Five solid radios to get you through the pandemic (or any emergency, for that matter)

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The original CC Skywave portable radio is among the pricier of my suggestions, but also packs the most features. Seen here on location in Canada.

Over the past four weeks, I’ve gotten a number of emails from first-time readers of the SWLing Post who’ve landed here because they’re searching for a new radio. While not all these readers are necessarily interested in shortwave, what they are interested in is a good, solid battery-powered radio to receive local news on AM and FM.  A few have specifically asked for a radio with NOAA/Environment Canada weather radio reception. Others are looking for a self-powered or hand crank radio option, while some specifically asked for a shortwave radio to listen to international broadcasts. A common point was that no one wanted to spend a lot, inclining toward something cost-effective––understandable in these uncertain times––but they nonetheless are looking for quality, for a radio that won’t fail them, even if their Internet service does.

Radios provide local connection

The following post is my response to these questions. I’ve selected five radios under $90 USD that can fill a variety of needs, and also offer good information support in the event of an emergency. I gave priority to radios that can be powered by common AA batteries––all but one model can be powered by common AA cells. Also, three of the five radios below can receive North American weather radio frequencies.

Note that while many of these models have been chosen with North American readers in mind, there are a number of similar models available in Europe, Asia, and the Pacific that have DAB/DAB+ reception. This list is by no means comprehensive, as there are literally hundreds of similar radios on the market; if you feel I’ve left an ideal radio off this list, please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section.

Self-Powered Radios: The C. Crane CC Solar Observer ($50)

There are a number of self-powered (hand-crank and/or solar powered) radios on the market. My favorite self-powered radio for receiving local news and weather here in North America is the C. Crane CC Solar Observer.

I like the CC Solar Observer because it’s substantial, well made by a company I trust, and has three different ways to power it (AA batteries/AC adapter, a hand crank, and solar charging). The internal rechargeable battery pack stores energy from the hand crank, solar panel, or AC adapter. In a pinch, this radio can even charge a mobile phone via a supplied USB adapter.

The backlit dial is such a thoughtful design feature: whether the power’s out or you’re just out camping, it’s good to be able to see where you’re tuning in.

And, of course, this radio performs very well, indeed. You’ll be pleased with AM, FM and weather radio reception. Audio is quite respectable via the internal speaker, and the overall build quality is excellent. The CC Solar Observer also sports an LED flashlight, and is, to my knowledge, the only self-powered radio with a very handy backlit dial!

This is not the cheapest in the line-up: new, these retail anywhere from $45 to $60 USD. Still, I think this radio is a very worthwhile investment, and really, the best of the bunch.

Retailers:

Other Options: The Degen DE13 DSP is much smaller, sports the shortwave band, and is less expensive (roughly $25 USD). I also like the Tecsun GR-88, which has a similar form factor to the CC Solar Observer, and also includes the shortwave bands (roughly $55 USD). Negatives for both of these radios is that many are sold from China, which could mean longer-than-normal shipping times, should you need it soon. Also, neither of these models include North American weather radio frequencies.

For more emergency radios, also check out Eton Corporation’s offerings.

Simple Pocket Radios With Built-In Speaker: Sangean SR-35 ($20)

Small form factor ideal for you? I like the Sangean SR-35 because it’s such a simple, easy-to-use radio, is obviously incredibly portable, and produces respectable audio for a pocket radio. (The SR-35 is also a favorite among SWLing Post readers.) The SR-35 sports an 18” telescopic FM antenna and built-in AM antenna. Performance is fantastic for a radio in this price class. If you don’t mind an analog dial and the fact the SR-35 can’t receive North American weather radio frequencies, you’ll love this affordable little pocket radio.

Retailers:

Other Options: Although the Sangean DT-800 is pricier (roughly $55 via Amazon, $79 via Universal Radio) it includes weather radio reception and even weather alerts––click here for my full review. The C. Crane CC Pocket is very similar to the DT-800, and retails for $65 via C. Crane, $60 via Universal, and $65 via Amazon. I’m also a massive fan of the Sony ICF-S10MKII for its AM/FM performance and superb battery life, but unfortunately it’s no longer in production, so your best bet is to look for one on eBay.

Battery Endurance Radios: Sangean DT-160 ($50)

I like the Sangean DT-160 because it’s a respectable AM/FM portable radio that can run on two AA batteries for an impressive 116 hours. I can confirm this because I once tested its clear-case cousin, the DT-160CL. It’s very compact, and sports excellent FM and AM performance that will snag all of your local broadcasters. Unlike some of the other selections on this page, it lacks an internal speaker and North American weather radio frequencies. Still, if you’re looking for a pocket portable with digital display that’s an incredible battery miser, look no further than the Sangean DT-160.

