Best Emergency Radios for Prepping & Survival

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A good emergency radio that can be run on a variety of power sources is something you should consider adding to your preps, so you can stay informed and entertained.

In this post, I have attempted to throw a few ideas out there for affordable, best prepper radios to add to your setup. Just keep in mind, we won’t be covering MURS or Ham radio systems.

Criteria For A Good Emergency Radio

Before you head out and buy a radio, you should know what to look for. Use the following criteria as a guide before making a purchase.

Power Consumption

An emergency radio needs to have little demand in terms of power consumption. It is best if there is some way to have a renewable energy source like a hand crank or a solar panel built-in. If you have a battery-powered radio then go for one that takes AA or AAA batteries since they are the most common battery sizes and easier to find. It is also easy to store some rechargeables and keep them topped off with a solar battery charger for use in multiple devices.

Bands

Some radios have a NOAA weather band, AM/FM, shortwave, and a public alert band while others may have only one or two of these features. Make sure to read the fine print so you know what bands you are getting for your money. Personally, I don’t care about AM frequencies but the other bands may all be quite nice to have in a major emergency or when hacking it out in the bush.

Cost

Like any electronic device you can pay a little or a lot and while there is some truth to the saying “You get what you pay for”, sometimes this is not the case. Just look at the cost of cell phones. My $30 Smartphone from Virgin Mobile was left out in the vineyard and went through rain and animals grazing for a month and it still works. Try that with a $600 iPhone and see how that turns out! When it comes to the best emergency radios for preppers, you really don’t need to spend more than $30-$80 to get a multi-purpose unit.

Size

A speaker can only do so much and the same goes for an antenna.  You may also want to be able to put your radio in a smaller pocket on a pack or you may simply be pressed for space because you are prepping while renting or have to travel a lot. Some radios are not much bigger than what will fit in your hand and they have a lot of function but the speaker is going to be small.

If you think radio might be part of your SHTF entertainment or are going to be sharing with the family then either have a compatible speaker or get a slightly larger radio. Remember that the more powerful the speaker, the more power it is going to consume. For units with solar panels or cranks at least you have a few options for keeping it going.

Display and Tuning

There is a bit of a debate about digital versus manual tuning. I will say that digital has the advantage of being easy and precise. On the other hand, digital tuners have a tendency to not last as long as manual ones. Digital displays and tuners are more complicated to make and have more components. I had a really good shortwave radio that worked well for many years but the first thing to mess up was the digital tuner. The buttons got stuck and would not stop when I wanted them to.

Digital displays often include a clock and you can set an alarm, while most radios with manual tuning are just that, radios, no clocks included. Remember that during an emergency or SHTF scenario, the cell phone and computer clocks we rely on might not be available for all or any of the time.

Reception

Reception can be affected by a lot of different things. Plenty of people use wires to make longer antennas to get a bigger signal. My Dad would run a copper antenna to the top of the house when I was a kid.

Trying to get a signal in a house with a metal roof or that has a lot of barriers in your line of sight can be a problem.

There is also the fact that some stations are simply broadcasting a stronger signal so you are going to pick them up better than others regardless of other factors.

If you want an extra antenna then I advise buying a kit. They are inexpensive and so easy to order now. No need to put one together yourself! If you do find yourself in a SHTF situation you can strip some scavenged wire and strip the ends to attach to your antennae.

Wayl Emergency Radio

This radio offers many different options for power! It is hard to imagine how you could not keep this radio going in a major situation!

• Dimensions: 7.4″x3.9″x2.7″
• Weight: 1.2lb

This radio features a 4000 maH power bank so you can keep your cell phone or other small device topped off. The radio charges fully off of solar in around 24 hours but can charge in less time depending on the level of light.

The radio itself can run for a full 12 hours on a single charge. This is pretty good especially considering that if the panel is collecting solar energy you are probably going to get more charge while listening during the day.

When solar is not available you can also run this radio off 3 AAA batteries. The hand-cranking option for charging works at a rate of 1 minute of cranking rapidly for 30 minutes of flashlight usage or 15-20 minutes of radio. Oh and you can charge it up via USB too!

Radio and Mp3

7 NOAA weather bands keep you informed of conditions whereas the AM/FM keeps you informed on other matters.

Tuning is manual but everything is easy to read.

This device is great for those that want to listen to their music or shows. You can use a USB stick with audio stored on it and listen to whatever you want. This means this radio has a lot of potential for entertainment during an emergency situation. Some audiobooks or music could help improve morale, and if you’re listening solo, you can spare the double speakers and use headphones instead. You can also use a TF (Class 10) card.

