Midland ER310 Emergency Radio vs Kaito KA500 Voyager

The Midland ER310 is the better pick for most households: a digital AM/FM/NOAA tuner, a bright Cree LED flashlight, an SOS beacon, a dog whistle and a rechargeable battery that runs far longer per charge. The Kaito KA500 Voyager is the better pick for preppers and shortwave listeners, adding two shortwave bands, a 180-degree solar panel, a reading lamp and five power options, but it tunes analog and its battery is smaller. Owners of both call them solid and reliable; the ER310's recurring complaints are wall-outlet use and random nighttime alerts, and the KA500 is the more basic, analog-feeling unit.

• Choose the Midland ER310 if you want a simple, long-running home emergency radio with a digital tuner, a strong flashlight and an SOS beacon.
• Choose the Kaito KA500 Voyager if you want shortwave reception, a tilting solar panel and a reading lamp, and you don't mind analog tuning.