All About the Radios: The Best of the Best in Weather Radios
Being interested in weather and the climate often leads to discussions of weather equipment. Weather radios are a popular item that you have likely heard of in your research. If you are interested in weather radios, the good news is that you have found yourself in the right place to learn more. From how they work to the best ones on the market, this page covers all you need to know to better understand the radio and make a more informed purchase. Keep reading to learn more!
When You Don’t have the Time to Research
There is a great deal of information in this page that will explain several different aspects of weather radios. If you, though, do not have enough time to spend on reading through it all, that is okay! Not only do we provide in-depth discussion and reviews, but this page is organized in a way to make it easy for you to get the information you need quickly. From the List of the Best Weather Radios to the top sellers on the market, this page makes it easy to review based upon functionality, price, and characteristics.
What to Know Before You Buy
- What is the Goal? When purchasing a weather radio, you want to first consider what your end goal is and how your device will be used. If, for example, you are planning on the weather radio outside, then, you will need an outdoor radio. If you want to use it inside, though, you may want to look for an indoor/outdoor model. If you are going to use your radio for personal use, then, a desktop model that can connect to your home computer system is best as it can remain stationary. If, though, you want to use your device on the go or in an emergency situation, portable weather radios may be your best option. Consider the purpose and your weather radio will be easier to find.
The Details: The next thing that you will want to consider when purchasing a weather radio is the details. Details are important and differ from model to model. To help, you will want to consider:
My Best Picks
1. RunningSnail Solar Crank
 | The Strengths: Tough Against Water: This model has water proof features which is great in wet conditions. Multiple Chargers: USB and solar are just two of the options in powering this device. There are traditional battery power as well. Multiple Channels: Like other models, this model has multiple channels. Included is an AM and FM radio in addition to the traditional weather channels. Lighting Features: With LED features in lighting and adjustable lenses, this device is top when it comes to illumination features. The Weaknesses: Analog Tuning: This is considered one of the weak features for some weather radio aficionados. Battery Indicator: This model has a very weak battery indicator making it a weaker device. |
2. Epica Emergency Solar Hand Crank
 | The Strengths: Tough Against Water: This model has over four different ways to charge the device. From cranking options to AC to solar and more, this offers variety that many owners want and need. Multiple stations: Choose from several different channels on this radio, including and AM and FM option. Water Resistant: No need to worry about a splash of water. This model has water resistant features making it a wonderful weather radio. Moreover, it is highly durable in different environments. Lights Up: When researching weather or in an emergency situation, the flashlight feature on this weather radio is awesome. Consider this as a positive when buying. . The Weaknesses: Little Storage Room: The downside to the features mentioned above is that they often require additional equipment. With this model, though, a storage pack is not included making you carry and organize the extra pieces on your own. Weak Battery Features: This model does not have an advanced battery calculator and may not indicate clearly. some basic features like the battery level indicator and SAME technology. |
3. Midland WR120/WR120EZ NOAA
 | The Strengths: Geographical Focus: Alarms are sensitive and can be set to only go off when danger is present in a specified region or county Geographical Range: While it can focus on one county, this device can also be set to focus on up to 25 counties at one time. There are voice and siren alerts for these moments as well. Channel Diversity: Traditional weather stations available in the event of disastrous weather. The Weaknesses: Not for Outdoors: This device is not to work anywhere but the indoors. Radio Options Weak: Only weather radio stations can be accessed on this device. There is no AM nor any FM radio. No Warning Turn Off: There is no warning mute on this device. This can be annoying. |
4. Horizons Tec HT-747.2
 | The Strengths: Radio Options: Horizons has options in radio stations. It receives traditional warnings. It also has AM and FM option, too. Lighting Choices: The Horizons Tec has an LED flash that can be used with this device. It also has ports for USB and for charging a phone. A survivalist kit and some important items are included in this as well. Charging Options: From crank to solar to USB, consider this a diversified charging option. The Weaknesses: Weak Signal: Weak radio signals have been reported on this device. SAME Missing: This device has no SAME option. Weak Light: Though this device does have a flashlight, it is weak in relation to other weather radios. |
