Eton
Eton FRX5-BT SideKick Multi-powered AM/FM Radio w/NOAA Weather & Emergency Alert
Best emergency radio for outdoor enthusiasts and disaster preparedness.
Prepare for any situation with the Eton SIDEKICK Weather Alert Radio. This versatile device is perfect for camping and emergency preparedness, offering AM, FM, and NOAA weather bands with S.A.M.E. technology for specific alerts. Stay powered and connected with Bluetooth, a 5V—2.1A USB output for charging devices, and multiple reliable power sources including solar, hand crank, and a rechargeable lithium battery. It also features a dimmable panel light, LED spotlight, and red emergency beacon, plus an alarm clock and headphone jack. Its rugged, IPX4 splash-proof design ensures durability in various conditions.
$141.72
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
60
/ 459
#60 in Radios
Price vs Category Average
+10%
Above average
Dimensions
7.15.82.3
/ "H x "W x "D
Who it's for
- Preppers needing reliable power during long-term grid failures
- Safety-conscious homeowners requiring precise, localized emergency alerts
- Outdoor enthusiasts wanting a multi-functional device for daily utility
Who should skip it
- Users expecting quick, effortless power generation during emergencies
- Adventurers needing rugged gear for extreme weather conditions
- Budget-focused shoppers seeking a simple, compact emergency radio
Performance breakdown
Emergency Preparedness
S.A.M.E. technology and NOAA alerts provide essential, localized safety information.
Power Versatility
Solar, crank, and battery options ensure operation during any grid failure.
Device Charging
The 2.1A USB output offers reliable emergency power for mobile devices.
Durability
IPX4 splash-proof rating handles rugged outdoor conditions and unexpected weather.
Lighting Utility
Integrated spotlight and beacon provide versatile illumination for dark environments.
Connectivity
Bluetooth and AUX inputs add modern convenience to a classic radio.
Key Specs
Dimensions
7.1"H x 5.8"W x 2.3"D
Weight
1 lb. 6 oz.
Internal battery
2600mAh lithium
USB Output
5V—2.1A
Tuner
Digital AM/FM/NOAA
Alerts
S.A.M.E. and NOAA weather alerts
Connectivity
Bluetooth, AUX in
Ingress Protection
IPX4 splash proof
Features
- Receives AM, FM, and NOAA weather bands.
- Provides S.A.M.E. emergency weather alerts.
- Charges smartphones and other devices via USB.
- Connects wirelessly via Bluetooth or AUX.
- Multiple power sources: solar, hand crank, USB.
- Integrated emergency lighting: panel, spotlight, beacon.
- Built-in alarm clock.
- IPX4 splash-proof for durability.
What customers say
The Eton FRX5-BT SideKick is overwhelmingly viewed as essential emergency gear due to its robust multi-power options: solar, hand-crank, and battery. Users value the reliable NOAA alerts and siren, confirming its core safety function performs flawlessly. Build quality is consistently praised as rugged and durable. A key differentiator is the appreciated Bluetooth connectivity, making it a versatile daily companion. The ability to charge external devices is a critical lifeline feature. While the initial cost is noted as high, most agree the comprehensive feature set, reliability, and quality justify the investment. Minor critiques mention the effort required for the hand crank and battery drain during USB charging. Overall, this unit sets a high standard for modern emergency radios.
Know before you buy
S.A.M.E. stands for Specific Area Message Encoding. It allows you to program the radio to receive alerts only for your specific county or region, preventing you from being interrupted by weather warnings for areas that don't affect you.
Yes, the radio features a 5V—2.1A USB output port. While it can charge your phone, keep in mind that the internal 2600mAh battery is best used for emergency top-offs rather than a full recharge of modern, high-capacity smartphones.
The hand crank is designed as a backup power source for emergencies when no other power is available. It requires physical effort to generate power, so it is intended to provide enough charge for short bursts of radio use or emergency lighting rather than sustained, long-term operation.
The Eton SideKick is rated IPX4, which means it is splash-proof. It can handle light rain or damp conditions, but it should not be submerged in water or left out in heavy, prolonged downpours.
Yes, you can use Bluetooth regardless of the power source. However, streaming audio via Bluetooth consumes more power than standard radio playback, so you may need to monitor your battery levels if you are relying solely on solar or hand-crank charging.
The unit includes a USB cable for charging via a computer or standard wall adapter, but a wall plug is not included. You can use any standard USB wall charger you already own to charge the internal battery before heading out.
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