All of us have or have used a radio. They’re in our homes or in our cars. We listen to them for news, for music, and entertainment. In fact, some of us might remember when radios were this huge box in our living rooms. Radios are a part of our life and, in the case of an emergency, having one can mean our life.
Emergency radios are just what the name implies – radios designed to be used in the event of an emergency. When the unexpected happens, staying informed with pertinent updates helps us stay prepared and ready if and when the need for decisive action is needed. Because of this, having an emergency radio in your go bag is an absolute must.
In the age of the internet, radios are not as popular as they once were. For many of us, the only radio we have is the one in our car. And even then, we probably listen more to podcasts or internet radio. But now imagine if you were without internet. In that case, that little box known as a radio will become a lifeline. And so, with that in mind, we prepared this guide to not only help you see the importance of having an emergency radio in your go bag.
Please note that this content is reader supported. If you use these links to buy something we may earn a commission. Thanks.
TL;DR?
Don’t worry! We get it! You want to get right to the point. So here are our recommendations for emergency radios:
 | Midland Emergency Crank Radio | Buy on Amazon |
 | DaringSnail Emergency Radio | Buy on Amazon |
 | Vondior NOAA Weather Radio | Buy on Amazon |
 | FORTECLEAR Hand Crank Solar Emergency Radio | Buy on Amazon |
Do you want to learn more about emergency radios? Let’s jump into the guide.
AM/FM Radio Vs. Emergency Radio
All radios are not created equal. This is especially true when it comes to an AM/FM radio and an emergency radio.
AM/FM Radios are designed to only receive AM/FM stations. These are the local stations you are used to receiving on your radio dial. In the event of an emergency, these stations may not be operational or have the most up-to-date information.
On the other hand, emergency radios are designed to provide the most accurate, up-to-date weather information using the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) network of radio stations. This means that regardless of the situation you are informed. Additionally, these radios come with alert features that will automatically turn the radio on, send an alarm through the radio, and provide you with important information you need to have immediately. These are not features you will get in a standard AM/FM radio.
POWER OPTIONS
When in an emergency, electricity is not guaranteed. Having a radio that is able to get and stay charged is a must.
Today, it is easy to find radios that use disposable batteries. These are tried and true methods for radios without using an outlet. However, there are more reliable technologies out there such as rechargeable internal lithium-ion batteries. These can be charged in a variety of ways including an outlet or a computer.
Another option is solar-powered emergency radios. Using solar panels on the device, the batteries get charged and provide several hours of radio time.
Not to be skipped over are manual cranked radios. The hand crank generates electricity in the event you don’t have anything to power your device. While practical and on more emergency radios than other solutions, these will require more energy for a sufficient charge.
What About Alert Types
On the emergency radio, there are different technologies listed. As mentioned previously, it is important to get a radio that has NOAA or National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration network of radio stations. These will allow for you to have access to updated for severe weather or any other important bulletins.
Many radios also have the ability to send alerts in the event of an important message. This is a must have feature as this will automatically alert you even if your device is in standby mode. This feature coupled with Specific Area Message Encoding or SAME technology will allow you to get updates about your current location.
Important Emergency Radio Features
With a great variety of radios available, it is important to know what to look for. Fortunately, the vast majority of emergency radios have what you need to be prepared.
Features you need to look for include:
- NOAA
- Charging either through DC, USB, solar panels, or hand crank
- Good reviews about reception
- Durability, size, and weight
- Waterproof
- Flashlight (bonus feature)
- Charger (bonus feature)
- Clock
Recommended Emergency Radios
| Midland Emergency Crank Radio | Buy on Amazon |
| DaringSnail Emergency Radio | Buy on Amazon |
| Vondior NOAA Weather Radio | Buy on Amazon |
| FORTECLEAR Hand Crank Solar Emergency Radio | Buy on Amazon |
—
Top Recommended
In Stock
Midland Emergency Crank Weather AM/FM Radio
- 4 sustainable power sources to recharge the radio: Solar Panel, Hand Crank, Rechargeable 2600 mAh Battery, and 6 “AA” batteries.
- Emergency Flashlight
- NOAA Weather Scan and Alerts
- Charger
- Bonus Dog Whistle!
Top Budget
In Stock
DaringSnail Emergency Hand Crank Self Powered Radio
- A 2000mAh Built-in Li-ion battery to charge most of the device until power back; A LED flashlight with rugged cover design could light up your darkness.
- This emergency radio with a 2000mAh emergency power bank may be our life-saving tool. The emergency portable radio works with most USB powered devices, which could provide enough emergency power for important calls to your family, the emergency services, or for contacting assistance in emergency situations.
- The solar crank radios with multiple power backup options are the best choice in the emergency package.
- It comes with 1W LED Flashlight, which will cut through the blackness and maximize visibility.
Most Compact
In Stock
NOAA Weather Radio
- Uses 2 AA batteries. This radio will last for days after the storm have passed and the power will back on.
- Best reception in the market – Get weather broadcasts at a crystal-clear sound from anywhere in the US, thanks to our upgraded DSP Chip, 6-inch telescoping antenna and a high-performance built in speaker.
- PERFECT SIZE – A hand held portable radio, it will easily fit into your pocket or any emergency bag and receipt almost any frequency range: WB:162.400-162.550MHz AM:520-1710KHz, FM:87-108MHz
Also Consider
In Stock
FORTECLEAR 5000mAh Hand Crank Solar Emergency Radio
- The portable NOAA Weather Radio with external antenna can pick up both AM/FM radio stations and 7 NOAA weather channels.
- This rechargeable NOAA Weather Radio can deliver up to 20 hours of radio time or up to 8 hours of flashlight use on a single charge
- You can get illumination from the LED flashlight or the reading light. A separate SOS button lets you activate the SOS alarm siren and flashing Morse code beacon if you need help
- One minute of manual cranking can deliver up to 50 minutes of light or 6 minutes of radio
BUY A EMERGENCY RADIO TODAY
An emergency radio is a necessary item to include in your go bag. With so many options readily available, it is worth taking the time now to buy one. In any emergency, the safety of yourself and those around you is of utmost importance. Being alert to weather or other changing conditions is a must. Don’t wait!
