BUILD YOUR COMMUNICATION CAPABILITY · RADIO
AM/FM to mesh networks — nine radio options that work when the internet and cell towers don't. Here's what each one actually does, what it costs, and who it's right for.
Radio operates independently of cell infrastructure. Most radio systems work without any network — no towers, no internet, no subscription. They work during the outages when cell phones fail most severely.
Most emergency radios run on AA or AAA batteries, rechargeable cells, or hand crank. A radio that can operate without grid power or USB charging is an asset in prolonged outages.
Radio waves travel directly between antennas. Unlike every internet-based communication system, most radio services have no single point of failure and no central infrastructure that can be taken offline.
NINE OPTIONS
No license · $15–$60
Broadcast receive-only radio. During emergencies, local AM and FM stations carry Emergency Alert System broadcasts, live updates from officials, and road closure and shelter information. AM signals travel farther than FM — especially at night — and often reach areas without local stations.
Best for: staying informed. Every household should have at least one battery-powered or hand-crank AM/FM receiver. Transmit: No.
No license · $25–$60
Continuous government broadcast on seven dedicated VHF frequencies direct from the National Weather Service. The most reliable alert source available — no internet, no cell service, no app required. With SAME code programming, alerts only for your county. Receivers with alert tones wake you from sleep for urgent warnings.
Best for: primary alert system. Non-negotiable. See the Emergency Alerts setup guide. Transmit: No.
No license · $20–$80/pair
22 channels in the UHF band. No license required. Maximum 2W output on most channels. Practical range 0.5–1.5 miles in typical suburban terrain. Excellent for household and immediate neighborhood coordination during outages. Inexpensive, widely available, and works out of the box.
Best for: household and close-range neighborhood use. The entry-level two-way option. See the full FRS/GMRS guide. Transmit: Yes.
$35 FCC license · $50–$300/radio
Higher power (up to 50W), greater range, and access to GMRS repeaters that can extend coverage across a county or region. License is $35, covers your immediate family for 10 years, requires no exam. Significantly more capable than FRS for extended communication during regional emergencies.
Best for: households wanting more range and repeater access. Strong upgrade from FRS. See the full FRS/GMRS guide. Transmit: Yes (with license).
Technician exam required · $30–$500+
The most capable option. Access to VHF, UHF, and HF bands. HF allows long-distance and international communication without any infrastructure. Emergency nets (ARES, RACES, SKYWARN) operate on ham frequencies and integrate with official emergency management. Technician exam is approachable — most people pass with 2–4 weeks of study.
Best for: serious preparedness. Requires investment in study and practice. See the full Ham Radio guide. Transmit: Yes (with license).
No license · $30–$120
40 channels in the HF band at 27 MHz. No license required. Maximum 4W output. Historically associated with truckers — CB Channel 9 is the national emergency channel. Practical range 3–10 miles depending on terrain and antenna. More relevant in rural areas and for vehicle-mounted use than urban settings.
Best for: rural areas, vehicle use, and reaching people who monitor CB. Less relevant for most urban and suburban households. Transmit: Yes.
No license · $80–$600
Receive-only radio that monitors police, fire, EMS, and other public safety frequencies simultaneously. During emergencies, scanner traffic provides real-time situational awareness before official announcements — road closures being set up, fire locations, evacuation order logistics. Many agencies have moved to digital and encrypted systems — verify your area before purchasing.
Best for: real-time situational awareness. High value in areas where public safety still uses analog or unencrypted digital. Transmit: No.
No license · $250–$600 + subscription
Two-way text messaging via satellite networks — Iridium, Globalstar, or similar. Works anywhere with a clear view of the sky regardless of cell coverage. Garmin inReach, SPOT X, and Zoleo are the main options. Monthly subscription required. SOS function connects directly to rescue coordination centers.
Best for: rural households, travelers through dead zones, and anyone needing global communication capability. See the full Satellite Communicators guide. Transmit: Yes (text only).
No license (915 MHz LoRa) · $30–$80/device
Meshtastic is open-source firmware running on inexpensive LoRa radio hardware that creates a text-messaging mesh network with no infrastructure. Each device acts as both a node and a relay — messages hop device-to-device, extending range across a network. Works without internet, cell service, or a central server. Range per hop: 1–10 miles depending on terrain and antenna height.
Still emerging as a preparedness tool but growing fast. A Meshtastic network among household members and trusted neighbors — 5–10 devices — can provide reliable short text communication across a neighborhood during any outage. Devices pair with a smartphone app for a familiar messaging interface. Setup requires some technical comfort.
Best for: technically inclined households wanting infrastructure-free neighborhood text communication. Transmit: Yes (within the mesh network).
Affiliate disclosure: New World Survival earns a small commission on purchases made through links on this page, at no cost to you. We only recommend gear we'd put in our own kit.
WHERE TO START
The foundation. Every household needs one. $25–$60. Works without power, internet, or cell service. No other radio replaces this for official government alerts.
Carries local Emergency Alert System broadcasts and live coverage. Many NOAA receivers include AM/FM. $15–$60. Gets the household its second radio capability for close to nothing if buying with Step 1.
Two-way communication for household coordination when cell service fails. A pair of quality FRS radios costs $40–$80. GMRS adds range and repeater access for $35 more (the license fee). See the full FRS/GMRS guide.
Significant step up in capability — repeater access, emergency nets, HF capability at higher license levels. Requires study and practice to use effectively. See the Ham Radio guide for whether it's right for you.
For households in rural areas, frequent travelers, or anyone who wants global communication capability regardless of coverage. See the Satellite Communicators guide.