Whether you’re preparing for severe weather, a natural disaster, a power outage, or another unforeseen crisis, having a reliable emergency radio can ensure that (at the very least) you’ll have access to weather notifications, emergency broadcasts, and other critical updates when traditional communication channels fail.
In this guide, we’ve carefully tested and reviewed the best emergency radios of 2024 to give you all the information you’ll need to make a well-informed choice.
Our 6 Best Emergency Radios in 2024
Finding the best emergency radio can seem a bit tricky due to the prolific number of options that are available right now.
To come up with our list, we prioritized factors such as durability, weather alert capabilities, battery life, and portability, among others.
Here are our top choices right now:
These models were chosen to meet the needs of various situations, including home-based preparedness, travel and evacuation scenarios, natural disasters, and extended power outages.
1. Midland ER310 Radio: Best Overall Option
The Midland ER310 stands out as the best overall emergency radio due to its long-lasting battery life (up to 32 hours), versatile charging options (solar, hand-crank, and USB), and its automatic alert system that switches to local channels and sounds an alarm when severe weather warnings are issued.
Main Features
- NOAA Weather Alerts: Automatically receives alerts and switches to local NOAA channels, sounding an alarm for severe weather.
- Multiple Power Options: Includes a rechargeable battery, hand-crank generator, and solar panel for versatile charging.
- Long Battery Life: Features a 2,600 mAh rechargeable battery, offering up to 32 hours of continuous use.
- Smartphone/Tablet Charger: Charges devices via USB port, ensuring connectivity during power outages.
- Emergency Flashlight: Equipped with a powerful, adjustable flashlight with strobe and SOS beacon for signaling in emergencies.
- Compact and Portable: Lightweight design makes it easy to carry, whether at home or on the go.
- Digital AM/FM and Weather Band Tuning: Easily access radio channels in addition to weather alerts.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Excellent value for the range of features provided.
- Comfortable to use and easy to handle.
- Simple and intuitive controls.
- Multiple layers of safety (automatic alerts, SOS beacon etc).
- Very reliable across various scenarios.
Cons
- Alert siren can be louder than expected.
- Lacks full waterproofing (only water-resistant).
- Hand-crank charging can be labor-intensive.
Final Summary
The Midland ER310 is a reliable, user-friendly, and affordable emergency radio that strikes a perfect balance, covering all the essentials without overcomplicating anything.
Note: If you’re curious about how the SOS Morse code beacon works or want to learn more, you can check out our Morse Code guide.
2. Sangean MMR-88 Radio: Best for Durability
The Sangean MMR-88 comes with a rugged design reinforced with shock-resistant rubber on all four corners, multiple power options, and a triple LED flashlight with four lighting patterns, making it a dependable choice for challenging conditions.
Main Features
- Shock-Resistant Design: Reinforced with rubber on all four corners, offering excellent protection against drops and impacts.
- Multiple Power Options: Features solar charging, a dynamo hand-crank generator, and rechargeable lithium battery, ensuring consistent power in emergencies.
- Triple LED Flashlight: Equipped with brightness adjustment and four lighting modes (low, high, blinking, and SOS).
- Mobile Device Charging: Includes a USB Type-A port, providing power for phones and other devices in critical situations.
- NOAA Weather Alerts: Access to all seven NOAA weather radio frequencies and 19 preset stations, ensuring quick and reliable updates during emergencies.
- Compact and Portable: Measures 5.99 x 3.33 x 2.71 inches and weighs just 0.89 lbs, making it easy to carry in an emergency kit or outdoor bag.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Durable shock-resistant design.
- Multiple charging options (solar panel, hand-crank generator, rechargeable lithium battery).
- Compact and lightweight
Cons
- Limited battery capacity (850 mAh) and so may require frequent recharging.
- USB charging output is relatively low (0.3A), limiting its effectiveness for powering larger devices.
- Flashlight brightness is adequate but not the most powerful.
Final Summary
The Sangean MMR-88 is as reliable as they come, built to withstand tough conditions while delivering all the essential features you may need in an emergency — a dependable choice for those who won’t compromise on durability.
3. Midland ER10VP Radio: Best Budget Option
At nearly a fourth of the price of the Midland ER310, the Midland ER10VP manages to retain the most essential features while scaling back on some of the most advanced options (e.g., solar and hand-crank charging), making it an excellent choice for those seeking reliable functionality on a restricted budget.
Main Features
- NOAA Weather Alerts: Receives alerts directly from the National Weather Service, delivering both visual and audio notifications.
- AM/FM Radio with Digital Clock: Allows you to tune into local stations for news and entertainment, with a built-in digital clock for timekeeping.
- LED Flashlight with SOS Strobe: Equipped with a flashlight featuring high and low beam settings, as well as an SOS strobe function for emergency signaling.
- Compact and Portable: With dimensions of 5″ x 3″ x 1.2″, it easily fits into a pocket or gear bag, making it convenient for on-the-go use.
- Battery Operated: Powered by three AA batteries, which are included in the box.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Extremely affordable without sacrificing any emergency features.
- Compact and lightweight, perfect for travel or everyday carry.
- Simple and intuitive operation, suitable for those who may not be tech-savvy.
Cons
- No hand-crank or solar charging capabilities.
- Lacks advanced features like USB charging.
- Relies solely on manual tuning for NOAA channels.
Final Summary
The Midland ER10VP is the best option for those seeking a basic, straightforward emergency radio on a budget.
4. Eton FRX3+ Radio: Best For Low Light Use
The Eton FRX3+ stands out with its sleek design, exceptional ease of use, reliable performance, and number of features, making it a favorite among users and experts who appreciate both style and practicality in an emergency radio.