The radio does not have a shortwave band but other than that it has a lot to offer.

Lighting

Extra light is always nice and it is even better when you have so many options to charge it up. The 20-lumen reading light can be angled or you can use the 100-lumen flashlight features. You can get up to 40 hours of light on a full charge.

Alarm

There is an SOS alarm feature if you need to draw attention or even scare off wildlife.

Kaito KA500 5-way

• Dimensions: 8.3 x 2.3 x 5.3 inches
• Weight: 1.8 lb

Kaito is a name you see a lot in emergency radios. They make a wide variety of styles with various features. This radio will appeal to those that like a more retro radio. You are going to have to turn and adjust some dials to get anywhere with this one. That being said there is the advantage that dials are reliable and last a long time.

Charging Options

The Kaito has a built-in battery that can be charged in a variety of ways. It can be hand-cranked or run on the included solar panel, charged on USB, or through a separate AC adaptor. If the battery runs out, three AA batteries can also be used and can be a nice backup.

Battery Bank

If you need to charge a small device like a cell you can use the radio as a power bank. While solar is enough, the hand crank option is recommended.

AM/FM/Shortwave/NOAA

This radio offers all the bands you could ask for. From 7 NOAA bands for the weather to your classic AM/FM to shortwave, you are covered. The manual tuning can be a bit frustrating for those used to digital but it gets the job done.

Reading Light

This radio does not offer as much light as some but it does have a reading light which can be helpful during those evenings during an emergency or even just when camping out.

The American Red Cross FRX3+ Emergency Weather Radio

• Dimensions: 5 3/4″ H x 7″ W x 2 2/3″ D
• Weight: 1.25 lb

The American Red Cross seems to use the well-known Eton brand to make their emergency radios. I have one of the emergency hand-cranked LED flashlights and battery banks from their line and it works well. This radio is a space-efficient cube with a solar panel on the top as well as a hand crank for charging in an emergency where electricity is scarce or non-existent.

Digital LED Display and Clock

For those that like a nice bright LED display and digital tuning, this emergency radio is a great option. The display lights up for great visibility during an emergency. It is nice to have a clock so you can time things and keep better track during an SHTF scenario.

Very Packable

The overall design of this radio makes it very packable and easy to fit into a small compartment. It is also easy to pick up, hang in a tree, or just sit down. I like stable devices that offer versatility and this delivers.

Solar Hand Crank Emergency Radio

• Dimensions: 7″ x 4″ x 2.7″
• Weight: 1.4 lb

I have a soft spot for these classic little survival boom boxes! On top of their small size, they have a lot of functionality for your dollar.

The solar and hand crank charging options sure are handy and mean you can keep this going in a dire situation.  The dual speakers produce strong sound but you can use a set of headphones if you want.

Bonus Paracord Bracelet

This radio comes with a few other things that are attached to a paracord bracelet. You get an emergency whistle, compass, and firestarter flint. I can see how this might be a good gift for a beginning prepper or younger person that likes to get out on the trail sometimes too!

Power Bank

A 2000 mAH battery provides some power for your cell or e-reader during an emergency. I am one of those that would care more about keeping some entertainment than my cell going. I am rarely on the phone so during SHTF I find it unlikely that I will use a phone much during a major situation.

Battery Life

On a single charge, you can expect 15 hours of lighting or 6 hours of radio. When it comes to charging up your cell you can use the hand crank for 1 minute to gain 3-5 minutes of talk time which should be plenty to let others know your situation!

Kaito Voyager Pro KA600

• Dimensions:9 ½ x 5 ½ x 2 ½ inches
• Weight: 1 lbs

This Kaito is a grade up from the previous model we talked about in this post. This model features an illuminated digital display and comes in a variety of colors. I can see that sometimes a brighter color might be good for visibility but some may want a color that blends in.

This is a very high-grade emergency radio that will stand the test of time.

Size

One of the critical points I have read about is that this radio is lightweight and seems more like a kid’s toy. Well, I have to chime in and say that this is a common complaint from those that have not bought a radio in a while and think that quality items should be heavy. Years ago it was absolutely true that radios were heavy but a lot of work has gone into making them light and easy to carry.

Charging Options

The Kaito can be powered using the included solar panel or hand cranking. You can also use an AC charger when there is reliable electricity. The battery pack that is included is replaceable if you find it is not holding a charge as well as it used to.

Battery Bank

The Kaito can be used as a battery bank for charging cell phones and such. Customers recommend using the hand crank for charging up your phone.

