The best wind-up radios will provide the tunes, news, and entertainment that won't ever run out of juice (well, maybe temporarily — but you just get winding again). Wind-up radio tuners are truly blessings in disguise. These nifty little appliances do not get the recognition they deserve. They're the perfect device for emergency situations such as a power outage, and it's more than ideal for the outdoorsy type — whether that be a hiker, camper, angler, or gardener.
Just like a portable radio, the wind-up variety is the kind of device that everyone should have kicking about the house for those just-in-case moments. How does a wind-up radio work? A wind-up radio does exactly what it says on the tin — they're powered by an internal clockwork generator with a hand crank that you turn to charge the radio. Though a wind-up radio won't wake you up at the crack of dawn — like a radio alarm clock — but, it'll keep you well-informed when charged up.
Best wind-up radios at a glance:
• Best wind-up radio for emergencies: DEGEN DE13 Cranked Radio – Buy now on Amazon UK
• Best budget wind-up radio: iGadgitz Xtra – Buy now on Amazon UK
• Recommended wind-up radio: Kaito KA500 Wind Up Alert Radio – Buy now on Amazon UK
It's as easy as winding the radio up via the crank on the side of the device for a few minutes, and then voila- you're able to tune into the news and music stations and listen for up to an hour. However, we're not sure you'll find any new-fangled digital stations like you'd find on a DAB radio. To bring you comfort, we've carefully curated an edit of the very best wind-up radios of 2024 right here for you:
Best wind-up radios
Best wind-up radio for emergencies
Amazon/DEGENNow, this little fella of a wind-up radio is absolutely incredible – it really is the perfect gadget for emergencies or when you're away from a power outlet camping or embarking on outdoor sports. The DEGEN DE13 Cranked Radio can be powered by winding it up as well as through solar power. It features a high-quality radio system, three flashlight settings, a mobile phone charging port, an earphone jack and an external adapter. Just wow.
This popular pick has received over 1,900 reviews on Amazon, rating it 4.2 out of 5.
Customers praise the multiple functions of this device, especially the alternative ways of charging the batteries. It's designed with practicality in mind in the analogue world: the headphone jack, non-mains method of charging, flashlight and FM AM radio are just a few of the features that might become supremely useful in certain situations.
Pros
- Has three power supply methods
- Comes with a flashlight and alarm
- Small, compact and comes in handy
Cons
- Doesn't indicate how full the battery is with cranking
| Dimensions | 13.3 x 4.7 x 6.2 cm |
| Wavebands | FM and AM |
| Headphone Jack | Unspecified. |
| Charge | Solar, Cranker |
| Flashlight | Yes |
| Alarm | Yes |
- A small, compact and light model with a fresh green look.
- Easy to carry so you'll hardly notice it's in your bag.
- Comes with an alarm function and a flashlight function.
- 3 power supply methods: rechargeable battery power, AAA battery power, solar power,
- 4 charging methods, cranking power generation, solar power, USB, and computer charging.
- It features a high-quality speaker and IC with good reception and can be tuned to FM/WM/SW.
- It has two easy-to-control turntables: one for the mixer and the other for the volume control.
- It comes with an antenna with enhanced reception with good extensibility.
Best budget wind-up radio
Ebay/igadgitzThis is a very affordable, eco-friendly and best of all, pocket-sized, iGadgitz Xtra wind up radio that is certainly amongst the best. It is not short of features either: featuring analogue international AM/FM frequencies, a telescopic aerial and 3.5mm jack for earphones, and a compact size to make transporting the device around an absolute breeze. We love this one.
This is an Amazon's Choice recommended device with over 1,750 reviews, rating it 4.3 out of 5. Customers praise this portable radio for its value. Several say that they position in on their window sill so they can enjoy the radio, battery and power cable free, as it's solar-powered. Additionally, it can be run from its USB port.
Pros
- A great budget option
- A sleeker appearance compared to others
- Supports seven hours of continuous use
Cons
- Doesn't have an iphone charging port
| Dimensions | 13 x 4 x 7 cm |
| Wavebands | FM and AM |
| Headphone Jack | Yes |
| Charge | Crank, Solar |
| Flashlight | No |
| Alarm | No |
- Seven hour battery life.
- Wireless, Micro USB, USB 1.0/1.1 connectivity.
- Hand crank and integrated solar panel.
