Best Emergency Radio Reviews

Updated October 25, 2020

Looking for the best emergency radio on the market?

Disaster can strike with little to no warning. Having an emergency supply kit can help your family in desperate times. Whether you have to evacuate at a moment’s notice or take shelter in your home, an emergency go-bag full of necessities and just-in-case supplies will be critical to your survival.

Other than your basic needs and personal items, a portable radio should be a staple item in your supply kit. It keeps you up-to-date with essential information, allowing you to handle emergencies with less uncertainty and fear.

Finding a reliable, high-quality radio can be daunting especially if you don’t know what you’re looking for. That’s why we’ve done all the research for you. To help you get started, we’ve made a list of dependable radios that you can use in any emergency situation.

Let’s get right into it.

Best Emergency Radios

#PREVIEWProduct
1 Kaito - KA500 Solar Power Wind Up Emergency Radio
Best Overall
Kaito KA500 Emergency Radio
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2 FosPower - Emergency Solar Hand Crank Portable Radio FosPower Emergency Radio
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3 Midland - WR120B_WR120EZ - NOAA Emergency Weather Alert Radio Midland NOAA Emergency Radio
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4 Eton - The American Red Cross FRX3 Hand Crank Eton The American Red Cross FRX3 Emergency Radio
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5 RunningSnail - Emergency Hand Crank AM_FM NOAA Solar Weather Radio
Best For Low Budgets
RunningSnail Solar Weather Emergency Radio
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6 C. Crane - CCRadio-2E Enhanced Portable AM FM Weather
Best For Higher Budgets
C. Crane CCRadio-2E Enhanced Emergency Radio
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1. Kaito KA500 Emergency Radio

Highlights
  • Antenna extends to 14.5”
  • Adjustable solar panels
  • LED beacon light
  • NOAA weather broadcast access
Best Overall
Kaito - KA500 Solar Power Wind Up Emergency Radio

Kaito’s emergency weather radio has six power sources. Aside from using three AA batteries, you can recharge it using its dynamo hand crank, 180-degree adjustable solar panel, NiMH rechargeable battery, 5V mini USB, or AC/DC wall adapter.

However, you have to purchase the batteries and adapter separately as they’re not included in the package.

It covers an extensive range, including AM, FM, shortwave, and NOAA weather channels. It has seven pre-programmed weather channels so you can easily tune into weather forecasts and warnings. It also has an Alert mode, which activates the radio when NOAA weather stations are broadcasting.

Made of premium ABS material, the radio is impact-resistant and water-resistant, which makes it an indispensable tool for your survival kit.

Specifications

Range:
AM: 530-1710KHz FM: 88-108MHz SW1: 3.20-8.00MHz SW2: 9.00-22.00MHz WB: 162.400-162.550MHz
Channels:
All NOAA channels
Battery Type:
3 AA batteries

Pros

  • 7 pre-programmed NOAA weather channels
  • LED emergency beacon light
  • Water-resistant and impact-resistant design
  • Multiple power sources

Cons

  • Batteries not included
  • Wall power adapter not included

2. FosPower Emergency Radio

Highlights
  • 3 power sources
  • IPX3 water resistance
  • 2000-mAh power bank
  • Limited lifetime warranty

Measuring only 6.20” x 2.90” x 2.10”, FosPower’s ultra-portable emergency radio comes with a 2000-mAh power bank for charging smartphones and other mobile devices. It has three power sources: a crank lever, solar panel, and AAA batteries.

It can access all AM and FM networks, along with NOAA channels, so you can stay up-to-date with the latest forecasts. Moreover, it has four LED reading lights and a 1W LED flashlight with zoom.

In life-threatening situations, you can activate its SOS mode, which turns on a loud siren and a red warning light. The radio is drop-proof and water-resistant. It has an IPX3 rating, which means a little rain won’t stop it from receiving weather forecasts and updates.

