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  4. 10 Best Emergency Radios in 2022 (Eton, Sangean, and More)
  • 10 Best Emergency Radios in 2022 (Eton, Sangean, and More) 1
  • 10 Best Emergency Radios in 2022 (Eton, Sangean, and More) 2
  • 10 Best Emergency Radios in 2022 (Eton, Sangean, and More) 3
  • 10 Best Emergency Radios in 2022 (Eton, Sangean, and More) 4
  • 10 Best Emergency Radios in 2022 (Eton, Sangean, and More) 5

10 Best Emergency Radios in 2022 (Eton, Sangean, and More)

Whether you're backpacking through the wilderness or living in a storm-prone area, an emergency radio can provide you with comfort and safety. This type of radio is a standalone device that has multiple ways to obtain power, such as batteries, solar power, and hand cranking. Emergency radios can provide you with emergency weather alerts, AM'/FM  frequency, and SOS systems to help ensure safety. They can also include features like USB ports for charging other devices, flashlights, and more.


There are plenty of great emergency radios to choose from; we've selected our 10 best radios to compare and designed a buying guide to help you pick the best option. Our favorite is the MMR-88 from Sangean because it's a durable, moisture-resistant radio with efficient power options and useful features. For more of our top picks, read on! Also, check out our buying guide for some suggestions on how to choose the right emergency radio for you.

Last updated 09/26/2023
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Table of Contents

How to Choose Emergency Radios

Emergency radios can quite literally save lives in dire situations. Before you shop, here are some tips to help you find the right one for you.

① Choose Between Different Power Sources Like Battery, Solar, and Hand Crank

Choose Between Different Power Sources Like Battery, Solar, and Hand Crank

Emergency radios do not usually need to be plugged in; some will have multiple power options including battery, solar, and hand crank. Batteries eventually need replacing or recharging, but they will usually last fairly long. Solar energy is slow to charge but has an unlimited supply during daylight hours. Hand cranking charges fairly fast according to your cranking speed but requires you to expend energy.


Batteries are best for short-term power outages. Solar energy and hand cranks might be bester for longer trips or periods of time. Many battery-operated emergency radios are also rechargeable, which is great for situations like rolling blackouts. However, the best emergency radios can utilize multiple power sources.

② Get a Radio That Receives NOAA Weather Alerts

Get a Radio That Receives NOAA Weather Alerts

Emergency radios will usually be able to listen to AM and FM stations, but many can also listen to NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) channels. NOAA utilizes experienced scientists with cutting-edge research and methodology to provide the most accurate forecasts and severe storm alerts. It's very reliable, especially in emergencies.


Many emergency radios are cable of receiving NOAA channels, and some have automatic alerting features. There are over one thousand transmitters relaying NOAA channels in the United States, covering nearly 95 percent of the population. The stations can be received up to 40 miles from the transmitter but may run into interference in mountainous areas.

③ Look for Waterproof Radios for More Durability

Look for Waterproof Radios for More Durability

Some emergency radios are more waterproof than others. Each device is rated by the IPX rating system, where IPX0 cannot get wet at all and IPX9K can withstand powerful water jets. Most emergency radios will fall between IPX3 and IPX4, which means they are splash-proof, but must not be immersed in water.


If you prefer a waterproof emergency radio, look for something with a protective case. A case that covers important areas like the battery and ports is ideal. A regular plastic battery cover will not protect the radio if it is submerged in water. Some radios use rubber to seal ports as well. 

④ Try an Emergency Radio With an SOS System

Try an Emergency Radio With an SOS System

For extra safety, some emergency radios also have built-in SOS alarms that flash bright beacon lights or make loud siren noises to let others know that you need help. Some radios also contain a flashing light that sends out an SOS signal in the universal Morse code. This feature might be especially useful in severe weather, at night, or for long-distance outdoor activities.

⑤ Keep an Eye Out for Features Like USB Ports, Flashlights, and More

Keep an Eye Out for Features Like USB Ports, Flashlights, and More

Some emergency radios also have extra features such as USB ports, flashlights, or dog whistles. USB ports can be helpful for charging other electronic devices when you don’t have power. It can be especially helpful to charge your phone from the radio in an emergency situation. 


Flashlights are a very useful feature in emergency radios. Some radios will have an adjustable light so that they can be used for simple tasks like reading or something as serious as sending out a signal for help. Certain emergency radios will even contain dog whistles so that you can signal rescue dogs in the instance you are lost. 

