Best Emergency Radios (Review & Buying Guide) in 2022

Methodology

When it comes to choosing a top-of-the-line, reliable emergency radio that is sure to keep you informed and up-to-date on all current events, there are quite a few options to weed through. In order to narrow the field, we decided to stick with name brands that you’re probably familiar with. These companies have a solid track record of providing reliable, functional, and high-quality products. We wanted to provide a variety of different price options so that there would be a good option to suit any budget. We also selected only those units that have the most up-to-date technology and user-friendly options. For more about our selection criteria and methodology, check out The Drive’s Gear About page.

Best Emergency Radio Reviews & Recommendations

Our Verdict on Emergency Radios

When it comes to the ideal combination of reliability, durability, functionality, and price, the Midland NOAA Emergency Weather Alert Radio is our top pick overall. This radio is public-alert certified and receives seven NOAA channels, providing warnings for issues like floods, tsunamis, earthquakes, tornados, and more. 

For a great budget-friendly pick that’s a perfect addition to your car or truck emergency roadside kit, check out the WeatherX Weatherband AM/FM Radio and Flashlight. 

What to Consider When Buying an Emergency Radio

With so many options for emergency radios on the market, it can be difficult to judge the ones that truly deliver reliable and dependable results. You don’t want to get stuck with a piece of junk that fails you at the first sign of a true emergency. The following buying guide will outline exactly what to look for to ensure that you get the biggest bang for your buck and a unit that will provide hours of reliable information and data when you need it most.

Types of Emergency Radios

Weather Alert Radios

Weather radios are the most basic type of emergency radio. They work similarly to smoke detectors, by automatically alerting you to weather advisories or other non-weather-related emergencies by emitting loud sounds, flashing bright lights, or both. These radios issue alerts whether they’re turned on or not. The drawback to this type of radio is that many models need a reliable power source to function properly, so it’s not ideal in a climate with frequent and prolonged power outages. Consider buying one with a hand-crank as a back-up power source.

Weather Band Radios

These radios are a step up from weather alert radios and they’re usually equipped with pre-programmed stations that specifically access NOAA emergency alert broadcasts, allowing you to get up-to-date information on weather-related emergencies, mandatory evacuations, power outages, flooding, and civil or public emergencies. These radios will also provide information about weather warnings and watches in non-emergent situations. They usually have multiple methods of recharging, so you don’t need electricity to run them. Their drawback is that they have to be turned on in order to issue you vital information. They don’t offer an automatic emergency alert.

AM/FM Emergency Radios

These emergency radios take the weather radio one step further. They can access local AM/FM radio stations and some are capable of accessing short sideband, or SSB radio channels, making them the most complete source of emergency information. They usually have multiple methods of charging, as well as added features, such as flashlights and S.O.S. lighting. They can be stationary desktop models or more portable handheld designs.

Emergency Radio Key Features

Compact Size

Some emergency radios are particularly large and bulky and can be tough to take along with you in case of a rushed exit or forced evacuation. Consider getting a smaller tabletop model or even one that will easily fit inside a purse or backpack. That way, you’ll have the luxury of being able to have access to the most up-to-date information when it really counts.

Multiple Recharging Capabilities

In a true emergency situation, in which access to reliable power might be prohibited for days or weeks, having multiple ways to recharge your radio is of the utmost importance. Many models will offer the standard hand-crank, but newer and more technologically advanced radios will have the ability to be charged by solar power, USB cable, batteries, or AC outlet.

Emergency Alert Options

A good quality emergency radio will have customizable alerts that produce a loud sound, bright light, or both during specified situations, from floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, avalanches, and thunderstorms, to weather watches and warnings. You can pick and choose which events to receive alerts for, and which ones to mute. 

Station Variety

Look for an emergency radio that also offers the luxury of AM/FM station reception. This way, you can get the most comprehensive picture of what is going on around you, when to expect help, where to go to evacuate, and much more. Shortwave capabilities are also an added benefit in a case where radio towers may be damaged.

