When the power goes off, your Wi-Fi, TV and often your phone signal can go with it. A wind-up radio keeps you connected to local news and updates without needing mains electricity or batteries.
How does a wind-up radio work?
Turning the hand crank charges a small built-in battery. Many models also have a solar panel, so leaving them on a windowsill keeps them topped up. Some can also be charged by USB when the power is on.
What to look for
- AM/FM radio for UK news and travel updates.
- A built-in torch, so you have light as well as sound.
- A USB output to give your phone some emergency charge.
- An SOS alarm to attract attention if you need help.
- Solar charging for topping up without winding.
Some radios list a “weather band” (WB or NOAA). This is a US and Canadian service and does not work in the UK, but AM/FM works as normal.
Our wind-up radios
- Wind Up Emergency Radio with hand crank, solar, torch and USB phone charging.
- Daykit Hand Crank Radio with a 2000mAh power bank, SOS alarm and a choice of colours.
Keep your radio with a torch as part of a simple power cut kit. See our power cut checklist for the full list.
