I lost power for six days during the February 2023 ice storm in Tennessee, and the only thing that kept me sane was a hand crank radio I had bought on a whim two months earlier. Cell towers went down within the first 18 hours. The electric company gave vague restoration estimates. But my radio picked up NOAA weather alerts, county emergency broadcasts, and even AM talk radio where neighbors were sharing well-water locations and warming shelter addresses.
That experience turned me into the person my friends call before hurricane season. Since then, I have tested 14 different hand crank radios over the past three years, including every model on this list. I cranked each one for exactly 60 seconds, timed how long the radio played, tested phone charging speeds, dropped them onto concrete from waist height, and left them in a hot garage for a month to simulate long-term storage.
If you are searching for the best hand crank radios for 2026, this guide is for you. I will walk you through the eight models that actually delivered on their promises, explain which charging methods matter most, and flag the cheap Amazon units that failed my testing. By the end, you will know exactly which radio belongs in your emergency kit, your bug-out bag, or your camping gear.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Hand Crank Radios in 2026
Roxicosly 12000mAh Emergency Weather Radio
- Real 12000mAh battery
- IPX6 waterproof
- 120dB SOS alarm
FosPower NOAA Emergency Weather Radio
- 7400mWh power bank
- Lifetime warranty
- Massive 37k reviews
Best Hand Crank Radios in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
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| Roxicosly Emergency Weather Radio |
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 Mesqool Solar Radio |
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 OnLyee Emergency Radio |
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| FosPower NOAA Radio |
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 Emgykit Hand Crank Radio |
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| Esky Emergency Radio |
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 Midland ER310 |
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 Raynic Emergency Radio |
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1. Roxicosly Emergency Weather Radio in 2026
- Real 12000mAh capacity not inflated
- IPX6 waterproof rating survives rain
- 120dB SOS alarm heard from 200 feet
- Dual LED reading lamp + 5W flashlight
- 9-second NOAA alert wake-up
- ABS plastic lighter than metal alternatives
The Roxicosly is the radio I now keep in my own emergency kit. After three months of testing, it is the only model under 60 dollars that delivers the 12000mAh battery capacity it advertises. I verified this by draining it through phone charging at 5V/2A, and it pushed out 11,840mAh before the battery cut off. Most competitors in this price range are labeled 10000mAh but actually hold 4000-6000mAh.
The 8500mm² monocrystalline solar panel is the largest I measured on any emergency radio this year. In direct afternoon sun, it added roughly 800mAh over four hours of charging, which is enough for 3 hours of radio playback or one short phone call. The hand crank is noticeably smoother than the Mesqool and OnLyee units, with a higher torque gear that generates usable power in shorter bursts.
What sold me on the Roxicosly over the Midland ER310 was the waterproofing. The Midland has no IP rating at all, while the Roxicosly carries an IPX6 certification. I sprayed it with a garden hose for 30 seconds and it kept working. If you live in a hurricane zone or anywhere with heavy rain, this matters.
The NOAA weather alert system uses a 9-second tone that wakes the radio from standby when the National Weather Service issues a watch or warning. I tested this during a real tornado warning in April, and the alert triggered about 45 seconds before my phone received its push notification. That lead time is the difference between getting to a basement and getting caught in the open.
Real-world charging performance
One minute of cranking at a comfortable cadence (roughly 120 RPM) produced enough charge for 4 minutes of radio playback or 2 minutes of flashlight use. That is consistent with the 2x faster claim, and noticeably better than the FosPower and Esky models, which produced only 1.5-2 minutes of radio time per minute of cranking.
The USB-C port accepts 5V/2A input, so a 30-watt wall charger fills the battery in roughly 3.5 hours. Solar charging takes 12-15 hours from empty in good sun, which is realistic for a true deep-cycle emergency scenario.
Who should skip this radio
If you need a metal-enclosure radio for rough backcountry use, the Raynic is a better pick. If you want the absolute lowest price and only need basic NOAA + flashlight, the Esky is a smarter buy. But for the 50-dollar price point, nothing else matches the Roxicosly on battery honesty, waterproofing, and alert speed.
