Hand-Crank & Solar Lights
Lights that generate or store their own power from a crank, a solar panel or a USB charge, so they do not depend on a stock of disposable batteries.
Specifications are manufacturer-published figures compiled in August 2026. We have not independently tested this equipment. A dash means the figure could not be confirmed with the manufacturer.
Choose by brand
5 brands make hand-crank & solar lights. Each brand page lists only that brand's models.
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Goal Zero
US brand; the Torch and Lighthouse lanterns pair a crank with solar and USB.
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Eton
Outage lights and lanterns, including the auto-on Blackout Buddy.
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Kaito
Long-running wind-up flashlights, usually alongside its radio range.
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ThorFire
Collapsible crank lanterns that double as USB power banks.
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Mesqool
Crank and solar camping lanterns with larger stored capacity.
Every model compared
Output in lumens is total light produced, not how far the beam throws. A crank is a top-up mechanism on almost every model here rather than the primary supply — the stored capacity is what determines how long the light runs unattended.
| Model | Form | Output | Power sources | Stored capacity | Also does |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goal Zero Torch 500 | Torch / lantern | 500 lm | Crank, solar, USB | 4,400 mAh | Charges a phone |
| Goal Zero Lighthouse 400 | Lantern | 400 lm | Crank, USB | 4,400 mAh | Charges a phone |
| Goal Zero Crush Light | Collapsible lantern | 60 lm | Solar, USB | — | — |
| Eton Blackout Buddy | Outage light | — | Mains charge | — | Switches on automatically in an outage |
| Eton Clarity Lantern | Lantern | — | USB | — | — |
| Kaito KA404 Wind-up | Flashlight | — | Crank | — | — |
| ThorFire Crank LED Lantern | Collapsible lantern | — | Crank, USB | — | Charges a phone |
| Mesqool Crank Camping Lantern | Lantern | — | Crank, solar, USB | 3,000 mAh | Charges a phone |
A dash means the figure could not be confirmed with the manufacturer. Compiled August 2026.
Common questions
Everyone needs light to see by in the dark, and sometimes you need a flashlight in order to do so. In emergency situations and power outages, or when in the woods or a vehicle, a flashlight is an indispensable item. One ingenious innovation that replaces the need for batteries and provides security in dangerous situations is what is known as hand crank flashlights.
Product FAQ
1. What Are Hand Crank Flashlights?
Hand crank flashlights are basically flashlights that are powered by the use of a hand-crank which creates an electrical current that stores in the battery. The battery is rechargeable and does not have to be replaced.
2. What Do Hand Crank Flashlights Do?
Hand crank flashlights will light up areas in emergency situations or ordinary home, auto, or camping uses. They are designed for situations where there is no accessibility to extra batteries. The hand crank mechanism provides independent power.
3. How Do Hand Crank Flashlights Work?
The hand crank mechanism within the flashlight is turned by hand, which powers an electric motor that creates an electrical current which charges the battery. This in turn powers the flashlight without the need for batteries.
4. Where Can You Buy Hand Crank Flashlights?
Hand crank flashlights are available at many sporting goods stores or other places such as Amazon.
5. What Are the Advantages of Hand Crank Flashlights?
The advantages of hand crank flashlights clearly include the ability to operate the flashlight independent of the need for fresh batteries. This is excellent for those who are in emergency situations or who have traveled into the wilderness on camping trips and don’t have access to more batteries. You can also save on money for normal battery usage for use around the home or in your car or other situations.