If you’re looking to buy a weather radio for your RV, you need to consider factors like alert functions, power sources, durability, and portability. You’ll also want a radio that receives NOAA weather band frequencies and provides clear audio, along with multiple power options in case of emergencies. To help you find the best fit, we’ve rounded up five top weather radios, comparing their strengths and limitations.
Weather Radios Comparison Table
Here’s a quick side-by-side look at our top 5 weather radio picks:
| Model | FosPower Emergency Solar Hand Crank Radio | Eton American Red Cross Weather Radio | Midland ER210 Compact Emergency Crank Weather Radio | Midland WR400 Deluxe NOAA Weather Alert Radio | Kaito KA500 Voyager Emergency Radio |
| Product Image | |||||
| Price | $49.99 | $69.99 | $49.99 | $74.99 | $49.98 |
| Weight (lbs) | 0.84 | 0.93 | 1.0 | 0.5 | 1.8 |
| Dimensions | 19.8L x 9.5W x 7.2H | 17.5L x 14.7W x 6.6H | 4.88″L x 2.28″W x 7.09″H | 7″L x 5.5″W x 2.2″H | 8.3″L x 2.3″W x 5.3″H |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime | Limited warranty | 1 year limited | 1 year limited | 1 year limited |
| Key features | AM/FM/NOAA flashlight, USB charger, SOS alarm | AM/FM/NOAA, Flashlight, USB charger, alarm clock | AM/FM/NOAA, Cree LED flashlight, SOS beacon | S.A.M.E. alerts, AM/FM, alarm clock, USB charger | AM/FM/SW/NOAA, flashlight, USB charger reading lamp |
1. FosPower Emergency Solar Hand Crank Radio: Best Overall Pick
Price
$49.99
Features
The FosPower Emergency Solar Hand Crank Radio is a versatile powerhouse packed with practical features. It receives AM, FM, and NOAA weather band frequencies, and the digital display makes tuning easy. The 4000mAh power bank keeps your devices charged, while the bright LED flashlight offers high and low settings plus an SOS beacon.
For power, you can use the solar panel, hand crank, or USB cable. The radio is also water-resistant with an IPX3 rating. A limited lifetime warranty and dedicated customer support provide peace of mind.
Pros
- Multiple power sources: Solar, hand crank, USB, and battery options ensure it’s always ready.
- Charging capability: A 4000mAh power bank can charge smartphones and other USB devices.
- Comprehensive lighting: Includes a bright flashlight with high/low settings and an SOS beacon.
Cons
- Bulky size: At over 6 inches long and nearly a pound, it’s less compact than some other options.
- Long crank time: Requires 5.5 hours of hand cranking to fully charge the battery.
2. Eton American Red Cross Weather Radio: Our Most Compact Pick
Price
$69.99
Features
Designed for emergency preparedness, the Eton American Red Cross Weather Radio packs multiple power sources into a compact, lightweight package. The rechargeable battery can be topped off via solar, hand crank, or USB.
You’ll get AM, FM, and NOAA weather band reception, with a telescoping antenna for a better signal. The bright flashlight and red beacon help in emergencies, while the alarm clock adds everyday convenience. A USB port allows for charging small devices.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight: Weighing under a pound and just 5.8 inches long, it’s easily portable.
- Emergency essentials: Includes a flashlight, red beacon light, and USB device charging.
- Alarm clock: Handy for daily use in the RV when you need to be up early for travel.
Cons
- No S.A.M.E. alerts: Lacks the specific area message encoding feature of pricier radios.
- Smaller battery: The 600mAh battery has less charging capacity than larger models.
3. Midland ER210 Compact Emergency Crank Weather Radio: Our Pick for Best Reception
Price
$49.99
Features
The Midland ER210 offers excellent reception for AM, FM, and NOAA weather bands. The telescoping antenna extends 14.5 inches for better signal, while the large backlit LCD is easy to read day or night.
