Do you enjoy being outdoors and traveling to new places? If so then you know how important a good radio reception is to your trip. Without it, you may feel a little alienated and even frightened as you have no idea what’s going on around you. That’s where weather radios can be great to accompany you on your travels, as these are specially designed to keep you informed wherever you are.
There are a few different types of weather radio on the market, which offer many nice features that could be useful when camping, hiking, trekking, or merely exploring unknown territories. In this article, however, we focus on handheld weather radios. These are the smallest of the radios on the market and are great for taking with you in your backpack or storing in your pockets due to their lightweight size.
If you are keen to find a handheld weather radio, then look no further as we will be reviewing five of the best handheld radios on the market. We hope these product reviews will help you find a suitable radio for you so that you can keep informed on your next trip.
Rated below are the best handheld weather radio products. With key features listed for all, this should help you find one that suits your needs best.
Contents
Comparison Chart
Table could not be displayed.Best Handheld Radio Reviews
La Crosse 810-805 Weather Radio
The second handheld weather radio on our list is the 810-805 radio by La Crosse. La Crosse technology is a multinational company that specializes in weather solutions as well as home security systems and clocks. They have over 30 years of experience, and have some good quality products to show for it.
Product Highlights
The La Crosse 810-805 features a very durable design, which means it’s able to handle a little rough and tumble. Thanks to an ergonomic, rugged design and non-slip rubber finish, this makes it great to carry around in most conditions.
The Good
The La Crosse weather radio features a choice of 7 different NOAA weather stations, giving you a better variety to listen to while on the go. There is also an integrated LED light to help to provide more visibility in the dark.
The Bad
The volume is not controllable on this weather radio, which might be problematic for some users.
Pros
- 7 weather channels
- Durable design
- Lightweight
Cons
No volume control
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Sangean DT-400WSE Digital Weather Alert Radio
The fourth handheld weather radio on our list is the digital weather alert radio by Sangean. Sangean is a top US manufacturer of consumer electronics and they aim to provide quality products which stand the test of time.
Product Highlights
The Sangean handheld radio comes with a removable belt clip which allows you to easily take it with you on your belt and it’s also small enough to fit in your pocket if you prefer. It also features a setting that allows you to conserve the battery life, which makes it last longer than most weather radios.
The Good
Even though the DT-400 WSE is a small, handheld weather radio, it provides a pretty good sensitivity and selectivity for its size. The advanced PLL synthesized receiver provides an excellent reception without any interfering static noise. It also has a built-in speaker which makes the sound very clear. It includes an optional 90 minute auto shut-off, helping to save battery when possible.
The Bad
Reports of the on-off button stopped working not long into ownership which is disappointing. As well as this the earphone jack stopped working after only 3 months, which means some parts of the radio device might not work as good as others.
Pros
- Great reception
- Excellent portability
Cons
Some areas lacking in quality
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Oregon Scientific WR601N portable Weather Radio
The fifth and final handheld weather radio featured on our list is the portable weather radio by Oregon Scientific. Oregon Scientific has been making innovative products to enhance people’s lives since 1989. They provide a wide range of goods and their portable weather radio is one of their most popular products.
Product Highlights
The handheld weather radio by Oregon Scientific is one which offers flexible programming, including SAME state or country codes with the opportunity to receive broadcast from six different areas. This provides users with many options to choose from when out on their travels.
The Good
The Oregon Scientific weather radio is able to receive all National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) reports that provide information and alerts on any tornadoes, thunderstorms, floods, civil danger warnings, evacuations and more. Therefore, you are guaranteed to be kept informed and up-to-date when using this device.
The Bad
Although this is weather radio provides a good clear reception for its size, it can be a bit complicated to set up and use for beginners. It is slightly user unfriendly, and instructions can be a little confusing.
Pros
- Excellent reception
- Flexible programming
Cons
Not user-friendly
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Final Verdict
The title of the best handheld weather radio goes to the HH54VP2 portable weather alert radio by Midland. Midland is a trusted brand which many people have praised, and their products are definitely good quality.
The HH54VP2 model is a device which has 9 programmable countries and color-coded alert indicators, making it very reliable. It is very user-friendly, and can even be used by beginners with ease. The alert override function is perfect for keeping people in the know of any potential storms approaching, as well as any other important conditions they should be aware of in their travels.
It’s small compact size makes it perfect for any outdoor adventure, whether camping, hiking, trekking or simply exploring.
If you are shopping on a budget however, then you may be looking for the most inexpensive option. To help you out, the most reasonably priced handheld weather radio on our list is the 810-805 NOAA weather radio by La Crosse, while the most expensive option is the CC Pocket radio by C. Crane.
So there you have it – five of the best handheld weather radio products on the market. We hope this article has given you some fresh inspiration to search for a new handheld weather radio for your next adventure, and hopefully, you will have a better idea of what to look for when shopping for a handheld radio.