10 Best Emergency Radios [2022 GUIDE]

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Welcome to the best emergency radios review and buying guide to help make your purchase decisions easier.

Best Value Emergency Radio:

Kaito Voyager V2 NOAA Emergency Radio

The radio is affordably-priced under $30 but comes feature-packed with five power options, a cell phone charger, LED flashlight, and many more. The impact and water resistance capabilities extend its versatility for use in the great outdoors.

(Scroll down for review details)

Best Compact Emergency Radio:

Vondior Compact Battery-Operated Emergency Radio

It is the most compact radio that made this list and came with regular features such as NOAA channels, AM and FM capabilities, and an audio jack, making it handy wherever you go. Feature-wise, it is bare, but its audio quality and excellent reception will leave you satisfied.

(Scroll down for review details)

Best Portable Emergency Radio for Hiking and Travel:

RunningSnail MD-090P 4000mAh Portable Emergency Radio

The radio is sturdy and picks up the channels reliably. Its useful features such as a flashlight for general lighting, reading lamp, and cell phone charger are practical when you are out and about.

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Best High-End Emergency Radio for Preppers:

Sangean U4 Ultra Rugged Digital Tuning Radio

It may be pricey, but it has excellent build quality and performance that you can expect from Sangean. The well-designed speakers, knobs, buttons, Bluetooth, AUX-in, and cell phone charger make the radio a robust all-rounder.

(Scroll down for review details)

Best Two-Way Emergency Radio:

Retevis RT49P Waterproof Emergency Two-Way Radio

It has 11 NOAA weather channels and 22 license-free channels that you can tune for two-way communications during emergencies.

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Best Emergency Radio with Shortwave:

Mesqool CR1009 5000mAh Solar Hand Crank Shortwave Emergency Radio

Its NOAA, AM, and FM channels broadcast are standard in most radios. The shortwave capability sets it apart from the rest.

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Best Emergency Radio with Solar and Crank Charger:

RunningSnail MD-097 Hand Crank Solar Survival Radio

The five power options are not the only prominent features on the MD-097, its 4000mAh rechargeable battery is plenty powerful, and the sound quality is top-notch.

(Scroll down for review details)

Best Emergency Radio with Bluetooth:

Kaito KA900 Emergency Radio with Bluetooth, Recorder, MP3 Player

Aside from broadcasting NOAA weather channels, the extensive audio features such as Bluetooth and MP3 player make it a mini entertainment all-rounder.

(Scroll down for review details)

Best Emergency Radio with Cell Phone Charger:

Rocam 5000mAh Rechargeable Emergency Radio with Phone Charger

Apart from its powerful 5000mAh lithium-ion battery, it has great features, including an extra-bright LED flashlight, reading lamp, SOS alarm, and phone charger. The audio is clear, and the radio’s overall performance will not let you down.

(Scroll down for review details)

Emergency radios are a great way to keep you informed in the event of an emergency.

If there was a hurricane, tornado, electrical outage, or any other type of local crisis that disrupts TV and radio stations, having some form of communication is critical for your survival.

These devices have multiple ways to receive different types of information, which will help you and your family stay safe during these distressing events. It is one of those crucial devices that you don’t realize how much you need until something happens.

THE 10 BEST EMERGENCY RADIOS REVIEW

#1 Kaito Voyager V2 NOAA Emergency Radio

You wish to buy an emergency radio without spending too much on it, either because it is your first radio or you’ve had a bad prior experience with a faulty unit.

Still, you want the radio to pack in as many features as possible and has excellent build quality.

The Kaito Voyager V2 is the radio for you.

You have the maximum of 5 power options an emergency radio on the market has. They include a solar panel and hand crank, so you will never run out of recharging methods.

The radio also comes with the standard NOAA channels and AM, FM, and shortwave capabilities.

Its built-in flashlight and siren are great features when you need to signal for help or warn others of impending danger.

It is impact and water-resistant, making the radio an excellent companion for the indoors or outdoors.

