Its rechargeable 2,600 mAh battery was the second-largest in our testing group, and combined with the three other power options (solar, hand crank or six AAA batteries) makes the Midland ER310 a reliable choice for anyone who wants to be prepared for power outages and have the ability to charge their mobile devices. After testing more than a dozen models since 2017, we’re confident that the Midland ER310 is the best emergency radio for most people. The downside to digital is that when the signal gets too degraded, you lose it completely, which can lead to breaks in communication. Digital radio is the wave of the future, and nearly all new emergency radios today are made with digital receiver chips. However, the DF-580 can’t receive NOAA weather alerts, and its flashlight produced only about 10 foot-candles’ worth of light—one-third as much as the RunningSnail MD-090P’s flashlight did.

If the item comes direct from a manufacturer, it may be delivered in non-retail packaging, such as a plain or unprinted box or plastic bag. Midland ER300 is an emergency device supplied with AM/FM receiver, principally designed for emergency and safety situations, where keeping in contact is crucial; but ER300 is also an excellent solution for a daily use, for all outdoor activities, camping or in general in leisure time. Whether dealing with a blizzard, tornado, or any unforeseen event, you may need to be able to keep it charged for days on end. The simple device does exactly what it’s meant to do, keep you informed and safe during severe weather like flooding, wildfires, and hurricanes. An emergency weather radio that doubles as a personal or group entertainment device makes you more likely to keep it around and charged, ready for the rare situations where you actually need the emergency functions.Additional features to help people prepare for power outages include hand cranks, solar panels, flashlights, and SOS signaling that could be vital in disastrous situations. However, it’s also slightly smaller than the Eton Sidekick, which makes it less comfortable to carry, and the controls are even less user-friendly (particularly beneath the handle).

There’s also no other way to charge it if the batteries die, and I would recommend keeping three extra AAA batteries in the event of an emergency. In this digital age, where we rely on our phones for so much information, it’s easy to overlook the good old radio. Still, it’s fair to say there are some poor-quality models on the market, so reading reviews and trusting a brand with certification from an organization like NOAA or the American Red Cross adds additional reassurance to the product. However, the flashlight isn’t quite as bright as on our other picks, and the position of the handle means you might accidentally press a button and alter the radio or alert settings while you’re carrying it.Even though that’s not a dealbreaker, we appreciated that the ER310 gave us one less step to remember, an additional point in its favor in a stressful situation. The Eton American Red Cross FRX3 is probably the most recognizable weather radio, due in no small part to the fact that it’s recommended and sold by the American Red Cross.