Midland and Kaito are two of the best-known names in hand-crank emergency radios. Both make solar and crank-powered radios that pick up NOAA weather broadcasts, and both are popular for RV and camping kits. They take different approaches, though: Midland's ER radios are built around weather alerts, while Kaito's Voyager line adds shortwave and other bands for listening. Here's how the Midland ER310 and ER40 compare with the Kaito KA500 and KA600, based on each maker's published specs.
We sell the Midland radios, not Kaito, but we've kept this comparison to what each maker states.
Side-by-side specs
| Midland ER310 | Midland ER40 | Kaito KA500 | Kaito KA600 (Voyager Pro) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOAA weather | Yes, with alert | Yes, with alerts | 7 preset weather channels | 7 preset weather channels, with Alert mode |
| Other bands | AM/FM | AM/FM | AM/FM, 2 shortwave bands | AM/FM, longwave, shortwave |
| Built-in battery | 3500 mAh lithium-ion | 2600 mAh lithium-ion, replaceable | Ni-MH, replaceable pack | Ni-MH |
| Runtime | Up to 45 hours of normal use | Not published | Not published | Not published |
| AA backup | 6 AA (not included) | Not listed | 3 AA (not included) | 3 AA (not included) |
| Solar panel | Built-in | Built-in | 180° adjustable flip-up panel | 180° adjustable flip-up panel |
| Hand crank | Yes | Yes | Yes, works even with no batteries installed | Yes |
| Light | 1400-lux Cree LED flashlight, low/high, SOS beacon | LED flashlight with SOS strobe | Flashlight plus 5-LED reading lamp | Not detailed on Kaito's page |
| Extras | Ultrasonic dog whistle, clock | Large backlit LCD, clock, wrist lanyard | Headphone jack | Digital tuning |
| Phone charging | Emergency top-up by USB | Emergency top-up by USB | USB output | Not detailed on Kaito's page |
| Size | 8.0 x 3.4 x 2.4 in | Not published | 8 x 5 x 2.5 in, 1.7 lb | Not published |
Specs are from Midland's and Kaito's own product pages. Models and features change, so check the current listing before you buy.
Where Midland stands out
- Built for weather alerts. Midland's ER radios are designed to stay on and sound an alert when the National Weather Service issues one on your local channel. Midland says the ER310 is meant to stay on 24/7 for exactly this reason.
- Lithium-ion batteries. The ER310's 3500 mAh battery is rated for up to 45 hours of normal use, according to Midland. Kaito's KA500 and KA600 use Ni-MH batteries, and Kaito doesn't publish a runtime.
- A bigger AA backup on the ER310. It takes 6 AA batteries as a backup. Both Kaitos take 3.
- Bright flashlight and a dog whistle (ER310). A 1400-lux Cree LED with low and high settings, and an ultrasonic whistle Midland says may help search and rescue teams find you.
- Compact. The ER310 measures 8.0 x 3.4 x 2.4 in, slimmer than the KA500's 8 x 5 x 2.5 in.
Where Kaito stands out
- Shortwave and more bands. The KA500 adds two shortwave bands, and the KA600 adds longwave and shortwave. If you want to listen to distant or international broadcasts, Kaito covers more.
- Adjustable solar panel. Kaito's flip-up panel tilts 180° to face the sun, and on the KA600, Kaito says it can power the radio even with no battery installed.
- Crank power with no battery. Kaito says the KA500's dynamo crank works even with no batteries installed.
- Reading lamp. The KA500 has a 5-LED reading lamp under the solar panel, handy in a tent or a dark RV.
Solar charging: set expectations
Built-in solar panels on any crank radio are small. Midland says its ER radios' solar panel is meant to keep a full battery topped up, not charge a dead one, so charge by USB first. Treat solar as a top-up on any brand, and see our hand crank radio guide for how to keep one ready.
Which should you buy for an RV?
| If you... | Pick |
|---|---|
| Mainly want reliable NOAA weather alerts at camp | Midland ER310 |
| Want the longest published runtime and the biggest AA backup | Midland ER310 |
| Want a lower-cost alert radio with a backlit screen | Midland ER40 |
| Want to listen to shortwave or longwave broadcasts | Kaito KA500 or KA600 |
| Want a tilting solar panel and a reading lamp | Kaito KA500 |
Our take: for an RV emergency kit, weather alerts are the priority. Storms can move in fast, and an RV isn't a storm shelter, so early warning matters most. That's where the Midland ER310 is strongest. If you also enjoy shortwave listening, a Kaito is a good second radio.
Our Midland weather radios
- Midland E+READY ER310: our best-selling emergency radio.
- Midland ER40: the lower-cost option with a backlit LCD.
Comparing the two? Read Midland ER310 vs ER40. Building a full kit? See our RV emergency kit checklist, or browse all Midland radios.
FAQ
Is Midland or Kaito better for weather alerts?
Both receive NOAA weather broadcasts. Midland's ER radios are built around alerts and designed to stay on to sound them. Kaito's KA600 also has an Alert mode. For a radio that mainly serves as a weather alarm, the Midland ER310 is our pick.
Does Kaito have shortwave?
Yes. The KA500 has two shortwave bands, and the KA600 has longwave and shortwave. Midland's ER310 and ER40 are AM/FM plus weather.
Which uses a better battery?
Midland's ER radios use lithium-ion batteries, and the ER310 is rated for up to 45 hours. The Kaito KA500 and KA600 use Ni-MH batteries. All four can also run on AA batteries, except the ER40, which doesn't list an AA option.
Can these radios charge a phone?
Only a little. They have USB outputs for an emergency top-up, but a crank radio's small battery won't fully charge a modern phone. Carry a power bank for that.
Do I need a license for a weather radio?
No. Weather radios only receive, so no license is needed.