Tested: The Best Emergency Radios for Disaster Use

We never hope that anyone will ever be caught in the middle of a natural disaster, survival situation, or otherwise. But we also understand that life (and nature) often takes some unforeseen twists and turns. As such, we are firm believers that it is always a good idea to expect the best but prepare for the worst. And a major part of that starts with the gear you keep handy.

One of the absolute most important devices you can have at your disposal — whether you’re in the safety of your own home, at work, or out in the wilderness when disaster strikes — is an emergency radio. There’s a pretty good likelihood that, in the case of an emergency, cell phone towers will be down or flooded with traffic to the point that they’re useless. Rather than taking your chances, an emergency radio will give you access to information regarding the status of the emergency, when and where to expect help, and so much more. In the following guide, we got hands-on with the best emergency radios available right now.

How We Tested

Testing emergency radios can be a challenge if you’re not in an actual emergency situation. As such, we wanted to simulate the experience the best we could. For this guide, we scoured the space for the best options from revered brands in the industry, taking a look at their most popular and well-reviewed options. We looked at size, weight, charging options, and extra features.

From there, we sourced our units for testing and spent considerable time with each radio. We took a look at how easy it was to learn the interface of each device and then proceeded to use all of their given features. This also meant checking their antennas for reception, speakers for sound quality, flashlights for brightness, and hand cranks for charging, among other things. Our findings are detailed below.

What to Look For

Emergency weather radios can be a little tricky to shop for if you aren’t familiar with the product space. Knowing this firsthand, we’ve compiled this condensed guide on the key areas to consider when purchasing a new emergency weather radio— or storm radio.

Frequency Band: The primary purpose of an emergency radio of any kind is to provide up-to-date and accurate intel on weather emergencies and other disasters. In order to do this, a radio must be able to transmit certain channels or bands. Like a normal stereo, this includes both FM and AM channels, though on emergency weather radios you’ll also want to find a model that includes NOAA weather stations.

Reception: A radio’s ability to transmit a particular channel or band is essentially pointless if you can’t clearly hear what’s being relayed, which is why reception is another important area to review when buying a weather radio. This one area primarily boils down to the type of receiver being used — whether it’s of the analog or of the digital variety — as well as if the radio has any elements that can boost or bolster signal such as a telescopic antenna.

Power Source: It’s not uncommon to lose power in severe weather events, which is why you’d be hard-pressed to find an emergency weather radio that gets it power from a standard home outlet. Instead, practically every model on the market uses one or more of the following methods of receiving power; solar power, battery power, AC/DC current, a USB power source, or power from a hand crank (an external, manually-cranked arm that charges an internal battery by moving metal coils around an onboard magnet, thereby creating an instant current).

Battery & Revere Charging: As our smartphones and tablets become ever-more-integral aspects of our lives, and more more emergency weather radio models are being produced that feature onboard power banks that allow gadgets and devices to be juiced up even when the power grid fails. When reviewing this area, you’ll want to look at charging rate/speed, as well as the size of the main cell, which on most emergency weather radio batteries is in the ballpark of 2,000 to 3,000mAh — though there are obviously exceptions that are substantially bigger or smaller.

Weatherproofing: We probably don’t have to tell you why weatherproofing is an important factor to consider when buying an emergency weather radio, though it is worth pointing out that models can differ pretty greatly in this area, with some boasting minor levels of water resistance while other boasts impressive Ingress Protection ratings.

Durability: One should be able to trust their life with any piece of quality emergency gear, which is why durability is another crucial factor to consider when shopping for an emergency weather radio. This element primarily comes down to the housing design and construction, though some models also feature TPU covers or bumper guard systems to further enhance durability.

Extra Features: The primary job of any emergency weather radio is to provide weather reports, however, this doesn’t mean that manufacturers haven’t opted to bestow some models with supplementary features and functions such as onboard flashlights or on-board power banks, just to name a few.

