Weather Radio Buying Guide

Your home is where you want to feel safe. You keep your home and family safe with smoke detectors, carbon dioxide detectors, deadbolt locks, outdoor lights, security systems, and maybe even one of those new high-tech doorbells that you can control with your smartphone. But what about protecting your loved ones in the event of fast-moving hazardous weather or civil emergencies? One of the most reliable ways to stay informed – instantly and accurately – is with an NOAA weather radio. Read on to learn more about this weather radio buying guide.

Recommended NOAA Weather Radios for Your Family

WR210 Desktop Weather Radio

The most popular weather radio in the US and Canada. Program it to go off for only your county, and de-select products for which you do not want to hear an audible alert. Like a “smoke detector for storms”, this Public Alert-certified life-saving device is perfect for homes, schools, and businesses. Weather radio only. AA battery backup in case of power outage. Choose this radio if you: 

• Want to receive instant alerts from your local weather forecast office or emergency manager
• Want a radio that, once programmed, requires nothing more than pushing one button to listen or silence
• Want a device that will automatically awaken you when emergencies threaten, even wildfires
• Want to keep your family safe at home while you are traveling

Best tip for this radio: Turn off Amber alerts and other bothersome notices, so you are alerted for only the “big” events: tornadoes, wildfires, hurricanes, nuclear/radiological/chemical emergencies, evacuation, and shelter-in-place orders. These events are all locked-in for your protection. BUY NOW  

WR400 Desktop Weather Radio

Same features as the WR-120 desktop radio above, but also features AM radio, FM radio, and a USB port for charging your smart phone. It’s the top-of-the-line weather radio with an easy-to-read clock, and alarm clock features. AA battery backup in case of power outage. Choose this radio if you:

• Like the features of the WR-120 radio, but also want to listen to news, music and sports on AM/FM. Weather alerts automatically override any other broadcast.
• Want a bedside radio that will also allow you to charge your smart phone at night

Best tip for this radio: Turn off Amber alerts and other bothersome notices, so you are alerted for only the “big” events: tornadoes, wildfires, hurricanes, nuclear/radiological/chemical emergencies, evacuation, and shelter-in-place orders. These events are all locked-in for your protection. Use the USB port on the side to plug in your phone at night. BUY NOW  

ER210 Emergency Crank Weather Radio

Best-selling emergency crank weather radio with AM/FM. Also: super-bright CREE LED flashlight, and emergency crank to re-charge your smart phone. When the "WX Alert" feature is enabled the radio will broadcast any alert transmitted in your immediate area. Comes with long-lasting lithium-ion rechargeable battery. Choose this radio if you:

• Travel in an RV or camper
• Boat on large lakes or oceans
• Camp or hike in secluded areas
• Live in hurricane evacuation zone
• Attend outdoor sports events
• Need a radio for your emergency “go kit”
• Need an emergency radio for your safe room or basement

Best tip for this radio:  Keep the battery charged by plugging the radio into a wall outlet once every six weeks, using your own USB wall plug and the power cord we provide. Yes, you can crank to re-charge, but that’s a LOT of cranking! BUY NOW