A good weatherproof, portable radio is an important item worth having in your arsenal. It could be very useful when enjoying the great outdoors or in the event of unexpected emergencies. Regardless of the state of the weather, you’ll want to stay abreast of the latest happenings around the world or your area while also being able to listen to music outside.
You might have no other means of following the news and listening to music than relying on such a radio in extreme weather conditions, such as hurricanes or dangerous storms.
There are certain key features to look for when selecting a weatherproof radio. One is, obviously, the ability to carry it around easily – portability. It is also helpful to consider what kind of power source it needs, including whether there is support for alternative sources.
Of course, you also need to consider the frequencies supported. Most of these units support FM/AM or only FM. While those might be sufficient, it might be better to get one that supports National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather alerts if you have extreme weather conditions mainly in mind for purchasing.
There are some other interesting features you might find in some weatherproof portable radios. One of such feature is the ability to charge your other devices off the unit. You might even get modern features such as Bluetooth, NFC, and memory card support.
Here are 15 of the best weatherproof portable radios – based on different considerations – to make it easier for you to make the right choice.
Sangean LB-100
Sangean is one of the popular players in this segment. The Taiwanese company’s LB-100 Ultra Rugged is a good weatherproof radio, even in terms of style. It offers handy radio functions and decent sound while promising “best-in-class” reception.
The unit parades a robust ABC plastic construction. The design also helps to protect it against impact. With JIS4-standard water-resistance, you don’t have to worry much about damage by water. The radio is also dust-resistant.
As for the frequencies, the LB-100 supports both AM and FM bands. It also provides PLL synthesized tuning, which should help promote quality reception. There are 12 memory presets, which you can easily see on the integrated, backlit LCD. You also get five touch memory preset buttons to make it easier to access your favorite stations.
The built-in full-range speaker promises quality sound, even in noisy settings. It has six equalizer presets with Bass Boost and relies on AC power or four C batteries.
This looks like a good companion at a jobsite, poolside, or on a camping trip.
Bosch PB180
Featuring a compact design, the Bosch PB180 is a nice outdoor or job site radio. The rugged unit promises good sound quality while you get busy outdoors.
This shows off a truly durable, compact design. You can tell its ruggedness merely by looking at it. It boasts high-quality, shock-absorbing construction. The 4.1lb radio remains fully functional even when you drop it from a height of two meters, according to its maker.
The Bosch PB180 receives both AM and FM stations. The advanced digital signal processing feature helps to enhance the quality of reception. The unit comes with a 7-inch, 360-degree antenna for great reception both indoors and outdoors.
There are 10 preset options for stations you love listening to the most. The pair of 5-watt neodymium speakers promises quality sound that should be loud enough even at a job site. If you’d like to connect it to a digital media player, there’s an external auxiliary port for that.
The PB180 depends on an included Bosch AC adapter for power. You can also power it with 18V Lithium-Ion batteries, which doesn’t come with the package.
Sangean U3
If your interest is in best weatherproof radios for emergency situations, this is certainly one you should consider. The Sangean U3 is built to survive harsh weather conditions while also offering enough to keep you entertained.
It uses high-quality, rugged materials in its construction to keep it going even if you accidentally drop it. It is splash and water-resistant, boosting its outdoor appeal. But, at about 11 pounds, it’s not as lightweight as the likes of the Bosch PB180.
This emergency radio serves you both AM and FM stations. There are 10 presets for your favorite stations – 5 for AM and 5 for FM. It offers PLL synthesized tuning and pumps out sound through a powerful 7-watt, full-range speaker.
The unit has an LCD with backlighting to make it easy to operate in the dark. There is also an LED band indicator. The radio offers auto-scanning capability and two alarm functions. You can also program it to shut off at a set time.
Without a doubt, the Sangean can be a nice companion to have in your garage, at a job site, or when going on a camping trip.
Ancord S7
Are you in search of a weatherproof radio you can carry around without drawing much attention? The Ancord S7 is among those you might want to look into. It flaunts a compact, lightweight design and offers Bluetooth connectivity.
At slightly over 9 oz, this radio is very lightweight. It also shows a durable design. The exterior features robust, shock-absorbing material. It has a certified IPX6 rating, which means it provides impressive water-resistance. You can use it at a pool, in your bathroom, or even carry it along when it’s raining heavily.
The Ancord S7 is actually more of a speaker that includes a digital FM radio, so you can expect solid sound performance.
One of the most interesting features is the Bluetooth 4.0 technology. This enables you to do more than listen to radio stations; you can pair the unit to other devices to listen to music. It also supports calls via a paired phone.
You also get a microSD slot for playing music stored on your memory card. Direct cable connectivity is also supported via a 3.5mm AUX cable, which is included. Battery runtime is pretty impressive – up to 12 hours in Bluetooth mode and more than 30 hours in FM!
Wayl Buzz4000
Shaped somewhat like a pair of binoculars, this portable radio by Wayl ranks among those most worth considering for emergency purposes. This is especially truer if you don’t have a lot to spend.
The Buzz4000 is quite lightweight at just about 1.2 pounds. At this weight, you don’t have to bother about being weighed down when taking it outdoors. It is water-resistant as well with an IPX3 rating.
