9 of the best wind-up radios

Now, this little fella of a wind-up radio is absolutely incredible- it really is the perfect gadget for emergency situations, or when staying away from a power outlet, for 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.

Customer Review: "I'd wanted to get a wind-up radio for ages, and finally decided upon this one. Having had it for a couple of weeks, I finally got the chance to give it a 'proper' test today, as I was unable to listen to my online radio during an internet outage. Such an easy-to-use radio — it has very straightforward instructions and the unit is very chunky and sturdy. There are several charging options — solar power, mechanical winding, charging via cable or regular batteries. The sound quality is excellent — it is easy to find stations and the reception is great; I used it out in the garden and in the kitchen for several hours with no problems. I would say that it has even better reception than my old DAB radio, to be honest! I intend to use it regularly to maintain the battery and ensure it works during a real emergency. Highly recommended."

This is a very affordable, eco-friendly and best of all, pocket-sized, iGadgitz Xtra U4457 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, seven hours of playback, and a compact size to make transporting the device around an absolute breeze. We love this one.

Customer Review: "A cheap but solid radio, it really does charge in sunlight and the battery life is as promised. The sound volume is quite good for its size although the maximum volume is achieved within the first quarter turn of the control knob. Sound quality is very good for voice whilst music sounds slightly tinny but still quite clear. Reception in weak signal areas is very good - better than both my Sony analogue and digital portable radios. I am buying a second one to leave in my bathroom so it must be pretty good!"

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.

Customer Review: "This item incorporates a useful LED light and an AM/FM radio with good sound quality. Charging is by Solar Power or Hand Crank. The Hand Crank is easy to use, smooth and feels very well engineered and ‘up to the job’. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the unit was bigger than I expected which was most welcome. It has a reassuring solidity of construction and feels nicely balanced when carried with the handle. Given the uncertainties in the current world, you may wish you had bought one of these - even if just to have it handy for a lengthy power cut or worse. Would also be great for camping. Feel very reassured this is on the shelf standing ready to inform, entertain and provide light."

Well, this wind-up radio does exactly as its' title would suggest. The Kaito KA500 Crank, 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!

Customer Review: "Fantastic product great for travel or emergency use, the sound quality is better than my normal radio."

If 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.

Customer Review: "I find it really useful to have products that don't need batteries or a plug socket, especially if you're going to have a planned break in power when they are working on the grid or readjusting the electricity cables which happened to our cul de sac. And if the weather causes power blackouts. You can wind it up for service or have it in the sun! As it has its own small solar panel too, I'm building my own little emergency pack that's in a bag, kept in the same place so I know where it is. So I can put my products in there, so in an emergency, I have what I need to keep up to date with what is going on."

There are three ways to charge this radio. Pop the Night Owl 'Stars' Eco-Friendly Wind-Up Portable Radio in the sun and let the solar panels charge it, plug it into a USB socket with the cable included, or turn the crank to wind it up — which is ideal for use during any power outages. It's also got a built-in LED torch so you can easily see where you're going in the dark.

Customer Review: "Small and compact unit..seems solidly built. Radio good quality sound and clear reception. The torch seems to be a very bright light. As someone with bad joints, I find it easy to hold the unit whilst using the torch...As it states the wind handle should only be used in an emergency and not for everyday use. But having that option is very useful. I would buy again if needed."

If 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.

Customer Review: "I was surprised how neat and compact the little radio was. It was bought for working around the garden and greenhouse. I’ve had it for a week, it has been used daily for long periods (5-6 hrs) tidying the garden for winter, and at the end of each daily use, the charge has only halved. It’s had a USB charge each evening. It has a useful carry strap and great steady reception with DAB. I haven’t been concerned about using it in light rain and it has a useful solar panel. It seems to offer so much and will try out more functions on next year’s camping trips. Seems to be the Swiss Army knife of radios! Really pleased with my purchase, would highly recommend."

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.

Customer Review: "Bought for camping and as an extra backup for charging my phone and card reader. Perfect, does the job and is extremely handy in a power cut!"

Last, 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 30,000 reviews. As well as making sure you're receiving updates and listening to music, it's got a powerful 1W flashlight and a four 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.

Customer Review: "None of us know what the future holds, but I think being prepared for uncertainty is a good idea. This little unit really packs a punch, it's solid and every element works well. The radio is clear with a good volume range, crank for charging is sturdy. I've yet to try charging from it, but I don't foresee any problems."