What you get with this emergency radio:

• 5-way power: solar, hand crank, 600mAh NiMH rechargeable battery, AAA batteries (not included), and USB charger.
• NOAA channels, AM, FM, and shortwave.
• LED flashlight, siren, LED SOS beacon light.
• 14-inch telescopic antenna.
• Audio jack.
• Cell phone charger.
• Palm-sized: L5.25 x W2.5 x H2 inches.
• Impact-resistant.
• Water-resistant.
• Choice of green or yellow.

Drawback:

• Short-than-average battery life.

#2 Vondior Compact Battery-Operated Emergency Radio

The Vondior radio has standard features, such as the NOAA channels, and is AM and FM-capable.

It may only run on AA batteries for such a small radio and does not have the fancy bells and whistles of more expensive devices, but it performs incredibly well and is easy to use.

Its compact size and audio jack cater to your listening pleasure wherever you are.

What you get with this emergency radio:

• AA battery-operated (2x)
• NOAA channels, AM, FM.
• 6-inch telescopic antenna.
• Audio jack.
• Compact: L4.9 x W3.12 x H1.28 inches.

Drawback:

• It has NOAA channels but not the alert type.

#3 RunningSnail MD-090P 4000mAh Portable Emergency Radio

Emergencies aside, the 4-way powered radio is versatile and makes a great audio device when hiking, camping, or traveling.

You can stay tuned to the weather channels and tap into its AM and FM capabilities for your listening pleasures.

The 1-watt flashlight, reading lamp, and cell phone charger are useful features to have during power outages or in one of your exciting adventures outdoors.

What you get with this emergency radio:

• 4-way power: solar, hand crank, 4000mAh lithium-ion rechargeable battery, micro-USB charger.
• NOAA channels, AM, and FM.
• 1W flashlight, SOS light, motion-sensor reading lamp.
• Cell phone charger.
• L6.3 x W2.48 x H3.19 inches.
• Choice of green or orange.

Drawbacks:

• Sensitive volume control knob.
• Does not have an audio jack.

#4 Sangean U4 Ultra Rugged Digital Tuning Radio

For preppers who desire an extensive feature-list in an emergency radio that can perform reliably for those “what if” events, the Sangean U4 is the go-to radio.

It has a unique design that stands out from the rest. But more importantly, it is robust and water, dust, and shock-resistant ensuring a radio that performs when you need it to.

An audio jack, Bluetooth, AUX-in, and cell phone charger make the Sangean a handy radio to have in any unexpected situation.

Some users may see this as a downside, but it only runs on either the corded charger or rechargeable batteries.

What you get with this emergency radio:

• 2-way power: 12-volt DC corded charger, 6x D-size (UM-1) rechargeable batteries with 2x AA batteries (not provided) only for clock and preset station functions.
• NOAA channels, AM, and FM.
• LCD display with backlight.
• Bluetooth and AUX-in.
• Audio jack.
• Cell phone charger.
• L11.73 x W10.55 x H13.46 inches.
• Water-resistant.
• Dust-resistant.
• Shock-resistant.

Drawback:

• Middling Bluetooth range.

#5 Retevis RT49P Waterproof Emergency Two-Way Radio

Retevis makes excellent two-way radios, which are useful in emergencies or when venturing outdoors.

It comes with the standard NOAA channels for weather updates, in addition to the 22 FRS channels for two-way communications.

A useful feature worth highlighting is its IP67 waterproof capability. If you accidentally drop the radio into the water, it floats and triggers the red LED light to start flashing, so you will have no problem locating it.

What you get with this two-way emergency radio:

• 2 radios pack.
• 3x AA NiMH rechargeable batteries for each radio (can use ordinary AA batteries).
• 11 NOAA channels, 22 license-free channels.
• IP67 Waterproof; if dropped into the water, the radio floats, and LED light flashes.
• SOS button for emergency alert.
• Charging dock included.

Drawback:

• Nothing notable.

(See our review on walkie-talkies if you want to explore more of this type of portable radios)

#6 Mesqool CR1009 5000mAh Solar Hand Crank Shortwave Emergency Radio

As a radio for power outages or crises, the Mesqool can broadcast the NOAA, AM, FM, and shortwave channels for maximum versatility.