Specifications

Range:
AM: 520-1710KHz FM: 87-108MHz WB: 162.400-162.550MHz
Channels:
All NOAA channels
IP Rating:
IPX3
Battery Type:
AAA 1.5V LR03
Warranty:
Limited lifetime warranty

Pros

  • Rechargeable power
  • Reading lights and a flashlight
  • 3 power sources
  • NOAA weather broadcast access

Cons

  • Batteries not included
  • Lacks headphone jack

3. Midland NOAA Emergency Radio

Highlights
  • 90 dBa siren
  • LED warning system
  • NOAA weather broadcast access
  • 60+ emergency alerts

One of the best hurricane radios you can get is this portable unit from Midland. It has an early warning system that alerts you to 60+ potential dangers using a loud siren.

The radio receives broadcasts from seven NOAA channels; however, it can’t access AM/FM stations. Built with Specific Area Message Encoding digital technology, it can tune into your county’s NOAA networks, requiring little to no programming on your part.

It has a backlit LCD screen that displays what the alert is for. Plus, it has color-coded alert level indicators to inform you of the magnitude of the impending danger. If you can’t plug it into a power source, you can use three AA alkaline batteries to keep it running.

Specifications

Range:
NOAA networks
Channels:
All NOAA channels
Battery Type:
Three AA batteries
Battery Life:
5 hours of emergency power/75 hours of standby power
Warranty:
1-year warranty

Pros

  • SAME digital technology
  • Backlit LCD screen
  • Color-coded alert level indicators
  • Clock and alarm

Cons

  • Limited power sources
  • Lacks access to AM/FM stations

4. Eton The American Red Cross FRX3 Emergency Radio

Highlights
  • Alert function
  • Backlit LCD display
  • Receives AM/FM stations
  • NOAA weather broadcast access

Eton’s emergency radio can receive AM, FM, and NOAA broadcasts. It even has an AUX input, which allows you to play your favorite songs from an external music player. 

It has multiple power options, including the use of three AAA batteries. You may also use its hand crank, which can get you 10-15 minutes of power for every minute you crank the turbine. You can even use solar power as a passive charging alternative.

If power is out, you can easily find your radio as it comes with a glow-in-the-dark locater. Its display and buttons are also illuminated so you can conveniently switch channels or monitor alerts. Moreover, it comes with an LED flashlight and a red flashing beacon.

Specifications

Range:
AM, FM, and NOAA channels
Channels:
All NOAA channels
Battery Type:
Three AAA batteries
Battery Life:
8 hours on full batteries
Warranty:
1-year limited warranty

Pros

  • Glow-in-the-dark locater
  • Emergency light
  • Headphone output
  • Multiple power sources

Cons

  • Batteries not included
  • Only charges select smartphone units

5. RunningSnail Solar Weather Emergency Radio

Highlights
  • 3 charge options
  • Micro USB charging
  • 1000-mAh power bank
  • 12-month warranty
Best For Low Budgets
RunningSnail - Emergency Hand Crank AM_FM NOAA Solar Weather Radio

RunningSnail has an emergency radio with a 1000-mAh power bank. Using a micro-USB cable, you can plug your smartphone into the radio to recharge its batteries.

The radio has three power options: USB charging, solar power, and a hand crank. That means you can listen to the latest weather updates in your area even when the power goes out. It can access AM and FM stations, as well as all seven NOAA weather channels.

Built with a 1W LED flashlight, you can find your way around dimly-lit areas safely. You also won’t have trouble carrying it around as it’s small and compact, measuring only 5” x 1.80” x 2.40”.

Specifications

Range:
AM: 520-1710Khz FM: 87-108MHz WB: 162.400-162.550MHz
Channels:
All NOAA channels
IP Rating:
IPX3
Battery Type:
Li-ion Battery
Battery Life:
4-5 hours of radio or 16-20 hours of flashlight with full charge
Warranty:
1-year warranty

Pros

  • NOAA weather broadcast access
  • 1W LED flashlight
  • Receives AM and FM
  • Multiple power options

Cons

  • Flashlight isn’t very bright
  • Lacks headphone jack

6. C. Crane CCRadio-2E Enhanced Emergency Radio

Highlights
  • Twin-coil Ferrite Antenna
  • 250-hour battery life
  • NOAA weather broadcast access
  • 3 brightness settings
Best For Higher Budgets
C. Crane - CCRadio-2E Enhanced Portable AM FM Weather

C. Crane’s portable radio features long-range reception and exceptional clarity, making it a suitable companion for emergencies. It can receive AM, FM, and NOAA channels. Once you’ve selected a station, it assesses the signal then selects the best one.

