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NOAA Weather Radio With SAME Alerts

NOAA does not sell radios. Retailers and makers do, so check the alert features.

Updated Oct 25, 2026. Edited by: Ilyass Ben Hakim.

Where to buy

Electronics, department, sporting goods and marine stores carry them. The National Weather Service does not endorse any model.

Professional insight

Emergency managers want a radio that wakes only for local warnings. SAME coding does that.

Look for the Public Alert logo on the box.
Program your county's six digit SAME code.
Lock onto your strongest transmitter, not auto search.
An external antenna jack helps in weak signal areas.

Check the label

SAME or Specific Area Message Encoding is listed.
Public Alert certified logo is printed.
All seven channels, 162.400 to 162.550 MHz.
Battery backup type and count stated.
Alarm tone and volume level described.
Outputs for strobes or bed shakers, if needed.

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NOAA Weather Radio facts

Transmitters: More than 1,000; Across all 50 states and territories.
Frequency band: 162.400 to 162.550 MHz; Seven VHF channels.
Alert coding: SAME; Specific Area Message Encoding.

Setup tips

1Put batteries in first so settings survive an outage.
2Find your county code on the NWS counties list.
3Enter the code and select the strongest local channel.
4Turn off automatic signal searching.
5Place the radio where you can hear it at night.

Types

Desktop alert radio

Plugs in at home with battery backup. Best for bedrooms.

Crank or solar radio

Good for kits and outages. Many lack SAME alarms.

Portable handheld

Small and battery powered for camping and travel.

Marine VHF

Boat radios receive weather channels on the water.

Common questions

Is there a fee for the broadcasts?: No. NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts are free to receive.
Do I need SAME?: It is the main way to avoid alerts for other counties.
Can a phone replace it?: A radio still works when cell networks or power fail.