The Best Emergency Radio

Best Multi-Function

Kaito KA500 Voyager Emergency Radio

For Every Kind Of Emergency

With six ways to charge, access to 7 NOAA weather channels, and high quality reception, the Kaito KA500 is the perfect radio to keep you informed in every type of emergency situation.

No matter what situation you're in, you can be sure that the Kaito KA500 Voyager Emergency Radio will be there to provide important and potentially life-saving information. This portable emergency radio can be powered through six different methods––hand crank, solar panel, AA batteries, 5V USB, 5V AC/DC input, and built-in NiMH replaceable and rechargeable battery pack. Plus, it has a 5V USB output port that can charge mobile devices like phones, GPS units, digital cameras, and more.

Certified by the National Weather Service, we love this radio for its reliable and comprehensive coverage of AM (530-1710 KHz) and FM (88-108 MHz) radio as well as 2-band shortwave and 7 pre-programmed NOAA weather channels. Plus, it is equipped with Public Emergency Alert System (PEAS), so you will be in the know of any storms, floods, or any other emergency situation. Set the radio to "alert" mode and you will automatically get alert updates from NOAA weather stations.

The antenna extends up to 14.5" for high quality reception. It is also equipped with a 5-LED reading lamp, LED flashlight, and a red LED SOS beacon light, so even if the power goes out, you will still have some form of light. Plus, it has built-in speakers that deliver loud and clear sound.

The Kaito radio comes in four colors: yellow, blue, green, and red. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, this radio is constructed with durable impact-resistant and water-resistant materials. However, it is not fully waterproof, so use caution when using around water.

Key Features

  • 6 methods of power: hand crank, solar power, AA batteries, USB, AC/DC, and NiMH battery pack.
  • 7 pre-programmed NOAA weather channels
  • Built-in Public Emergency Alert System
Best For Camping

FosPower Emergency Solar Hand Crank Radio

Be Prepared And Stay Informed

Take the FosPower Emergency Radio with you on your next hiking adventure to stay in-the-know about severe weather. Plus, you'll have an easy way to recharge your phone and have access to a light.

This emergency radio from FosPower is powered by AAA batteries, plus it has a hand crank and solar panel for when you need an extra boost. The 2000 mAH power bank allows you to charge your phone or tablet when electricity is out in emergency situations. Just plug in your charger via the USB port and you're good to go.

We like this radio because it receives emergency weather and news alerts up to the second from NOAA and AM/FM stations. Whether it's a power outage or severe weather, it's important for your safety to stay informed during emergency situations.

The radio also has two light sources––a 4 LED reading light and 1W flashlight––that provide you with enough light in dark situations. There's also an SOS alarm feature that you can turn on if you need immediate help.

The package includes the radio, a user manual, and a carabiner, so you can easily clip your radio onto a backpack while camping or hiking.

Key Features

  • IPX3 water resistant
  • Power bank keeps phones and tablets charged in emergencies
  • Two LED light sources
Emergency Must Have

RunningSnail MD-090 Weather Radio

Radio With The Most Essential Features

Equipped with industry standard components, the RunningSnail radio will keep you and your family safe with weather radio broadcasts from NOAA stations and an SOS alarm if you need immediate relief.

The features on this radio may sound similar to the ones we've described on the other products, but that's only because we believe the features are non-negotiable when choosing an emergency radio to keep you and your family safe in dire situations.

The RunningSnail weather radio broadcasts and emergency alerts from NOAA weather alert stations as well as AM/FM stations. The radio can also be used as table lamp or a 1W LED flashlight to lighten up dark spaces when the power goes out. There is also an SOS alarm with a flashing red light in the event that you or someone around you needs immediate help.

The 2000 mAh rechargeable battery can provide up to 4-6 hours of radio time or 12 hours of light. If there's no access to electricity after the battery runs out, you can recharge the radio via solar power, AAA batteries, or hand crank. The radio can even be used as a charging port for phones and mobile devices so you can stay connected during uncertain times.

Key Features

  • Full battery provides up to 4-6 hours of radio time
  • Built-in SOS alarm
  • Can be used as a flashlight or lamp
Honorable Mention

American Red Cross Emergency Radio

Completes Every Emergency Kit

With features like a 3-way rechargeable battery, alarm clock, and access to every NOAA weather station, you'll be prepared for any emergency with the American Red Cross Emergency Radio.

Our last radio is from an organization that is best known for providing assistance and relief in disaster situations: the American Red Cross. Staying true to their mission of preventing and alleviating human suffering in the face of emergencies, the American Red Cross Emergency Radio provides its users with a product that is sure to come in handy in any type of urgent situation.

The radio receives all 7 NOAA/Environment Canada Weather stations and receives AM/FM radio signals. It also has a built-in alarm clock, red flashing beacon, and a flashlight function for when the power is out. We really like the alert function that automatically broadcasts emergency weather updates for your area.

With its superior 2600 mAh rechargeable battery, the radio can hold a charge up to 8.6 times longer than other models, which is a feature that will no doubt be useful in times of crisis. It can also charge your mobile device to ensure you are connected in scary times.

There are many ways to keep this emergency radio charged: the built-in battery can be charged through a plug-in and by solar panel or hand crank when electricity is not available.

With this radio, there's no doubt you will be prepared for any situation.

Key Features

  • Strong 2600 mAh battery
  • Built-in alarm clock
  • Alert function sends automatic emergency updates

Buying new technology like an emergency radio can seem tricky––especially when that technology is made to save lives. That's we at CinemaBlend put together this handy buyer's guide to clear up any confusing technical jargon to make your buying experience that much easier.

IPX Rating

IPX is standard that demonstrates on a 0-to-8 scale how resistant a product is against the elements, specifically water. An IPX-0 rated product has no protection against water. A product with an IPX of 1-6 are somewhat water resistant, while a product with an IPX of 7 or 8 are waterproof and can be submerged in water.

Milliampere Hour (mAh)

A milliampere hour is a unit of electrical charge that commonly measures battery capacity. A milliampere hour is one thousandth of an ampere hour. Generally, batteries with a larger mAh rating will have a longer lifespan than those with a smaller rating.

NOAA

The NOAA is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The National Weather Service operates within the NOAA, which provides the public with weather, hydrologic, and climate forecasts and warnings throughout the United States.

Amanda Huffman

Amanda Huffman is a writer based in St. Louis. When she’s not writing about lifestyle and culture, she can be found cooking up new recipes in her very small kitchen, doing improv, or hanging out with her cat Joni.