How to Choose a Solar Crank Radio

Every prepper knows that a solar crank radio is an essential tool during an emergency situation. But with so many options on the market, how does one narrow it down and decide which one to purchase?

Consider the following criteria when deciding which is best for your needs:

Weather Band Radio vs. Weather-Alert Radio

There are two types of weather radios: weather band and weather-alert. Weather band radios must be on and tuned to a specific station for you to receive alerts; while a weather-alert radio will provide you with emergency weather alerts whenever one occurs—even if the radio is off or tuned to a non-weather station. Most preppers prefer weather-alert radios so that they never miss important storm information.

Multiple Power Sources

Another important criterion to consider when choosing a solar crank radio is how it is powered. The best radios can be charged or powered in multiple ways, like our 4000mAh Digital Weather Radio, which can be powered via AAA batteries, USB charger, solar panel, or hand-crank.

Price


When making any purchase, it’s important to have a budget. Luckily, there are solar crank radios for every budget. At Fenix Prep, our radios range from $30 to $300.

Extra Features


The primary purpose of a solar crank radio is to receive weather alerts. However, many of them come with extra features, such as a flashlight, compass, or thermometer, or the ability to send SOS signals, play music, or charge other electronic devices.

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