The 5000mAh lithium-ion battery is one of the highest capacity power units on the market and will serve you well besides the other four power options.

The flashlight, SOS alarm, reading light, and cell phone charger are useful in crises or when electricity is unavailable.

You also have a compass, wrist strap, and carabiner clips that make carrying it effortless.

What you get with this emergency radio:

• 5-way power: solar, hand crank, 5000mAh lithium-ion rechargeable battery, 3x AAA batteries (not included), micro-USB charger.
• NOAA channels, AM, FM, and shortwave.
• Flashlight, loud SOS alarm and beacon light, and reading light.
• Audio jack.
• Cell phone charger.
• L6.77 x W3.7 x H2.91 inches.
• Compass, nylon wrist strap, and carabiner clips for easy carry.
• Choice of yellow or red.

Drawbacks:

• Sensitive tuning knob.
• Cannot receive more than a few AM and FM channels.

#7 RunningSnail MD-097 Hand Crank Solar Survival Radio

Finding an emergency radio that you can recharge via a solar panel or hand crank is not difficult. Still, the MD-097 radio stood out for its extensive features and overall excellent performance in audio and reception.

The industry-standard 18650-sized 4000mAh lithium-ion battery is more than adequate to meet the various power demands from weather broadcasts, LED flashlight, AUX player, and cell phone charger.

The triangular design gives it a stable base and makes the LED display more comfortable to see when placed below eye level.

What you get with this emergency radio:

• 5-way power: solar, hand crank, 4000mAh lithium-ion rechargeable battery, 3x AAA batteries (not included), micro-USB charger.
• NOAA channels, AM, and FM.
• Large LED display, 1W LED Flashlight, and SOS alarm.
• AUX music player.
• Cell phone charger.
• L7.95 x W3.54 x H3.15 inches.

Drawback:

• No option to turn off the alert alarm once it goes off on an NOAA station.

#8 Kaito KA900 Emergency Radio with Bluetooth, Recorder, MP3 Player

You get what you pay for. At just under $100, the Kaito KA900 is feature-rich.

Aside from the standard NOAA, AM, and FM channels, it can also receive shortwave channels to give you extensive reception options.

The MP3 player with sound equalizer and Bluetooth receiver double up, making the radio an able audio performer for leisure when regular electricity supply is unavailable.

The phone charger is another handy function.

What you get with this emergency radio:

• 5-way power: solar, hand crank, 5000mAh lithium-ion rechargeable battery, 3x AAA batteries (not included), micro-USB charger.
• NOAA channels, AM, FM, and shortwave.
• LED display with backlight, LED flashlight, bright 5-LED reading lamp, and alarm clock.
• 14-inch telescopic antenna.
• MP3 player with digital sound equalizer, recorder for live and scheduled broadcasts.
• Audio jack.
• Bluetooth.
• Cell phone charger.
• L9.5 x W5.5 x H2.5 inches.

Drawbacks:

• Utilizing the radio features could be made simpler.
• Middling Bluetooth performance.

#9 Rocam 5000mAh Rechargeable Emergency Radio with Phone Charger

The Rocam radio has a wide range of reception capabilities – NOAA, AM, FM, and shortwave. Its telescopic antenna can help provide improved reception.

The 5000mAh lithium-ion rechargeable battery is the largest capacity you can find and will serve you well besides the other four power options.

The flashlight, SOS alarm, reading light, and cell phone charger are useful features, but you should only use them during emergencies to prolong the radio’s lifespan.

What you get with this emergency radio:

• 5-way power: solar, hand crank, 5000mAh lithium-ion rechargeable battery, 3x AAA batteries (not included), micro-USB charger.
• NOAA channels, AM, FM, and shortwave.
• IPX3 water-resistant.
• Bright 3W LED Flashlight, loud SOS alarm, and 6-LED reading light.
• 10.3-inch telescopic antenna.
• Audio jack.
• Cell phone charger.
• L6.77 x W2.4 x H3.7 inches.
• Compass, nylon wrist strap, and carabiner clips for easy carry.

Drawback:

• The solar charger does not contribute much charge to the battery.

