Kaito KA500 Solar Powered Shortwave AM Radio

Last updated: January 18, 2023


This AM radio offers multiple ways to charge the battery and stay powered up. To get this radio up and running, you can use the solar panel, the hand crank, AA batteries, a USB charge or simply plug into the regular outlet. The programming buttons offer easy access to the channels you listen to the most. The extension antenna is also a plus.

We looked at the top AM Radios and dug through the reviews from some of the most popular review sites. Through this analysis, we've determined the best AM Radio you should buy.

Product Details

Key Takeaway: The many power options for this AM radio make it a consumer favorite.

In our analysis of 93 expert reviews, the Kaito Solar Powered Shortwave AM Radio placed 6th when we looked at the top 12 products in the category. For the full ranking, see below.

From The Manufacturer

Introducing the Kaito KA500 Voyager, a portable receiver designed for both daily use & emergency preparedness applications. As an emergency preparedness tool, it offers different methods to power up including an AC/DC adapter (sold separately), a built-in rechargeable battery that can be charged by the optional AC adapter, hand cranking or a USB power source, and the patented flip-up 180-degree adjustable solar panel provides power for the radio even when no battery is installed. With its revolutionary design and versatile functions, it’s not only an ideal choice of a radio for everyday use around the house, but also an indispensable tool for emergency preparedness purposes, traveling, camping, backpacking and other outdoor activities. The KA500 has a wide range of band reception including AM, FM, shortwave and NOAA weather stations. The 7-weather channels are pre-programmed and numbered from 1-7, you can easily and conveniently tune into the stations by turning the tuning knob, no more guess work involved. Plus if the radio is set at the “Alert” mode, it will be automatically activated when it receives the alert signals from the NOAA weather stations.

Expert Reviews


What reviewers liked

This model offers various ways of charging its built-in rechargeable battery pack or run the unit. You can use the dynamo cracking feature, solar panel standard AA batteries. You can also chare through your computer via the USB port or plug it into a regular AC socket. Perfect for emergencies, it comes with a variety of features that make it the best emergency radio on the market.
The 7 pre-programmed NOAA weather channels will give you hours of entertainment, breaking news all around the globe, and a 24/7 real-time weather forecast with PEAS (Public Emergency Alert System). You can extend the telescopic antenna up to 14.5" to get higher sesitivity reception that is being assisted by the device's high-end semiconductor circuitry.
Works as an emergency mobile battery charger with built-in standard DC 5V USB output port for charging mobile devices, such as smart phones, GPS units, MP3 players, digital cameras, and etc. Other features include a 5-LED reading lamp, LED flashlight and a red LED S.O.S. beacon light
The kaito KA500 is made of ABS materials that are impact and water resistant. This feature makes the radio ideal for outdoor use where it can be exposed to moisture. It comes with a telescopic antenna for improved reception. The reception of this radio is enhanced by a LED signal strength indicator and advanced semiconductor circuitry design. The Built-in speaker provides audible and clear sound.
- CMUSE
The device has a battery level indicator LED that keeps the user updated about the battery. It has integrated lamp and flashlight for user convenience. It also has a cell phone charging port.
There are five different colors to choose from - black, yellow, blue, green, and red. Besides being able to handle regular AM, FM and shortwave frequencies, it also features seven pre-programmed weather channels. It’s built to last and quite sturdy. It also has a telescopic antenna and three different lights - LED light, LED flashlight, and even a beacon light.
The Kaito might look complicated because of its analog knobs. But it's pretty easy to select a frequency. It can receive broadcasts over all NOAA channels as well as over AM, FM, SW1 and SW2.
It is very light in weight so you can carry it anywhere.

What reviewers didn't like

Aside from being bigger than expected, this model, according to some users, has a plasticky feel and a less acceptable sound quality. However, users need to remember that this is a lightweight emergency radio so it is designed with less heft and won't compete with an entire audio entertainment system in terms of sound performance.
The device is a bit heavy, so it won't be as convenient on a hiking trip.
Cell phone or other USB devices connected to the radio cannot be charged through the solar panel. Tuning mechanism of this device is quite primitive due to analog design.
However, you need to purchase an AC adapter separately. Black looks good, but other colors make it look like a toy.
Solar power is not the most reliable and it takes lots of hand rotations to have power for only a short time when using the hand crank.
It is not having the digital display.
View our AM Radio buying guide for in-depth advice and recommendations.

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