12 Best Solar Powered Radio For 2024 [Top Reviews]

A solar powered radio is a small portable radio receiver powered by photovoltaic panels. It is useful in remote off-grid areas. Such radios eliminate the need to replace the batteries. It is wireless and mobile. To address the energy crisis and slow down global warming, energy conservation, environmental protection, and green energy have become vital global concerns. Thus, saving energy and developing alternative energy sources is critically important. Solar powered radio has many advantages including compact size, power conservation, and long lifespan. It has been drawing considerable attention as a replacement for conventional radio. As a result, LED has been extended due to an even smaller structure than the volume and size of traditional radio. It has a lower manufacturing cost.

Being able to take your news, music, sports news, political discussions or educational programs with you wherever you go is one of the greatest wonders of a solar powered radio. Whether you are planning a holiday, a party, a picnic, hiking, boating, kayaking, hunting, fishing, sunbathing, biking, cycling, kiting, swimming or a volleyball match, don’t worry about missing your favourite radio program, as your portable solar wireless radio won’t leave you alone. A solar radio is a blessing during natural or manmade disasters. You will stay alert and will be able to take emergency precautions in case of flooding, tornado, tsunami, land sliding or forest fire. You will also be mentally prepared for self defence in case of war, strikes or protests even in electric shortfall or blackout.

Reviews of the Best Solar Powered Radio

**Below, you’ll find our more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.

Top 12 Best Solar Powered Radio Reviews

There is a wide range of solar powered radios available in the market in-store and online. Choosing the perfect solar powered radio can be a tedious and confusing task.  We have analyzed and listed our top-rated solar powered radios to make your life easier. We hope that this curated list will help you choose the best solar powered radio for your need.

1.  Kaito KA500 Solar Powered Radio with Flashlight, Reading Lamp and Cellphone Charger

This solar powered radio is designed both for daily use and emergency preparedness application. It is great to rely on in life-threatening situations.

1. Alert mode:

You can set your solar radio at the “ALERT” mode, it will be activated automatically as soon as it receives any signal from the NOAA.

2. Adjustable angle:

Its built-in solar panel is adjustable up to one hundred and eighty degrees angle.

3. Four additional functions:

It provides you with four more useful functions: LED flashlight, LED reading lamp, LED SOS red beacon light and USB mobile phone charger for both Android devices and iOS.

4. Six way powered:

You can charge it using built-in solar panel, hand crank dynamo generator, three AA batteries, NiMH battery pack, AC/DC input and USB input.

5. Wide coverage:

It has a wide range of band reception including AM, FM, shortwave and seven pre-programmed NOAA weather channels. These seven weather stations are numbered one to seven. You can simply tune into these stations by turning your tuning knob.

Pros:

• It is impact resistant and water resistant.
• It has a telescopic antenna for high sensitivity reception assisted by advanced semiconductor circuitry design and LED signal strength indicator for pin-point tuning accuracy. Its built-in speaker delivers loud and crispy sound.
• It is constructed out of strong impact resistant and water resistant ABS material.

2.  Solar Powered Emergency Weather Portable Radio with Alarm, LED Flashlight and Reading Light

This is an awesome solar radio. It is strong, sturdy and well made.

1. Additional functions:

It has four additional functions: SOS alarm, LED solar flashlight, LED reading lamp and music player via USB memory stick.

2. Four different ways of charging:

You can charge it in four different ways including its solar panel, three AAA batteries, micro USB and hand crank. One minute of hand cranking supports thirty minutes of light usage and twenty minutes of radio usage. You can use the light for forty hours continuously after full charge.

3. Warranty:

It is backed by one year warranty and thirty days money back guarantee.

Pros:

• It is water resistant
• You can listen to seven NOAA weather channels.
• Its playtime is up to twelve hours on a full charge.

3.  Sangean MMR-88 Solar Powered AM/FM/Weather and Alert Emergency Radio with Flashlight, Siren and Smartphone Charger

This is an awesome little radio to keep you alert and aware. It is rainproof and splash proof from all directions.

