Best Solar Radios

Best Solar Radios Reviewed 2018

One important item that every person should have in their emergency survival kit is a quality solar radio. These super handy radios use the energy from the sun to power the system.

This off-the-grid capability makes them perfect for emergency situations or even just for camping. One great thing about these devices is that they also have an internal battery. Allowing you to play the radio at night when there is no sun out.

In order to help you find the best solar radios available we have created this article. Each of the below devices has been reviewed thoroughly and reviewed. So read about each device and find the best one suited for you.

 

Solar Radio Comparison Guide

Picture:Name:Technical Details:Colors:Price:
Kaito Voyager Solar Radio- 1.8 Pounds
- 10.5 x 5.8 x 3.2 Inches
Yellow, Blue, Green, Black, & Red$$$
Eton Red Cross Solar Radio- 1.3 Pounds
- 6.9 x 5.8 x 2.6 Inches
Red$$
Eton Scorpion II Solar Radio- 0.9 Pounds
- 2.2 x 3.6 x 7.2 Inches
Black$$
Bear Motion Solar Radio- 0.7 Pounds
- 7.8 x 3.6 x 4.2 Inches
Yellow$
iRonsnow IS-088 Solar Radio- 0.5 Pounds
- 5 x 1.6 x 2.4 Inches
Red, Black$

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The Best Solar Radios

1. Kaito Voyager Solar Radio

First on the review is the Kaito Voyager solar radio. This powerful solar radio has is an all in one emergency tool. It contains a radio, solar panel, a LED flashlight, and a hand crank. In combination they make this device one of the best emergency tools available. For this reason in landed in first place.

The Kaito Voyager has a powerful built-in speaker that is used for the radio. The radio has both AM and FM channels. It also has a weather alert feature that enables you to receive the alert signal when a disaster arrives. One more thing we should mention is that this is only a radio. There is no AUX port or bluetooth capabilities.

Within the Kaito is a large built-in battery pack. Allowing you to run the radio for a few hours without dying. To charge this internal battery is 3 different options. You can use the built-in solar panel, the built-in hand crank, or you can charge it from your laptop via USB port.

Both the solar panel and the hand crank are  pivotal aspects of this device. The solar panel allows you to effortlessly charge the device during the day. The hand cranks allows you to have instant energy no matter the time of the day. In combination they allow you to have a charge 24/7.

The Kaito Voyager also has other cool features like a built-in flashlight and USB charging capabilities. If your phone or iPod is dead then you can plug it into this speaker for a quick charge. In regards to durability this speaker isn’t the best. The company doesn’t advertise this device to be water or shock proof. This of course is a negative since most of you will be using this device in nature.

Overall the Kaito solar speaker is well-rounded emergency tool. It’s made to be used off the grid while maintaining premium performance. The only negative aspect of it is that it’s not extremely rugged. So we most definitely recommend this product and advise you to check it out.

Pros
  • Large built-in battery.
  • multiple charging avenues.
  • Included weather alert features.
Cons
  • Not very durable.

Technical Details:
Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 5.8 x 3.2 Inches
Weight: 1.8 Pounds
Colors: Yellow, Blue, Green, Black, & Red

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2. Eton Red Cross Solar Radio 

Second on the review is the Eton Red Cross Solar Radio. This is another premium solar radio that has a lot of power. One positive to this speaker is that it does have an AUX port. For this reason it landed in second place.

The Eton Red Cross has a powerful built-in speaker. This speaker is one of the best (compared to the other devices) and is able to play AM, FM, weather band alerts, and AUX input. The AUX port is very important feature as most people want to play music through their phones and not just the radio.

To power the speaker is a powerful internal battery. You can charge this battery through DC, solar, and the built-in hand crank. Since there is a built-in solar panel you can leave this device in the sun all day and have power to play music at night. If for some reason you need immediate energy then the built-in hand crank is there for you to use.

The Eton Red Cross solar radio comes with some other handy features. There is a built-in LED light. Allowing you to see at night when the sun isn’t out. There is also a built-in USB port. This port allows you to charge your mobile devices with energy from the speaker. While the speaker will most likely not charge your devices to full it will at least give it some extra juice so that you can use your phone.

Overall the Eton Red Cross solar radio is a well-built device. It has all the features you need for an emergency and makes a perfect item to take camping or backpacking. With its many capabilities and great design it had to land in second place on this review. So we most definitely recommend this device and advise you to check it out.

Pros
  • AUX capability.
  • Powerful internal battery.
  • Great design and quality materials.
Cons
  • None.

Technical Details:
Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 5.8 x 2.6 Inches
Weight: 1.3 Pounds
Colors: Red

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3. Eton Scorpion II Solar Radio

Third on the review is the Eton Scorpion II solar radio. Yes, it’s another Eton product, but it’s slim and high quality design makes it worthy to be on the list. This compact radio is one of the smallest devices on the review. Making it ideal for storage and packing.

Since the Scorpion is a smaller device it does have a small speaker. With that being said it still sounds great and plays relatively loud. Unlike the above device the Eton Scorpion only plays radio. So don’t expect an AUX port to play the music off your phone. The radio function works great though and even has weatherband connection for when emergencies happen.

