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Deal.ai › Compare

Sangean MMR-88 Emergency Radio vs Kaito Voyager Pro KA600

The Kaito Voyager Pro KA600 is the better pick if you want shortwave and longwave listening, a reading lamp, and a solar panel that adjusts toward the sun. The Sangean MMR-88 is the better pick if you want a smaller, lighter radio with a lithium battery, a proven Public Alert certification, and a simpler set of controls. Owners of the MMR-88 rate it highly and describe it as rugged and easy to live with; the KA600 offers more bands and more power options but is a larger, fussier unit. Neither is a hi-fi radio, and both are built for emergencies first.

  • Choose the Sangean MMR-88 if you want a compact, lightweight emergency radio with a lithium battery, Public Alert certification, and a bright SOS flashlight.
  • Choose the Kaito Voyager Pro KA600 if you want shortwave and longwave reception, a reading lamp, and an adjustable solar panel for longer off-grid use.

Prices

  • Sangean MMR-88 Emergency Radio: $64.95 at Ham Radio Outlet (checked today)
  • Kaito Voyager Pro KA600: $84.99 at Amazon (last seen Nov 6)
  • Difference: the Sangean MMR-88 Emergency Radio is $20.04 cheaper than the Kaito Voyager Pro KA600 at the latest prices (Nov 6 and Nov 10)
Sangean
Sangean MMR-88

Sangean MMR-88 Emergency Radio

Sangean MMR-88

4.8(16 ratings)
$64.95at Ham Radio OutletChecked 8 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Ham Radio Outlet
Pros
  • Small and light enough to toss in a bag
  • Lithium battery holds a charge well in storage
  • Public Alert Certified with all 7 NOAA channels
  • SOS Morse flashlight is genuinely useful
  • 19 presets and RDS make daily FM listening easy
Cons
  • No shortwave or longwave
  • Fixed solar panel cannot be angled at the sun
  • No reading lamp
  • Battery is not user-replaceable with standard AAs
Kaito
Kaito Voyager Pro KA600 radio

Kaito Voyager Pro KA600

Kaito Voyager Pro KA600 radio

5(1 rating)
$84.99at AmazonChecked Nov 6
See all prices and details
Visit Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

Pros
  • Shortwave and longwave add listening the MMR-88 cannot do
  • Takes three AA batteries as a backup
  • Flip-up solar panel can be aimed at the sun
  • Separate reading lamp lights a tent or room
  • Real-time NOAA alert mode wakes the radio automatically
Cons
  • Bigger and heavier than the Sangean
  • Ni-MH battery self-discharges faster than lithium
  • AC adapter is sold separately despite the size listing
  • More bands and buttons mean a steeper learning curve

What separates them

Sangean MMR-88 Emergency RadioKaito Voyager Pro KA600
BandsAM, FM, and 7 NOAA weather channelsAM, FM, LW, SW, and NOAA weather
Battery chemistryBuilt-in rechargeable lithiumBuilt-in Ni-MH plus a tray for three AA batteries
Solar panelFixed panel on topPatented flip-up panel that rotates 180 degrees
Weight and sizeAbout 1.3 lb, roughly 6 by 3.3 by 2.7 inchesLarger and heavier body with a reading lamp
LightingLED flashlight with high, low, blink, and SOS Morse modesFlashlight plus a separate reading lamp
Alert certificationPublic Alert CertifiedNOAA real-time alert mode tied to EAS
Tuning and presets19 mixed AM/FM presets, RDS on FMRDS on FM, no stated preset count
Charging other devicesUSB out works as a power bankSmartphone charger via USB

Price history

$79.95$64.95
Nov 3Nov 10
  • Sangean MMR-88 Emergency Radio: lowest $64.95 on Nov 10 at Ham Radio Outlet.
  • Kaito Voyager Pro KA600: lowest $79.95 on Nov 3; $79.95 on Nov 6.