1. Three charging modes:

It has three charging modes solar panel, hand crank and USB.

2. Four unique features:

It has four unique features including ninety-minute auto shut off feature, bright backlit LCD screen, stereo headphone output and four-level battery indication monitor.

3. Four additional features:

It has four additional accessories including a built-in clock, emergency buzzer, DC out USB port for charging your mobile phone and an adjustable LED flashlight which has four modes, blinking, high, low and SOS Morse Code.

Pros:

• It has a DSP Digital AM, FM and WX tuner.
• It has nineteen pre-set AM and FM channels.
• It is a Public Alert certified radio.

4.  iRonsnow Solar Powered Radio with Dynamo Hand Crank

This is your creditable emergency expert.

1. Two additional accessories:

It has two additional accessories: LED flashlight and power bank for cell phone charging.

2. Three charging modes:

It can be charged in three easy methods: solar panel, hand crank and micro USB.

3. Portable:

It is lightweight, compact sized and easy to carry.

4. A wide coverage:

It covers AM, FM and NOAA weather channels.

Pros:

• It is lightweight, compact sized and easy to carry.
• It covers AM, FM and NOAA weather channels.
• one minute of hand-cranking supports over five minutes radio play time，over thirty minutes of continuous torch light and five minutes cell phone talk time.

5. RunningSnail Solar Powered Weather Radio for Emergency with AM/FM, Flashlight, Reading Lamp and Power Bank

This is a great gadget for a very affordable and reasonable price.

1. Four charging modes:

It can be charged in four different modes solar panel, micro USB cable, three AAA batteries and hand crank.

2. Flashlight:

It has a red flashing light for SOS alarm.

3. Additional accessories:

It works as a power bank for your cell phone charging. It has a reading lamp.

Pros:

• It works as a power bank for your cell phone charging.
• It has a reading lamp.
• It will receive a bunch of AM, FM and NOAA weather channels.

6.  Esky Solar Powered Portable Emergency Weather Radio with LED Flashlight, Power Bank and Phone Charger

Esky portable radio is admirable and reliable. It is lighter than a paperback book. You can slip it easily into your pocket or go hands-free with the attached lanyard.

1. Durable design:

Its rugged and durable design is water resistant and weather resistant.

2. Easy to carry:

It has sturdy clips for attaching to your belt or backpack.

3. Three modes of charging:

Esky radio can be charged in three easy methods solar panel, hand crank and USB cable.

Pros:

• It works as a power bank to charge your phone and other small electronics.
• It has a wide coverage of AM, FM and NOAA radio channels.
• It has a built-in LED flashlight.

%3h3>7.  RunningSnail Solar Powered Radio with LED Flashlight and Power Bank

This is a water resistant and weather resistant emergency solar powered radio. It can be used continuously for twelve hours which makes it ideal for power outages.

1. Three charging modes:

It can be charged in three easy methods solar panel, hand crank and USB cable.

2. Warranty:

It is backed by twelve months warranty.

3. Two additional accessories:

It works as a power bank to charge your phone. It has a built-in flashlight.

Pros:

• It works as a power bank to charge your phone.
• It has a built-in flashlight.
• It is compact sized.

8.  iRonsnow Solar Powered Hand Crank Radio with LED Flashlight, Reading Camping Lamp and Cell Phone Charger

It is the best choice to know about hazardous weather. It is more than enough to receive any news about flood, tornado, thunderstorm or other warnings.

1. Alert mode:

When you set your solar radio on “ALERT” mode, it will automatically activate the alarm to inform you of any disaster weather conditions or warnings.

2. Three additional accessories:

It has three additional accessories including Micro SD card, loud siren and reading lamp.

3. A wide range of reception:

It has a wide range of reception including AM/FM/SW1/SW2 and seven NOAA weather channels.

Pros:

• It includes Micro SD card,
• It has a loud siren
• It has a reading lamp.