Main Features
- AM/FM Digital Tuning: Receives AM/FM radio with precise digital tuning for clear audio reception.
- NOAA and Environment Canada Weather Bands: Access all 7 NOAA weather bands and Environment Canada alerts for emergency updates.
- Emergency Weather Alerts: Automatically broadcasts emergency weather warnings via the alert function.
- Multiple Charging Options: Includes a hand-crank generator, solar panel, and a 600mAh rechargeable Ni-MH battery, with the option to use three AAA batteries as a backup.
- USB Smartphone Charging: Equipped with a USB output for charging small devices in critical situations.
- LED Flashlight and Red Beacon: Features a long-lasting LED flashlight and a red flashing beacon for emergency signaling.
- Glow-in-the-Dark Locator: Designed with glow-in-the-dark accents for easy identification in low-light conditions.
- Alarm Clock: Includes an alarm clock function for additional everyday utility.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Multiple charging options for reliable operation
- Ideal for nighttime emergencies.
- Very easy to store or carry.
Cons
- Solar charging is slower compared to other models.
- Not fully waterproof (only weather-resistant).
- Higher price point compared to similar models.
Final Summary
The Eton FRX3+ can be a great choice for those seeking a dependable, feature-rich, and well-rounded emergency radio, provided they’re comfortable with the slightly higher price point of some other alternatives.
5. FosPower A3 Emergency Solar Hand Crank Radio: Best for Extended Battery Life
The FosPower A3 stands out for its powerful 4,000mAh battery and versatile charging options, making it the most reliable choice for extended use during power outages or outdoor emergencies.
Main Features
- 4,000mAh Power Bank: High-capacity internal battery provides extended use for the radio and allows USB charging for smartphones and other devices.
- Three Power Sources: Recharge via hand-crank generator, solar panel, or micro-USB cable for reliable power in any situation.
- NOAA Weather and AM/FM Radio: Offers access to NOAA alerts and AM/FM broadcasts for real-time updates and emergency information.
- SOS Alarm and Dual Light Sources: Equipped with a loud SOS siren, a bright flashlight, and a motion-activated energy-saving reading light.
- Portable and Multi-Purpose Design: Compact and lightweight for easy carrying, ideal for emergency kits, outdoor activities, and general preparedness.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- High-capacity battery for extended operation.
- Easily charges smartphones or tablets via USB.
- Motion-activated reading light adds convenience and saves energy.
- Compact and durable design suitable.
Cons
- Larger and heavier compared to other models.
- On the higher end of the price range for emergency radios.
- Solar charging can be slow in low-light conditions.
Final Summary
The FosPower A3 is ideal for those seeking to stay powered and connected during extended emergencies, provided that they don’t mind its slightly bulkier size.
6. Kaito KA500 Voyager Radio: Most Versatile
The Kaito KA500 Voyager can truly be considered one of the most adaptable and feature-packed emergency radios out there due to its multiple power options, comprehensive broadcasting range, and durable, multi-functional design.
Main Features
- Five Power Options: Powered by an AC adapter (not included), three AA batteries (not included), a built-in replaceable Ni-MH battery, a hand-crank generator, or a 180-degree adjustable solar panel.
- Comprehensive Broadcasting Access: Provides access to AM/FM radio, shortwave frequencies, and 7 pre-set NOAA weather channels, making it easy to tune into critical updates during emergencies.
- Device Charging Capability: Equipped with a USB port, allowing you to charge smartphones or other small gadgets by cranking or using stored power.
- Unique Solar Panel Design: Contains an adjustable 180-degree solar panel, which maximizes sunlight exposure for charging the radio and batteries.
- Durable and Water-Resistant: Built with a tough, rubberized housing to withstand wear and tear while offering water resistance for outdoor or emergency use.
- Multi-Functional Lighting: Features a super-bright 5-LED reading lamp and flashlight for added utility.
Pros
- Multiple ways to stay powered in emergencies.
- Replaceable and rechargeable batteries extend product lifespan.
- Wide range of broadcasting options, including shortwave and NOAA alerts.
- Compact design with a durable, water-resistant build.
Cons
- AC adapter and AA batteries are not included.
- Slightly heavier than some other models.
- Speaker volume is lower compared to some other models.
Final Summary
The Kaito KA500 Voyager is one of the best options for those who want a dependable companion for both emergencies and everyday use, offering practical features and reliable performance in a variety of scenarios.
Best Emergency Radios FAQ
What type of emergency radio is best?
It depends; this is because the best emergency radio will be the one that best aligns with your specific needs.
For most users, we recommend starting with the Midland ER310 because it’s reliable, easy to use, and offers automatic weather alerts to keep you informed in any situation.
For more information, you can have a look at our Emergency Preparedness guide.
How do I choose an emergency radio?
To choose an emergency radio, you will need to consider features like power options, weather alert capabilities, durability and portability.
You should also think about your specific needs, like whether you require a radio with device charging options, as well as your budget to ensure it aligns with your preparedness goals.
How reliable is solar charging on emergency radios?
Generally speaking, solar charging is useful but tends to be slow and requires direct sunlight, which can be inconsistent.
This is why you shouldn’t rely on it as your primary power source and instead use it as a backup alongside other charging methods like hand-crank or USB.
Can emergency radios charge smartphones and other devices?
Yes, many emergency radios are equipped with USB ports to charge smartphones and other small devices.
That said, to charge devices effectively, they will need to have a high-capacity battery of at least 2,000mAh (e.g., FosPower A3 with its 4,000mAh power bank).