The best emergency radio: Our top 10 for peace of mind
When life takes you on all kinds of adventures, the best emergency radio offers excellent peace of mind. Having the right emergency radio is like having a safety blanket to protect you wherever you go.
The good thing about emergency radios is that they don’t have to be exclusively for times of crisis.
Many outdoorsy folk and adventurous individuals love taking their emergency radio with them on hiking and camping trips.
They double up as a great source of entertainment and information, as well as giving you some crucial features in times of trouble.
The question is, how do you know you’re buying the right radio for your needs?
With so many options out there to choose from, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.
Fortunately, the team here at Radio Fidelity are here to help you upgrade your preparedness kit with a brand-new piece of tech.
We’ve done the hard work of compiling emergency radio reviews for you, so you can make a purchasing decision that you feel confident with.
Ready to jump in? Then let’s get started.
1. Esky emergency radio (best for simplicity)
The Esky emergency radio (available in red or yellow) is one of the top-rated emergency radio products on the market, offering three methods of charging in one product.
You can connect your radio to your main wall outlet using USB docks, or use the solar panel or hand-crank function instead.
The Esky USB port ensures that you can give your smartphone a little extra juice when you need to make a crucial call. There’s a flashlight included with 140 lumens of power, so you’re never stuck in the dark.
With a durable design that’s both water-resistant and light enough to carry in any backpack, this is a great product for any explorer.
You’ll get features like:
- FM/ AM and NOAA radio
- Flashlight with 140 lumens of power
- 3 charging options
- USB smartphone charging
- Solar panel included
- Durable and water-resistant design
This emergency radio would make a great companion for anyone who wants a radio to take with them on their next camping trip.
Because it’s lighter than a paperback book, you’re not going to have to worry about lugging extra equipment with you on your hikes either.
Pros:
- Very lightweight
- High-power flashlight
- AM, FM or NOAA radio
- 3 charging methods available
- USB charging for smartphones
Cons:
- Not the best sound quality
- Takes a while of cranking to get enough juice for a smartphone
2. Midland ER310 emergency radio (best battery life)
The Midland ER310 is a step up in price from the Esky mentioned above. You do, however, also get some extra features built-in too.
This product comes with an incredible 2600 mAh battery that can last for up to 32 hours of radio operation – that’s more than enough to take most people through a one-night camping trip.
This device also offers multiple power options, including a hand crank and solar panel.
Unlike some of the items on this list, the Midland also functions as a great battery operated emergency radio when necessary too. You can use 6 AA batteries to keep it running.
There’s an SOS flashlight beacon included NOAA weather scanning feature, and so much more, all for a price of around $90.
You’ll get:
- Emergency hand crank
- Solar power options
- In-built battery or external battery options
- Flashlight with 130 lumens of power
- NOAA weather scan alert
- FM and AM radio
- Signal strobe feature
- Ultrasonic whistle
- Phone charging
Aside from an incredible battery life, the Midland Emergency radio also comes with a bunch of extra functionality, like an ultra-sonic whistle that can help to alert rescue teams looking for you in an emergency situation.
Just remember that all the additional features of this device means paying a higher price.
Pros:
- Excellent battery life
- Ultrasonic dog whistle
- Suitable for charging external devices
- Battery conservation mode
- Multiple charging modes, including batteries
Cons:
- Limited volume
- Can be difficult to get good FM signals
3. Kaito Voyager Pro KA700 (best with recorder)
Sometimes, when creating the best emergency radio that money can buy, manufacturers focus so heavily on the “extra” features, that they forget how important it is to still deliver a good radio connection.
That’s not the case with the Kaito Voyager Pro KA700.
This powerful emergency radio acts as an all-in-one music machine for your life on-the-go.
You can connect to FM or NOAA radio, and link in your own music through Bluetooth connectivity, MP3 players, or an SD card too.
There’s even a built-in recorder so you can dictate your adventures and write them up for your blog later.
Features include:
- Bluetooth connectivity
- 4-way power options
- Incredible durability
- USB port for cell phone charging
- 5 emergency light options
- Range of color options
- SD card or memory card slot
- Voice recording
There are various ways to power this device, including a dynamo cranking system, micro-USB port with a rechargeable battery, and solar power.