9.  Solar Powered and Hand Crank AM FM Radio with USB Power Bank, Phone Charger and LED Flashlight

This is a valuable life saving product. It is fantastic, small and sturdy.

1. Additional accessories:

It includes a survival paracord bracelet, a compass, a whistle and a magnesium flint fire starter.

2. Four charging modes:

It has four charging modes solar, hand crank, USB cable or with three AAA batteries.

3. A wide coverage:

Its band reception includes AM, FM and seven NOAA weather channels to alert you before any natural disaster.

4. Zoom adjustable flashlight and LED reading lamp:

It has a powerful LED flashlight with adjustable zoom, which can work for fifteen hours continuously. It has a LED reading lamp as well.

5. SOS emergency alarm and power bank:

If you ever get trapped in a life threatening situation and need to be found, use its SOS emergency alarm with red flashing light. It has a USB power bank for cell phone or tablet charging in case of a power outage.

Pros:

• USB Charge will give you twenty minutes of light and six hours of radio.
• Charge by hand cranking in one minute will give ten minutes of radio or five minutes of cell phone power.
• It is very lightweight and small in size.

10.  Solar Powered Radio with Portable Power Bank, Bright Flashlight and Reading Lamp for Household Emergency and Outdoor Survival

This is an admirable solar powered emergency radio. It is too lightweight, weighing only about eleven ounces. Its Lithium Polymer batteries are included. Its Micro USB cable is also included.

1. Four charging options:

It has four different charging options. Its built-in rechargeable Li-ion battery radio can be charged with Micro USB cable, three AAA batteries, hand cranking and the solar panel.

2. Incredible battery time:

One minute of manual handcrank supports twenty minutes of light or ten minutes of broadcasting. Solar panel supplies twelve hours of radio time, or up to fifteen hours of flashlight time when fully charged.

3. A wide coverage:

Its covers AM, FM and seven NOAA weather channels.

4. Included accessories:

It has two LED flashlights and a reading lamp.

5. Warranty:

It is backed by twelve months warranty, covering FREE replacement of broken or damaged parts.

Pros:

• It has SOS alarm with flashing red light.
• It is a power bank to charge your cell phone or tablet in a power outage.
• It is portable and very lightweight.

11.  FosPower Solar Powered and Hand Crank Portable Radio with AM/FM, LED Flashlight, Reading Lamp, Power Bank USB Charger and SOS Alarm

This is a great little gadget to save lives during natural disasters. It is backed by a limited lifetime warranty. It has a rubberized shell with water resistance. It has three dependable power sources, manual hand crank, solar panel and AAA batteries. One minute of hand crank will run the radio for up to three hours. You will get twelve hours of light and six hours of radio broadcasting after full charge using its solar panel. It can be used as a power bank to charge any type of cell phone or tablet. It has a flashlight and a reading light.

1. SOS alarm:

It has an SOS alarm.

2. Durable design:

It has a rubberized shell with water resistance.

3. Warranty:

It is backed by a limited lifetime warranty.

4. A wide coverage:

Its band reception range is very wide. It will receive a bunch of AM and FM channels.

5. Easy to use:

Its user’s manual and a carabiner are included.

Pros:

• It has three dependable power sources.
• It has a flashlight and a reading light.
• It has an SOS alarm.

12.  Solar Powered Radio with Audio Input,, 4000mAh Power Bank, Flashlight, Reading Lamp, SOS Alarm for Hurricanes, Tornadoes and Storms

This is an awesome long range solar powered radio. Its max specs for power output is 5W. It is a great little thing to have during power outages. It is sturdy and its sound is clear and crisp.  It is a power bank with a micro USB cord to charge any type of smartphone. It is ideal for camping, hiking, hunting or a cruise.

1. Two additional accessories:

It has a bright flashlight and a reading lamp.

2. SOS alarm:

It has an SOS alarm.

3. Lightweight:

It weighs only about one and a half pound. You can stuff it easily it your backpack or camping gear.

