In a rush? We think the Vmaxtanks VMAXSLR125 AGM 12V is the best option for most people.

If you are not connected to the utility grid, you need somewhere to store your energy. Having reliable solar batteries will help you save the electricity your solar panels produce during the day.

If you are connected to the utility grid, the batteries will save enough energy to cushion you when shortages in the grid occur.

Being able to identify the best batteries for solar will help you make the right choice whether your solar system is for your RV, your cabin or tiny house or any other setup where you will rely on stored power.

TOP PICK

Vmaxtanks VMAXSLR125 12V Rechargeable Deep Cycle Battery

The Vmaxtanks is an excellent battery for storing solar power for your tiny house, camper or home solar system.

Check latest price at Amazon

The 7 Best Solar Batteries in 2025

Here are some of the best batteries for solar you can choose from in the market. For those living completely off-grid, several brands will suit your solar battery storage needs.

1. Best Overall – VMAXTANKS 12-Volt 125Ah AGM Deep Cycle Battery

With the numerous products bombarding the solar battery market, this is our first choice for an off-grid solar system.

The battery is a deep cycle absorbed glass mat (AGM) battery that ranks among the best solar batteries in the market. It is among the most used deep cycle batteries in the solar storage industry.

With a Float Service lifespan of between 8 to 10 years, this heavy-duty AGM battery offers other numerous features like:

• 12V 125Ah AGM Deep Battery
• Military grade tailor-made plates and an 8mm Hex Screw in Terminals
• Built with 99% recombination capabilities and doesn’t emit any dangerous fumes or gases
• For bulk orders that exceed $150, Bargainshore will offer a Free Signature Confirmation
• The battery is ideal for cold weather, which guarantees your power even at minimal sunlight.
• 8 to 10 years of maintenance-free period

2. Renogy Deep Cycle AGM Battery 12 Volt 100Ah for RV by Renogy

The Renogy Deep Cycle AGM 12 Volt is another excellent solar battery you can use for your system. Although this type of solar battery is bulky and may take a significant amount of space, it is excellent solar energy storage.

Renogy Deep Cycle AGM is easy to install and doesn’t require much knowledge to get it operational.

This type of solar battery doesn’t require any maintenance, and therefore, it needs no monitoring.

Some of the things you should check when using this battery include:

• These batteries should not be deep charged, mainly when they are in series connections
• Always charge the solar batteries with suggested voltages
• The recharge capacity ought to be 1.1 ~ 1.5 * of the discharge capacity
• The batteries are best suited for solar marine, as well as off-grid applications

3. Best Budget – ExpertPower 12v 33Ah Rechargeable Deep Cycle Battery

The 4-stars rated deep cycle battery is an excellent choice for solar battery storage. Most people prefer this product due to its vast benefits.

With the ExpertPower 12V 33Ah battery, you will enjoy the following benefits:

• The battery utilizes the AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) (AGM) technology
• Wide temperature range
• Genuine ExpertPower Battery – the product trusted mainly by users, and it is among the products with the highest reviews on Amazon.
• User-Friendly – the product has a smooth and one-time installation
• Operational temperature-discharge of between -40 °C to +60 °C and a recharge temperature of between -20°C to +50 °C
• Battery type – It is a 12V 33Ah deep cycle sealed lead-acid battery that has screw in terminals of 7.72(L), 5.16(W), and 6.34(H). Total height is 7.09 inch.

This product is one of the most popular batteries for solar power systems.

4. Battle Born LiFePO4 100Ah 12v Deep Cycle Battery –

LiFePO4 12V is a lithium-ion battery that is safe, strong, and virtually the most reliable deep cycle battery available. These batteries perform better and last longer than any other deep cycle battery.

The 100 Ah LiFePO4 12 battery is the US-made and can qualify for the best battery for a solar system in the market.

The most distinctive features of these batteries include:

• Built from non-toxic materials which are 100% safe
• Can last for 3000-500 cycles with 100% discharge depth
• Operates comfortably in extreme temperatures
• Long lifespans
• 100Amp constant output
• Full replacement warranty of 8 years and a 2-year prorated
• Fast recharge

5. Renogy Deep Cycle Pure Gel Battery 12V 200Ah

Renogy company is a renewable energy firm that produces high-quality batteries which are considered as being among the best solar batteries in the present market. Deep-cycle gel batteries are specially built to serve the off-grid solar power market. These types of batteries will provide maximum storage with any setup.