Waterproof Rating

The most durable and dependable emergency radios will come with some kind of waterproof capabilities. At the very least, be sure to get an emergency radio that is water-resistant, so that it can withstand heavy rain and thunderstorms, or won’t completely malfunction should you accidentally drop it in a puddle on your way out the door.

Emergency Radio Pricing Considerations

For under $20, you can get a compact and relatively reliable emergency radio that may or may not include AM/FM capabilities. Features like flashlights, solar charging, and reading lights aren’t usually included in this price point. For between $20 and $50, you can get a wide selection of durable and dependable emergency radios that offer a good mix of accessory features, including multiple charging sources, smartphone chargers, built-in compasses, and more. If you spend over $50, you’ll get the upper echelon of emergency radios that include all the bells and whistles. If you want Morse Code capability, digital tuners, shortwave radio capacity, and loudspeakers, this is where to look. 

Benefits of Emergency Radios

• Access to Information. A good quality emergency radio gives you continual access to the most up to date weather and emergency alert information. Many are equipped with the ability to monitor seven different NOAA emergency radio stations, as well as local AM/FM channels so that you can have access to several different sources to get the most complete view of what’s going on.
• Emergency Alerts. Emergency radios will loudly and frequently send you notifications about not only critical weather events but also public and civil crises. These alerts are crucial when determining what course of action will be best for you and your family. Even if your local radio stations stop broadcasting, emergency radios will continue to send you up-to-date information.
• S.O.S. Alerts. Emergency radios aren’t just helpful for you to get up-to-the-minute information, many of them can also be used to send S.O.S. signals and bright light beacons to alert authorities and help when you are caught in an emergency situation and can’t get yourself to safety. 
• Portable. Emergency radios are very lightweight and highly portable, allowing you to take them anywhere you need to go. If you decide that a place you are located is no longer safe and you need to move, it’s easy to bring your emergency radio with you in a bag, backpack, or even your pocket. That way, you never have to be without access to critical information. 
• Rechargeable. Good emergency radios don’t rely on electricity to power them. Many use batteries, solar power, USB cords, hand cranks, or a combination of all in order to get enough power to work when you need them most.

Tips and Tricks

As with something you do for decades upon decades, you pick up a few tips and tricks along the way in terms of selecting the right product, and/or using it. That’s the case with us and emergency radios. To help you bridge the information gap, here’s a selection of what we’ve learned along the way.

• Always keep spare batteries on hand to power up your emergency radio.
• If you aren’t planning to use your emergency radio for an extended period, store the batteries outside of the radio to prevent any acid from leaking out and damaging the radio’s functionality.
• Be sure to store your emergency radio in an easily accessible area of your home. You don’t want to be running around looking for it when time is of the essence.
• Also, make sure to store the radio in an air- and water-tight container to prevent accidental damage and malfunction when not in use.
• Be sure to read online user reviews to see where your emergency radio may need to be improved, or what kinds of experiences other users have had prior to committing to your purchase.
• Check out what kind of warranty is offered with your emergency radio. A reliable and trustworthy company will stand behind its product and replace any manufacturer’s defects or malfunctions without a lot of hassle.

FAQs 

You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers!

Q. How do I figure out which is the best emergency radio?

A: The best emergency radio is one that has multiple methods of recharging, and multiple sources through which to get your emergency information and alerts. It will also come equipped with sound and light alert modes to make sure you don’t miss anything important.

Q. What should I look for in an emergency radio?

A: Look for a radio that is manufactured by a known and trusted source that’s been in the industry for a while. Make sure it’s durable, water-resistant, and comes with multiple charging options, emergency light, and alerts. Choose something that’s highly portable that you can take with you in the event of evacuation is also a good feature to look for.

Q. How can I use the emergency radio?

A: If your emergency radio comes equipped with AM/FM capabilities, you can use it to listen to local stations. Otherwise, whenever there is a weather event or public alert, turn your emergency radio on to hear up-to-date information and instruction.