The emergency light included with the device has numerous brightness levels to choose from, including a reading light.
Pros:
- Recording feature included
- Range of ways to play music
- Multiple power options
- High durability
- Bluetooth
Cons:
- Not the best sound quality
- Difficult to use at first
4. FosPower Emergency SOS radio (best with alarm)
The best emergency radio needs to be lightweight, easy to use, and brimming with features that are crucial when you’re in a dangerous situation.
Fortunately, you can get all of those things with the FosPower Emergency SOS radio.
This sensational device is small enough to fit in big pockets or small backpacks.
It comes with a 2000MAH power bank, excellent for keeping your phone or other devices powered when you’re in a tight spot.
Like the other best emergency radios that we’ve looked at so far, the FosPower option comes with a range of ways to keep your device powered, including a hand-cranking feature.
One particularly impressive feature is the SOS alarm that’s ready to go and grab attention whenever you need it most!
The FosPower Emergency SOS Radio includes features like:
- Solar power or hand-cranking
- AAA batteries or rechargeable batteries
- 2 light sources always available
- SOS emergency alarm included
- NOAA emergency weather stations
- AM/FM radio tuning
- Lifetime warranty
This battery operated emergency radio is just a little bigger than a standard smartphone, but it comes with tons of functionality to give you peace of mind on your next adventure.
Unfortunately, the antenna on this device isn’t as durable as it should be. Also, the solar panels could do with being a bit more efficient.
Pros:
- Range of power options
- 2 light source options
- SOS emergency alarm included
- FM, AM or NOAA radio
- Warranty provided
Cons:
- A little flimsy in some areas
- Solar panels aren’t very efficient.
5. Eton emergency weather radio (best with Bluetooth)
Eton is a well-known brand in the emergency radio market. The company offers high-powered devices with plenty of fantastic features to explore.
The Eton emergency weather radio is a durable device that helps to keep you connected wherever you are.
The built-in lithium battery can pull energy from the sun thanks to an in-built solar panel, and there’s a hand-crank included for extra power generation too.
One thing that the Eton emergency radio offers that you won’t find from most other products, is a Bluetooth connection. That means that you can still play your favorite music, wherever you are.
Like most emergency radios, you also get connections to AM and FM, as well as NOAA signals for weather and emergency announcements too.
You’ll access features like:
- Weather alert system
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Easy charging with USB, solar panel, or hand crank
- AM, FM, and NOAA radio
- Bright LED flashlight
- Emergency beacon
- Ambient light with dimmer
- Phone charging options
The main thing that detracts from this device is the fact that it doesn’t come with
As a reliable travel buddy, the Eton emergency radio gives you everything you need to access the radio wherever you go and enjoy life in the great outdoors.
There’s even an extra “Alert” function that automatically broadcasts the weather alerts in your area.
Pros:
- Range of power options
- Excellent weather alert system
- AM, FM, and NOAA radio
- Emergency beacon included
- Bluetooth connectivity
Cons:
- Feels a bit plastic and cheap in places
- Manual is exceedingly difficult to follow
6. American Red Cross by Eton (best alert function)
The American Red Cross emergency radio from Eton is similar in style to the Eton product mentioned above. The main difference here is that you’re missing out on Bluetooth connectivity.
On the plus side, you still get everything else you need to stay connected on the move, including Eton’s patented Alert system. This function ensures that you can automatically receive any emergency weather alerts for your location instantly.
This top-rated emergency radio also includes a solar panel and hand turbine power generator, so you don’t have to rely on any plugs or outlets.
There’s also an LED flashlight and flashing beacon to help you get attention. You can even set alarms with this emergency radio to keep you on schedule too!
Features include:
- FM, AM and NOAA radio
- USB smartphone charging
- LED flashlight included
- Red flashing beacon
- Alert weather function
- Advanced durability in various conditions
- Hand crank or solar power
Like the Eton emergency radio mentioned above, the American Red Cross solution is durable, reliable, and fantastic for anyone who likes to live an active lifestyle.