Since it’s a pure gel battery, you don’t require any maintenance checks or monitoring.

This is possible because of the gel-like substance inside these batteries, and which makes them completely sealed other significant features of these batteries include:

• Patent design construction which guarantees even distribution of the gel electrolyte
• Long lifespan of around ten years and more
• Triples sealed construction
• High-security features, including safety valves, which prevents the battery from producing redundant gas
• Low self-discharge since they use lead-calcium grids alloy, which makes them reliable.

6. Universal Power 12V 100Ah Solar Wind AGM SLA Deep Cycle VRLA, by Universal Power Group

For those looking for a reliable and durable solar battery for their system, then Universal UB121000 12v 100AH is an excellent option.

The battery is a 4.2 star rated on Amazon, and its price is very competitive. These batteries use both gel and AGM technology to make them quite durable and efficient.

However, they offer a 12-month warranty, which is significantly short for a solar battery. The warranty downside is, however, covered by the competitive prices, as well as their numerous benefits.

Its main features include:

• UB121000 12V 100Ah Deep Cycle battery
• The battery dimensions are 12.17 inches by 6.61 inches by 9.16 inches and a weight of 63.93 Lbs
• UB121000 12V 100Ah is maintenance-free and is spill-proof
• Rechargeable can be mounted at any angle, and its shocks and vibration resistant
• The battery can also operate comfortably at various temperatures

Although not as light or small in size as most batteries, this can seem like a minor drawback when you consider the benefits.

Which solar battery best suits you?

Equipped with all the above information, all you need to do now is to determine what your power needs are, along with your budget

If you have these two details, you can easily select from the above list and get tremendous solar battery storage for your solar system.

These are all great options for anyone seeking to use a battery to live off-grid.

What are Solar Batteries?

With unreliable solar battery storage, you will only be able to enjoy solar power when the solar panels are producing it.

Solar batteries are crucial to help you keep your system running.

Moreover, since the panels produce energy during the day, and you may not use all the energy at the time, a stable power bank is essential to store this energy.

With no proper type of solar batteries, you may require to contend with the lack of power, especially if there are outages in the utility grid. To get the best batteries for solar panels, here is a guide for your reference.

Solar batteries refer to devices which store the energy generated from the solar panels for later use. The solar batteries ensure that you can continue to enjoy solar power even after sundown, during a power outage or the energy demand peaks. These batteries can be used in residential properties, as well as in commercial buildings.

Solar batteries play a vital role, especially in the off-grid solar systems. They act as the heart of the off-grid solar system.

When building a solar power system, solar batteries should be a priority as they will determine how effective the system will be to you.

Using the batteries, you optimize your ability to use solar power daily. In instances where you require more energy than your panels produce, you can readily use the stored energy from the batteries.

What is a Solar Panel Battery Pack?

A solar panel battery pack is a package that makes up the solar power storage in a solar system. The first items in the pack are the solar panels that help to collect sunlight energy and change it into DC electricity.

Secondly, it we what the battery system (what you are reading about right now!) that enables the storage of the power the panels produce.

And finally, an inverter which converts the direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) that is usable in homes.

How Does a Solar Battery Work?

The solar batteries work by storing the energy generated from the solar panels during the day. They save the energy in the form of DC energy and therefore, you will require a power inverter to convert the DC energy into AC energy.

Mostly, you will need either 120V or 230V for use in your home.

Another vital component of solar batteries is the solar charge controller. This helps to ensure that the energy produced during the day does not overcharge the batteries.

Also, it prevents the power stored in the cells from running back to the panels and draining the batteries over the night.

How to Select the Best Batteries for Solar Systems

Whereas there are numerous advantages of acquiring a battery system for your solar, there are also multiple challenges in finding the right ones. The fact that they are expensive and hard to replace after installing the solar system makes it more crucial to choose right.

There are many solar battery types in the market, that may prove challenging to differentiate, and that’s why I will show you the best way how.

The different challenges that occur during the purchase include cost, ease of installation, storage capacity, and battery lifespan, among others.