Midland ER310 Emergency Crank Weather Radio

Most Versatile Pick: Founded in 1959, the Midland Radio Corporation has long been one of the most trusted names in walkie-talkies and radio comms, so it’s frankly unsurprising that the Kansas City company also happens to make some of the best emergency weather radios that money can buy. Case in point, the Midland ER310. Boasting a compact 8” x 3.4” x 2.4” footprint, this emergency weather radio features an LCD display, a reception-boosting telescopic antenna, an emergency dog whistle, and a built-in flashlight with a CREE LED emitter with two regular brightness options and an SOS mode. In addition to its ability to be powered via an integrated solar panel or a hand crank, this radio can also be powered by 6 AA batteries or an onboard lithium-ion battery that allows it to double as a mobile USB power bank — or to operate as a normal weather radio for around 32 hours. On top of a built-in siren alarm for when serving as an emergency weather alert radio, the ER310 also sports AM and FM channels as well as NOAA stations and the ability to run a NOAA weather scan.

The Good

More powerful than the ER210, Midland’s updated ER310 is a great option for newcomers to emergency radios or seasoned overlanding vets who just want something reliable. The user interface is extremely straightforward with easy-to-read text above each button. I love the quick start reference strip on the back of the unit that gives you two bullet points on turning the device on and off, just in case you don’t have the manual handy. As far as audio quality, the speaker is average for an emergency radio but I got great reception, even when I forgot to extend the antenna.

One minute of cranking gets you about 9 minutes of radio use, which is pretty good compared to some of the other units in this guide. But the selling point here might be the power options you get: AA battery, hand-cranked lithium-ion battery, solar, and micro-USB. There’s a switch under the covered charging panel that lets you toggle between AA and lithium-ion so you’re not draining one of them needlessly. As stated, you can also charge your own smartphone with the included USB-A port (outgoing only). I also noticed how effective the solar strip is on top of the radio. This device simply didn’t seem to die, even when left inside my bag unused for weeks at a time.

The Not So Good

Frankly, the ER310 doesn’t have a lot of downsides. However, one thing that might be an issue is that the USB-A is only an outgoing power supply. Meaning, you can’t charge the radio with a USB-A cable. Since micro-USB is a bit slower than USB-A (or USB-C for that matter), there may be some reliance on other power sources in the meantime here. Fortunately, the unit’s solar strip is very effective and the battery holds a charge really well too. Also, I couldn’t help but wish that the handle were better placed when using the device as a flashlight. As it stands, the backside handle makes it awkward when holding the flashlight facing forward. I should mention that the antenna isn’t adjustable, which requires you to turn the device itself to optimize reception.

Verdict: Incredibly lightweight and user-friendly, the Midland ER310 is a solid emergency radio for the price, whether you’ve never used one before or you’re looking for an upgrade. There are lots of charging options and even the ability to power your own devices with the outgoing USB port. Regardless of minor downsides, this is the most versatile option out there.

Kaito KA500GRN 5-Way Powered Emergency Radio

Best Multi-Power-Source Pick: Most of the emergency radios on our list offer at least two different ways to charge. The Kaito you see before you, however, offers five: hand crank, solar panel, USB, AC, and battery. And that kind of versatility can make all the difference in an emergency or survival situation. It also helps that the solar panel can rotate a full 180 degrees, so you can get the ideal angle for charging regardless of which way the speaker faces. It also offers up seven preset channels across AM, FM, and a full suite of NOAA weather band frequencies. But uniquely, the radio also taps into lower shortwave frequencies as well. A built-in “Alert” function enables this model to double as an emergency weather radio with automatic updates and notifications.

The Good

While other hand-crank radios we tested can easily double as a clock, the Kaito is strictly an emergency radio (with a flashlight capability). Luckily, the price is respectably lower than most others as well. I love the tactile experience of turning an analog tuner, including the ability to fine-tune your callsigns. I also love the adjustable flex handle up top, which is an interesting alternative to the standard built-in handle on other units (at least for the ones that have a handle).