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10
Best Emergency Radios Ranking

Here are the best Emergency Radios, ranked according to 10 Best Emergency Radios (as of 11-04-2022). The products are ranked independently by mybest.
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Key features
1

Midland

Midland  1枚目

Best Emergency Radio With a Dog Whistle

2

Kaito

Kaito  1枚目

Best Listening Experience, With AM/FM, Shortwave and MP3

3

Midland

Deluxe NOAA Weather Radio

Midland  Deluxe NOAA Weather Radio 1枚目

Best for Receiving Weather Alerts Specific to Your County

4

Eton

Ultimate Camping AM/FM/NOAA Radio

Eton  Ultimate Camping AM/FM/NOAA Radio 1枚目

Best Emergency Radio With Bluetooth Capabilities

5

Sangean

PR-D4W

Sangean  PR-D4W 1枚目

Best Emergency Radio to Have at Home

6

RunningSnail

Emergency Crank Radio

RunningSnail Emergency Crank Radio 1枚目

Best for Charging Multiple Devices

7

Sangean

MMR-88

Sangean  MMR-88 1枚目

Best to Handle Getting Dropped Without Damage

8

Eton

American Red Cross FRX3+

Eton American Red Cross FRX3+ 1枚目

Best to Have in a Power Outage

9

Esky

Emergency Radio

Esky  Emergency Radio 1枚目

Best Pocket-Sized Emergency Radio

10

C. Crane

C. Crane  1枚目

Best Shortwave Emergency Radio for Your Boat

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No.1

MidlandMROER310

 Image 1
Source:amazon.com
 Image 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$59.99

Best Emergency Radio With a Dog Whistle

Pros:

  • Ultrasonic whistle to alert rescuer dogs in the instance you are lost 
  • Rechargeable battery with up to 32 hours of life 
  • Powerful LED flashlight
  • Four power sources

Cons: 

  • Several reviews feel that the telescoping antennae could be better designed 

This emergency radio is packed full of features. It contains an SOS strobe light, emergency alerts, carrying handle, headphone jack, and even a dog whistle. These amenities make it the perfect radio to keep at home or take on trips into the wilderness.


A common complaint about the radio is the telescoping antennae. Some reviews said it's prone to breaking; others wished it was more adjustable. Overall, most of the reviews praise the radio for having a great number of features and implementing them well. 

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No.2

Kaito

Best Listening Experience, With AM/FM, Shortwave and MP3

Pros:

  • Receives a variety of broadcasts including AM/FM, shortwave, and NOAA emergency weather channels
  • Has Bluetooth streaming, MP3 capabilities, and a built-in recorder for the ultimate listening experience 
  • Five ways to power the radio 

Cons:

  • Reviewers wish the menus were easier to navigate


This emergency radio has a lot to offer. In addition to NOAA emergency channels, the radio can receive broadcasts on shortwave. The speaker design allows for superior sound quality. With Bluetooth streaming and MP3 options, you have many ways to play your own audio. It even features the ability to record broadcasts


Some reviewers wished that navigating the menus was more intuitive. They had difficulty finding specific settings and did not have the option to name sound files they had recorded. But overall, customers loved how this radio has so many features. A large number of reviews point out the great sound quality

No.3

Midland Deluxe NOAA Weather Radio

Best for Receiving Weather Alerts Specific to Your County

Pros:

  • Uses S.A.M.E. technology to give you localized weather alerts 
  • Customize the way you receive weather alerts 
  • Weather alerts stay on screen
  • Very loud alerts, according to reviewers

Cons: 

  • It has a bright display you can't turn off
  • It's tricky to set up, according to some reviewers

By utilizing the S.A.M.E. (Specific Area Message Encoding) system, the radio connects to your county's warning system. By doing this, it is able to give you instant weather updates. This radio offers a variety of ways to customize your weather alerts, including a siren alarm, voice alert, or LED flasher. It will also automatically display the warning on the radio in case you miss it the first time. 


The main complaint from reviewers is that its display is so bright, it's difficult to sleep if it's in a bedroom. Otherwise, most reviewers praise this radio for letting them filter weather alerts that they want to hear and for having a clear visual display. They highly recommend this radio for people who are hard of hearing or deaf.

No.4

Eton Ultimate Camping AM/FM/NOAA RadioNFRX5SIDEKICK

Best Emergency Radio With Bluetooth Capabilities

Pros:

  • Features Bluetooth technology for easy streaming 
  • Utilizes S.A.M.E. system for localized weather alerts
  • SOS system and emergency weather alerts for added security 

Cons:

  • A number of reviewers had issues with the buttons and dials being too small and hard to access

Whether you're camping, barbecuing, or having an unexpected weather emergency, this radio can keep you connected with its many functions. It has Bluetooth, three different power options, weather alerts, a huge, bright LED light, and a red emergency beacon.


One common complaint is about the size of the buttons and dials, stating they are too small and obscured by the handle. But most reviewers are impressed by the ambient light feature, the Bluetooth system, and the speed of charging. They say this radio is very helpful for power outages.

No.5

Sangean PR-D4W

PR-D4W Image 1
Source:amazon.com
PR-D4W Image 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$119.99

Best Emergency Radio to Have at Home

Pros:

  • AM auto-tracking brings clearer sound and stronger reception 
  • Automatic weather alerts 
  • Flashing LED screen and siren to notify of weather emergencies
  • Can be left plugged in without damaging any rechargeable batteries

Cons: 

  • Customers are frustrated that the radio does not have a carrying handle
  • Four D batteries for backup power make it heavy

Sometimes simple is better and you want to focus on the radio instead of a flashlight or phone charger. This radio excels at the basics for emergency weather conditions. It has 25 memory preset stations, so you don't have to search for common stations every time, and AM auto-tracking for outstanding sound and AM reception. 