5. Kaito KA500 5-way
 | The Strengths: Battery Success: This model in weather radio has an impressive battery indicator that has an LED display. Power Diversity: From crank to solar to AC and battery, the Kaito has many powering options. There is even a port to charge your cell phone. Lighting Pluses: Additional light features help you illuminate in dangerous weather as needed. Radio Options: You can get FM, SW, and traditional weather stations on this device. The Weaknesses: Solar Weaknesses: While there is a USB and cell phone charging port on this radio, they are not useable when the device is utilizing solar power. Weak Tuning: Analog feature makes tuning more difficult and weak. |
6. iRonsnow IS-088+
 | The Strengths: Lightweight: The smaller size of this weather radio makes it perfect for those that are looking for a lightweight option. Multiple Channels: This radio has FM and AM options as well as other weather alerts. Multiple Power Options: Crank it or use USB and solar as this weather radio has multiple power options. There is even an additional spot for your smartphone! The Weaknesses: Fewer Options: While this device does have power options, there are not as many as other weather options. Weak Phone Charge: Though a smartphone charger is included, it is a very weak power source, that will not fully charge the phone. |
7. Sangean DT-400W
 | The Strengths: Radio Options: The Sangean will give both FM and AM stations. It will also provide options and for alerts for emergency channels as well. Strong Alerts: When listening to the radio, this device will cut in with any weather updates. Lock Switch: This device includes a lock switch. It also shuts off immediately, too. The Weaknesses: Water Weak: There are no water resistant capabilities in this device. Lacks Features: The Sangean is low on features. There is no cell phone charger. There is also no SAME feature or additional light. |
8. Kaito KA101 EZ-weather
 | The Strengths: Adjustment: The Kaito EZ-weather requires you to do very little maneuvering in order to get the information you seek. With one press of the finger, you will get all that you need to know. It is updated constantly, too! Water Resistant: This device is water resistant. Stylish Design: Unique design features make it a very stylish device. Moreover, all of this is kept in a small and compact creation. The Weaknesses: Lack of Stations: This weather radio is not advanced. There are very few channels and all are focused on weather. Overall Weak Features: If you are looking for many features, this is not the weather radio for you. There is no flash light or smartphone charging station in this device. |
9. Kaito Voyager Pro KA600
 | The Strengths: Multiple Power Sources: From crank to USB, you will find it all in this weather radio. Many Channels: You will get more than just weather updates with this AM and FM build radio. It also has many alerts as well. Multiple Tuners: If you prefer manual tuning or if you want memory-based, you are in luck with this radio. You can do both. You can also do direct entry of station as well. Features, Features, Features: Whether you want a flashlight or lamp or an alarm clock, this weather radio has it all. The Weaknesses: Lacking Durability: This is not the weather radio for elemental exposure. Cost: This is on the high end of the price range for a weather radio in this sector. Lack of SAME: There is no SAME function with this weather radio. |
10. Sony SRF-M37W Walkman
 | The Strengths: One Button Station: Preset is the name of this weather radio game. You can tune it all with one button, too Battery Power: One battery lasts hours with this device and it is all it takes to power it. Digital Features: There is a digital clock and easy to read battery strength indicator in this radio as well. Digital Tuning: There are AM, FM, and weather stations. You can tune them all digitally. The Weaknesses: No Back Up: Though one AAA battery for power is nice, once the battery is drained, there is no backup source. No Kit: Unlike other weather radios, there is no emergency kit with this device. There is also no charger available for a smartphone. |
11. VonHaus Premium NOAA
 | The Strengths: Multiple Charging Ways: You can charge this weather radio in many ways. Whether you want crank or solar or a traditional adapter, it is all in this device. Battery Power: There is a wonderful display in this weather radio. With a clock and even a speaker, this is great for those who want a bit more. Digital Features: There is a digital clock and easy to read battery strength indicator in this radio as well. Emergency Updates: You can get many different updates on this weather radio via the AM and FM channels in addition to the traditional weather ones. The Weaknesses: No Battery Display: There is no battery indicator on this device. The radio will simply drop out when done. No SAME: This weather radio has no SAME function. Not Durable: This is not the device to choose if rugged is what you are seeking. It misses the SAME function. |
