Does the Kaito KA388 need batteries to work?

No. It runs on its built-in 1200 mAh rechargeable battery, charged by hand crank, solar or USB. Three AAA batteries are an optional backup and are not included.

Can it charge a phone?

Yes, through its USB port using the hand crank. Charging is slow, so expect a partial top-up rather than a full charge.

How does the weather alert work?

It has seven NOAA weather band presets and an alert function that warns of severe weather. Tuning is analog, so you set the station by hand.

Is it really pocket-size?

It is compact and light enough to carry in a jacket pocket or pack, though it is thicker than a phone.

The radio and a USB cable. AAA batteries are not included.

Is it a good everyday radio?

It works for AM and FM listening, but the analog tuning and small speaker suit emergency and outdoor backup use better than daily hi-fi listening.

Kaito Solar NOAA Weather Alert Pocket-Size Portable Emergency Radio with USB Cable

Q: Where is the Kaito Solar NOAA Weather Alert Pocket-Size Portable Emergency Radio with USB Cable cheapest?

At Walmart, for $24.99, as of our latest check.

Q: Where can I buy the Kaito Solar NOAA Weather Alert Pocket-Size Portable Emergency Radio with USB Cable?

2 stores we checked sell it, including Walmart, kaito.us.

Best price now

$24.99at WalmartChecked Nov 12

Compared across 2 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Walmart

What reviewers say

Owners treat the KA388 as a backup radio for storms and camping rather than a daily driver. They like the multiple power options and the weather alert, and accept the analog dial and slow crank as the price of simplicity.

What people mention

Power optionsPraisedOwners value having crank, solar, battery and USB backup in one small radio.
TuningCriticisedThe analog dial is described as fiddly and prone to drifting off station.
Hand crankMixedIt works in a pinch but takes a long time to put meaningful charge into a phone.
Weather alertPraisedThe NOAA presets and alert are the main reason buyers keep it in a storm kit.
Build and soundMixedOwners call it basic but adequate for emergency use, with a small speaker.

About the Kaito Solar NOAA Weather Alert Pocket-Size Portable Emergency Radio with USB Cable

The Kaito KA388 is a pocket-size emergency radio with NOAA weather alert. It receives warnings for severe weather events such as fires, flooding, cyclones, hurricanes, tsunamis and earthquakes. It also works as an everyday radio, with AM, FM and NOAA weather bands.

Tuning is standard analog, with 7 preset weather bands for local weather information and alerts. A bright LED light works as a flashlight during a power outage. The radio is lightweight and compact, so it can be used away from electrical outlets, such as when camping or hunting.

It can be powered by hand crank, solar panel, the internal 1200 mAh rechargeable battery, 3 AAA batteries (not included), or USB and USB-C. A built-in generator lets you crank the radio to charge compatible phones and other USB devices through the USB port.

Model

Kaito KA388

Color

Yellow

Size

Pocket-size

Radio bands

AM, FM, NOAA weather and alert

Tuning

Analog, with 7 preset weather bands

Power

Hand crank, solar, internal 1200 mAh rechargeable battery, 3 AAA batteries (not included), USB and USB-C