To power this device is a large 800 mAh internal battery. With every full charge you are able to play music for hours. Since the battery is so large you can even charge your cell phone with the built-in USB port. You wont get a full charge, but you will at least get some energy.

Whenever you run out of energy you have two options. You can charge the radio through the built-in solar panel or the built-in hand crank. Together they allow you to take the Scorpion literally anywhere.

Another great thing about the scorpion is its many features. It has a built-in bottle opener so that you can open a bottle whenever you want. It also has a strong LED light for visibility when in the dark. The scorpion is made out of strong and rugged materials. It is both water/shock resistant. Ensuring that the radio lasts thought any emergency situation.

Overall the Eton Scorpion II is a wonderful little device. It’s compact and slim design makes it perfect for carrying. With so many features this multi-tool is perfect for any situation. So if you’re looking for a small, but quality solar radio then the Scorpion II is the device for you.

Pros
  • Extremely portable.
  • Powerful built-in LED light.
  • USB charging capabilities.
Cons
  • Small radio due to portable design.

Technical Details:
Product Dimensions: 2.2 x 3.6 x 7.2 Inches
Weight: 0.9 Pounds
Colors: Black

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4. Bear Motion Solar Radio

Fourth on the review is the Bear Motion solar radio. This handy little device is one of the cheapest radios on the review. Making it ideal for individuals looking for the best deal. The only negative aspect of this device is its cosmetic looks. Causing it to land forth on the list.

As we mentioned above the Bear Motion solar radio is one of the cheapest devices on the list. Since this is so it is built with lower quality materials and parts. The first place this is evident is in the speaker.

The speaker on this device definitely does it’s job, but don’t expect HD music. It plays at a lower volume/quality then most of the other radios on the review. So if you’re looking for the best sound possible then this isn’t the device for you. If you just need a cheap emergency radio then this is the device for you.

To power the Bear Motion is a built-in battery that holds a capacity of 300 mAh. This capacity is average compared to other models on the review, but is sufficient enough for this device.

One of the best things about this device is its large solar panel. This panel charges up the small battery quickly/efficiently when left out in the sun. If you need immediate energy then there is a built-in hand crank. There is also a Micro-USB to charge this light from a computer.

The Bear Motion Solar radio also comes with some other cool features. One of these includes a siren. Allowing you to be heard when you are in danger or when you need help. Another awesome feature includes the built-in USB port. Allowing you to charge your mobile devices while on the go. The LED light on this device is one of the best and shines very bright.

Overall this is a great solar radio option. The Bear Motion contains lots of features and comes with a very cheap price. The only negative aspects of it is its cheap materials and lack of being water or shock resistant. With that being said it’s still a great option and one you should consider viewing.

Pros
  • Extremely cheap solar radio.
  • Comes with many features.
Cons
  • Cheap materials.
  • Not very durable.

Technical Details:
Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 3.6 x 4.2 Inches
Weight: 0.7 Pounds
Colors: Yellow

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5. iRonsnow IS-088 Solar Radio

Last on the review is the iRonsnow IS-088 solar radio. This is another cheap radio that comes with many features. It’s also one of the most portable devices on the review and is perfect for backpacking or emergencies.

The radio aspect of the iRonsnow isn’t the best. Since it’s so small the device doesn’t get extremely loud and doesn’t play quality music. With that being said it does great for its size and is perfect if you need limited radio hours.

To power the iRonsnow is 3 AAA batteries. These rechargeable batteries have a capacity over 1,000 mAh. Making it one of the most powerful devices on the review.

To charge this large battery is 3 different avenues. You can charge it from a small solar panel, the built-in hand crank, and through micro USB. Together they allow you to have power literally anywhere you need it.

Where the iRonsnow truly shines is in its LED lights. There are three powerful LED’s to shine bright light whenever you need it. Since the device is so small you can literally take it anywhere with you and have a complete survival tool.

Overall the iRonsnow IS-088 solar radio provides a great value. It has a great price and comes with many features. The only negative aspects about it is its low quality radio and lack of water/shock resistant capabilities. We still recommend checking this device out, especially if you want the cheapest option available.

Pros
  • Large battery capacity.
  • multiple charging avenues.
  • Extremely portable design.
Cons
  • Low quality sound.
  • Not very durable.

Technical Details:
Product Dimensions: 5 x 1.6 x 2.4 Inches
Weight: 0.5 Pounds
Colors: Red, Black

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Solar Radio Benefits

There are many benefits to solar radios, but the most important one is reliability. These devices have solar and hand crank capabilities. Allowing you to have energy at all times. This means you can take these devices literally anywhere in the world and still be able to use it.

All of these devices are more than just radios, they are solar tools. They all have built-in LED lights. Allowing you to have light where ever and whenever you need it. Since all of these devices are made for emergency situations they are also built to be very durable. Some are even water-proof or shock-proof for even more durability.

Some of the solar radios also have mobile charging capabilities. Allowing  you to charge your phone even when out in the middle of no where. This is perfect for when in emergency situations as you will be able to contact someone even if you’re not near an outlet.

One thing we should mention is that most of the below devices only serve as radios. Meaning they can’t play music off of your phone. If this is something that you need then you should check out solar speakers instead.

With that being said the below solar radios are perfect emergency tools. They are there when you need them most and will always have energy.

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