The Best Weather Radios
In the event of a major storm or natural disaster, a weather radio can be a crucial lifeline for information. During an emergency, it's not guaranteed your internet or phone service will be active, while a weather radio will work as long as it has a source of power. Most are powered by batteries, solar power, or a hand crank. In the United States, weather radios will pick up alerts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Better yet, many have additional features that can be beneficial in the case of an emergency, such as an SOS alarm, flashlight, and cell phone chargers. We researched all the options the market has to offer, so read on for our top picks.
What to Look For
When researching the best weather radios, we considered three questions: Does it have multiple power sources? What additional features does it have that can be useful in the case of an emergency? Is it durable and reliable? Our top pick came from FosPower. Their trusty radio can be powered by solar, batteries, and even a hand crank. Plus, it has access to NOAA alerts and AM/FM radio. But for a super-compact option, Midland’s WR120B weather radio is small, lightweight, and packed with features like a trilingual display and SAME technology. Keep reading to find the perfect one for you.
FosPower NOAA Emergency Weather Radio
The lightweight lifeline
This weather radio is a powerhouse. With three ways to charge (battery, solar, and hand crank), it ensures you’ll always be prepared. You’ll be able to hear both NOAA alerts and have access to AM/FM radio stations. We also love that this weather radio has an SOS alarm and two LED light sources.
Pros:
- With a 2000mAh power bank, you’ll be able to charge small electronics such as a phone or tablet through its USB port.
- It also has a durable, water-resistant construction, which is important in weather emergencies.
Cons:
- It doesn’t have SAME technology, though it does receive NOAA alerts and AM/FM radio stations.
Midland WR120B NOAA Emergency Weather Radio
Small and mighty
While this weather radio is small at only one pound, it has a lot of great features. It not only has access to NOAA alerts and AM/FM radio stations, but it also has SAME technology, which allows you to receive alerts specific to your area. You can also select from over 80 alerts to receive, each with color codes that indicate advisories, watches, and warnings.
Pros:
- The combined flashing display and voice alerts make sure you don’t miss important information, even if you step away from it for a moment.
- This weather radio also functions as an alarm clock, freeing up space on your nightstand.
- The display supports English, Spanish, and French, which is ideal for those in multilingual communities.
Cons:
- In the case of a power outage, this weather radio uses AA batteries as a backup. However, it doesn’t have any other alternative sources of power.
RunningSnail Emergency Crank Weather Radio
Brighten up
This weather radio not only has access to NOAA alerts and AM/FM radio stations, but it also has a powerful flashlight with three modes. The brightest mode is noticeably bright and can illuminate over 10 meters. This feature is great for both emergencies and outdoor activities like camping. The powerful 4000mAh battery has multiple sources of power, including solar, hand crank, and micro USB charging.
Pros:
- This weather radio also has a motion sensor that will turn on for 30 seconds, an immensely helpful feature at nighttime.
- By pressing the SOS button for three seconds, you’ll activate the SOS alarm, which can be used to alert emergency responders.
- The large battery can also be used to charge USB devices, so it’s basically a portable charger as well.
Cons:
- Turning on the LED lights can cause interference with the radio signal, so using both at the same time isn’t really viable.
Vondior Portable NOAA Emergency Weather Radio
Stay informed on the go
If you do a lot of traveling or engage in outdoor activities such as backpacking and camping, this is the perfect weather radio to throw in your backpack. It’s portable and can easily fit in the palm of your hand, making it an excellent companion for outdoor adventures. With NOAA alerts and access to AM/FM radio stations, you’ll always be prepared in emergency situations.
Pros:
- If you don’t want to bother those nearby, you can listen with headphones using the included headphone port.
- Partly due to the lack of energy-sapping lights and extra features, this option is super energy-efficient. Two AA batteries can provide enough power for a very long time.
Cons:
- This weather radio doesn’t have all of the bells and whistles as others.
Garinosen Libovgogo Bluetooth Emergency Weather Radio
The jack of all trades
While this weather radio can be a lifesaver in an emergency, it’s also versatile enough for trips to the beach and campsites in the woods. Its water-resistant construction and Bluetooth capabilities make it the perfect companion for enjoying music when you’re out and about. It not only receives NOAA alerts and AM/FM radio but also has a flashlight that can reach over 25 meters and the ability to send SOS alerts.
Pros:
- In the event of a power outage, you don’t have to worry. Its 5000mAh battery can be powered by solar, hand crank, or electricity via its USB-C port.
- This weather radio’s powerful battery can also be used to charge devices like phones and tablets.
- If you’re ever in need of a light source, there’s also an LED light built in.
Cons:
- While this weather radio doesn’t have SAME technology, its extra features like Bluetooth are a useful bonus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need a weather radio?
Most weather radios have backup power sources that can be crucial in the case of a power outage. They also have access to NOAA alerts for up-to-date weather information in the event of a natural disaster. While they can be useful at home during an emergency, they’re also beneficial for outdoor activities such as camping.
What features should a weather radio have?
A weather radio should receive NOAA alerts and have access to AM/FM radio so that you get important information if you’re unable to use other technology, such as phones and computers. In the case of a power outage, it’s also useful for a weather radio to have a backup source of power, such as batteries, solar, or a hand crank. Additional features, such as flashlights, USB ports to charge phones, and SOS alerts, can also be useful.
About the Author
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.