5 Best Hand Crank Phone Charger

Your phone is your lifeline. How are you to charge your phone if your car is dead or you are too far away from plugs? Hand crank phone chargers have become such an internet phenomenon that you've got more than one choice---many more than one choice, in fact. There are so many choices that it can become a burden to sift through the detritus to find the hand crank phone charger that actually works and won't break your bank at the same time.

Fortunately, we have done the sifting for you. There are certainly hand crank phone chargers available that will get your phone back up to running on the side of the road or out in the wilderness. It is also true that there are hand crank phone chargers that require too much elbow grease to be worthwhile. We hope to save you the effort of unnecessary searching and unnecessary cranking with this one-stop guide to the best hand crank phone chargers on the market.

COMPARISON TABLE

Product FAQ for Hand Crank Phone Chargers

We've narrowed the myriad choices of hand crank phone chargers down to just five specimens. We'll examine each of these choices in depth, pit them against each other and reveal our favorite. But first, it is necessary to address a few of the most frequently asked questions about hand crank phone chargers that we've received. 

1. What Is a Hand Crank Phone Charger?

A hand crank phone charger is a device that can store a charge in a battery that is generated from the locomotive force of turning a crank. You can then plug your phone into the device to draw that charge from the battery and recharge your phone. The best versions of these devices offer many plug options for different types of phones.

2. How Much Power Does a Hand Crank Phone Charger Generate?

The exact ratio of effort to power isn't identical for every model. However, as a good rule of thumb, think “Two to One.” Basically, if you put in a minute of consistent effort of cranking, you will generate enough power to have a thirty second phone call. A half-minute phone call may not seem like much, but it is enough to let emergency services know where you are or get a tow truck to your location. And keep in mind that you can crank it for much longer. Many passengers on road trips find it a good pastime to idly crank the hand crank phone charger when the conversation dies down over long stretches.

Each battery has a different top capacity, but assuming your model can hold this much charge:  ten minutes of idly spinning a crank will generate five minutes of phone power that will likely get you the assistance you need.

3. How Do Hand Crank Phone Chargers Work?

Generators are electronically very similar to electric motors, just in reverse. You can actually wire a drill to rechargeable batteries to get an idea of how all the parts are connected. The drill bit becomes like the crank in the hand crank phone charger. We'll tell you exactly how to put one of these together if you're interested.

4. Is It Dangerous to Use a Hand Crank Phone Charger?

Some of the simplest hand crank generators do not come equipped with voltage regulators. That means if you are connecting a low quality or exceedingly simple crank generator to sensitive equipment, you may run into problems. What sort of problems? Well, since you can potentially hand crank faster than a light bulb would use to be powered, you may be able to burn out light bulbs that were running directly off of your hand crank charger.

Fortunately, modern hand crank phone chargers have voltage regulators equipped, so that your crank speed won't blow up your phone.

5. Where Can You Buy a Hand Crank Phone Charger?

All the items on this list can be found online. Check Amazon at different times to catch different prices.

6. Can I Make a Hand Crank Phone Charger at Home?

Getting a hand crank charger to attach directly to your phone will require some advanced home engineering. However, since a crank charger is essentially just an electric motor in reverse, you can make a crank charger by reversing an electric motor like a drill. To illustrate:  take an electric drill. Remove the battery. Wire the battery leads to what you want to power. (We recommend a rechargeable battery.) Then put a handle on the drill's chuck; this will be the “crank” you turn. Hold down the button to unlock the chuck, and then turn your handle. The motion should power the battery.

How We Reviewed

Each item on this list was narrowed down from the plethora of choices available on the internet. We wanted to guarantee that each of our shortlist was affordable, ergonomical and ultimately, useful. Each item that made the cut was evaluated in terms of its price, availability, pros, cons, main features and brand reputation.

Overall Price Range of This Product (and Similar Products)

The price range of this product can range from around average price dollars at the low end to at the high price. The lower end products may not have as many features, be as efficient, have as sleek of a design or even have as high a voltage. However, at the high end, you miss out on a good deal! So there really is a product for everyone on this list. From low to high, the hand crank is for everyone.

What We Reviewed

Features 

What a great product, the crank monkey provides all that you could need in terms of a hand crank phone charger for all emergency needs and desires. This one is so efficient that you may not be able to match it by making your own. Not to mention, this product is durable and competitive on the market. The only drawback is the price; it is a bit high. Extreme features a 32:1 gearing system which generates power at an adequate speed for most users. Not only that, but this generator comes with a lifetime guarantee that will ensure the product for a long time to come.

This product is perfect for those adventurers who love to take risks. If your phone dies and you are in the middle of nowhere, you can rest assured with this hand crank phone charger. It can make emergency calls after only two-minutes of cranking.

Warranty

This is one of the best hand crank phone chargers because it comes with a lifetime guarantee. This is quality that you can trust for a long time to come.

Features

Emergency chargers are a great object to have around as we head into more and more unpredictable times. You never know when you might lose power from an ice storm, the neighbors or a solar flare. More than durable, this hand crank phone charger uses breakneck technology to keep your phone charged wherever you go. The case on this high-tech device is made of high-strength aluminum composite. It can withstand negative 40 degrees to positive 60 degrees. It can also go up to an altitude of 5000 meters. It is also water- and shock-resistant. Additionally, it has features to prevent overload and overheating scenarios.

Warranty

This hand crank phone charger has a great warranty that is available from the manufacturer's website. It is a great warranty compared to other options on the market at this time.

Features

More than a hand crank phone charger, this product includes a three-band radio, useful for contacting authorities or friends if you are stranded. Not only that, the charger also includes an LED flashlight. Last but not least, the emergency charger can keep the battery up and running on your phone a lot longer than the leading competitors. The device has three ways to charge:  physical, solar and plug. About 1 minute of cranking charges 20 minutes of power, right at your fingertips.

Warranty

Despite durability, the product has a happiness guarantee. If you are not happy, then tell the company and receive a 100% refund or replacement.

Features

The BleuMoo charger is made of durable metal in a gorgeous blue color, containing a maximum wattage of 20. This is by far the sleekest design of a hand crank phone charger on our list. However, the charger does not have as many features as some of the other options on the market. If you like to be on the go as a man or woman without a destination, then you might need to think like a boy or girl scout and plan on being prepared. A great hand crank phone charger can give you the security and confidence you need to really explore.

Warranty

The great warranty on this product is available from the manufacturer's website upon purchase of the product.

Features

Differing slightly from the title of our list, this is a Pedal Generator, made ideally for use with the feet and legs. The output of the model is 120 Volt 20 Watt power outage. It can fold up into a small and portable setup, making it easy to transport. The product can be screwed down for long periods of use, made easy with the standard bike pedals. The foot crank can charge electronics directly using a 12 volt battery.

Warranty

Consumers find out the details of the warranty after purchasing the foot crank generator.

The Verdict

When it comes to the best hand crank phone charger, we chose the Epica Emergency Charger. Why? First of all, it is the cheapest option, and once you realize how simple a hand crank generator is---check our FAQs if you want to know how to make one---then you realize how much extra the other competitors are charging you. The Epica Emergency Charger doesn't even lack in features. It is the best option we could find. Get one!