Recommended wind-up radio
Well, this wind-up radio does exactly as its title would suggest. The Kaito KA500 Wind Up Alert Radio is a six-way powered radio, it doubles as an emergency mobile battery charger with a built-in standard DC 5V USB output port for charging mobile devices. It also includes features such as a five-LED reading lamp, an LED flashlight and a red LED S.O.S. beacon light. So if you want absolute security when on your camping or hiking trip — this radio is probably your new go-to, or at least it should be!
Customers praise the battery life, reception and use in emergency situtations. Although some say they couldn't get a signal on theirs. We think it's a versatile pick because it can be powered by rechargeable battery, AA batteries, solar panel or hand crank. In turn, it can charge a variety of smart devices via a micro-USB and USB ports. These opinions may because absolute lifesavers if you're on your travels or there's a power cut.
Pros
- Has three different types of light for visibility
- Doubles as a mobile phone charger
- Boasts high-quality sound and reception
Cons
- NOAA feature doesn't work outside of the US
| Dimensions | 21.1 x 5.8 x 13.5 cm |
| Wavebands | FM and AM |
| Headphone Jack | No |
| Charge | Solar, Crank, Battery, USB |
| Flashlight | Yes |
| Alarm | No |
- 6-way powered: hand crank, solar panel, batteries, USB, mains wall power.
- Comprehensive coverage of AM, FM and pre-programmed NOAA and emergency.
- Works as an emergency charger for mobile, GPS units, MP3 players, digital cameras and etc.
- Other features include a 5-LED reading lamp, an LED flashlight and a red LED S.O.S. beacon light.
- The telescopic antenna extends up to 14.5" for high-sensitivity reception.
- Built-in speaker delivers loud and crisp sound
- Made of impact-resistant and water-resistant ABS material, suitable for outdoors.
Best lightweight wind-up radio
Amazon/DuronicIf you're looking for a wind-up radio that won't take up much room, the petite Duronic Portable Radio is perfect. It weighs just over 200g! Although don't let its small size and weight deceive you, it's still packed with features. It can be tuned into both AM and FM bandwidths, with two easy-to-control dials for tuning and volume control.
This is an Amazon's Choice recommended product, with 5,330 reviews rating it 4.3 out of 5. Customers say the wind-up mechanism is easy to use, without taking too much effort. Also, the solar panel works well and the radio is easy to tune. Albeit, a customer comments that they had difficulty finding a station on their travels in Europe.
Pros
- The small size makes it easy to store
- Tune into both AM and FM stations
- Compact and easy-to-use
Cons
- Doesn't have a battery indicator to let you know when it's low on charge
| Dimensions | 13 x 8 x 5 cm |
| Wavebands | FM and AM |
| Headphone Jack | Yes |
| Charge | Solar, Crank, USB |
| Flashlight | No |
| Alarm | Yes |
- Don’t let this petite radio fool you; it may be small but it has some nifty features.
- This Hybrid radio has clear sound, good reception and can tune in to both AM/FM bandwidths.
- It has two easy-to-control rotary dials: one for tuning into a station, the other for volume.
- If you have trouble, simply extend the aerial and re-position it until you find crystal clear sound.
- Charge three ways: wind up by using the crank, solar charge and USB port.
- It’s lightweight too at just 203g so you’ll hardly notice it’s in your bag.
Best wind-up DAB radio
AmazonIf you're looking for a wind-up radio capable of tuning into DAB stations, this Portable DAB/FM Radio with Rechargeable Battery is a fab option. You can also set it to remember 30 of your favourite stations to save you from searching for the same frequencies time and time again. It's got five charging methods plus a hand strap and a carabiner to make it carry around or attach to a rucksack.
This radio has received 7,610 reviews rating it 4.3 out of 5.
It's waterproof exterior makes it a durable piece of kit when camping. Customers praise it for its battery life, the brightness of the torch and sound quality. Generally, comments are wholly positive about this model, for its compact size and value for money, however there is a comment to say that the solar panel and crank did not charge for a particular customer.
Pros
- Picks up DAB signal as well as FM
- Five charging methods including USB cable
- Equipped with an alarm and is IPX4 waterproof
Cons
- Some reviews mention it was smaller than expected
| Dimensions | 17.2 x 9.4 x 6.3 cm |
| Wavebands | DAB+ and FM |
| Headphone Jack | Yes |
| Charge | USB, Crank, Solar, Battery |
| Flashlight | Yes |
| Alarm | Yes |
- 5000mAh Power Bank can charge your devices in a pinch.
