The best crank radios 2024: Perfect for outdoor adventures and power outages

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👉 The key facts from this guide

You know exactly how important it is to always stay informed - especially in uncertain times.

Power outages and crises can happen at any time, and when they do, it's important to have access to news and information.

But what happens when the power goes out and you no longer have access to your television or radio? That can be a real challenge.

The problem is clear: How do you stay informed when the power goes out?

Crank radios are the perfect solution for this problem. They are independent of electricity and still allow you to receive news and information.

They are also ideal for outdoor adventures where you don't have access to electronic devices.

In this article, I will introduce you to my best crank radios that are perfect for crises and power outages.

Let's go through the best models together and find out which one suits you best.

Crank Radio Overview: Which crank radios are the best?

So that you know exactly where you stand, we start with the top recommendation of this article.

My recommendation: The Midland ER300

The Midland ER300 hand-crank radio (buy here) clearly emerges as the favorite in this comparison.

The reasons for this are diverse, primarily the combination of resilience and numerous possible uses. A 130 lumen LED flashlight, an ultrasonic dog whistle, and the SOS Morse code function make the Midland ER300 a true all-rounder among crank radios.

Versatile, robust, easy to use - these three characteristics make the Midland ER300 stand out, and for that reason, I highly recommend it!

The 7 Best Crank Radios Overview

Here is my top list of the best crank radios. Click on the link and you will be taken to Amazon.

Crank radio	Power source	Price
Midland ER300	Battery, solar, rechargeable battery, crank	$$
Midland ER200	Battery, solar, rechargeable battery, crank	$$
Eton – American Red Cross FRX3+	Battery, solar, USB, crank	$$
NOAA Weather Alert Radio	Battery, solar, USB, crank	$$$
Nigecue Solar Radio	Battery, solar, rechargeable battery, crank	$
Sangean MMR-88 Survivor M8 Radio	Hand crank, micro-USB, solar	$$$
Kaito Voyager Pro KA 600	Rechargeable battery, dynamo crank, solar, USB, AC adapter	$$$

Crank radios are difficult to categorize. You can find them in various price and weight classes, as well as with different gadgets.

As with almost any purchase, your personal situation and preferences in particular will determine which model you ultimately choose at the end of this article.

However, what counts for every article is the added value that you can gain from it.

So let's proceed step by step and make sure that you can make the purchase decision that will make you happy at the end of the day.

What exactly is a crank radio?

A crank radio is a radio that is not dependent on the typical power supply, but instead makes use of other power sources to be able to fulfill its service even in exceptional situations.

But that doesn't mean you have to constantly turn the hand crank to make the radio work.

Usually, the crank radio (also known as emergency radio) is equipped with a battery, which you can charge either in the conventional way or by cranking.

The system of a crank radio is based on a dynamo, which you may already know from your bicycle. When you crank it, you operate the dynamo and thus supply the radio with the energy it needs.

However, the term "crank radio" is often misleading and suggests that this is the only way to supply energy. This is, especially in today's world, incorrect.

Many crank radios or emergency radios often have solar cells or other additional energy sources.

Furthermore, most emergency radios do not limit themselves to the basic function of "listening to the radio", but also come with additional gadgets.

Whether it's a mobile power bank, built-in flashlight, or SOS function, with the right emergency radio, you often have a whole range of additional features that can help you out of a jam in an emergency.

Who are crank radios suitable for?

Crank radios or emergency radios are suitable for everyone in principle. You can usually use them anytime and anywhere, regardless of what circumstances you are currently in.

Of course, they were primarily designed for outdoor activities and emergency scenarios, such as:

• Camping
• Bushcraft
• Survival scenarios
• Emergency/crisis preparedness

Developed, which makes them particularly suitable for it.

If you are interested in camping, trekking, and bushcraft, or simply want to prepare for an emergency scenario, crank radios are perfect for you.

Of course, this also applies if you simply have a desire for a robust radio with numerous additional gadgets.

What types of crank radios are there?

Emergency radios can be primarily distinguished by their power supply (not to mention the crank).

