlight built for emergencies. Its LED provides bright, adjustable illumination, while the built-in NOAA weather radio and AM/FM channels keep you informed of changing conditions. With the ability to charge via hand crank, solar panel, or USB input, not only do the light and radio stay powered, but you can also use the USB output to recharge small devices. Since some emergencies happen when you’re away from home, this pick has a convenient clip and compact design that make it easy to carry in a backpack or glove box.

Get the Eton hand-crank flashlight at Amazon or Walmart, starting at $63.13.

RunningSnail 2000 mAh Hand-Crank NOAA Radio & Light

Ideal for campers, hikers, and anyone preparing for power outages, the RunningSnail 2000 mAh hand-crank emergency radio features a reliable LED flashlight as well as NOAA weather alerts and AM/FM bands. Its multiple charging options—hand crank, solar panel, or USB input—keep the light and radio running, while the built-in 2000 mAh battery doubles as a power bank for phones or other USB devices. Compact and portable, it’s easy to carry for home emergencies or outdoor adventures, and it even has an SOS alarm for an extra layer of safety.

Get the RunningSnail 2000 mAh hand-crank flashlight at Amazon for $30.90.

Emgykit 086S Hand-Crank Emergency Radio & LED Light

Built for those who want reliable light and essential info without relying on batteries, the Emgykit 086S delivers a bright 3‑LED flashlight that produces around 140 lumens. It offers several ways to generate power: hand crank, solar panel, or USB Type‑C input, and stores energy in a built‑in 2000 mAh rechargeable battery. Alongside AM/FM and NOAA weather band reception, this compact ½-pound unit includes an SOS alarm for distress signaling.

Get the Emgykit hand-crank flashlight at Amazon for $19.49.

 
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Timothy Dale

Contributing Writer

Timothy Dale is a home improvement writer who has been in the industry for several years. In his work for BobVila.com, he has written a number of how-to articles related to yard maintenance, vehicle repair, and home renovation, not to mention a wide variety of buying guides and articles on DIY projects. He always ensures readers get the information they need to tackle their next project.


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