When the power goes out, a radio is the most reliable way to find out what’s happening and how long it will last. An emergency radio works without a socket and most of them can also charge your phone. These are the ones worth buying.
- Most complete for little money: Thomson RT260
- Best quality: Sangean MMR-99
- Simplest: Denver
- With digital radio: DAB+ with hand crank
What it needs to have
- Several ways to charge: internal battery rechargeable by USB, solar panel and hand crank. Even better if it takes batteries.
- FM and AM: AM reaches further when local stations fail.
- A 2,000 mAh battery or more if you want to use it as a power bank.
- Built-in torch: one less thing to look for in the dark.
Spanish public radio, RNE, is the official channel for emergency information. Its English-language coverage is limited, so note down a local station too and keep a translation app downloaded for offline use.
Quick comparison
| Model | How it charges | Extras | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thomson RT260 | Crank, solar, USB | Torch, SOS, power bank | Most complete for little money | € |
| QAUYYW crank radio | Crank, solar, USB | Large battery, torch, SOS | Charging a phone several times | €€ |
| Retro solar radio | Solar, USB-C | Shortwave, Bluetooth | Everyday use at home | € |
| DAB+ crank radio | Crank, solar, USB | DAB+ digital radio, torch | Anyone who also wants DAB+ | €€ |
| Panasonic RF-2400 | Batteries (or mains) | Big buttons, good speaker | Older people: zero hassle | € |
Approximate price range: € under €40, €€ €40–80, €€€ over €80. The real price is whatever Amazon shows.
The models
Thomson RT260
Best for: anyone who wants the most complete emergency radio for little money.
- FM/AM with hand crank, solar panel and USB
- Built-in torch and SOS alarm
- Works as a power bank for your phone
QAUYYW crank radio
Best for: anyone who wants the biggest battery to charge their phone.
- AM/FM with hand crank, solar panel and USB
- Large battery: a real power bank
- Torch and SOS alarm
Against: generic brand, though with very good reviews.
Retro solar radio AM/FM/SW
Best for: keeping it always to hand at home: it looks good and gets daily use.
- AM, FM and shortwave
- Solar panel and USB-C rechargeable battery
- Bluetooth to use it as a speaker
Solar radio with DAB+ and hand crank
Best for: anyone who also wants DAB+ digital radio.
- DAB+ and FM
- Crank, solar and USB
- LED torch
Against: generic model: check the reviews carefully.
Panasonic RF-2400
Best for: older people or anyone who doesn’t want to bother with cranks or panels.
- AM/FM with classic dial and big buttons
- Runs on 4 batteries or from the mains
- Powerful speaker and clear voice
- Against: no crank or solar, keep spare batteries
Tips
- Charge it by USB every few months and keep it with the kit.
- Write down the frequencies of your local stations on paper.
- Try it now and then: blackout day is not the time to learn how to use it.
The radio is one piece of the 72-hour kit. Check the rest so yours is complete.