For the difference in price, we would probably recommend going for the Bluetooth connectivity.
Pros:
- Quick solar and hand crank charging
- Excellent LED flashlight
- Alert weather function included
- Powerful internal battery
- Durable design
Cons:
- Difficult to follow instructions
- Can be quite tricky for hand-cranking
7. Vondior NOAA (best battery operated emergency radio)
At a size that’s just a little larger than a standard smartphone, the Vondior NOAA emergency radio doesn’t look like much at first. This durable device, however, could be a life saver for you in a critical situation.
This radio keeps you up to date with severe weather warnings, while also allowing you to listen to all of your favorite stations on the go.
Built for durability, this product comes with a robust design and a fantastic reception, so it’s ideal for those who don’t want to compromise on sound quality.
There’s only one way to power this device, and that’s through a set of two AA batteries. That still means that you can power your radio on the go and stay connected to what matters.
You will get features like:
- Pocket-sized design
- Leading battery-operated emergency radio
- 6-inch telescoping antenna
- High-level reception for FM, AM and NOAA radio
- Easy-to-use tuning screen
- 3 year warranty
- Exceptional sound quality
Ideally, this item would come with a few extra ways to access power in an emergency, such as a solar panel.
If you’re looking for something small and simple, the Vondior could be a perfect choice.
On the downside, because the item is so small, it can be difficult to use some of the features, like the tuning wheel – particularly in cold conditions.
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight design
- Battery powered functionality
- Excellent quality of sound
- FM, AM and NOAA radio
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Some of the buttons and dials are too small
- Instructions aren’t clear
8. Sangean MMR-88 (best with Morse code)
Here we have another of the best emergency radio options offered by Sangean, the MMR-88.
This fantastic device comes with wind-up functionality, a solar panel, and DC power options, depending on what you need.
There’s also a hand-strap included for easier portability.
Lightweight and compact, this emergency radio delivers more features than you would typically find from most emergency radios, such an SOS and Morse code blinking light.
One particularly useful feature of this Sangean emergency radio is that there’s a battery power indicator included for when you’re charging your smartphone.
What’s more, you also get a built-in clock with sleep timer functionality.
Features of the Sangean MMR-88 include:
- Built-in clock with timer
- Headphone output
- Illumination lamp
- LED flashlight with Morse code feature
- Emergency buzzer
- Hand crank dynamo or solar panel
- DC-in USB charging
- AM/FM tuner with 19 preset station options
- NOAA weather channels
We love the simple and reliable functionality of this product.
The Sangean gives you a range of power options to choose from, and it’s small enough to take with you wherever you go. The sound quality is surprisingly good for the price.
It can take quite a while to charge initially, and the solar panel isn’t very efficient. What’s more, it’s surprising that this device isn’t waterproof.
Pros:
- Excellent light functionality
- Various preset station options
- AM, FM, and NOAA radio
- Hand crank or solar power
- Compact and portable
Cons:
- Not waterproof
- Takes quite a while to charge
- Not the most efficient solar panel
9. Compass Culture 4000Mah radio (best with handle)
Having the best emergency radios with you ensures that you never have to worry about running out of charge when you’re exploring the great outdoors.
This lightweight and reliable Compass Culture emergency radio give you the option to charge your device in a multitude of ways.
You can choose from solar power, hand cranking, a rechargeable battery, or 3 AAA batteries.
This nifty little unit can deliver up to 15 hours of light when you’re in a difficult situation, or 6 hours of radio time, which means that it’s not the most robust emergency radio we’ve seen, but it will be more than enough for some users.
You get all the NOAA radio stations on this product, as well as AM and FM connectivity. What’s more, the powerful LED flashlight is great for grabbing attention too.
You’ll get features like:
- Cell phone charging functionality
- 4 different power methods
- NOAA weather radio included
- AM/FM radio
- Bonus flint fire starter included
- Handle for easy portability
- Convenient and lightweight design
One of the best things about the Compass Culture products is that it comes with so many added extras.
You even get a wearable survival tool that you can use as a compass, whistle, or file starter too.
If you’re looking for an all-in-one survival package, this is it. Plus, we love the durability of the handle.