Retailers:

Other Options: I’ve only tested a handful of radios for battery performance. The DT-160 is certainly king in this category, although no doubt there are many analog models that could achieve even better battery longevity. The models that have impressed me the most both in terms of performance and battery life are the Sony SRF-59 and SRF-39FP (clear case). Sadly, neither of these models is still in production, but you can still track down used ones on eBay.

Large Portable Radios: Sangean PR-D4W ($65)

Sangean radios are a favorite among SWLing Post readers because they’re built well and typically perform exactly as they should. In fact, when I mentioned I would be writing this post, several readers immediately suggested the Sangean “PR” series radios, and perhaps my pick of this bunch is the venerable Sangean PR-D4W. I like this particular model because it receives AM, FM and North American weather radio frequencies. It even has a weather alert function. Audio from the built-in speaker is pleasing and operation is very simple. Most functions are available via one-button press. Note that Sangean also produces a PR model for visually-impaired customers that is similar to the PR-D4W, although it lacks weather radio; this is the Sangean PR-D17 (click here to read a full review). The only gripe I have with the PR-D4W (and many of the “PR” series radios) is a lack of carry handle. Unlike the other radios in this list, the PR-D4W requires four “D” cells for battery operation.

Retailers:

Other Options: Click here to check out the full line of Sangean “PR” series radios.

Portable Shortwave Radios: C. Crane CC Skywave ($85)

The C.Crane CC Skywave

The CC Skywave is a brilliant little radio and is certainly time-tested. It’s a fine broadcast receiver and one of the most sensitive travel portables on the market. For those of us living and traveling in North America, the CC Skywave is a veritable “Swiss Army Knife” receiver, as it not only covers AM, FM and shortwave, but is a capable AIR band receiver plus incredibly adept NOAA/Environment Canada weather radio receiver. At $90 USD, I believe it’s the best radio value in the C. Crane product line. Click here to read our full review of the CC Skywave.

Retailers:

Other Options: Although it lacks North American weather radio reception and no AIR band like the CC Skywave, the Tecsun PL-310ET is a time-tested benchmark portable radio. At $48 shipped (via Amazon), it’s a bargain. An even less expensive option is the Retekess V115, at $29.99 shipped, and though its performance is pretty impressive for the price, I prefer the overall quality of the Tecsun and C. Crane better.

Summary

If you’ve found this post because you’re looking for a reliable AM/FM radio, I hope the selections above will give you some guidance. There are so many AM/FM radios on the market, we can’t cover them all.  But these solid radios are time tested, and in my view, among the best; they’re not likely to let you down when you need them most.

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10 thoughts on “Five solid radios to get you through the pandemic (or any emergency, for that matter)”

  1. Rob

    Nice review. I have the PRD4W and i like it a lot. I also use a CC Pocket at night for falling asleep. I did not have good luck with the sangean dt800 – the headpone jack broke just after the warranty expired, and also I found the am to be muffled even at the widest bandwith setting.

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  2. Robert Richmond

    The Tecsun R-208 might interest some as it is a rather small AM/FM portable that uses *two D batteries*.

    https://www.anon-co.com/product/tecsun-r208-radio

    The marketing specs claim up to ~200 hours playtime. I have not actually timed mine, but previously I have used it off and on for several weeks at low volume using two inexpensive “heavy duty” zinc-chloride batteries that were (probably way) past their expiration dates.

    Build quality is fine for a sub-$20 radio IMO. The case does not feel flimsy, and the controls feel like they should suffice for everyday usage.

    Reception performance is acceptable for locals. I mostly tested FM, so not much idea on AM. Either way, it is not a DX receiver, nor is it marketed as such. Another review mentions decent AM performance. YMMV.

    https://herculodge.typepad.com/herculodge/2011/01/angelos-review-of-the-tecsun-r208.html

    Sound quality is…. err, did I mention it takes two D batteries? 😉 Being realistic, sound quality should be okay to most for talk, news, etc. Music is generally tolerable at low volume, though do not expect lows at any volume level. Also expect distortion with music to *greatly* increase as volume increases.