It has limited power options. Aside from an AC power cord, you can use four D batteries to keep it running. On the bright side, it can last up to 250 hours on a fresh set of batteries.

In addition, it has a backlit display, which shows the time and alerts. It also has a sleep timer, an alarm, and a headphone jack.

Specifications

Range:
AM: 520-1710 KHz FM: 87.5-108MHz VHF: 144-148MHz WB: 162.400-162.550MHz
Channels:
NOAA channels
Battery Type:
Four D-sized batteries
Battery Life:
250 hours on full D-sized batteries
Warranty:
1-year limited warranty

Pros

  • Backlit LED display
  • Long battery life
  • Sleep timer
  • Receives AM, FM, and NOAA stations

Cons

  • Only 5 memory presents
  • Limited power options

Emergency Radio Buying Guide

Top Brands

If you’re searching for a reliable emergency radio, you may want to look into some of the most well-known brands in the business. As they have years of experience under their belt, they can surely provide a diverse range of high-quality ham radios for your emergency supply kit.

Here are some of the leading brands in radio communication technology.

Midland

Based in Kansas City, Midland has been making radios since 1959. It has more than half a century of experience and industry knowledge. 

Midland emergency radio options come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, features, and functionalities. It has a few weather radios that are designed to pick up NOAA broadcasts. These radios have early warning alerts, but they can’t access AM and FM stations.

If you’re after a radio with multiple power options, Midland makes those too. Its emergency radios have multiple power options and sturdy designs built to meet the demands of emergencies.

Eton

Eton has been innovating emergency tools and equipment for over 35 years. Its first shortwave radio came out in 1986, while its first hand-cranked Eton emergency radio came out in 2002. 

Over the years, the company has strived to create high-quality preparedness products that improve user safety. It has even partnered with The American Red Cross to create high-performance emergency tools, one of which is a multifunctional weather radio, which we’ve discussed in great detail in this guide.

It has other all-in-one emergency radios that have an extensive range and exceptional clarity. More importantly, its radios feature multiple power options so you can always tune into the latest weather updates from trustworthy sources. Its radios also have bonus features such as USB charging and flashlights.

Kaito

Kaito has portable multi-way powered weather radios that can receive AM, FM, and NOAA broadcasts. They can be recharged in a myriad of ways—hand crank, solar power, and batteries to name a few. That means you can tune into new updates even when there are no power outlets around.

Its all-in-one radios fit everyday use as well as emergencies, especially since they’re multifunctional. Aside from picking up NOAA alerts in real-time, the radios have a clock, alarm, LED flashlight, and a timer. They can even be used as a music player and charger.

On top of that, its emergency radios are built to last and designed to withstand the elements.

Grundig

Another trustworthy brand worth looking into is Grundig. It has been in business for over 70 years now. Even back in 1945, and until now, the company is known worldwide for its radios and televisions.

While technology has changed significantly over the years, the company remains true to its core principles: innovation and quality. Its emergency radios can withstand the elements, receive crucial weather updates, and serve as a source of entertainment amidst a power outage.

Grundig’s digital radios are also suitable for everyday use as they have advanced features such as Bluetooth and audio streaming.

Applications

Emergency radios can keep you informed of impending dangers. Not only that, but many of them also have built-in safety features, which allow you to alert anyone near you when you’re in a pinch.

Military survival radio

Military personnel carry individual radios as it’s critical to their survival if they ever end up in emergencies. Compared to regular radios, military survival radios often allow encrypted two-way communication, which makes it easier for search and rescue teams to locate downed personnel.