A few reviewers complain about the lack of a carrying handle; they wished the radio was more portable. Otherwise, most reviewers are satisfied with this radio's clear display and ease of use. They say the weather functions are great, and they love using the radio just to listen to. 

No.6

RunningSnailEmergency Crank RadioMD-090P

Emergency Crank Radio Image 1
Source:amazon.com
Emergency Crank Radio Image 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$35.90

Best for Charging Multiple Devices

Pros:

  • Four options to charge this radio
  • Light has a motion sensor
  • Powerful rechargeable battery allows you to charge your phone and more

Cons: 

  • Customers are frustrated with a lack of an alert system
  • Some say the hand crank and solar panel don't provide much charge

Whether it's an emergency or camping trip, this radio has functions for almost any situation. It has a 4000mAh replaceable battery and will allow you to charge your devices while functioning as a flashlight or reading lamp. It also has a loud SOS alarm.


Unfortunately, this radio does not have a weather alert function, so some reviewers complain that you must constantly have it on the weather station if used during an emergency. But most reviewers find this radio easy to use. They like that there's a power status light and say it has pretty good sound quality.

No.7

Sangean MMR-88

Best to Handle Getting Dropped Without Damage

Pros:

  • Shock-resistant rubber creates a durable frame
  • Receives NOAA channels and weather alerts 
  • Three sources of power 
  • LED flashlight with SOS function

Cons:

  • Customers had issues finding replacements for the rechargeable battery

This radio has shock-resistant rubber on all its edges to handle drops, and is also moisture-resistant. One minute of using the hand crank will provide five minutes of listening time. This radio also has an LED light with four functions, including an SOS pattern.


Although there are other methods of generating power, reviewers complain that this radio uses 18350 rechargeable batteries that are less common and more difficult to replace. Besides that issue, most reviewers are impressed with this radio's sound quality, construction, and power options.

No.8

EtonAmerican Red Cross FRX3+ARCFRX3+WXR

Best to Have in a Power Outage

Pros:

  • Find the radio even in the dark with a glow in the dark indicator 
  • Three power sources 
  • Alert function to help keep you informed and safe 

Cons:

  • Some customers felt the materials and build were cheap 

This radio boasts an alert function that keeps you updated with any emergency weather alerts broadcasted in your area. A glow in the dark indicator makes it easier to locate this radio in the dark. It can also charge your devices as well as work as an alarm clock, flashlight, and SOS beacon. 


Some reviewers are not satisfied with the build and wished it was sturdier. Most reviewers are pleased with the sound quality, volume, and reception of this radio. They say that it will play the radio all day if left out in sunlight. They also state that the hand crank is easy to use and charges decently.

No.9

Esky Emergency Radio

Emergency Radio Image 1
Source:amazon.com
Emergency Radio Image 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$17.49

Best Pocket-Sized Emergency Radio

Pros:

  • Compact size makes it perfect to take camping, hiking, snowmobiling, or keep in the car
  • Three charging options 

Cons:

  • A few reviews pointed out that the hand crank takes a long time to create a charge
  • Can charge devices through USB, but some buyers say that feature doesn't work well


This little radio is very compact with many essential features, making it a great radio for traveling, hiking, or moving around in general. While the radio is smaller than most cell phones, it still features three ways to charge it, a flashlight, and a USB port to charge devices. 


Some reviewers warn that this radio is very small and takes a lot of cranking for listening time compared to bigger radios. Most reviewers like that the radio is still packed with features despite the smaller size. 

No.10

C. Crane

 Image 1
Source:amazon.com
 Image 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$169.99

Best Shortwave Emergency Radio for Your Boat

Pros:

  • Receives NOAA weather channels and emergency alerts 
  • Single side band, shortwave, and aviation band offer more opportunities to receive emergency information 
  • Memory settings and auto scan for ease of use 

Cons:

  • Reviewers wished the radio had better sound quality


This little radio is best for those interested in receiving information from multiple sources. The radio has shortwave and single side band capabilities for listening to broadcasts from long distances. It even receives transmissions from aviation, FEMA, and the coast guard


Some reviewers were not satisfied with the audio quality and wanted it to be sharper. But overall, customers were excited over the fact that such a little radio had powerful capabilities. Many say it picks up a lot of signals and has a great range for such a compact radio.

Resources and Frequencies for Emergency Radios

Resources and Frequencies for Emergency Radios

NOAA emergency weather stations are accessed through one of seven frequencies. They can also be located by state and call sign at the link below. 

Make Sure You're Prepared for Emergencies

It's better to be too prepared than to be not ready for unexpected weather or disasters. Check out some of our other articles for products that can help you get through.

Amazon's Best Selling Emergency Radios

If you are interested in learning more about emergency radios or you need a place to start, check out Amazon's best selling emergency radios. 

Top 5 Emergency Radios

No. 1: Midland | | MROER310

No. 2: Kaito |

No. 3: Midland | Deluxe NOAA Weather Radio

No. 4: Eton | Ultimate Camping AM/FM/NOAA Radio | NFRX5SIDEKICK

No. 5: Sangean | PR-D4W

View Full Ranking

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The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.

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