- IPX4 Waterproof - so, ideal for camping and backpacking.
- Solar-powered maintains rechargeable battery.
- LED lights can be used to illuminate dark rooms in emergency situations.
- This solar DAB radio comes with a hand strap for easy carrying.
Simple yet effective wind-up radio
Amazon
Whether you're looking for a radio to use while you're pottering around outside, heading out on a camping trip, or one you can use in case of a power outage, this Wind-Up Solar Radio should have everything you need. It's got a hand crack and a solar panel so there are two ways of charging it without needing to plug it into mains power. You can listen to your favourite shows on AM and FM radio and use the built-in three LED torch to help you see where you're going when needed. Plus, it works as a power bank for charging mobile devices.
This compact radio is an Amazon's Choice recommended radio with 1,495 reviews, rating it 4.4 out of 5. Customers say it's the ideal size for taking camping or to the beach. Whilst others say the sound quality is lacking, but it could prove to be an asset in an emergency situation.
Pros
- The built-in battery can provide 10 hours of light
- Comes in different colours for your style
- Provides emergency charging for your devices
Cons
- Some reviewers thought it was too basic for their needs
| Dimensions | 15 x 6 x 7.5 cm |
| Wavebands | AM and FM |
| Headphone Jack | No |
| Charge | Crank, Solar, USB, Battery |
| Flashlight | Yes |
| Alarm | No |
- Equipped with an upgraded 3-LED flashlight, with high brightness.
- Convenient for charging mobile phones as a power bank in an emergency.
- Upgraded 5 antennas emergency radio has high sensitivity reception.
- A compact size designed pocket radio, easy to carry with.
- Equipped with IPX3 Water Resistance for outdoor camping and hiking.
Wind-up radio with powerful LED flashlight
amazon/FosPowerLast, but by no means least on our list of the best wind-up radios, is this one by FosPower. The FosPower 2000mAh NOAA Radio is clearly a favourite with Amazon customers as it's got over 35,700 reviews. As well as making sure you're receiving updates and listening to music, it's got a powerful 1W flashlight and an LED reading light, both of which are powerful enough to keep you out of the dark. It also incorporates a 2000mAh power bank so you can make sure your phone or a small tablet has enough charge on it in an emergency situation.
This is a phenomenally popular product is Amazon's Choice recommended. Customers praise it as a dependable portable radio, back-up charger and flashlight. However, do note, the NOAA National Weather Service feature is for the US only.
Pros
- IPX-3 Waterproof and durable
- Rechargeable by three power sources
- Equipped with an SOS alert system
Cons
- Some customers expected it to have better sound quality
| Dimensions | 15.8 x 5.3 x 7.4 cm |
| Wavebands | AM and FM |
| Headphone Jack | No |
| Charge | Solar, Crank, Battery |
| Flashlight | Yes |
| Alarm | No - SOS |
- A power bank provides emergency power to any mobile device in emergency situations.
- This radio provides you with 2 light sources: reading and a 1W flashlight.
- FosPower's emergency radio will give you dependable access to emergency weather broadcasts.
- The solar crank, batteries and solar panel provide or top-up full battery power.
Best modern wind-up radio
Amazon/Greadiowww.ebay.co.uk
This hand crank/wind-up radio takes on a more modern exterior, featuring a digital interface and a contemporary design. This is a game changer for wind-up radios, for they don't traditionally visually display information like this one. With this Greadio Solar Emergency Wind-Up Radio, you can charge your phone, use the flashlight and automatically quickly search AM/FM stations, and it produces a high-quality sound. It's a win, win with this radio.
Uniquely, this sturdy device has an SOS alarm, which could be a life saver in extreme camping and outdoor activities. You can also connect to the weather emergency radio. Also, there's an light to indicate that it's charging and customers say they were particularly impressed with the solar charging.
Customers praise its sound quality and that it's light enough to carry on walks.
Pros
- The digital display is really easy to read
- Produces a high-quality sound
- Comes with an SOS feature
- Micro-USB charging so it's compatible with modern smart devices
Cons
- May use more power than other wind-up radios and therefore need winding more often
| Dimensions | 20.2 x 8 x 9 cm |
| Wavebands | FM an AM |
| Headphone Jack | No |
| Charge | Yes |
| Flashlight | No |
| Alarm | No - SOS |
- With big battery, you can listen to this radio for up to 10 hours under a full charge.
- You can use a micro USB, 3 * AAA batteries (not included), hand crank or solar panel.