Prices at every store

Sangean MMR-88 Emergency Radio

  • Ham Radio OutletNew

    In stock

    $64.95Checked 8 h ago
    Visit Ham Radio Outlet
  • eDisastersystemsNew

    In stock

    $74.99+ $39.00 shippingChecked 8 h ago
    Visit eDisastersystems
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $77.09Free shippingChecked 8 h ago
    Visit Amazon
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknown

    $80.00Checked Nov 6
    Visit eBay

Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 18 stores and price history →

Kaito Voyager Pro KA600

  • eSafety Supplies, IncNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $86.52Checked 8 h ago
    Visit eSafety Supplies, Inc
  • eDisastersystemsNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $91.99Checked 8 h ago
    Visit eDisastersystems
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $84.99Checked Nov 6
    Visit Amazon
  • Fire Supply DepotNew

    Availability unknown

    $89.90Checked Nov 2
    Visit Fire Supply Depot

Also available at

  • 365 WholesaleCheck price at 365 Wholesale
  • basecamp finds 3Check price at basecamp finds 3
  • HomesteadCheck price at Homestead
All 5 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecSangean MMR-88 Emergency RadioKaito Voyager Pro KA600
TypeEmergencyEmergency
Signal TypeAM / FM, Weather BandAM / FM, Weather Band, Shortwave
Hand CrankYesYes
PortableYes—
Weight1.3 lb heavy—
Voltage5V—
Signal TypesRDS, AM, FM—
Battery TechnologyLithium—
Manual Audio ChangesTreble, Bass—
BluetoothNo—
Wi-FiNo—
Power SourceSolar, Rechargeable Battery—
Show all 24 specsShow fewer specs
SpecSangean MMR-88 Emergency RadioKaito Voyager Pro KA600
ColorYellow—
NFCNo—
Depth (")2.7—
Input & OutputsUSB, Headphones 3.5 mm—
Spotify ConnectNo—
Width (")5.984—
Weight (oz)13.2—
Number of Presets (max)19—
Height (")3.3—
FeaturesSleep Timer, Backup Battery, Clock, Flashlight,…

What reviewers say

Sangean MMR-88 Emergency Radio

  • 4.8 / 516 ratings

Owners rate it highly, 4.8 out of 5 from 16 ratings, and treat it as a dependable emergency and camping radio. Praise centers on the charging options and weather alerts; the main gripes are weight and slow solar charging.

What people mention
  • Charging optionsPraisedOwners like having hand crank, USB and solar as backups for each other.
  • Weather alertsPraisedThe Public Alert certification and weather band are cited as the reason to buy.
  • WeightCriticisedAt 1.3 lb it is heavier than many expect for a portable radio.
  • Solar chargingMixedSolar works but is slow, so owners treat it as a last resort.

Kaito Voyager Pro KA600

Owners of the Voyager Pro line generally treat it as a dependable emergency radio with unusually flexible power options. The crank and solar charging draw the most praise, while the small solar panel's slow charging and the fiddly controls come up as recurring complaints.

What people mention
  • Power optionsPraisedOwners value the mix of AC, AA, built-in battery, crank and solar charging for outages.
  • Solar chargingMixedThe flip-up panel is handy, but owners say it charges slowly and is best as a backup.
  • Weather alertPraisedThe alert mode that switches the radio on for NOAA warnings is a commonly cited strength.
  • ControlsCriticisedSome owners find the buttons and tuning sequence hard to learn.

Questions and answers

Which is better for shortwave listening?
The Kaito KA600. It tunes shortwave and longwave in addition to AM, FM, and weather. The Sangean MMR-88 has no shortwave at all.
Which one lasts longer off-grid?
The KA600 has more ways to keep going: a flip-up solar panel, hand crank, and a tray for three AA batteries. The MMR-88 relies on its built-in lithium cell, solar, and crank, and its battery is not swappable for AAs.
Is the Sangean worth stepping up to over the Kaito?
If size and simplicity matter more than bands, yes. The MMR-88 is lighter, has a lithium battery that holds charge in storage, and is Public Alert Certified. You give up shortwave and the reading lamp.
Which is easier to use every day?
The MMR-88. It has 19 presets, RDS station text, and a straightforward tuner. The KA600 packs more bands and modes, which takes longer to learn.
Do both charge a phone?
Yes. Both have a USB output for charging a smartphone from the internal battery. Expect slow charging from either one; it is an emergency feature, not a daily charger.
Which is better for a camping tent?
The KA600, because of its reading lamp and adjustable solar panel. The MMR-88 is the better choice if you want the smallest, lightest radio in the pack.

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AntennaTelescopic—
Size—AC Wall Adapter Included