If you’ve ever sat through a power outage watching your phone battery tick down — or worse, found yourself off the grid with no way to call for help — then you already know how handy a backup power source can be. Unlike bulky generators or battery packs that need to be charged in advance, the highly-rated Rechargeable LED Camping Lantern by Joyeky is a compact yet powerful light source and power bank that runs on something you’ll always have: your own energy.
A few quick cranks is all it takes to light a space, tune into emergency radio or juice up your phone just enough to make that all-important call. Best of all? Amazon’s Prime Big Deal days will be Oct. 7-8, but Amazon has a few early discount releases and this one is part of it. That means you can snag this handy tool for 20% off before the rush of the big sale event.
This compact hand-crank power generator is a smart, little device built to handle whatever curveballs life (or Mother Nature) throws your way. Featuring a built-in flashlight, USB charging port and solar panel, it’s a must-have for blackouts, camping trips, or anytime you’re off the grid.
No outlet? No problem. This gadget is perfect for blackouts, road trips and apocalypse prep.
With over 1,000 lumens of brightness, a built-in rechargeable battery, and a hand-crank power option for when outlets are MIA, this lantern is basically the MVP of emergency gear. It’s one of those “Why didn’t I get this sooner?” products that’s easy to stash in your car, backpack or emergency kit and forget about until you really need it.
The lantern comes equipped with a 6400mAh rechargeable battery that runs for hours. You can charge it via USB-C (yes, the same charger your phone probably uses), and if that’s not an option? Just turn the crank. It literally generates its own electricity. That’s the kind of energy we’re bringing into 2025.
Even better, the lantern doubles as a power bank. So when your phone’s gasping for battery mid-storm, just plug it in and keep texting the group chat your storm updates. Reviewers on Amazon say it’s a lifesaver, from lighting up tents to being just the right kind of cozy bedside glow when the power’s out. It’s bright, but not retina-searing. You can choose between four light modes to choose the dimness you want.
Unlike those clunky lanterns that are a pain to pack, this one is lightweight, portable, and surprisingly sleek. It’s got a sturdy base that can sit on any surface and a built-in handle for easy hanging. Bonus: There’s a red night vision mode that reduces glare — perfect if you’re in a tent or trying not to wake your sleeping partner.
This tiny investment could be a lifesaver.
Sure, there are plenty of lanterns out there, but this one checks all the boxes: powerful, rechargeable, crank-ready and doubles as a phone charger. At under $25, it’s the kind of smart, practical buy you’ll be so thankful for the next time the lights flicker out (because, let’s be honest, they always do).
So if upgrading your emergency setup has been on the to-do list, or you just want to be the person who’s always prepared, this lantern is the way to go. Even if it lives in your junk drawer most of the year, you’ll be glad it’s there when you need it.
See why reviewers say they’re happy they got themselves this emergency lantern:
“The little light and battery pack that could! Love that it can charge both via an outlet or by the hand crank, so you never have to worry about truly being out of power. The light is pretty bright and great for camping. My phone is able to charge quickly, and I can get a few charges out of the pack before having to recharge. I love how compact it is, which makes it great for being on the go, or storing in the car.” — Gavin
“I can’t wait to use this light for camping, but I had a chance to try it out during a snowstorm when the power went out. It’s much brighter than I anticipated and serves as an excellent night light on its lowest setting. The red flashing light feature is a fantastic addition for emergencies while camping. Its compact size makes it easy to slip into a jacket pocket when hiking. Plus, it works as a handy emergency charger for your cell phone. I would absolutely recommend this light for camping or as a reliable small emergency light!” — Jenn Butterfield
“During the last winter storm we lost power. This light was wonderful for keeping a light on and daughters tablet charged to keep her calm.” — Katy Sweets
Need more power? Check out this list of the highest-rated portable phone chargers on Amazon by Senior Shopping Writer Tessa Flores.
The one you want if you want a MagSafe charger
Highlights: Amazon's highest-rated option for MagSafe chargers that offers strong, uninterrupted and hands-free charging for iPhones. Anker has made this battery pack using MiniCell technology to deliver the same reliable charge, with a much smaller battery size.
This is another (non-recalled) Anker power bank that's Amazon's highest-rated option for MagSafe chargers, a term that refers to a magnetic type of portable charger that connects directly to the back of most phone models to offer direct charging. The Anker 621 MagGo is compact, lightweight and promises 5,000 mAh of wireless, uninterrupted and hands-free power using a much smaller battery compared to other models — it's enough to bring dead iPhone 15 models up to 80% per charge.
Keep in mind that, due to an overheating prevention safety feature that preserves battery quality, MagSafe chargers and such as the Anker MagGo, will automatically stop charging your phone once it reaches 80% and they will also have a decreased mAh due to energy conversion. You can also use this pocket-sized and airport-safe charger using a cord plugged directly into the MagGo's USB-C port if desired, and it's compatible with iPhone series 12 and above, just be sure to use it with a MagSafe case, or none at all.
If you want the best overall with the most ratings 15% off
Highlights: The highest and most-rated portable charger made by a trusted and widely recognized brand, especially in this category of electronics. With 10,000 mAh, it will get the job done at a competitive price point and offer a couple of brand-exclusive charging features over other models on this list.
Awarded an overall 4.5 out of 5 stars and the recipient of over 109,000 ratings, the Anker PowerCore charger is probably one of the best-known options on this list and will offer a solid performance and basic capabilities. (And don't worry, this isn't the same model number of Anker PowerCore chargers that were recalled earlier in July). One of the brand's slimmest and lightest models, this power bank has 10,000 mAh, which will charge your phone (depending on your specifc phone) fully two times before it needs the pack needs to charge again — a process that takes about five hours, which is standard for most 10,000 mAh chargers across the board.
This trusty and airline-friendly bank uses PowerIQ and VoltageBoost, two brand-exclusive technologies that ensure an optimum charging speed of 15W, while “trickle-charging” mode ensures that your devices that are at their lowest battery life get the exact amount of charge they need. Built with a two-way USB-C charging port, the Anker PowerCore supports iPhones as early as generation 11, iPad minis, Apple Watches, Android devices and other USB-C-charged electronics.
A charger that's perfect for emergency preparedness (29% off)
The Blavor solar charging bank offers more than just juicing up your phone; it's also a helpful emergency preparedness item that, when in a pinch, can also be recharged using the sun thanks to the solar panel on the phone bank's face. This phone charger has a 10,000 mAh capacity and a 20-watt output, so certain devices can reach up to 65% in as little as 30 minutes. Its rugged, waterproof and shockproof design is also supplemented with a compass carabiner for clipping on to backpacks or belt loops, a dual bright flashlight and even supports wireless charging thanks to the MagSafe charger on its underside. For corded charging, however, the Blavor offers a USB-C input/output, a USB output and an input for newer iOS devices.
The Real Deal: We use deal trackers and commerce experience to sift through “fake” hike-and-drop deals and other deceptive sales tactics. Products will usually be rated at least 4 stars with a minimum 15% discount. (And when there’s an exception, we’ll tell you why.)