4. Four charging modes:

You can charge it using its solar panel in full sunlight, rotate hand crank, Micro USB cable and or three AAA dry batteries. These charging modes supply twenty hours of radio time, twelve hours music continuous playtime and thirty hours of flashlight time after fully charged.

5. A wide coverage:

You will receive AM/FM  and seven NOAA Weather channels.

Pros:

• It has a Digital audio player.
• It has a wide AM/FM and seven NOAA coverage.
• It is lightweight and portable. Great for camping, biking, cycling, climbing and hiking.

Ultimate Buying Guide – Solar Powered Radio

How Does a Solar Powered Radio Work?

The antenna or aerial of your solar radio can catch information passing by. It is a metal rod that catches radio waves and turns them into signals feeding into your solar radio. An antenna is the receiver of your solar radio.

Things to Consider When Buying a Solar Powered Radio

• Emergency alerts and warnings:

Select the solar powered radio that will deliver National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) alerts and other warnings to you, so before you spend a ton of money on a two-way or shortwave radio, consider whether you will need those other bands. If you plan to communicate with others, you may want one, but if the primary purpose of your emergency radio is to be a power-sipping connection to the outside world in an emergency, consider a standalone AM/FM receiver. The AM is important: NOAA alerts are sent via AM radio, and while you may be able to use your radio to tune in to local FM stations, if the disaster is severe, you may not be able to, and the longer range of AM radio will be required to get important information.

• Public alerts:

Look for the “Public Alert” and/or “NOAA NWR All Hazards” Logos: The two standards compete, but both were developed with the input and evaluation of NOAA and the National Weather Service. The Public Alert sticker in particular, however, notes that your solar powered radio meets specific technical standards, including the ability to receive area specific alerts, hear a tone before an alert comes through.

• External devices:

Pick the solar powered radio that can be connected to external devices, like lights for the hearing impaired or vibration devices for people who are visually impaired. In any case, make sure your solar radio is branded with one or both of these.

• Specific Alert Message Encoding (SAME):

Search for Radios that Offer Specific Alert Message Encoding (SAME): SAME is the technology that we just alluded to—it allows you to specify specific areas for emergency warnings. This way you’ll get notified when there are disaster warnings for your specific city, or for your country or region, as opposed to an area or state.

• Multiple power sources:

Buy a solar powered radio that supports multiple power sources. Battery operated radios are a must, of course, as long as you stock additional batteries for them in your disaster kit. However, consider a solar radio that also accepts power from an external source, like an AC adapter for when you have power, and has a hand-crank or other manual charger for when you don’t. Solar powered radios generally sip power and don’t take much to run, but as you add features, you increase the power draw. If your solar radio has extra add-ons that you want, you will need to make sure you can keep it alive so it can fill its primary duty: Keeping you aware of alerts meant for you. If nothing else, make sure your model can be charged by hand-crank.

• Additional features:

Look for additional features that you may want in an emergency radio. Pick the solar powered radio that has an on-board battery pack that you can use to power phones, tablets, or other gadgets. That may seem like overkill in an emergency—until you have a child you want to relax and calm down while you try to think clearly about what’s happening. Buy the one with features like flashlights, multiple programmable stations and locations, and even ruggedized exteriors to survive drops and falls. Buy the one with built-in speakers that can be used with earphones only to reduce power consumption. Consider your individual needs and pick the added features that are best for you and your disaster kit.

• Waterproof and weatherproof:

Remember, not everyone needs a super-rugged disaster radio that’ll survive a fall off a mountain—if your primary need is to get emergency broadcasts in the storm cellar of your home in tornado alley, a flashlight, big battery, and power-efficiency are far more important. If you live on a flood plain, a waterproof model must be on the top of your list. An ideal solar powered radio can withstand extreme temperatures.

Final Verdict

After thorough research, I have concluded that the title for the best solar powered radio goes to Kaito KA500 Solar Powered Radio with Flashlight, Reading Lamp and Cellphone Charger. It is a great all in one device.

You can also go for Buzz4000 Solar Powered Radio. It is backed by one year warranty and thirty days money back guarantee.