How to Choose the Best Prepper Radio for Grid-Down Communication
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Choosing the best prepper radio could save your life when the grid goes down. Here’s what I use, what to avoid, and field-tested tips for staying connected.
Where I live, we’ve only gone a few days without power, but that’s all it takes to realize how crucial off-grid communication really is. My buddies and I regularly test out our Baofeng radios to make sure we can reach each other during emergencies. I do have to hike or bike to the top of my mountain to hit everyone some of them are 25 miles out but it works. During one storm, the power went out for several days, and I was able to contact my parents using the radio since we all live on the same property.
The most dire situation we used them in was during our time volunteering in North Carolina during Hurricane Helene. That was a real wake-up call. It was like the Wild West out there. National Guard and FEMA weren't present yet, and local emergency services were overwhelmed and doing everything they could. Roads were washed out, entire neighborhoods had rivers instead of creeks in their front yards, and chaos reigned. We used our radios to coordinate oxygen tank deliveries, get food, medicine, fuel, diapers and various other supplies to stranded families, and help people reconnect. Those radios were many people’s lifeline.
Let’s make sure you’ve got that lifeline too.
Why Communication Is King When SHTF
During a disaster, communication is survival. Whether you're getting storm updates, coordinating with your team, or calling for help, the ability to send and receive information can mean the difference between smart decisions and blind guesses.
According to FEMA, 60% of people believe emergency responders will reach them within three hours after a disaster—but response times often exceed 72 hours in major events [source: FEMA.gov]. That’s a dangerous assumption.
Let’s talk about what to look for and how to build your own radio setup so you’re never caught flat-footed.
What Makes a Radio "Prepper-Ready"?
Not all radios are created equal. A $20 walkie-talkie from Walmart isn’t going to cut it when you need to reach someone across town or monitor emergency frequencies. Here’s what to look for:
1. Power Source Versatility
AA or AAA batteries are convenient and easily sourced
Rechargeable batters are excellent
Solar charging or crank backup is a huge bonus
External power bank compatibility
2. Multiple Frequency Bands
VHF/UHF for local ham and emergency channels
AM/FM for news and weather
Shortwave (SW) for global reach (optional but useful)
3. Manual Tuning and Squelch Control
Automatic scan is fine, but manual control helps fine-tune weak signals
Adjustable squelch keeps your ears from bleeding
4. Durability & Portability
Water-resistant or waterproof preferred
Compact enough for your go-bag
Drop-tested
5. Receive and Transmit Capabilities
Receivers only (like NOAA radios) are good, but two-way radios give you real power
Want to see my full comms kit breakdown? Check out my video on emergency communications on ON3 YouTube
My Favorite Prepper Radios (With Field-Tested Notes)
I don’t recommend gear I haven’t punished in the field. These radios have been through rain, dirt, and even a river dunk or two.
1. Baofeng UV-5R (Budget Ham Radio)
Price: ~$25-$35
Dual-band (VHF/UHF)
FM radio
Needs programming but works great with Chirp software
Requires a license to transmit on ham bands (but not to listen)
2. Midland ER310 (NOAA Emergency Radio)
Crank + solar charging
AM/FM/NOAA Weather Alerts
USB charger for devices
Built-in flashlight + dog whistle
3. Yaesu FT-60R (Reliable and Rugged)
Around $150, but worth it
Tough as nails
Long battery life
Crystal-clear reception
How to Build a Simple Comms Plan
You don’t need to be a comms nerd to be prepared. Just follow these basics:
Step 1: Get Licensed (For Ham Radios)
Technician license takes 10 hours of study
Study resources at ARRL.org
Step 2: Pre-Program Key Frequencies
Local emergency
Family/friend channels
NOAA weather
Prepper mutual aid groups
Step 3: Set a Check-In Protocol
Example: Every morning at 8AM, tune into Channel 3 on the FRS band
Let your tribe know when to expect your call
Step 4: Test Monthly
Radios collect dust if unused
Practice like it’s real so when it is real, you're not fumbling
Step 5: Keep it With You
Baofeng goes in my bugout bag
Keep a laminated cheat sheet with frequencies in your kit
If the lights went out tomorrow, would you know which frequency to tune in to for updates?
Field Mistakes I Learned the Hard Way
I once led a weekend survival challenge where one of our guys brought a cheap "survival radio" that turned out to be... a flashlight with a speaker. We couldn't reach him after a storm rolled in. When he finally got back to camp, soaked and frustrated, he admitted he bought it because it had 2,000 Amazon reviews.
That’s why reviews aren’t everything.
Another time, I brought a Baofeng with a dead battery and no spare. Rookie move. Now I keep a backup battery, and I rotate my comms gear quarterly.
Pro Tip:
Never trust a single piece of gear. Always have backups and test often.
Want to see how I test gear under real stress? Subscribe to my Patreon
FAQ Prepper Radio Questions Answered
1. Do I need a license for a prepper radio?
You only need a license if you plan to transmit on ham frequencies. You can always listen without one and in an emergency, who cares? The government is not going to get you and the radio nerds wont be hunting you down.
2. What’s the difference between FRS, GMRS, and Ham?
FRS: Free, short-range, family radios
GMRS: Requires a license, better range
Ham: Best range, most versatile, needs FCC license to transmit legally
3. What is the best emergency radio for beginners?
The Midland ER310. No license, easy to use, multiple power options.
4. How far can a prepper radio reach?
It really depends on the terrain, antennas, power etc. FRS: ~1 mile, GMRS: ~5 miles, Ham: up to 100+ miles with repeaters. I have spoken loud and clear to a buddy 20+ miles away using a cheap baofeng with a j pole antenna.
5. What frequencies should I monitor during SHTF?
NOAA Weather: 162.400–162.550 MHz
Local police/fire (check legal restrictions)
National simplex channels like 146.520 MHz
Don’t Be the Last to Know
In a crisis, your phone won’t help if the towers are down. A solid prepper radio setup is one of the most overlooked yet critical pieces of any bugout plan. You don’t need a closet full of gear, just the right tools and the discipline to use them.
Start with a Baofeng, program your channels, and run monthly checks. Build your network now, not after the disaster.
Want more tactical readiness tips? Subscribe to my Substack at On3Ready, grab my gear checklists, and check out more resources at GoOn3.com.
Let me leave you with a question:
If the grid went down right now, who would you contact first—and could you reach them without a phone?
Let’s go On3
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Jason Salyer
Jason Salyer is a survivalist, strength coach, and the founder of the "On Three" brand. Known for practical, no-fluff advice, Jason blends real-world experience from field tests, faith-driven preparation, and family-focused self-reliance to help others live more intentionally. You can catch his weekly videos, survival gear reviews, and training challenges on YouTube and Substack.