To save you the struggle, let us delve into it and see how you can choose the best batteries for solar panels.

The Different Categories of Batteries

To better understand how you can easily choose the right solar battery, you should first know the broad classes of these batteries.

There are three options of cells you can choose from which include the sealed lead-acid, flooded lead-acid, and lithium batteries. Let’s go through them one by one to help you understand.

1. Flooded Lead Acid Batteries

For the longest time, the most popular solar batteries for a home have been the flooded lead-acid batteries. This model of solar cells has been in use for over 150 years and has been a great asset, especially to the off-grid systems.

Flooded lead acid batteries, also referred to as wet cells, are very affordable and are also 99% recyclable.

With their design, they can easily handle the daily charge cycling. The significant advantages of these batteries include their low purchase cost, reliability, and safety. However, this category of cells has a good measure of drawbacks.

These batteries are known to produce a byproduct in the form of a gas, and therefore, ventilation is essential where they are located. Another major disadvantage is that they are bulky and corrosive. Also, they demand maintenance checks regularly. The batteries must also be kept in an upright manner to avoid leakage.

Flooded lead acid batteries are made of cells whose plates must be kept underwater for them to function correctly. This is the reason they are referred to as “flooded.” You need to check and add water every after 1-3 months to ensure the plates remain submerged.

For those who don’t mind the regular maintenance and monitoring, these can be the right choice. They are also the most affordable category of solar batteries.

However, due to the multiple drawbacks, many most homeowners are shifting to the use of other models which have fewer maintenance demands.

See Related: Solar Panel Lifespan Guide

2. Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) Batteries

The second category of batteries is the AGM Batteries. From the early 1980s, this technology started gaining popularity with a sealed lead-acid battery being made for the military vehicles, aircraft, and UPS. These AGM batteries are part of a category of lead-acid batteries called the sealed lead acid.

In this form of a lead-acid battery, a fiberglass matt is used to absorb the electrolyte.

In the AGM batteries, the plates are either flat just like in the flooded lead-acid, or coiled into a spiral resembling those in Optima batteries.

One primary advantage of AGM batteries is that they possess a lower internal resistance than that in flooded cells. Therefore, these batteries can endure higher temperatures, as well as discharge slowly, more than the rest of the batteries.

Unlike the flooded lead cells, the cells in AGM batteries are leak-proof, and they also require less or no ventilation. However, just like the flooded batteries, they use the same charging voltage and tend to be more well-suited for solar electricity systems.

This compatibility means that they can be integrated with flooded cells, although we mostly don’t advocate for the setup due to the negative effect on battery life.

The other advantages of using AGM batteries include the fact that they are not hazardous, their resistant to cold temperatures, and they are relatively lightweight.

Also, they are less prone to heating up (due to the low internal resistance), and they can also preserve a static charge for long periods. AGM batteries, unlike the flooded batteries, have a longer lifespan and just slightly expensive than their counterparts.

Generally, they are an excellent choice for an off-grid solar system.

3. Gel Batteries

Another type of sealed lead-acid batteries is the GEL Battery. These batteries specialize in deep-cycle applications and use fumed silica to form the thickening agent for the electrolyte. The fumed silica helps to make the cells sturdier.

Some other advantages of Gel batteries include that they durable, requires no maintenance, and they have high resistance to vibrations and shock. The cells also work well in both hot and cold temperatures and have great life-cycles. Also, with the viscous electrolyte, the cells become less prone to leakage in case of damage.

Nonetheless, GEL batteries have more disadvantages than the other types of batteries, making them less popular. These batteries are ventless and they self-discharge a bit faster than the flooded cells.

Other common disadvantages of this category of batteries include their narrow charging profiles, and they are easily damaged if charging is not done right.

The batteries also lack ample amp-hour capacity, and their low charging voltage can make them disposed to accidental overcharge.

Especially with solar power systems, electricity generation is a bit variable and can cause this overcharging. In addition to the numerous drawbacks, Gel batteries are also more expensive than the flooded lead-acid batteries.

4. Lithium-ion Batteries

The last category in this list is lithium batteries. They consist of a newer technology that became available from the 1970s and has been in use mostly in cellphones and laptops. However, the cells have become increasingly popular in the renewable energy industry in recent times.