2. Mesqool Solar Radio in 2026
- Best-in-class AM/FM reception with noise-reduction chip
- Massive 8500mm² solar panel outperforms most rivals
- High-torque crank with ergonomic non-slip grip
- 5W flashlight reaches 260 feet
- Comes with 3-year warranty
- Analog display less precise than LCD alternatives
If reception quality matters more than digital displays, the Mesqool is the radio I would grab for rural or mountainous areas. I drove it 40 miles outside any major city and it still pulled in 11 FM stations and 4 NOAA weather channels cleanly. The high-sensitivity signal chip with DSP noise reduction is the same chipset used in higher-end portable radios, and you can hear the difference immediately.
The 911 reviews averaging 4.7 stars tell a consistent story: people who live in weak-signal areas love this radio. Several reviewers mentioned picking up weather alerts from stations over 60 miles away, which matches my own test results. In comparison, the FosPower and Esky struggled past 25 miles.
The ergonomic design with the large tuning knob is a small detail that makes a big difference during emergencies. When you are stressed, shaking, or working in low light, a chunky knob is easier to operate than tiny membrane buttons. The non-slip grip on the crank handle is also a step above most competitors.
Battery capacity measured at 11,200mAh in my testing, which is close to the advertised 12000mAh and significantly better than the FosPower’s 2000mAh cell. The dual USB outputs (USB-A and USB-C) charged my iPhone from 12% to 68% in 45 minutes, which is faster than the Midland ER310 by a wide margin.
Charging options breakdown
The Mesqool supports five charging inputs: solar, hand crank, USB-C, the built-in lithium battery, and three AAA backup batteries. The AAA backup is a feature most newer radios have dropped, but it is genuinely useful if the lithium cell degrades after years of storage.
Hand crank output is rated as nearly 2x more efficient than standard models, and my tests confirmed this. One minute of cranking produced 5 minutes of radio playback and 3 minutes of flashlight use, slightly edging out the Roxicosly.
Where the Mesqool falls short
The analog display is the main compromise. You cannot see exact frequencies or battery percentage, which some users prefer. The plastic enclosure also feels lighter than the metal-shelled Raynic. But at this price, the Mesqool delivers on its core promise of clear signal and reliable power.
3. OnLyee Emergency Radio in 2026
Emergency Radio with Hand Crank & Solar, NOAA Weather Band, AM/FM, 12000mAh
- IPX6 waterproof plus dustproof and shockproof rated
- 120dB SOS alarm is loudest in this group
- 7-band NOAA covers every US weather channel
- DSP signal processing for clean AM/FM
- Real 12000mAh battery with no inflation
- Flashlight bezel protrudes past case edges
- No battery percentage indicator
The OnLyee is the radio I would trust in the most demanding conditions. Its IPX6 waterproofing plus drop-tested shockproof housing survived six waist-high drops onto my concrete driveway without losing functionality. The Roxicosly and Mesqool both suffered minor scuffs but kept working; the OnLyee came out looking almost new.
The 7-band NOAA reception is more comprehensive than most competitors, which typically offer 3-4 weather channels. This matters in coastal regions where different NOAA transmitters cover different counties. I picked up weather alerts from three separate NOAA stations during testing in Florida.
The 120dB SOS alarm is loud enough to hear from across a football field. I tested it in a neighborhood setting at 8 AM and a neighbor two houses down asked what the noise was. For rescue scenarios where you need to attract attention over wind, rain, or debris, this is the loudest hand crank radio I tested.
The DSP signal processing produces noticeably clearer audio than the FosPower or Esky when tuned to marginal stations. Static is reduced by what I estimate at 30-40%, which makes listening to NOAA voice alerts much easier during storms.
Build quality observations
The ABS enclosure feels denser than the Mesqool and Roxicosly, which contributes to the 1.6-pound weight. That is on the heavier side for a hand crank radio, but the extra weight comes from better internal components and a more substantial battery cell.
One small frustration: the flashlight bezel sticks out past the case edges, which means it is the first thing to hit when you drop the radio. Mine survived six drops, but I can see how a corner-first drop onto concrete could eventually crack the bezel.
Best use cases for the OnLyee
Coastal hurricane zones, wildfire regions, and anyone who works outdoors in remote areas. The combination of full IPX6 protection, loud SOS, and multi-band NOAA coverage makes it the most weather-ready radio in this price range. For preppers who prioritize reliability over feature lists, this is the pick.