- You have an AM FM radio, keeping you in touch with the latest news.
- This solar radio has a great reception and you can automatically quickly search AM/FM stations.
- A SOS function will rapidly alert with an alarm and flash. You can charge your phone.
- This emergency radio equips you with a bright flashlight.
- This emergency radio has a high volume and good sound quality, and the AUX player can be used.
- You can get volume, battery, and station info easily and intuitively through an LCD display.
Verdict: Which is the best wind-up radio?
If we had to choose, the Portable DAB/FM Radio with Rechargeable Battery is the obvious choice. It's decked out with everything you'd need to keep afloat, no matter where in the country you are. It comes with a waveband fit for digital radio, an emergency power bank for your phone and a flashlight. Handy and compact, we love it.
Best wind-up radio FAQs
Who invented the wind-up radio?
The inventor of the wind-up radio is Trevor Baylis. He was inspired to create his most well-known invention in 1989 when he saw a television program about the spread of AIDS in Africa. Through the show, he learned that in many areas in Africa, the only means of mass communication was the radio, but as people often lacked electricity and/or access to batteries, they weren’t able to hear news and advice that aimed to curb the spread of the disease. He quickly realised that a communication tool that did not rely on external power sources was necessary.
Thanks to Trevor, we're now blessed with a simple device that still thrives, and serves countless uses today.
What are the advantages of a wind-up radio?
• They're cheap and reliable
• The batteries will never need changing (saving environmental damage)
• Easily transportable thanks to its compact design
• Eco-friendly and sustainable
• The LED lights in the flashlight feature work at low energy levels because they don't rely on bulbs for light
• LEDs are much brighter than bulbs
Ask the expert
Taimur Ijlal is a tech expert explains to Yours how wind-up radios work and describes some scenarios when they could be invaluable.
"I've become quite familiar with wind-up radios over the years. There's really some clever technology involved in allowing a hand crank to power a radio receiver. Being able to access emergency information reliably without batteries has obvious benefits too.
"Wind-up radios work by using that crank to spin a small generator inside, which creates just enough electricity to charge a rechargeable battery or capacitor. That stored power is then used to run the radio circuits and tune into AM/FM stations. It's really quite remarkable how well-engineered they are to get functional use out of just a few minutes of manual winding.
"One downside is you'll need to occasionally spend some time winding it back up. But for situations without power, that's a small sacrifice to stay informed. Whether you're camping in the backcountry, dealing with a blackout at home, or assessing conditions after a storm, being able to get weather and emergency updates can truly help. I've even seen models that double as flashlights or phone chargers now too.
"When purchasing a wind-up radio, I would pay attention to the battery capacity and included frequency bands. Make sure it can run long enough between winds for your needs. Consider if shortwave is important for your location as well. Ruggedness is also key if you'll be using it outdoors. A basic wind-up radio remains quite a handy tool in the toolbox for whenever traditional power sources can't be relied upon."
How do you prepare for a power cut?
Every now and again, we may experience a power cut. This could be a planned power outage for maintenance or unplanned, due to stormy weather or other reasons that cause damage to overhead cables. It never hurts to be prepared for the unexpected so it may be a good idea to put together an emergency power outage kit.
With some help from Home Protect, we've compiled a list of everything you may need in a power outage:
• Battery-operated torches for everyone in your household.
• Spare batteries so you're prepared if your torch suddenly runs out.
• Wind-up radio so you can listen to updates on the situation.
• Tinned and dried food so you can have something to eat without the use of power.
• Can opener so you can open any tinned foods.
• Spoons and forks to eat with.
• A thermal blanket to snuggle underneath when it's cold.
• First aid kit, just in case anyone hurts themselves.
• Cash so you can buy supplies as ATMs and card machines probably won't have power during a blackout.
• Your mobile phone to keep you connected with loved ones and emergency services.
• A charged spare battery pack so you can recharge devices after the battery has died.
This article contains expert commentary from Taimur Ijlal, a tech expert and information security leader at Netify. He has over two decades of international experience in cyber-security and IT risk management in the fintech industry. Taimur also has hands-on experience in testing various types of tech appliances, ranging from network hardware to advanced security systems.
Piper Huxley is a Homes and Lifestyle Product Writer for Yours. She will write on anything from décor to beauty. When not scouring the net for the best home bargains, Piper is snuggled up r_eading in bed, listening to music or enjoying a cup of tea. Sometimes all at once._