During a disaster, communicating and getting real-time updates is crucial. Emergency weather radios are helpful if you find yourself in a hurricane or tornado. While emergency weather radios are helpful for weather alerts and conditions, quality models usually come with numerous additional features improving their usefulness in survival situations.
The best emergency radios will often have independent power options such as solar power or a hand crank, act as a light source if needed, and contain a USB plug to ensure you can charge vital electronics. When considering emergencies, outfit yourself with the best available.
1. Best Survival Features: Midland ER310 Emergency Crank Radio
The Midland ER310, starting at $69.99, is one of the best emergency radios on the market because of its enormous list of well-thought-out features at a reasonable price point. For power, the ER310 offers four independent, sustainable sources: solar power, a hand crank, a 2600 mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery, or six AA batteries.
The primary power source, the lithium-ion battery, provides 32 hours of power on a single charge. The reason for such a large capacity is to ensure you can charge a cell phone for additional emergency help. The remaining power sources serve as backups if more time is needed, with the hand crank capable of providing 45 minutes of radio power off of just 60 seconds of cranking.
Beyond its various power sources, the ER310 is a well-equipped emergency radio. It includes a 1400 lux LED flashlight made by Cree, which helps you navigate low-light situations such as power outages and can be adjusted for low-power consumption if battery use is a concern.
The device also offers an emergency beacon mode, which flashes S.O.S. in Morse code to assist rescue teams attempting to locate you. It also features an ultrasonic dog whistle to alert canine rescue teams. The radio will also receive both AM and FM signals and audibly alert you if a new report is available for your area.
Key Takeaways:
- Several independent power sources: The ER310 can run off from one of four different power sources: the included rechargeable lithium-ion battery, a hand crank, a solar panel array, or six AA batteries.
- Plenty of additional survival features: It offers an adjustable, ultra-bright LED flashlight that can send emergency Morse code messages, an ultrasonic dog whistle, and automatic NOAA local weather alert updates.
- Great value: The device provides all the features you will need in an emergency radio at a low price point.
2. Best Radio Features: Sangean MMR-88 AM/FM/Weather Alert Multi-Powered Radio
The Sangean MMR-88 is one of the best choices for shoppers who want an affordable emergency radio with plenty of essential features. With a starting price of $51.16, the radio’s primary power source is an 850 mAh lithium-ion battery. However, it can also be powered using a 5V DC battery, solar panels, and a hand crank generator.
With such diverse power supply options, your radio will have power, no matter the nature of the emergency. You can even use the radio as an emergency cell phone charger, especially when powered by the provided lithium-ion battery.
This feature allows you to make urgent calls to family or emergency services, even during power outages.
All four corners of the MMR-88 are reinforced with rubber, enabling it to withstand drops and other bumps. The radio, capable of receiving FM, AM, and all seven NOAA weather alert signals, is playable through the integrated speaker unit or the radio’s headphone jack.
The receiver features an array of functional hard buttons, including 19 radio presets, volume adjustments, and a band search function. The device also includes a loudspeaker and emergency buzzer, allowing you to send emergency signals in dire situations.
The integrated triple LED flashlight has four settings:
- Low: Suitable for low-intensity use as a reading lamp or to conserve battery power.
- High: Perfect for navigating unlit houses and buildings or for outdoor, nighttime transit.
- Blinking: Suitable for signaling or disorienting a threat.
- SOS: Primarily intended for signaling rescue teams, this setting uses Morse code to send S.O.S. signals.
Key Takeaways:
- Diverse power supply options: The Sangean MMR-88 includes a 5V DC battery, an 850 mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery, a solar panel array, and a hand crank.
- Variety of signal types: The MMR-88 can receive FM, AM, and all seven NOAA weather alert radio stations.
- Rubber-reinforced for durability: The radio’s physical weak points are reinforced with high-grade rubber to improve its durability.
3. Best Budget Radio: Compass Culture Solar Hand Crank Portable Radio
When disaster strikes, it may be difficult to lug around a large radio. Often, the best choice for survival is to take all the essential items you can easily carry and move yourself to a safer location.
The Compass Culture Solar Hand Crank Portable Radio with Survival Bracelet is designed with compactness and practicality in mind. With a starting price of just $29.95, it is also the least expensive option on this list.
Featuring four independent power sources, including solar panels, a hand crank, a AAA battery bank, and USB and micro-USB charging ports for direct power, you’ll be able to use your portable emergency radio under any circumstance.
Solar panels and a hand crank power a 2000 mAh lithium-ion battery, which can be recharged and reused indefinitely for unlimited power. You can also use the lithium-ion battery as a power bank to charge smartphones, tablets, and other portable devices.
The radio, which includes an antenna for better signal quality, can receive AM and FM radio signals plus seven NOAA emergency broadcast channels. It also includes a 2000 lux LED flashlight with zoom and adjustable brightness settings, a separate 1 W LED reading lamp, and an SOS emergency alarm that blinks red and sounds an audible alert. The flashlight can operate for up to 15 consecutive hours off a single charge, with the radio functionality lasting significantly longer.
One of the best qualities of this radio is that it packs all of these useful features into a surprisingly small package. The radio can fit in your hand, a pocket, or a small bag, allowing you to stay connected and updated no matter where you go.
Even though the device is small, it is rugged. The radio features an IPX-3 water-resistant design with reinforced weak points, making it the perfect option for use in any weather condition.
Another selling point for the Compass Culture emergency radio is its included survival bracelet. While the radio offers connectivity, power, information, light, and more, there are several important survival functions that no radio can perform. This device takes care of these weaknesses with a low-profile five-in-one survival bracelet.
The bracelet is constructed out of paracord and features a flint fire starter, an emergency whistle, a compass, and a blade. Combined with the radio’s features, this bracelet will provide the peace of mind and preparedness you need to face any emergency.
Key Takeaways:
- Highly portable and durable: The radio is IPX-3 rated for water resistance and is small enough to carry in your hand or a pocket, allowing you to stay prepared anywhere you go.
- All the standard emergency radio features: Despite the small package, the Compass Culture radio packs plenty of valuable features, including an AM/FM/NOAA radio, four power sources, two flashlights, a power bank, and emergency alerting tools.
- Survival bracelet covers all your bases: There are some functions no radio can perform, but Compass Culture has you covered. Each model comes with a five-in-one survival bracelet featuring a flint fire starter, whistle, compass, blade, and a length of paracord.
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