Kaito KA500 Voyager Emergency Radio vs Midland ER310 Emergency Radio

The Midland ER310 is the better pick for most households: a brighter Cree LED flashlight, a digital LCD with automatic weather scanning, a 3500 mAh lithium-ion battery rated up to 45 hours, and a USB port that charges a phone. The Kaito KA500 wins on radio coverage, adding two shortwave bands and a 180-degree solar panel, so it suits travelers and hobbyists who want world-band listening. Owners of both describe them as reliable; Midland buyers praise FM and weather reception, while some report random nighttime alerts and weak wall-outlet performance. Build is comparable plastic, but the Kaito's crank and solar panel work with no battery installed, which the Midland does not match.

• Choose the Kaito KA500 if you want shortwave listening, a solar panel that tilts toward the sun, and a radio that runs on the crank with no battery in it.
• Choose the Midland ER310 if you want a bright flashlight, a backlit digital display with automatic weather scanning, and a USB port to recharge a phone.