Pros:
- Lots of bonus extras
- Lightweight and portable
- Durable handle
- Excellent screen for checking the time
- Smartphone charging
Cons:
- Poor sound quality in some cases
- Not the best battery life
10. RunningSnail emergency radio (best for beginners)
Finally, the RunningSnail emergency radio is a fantastic addition to anyone’s survival kit.
Like many of the top-rated radios that we’ve discovered so far, this item comes with a selection of great features, including a solar panel or hand crank for charging.
You can also use the USB port in the device to add some extra juice to your phone when you need to stay connected on the go.
This convenient and lightweight radio is about the same size as a smartphone, just a bit chunkier.
What’s more, it comes with an SOS alarm and flashlight to keep you feeling safe, wherever you might be.
Along with FM and AM radio, you’ll also have access to all of the NOAA emergency weather channels too.
You’ll get:
- AM, FM, and NOAA radio
- Rechargeable Li-On battery
- Hand crank or social power
- USB phone charging
- Small and lightweight design
- Easy tuning system
- SOS alarm
Small and simple, we think the RunningSnail emergency radio would be a good choice for anyone who doesn’t need a lot of advanced functionality for their hike.
If you want a good radio connection with a few bonus safety features thrown in, this is the tool for you.
Pros:
- Hand crank or solar panel
- USB and phone charging
- NOAA, AM and FM radio
- SOS and flashlight included
- Compact design
Cons:
- Limited volume and sound quality
- Not the best at battery life
How to choose the best emergency radio
Now that you’ve seen some of our best emergency radio reviews, you need to start thinking about what you need to feel safe and secure on your next adventure.
If you’re looking for something that covers all the basics and is still easy to use, then you might want the Esky emergency radio, with it’s durable and water-resistant design.
On the other hand, if you’re in need of a more advanced radio experience, then you might prefer the Eton emergency weather radio with added Bluetooth.
While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer here, a few of the features you may want to look at include:
Basic features
Most emergency radios will need a few crucial fundamental features to give you peace of mind. You’ll need an AM/FM receiver, and something that can accept NOAA alerts too. You may want something that can charge your smartphone so you can make calls in an emergency too.
Extra features
Beyond the basics, there are a bunch of emergency radios out there with additional functionality. The Kaito Voyager KA700 comes with Bluetooth, five lighting options, and an SD and memory card slot. The ideal radio for you might be something with SOS Morse code lighting, voice recording, or something else entirely.
Durability
All of the best emergency radios will be designed for durability. Remember that some devices are more durable than others. The Esky emergency radio, for example, is water-resistant, which is excellent if you’re caught in a storm. Look for features like water and dust resistance, as well as the ability to handle knocks and bumps.
Power options
The more power options you have with an emergency radio, the better off you’ll be. Ideally, you’ll need a battery-operated emergency radio that can use external battery or an internal rechargeable system. At the same time, it’s a good idea to invest in something with both hand-cranking features and solar panels available.
Portability
Emergency radios aren’t going to do you much good if they’re too big and heavy to take on your adventures. With that in mind, make sure that the device you choose is lightweight enough to form a crucial part of your preparedness kit. Don’t get bogged down by a considerable device just because it offers extra features.
Simplicity
An emergency radio needs to be something that you feel comfortable using in a time of crisis. Stay away from any products that you’re going to need to spend hours learning how to use. Everything from flashing your lights, to browsing through your available radio stations should be as simple as possible.
Which is the best emergency radio?
The best emergency radio is the one that makes you feel protected and confident wherever you go. This means if you want to choose the right emergency radios, you need to consider which features matter most to you.
That means that if you want to make the right investment, you need to think carefully about the features that matter most to you.
There are a lot of great products out there. We particularly like the Esky emergency radio for its simple performance and water-resistant design.
The Midland ER310 comes with one of the best battery lives that we’ve seen on the market today.
The Kaito Voyager Pro is brimming with extra functionality, while the Eton emergency is great for those who want to stream their own music on the move.
Which emergency radio is right for you? Let us know what you’re using in the comments below or connect with us on social media.
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