Natural disasters

Every household must have an emergency radio packed in their survival kit. During natural disasters, an emergency radio can deliver reliable and timely information that can save lives.

Hiking & camping

You don’t necessarily have to be in a crisis to use an emergency radio. You can, for instance, take it with you on hikes and camping trips in the great outdoors to get updates on the weather. 

Type

Crank Emergency Radio

A wind-up radio generates power using a magnet wrapped in conductive wire. As you crank its built-in lever, the coil spins around the magnet, producing an electric current. In doing so, you can recharge the batteries of your radio.

So, how much power can it generate?

It depends primarily on the quality of your radio. Ideally, you should select a unit that can hold a charge for a good amount of time so you won’t have to constantly crank the lever.

Solar Emergency Radio

Some emergency radios can be recharged without plugging them into a power source. Aside from a hand crank, portable radios may have solar panels, allowing you to harness the power of the sun to recharge your radio.

Battery Powered

If you can’t recharge your radio using an AC power cord, you can most likely keep it running by using a fresh set of batteries. Depending on the kind of batteries it uses, you should have several hours of runtime with a fully-charged set. 

Features

Although some emergency radios can be used every day for entertainment purposes, you’ll need them most during natural calamities such as hurricanes, tornados, and blizzards. You can also take them with you when you’re hiking or camping in the wilderness as they have built-in features such as flashlights, LED beacons, alarms, and more.

Emergency Radio Flashlight

Modern emergency radios often have bright LED flashlights with adjustable focus or zoom that you can use when power is out. It’s quite convenient, especially for hiking and camping. Instead of packing a separate flashlight, you can just take a radio with a built-in one.

Emergency Radio Scanner

If you want to monitor emergencies in the local area, you should get a radio with a scanner. It should be able to monitor fire, EMS, marine, and NOAA weather bands. It should also keep you informed about what’s going on in your community.

You can get a scanner on digital and analog radio models. Keep in mind that urban centers have digital trunking communication systems. You’ll have to ask the local police department to find out which model you can use in your area.

Emergency Radio Frequencies

Some radios have pre-programmed channels so you no longer have to spend time finding the frequencies you want to tune into. You simply have to click on the buttons on the device to monitor weather alerts and other emergencies in the community. 

Radios, digital or analog, usually have pre-programmed channels for all seven NOAA stations. You should get a radio with this feature if your area is prone to severe weather conditions and other natural disasters.

NOAA

In an emergency, you won’t always be able to rely on the internet for news updates. So you can stay informed, you should include a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radio in your survival kit.

A NOAA weather radio can receive alerts when power is out. You can get important storm forecasts, so you can monitor potentially life-threatening storms and conditions in the area. You may also receive emergency warnings and post-event information straight from the National Weather Service. They broadcast 24 hours a day. 

The NWS can send out alerts for all kinds of natural calamities and emergencies—floods, tornados, terrorist attacks, and amber alerts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the best emergency radio?
A:

The Kaito KA500 and C. Crane CCRadio-2E are arguably two of the best emergency radios on the market.

The Kaito KA500 offers an array of powerful features packed in one handy unit. Its extensive frequency range, numerous power options, and overall durability make it a useful companion during any emergencies.

Meanwhile, the CCRadio-2E’s portability and long battery life make it worth getting a spot in anybody’s emergency survival kit.

Our Verdict

A portable emergency radio can keep you informed of impending disasters when power is down. Amidst potentially life-threatening situations, access to reliable, timely information is critical to your survival. Armed with the right information, you’ll be equipped to handle any emergency.

Emergency radios are nothing like the standard radios you use primarily for entertainment. Aside from having multiple power sources, they’re designed to pick up a wide range of networks, including AM, FM, and other pre-programmed weather stations. Not only that, but they’re also equipped with a myriad of features that can keep you safe in harsh conditions such as bright emergency lights.

Since portable radios aren’t made equal, you need to carefully select a unit that can improve your ability to prepare for and respond to emergencies. Hopefully, our guide empowers you to find the best survival radio for your household.