• Crank: The classic crank radio relies entirely on your muscle power, as no other means of energy supply is available. You will actually have to crank the handle regularly. Such crank radios have become relatively rare nowadays.
• Crank and battery: The crank radio with battery compartment, on the other hand, still allows you to use batteries for power supply. Of course, the crank is still available for all cases, in case no batteries are available, or they are depleted.
• Crank, battery and solar: The crank radio with solar additionally has one or more solar panels that you can use for power supply. Usually, there are still batteries available as well as the crank in any case.

You see, except in the classic crank radio, the crank is almost exclusively used as an emergency solution when nothing else works.

It is also expected that crank radios will continue to evolve and incorporate numerous new additional gadgets into their repertoire. So, we can be excited about what is yet to come!

What can a crank radio be used for?

Basically, a crank radio is used for the same purpose as standard radios: to receive signals, especially from radio stations, to obtain important information.

This is particularly useful in emergencies, or in places where mobile phone reception is almost non-existent.

Of course, the crank radio can also be used as a source of entertainment on a camping trip with friends.

In addition to their main purpose, as already emphasized several times, most crank radios nowadays have numerous other functions and gadgets, which you will get to know more precisely in the product comparison.

What distinguishes the optimal crank radio?

There are certainly some preferences and personal preferences when it comes to crank radios. However, there are a few factors that you can take a closer look at when making a purchase. These include:

• Battery life
• Robustness
• Charging options
• Usability

Basically, the focus is on making the operation of the crank radio as easy and uncomplicated as possible, while fulfilling its task for as long as possible. The more reliably these criteria are met, the better.

My 7 Best Crank Radios

In the following sections, I will present to you step by step my 7 best crank radios.

You will learn about their facts as well as their advantages and disadvantages. My intention is that at the end of the article, you will be able to compare the products and make the right purchasing decision for you.

Purchasing criteria: Using these criteria, you can find the best crank radio

Finding the right crank radio for you is often not that easy. The numerous models that the market has produced do not make it any easier for you.

It is all the more important that you know a few criteria to pay particular attention to when making a purchase.

Even though you have now compared the different models with each other, continue to stay attentive with me so that you can make a long-term, worthwhile purchase decision.

To choose the right crank radio, it's best to keep the following factors in mind:

• Weight
• Portability and usability
• Battery life and power supply
• Additional gadgets and price

The weight of a crank radio

You are probably wondering why the weight of an emergency radio is so important. Shouldn't it mainly be able to perform its service in the long term without being prone to errors?

Yes, in principle you are right with this statement, but the weight of the crank radio can still play a role under certain circumstances.

I am not talking about ordinary camping trips or the like, but about actual survival situations, in which you may be walking for several hours or days and have to carry all your luggage with you. Sure, one kilogram of the radio won't make much of a difference, right? No big deal!

However, keep in mind that you still have to carry numerous other things with you, such as provisions, water, tools, lanterns (here is my top list of lanterns) etc. Even if these things individually may only weigh a few grams or kilograms, the weight adds up over time, the more that is added.

So, in general, pay attention to the weight of your equipment - crank radios are no exception!

How you prioritize this point is up to you and primarily depends on the purpose you are pursuing.

If you just want a useful camping radio for wind and weather, weight plays a subordinate role. In a survival situation, of course, the whole thing looks different.

The portability and ease of use of a crank radio

You have noticed that some emergency radios come in the practical form of a flashlight and are therefore handy and easy to transport. Others, on the other hand, appear exceptionally designed, perhaps even a little bulky.

On the one hand, I could advise you to get a radio with the design that visually appeals to you the most.

On the other hand, however, this criterion can play a big role.

Here again, it is important to consider the purpose for which the radio is intended. If you need it for a camping trip where no unpleasant surprises are expected, or if you want an all-purpose radio for home use, then this point can be pushed further down.

However, if you are planning to use the crank radio in SHTF scenarios, for example as a prepper (What is Prepping?), then portability and ease of use should be higher on your priority list.