For power, choose from the rechargeable 2600mAh lithium-ion battery, solar panel, hand crank, or AA batteries. The ultrabright 130-lumen Cree LED can be set to high or low, while the SOS beacon flashes Morse code in emergencies. The USB output keeps devices powered up.
Pros
- Excellent reception: The long telescoping antenna and sensitivity make for superior AM/FM/WB reception.
- Bright flashlight: The 130-lumen Cree LED flashlight is brighter than most other models.
- Large battery: 2600 mAh lithium-ion battery offers ample device charging.
Cons
- Bulky design: At 1 pound and over 6 inches long, it’s less compact than some competitors.
- No Bluetooth connectivity: The radio does not feature Bluetooth connectivity.
4. Midland WR400 Deluxe NOAA Weather Alert Radio: Our Pick for Best Alert Features
Price
$50-$70
Features
Please stay tuned with the Midland WR400‘s SAME alert system, which provides customized weather alerts for up to 25 counties. The 85dB siren ensures you won’t miss warnings.
You’ll also get AM/FM reception, an alarm clock with snooze, and a USB charging port. The contoured design and soft blue night light offer home-like convenience, while S.A.M.E. technology and an external alert jack keep you alert-ready. AA battery backup ensures operation during power outages.
Pros
- Customizable alerts: SAME technology provides county-specific weather alerts.
- Alarm features: Includes an alarm clock with snooze and a loud 85dB alert siren.
- Easy to use: Contoured design, color-coded alert indicators, and a soft night light add convenience.
Cons
- Desktop design: This is meant for indoor use on a flat surface.
- Corded power: Plugs into AC power with no rechargeable battery, solar, or crank options.
5. Kaito KA500 Voyager Emergency Radio: Our Top Pick for a Weather Radio With Most Features
Price
$50-$60
Features
The Kaito KA500 Voyager has features for emergency preparedness and everyday use. It receives AM, FM, shortwave, and NOAA weather bands, has an alert function, and has a 14.5-inch telescoping antenna.
Multiple power sources include a solar panel, hand crank, rechargeable battery, AA batteries, and USB input. The LED flashlight, red beacon, and 5-LED reading lamp cover all your lighting needs. Plus, the USB port can charge portable devices.
Pros
- Wide band reception: Receives AM, FM, two shortwave bands, and 7 NOAA weather channels.
- Useful lighting: Includes a flashlight, emergency beacon, and 5-LED reading lamp.
- Multiple power options: Solar, hand crank, USB, rechargeable battery, AA batteries – it’s always ready.
Cons
- Bulky size: At 8 inches long and 1.5 pounds, it’s the largest and heaviest of our picks.
- Shortwave learning curve: The two shortwave bands add complexity over standard models.
How We Picked the Best Weather Radios for RVers
To find the top weather radios for RVers, we considered several key factors:
- Reception: We looked for radios with good reception of AM, FM, and NOAA weather bands. Telescoping antennas and high sensitivity were a plus.
- Alerts: SAME technology for location-specific alerts was a standout feature. We also considered alert sirens and visual indicators.
- Power sources: Since RVers often camp off-grid, we prioritized radios with multiple power options like solar, hand crank, and rechargeable batteries.
- Durability: We factored in each radio’s build quality, water resistance, and ability to withstand outdoor use.
- Lighting: Most of our picks include flashlights and/or emergency lights for added utility in the dark or in emergencies.
- Charging: We gave extra points to radios that could charge smartphones and other devices via USB ports.
Stay Alert and Informed With the Right Weather Radio
A reliable weather radio is an essential tool for RVers who want to stay safe and informed during their travels. By comparing key features like reception, alerts, power options, and emergency functions, you can find the best model for your needs and budget.
Remember, a weather radio is just one component of RV emergency preparedness. Make sure to also pack a well-stocked first-aid kit, fire extinguisher, backup power sources, and other safety gear. For expert tips, check out our guide to camping safety for RVers.
