Note: This list was updated for 2024 to feature newly released products.
In the past few years you have probably heard more about emergency radios than ever below thanks to the most recent natural disasters and of course the Covid-19 crisis. Emergency radios are essentially a radio receiver designed to remain functional in case of power outages or limited contact with civilizations. These radios are often designed to run on minimal resources and usually with renewable power sources such as solar. They cover standard AM and FM broadcasting bands as well as weather radio wherever the service is provided.
POVO PO-R01 – $30
A midsize model that can be powered by battery, USB, solar panel, or 3 AAA batteries. It is one of the cheapest options and you’ll definitely feel that. However, these are solid and pack a great LED flashlight that has different brightness levels including a strobe/blink feature. The unique feature on this one is the SOS alarm which is intended to alert people if you need help (think of situations where you could be trapped for example.
RunningSnail MD-090 Weather Radio – $30-$35
There are five various ways to power this excellent weather radio, including the main adaptor, a USB port, a car adapter, solar power, and my personal favourite, the hand crank. However, these are just the procedures required to charge the 2000mAh rechargeable battery; if you’d rather not use any of them, simply insert three AAA disposable batteries, and you’ll be ready to go. Other than that, it has a brilliant LED light that produces a respectable amount of power, and the total size of the device may be regarded as extremely small.
Eton FRX3 Plus – $25-$30
An interesting option as it includes a phone charger option which might be handy depending on how you have things setup. It has several power options, including 3 AAA batteries, solar power, or hand crank. I like the LED display on it and the various input/output options on it. Extra bonus, it has an alarm function as well as a weather alert function.
Kaito KA500 – $40-$50
Probably one of the most popular options out on the market and one that is being shown more on the internet by survivalists. It is built to be a very sturdy and tough radio that can withstand tougher conditions. This is definitely one of the bigger units on this list and it includes power option such as USB adapter, AA batteries, solar panel, main adapter, or hand crank. One of the unique features is the NOAA alert setting which will monitor the weather band and when it receives information it will broadcast it.
Baofeng BF-F8HP Ham Radio – $55-$65
The most expensive option on the list but it is also a Ham radio. This is an incredible emergency radio because it packs the Ham radio feature in with a weather radio option. It isn’t user-friendly, as you obviously need a Ham radio license to operate it but it is very capable and incredibly handy. It also does FM radio as well.
Stay safe.
Smooth