Handiness

Handiness means that you can handle the model:

• can easily grab
• can carry around
• can transport from A to B

In exceptional situations, it may definitely be necessary for you to use the emergency radio as a makeshift flashlight or to make a quick escape with it. So, the easier it is for you to grab and carry, the better.

If you see models whose focus is on stylish design rather than practicality, then you should avoid them if you are interested in crisis preparation.

Usability

When it comes to usability, it's similar, and this point also has its clear justification in everyday life. If the emergency radio is difficult to operate and too complicated in structure, it can be simply annoying in the best-case scenario, and very dangerous in the worst-case scenario.

The term "emergency radio" already carries it in its name: the radio should be able to fulfill its service even in an emergency.

If you find yourself in an emergency, you need to be able to rely on being able to operate the radio without having to study mechanical engineering or electrical engineering.

In the best case, the model has a simple, intuitive operation that you can quickly learn and apply.

The most important switches and buttons should be easily accessible without any major problems, even with limited perception. Therefore, check if the buttons and switches are visible enough and if they can also be felt in case of emergency.

Battery life and power supply of a crank radio

The best crank radio won't help you if its lifespan isn't long enough or if charging isn't possible.

As a minimum value, you should aim for a runtime of 12 to 24 hours with continuous use. Please keep in mind that it should also run reliably in emergencies where you don't have access to electricity.

Furthermore, make sure that the radio can be charged in multiple ways. Power can fail (like a blackout), solar energy may not be available due to weather conditions, and batteries may also die one day. The more charging options, the better.

The additional gadgets and the price of a crank radio

With some other products, I would consider the additional gadgets to be secondary. However, it looks a little different here.

However, this is actually more due to the general market development than to essential reasons for survival situations.

You may have noticed that the price range for emergency radios is quite wide. It is not uncommon for cheaper models to have the same qualities as more expensive models and even come with additional gadgets. So, be sure to carefully evaluate whether the model is worth its price.

In plain language, this means: On the one hand, carefully check the quality of the model and ask yourself if the price-performance ratio is appropriate.

Furthermore, add the advertised additional gadgets and ask yourself if both models have the same features. As long as it fits within your price range, act according to the motto: better to have than to need!

Crank radios are important: Communication is top priority in an emergency

In today's world, we rely on modern technology with almost every fiber of our being.

No matter what it is, our computers and smartphones are capable of providing us with the information we seemingly need so urgently, almost anytime and almost anywhere.

Communication is key: We can communicate with people from all corners of the world and find out what's going on in the world.

We are informed about important events and the weather, so we believe we are prepared for everything.

This may be fundamentally correct, but what do we do if the entire system on which modern communication is based collapses or access to it is not possible?

Imagine a disaster, whether man-made or natural, that cuts you off from almost all communication networks.

Your internet connection is not responding, your mobile reception has completely disappeared, and moreover, the battery life of your smartphone is nearing its end.

You don't have access to a power grid - maybe you're even in an SHTF scenario and rely on every important piece of information from civilization.

Crank radios can be a great help to you in this situation, as they can usually receive signals almost always and can be charged and started by hand crank when needed.

So that you know which crank radio is the best for you, this buying guide has been written.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers about Crank Radios

What types of crank radios are there?

Crank radios all have the same main purpose, but differ especially in their additional equipment and their power supply.

Basically, you can categorize crank radios in terms of power supply as follows:

• Solar-powered
• Hand-crank powered
• Battery-powered
• USB-powered

Just to avoid misunderstandings in advance: logically, every crank radio also has a crank, which you can use to supply it with energy in case of emergency.

Although other sources of energy are almost always available nowadays, the hand crank is always available for the most extreme emergencies.

This crank always works thanks to a built-in dynamo, which you should also know from your bike. You use muscle power to make it run and thus supply the radio with energy.

If you charge your crank radio with external power or solar energy, no muscle power is required, in other words, you don't have to crank it yourself.

So if you decide on a crank radio, they do not differ in terms of the existing crank, but only in additional energy sources or additional equipment.

What do I receive with a crank radio?

