Best Portable Weather Radios

Handheld weather radios watch the skies when you are on the go

Most weather radios are designed for use on a tabletop, desktop, kitchen counter or nightstand. While some might have a handle or accept batteries when electricity is not available, they're really too bulky and heavy to tote from place to place on a regular basis. However, a few weather radios are smaller and specifically designed for portable use.

Among portable weather radios, the Sangean DT-400W (*Est. $55) is a top performer. Users at Amazon.com and RadioShack.com like the tiny unit for its durability, portability and sound quality. Graham McClung of Home-Weather-Stations-Guide.com and WeatherRadioGuide.com is also a fan. While the DT-400W lacks SAME capability, McClung says, "SAME is an advantage if you intend to only have one weather radio at home, but these are really designed to be portable, and will pick up the clearest weather radio signal in the area."

The DT-400W receives a lot of positive feedback, and reception strength -- including the seven NOAA weather channels -- and sound quality seem to be well liked. There are a few weak spots, however. The weather radio isn't Public Alert certified, although most reviewers seem unconcerned by this. Some owners say it's expensive for such a small radio and that the included belt clip can break easily.

There's no internal antenna, but it comes with an external wire antenna and the wire from a set of earbuds can act as an antenna, although users say the included ones are uncomfortable. Battery life could be better, so carrying an extra set on a long trip might be a good idea. Still, if you want an emergency radio that you can tote about with you, the Sangean DT-400W is a top choice.

The Midland HH54VP2 (*Est. $40) is another portable weather radio and the best alternative. On the plus side, the weather radio is Public Alert-certified and SAME capable. It ships with a charging cradle and stand, which means that this Midland weather radio can double as a desktop weather radio. The big negative seen in user reviews is that the HH54VP2 is a bit of an energy eater when it is out of that cradle. Lots of reports lament the fact that the run time is short between charges. You can use standard AA batteries as backups, but expect the HH54VP2 to make short work of those as well, if the owner reports we saw are accurate. The HH54VP (Est. $30) is the same radio without the charging cradle, running instead on AA batteries. Reports say that battery consumption is no better.