Crank & Solar Radios
Battery Powered or Hand Crank Radio: Which Should You Buy?
Compare battery powered or hand crank radio choices for home and emergency use. Learn how to choose between replaceable batteries, a crank and other power sources.
Pick a radio that still works when the weather turns
Plain picks and side-by-side comparisons for NOAA weather alert radios, hand crank radios, walkie talkies and GMRS radios from Midland, Motorola, Kaito and Sangean. Start with the kind of radio you need or the radio basics.
Latest guides
GMRS RadiosBest GMRS Handheld Radios
Compare GMRS handheld radios for group trips, repeater use, weather alerts and outdoor work. Find the right number of radios, power system and setup for your plans.
GMRS RadiosBest GMRS Mobile Radios for Cars and Trucks
Compare the best GMRS mobile radios for cars and trucks, with picks for compact dashboards, weather alerts, off-road use, flexible controls and repeater setups.
Crank & Solar RadiosBest Hand Crank Radios
Compare the best hand crank radio picks for weather alerts, backup power and outdoor use. Find a radio that fits your charging needs and emergency plan.
Weather Alert RadiosBest NOAA Weather Radios
Compare the best NOAA weather radios for home alerts, outages and travel. Match county settings, backup power and portability to the way you plan to use yours.
Walkie TalkiesBest Walkie Talkies for a Cruise Ship
Compare the best walkie talkies for a cruise ship, with picks for family groups, simple charging and changing weather, plus tips for channels and ship rules.
Walkie TalkiesBest Walkie Talkies for Hiking
Compare the best walkie talkies for hiking, from compact radios to weather alert and splashproof picks. Match battery options and features to your trail plans.
Walkie TalkiesBest Walkie Talkies for Skiing
Compare the best walkie talkies for skiing, with picks for cold-weather battery life, snow protection, resort groups and backcountry trips.
Walkie TalkiesBest Waterproof Walkie Talkies
Compare the best waterproof walkie talkies for boating, work and outdoor trips. See which radios float, what their water ratings mean and how to choose.