You can receive stations on both the AM and FM bands with the Wayl Buzz4000. It also enables you to listen to seven NOAA weather stations for emergency broadcasts and round-the-clock coverage of weather situations.
The portable unit packs a 4000mAh, rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery, one of the best you can get in a weather radio. It offers generous options for power as well. You can power it using a micro USB cable or solar power. It can also be powered by a hand crank or using 3 AAA batteries, which you have to buy separately.
You get a promise of up to 12 hours of radio playtime with a fully-charged battery. The humongous power bank can also be used to charge your other devices if there’s an outage.
Other features include dual speakers, a reading light, an emergency flashlight, an SOS alarm, and a headphone jack.
Monster Nomad MNMD-S
A real monster, the Nomad MNMD-S is a weatherproof portable radio that makes a good companion both indoors and outdoors. It boasts a rugged, hardwearing design while promising powerful sound performance.
Monster says the portable radio is built for rain or shine. There’s reason to believe that, merely judging by the look. The Nomad MNMD-S has a certified IPX4 rating, which means you might not need to think again before taking it outdoors in any weather.
Just like some of the units we have here, such as the Ancord S7, the Monster Nomad MNMD-S is a speaker. It just so happens to offer a built-in digital FM radio to enable you to listen to your favorite stations on the go. The speaker delivers an awesome 30 watts of sound output and has a cool 3.5mm microphone/guitar input.
The unit supports both Bluetooth and NFC technologies, making it seamless to sync and play music from your mobile device. It includes a USB-rechargeable battery that can last up to 30 hours on a charge. You can also connect any device that doesn’t support Bluetooth directly to the speaker via the AUX In port.
ION Audio Tailgater Express
The compact, lightweight Tailgater Express by ION Audio is one of the best weatherproof portable radios you can buy. It is a full-fledged, wireless speaker that offers you the opportunity to listen in to your favorite stations.
The Tailgater Express shows a practical design for both indoor and outdoor uses. It weighs less than six pounds and has a fitting handle for easy carriage. The system is water-resistant with an IPX4 rating. You can take it to the beach or swimming pool with no problems.
As for your radio needs, you can receive stations on the AM and FM frequency bands. It beats the Nomad MNMD-S in this regard. There is room for 10 preset options for quicker access to your favorite stations.
The two-way speaker system offers 20 watts of sound, and you get improved sound performance with a 1-inch, wide dispersion tweeter and a solid 4-inch woofer. There is support for both Bluetooth and NFC to allow you to stream music from compatible devices placed up to 100 feet away.
For power, you have a rechargeable battery that will last up to 30 hours on a charge. You can top off the battery of your mobile devices with the powerful power bank. There’s also an auxiliary input for connecting non-Bluetooth devices.
Kaito KA500
This is arguably one of the best weatherproof, multifunctional radios currently available. The Kaito KA500 offers practically all you need in a unit for all weather conditions at an attractive price.
This radio enjoys water-resistant protection with its durable ABS material. It is especially suited for emergency situations. You can also find it a good companion when engaged in outdoor activities, such as camping.
The KA500 provides you with a convenient means of listening to your favorite AM and FM stations. It also has a pair of shortwave bands – something you’d rarely notice among the best weatherproof portable radios. The unit also offers you seven NOAA channels for 24/7 coverage of weather and severe conditions.
Users can also enjoy access to different kinds of power sources. It has an integrated Ni-MH battery, which has an internal generator that recharges it. You can recharge the radio using an AC adapter, a USB cable, or a 180-degree adjustable solar panel. A dynamo hand-crank generator can also be used to power it, even without any battery inside. You can also use three AAA batteries.
You can also turn the KA500 into an emergency mobile device charger in the event of an outage. The hand crank can be used to power your phone when you connect the latter to the jack on the rear of the unit.
Features also include a 5-LED reading lamp, a flashlight, and an SOS beacon.
Horizons Tec HT-747
If the price of the Kaito KA500 was impressive for an all-weather radio, the HT-747 by Horizons Tec might be more so. It’s a great unit for activities such as camping or hiking.
This roughly 8 oz radio might not wow many with its look, but it doesn’t cost much either. It does feature a practical design and boasts water protection with an IPX3 rating.
Interestingly, the Horizons Tec HT-747 lets you listen to channels on the AM and FM bands. You can also listen to NOAA weather channels for timely information on possible severe changes in weather and disasters in your area before they happen.
The radio comes with a 1000mAh battery, which offers a runtime of up to 10 hours. A solar panel and a hand crank generator are also among the options you have for recharging. A minute of hand cranking will give you up to 20 minutes of power.
The HT-747 can double as an emergency power source for your mobile devices in emergency situations. It comes with a Paracord bracelet, which features a whistle, a compass, and a fire starter – this will surely come in handy in certain emergencies.
Sony ICF-S80
This isn’t so much of a weatherproof radio. But it is portable and splash-proof, which means you can use it poolside or in the bathroom. It offers one of the longest, if not the longest, battery lives among the units we have here.