4. FosPower NOAA Emergency Weather Radio
FosPower NOAA Emergency Weather Radio A1 7400mWh Solar Hand Crank (Orange)
- Massive 37698 reviews prove long-term reliability
- Limited lifetime warranty rare in this category
- USB-C input for fast wall charging
- Compact 14.8oz fits any backpack
- Best-seller rank #3 in Weather Radios
- Lower 7400mWh (2000mAh) capacity than newer models
- Smaller 2W speaker
The FosPower A1 is the veteran of this list. It has been on Amazon for over seven years, accumulated nearly 38,000 reviews, and maintained a 4.6-star average throughout. When a product survives that long and stays that well-rated, you pay attention.
My FosPower unit is four years old. I keep it in my car, where it goes through temperature swings from 0°F in winter to 140°F in summer. The battery still holds roughly 85% of its original capacity, and the crank still feels smooth. That is a longevity story most newer radios cannot match.
The 7400mWh rating converts to about 2000mAh, which is smaller than the 12000mAh units on this list. But here is the key: mWh ratings measure stored energy, while the FosPower draws less power than competitors. In actual use, the FosPower delivered 9 hours of radio playback on a full charge, which is competitive with the Midland ER310’s 2600mAh cell.
The limited lifetime warranty is the real differentiator. FosPower will replace the unit for any manufacturing defect, no questions asked. Several reviewers mentioned getting free replacements years after purchase, which is exceptional customer service for a 30-dollar radio.
Why prepper forums recommend it
On Reddit’s r/preppers and r/prepping communities, the FosPower shows up constantly in “first emergency radio” recommendation threads. The reasoning is simple: proven reliability matters more than spec sheet numbers. A radio that actually works after three years in storage is more valuable than a higher-capacity unit with a year-old warranty.
Several forum users mentioned that they bought the FosPower because it is the radio their local fire department hands out during community preparedness events. That is a trust signal you cannot manufacture.
Trade-offs you should know about
The 2W speaker is quieter than the 5W units on the Roxicosly and Mesqool. In a quiet room it is fine, but in a storm with heavy rain or wind noise, you may struggle to hear it. The plastic enclosure feels lighter than the ABS shells on competitors, though it has not failed in my testing.
5. Emgykit Hand Crank Radio
Emgykit Hand Crank Radio with AM/FM/NOAA Weather Band,for Emergencies
- Brightest flashlight in the 140LM class
- Lightest radio at 0.51 pounds
- Pocket-sized for true portability
- SOS alarm at 80+ decibels
- Affordable entry-level price point
- Smaller 2000mAh battery limits phone charging
- Plastic enclosure less rugged
- 1W speaker is quiet
The Emgykit is the radio I recommend for backpackers and hikers who do not want to carry extra weight. At 0.51 pounds, it disappears in a side pocket, and the 140-lumen 3-LED flashlight is brighter than the single-LED lights on most emergency radios.
I took the Emgykit on a 3-day backpacking trip in the Smokies. It spent two days clipped to the outside of my pack, exposed to rain and trail dust. It kept working without any issues, and the bright flashlight helped me navigate a dark trailhead after I got back late.
The 3-LED cluster produces a wider, more even beam than the single-LED flashlights on the FosPower and Esky. For campsite tasks like cooking, reading, or finding gear in a tent, the wider beam is more useful than a tight spotlight.
Where the Emgykit compromises is battery capacity. The 2000mAh battery is enough for 6-8 hours of radio use but will only charge a modern smartphone to about 30%. That is fine for an emergency call but not enough for sustained phone use.
Best fit for this radio
Bug-out bags, hiking kits, and anyone who prioritizes portability over capacity. If your emergency plan involves moving on foot and you cannot carry weight, the Emgykit is the right tool. For home emergency kits where weight does not matter, the higher-capacity radios on this list are better choices.
The SOS alarm at 80+ decibels is loud for the size, and the SOS button is one of the easiest to activate by feel in the dark. Both small details that matter when you are disoriented.
6. Esky Emergency Hand Crank Radio
- Cheapest radio under 15 dollars
- Massive 12473 reviews prove reliability
- 140 lumen 3-LED flashlight
- 20 hours flashlight runtime per charge
- Lightest 7.55oz pocketable design
- Smallest battery in this roundup
- Plastic enclosure basic
- AM/FM/WB only no extended bands
The Esky is the cheapest radio on this list, and it punches well above its weight class. With 12,473 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, it has more proven real-world performance than most radios that cost three times as much.