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  4. Mario

    Good advice Thomas, every household should have at least one reliable AM/FM radio along with a stash of batteries, both regular and rechargeable. For those of us who are eligible, that stimulus check will be deposited soon in our checking accounts so help to stimulate the economy by purchasing a radio.

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  5. Mangosman

    To reinforce the need for radio, smart speakers require wifi which gets its data via the internet. Smart Speakers and modems do not work without electricity supply. The modem is most likely to get its signal via fibre optics which do not conduct electricity like the old phone lines did. So if there is an electricity supply failure in your street, road, suburb or town, no emergency alerts can be heard.

    Many TVs are obtaining their signals by streaming or on cable are likely to fail due to electricity failure let alone the TV itself.
    The EAS systems are all aimed at TV and Radio, where in the USA the Federal Emergency Management Authority has paid for backup power for radio transmitters.

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    1. Mangosman

      My original post seems to have disappeared.
      Remember that mobile broadband and mobile phone towers are susceptible to being burnt/blown down, or the electricity supply is also vulnerable. Without radio many of those affected will use their phone to find out what is going on which will prevent those requesting help due to overload of calls and the use of Apps.
      Emergency Alert System https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/wireless-emergency-alerts-wea and https://www.alertready.ca/
      India has 2 monsoon floodings, Typhoon/Hurricane/Cyclones, tsunamis where the Emergency Warning System saves lives. The EWS system can limit warnings to a specified area within 7 km accuracy. https://www.drm.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/DRM-EWF-Emergency-Warning-Overview-v2.pdf
      Radio https://www.tecsunradios.com.au/store/product/tecsun-drm-radio/?gclid=CjwKCAjwssD0BRBIEiwA-JP5rJcroCPevc8ngk1OWal1AJg_ERbAdgnYCcTIoB18Ai5Eatl2y3-NzhoCtjwQAvD_BwE

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  6. mangosman

    Interesting important topic. I say this because the wireless broadband and phones stop working when a cell phone tower is either burnt/blown down or the electricity supply fails making radio the only way to communicate with those affected. It also frees the cell phone towers from being overloaded with calls from those trying to find out what is happening, thus preventing those who want to call for help. Whilst autos have AM/FM radios but car manufacturers are trying to replace this with streaming services and satellite radio which are useless in an emergency.

    Just remember that 5G needs repeaters 900 m apart down each street for coverage, how will they be powered!

    The USA https://www.fcc.
    gov/consumers/guides/emergency-alert-system-eas and in Canada https://www.alertready.ca/
    India is subjected to a pair of monsoons each year causing flooding along with typhoon/hurricane/cyclone as well as tsunamis. They have adopted Digital Radio Mondiale including the Emergency Warning System, so if the radio is within the specified area, the radio will be woken up and select the audio warning at a loud volume, displays a map of the affected area, along with a multilingual indexed text system for warnings .

    https://www.drm.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/DRM-EWF-Emergency-Warning-Overview-v2.pdf https://www.tecsunradios.com.au/store/product/tecsun-drm-radio/?gclid=CjwKCAjwssD0BRBIEiwA-JP5rJcroCPevc8ngk1OWal1AJg_ERbAdgnYCcTIoB18Ai5Eatl2y3-NzhoCtjwQAvD_BwE https://www.avionelectronics.com/digital-radio.html#digital-radio-receiver. https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/DRM-DAB-Digital-Radio-Receiver_11547499.html?bypass=true which also receives DAB+ including EWS

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  7. Steve Allen, KZ4TN

    Thomas:
    I would like to add the following AM/FM pocket radio to this article. The Horologe AM FM Pocket Radio, ASIN number B07D522RKW available on Amazon .com. To follow is my review of this UFB AM radio from Amazon.

    I have owned this radio for about a month now and am very happy with its performance. While the FM band works well enough, I mostly listen to the AM broadcast band at night. I am an avid ham radio operator and shortwave radio listener. I love searching out AM broadcast radio stations for distant parts of the United States and this little radio works remarkably well. Last night from my home here in Northeast Tennessee I listened to: WLS Chicago, WCBS New York City, WSM Nashville, WHO Des Moines, KYW Philadelphia, WTAM Cleveland, and WPHT Philadelphia. Granted that last night was static free as many nights during the winter months can be, but this radios works very well, especially given its cost. I listen using the headphones as they draw much less power from the batteries. I have not had to replace them yet. In small battery operated radios such as this, the speaker volume is the greatest drain on the battery. I highly recommend this small radio. I want to add that using the earphones greatly improves reception as the earphone cable functions as an external antenna.

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