Shortwave/AM/FM/NOAA/ Longwave

If you want a radio that offers all the different bands then this is an option.  This radio also supports radio data so the digital display can offer more info such as what is playing. There is also 355 memory slots so you can program in your favorites for easy listening later on.

Flashlight and Reading Lamp

Kaito says the reading lamp is 5 LEDs and adjustable. The flashlight is supposed to be very bright.

Crane CC Solar Observer Wind Up Radio

• Dimensions: 7.25″ W x 5.5″ H x 2″ D
• Weight: 1 lb

Discussing radios without including CC Crane is almost impossible. This is a classically styled little radio with a handy carry handle.

Charging Methods

You can charge this radio up with the hand crank or use the solar panel. If the radio is allowed to charge in full sun for 8 hours you can get 4-6 hours of radio playtime. That means you could listen to the radio a lot during the evenings and just be using solar.

Of course, the hand crank allows you to maintain power for longer or help charge the radio when there is little sunlight, 90 seconds of cranking allows for 12 minutes of radio play.

The battery pack that is included should be “cycled” every 4-6 months for best results according to CC Crane. This just means you should get your radio out every once in a while and top off the battery so it is ready for a full charge when you need it.

You can also use 3 AA alkaline batteries for backup or just when you don’t want to fool around with solar or hand cranking.

Batttery Bank Charging

CC says that you can expect to get 40 minutes of talk time off of a full charge from the battery bank. Of course, if you crank the handle you won’t deplete your power bank too fast and you can listen to your radio too.

AM/FM/NOAA

This radio has the basic bands and no shortwave. I like that it at least has a weather radio feature. To me in most survival situations, the weather radio feature is more important than shortwave.

Flashlight

There is a small light on this radio that would be okay in an emergency but should not be considered a total main flashlight replacement.

Analog Radio Portable Shortwave Transistor

• Dimensions: 4.9 x 2.9 x 1 in
• Weight: Around 5 ounces!

This is a really basic little receiver that I wanted to include for those that want something very affordable, compact, and that includes a shortwave listening band. This is a radio that you are going to need to use batteries or an AC adaptor but for some this may not be a problem.

It just takes 2 AA batteries and that gives you a lot of time. If you have a little solar battery charger then you shouldn’t have much problem keeping this little radio going. It will literally fit in your pocket and the antennae it comes with is decent and you could easily attach a wire and make a more extensive antenna.

Sangean MMR-88 Radio

• Dimensions: 5.98 x 2.71 x 3.3 in
• Weight: 0.86 lbs

My Dad has always been really into radio and he had a few Sangeans he was happy with. When looking into survival radios I found this ruggedly built affordable option. I like how this has tough exterior housing and the bright color makes it easy to find even in darker conditions.

Charging Methods

You can choose between solar, hand cranking, or USB. Remember that you can get AC to USB adaptors that would allow you to charge this through a standard power outlet too if that is something you are interested in.

Public Alert

This radio has the distinguishment of being a Public Alert Certified radio so it will give you warnings if there is bad weather coming.

Charging Devices

There is not much stated about how fast you can charge a small device but using USB you can charge things like your phone. The charging capabilities are listed as 5 watts and 0.3 amps out.

Clock and Emergency Buzzer

The bright LED display features a clock but you also have a buzzer for making some noise when you need it.

Flashlight

The flashlight is bright and features a lot of different light modes like blinking, morse code, and SOS, high, and low.

AM/FM/ Weather

This radio keeps it simple with just the basic bands most people want. 19 presets allow you to tune in to your favorite stations with ease.

One thing I would like to point out about this radio is that there is a cover to keep dirt and debris out of your USB and other ports. It can be hard to keep those clean so I am glad the manufacturer thought of that.

Shortwave and MURS Radio System

Alas, I can only fit so much in a single post. and this post was meant to provide some options for those that want a general radio for information, weather alerts, and entertainment. For those that want more information on the MURS and shortwave or ham radio systems, I encourage you to check out the following previous posts.

The Best MURS Radios

Why Preppers Need A Ham Radio License and How To Get One

Having More Than One Type of Radio Might Be the Best Answer

The best emergency radios in this post are very affordable. Sometimes you may want a different type of radio than others. The radios I discussed in this post, for example, are not for communicating with others which is why I encourage you to look at more types than those in this post.

Having several radios for your household is a good idea. The special features like light and charging up phones and other small devices can make it a bit more bearable for each person to get through an emergency.

Do you have a favorite radio? Have you found that multiple radio types are best for your situation? I would also be interested in hearing from anyone that has actually had to rely on the solar and hand crank charging methods for at least a few days