The largest radio on this guide, the extra size also allows for some unique features, including one of the main selling points here: the rotating solar panel which makes up for its smaller capacity. Even though the front flashlight only has one brightness setting and a red light mode, there’s also a separate reading light function that you can access when flipping up the solar panel. Pretty cool! You also get a larger speaker with some good audio quality and, of course, the quintet of charging options.

The interface isn’t necessarily traditional but it’s super simple to use. There are three dials on the front: one for the weather band, one for the VHF radio frequency band (i.e., AM, FM, and SW), and one for the power source (e.g., off, AA battery, or solar/DC). Meanwhile, the tuning and volume dials are sequestered to the side of the radio to not clutter the front. For battery power status, there are simple lights for either high or low. I was really digging the layout of this unit.

The Not So Good

I really like the old-school feel of the analog radio tuner but the single knob makes it inherently impossible to save stations when switching between AM, FM, and SW. Luckily, there’s a handy red light that turns on when you’ve established reception of a given station in case you’re trying to scan quickly. It’s also important to note that you can’t rotate the antenna, which is also decidedly short.

It is important to note that, at least compared to other similarly priced models on this list, the KA500GRN’s battery is on the smaller side at only 600mAh — though it is just one of the radio’s five power methods. And, while it can run on AC/DC power, the AC/DC adapter required to do this happens to be sold separately.

Verdict: Equipped with an old-school analog tuning dial, the Kaito KA500GRN is a unique emergency radio that eschews a clock function but has some cool features not found on other units, such as a separate reading lamp, an adjustable flex handle, and a rotating solar panel. As the largest device on this guide, the setbacks here are marginal, including the inability to save preset stations due to the shared analog frequency dial. However, this is one radio that will surely find fans among many –– and it’s offered at a great price!

Sangean MMR-88 Emergency Radio

Best Compact Pick: As you’d be right to expect from an emergency radio, the Sangean MMR-88 offers up a wide range of frequency bands, including AM, FM, and a weather alert tuner. This model also receives all 7 NOAA weather channels. Additionally, this IPX3-rated radio can be powered via a battery, by an onboard solar panel, or via a hand crank — all of which juice up a Lithium-ion battery that offers several days of life on a single charge thanks to a very low 0.4-watt output rate. And it has a hand crank to keep it powered. But it also boasts a few other features you might not expect but will find extremely handy. For instance, this one comes with 19 digital presets — so you can find working stations and bounce back and forth without having to search for them again. What’s especially enticing about this one is that it also functions as a portable battery pack, so you can use it to charge your smartphone.

The Good

The first thing you’ll notice about the Sangean MMR-88 is how compact it is. This is especially helpful when you’re packing your bag or trying to wedge this radio into a small camping area. The solar panel up top is surprisingly large compared to the unit and seemed to be pretty effective for charging. The unit didn’t die at all when I was using it, and I hardly had to crank it up at all While the hand crank is pretty quiet compared to other models, I do wish there were a better way to grip the device when doing so. I kept accidentally turning on the flashlight. One minute of cranking gives you between 5 and 7 minutes of charge, which is not as good as the Midland but better than some other models.

I also like that the tuning covers both odd and even callsigns. Most modern radios just cover the odd numbers since the even numbers aren’t ever reserved. However, if you’re in an odd spot, you can get better reception on even numbers. The speaker quality is pretty good if not bass-heavy. However, clarity was not an issue here at all; I was able to hear both voices and music easily.

The flashlight is pretty effective with two brightness settings and two flashing speeds for the emergency mode. You can hold down the button to turn it off without having to cycle through the other settings. There’s also an emergency signal that can be set off by holding down for a couple of seconds. However, I wish turning it back off were a bit easier, especially if you accidentally press it. While I didn’t test it explicitly for durability, the housing on the MMR-88 feels more durable than the other radios on this list.

The Not So Good

For one, I wish there were a handle on this unit. However, there’s a hole in the back where you can thread the accompanying lanyard, which is pretty sturdy in its own right. The functionality of the radio could be a bit more intuitive. As it stands, the buttons rely too much on long presses that require trial and error to figure out. Some might also take issue with the equipped lithium-ion battery, which you can’t replace by going to the store and buying a new one.