12. Sangean H201 AM/FM/Weather
 | The Strengths: Easy Hang: This device can be hung up with ease and a built in device to accomplish it. Waterproof: This device is completely water resistant and water proof. You can even take it into the shower! Lighting Perfection: This weather radio has back lighting. That means, coupled with the LCD screen, it is easy to read. Multiple Features: Flashlight and USB port and more make this device a great selection. Large Size: No Battery Display: This is a rather bulky device. It is also heavy when compared with other models. Limited Power Sources: This device is powered only by batteries. There are no other options. |
13. Midland WR300
 | The Strengths: Adjustable Volume: There are many different volume levels on this device. It can even be put on silent. SAME: Unlike many other weather radios, this device has SAME capabilities. That means there are over twenty different counties that can be reached. Weather Channels and More: FM and AM radio are a possibility to be picked up as well as other weather channels. There are also alerts for a multitude of different conditions. Large Size: Limited Features: No charger and no flashlight option on this device. Not for Outdoor: This radio is for inside online. |
14. Midland HH50 Pocket Weather Radio
 | The Strengths: Resists Water: This device is water resistant. Outdoor Ready: This weather radio is recommended for use outside such as for hiking or an emergency. Signal Clarity: There are preset channels that come in with crystal clear clarity. The Weaknesses: Lack of Features: There is no smartphone charger on this weather radio nor is there an added light. Less Channels: There is no AM or FM on this weather radio. |
15. Midland ER200 Emergency
| The Strengths: Morse Code: This weather radio has Morse code assistance for troubled situations and an SOS light. Many Channels: This weather radio is capable of FM and AM pickup as well as traditional weather features. Features: More than just a weather radio, this radio is able to charge a smartphone, has a USB port, and a flashlight that is LED. Multiple Charges: This device can be powered in many ways, including manual and batteries that are rechargeable. The Weaknesses: Weak Crank: 120 seconds of cranking gives little battery power. No Water: This device is not water resistant Weak Signal: While weather is easy, AM and FM are not easily attained. |
Knowing More:
For those that are still interested in learning more, the good news is that there are some more details and features of weather radios to explore. These include:
Seeing at Night?
Some weather radios allow for what essentially amounts to night-time visuals. That means that certain radios of features that make them easy to read at night just as in the day. This is something to consider if you are purchasing and want to make sure that you are getting the most from your radio in all types of climates and lighting.
Silent Mode?
If you want to use your weather radio only occasionally, you may want to find one that has a feature that allows you to silence or stop constant alarms. This alert-stopping feature allows you more control and can really stop you from having to deal with unnecessary warnings and alerts. Look for this if you are going to be an occasional user and not a constant one.
Elemental Protection?
The last thing that you want happening to your radio is damage from, you guessed it, the weather. Therefore, there are those devices that have weather shield features. These features focus on protecting a device from the elements such as rain and ice. If you will be utilizing your weather radio in more extreme outdoor conditions, consider looking for this elemental protection when buying a weather radio.
How Heavy and Big?
Weather radios are as varied as the individuals that use them. As such, there are small weather radios and large ones both that are available for purchase. If you are going to use the radio on the go, though, you may wish to consider a smaller option that is easy to carry and does not add a lot of weight. If you are indoors or the device is stationary, however, the size might not matter. That is up to you and your needs!
Bringing it Together
The goal of this page, as the intro suggests, is to provide you with all of the information you need to make an informed purchase when buying a weather radio. It is also to provide you with the data you need to know more about weather radios in general and develop on your passion.
With easy to digest descriptions, this page is meant to inform and to educate. Be sure to return as often as you need to make sure that you understand what you need to know. Utilize this information whenever and have fun purchasing the weather radio that is right for you.