#10 Dodocool NOAA Hand Crank Solar Survival Radio

This emergency radio is capable of all the essential functions you would expect.

You get five power and recharging options, including the 2000mAh lithium-ion rechargeable battery. The hand crank and AAA battery options are practical when primary charging sources are not available.

The built-in speakers’ audio performance is loud and clear, and the 3-mode LED flashlight – reading, flash, and flash – is practical and multi-purpose.

On top of that, the housing in white and gray color scheme is good-looking and made from impact-resistant and waterproof ABS material for durability.

What you get with this emergency radio:

• 5-way power: solar, hand crank, 2000mAh lithium-ion rechargeable battery (supports 4 to 6-hour broadcast), 3x AAA batteries (not included), USB charger.
• NOAA channels, AM, and FM.
• Telescopic antenna.
• Cell phone charger.
• 3-mode LED flashlight, SOS alarm.
• L7.09 x W4.92 x H2.56 inches.

Drawbacks:

• Very sensitive tuner.
• Poor solar charger.

Best Emergency Radio Under $100:

RunningSnail MD-090P 4000mAh Portable Emergency Radio

It has a large-capacity 4000mAh lithium-ion rechargeable battery, 3-mode flashlight, motion-sensor reading lamp, and cell phone charge. The MD-090P proves that a feature-rich and reliable emergency radio does not have to cost a fortune.

Emergency Radio Buying Guide

It is crucial to stay informed with alerts and updates from the authorities when disaster strikes.

What is the best type of emergency radio for your needs?

You have many options, and this article will guide you through the process of finding the right radio for you.

Types of Emergency Radios

Emergency radios were bulky and awkward a few decades ago. Today’s models are a far cry from that description; they have evolved to become compact, user-friendly, and feature-rich.

The types of emergency radios, in order of evolution, include:

• Weather Alert Radio – It is the most basic type. It alerts you to weather advisories and other emergencies via a sound or light alarm.
• Weather Radio – Has pre-programmed stations to access NOAA emergency broadcasts and other weather warnings and multiple power and recharging options.
• Am/FM Radio – The latest emergency radio models have various features, including AM and FM radios, pre-programmed NOAA alert stations, multi-powered, flashlight, digital clock, cell phone charger, digital clock, and shortwave capability.

The models you find on the market today have many features, so buying an emergency radio according to what it can do for you matters more than the type.

Why Do You Need One?

An emergency radio’s usefulness is obvious, and its functions include allowing you to:

• Get updates on the development of various kinds of emergencies in your area.
• Access information and instructions on evacuations or the crucial next steps.
• Connect with loved ones during emergencies when electricity is unavailable.
• Charge your cell phone.
• Send calls for help (on two-way radios).

How to Choose an Emergency Radio?

An emergency radio is a crucial survival tool.

When large-scale disaster strikes, your usual means of communication will likely become unavailable. AM/FM radios will only receive local stations, and standard cell phones will not work.

The absence of electricity in most emergencies also makes charging your phone impossible.

With the various critical tasks you need it to do, what should you look for in an emergency radio?

Look for these capabilities and features when choosing an emergency radio:

• Pre-programmed NOAA stations – give you 24-hour access to alerts, forecasts, and hazard information from the network of FM weather radio stations nationwide.
• AM/FM radio – the ability to listen to AM and FM broadcasts widens your access to any available information that may be helpful.
• Shortwave capability – allows you to receive broadcasts from around the world. Shortwave radio travels farther than FM broadcasts.
• Power and charging options – choice or combination of a hand crank, battery, solar, car charger, USB cable, and standard power outlet charging. More recharge options ensure the radio keeps running in crucial times.
• Battery life – rechargeable lithium-ion batteries vary from 800 to 5,000 mAh. Obviously, more is better.
• Flashlight – While in the basement or when the lights are out, alternative lighting is useful.
• Speaker options – an additional audio jack for the earpieces or headphones is handy when you need to maintain a quiet environment.
• Digital clock and alarm – keep track of time when the cell phone battery runs out.
• Build quality – you want a sturdy casing that can take the hard knocks in unpredictable situations without breaking.
• Waterproof – you need one that still works in wet conditions.