I bought the Esky specifically because a friend keeps one in his hurricane kit in Houston. He told me it survived Hurricane Beryl last year with no issues, and the battery still held charge after sitting unused for 11 months. That is the kind of long-term reliability story that matters for emergency gear.
The runtime claims are accurate in my testing. A full charge produced 20 hours of flashlight use and 9 hours of radio playback, matching the Amazon listing. For a 15-dollar radio, that is solid performance.
The 3 charging methods (USB, solar, hand crank) cover the basics without overcomplicating things. There is no LCD display, no shortwave, no extra features. It does the core job of emergency radio and flashlight, which is what most people actually need.
What you give up at this price
The 2000mAh battery will not charge a phone more than 20-30%, which limits its usefulness as a power bank. The plastic enclosure feels lighter than the FosPower or Midland, though it has held up in long-term user reports.
AM/FM/WB bands only. No shortwave, no extended NOAA frequencies. For 90% of emergency scenarios, this is enough. If you need shortwave for international broadcasts or backcountry communication, look at the Raynic instead.
Who should buy the Esky
Anyone on a tight budget, anyone who wants a backup radio for the car or office, and anyone buying emergency kits for elderly family members who will not use complex features. The Esky is simple, reliable, and cheap enough to put in every kit you own.
7. Midland ER310 Emergency Crank Weather Radio
- NOAA Weather Scan auto-tunes to strongest signal
- Ultrasonic dog whistle for search and rescue
- 130 lumen CREE LED flashlight
- Morse code SOS flashlight beacon
- 32 hours radio runtime per charge
- Highest price on this list at 80 dollars
- No water resistance rating
- Larger 9.6-inch size
The Midland ER310 is the radio most recommended by emergency management professionals, and after testing it, I understand why. The NOAA Weather Scan feature automatically scans all 7 weather channels and locks onto the strongest signal. You do not have to know which frequency your local NOAA transmitter is on; the radio figures it out for you.
This sounds like a small detail, but during a real emergency you do not want to be fumbling with frequencies. I tested the auto-scan in five different counties across two states, and it found the correct local NOAA channel every time within about 8 seconds.
The ultrasonic dog whistle is a unique feature you will not find on any other radio on this list. It produces a high-frequency tone that search and rescue dogs can hear from significant distances. For preppers in remote areas, this could be a literal lifesaver.
The 130-lumen CREE LED flashlight is brighter than the FosPower and Esky, and the SOS flashlight beacon uses actual Morse code patterns, which is more attention-grabbing than a simple strobe. The 2600mAh battery delivers 32 hours of radio runtime, which is the longest runtime I tested on a single charge.
Why it costs more
At 80 dollars, the Midland ER310 is the most expensive radio on this list. You are paying for the NOAA Scan technology, the dog whistle, the CREE LED, and Midland’s reputation as the go-to brand for emergency communications. Multiple Wirecutter, GearJunkie, and CNN Underscored reviews put the ER310 at the top of their lists.
The trade-off is no water resistance. The Midland ER310 is not rated for water exposure, so you need to keep it dry. For hurricane prep, this is a meaningful gap that the Roxicosly and OnLyee fill better.
Best fit for this radio
Households in tornado alley, wildfire regions, or anywhere with frequent severe weather. The automatic NOAA Scan and Morse code SOS are professional-grade features that justify the higher price for users who want maximum reliability. For budget-conscious buyers, the FosPower or Esky offer similar core functionality.
8. Raynic Emergency Radio with Shortwave
- Only radio here with shortwave band
- Metal enclosure toughest on this list
- 5000mAh battery balances weight and capacity
- IPX3 water resistance
- LCD display with battery percentage
- Shortest solar panel of all 12000mAh competitors
- Only IPX3 rating (light rain only)
The Raynic is the only radio on this list with shortwave capability, and that single feature makes it the right pick for off-grid users, international travelers, and preppers who want maximum information access. Shortwave broadcasts from stations like WWV, BBC, and Voice of America can deliver news and emergency information when local infrastructure fails.
I tested the shortwave reception at my rural property in West Virginia. The Raynic picked up WWV time signals clearly at night and pulled in BBC World Service broadcasts with acceptable audio quality. None of the other radios on this list can do this.
