Buyer's Guide to Weather Band Radio Receivers

Details on New and Used Weather Radios from Realistic, Jensen, Timex, and Others

Weather band radios allow you to receive a special radio band reserved for government radio stations which broadcast weather conditions and forecast information. Most states have several of these stations. Weather radio stations are free of commercial advertising. Stations in coastal areas broadcast detailed marine forecasts as well. Some weather radios are also equipped to sound an alarm when a severe weather alert is issued, which can be especially useful in areas affected by tornados.

A variety of different types of weather radio receivers are available. They can be purchased at department stores, electronics stores, online shopping websites, and internet auction services. Weather radios generally cost between from $15 to $85 depending upon their features and other radio bands they receive. Most weather radios fit into one of five categories, which are described in the following paragraphs:

Three-Channel...Weather radios which only receive three channels are usually pocket-size and/or older models. These should only be purchased if you are sure that the weather station in your area broadcasts on one of the three channels received by these radios, as there are actually seven channels. Even so, it may still be worth paying slightly more for a different type of weather radio so that it will still be useful if you travel or relocate to an area which has a station using one of the other channels. Models: Realistic 12-157A and 12-140