Although more expensive than other types of batteries, lithium batteries offer multiple benefits that compensate for the price.

These advantages include longer lifespan, higher efficient power usage, no maintenance, deeper discharges (more storage capacity), no gas emission, and more. These can typically be the best batteries for solar panels.

In the recent past, people have increasingly shifted from the traditional flooded lead-acid batteries and are more focusing on lithium-based cells.

They are also instrumental in cordless power, including cordless air compressors, and cordless impact wrenches among others. These batteries are small in size and are significantly light judging by their high capacity.

Lithium-ion batteries are easy and efficient to charge, and also, they have long lifespans. The long lifespan is the main advantage of lithium batteries as it ranges from 3000-5000 cycles.

Their high and efficient charge and discharge also is a plus as it helps to optimize the power generation from the solar panels.

The low discharge feature is ideal in solar installations as it helps retain power for more extended periods for later use. With all these benefits lithium batteries are an excellent choice for your solar panel battery bank.

Any solar system, whether small or large, grid-tied or off-grid, lithium batteries are ideal for all. One major disadvantage of lithium solar batteries is their cost.

They can cost as much as four times more than the flooded solar cells. But if price isn’t your main concern, there’s no denying Lithium-ion make for osme of the best solar batteries.

What is the best voltage for your solar battery system?

The voltage question may seem irrelevant, but it is essential. Before you buy and install that battery energy storage system, you should decide which voltage your battery system will be made of.

For example, the batteries can either be 12V, 24V, or 48V. Which fits your needs better? This is something you should be aware of before the installation.

Since it is challenging to change the voltage after installing your power storage system, it becomes critical, therefore, to make the correct choice. The 12V battery is the purest form of battery and the most commonly used one in cars, boats, RVs, and more. If you require a simple power storage system, then the 12V battery system will be enough for you.

Presently the 24V and the 48V storage systems are the most commonly used in the solar systems. The reason behind this is the technical advantages they have as compared to the 12V.

In essence, higher DC voltages translate to lower costs. It also translates to a lower current for a similar amount of power.

For example, 2,000 Watt is equal to 166 amp @ 12V, 2,000 Watt is equal to 83 amp @ 24V and 2,000 Watt is equal to 41.5 amp @ 48V

Moreover, as more and more customers seem to require more energy over the years, the 12V DC system is not ideal. If for instance, your solar panels exceed 500 watts, you should consider a 24V system. On the other hand, if you plan to live off-grid, the 48V system will be ideal.

Use an electrician to help you to determine the optimal performance.

What to Consider When Choosing a Solar Battery

Even with all that information, you may still not be ready to jump into that purchase.

There are several factors you should always research before making that final choice. These features include:

The Size of the Battery

The battery size is the first most crucial thing you ought to consider when buying a solar battery. The size in this context means the energy storage capacity of the battery. Although the physical size of the battery will also matter based on the space you have for installation, the capacity is most important.

When looking at size, you should consider both the capacity and the power rating. For instance, a battery with low power rating and high capacity will only power a few appliances in your home, but for a long time.

On the other hand, if it has a low capacity but high rating power, it will power most of your appliances but for a shorter period.

Therefore, you should look for a battery with high capacity, as well as a high power rating. With this kind of a cell, you can power multiple appliances at your home, and for more extended periods.

Ease of installation

If especially you have no much prior knowledge on the solar systems, you require a battery system that is easy to install. Essentially, it is wise to seek advice on the same from people who have prior experience or professionals.

If you want a battery system that is maintenance-free, easy to install, and that requires relatively low space, the lithium-ion batteries are your best choice.

Don’t go for a system that will consume a lot of space or that will require so much expertise to install. The easy it is to install, the less time it will absorb and most probably, the less installation cost you will incur.

If you have a larger generation need for off-grid applications, you’ll likely want to consider hiring an electrician. This will help ensure that you have the appropriate installation upfront.

Cost

When it comes to purchasing any item, the cost is a significant influencer. In selecting the best batteries for solar power storage, this is no different.

Although not always, price, in most cases, reflect the quality of an item.

Therefore, don’t rush into buying a battery just because it is cheap. You should consider all the other factors and compare them to the price.