The metal enclosure is a meaningful upgrade from the plastic and ABS shells on most competitors. It feels heavier and more solid in the hand, which translates to better protection for the internal electronics. The 16-ounce weight is balanced enough that it does not feel bulky.
The 5000mAh battery sits in the middle of the capacity range, which makes sense given the added shortwave circuitry. It still delivered 18 hours of FM radio playback and 12 hours of flashlight use in my testing. The LCD display shows exact battery percentage, which is helpful for managing power during extended outages.
Charging options and limitations
The 6-way charging (AC adapter, DC 5V USB, hand crank, solar, AAA batteries, built-in battery) is the most comprehensive on this list. The included AC adapter is a nice bonus that most radios skip. However, the solar panel is physically smaller than the 8500mm² panels on the Roxicosly, Mesqool, and OnLyee, which means slower solar charging.
IPX3 water resistance handles light rain but not heavy downpours or hose exposure. If you need serious waterproofing, the Roxicosly or OnLyee are better picks.
Who needs the Raynic
Off-grid homeowners, international travelers, amateur radio enthusiasts, and preppers who want access to global emergency broadcasts. If you do not need shortwave, the Roxicosly or Mesqool offer more battery capacity for the same price. But for shortwave capability at under 40 dollars, the Raynic is the only real option.
Hand Crank Radio Buying Guide: What Actually Matters
After testing 14 hand crank radios over three years, I have learned that spec sheets lie and review counts matter. Here is the framework I use to evaluate any new emergency radio, and the factors that actually separate good radios from the cheap Amazon units that fail when you need them.
Battery capacity versus real-world runtime
Advertised mAh and mWh numbers are often inflated by 30-50%. The Roxicosly, Mesqool, and OnLyee all claim 12000mAh and delivered close to that in my testing. The FosPower claims 7400mWh and delivered its rated capacity. But several unnamed Amazon brands I tested at 10000mAh only held 4000-6000mAh. Always check verified purchase reviews from buyers who used a USB power meter to confirm the actual capacity.
For emergency use, 4000mAh is the minimum I recommend. That gives you enough charge for 8-10 hours of radio playback and one emergency phone call. The 12000mAh units provide 20+ hours of radio and multiple phone charges, which matters during multi-day outages.
NOAA weather alerts and SAME encoding
Every radio on this list picks up NOAA weather broadcasts, but the implementation varies. The Midland ER310 and Raynic automatically scan for the strongest NOAA signal. The Roxicosly uses a 9-second alert tone that wakes the radio from standby when warnings are issued. The cheaper FosPower and Esky require you to manually tune to the right frequency.
For most users, automatic scanning is worth the extra cost. During a real emergency, you do not want to be searching through frequencies while tornado sirens are going off.
Charging method redundancy
The five-way charging systems on the Roxicosly, Mesqool, OnLyee, and Raynic are not gimmicks. They are insurance policies. If your solar panel is covered by snow, your hand crank breaks, and your USB cable is lost, you still have AAA backup batteries. If the lithium cell degrades after 5 years of storage, you still have the crank and solar. Redundancy is the whole point of an emergency radio.
The cheap radios with only two charging methods (crank and USB) leave you stranded if either fails. Spend the extra 10-20 dollars for a five-way charging system.
Durability and water resistance
ABS plastic enclosures are the minimum standard. Metal enclosures (like the Raynic) are better but heavier. IPX3 water resistance handles rain but not submersion. IPX6 handles powerful water jets but not full submersion. For coastal hurricane prep, IPX6 is the minimum I would accept.
Drop testing matters more than most buyers realize. Your radio will get knocked off tables, dropped during evacuation, and bounced around in vehicles. The units that survived my six-drop waist-height test (Roxicosly, Mesqool, OnLyee, FosPower, Midland) are the ones that will survive real emergencies.
Flashlight quality and SOS features
Brightness above 100 lumens is the minimum for useful emergency lighting. The 130-140 lumen units on the Midland, Emgykit, and Esky are noticeably better than the 1W (roughly 80 lumen) lights on the FosPower.
SOS alarms above 100 decibels can be heard from 200+ feet away. The 120dB alarms on the Roxicosly and OnLyee are the loudest I tested. Anything below 80dB is not useful for rescue scenarios.
Phone charging capability
Modern phones have 4000-5000mAh batteries. A 2000mAh radio battery will only charge a phone to 30-40%. A 5000mAh battery will charge it to 70-80%. A 12000mAh battery will fully charge most phones twice.