The ICF-S80 is an upgrade of sorts on the earlier ICF-S79W by Sony. It features an improved design and a detachable rubber strap, which you will find useful if you feel you want to hang it somewhere. There are also four rubberized feet for enhanced stability. It has a water-resistance rating of IPX4.
With this unit, you can listen to all of your favorite AM and FM stations. It offers five presets that you can use to make your favorite stations easier and quicker to access. But there is no support for NOAA channels, even though some weatherproof radios offer that feature at about the same price or lower.
The Sony ICF-S80’s claim to fame is its long-lasting battery. You can get up to 100 hours using three C batteries, which you have to buy separately.
The radio uses a 4.5-volt DC power source. It also has an auto power-off feature to help you prolong battery life.
Sangean H201
If a unit such as the Sony ICF-S80 doesn’t work for you, this Sangean model could be a better option. This is likely to be the case if you want something that can keep you informed about extreme weather.
The Sangean H201 is one of the lightest weatherproof portable radios available. It weighs just over two pounds. With a JIS7 rating, the radio boasts water protection that is fitting of marine radios. You can even take it along for activities, such as kayaking and fishing.
It comes with AM and FM bands to enable you to listen to the latest financial, political and sports news on the go or treat yourself to soothing tunes. Each of the bands has five digital presets you can use for quicker access to your favorite stations.
The unit offers PLL digital tuning and a large, backlit LCD. The weather band lets you get important weather alerts that might save your life.
Other features include an emergency buzzer, LED flashlight, and a big LED read-out clock. There is also a battery indicator to let you know when the juice is running low.
Xeneo X21
Parading an attractive, portable design, the Xeneo X21 is an outdoor speaker that allows you to listen in to your favorite FM stations while outdoors. It offers support for Bluetooth and other features that allow you to enjoy music on the go.
The unit sports a cool, cylindrical design, looking somewhat like a bottle or drink can. Boasting an IP6X water-resistance rating, it enjoys a high level of protection against damage by water or dust. It is shockproof and comes with a specially designed EVA case with a carabiner for extra protection.
The 12-watt speaker promises enjoyable sound with rich bass. It uses Action 4 DSP technology to enhance audio quality. On each end, you will find an aluminum radiator, which offers superior bass over the rubber variety.
With Bluetooth 4.2 and an auxiliary port on board, you can listen to music stored on your other devices. There is also a slot for inserting a microSD card. You can pair a second speaker wirelessly for a complete left-right channel stereo effect.
The rechargeable 2400mAh battery promises up to about 10 hours of playtime.
SoundBot SB518FM
The SB518FM by SoundBot is a speaker radio that people who love fashionable things will instantly take to. It promises rich sound and is compatible with a variety of devices.
The unit sports a chic body having a rugged surface. It features a detachable suction cup design and weighs in at less than six ounces. It is also waterproof, allowing you to take it to the bathroom, swimming pools, and beaches.
The SoundBot SB518FM offers FM radio with quick one-touch scanning. It has a sizeable speaker cavity for amazing acoustic effects. The passive subwoofer with a diameter of 40 millimeters will give your audio quality an impressive boost.
This portable speaker radio is Bluetooth compatible. You can easily connect it to your mobile phone and other media devices at up to 33 feet away for music streaming. There’s even an integrated microphone for wireless calls.
You’ll also enjoy up to six hours runtime with 500mAh battery.
HB Illumination
This radio by Hydro-Beat works well for both indoor and outdoor uses. Come rain or shine, this affordable, compact unit looks ready to get the show on the road.
The HB Illumination shows off a somewhat colorful and durable design. It is housed in a silicone casing and has an impact-resistant shell. With an IPX7 rating, it boasts impressive water-resistance that makes it suitable for use in the shower, at the poolside, or even left out in the rain. The radio features a removable suction cup.
You can listen to your favorite FM stations with it. The interface is intelligent and user-friendly.
The HB Illumination offers users Bluetooth 4.0 that can be used to stream music from devices placed at up to 40 feet away. It also has a built-in microphone you can use for calls on a paired mobile phone. There are 10 multi-colored LED mood lights in the mix for creating a relaxing ambiance.
You’ll get up to six hours of playback time with the integrated 650mAh battery. And with fast charge support, you can refill the battery from zero to full in three hours.
RunningSnail MD-090
Here is another portable radio that will appeal to people who have emergency readiness at the top of their minds. The RunningSnail MD-090 provides you with weather alerts and offers useful features for emergency situations.
The radio is portable (although it is not the lightest) at about 11 ounces. In addition to FM and AM stations, the MD-090 gives you access to the latest NOAA weather alerts on possible extreme weather conditions in your area. It comes with an SOS alarm and a flashing red light that you can use to call for attention during an emergency or warn others of possible dangers.
It draws power from a rechargeable, 2000mAh battery rated to deliver up to six hours of playtime or 12 hours of light. There are multiple ways of charging the battery. You can use a micro USB cable, the solar panel, or a hand-crank generator. It also accepts three AAA batteries.
You can make use of the RunningSnail MD-090 to power your other devices in periods of emergency as well. It offers you a 1-watt flashlight and a table lamp, which can come in handy if there is a power outage after heavy storms.