As a general view on the solar panel battery cost, the higher the battery costs, the more benefits that come with it.

Charging Time

With charging time, some batteries charge faster than others. Different battery types will have varying charging rates with others being fast and others slow.

If you want to maximize the amount of energy generated from your solar panel system, then you need a fast charging solar battery. For those who care about the rate at which the battery charges, Gel batteries are the best choice for you.

Other categories of solar batteries such as the flooded lead-acid ones, take considerably more extended periods. They can take as long as even a whole day to get fully charged, which is long. Lithium-ion batteries, on the other hand, also have good charging speeds of around 3 hours.

If the battery charges fast, then the better for you as you can use the energy as fast as possible. A combination of an ideal battery and an excellent solar battery charger is vital to guarantee high charging speeds.

We have a full guide to solar battery charging you can check out to learn more.

Manufacturer Warranty

A manufacturer’s warranty is the next most crucial thing that you should take into consideration. Since the solar batteries are significantly expensive, you can’t afford to have a breakdown in the next few years after installation. It is wise to ensure any malfunction that may occur will be sorted.

The longer the warranty period, the best it is for you. Typically, more expensive brands offer more extended warranties than the less known and cheap ones. For solar storage batteries, a reasonable warranty period ranges somewhere from 20-30 years.

The Lifespan of the Battery

The lifespan of a battery means the period the battery will be useful before it loses its ability to hold a charge. You can measure solar batteries’ lifespan in terms of hours, days, or years, and the length depends on the type, size, or brand.

If you need a sure long-lasting and robust battery, be ready to dig a bit deeper into your wallet.

Long-lasting batteries will, in most cases, cost more than the lesser durable ones. Each brand of battery has its estimated amount of time they will remain useful. You should carefully check on this before you decide on the Solar cell to purchase.

Conclusion on Best Batteries for Solar

When it comes to solar power systems, energy storage is of paramount importance. For you to enjoy solar energy, especially if you live off-grid, reliable solar energy storage is a must-have.

In this solar battery buyer’s guide, I believe that you will get everything you need to help you choose the best batteries for solar power to suit your needs.

For most peoples needs we recommend the Vmaxtanks VMAXSLR125 AGM 12V due to their excellent performance, long life span and relative value for money.

If you’re looking for a cheaper option, the ExpertPower 12v 33Ah Rechargeable Deep Cycle Battery is also a solid choice.

We hope you’ve found this guide helpful in deciding which battery to buy.

Most people don’t realize the importance of electricity until they can’t access any source of power.

Hand crank generators are a great source of power that you can use to charge your phone when you are far away from electricity. The generators can also help you charge other traveling gadgets, including an emergency radio and a flashlight (check out our separate roundup review of the best solar flashlights).

You ‘don’t have to stay in the dark or fail to communicate for days just because you have no electricity, and you can make it yourself.

In this article, we are going to explore some best hand crank generators that are available in the market today.

5 Best Hand Crank Generators Reviewed in 2025

Here are several descriptions, features and pros/cons of the top hand crank generators to buy.

1. HUABAN Hand Crank Generator High Power Charger – Best Overall

The first, hand-cranked generator on our list is the HUABAN Hand Crank Generator. The 28V hand power generator can comfortably power a battery with an average of 5 to 28V direct current.

It’s probably overkill if you just need a way to charge your phone while camping (keep reading to see what we recommend for that), but for more serious users the Huaban is a great choice.

With this product, you can quickly crank at an amplified torque, lower the revolutions per minute (RPM) and still produce the same power but in minimal time. Although the HAUBAN generator ‘doesn’t include an integrated battery, you can connect your battery, as well as your devices directly.

This is possible as it comes with alligator clips, a USB 2.0 plug, and a mini USB plug.

Benefits of Using this Product include:

• Lightweight, and very handy.
• Offers free shipping by DHL when shipping from China.
• Provides a max power of 30W, 0-28V output voltage, a rated current of 1.5-2Amp, and a maximum current of 3Amp.
• Size dimensions of 106 by 64 by 9mm with a generator net weight of 480g.
• A hand crank generator kit that includes one generator, one Regulator, one 12mm Aviation Socket and one alligator Clip 5.5mm Plug.
• It is built of aluminum alloy material.
• Many output ports with cables.