It should also be noted that the antenna is a bit flimsy up top. In attempting to retract it with my hand, I bent the top portion, so just be cautious and keep that in mind. Likewise, the radio had issues with reception when the antenna wasn’t extended, whereas other radios could be serviceable without the antenna being extended.

Verdict: The most compact hand-crank radio in this guide, the Sangean MMR-88 is worthwhile regardless of its diminutive size. With solid audio quality, a useful flashlight, and all 7 NOAA stations, the unit can also be powered with a surprisingly large solar panel and a quiet hand crank. We do wish this device had some sort of handle and that the usability was more intuitive but this is a great option for people who like to save space.

Eton x The American Red Cross FRX3 Hand Crank Radio

Best for Casual Campers: The first name in emergency response here in the U.S., The American Red Cross is as trustworthy an organization as there is. So you can trust that, if they’re willing to put their good name on an emergency radio, it’s probably worth your consideration for survival situations. But, don’t take our word for it; look at the specs. This thing receives AM, FM, and weather band frequencies, doubles as a USB battery pack (so you can charge your smartphone), and can be powered three different ways — batteries, hand crank, and solar. Regardless as to how it’s powered up, this emergency weather radio features a 2,600mAh battery that affords it several days of use on a single charge. It even has an auxiliary input and an LED flashlight with an emergency beacon functionality. A glow-in-the-dark locator panel also makes finding this radio a breeze during power outages. This model can also act as a weather alert radio and automatically notify users of impending weather emergencies.

The Good

While most of these emergency radios can easily double as an off-grid alarm clock, the Eton x Red Cross FRX3 fits the bill best. Not only does it favor one-hand usage with its knob-controlled volume and tuning but you can easily set an alarm for the clock function as well. Likewise, the hand crank is on the front side so you don’t have to pick up or turn the device to wind it back up. In terms of audio, the FRX3 had the best speaker quality of the units we tested, making it a solid option if you’re looking to actually use it as a radio for music. Not to mention, there are two auxiliary headset jacks in case you want to listen to this with someone else. Like the Sangean above, the callsigns run through both even and odd numbers.

I wasn’t sure if I loved the band toggle, which is performed with a small nub. I did prefer this for the weather band, however, since it opts out of the tuning dial. Instead, it assigns seven frequencies to channel numbers, making it easier to remember which one you were using last time (on the other hand, this obviates any chance of a built-in frequency memory if you do switch over to AM or FM).

According to the manual, four minutes of cranking gets you anywhere between 10 and 15 minutes of radio use (and 1 minute of talk time on most smartphones). While this quote isn’t staggering, the cranking function on the radio is among the easiest and quickest to operate, which may speed up these numbers some. There are also five different charging options for this unit, which is amazing. However, I couldn’t help but notice the achingly slow solar charge rate, rendering it a non-factor.

The Not So Good

If you use the flashlight function, the first thing you’ll notice is how terribly weak it is. There’s also only one brightness setting. However, there’s a flashing red light option. Honestly, the user interface is easy to get the hang of but this radio is way too busy with buttons and knobs. I would much rather prefer a simpler setup. For instance, on top of the tuning dial, there are separate up and down buttons for tuning as well.

The radio also has a strange external charging function. In order to power up your device, you have to press a “CELL” button, after which the radio itself will automatically turn off. So basically, you can only charge your phone when the radio is not in use, and vice versa. There’s also a curious mute button that requires you to press a different button to unmute the radio.

Verdict: With four charging options, this collaborative radio between Eton and the American Red Cross blends the necessity of an alarm clock with the functions of an emergency radio without compromising either. If you’re looking for a radio for playing music, this is a solid option as well with arguably the best speaker quality on this guide. Despite the nearly useless flashlight and some peculiar button features on the interface, this emergency radio is a great choice, especially for around $60.

