Any time you go far away from civilization, it is a good idea to bring with you an emergency preparedness kit.
This kit should include things that will help you survive until someone rescues you. What happens if nobody knows where you are, though? In this and other similar situations, it’s important to have a way to communicate with society regardless of the conditions you may be in.
For that reason, anyone who is serious about preparedness and prevention knows that a radio for emergencies is an absolute necessity. With that in mind, this guide will go over eight of the best emergency radio products on the market. In addition, it will provide useful information about emergency radios in general.
Hopefully, these emergency radio reviews will help you choose the right one for your particular needs.
Reviews of The Best Emergency Radio On the Market
1. Sangean MMR-88 AM/FM/Weather+Alert Radio
Compact, lightweight and surprisingly powerful, the Sangean MMR-88 AM/FM/Weather+Alert Radio can be a great asset in difficult situations. It includes 19 different presets in both AM and FM. You can customize these presets according to your particular needs. In addition, this fantastic radio is capable of receiving all seven NOAA weather channels and reports. As you can probably imagine, this feature can be a true lifesaver when it comes to natural disasters like earthquakes and tornadoes.
Without a doubt, one of the best things about the Sangean MMR-88 is that it can be powered in a variety of ways. Apart from the classical rechargeable lithium battery, this survival radio can be turned on using solar light or a hand crank dynamo. Even more than that, it can be powered using a micro USB cable. No matter how you power it, though, this radio is reliable and very stable. As if that wasn’t enough, the device includes a LED emergency light and an emergency buzzer.
2. Midland ER310 Emergency Crank Weather AM/FM Radio
Being compact enough to fit in your hand and very lightweight, the Midland ER310 Emergency Crank Weather AM/FM Radio is truly a portable device. Despite its portability, however, this radio is remarkably tough and durable. As a matter of fact, it’s completely weatherproof, making it a great option for intense and unpredictable outdoor adventures. In addition, this radio has auto-tuning capabilities that can help you get through to emergency first-responders and get warnings from the right agencies.
In order to be used, the Midland ER310 Emergency Crank Weather AM/FM Radio can be powered in four different ways. Of course, the main one you will likely use is the classic rechargeable battery. This 2600 mAh battery is long-lived and extremely reliable. If it fails or runs out, however, you can always turn to the device’s hand crank or its solar panel. As if all that was not enough, this radio can also be powered (briefly) using six AA batteries.
3. Eton American Red Cross Emergency NOAA Weather Radio
Designed specifically to receive weather alerts and other warnings, the Eton American Red Cross Emergency NOAA Weather Radio can be a true lifesaver when natural disasters are drawing near. This digital radio is multi-function, and it can be quickly auto-tuned to the stronger and most relevant frequencies out there. Apart from receiving signals, the device is capable of broadcasting pre-recorded alerts and SOS signals in your area. Without a doubt, this feature makes it one of the best emergency radios on the market.
Very compact and incredibly easy to use, the Eton American Red Cross Emergency NOAA Weather Radio is perfect for difficult situations where time and steady nerves do not abound. Its digital display is very easy to read even in the bright sunlight. In addition to its radio features, the device includes an alarm clock, a LED flashlight and even a red flashing beacon. Amazingly, all these features work fantastically using solar power.
4. Kaito KA700 Bluetooth Emergency Dynamo Radio
This sleek and compact device surely stands out due to its bright and colorful design. It’s not all about looks when it comes to the Kaito KA700 Bluetooth Emergency Dynamo Radio, though. Featuring an astounding number of functions, the device is more than just a radio for emergencies. In fact, it can be used as a signal beacon, a music player, a voice recorder, an alarm clock, a calendar and even a text browser. To do all these things, the radio features a digital display as well as a digital sound generator.
The Kaito KA700 Bluetooth Emergency Dynamo Radio can be powered in four different ways. Without a doubt, the most reliable is the rechargeable 18650 battery. However, there is also the micro USB port that you can use to connect the device to compatible devices. In addition, you have a solar panel that’s surprisingly efficient despite its compact size. Finally, you have a crank that can help you manually power the device. This crank is amazingly effective. In fact, the Kaito KA700 may be the best hand crank emergency radio in this guide.
5. FosPower Emergency Solar Portable Radio
The FosPower Emergency Solar Portable Radio is a modern and smart device that favors versatility and power over everything else. Using a 2000mAh power bank, the device can function stably and reliably for extended periods of time. In fact, this bank is so power-efficient that the device can even be used as a power source for other devices such as smartphones.
To accumulate energy, the FosPower Emergency Solar Hand Crank Portable Radio uses three different power input methods. Of course, the device can be recharged using a micro USB input. Additionally, it can use both solar power and a manual crank. In fact, it can be recharged through both solar and manual input at the same time if you are in a situation where speed is essential.
6. RunningSnail Solar Crank NOAA Weather Radio for Emergency
The RunningSnail Solar Crank NOAA Weather Radio for Emergency is a small but capable device that can be of great help during emergency situations. Including AM, FM and NOAA radios, this product can help you communicate effectively during times of need. Apart from providing access to different signals, this radio offers direct broadcasts from emergency weather signals in your area.
Compact and sleek, the RunningSnail Solar Crank NOAA Weather Radio for Emergency looks like your typical AM and FM radio. However, its capabilities go far beyond those of a conventional radio device. In addition to its two-way communication capabilities, the product offers SOS alarms of different types. The fact that this radio can be powered with batteries, solar power or through manual cranking only adds to its usability.
7. RunningSnail Emergency Self Powered AM/FM NOAA Solar Weather Radio
Recently re-designed to improve its practicality, the RunningSnail Emergency Self Powered AM/FM NOAA Solar Weather Radio is worth looking into. Featuring a simple tuning system, this device is capable of reaching AM, FM and NOAA radio signals with ease. Prioritizing convenience, it features a battery that can be recharged through a simple mini USB slot.