Which stations you receive with the crank radio depends entirely on which model you ultimately choose. If you have taken a closer look at the radios in my test, you will have noticed that they can also differ in reception or range.

Most crank radios generally receive AM/FM frequencies or shortwave, although the latter is less common.

Having a proper world receiver or a DAB radio in the form of a crank radio is no longer uncommon in today's time (like the ROCAM crank radio DAB+/DAB/FM with 5000mAh battery). In plain language, this means that the number of stations with AM/FM frequencies is generally somewhat limited compared to radios with DAB.

However, you will most likely be able to receive the local broadcaster or public broadcasters here to stay up to date at all times.

However, if you value a larger selection of channels, you will probably have to invest a little more, but you should also find what you are looking for here.

Are there official and professional crank radio tests, like those conducted by Stiftung Warentest?

Although there are numerous websites, magazines, and individuals who have published reliable and useful tests, there is currently no such crank radio test from institutions like Stiftung Warentest.

How does a crank radio work?

A crank radio works in a fairly uncomplicated way when considering its basic functions and energy supply via crank. By using the hand crank, you charge the integrated battery of the radio thanks to the dynamo. Ideally, not many turns are necessary to get the crank radio running.

If the battery weakens over time, further cranking is necessary if no other power sources are available.

What is a world receiver?

As the name may suggest, a world receiver is a type of radio where signals can be transmitted and received globally, that is, all over the world.

World receivers can receive radio stations on shortwave. Shortwaves can spread across the entire globe, making global reception possible.

What is a solar crank radio?

A solar crank radio is a commercially available crank radio that is additionally equipped with solar panels. Simply put, you can charge this radio by simply placing it in the sun instead of exerting yourself on the crank. However, this can also have disadvantages.

Charging with solar panels only works on almost cloudless days, as even slight cloud cover can interrupt the charging process unnoticed. Furthermore, charging with solar energy often takes significantly longer than charging via crank or electricity.

How long does a crank radio last?

The lifespan of a crank radio depends entirely on its charge, usage time, and usage type. In the best-case scenario, up to 24 hours are possible. With energy-efficient models, it may be enough to crank for just a few minutes to get up to an hour of runtime.

Are crank radios waterproof?

Usually, crank radios are not completely waterproof. So be careful, for example, in heavy rain. Most emergency radios are only splash-proof.

Can I use a crank radio during a power outage?

You should definitely use a crank radio during a power outage, as this helpful tool is perfect for this purpose. When all other electrical devices fail, the crank radio is often the only available source of information. As you know, it does not require an external power source to operate.

Where can you buy a crank radio?

You can buy crank radios both online and in certain electronics stores. Both have their advantages and disadvantages that need to be weighed.

• In a specialty store on site, you can get advice from staff or even test the reception of the radio of your choice. You can take a closer look at the different models, get a feel for the weight and resistance, and also look for other products.
• On the internet, the selection is of course, much larger, and you can take care of price and product comparisons. Use tests like this one to filter out the best product for you.

My conclusion: Pay attention to the needs

You may have noticed throughout this article that fundamental things make a difference when it comes to crank radios: additional gadgets, power, and portability.

Finding a truly top model is therefore not an easy task, but requires an eye for detail and the overall picture of the model.

Given this, the Midland ER300 emerged as the winner (buy it here on Amazon). Not because it is the unbeatable master of all crank radios that outshines all others.

Much rather, because it shines as an all-rounder, which is suitable for both beginners and advanced users, has useful additional gadgets and has a long lifespan and resilience.

However, simpler models should not be underestimated. This is proven by the Nigecue Solar Radio (buy on Amazon), which stands out for its affordable price and relatively simple design.

Some crank radios are easy to use, while others are a bit more complicated. At the end of the day, however, they usually all serve their purpose: to provide you with information in emergencies, in the great outdoors, or during power outages where no other option is available.

Whether buying a crank radio is worth it can undoubtedly be answered with a resounding yes. Only your preferences will then decide which model is best suited for you.

I hope that this guide was able to help you find the right crank radio for you, regardless of what specific purpose it may serve. Thank you for your attention and the trust you have placed in me.

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