Disasters happen. It is unfortunate, but we can’t control the rage of Mother Nature when it strikes. The best we can do is to be well prepared in the event that we find ourselves in a devastating scenario.
Are you in a Hurry? Or you don’t feel like reading? We recommend the Eton The American Red Cross FXR3 as Our Pick.
In this article, we’re going to review the following best handheld ham radio for survival.
- Eton The American Red Cross FXR3
- Kaito KA500IP Emergency Radio
- eSky ES-CR02 Emergency Radio
- C-Crane CC Skywave SSB Radio
- Running Snail AM/FM NOAA Emergency Radio
One essential item you definitely may want to consider getting is an emergency radio. The benefits are numerous, and if you do find yourself in a natural disaster or other circumstances, an emergency radio can keep you informed on what is happening in your area. A quality radio will have some features like multiple power options, a built-in flashlight, and ports to charge other devices. Having a good radio can provide you with current updates on weather, natural disasters, fires, tornadoes, floods, Amber Alerts, and other emergencies.
It is wise to prepare well before a disaster so you are not scrambling to find the tools and items you might need to not only survive but to be safe and know what is happening.
Here are 5 of the Best emergency radio consumer reports .
Features and extras that can come in handy if you are in the path of an impending emergency.
All the reviews are real-life experiences. Extensive research online and testing. We do not accept sponsorships. Genuine recommendations for those who need a bit of real advice.
Ready? Let’s start
Our Pick: Eton The American Red Cross FXR3
Eton makes some solid gear and coupled with the trusted American Red Cross name it is easy to see why this is the top pick. The FRX3 is a solid choice when you need a reliable radio to stay informed. Besides keeping your other devices charged, the LED light can be a lifesaver when the power goes out. This durable and rugged radio also has a powerful emergency beacon so rescue crews can easily see you if you are in the thick of a disaster. It has an alert function that keeps you an update on essential announcements that can be crucial to survival. The design is rugged and can handle some wear and tear, which is a crucial feature I find indispensable in an emergency radio. Another exciting feature is the glow-in-the-dark indicator so the radio itself will be easy to locate if you misplace it during an event. Practical and compact, the Eton FRX3 I feel makes the top of the list.
What we like:
- It can receive several NOAA weather bands, so you remain fully informed of current information
- Smartphone and device charging to stay connected to others in power grid failures
- Several charging options so out never do
- Handy glow in the dark feature to keep track of the radio in the dark
- Includes powerful LED flashlight
What we don’t like:
- Requires some cranking to get it fully charged
- The crank arm could be a little more solid
Runner Up: Kaito KA500IP Emergency Radio
This a robust second choice as Kaito engineers build some serious devices. It is well constructed, and its rugged design means it can withstand adverse conditions. Charging the Kaito KA500IP can be achieved by solar, cranking and other charging options including 3 AA batteries which are commonly found everywhere. Staying informed of local and national information is comfortable with this device. Several NOAA bands can be received as well as local radio. Something beneficial is the ability of the KA500IP to receive shortwave signals. Shortwave signals can help you find a variety of information that may or may not be available through local sources. Hand cranking the radio is fairly easy and will not wear you out. The solar panel charging option is a nice feature, but I honestly may not rely on it too heavy to keep the radio charged. It is adjustable as well to capture the maximum amount of rays. Your devices can stay charged thanks to the USB ports. The case is hard and durable, and it would be tough to destroy this radio.
What we like:
- Multiple charging options to keep the radio up and running
- A reading lamp that is helpful when you need extra light to see
- The display is lit so you can see it in dark or light conditions
What we don’t like:
- Solar panel functions ok, but may not be the best feature
Runner Up: eSky ES-CR02 Emergency Radio
I liked how compact the eSky ES-CRO2 is. It makes carrying it and stowing it away easy. This is a no-frills radio, but I feel it gets the job done well. Even though it is a basic radio, it still provides essential features and is worth making a list. One feature I liked a lot was that the cranking charge mechanism is easy, and it offers more power with minimal cranking saving energy for other more important tasks. Fairly standard features like the LED light and the ability to recharge smart devices with such a basic radio are welcome additions. It is dependable and well built so you can rest easy knowing that you can access crucial NOAA weather information and local AM/FM radio bands.
What we like:
- The hand crank charging mechanism is efficient and charges the radio quickly
- A reasonably powerful small built flashlight helps with visibility
It is waterproof so it can withstand the elements
What we don’t like:
- Pretty basic without some features
- The display could be bigger
Also Great: C-Crane CC Skywave SSB Radio
The Skywave is a nice little radio. It features a Shortwave with SSB, Single Side Band, and VHF Aviation reception to pick up unique channels and standard AM/FM and NOAA weather bands. This is possibly one of the smallest radios to pack so many options of bands that can be received making it an exciting choice if you want to get a variety of information should you be in an emergency circumstance. SSB helps to get information when other forms of communication are down, such as telephone and satellite. The display is big and comfortable to read, which is another nice feature. It is programmable with many options, and the timing is very sensitive. This one does not have a crank so batteries or the Skywave power adapter must be used to power it. This can be a bit of a drawback, but it only takes 2 AA batteries and has a decent run time of 70 hrs. I found this to be reasonably good for only two cells. The extra length 23’ antenna can pick up a wide variety of waves, making it a highly functional and versatile radio.
What we like:
- Wide variety of bands including Shortwave SSB and aviation
23’ foot antenna that can capture many faraway waves to maximize information gathering - Highly programmable
What we don’t like:
- Runs on batteries
- No solar or crank charging option or smartphone charging capability
On a Budget: Running Snail AM/FM NOAA Emergency Radio
Rounding out the list is the Running Snail basic emergency radio. If you are on a budget and need the very basics, I find this one to be a good choice that will meet those needs. It has all the standard features that are required: AM/FM and NOAA bands, a small flashlight, multiple charging options, and a USB port. And you get all that for a very reasonable price. It is a no-frills, but if all you need are these basic features, it is a great little radio I feel. The construction is ok, and it can handle standard duty operations. The crank works acceptably, and it seems to hold a charge decently. It is a suitable backup radio to have in a pinch.
What we like:
- Standard features that will help keep you informed of weather and news
- Lightweight, easy to carry and store
- An affordable option for budget-conscious shoppers
What we don’t like:
- Not extremely heavy duty
- Limited features
The top pick is the Eton American Red Cross FXR3. It has many useful functions and is of high quality. The glow in the dark feature is nice as many emergencies create power outages, so if you are in the dark, you can find this radio easily. The flashlight is very helpful and powerful, which can be a real lifesaver if you need to see in the dark. It is wise to be prepared in emergencies. They can happen at any time and nearly anywhere. Hopefully, you will never have to go through a disaster, but having the right tools and devices ahead of time is not only smart but can save your life. An emergency radio is an essential device to pack away in your bug out or survival bag. Having an emergency radio gives peace of mind knowing that you will not be cut off from important information if you find yourself in a disaster situation.