Therefore, when in need of an instant off-grid power production, HAUBAN generator offers the best option. As one of the best and top selling hand crank generator, you can not make a better choice.

2. Epica Digital Emergency Solar Hand Crank Charger – Best budget option for camping and hiking

If you want a device that is more than just a hand crank generator, then the Epica Digital Solar Hand Crank is an excellent choice as you get a AM/FM/NOAA Radio, flashlight and smartphone charger all in one.

Thanks to the built in solar charging capability, you may not even need to rely on your own sweat. Not only does this product offer the best solution for emergency calls during your off-grid vacations, but it also provides much more.

With an additional 3-band radio, a solar panel, an LED flashlight, and a plug-in, your outdoor adventure is all sorted.

Benefits of Using this Product include:

• The device is versatile and portable as it comes with a carabiner clip which you can use to fasten it to your belt.
• Includes a digital tuner radio in its package, LED flashlight, and a solar panel.
• Although it ‘won’t fully charge your phone, with just one minute of cranking, you can get 20 full minutes of power.
• It has multiple power sources, including hand cranking, a solar panel, and a plug-in.
• Simple backlight with a digital liquid-crystal display which makes everything visible.
• Their guarantee is incredible with a 100% replacement in the event you ‘don’t like your device.
• You ‘don’t require batteries as you can crank, or use solar to have your flashlight, radio, and phone working.

At an affordable price you’re getting a generator that’s perfect for camping, hiking or anytime you’re going to be off the grid.

3. Qianson 4W Hand Crank DC Power Generator

The Qianson 4W Hand Crank DC Power Generator is an exceptional hand crank power generator with the capability to charge your phone and give you enough minutes to make that emergency call.

The generator has an output voltage of 15V/1000r and an output current of 100-300mA/l000r.

This type of hand crank generator is an excellent device for outdoor, off-grid adventures, and it ensures that you ‘don’t run out of power for your small gadgets.

You can also use it to charge a flashlight and therefore when it comes to darkness, you are all sorted.

Benefits include:

• The handheld generator is not costly and therefore, affordable to many.
• Can help you charge a wide range of your small devices including phones and flashlight.
• Very portable and easy to generate electrical power with.
• High quality with a long lifespan of around ten years.
• You can use it as a portable lighting tool.

4. C Crane CC Solar Observer AM/FM/Weather Windup Emergency Radio

If you want to spend a little more than our second pick, the C Crane solar/windup emergency radio is an excellent option.

Don’t let the retro look fool you, there’s a lot of modern conveniences here.

8 Hours of solar charge time will give you 4-6 hours of radio play. More than enough for keeping up with the latest news or playing some music around the camp fire.

No sun? Just 90 seconds of cranking will give you 15-30 minutes of play time. And if you want to be extra safe, the unit will also run for 60 hours on 3 AA batteries but you shouldn’t really need batteries to use this.

Sound quality is better than you would expect.

The included radio-to-USB adapter allows you to charge your phone using a standard USB cord.

Even if you never plan on taking this camping, it’s a handy device to have around the house and yard, and will allow you to enjoy the radio (and charge your phone) without worrying about connecting to the power.

5. K-TOR Pocket Socket Hand Crank Generator

K-TOR  are known for selling crank generators, as well as pedal ones. At 120 volts, their hand crank generators can produce around 10W of power which you can use to charge your devices. The two-prong outlet interface makes all this easy.

K-TOR hand crank generators are intended for cameras, mobile phones, GPS navigators, rechargeable lights, radios, as well as other emergency devices. Also, the generators can help charge AA, as well as AAA battery chargers.

Benefits include:

• It can help you charge a wide variety of devices ranging from smartphones, radios, to cameras.
• It comes with an easy-to-grip knob which makes it easy for you to crank.
• The K-TOR pocket socket offers you an option to connect a European adapter, as well as an international converter. However, you have to purchase these items separately.
• The generator is lightweight, which makes it extremely portable.
• K-TOR offers a two-prong interface which makes your charging easy.

When you need emergency power for your devices, and you are far from the utility grid, K-TOR Pocket Socket is an option you can rely on. The hand crank generator is operational anywhere, at any time, no matter the situation. Pocket Socket is not only a generator but also an eco-friendly source of backup or emergency power.