Baofeng UV-5R

Best HAM Radio: If you were to be caught in an extreme emergency that knocked out cell towers, it might be a good idea to have another means of communicating with the outside world. And the Baofeng UV-5R emergency radio offers that in the form of two-way GMRS functionality. That means — while it still can pick up FM and NOAA frequencies — it can also give you the ability to talk to other operators using GMRS-frequency two-way radios, and can do so with a range of up to 8 miles. While it may have a steeper learning curve than the standard emergency radios above, this HAM unit can also function as both a weather band radio and an emergency weather radio. So, while it may be quite a bit larger than other models on this list, its wealth of features makes it a fairly unbeatable choice.

The Good

Before you get started using a dual-band radio, know that you are required to have a license in order to legally broadcast (although listening is perfectly fine without one). Operating with a 128-channel range, the Baofeng UV-5R allows you to run the gamut from emergency broadcasting to amateur radio stations. I personally loved the scanning feature, which made life a whole lot easier than trying to mine for what frequencies were live in my area. After that, I was able to save the successful bands to memory. You can also plug in the stations manually with the integrated keypad.

Aside from the radio function, this device has a small pinpoint flashlight with a flashing option. This was relatively bright but not nearly the brightest on this list, or even as bright as your smartphone’s light. Also, there’s a siren that can be activated rather easily and isn’t ear-piercing if you accidentally sound it off. For having such a small speaker, the quality that comes out of the unit is surprisingly good and will more than do the trick, even if you’re just trying to listen to music.

The Not So Good

If you’re new to using HAM or two-way radios, there’s a lot to learn, especially if you’re not just looking to use a pair of two-ways as mere walkie-talkies. As such, you’ll need to educate yourself thoroughly on the ins and outs of two-ways when it comes to prepping and tapping into frequency bands. Even just tapping into police scanners and the like will require a bit of legwork ahead of time to get started. For starters, I recommend using the scanning function as the easiest way to see who’s broadcasting around you. Aside from that, the Baofeng UV-5R is a solid unit. My only real complaints are that the rear battery packs are a little finicky when sliding them into the back slot and that there’s only one real way to charge this unit.

Verdict: Undoubtedly the highest learning curve of the bunch, this UV-5R model from Baofeng is surprisingly easy to use…for a HAM radio. You’ll need an FCC license to broadcast but there are plenty of good features for just listening to weather and emergency bands, such as channel saving, a 128-channel range, and a keypad for manual entry. Another thing the UV-5R has going for it is the price tag. Perfect for those unsure if they want to take a deep dive into HAM radios, this can be acquired for right around $20.

Emergency Radios Comparison Chart

Manual Or Auto Weather Alerts

Though similar in name, weather alert radios differ pretty significantly in a few key ways. Like their monicker suggests, weather band radios are exactly that; radios that come with a frequency band that includes all the major national — and sometimes even local — weather bands. These radios still need to be manually turned on and tuned to the correct channel/band in order to receive weather news, forecasts, and alerts. Weather alert radios, on the other hand, don’t need to be turned on or tuned by the user, as these devices instead automatically emit a loud alarm noise to instantly alert users of upcoming or ongoing weather emergencies and disasters.

Honorable Mentions

A popular budget radio is the RunningSnail MD-090P. But at just under $50, this won’t give you the same features or performance as the similarly-priced radios above like the Kaito or the Sangean. However, if you’re really pinching pennies, this might be the one to go with.

33% smaller than the Midland ER310 above, the ER210 is a serviceable option at a slightly lower price. The battery is also smaller but the hand crank works quickly to get it back up and running again.

If you want the absolute cheapest crank option, check out the FosPower Emergency Radio, a ~$30 solar-powered option that’s not as good as the comparable RunningSnail above but significantly less expensive.

C.Crane is another brand that deserves to be featured, despite the fact that their popular CC Solar Observer was discontinued. Fortunately, they still have the CC Skywave 2, which is a simple unit with numerical buttons for your convenience.

As you can see, Midland kinda owns this space. The XT511 is their two-way option. It’s not as revered as their ER line of products, plus the Baofeng two-way above has a much smaller footprint and is incredibly more affordable.

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