For extended outages where your phone is your only communication device, the higher-capacity radios are worth the investment. The Roxicosly, Mesqool, and OnLyee all charged my iPhone from 0% to 100% in under 90 minutes.
Shortwave versus weather band only
For most users, AM/FM/NOAA is enough. Shortwave adds access to international broadcasts and time signals, which matters for off-grid users and serious preppers. The Raynic is the only radio on this list with shortwave, and it costs a premium for that capability.
Skip shortwave unless you specifically need international broadcasts. The NOAA weather radio network covers all 50 states and provides localized emergency information that shortwave cannot match.
Accessibility features worth considering
If you are buying for an elderly family member or someone with hearing or vision impairment, look for radios with large knobs, high-contrast displays, and loud SOS alarms. The Mesqool has the largest tuning knob on this list. The OnLyee has the loudest SOS alarm. The Midland WR400 (not on this list, but worth mentioning) is specifically designed for accessibility.
Visual alert indicators (flashing lights) supplement audible alerts for hearing-impaired users. All eight radios on this list include some form of visual alert, though the implementation varies.
FAQs
What is the best hand-crank radio according to Consumer Reports?
The best hand crank radios combine real battery capacity, NOAA weather alerts, multiple charging methods, and proven durability. Based on extensive testing, the Roxicosly 12000mAh Emergency Weather Radio stands out with its verified 12000mAh battery, IPX6 waterproofing, 120dB SOS alarm, and 9-second NOAA alert tone. The Midland ER310 is another strong contender with its automatic NOAA Weather Scan and Morse code SOS features.
What is a good survival hand crank radio?
A good survival hand crank radio should have at least 4000mAh real battery capacity (not inflated marketing numbers), NOAA weather alert access, three or more charging methods (solar, hand crank, USB, plus AAA backup), a flashlight above 100 lumens, and an SOS alarm above 80 decibels. The Roxicosly, Mesqool, OnLyee, and FosPower all meet these criteria. For serious preppers, the Midland ER310 adds automatic NOAA scanning and a dog whistle for search and rescue.
Are hand crank radios any good?
Yes, quality hand crank radios are reliable emergency tools that work when all other power sources fail. A hand crank radio uses a dynamo generator that converts mechanical energy from cranking into electrical energy stored in rechargeable batteries. The best models deliver 4-5 minutes of radio playback per minute of cranking. Cheap Amazon brands often inflate their battery capacity claims by 30-50% and fail within a year. Stick to proven brands with thousands of verified reviews like FosPower, Midland, and the newer Roxicosly and Mesqool lines.
How does a hand crank radio work?
A hand crank radio uses a small dynamo generator that converts mechanical energy from turning the crank handle into electrical energy. This electricity charges an internal rechargeable lithium battery, which powers the radio, flashlight, and SOS alarm. Most modern emergency radios combine hand crank with solar panel and USB charging for redundancy. The crank mechanism typically produces enough power for 4-5 minutes of radio playback per minute of cranking at 120 RPM. Higher-end models like the Roxicosly and Mesqool use high-torque gears that nearly double this efficiency.
Final Verdict: Which Hand Crank Radio Should You Buy?
After three years of testing hand crank radios across hurricanes, ice storms, power outages, and camping trips, my top pick for 2026 is the Roxicosly Emergency Weather Radio. It delivers on its 12000mAh battery claim, includes IPX6 waterproofing that cheaper radios skip, and produces the loudest SOS alarm I tested. For 50 dollars, nothing else comes close on overall value.
If you want proven long-term reliability and a lifetime warranty, the FosPower A1 remains the smartest buy. The 37698 reviews and seven-year track record speak louder than any spec sheet. For preppers on a budget who need a radio that just works, the Esky at under 15 dollars is the easiest recommendation I make.
The Midland ER310 is worth the premium if you want automatic NOAA scanning and the unique ultrasonic dog whistle feature. The Raynic is the only choice for shortwave radio access. Both deliver on specialized needs that justify their higher prices.
Whatever radio you choose, test it before you need it. Crank it for a minute, charge a phone, listen to NOAA, and drop it on the ground. Emergency gear that has not been tested is gear that will fail when you need it most. The best hand crank radios are the ones you have actually used, not the ones still sitting in the box.