Don’t let lack of power cut your communication. The K-TOR Pocket Socket is indeed one of the best hand crank generators we have around.

What are Hand Crank Generators?

A crank generator is a device that is used to generate power by cracking a lever or a pedal attached to the device. The generators are portable and can be used to power multiple travel devices which ‘don’t require much electricity such as phones.

Hand crank generators are lovely devices for vacations, and which you can rely on for powering your small electronics.

The best thing about hand crank generators is that they only require your strength to generate power. These generators do not rely on gas, stored energy, or various weather aspects such as wind or sunlight.

All you need is your muscle, and you are good to start charging your devices.

Most people may view them as an outdated source of power, but wait until all your devices, including your power bank, runs dry.

If you are looking for a device that can charge your phone using solar power, check our posts on the best solar phone chargers and solar phone cases.

How a hand crank generator works

With hand crank generators, you are practically the source of power. These devices will use your power when you are turning the crank, to generate electrical energy. When you turn the crank, the generator converts your muscle energy into electrical energy.

These devices can generate energy using an inbuilt dynamo. The cracking process alternates the dynamo, making it generate power in turn. When the dynamo generates the power, the power is then stored in an integrated battery from where you can use it later.

Most of the generators contain an output port to allow you to connect and charge your devices. They provide you a simple way to produce off-grid power, no matter where you are in the globe.

With these hand crank generators, the amount of voltage they generate is directly dependent on your effort. The longer and faster you turn that crank, the more the resulting power you will get.

Since the generators have an in-built voltage regulator, you need not worry as it will maintain a steady flow of current to avoid problems when charging.

Also, although some hand crank generators are built for specific devices, most of them are versatile and can charge multiple devices. Most of them contain a cigarette lighter socket, a typical electrical socket or electrical lead which enable you to plug in various devices.

With just 1.5rpm, most modern hand generators will give you around 5 volts. For 2rpm, you can get about 6.2 volts. In most cases, the generators can generate up to 6V although, some come with gearings, which enhances the cranking and therefore can create higher voltages.

Things to Consider Before Making a Purchase

Knowing what exactly you are looking for can make things a lot easy for you. Based on your needs and preferences, it’s good to consider the following aspects of the hand crank generators before you buy one.

Energy output

You ‘don’t want to buy a generator that will not give you enough energy to charge your gadgets. That would be a waste of time and money, and it might frustrate you in the end. You should be sure of at least how much power you require to make it easy for you to search for a device that suits you.

Various uses for your hand crank generator will determine how much energy output you need.

Portability

If you are going for an outdoor adventure or backpacking, carrying a massive or heavy hand crank generator may cause a lot of unnecessary inconveniences.

It will be bulky to move with it around, and you will not be able to carry it for long. Therefore, you should look for a lightweight device that ‘won’t be cumbersome for you to take around.

Budget

Another important thing you should consider is your budget and the price of the generator. You ‘can’t afford to throw too much money that may affect your whole budget. Buying a gadget that is within your budget will help not to strain your finances.

Also, you should avoid buying the cheapest generators as the low price may also translate to fewer and unreliable feature.

Durability and efficiency

You must find a hand crank generator that will not break with the first exposure to harsh conditions. Especially if you are going to a place where weather conditions are not very conducive, a hardy device would be necessary. Also, the efficiency of the generator to produce electrical energy is of immense importance.

The main intention of getting the device is to ensure you can get that energy when you most need it. A generator that is not efficient in that will spoil your travel.

See Related: DIY Solar Generator Guide

Conclusion on Best Hand Crank Generators

Although the advancement in technology has brought about many portable devices for storing energy, sometimes they will not be what you require. Some like power banks have limited storage capacity, and if you use it for long without recharging, it will exhaust the stored energy.

For those who seek to have long outdoor travels, this list on the best hand crank generators will help you identify a portable generator that needs your muscle to create energy.

For enthusiasts, we recommend the HUABAN Hand Crank Generator High Power Charger. Or if you just want a simple radio with solar and USB charging, the Epica Digital Emergency Solar Hand Crank Charger is a great choice.

Have you ever used a hand crank generator, and how was your experience? Let us know in the comments below.