In addition to its rechargeable battery, the RunningSnail Emergency Self Powered AM/FM NOAA Solar Weather Radio can be powered through solar energy and manual interaction. No matter how you power it, though, this survival radio provides a stable and continuous signal that can make a real difference in times of desperate need.
8. Esky Solar Weather Radios Hand Crank Self Powered Emergency FM/AM/NOAA Radio
A cross between an emergency flashlight and a multi-function radio, the RunningSnail Emergency Hand Crank Self Powered AM/FM NOAA Solar Weather Radio is convenient and practical. Its compact and streamlined design allows for portability and quick use whenever needed.
Without a doubt, one of the best features that this product has to offer is its powerful flashlight. It has 140 lumens of brightness, allowing you to see even in the most enveloping darkness. In addition, this device is fully waterproof and resistant to impact.
The Best Emergency Radio Buyer’s Guide – What to Look For in an Emergency Radio
The next time you are out looking for a radio for emergencies, don’t just go by superficial looks and pretty packaging. Having a knowledge of what to look for in such a device will help ensure you make the best choice possible.
Take the following into account:
Power Sources
This is truly a no-brainer. If you are in an emergency situation, you want to have as many options as possible when it comes to powering your radio.
Most of these devices have at least two options: batteries and electrical input. However, you should look into radios that have additional options such as solar panels, rechargeable batteries and the classic hand crank.
The latter, in particular, can be a true lifesaver during emergencies. The best hand crank radio can be easily and quickly activated even when all other options have been ruled out.
Battery Life
No matter what type of radio you have, if it’s worth anything, it can be run on batteries. Compact, portable and replaceable, batteries are perfect for emergency preparedness. However, not all radios have the same battery capabilities.
Depending on the amount of energy they consume and their design, different radios have different battery life spans.
Without a doubt, you should look for a product that provides a balance between reliability and efficiency when it comes to this issue.
Range and Tuning
Another essential feature, all emergency radios worth the name should have a decent range. In other words, they should be able to reach a reasonable distance before their signal dies off. With enough range, you will be able to communicate with someone that is miles away, resulting in greater chances of being rescued.
When it comes to tuning, most radios for emergency out there provide presetting options so that it’s easy to get the main channels whenever needed. At any rate, though, you should make sure that the device’s tuning capabilities allow for precise and effective adjustments whenever the need for them arises.
Dimensions and Weight
You should never forget that most of the time, you will be carrying your radio instead of using it. For that reason, it’s terribly important to choose a device that’s not large and heavy enough to cause inconveniences or unnecessary strain.
Luckily, most radios for emergency out there are compact and lightweight. However, some are more compact and lightweight than others. Take this into account when it’s time to make a choice.
Ease of Use
When the time comes to use an emergency radio, likely, you won’t have the time or the patience needed to perform long and complicated operations. For that reason, the best survival radio products out there are very simple to operate.
In particular, you should opt for a model that is easy to tune. Furthermore, look for a radio that can quickly and easily switch functions.
SAME Alerts
Specific Area Message Encoding is a function that allows radios to pick up relevant emergency alerts from local entities. This can be incredibly helpful when it comes to unexpected situations like earthquakes, tornadoes and so on.
NOAA
NOAA stands for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. As you can probably imagine, NOAA is an organization that monitors changes in the seas and the atmosphere.
They are likely the most reliable resource for learning about adverse weather and dangerous phenomenons ahead of time.
For that reason, having a radio that has the NOAA channels pre-tuned is always a great idea.
Durability and Weatherproofing
In emergency situations, it’s likely that your radio will get beat up. Knowing that fact, you should always go for a device that’s resistant to impact. More than that, though, you should get a radio that is capable of resisting anything that can come from bad weather.
Of course, this includes being waterproof.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a Crank Radio?
A: Using your strength and a magnet wrapped in a coil of conductive wire, a crank radio can be quickly powered in emergency situations. Because it does not require a power outlet or batteries of any kind, this kind of radio can be used when everything else has failed.
Q: Should My Radio be Two-Way?
A: Ideally, yes. A two-way radio will allow you to communicate effectively with people on the other side of the signal.
Q: How Can I Improve the Reception of My Emergency Radio?
A: If the reception of your radio is not optimal, you can try moving to a different location. Turning off nearby electronic devices might also help.
Q: What is a NOAA Weather Radio?
A: It’s a type of radio that provides a direct transmission from the various National Weather Service offices across the country.
Q: Can I Pick Up NOAA Weather Radio on My Marine Radio?
A: If your marine radio has the WX channels, you can. Said channels correspond to the following frequencies:
- WX1: 162.550 MHz
- WX2: 162.400 MHz
- WX3: 162.475 MHz
- WX4: 162.425 MHz
- WX5: 162.450 MHz
- WX6: 162.500 MHz
- WX7: 162.525 MHz
In Conclusion
With everything laid out on the table, it’s easy to see why these eight emergency radios are so well-liked and recommendable. Without a doubt, each one of them is capable of helping you get through difficult situations.
However, there is one product that clearly stands out among the rest. Made with high-quality materials and expertly built,
In the end, though, it’s up to you to choose the best weather radio for your particular needs.
I’m Nebojša, a seasoned digital marketing professional with over 15 years of experience. My writing covers a diverse range of topics, from technology and gaming to app development and automobiles, all while delving into the intricacies of SEO optimization. Beyond the digital realm, I find solace in nature, inherited from my father’s love for the outdoors. His passion for hunting has influenced me, adding another layer to my appreciation for the natural world.