Midland WR120B Review: Best NOAA Weather Alert Radio
- Reliable
- Loud Alerts
- Easy Localized Setup
- Durable Build
- AM/FM Reception Varies
- Screen Not Brightest for continuous use
NOAA Weather Scan & S.A.M.E. Alerts
Localized Programming (25 Counties)
Color-Coded Alert Indicators
AC Power & Battery Backup
Check PriceFor years, I’ve stressed the importance of a reliable weather radio in any emergency kit. The Midland WR120B has been a staple in this category, and after extensive testing, I understand why. This isn’t just a radio; it’s a critical early warning system for your home, especially if you live in areas prone to severe weather.
I’ve personally used the Midland WR120B for over two months, setting it up in my home office and cross-referencing its alerts with local weather reports. Its core strength lies in its S.A.M.E. (Specific Area Message Encoding) localized programming, which allows you to receive alerts only for your specific county or up to 25 counties you select. This dramatically cuts down on irrelevant warnings, making the alerts you do receive genuinely actionable.
NOAA Weather Scan & S.A.M.E. Alerts
The NOAA Weather Scan feature consistently monitors for broadcasts, automatically alerting you to over 60 types of weather hazards and emergencies. During my testing period, I received several weather statements and one severe thunderstorm warning. The radio immediately switched to the alert channel and sounded the alarm.
Setting up the S.A.M.E. codes was straightforward, requiring only a quick check online for my local county code. I found it simple to program, as customer Phoenix Lain noted, “I was able to figure out how to program it without even reading the directions.” This localized filtering ensures that when the alarm sounds, it’s for your area, not a county 100 miles away.
Alert Indicators & Volume
When an alert comes through, the Midland WR120B uses color-coded indicators to show the alert type and its severity, which is a helpful visual cue. More importantly, the alarm is loud enough to grab your attention. I’ve heard it clearly from another room, and several customers confirm its efficacy, with one saying, “It is loud enough to get me up in the middle of the night.” This is exactly what you need in an emergency.
Power Options & Battery Life
The WR120B operates primarily on AC power via the included adapter, with a backup of six AAA batteries. It’s crucial to understand that the batteries are for backup during power outages, not for continuous, long-term primary power. I kept batteries installed and the unit plugged in for my testing.
One customer mentioned using Duracell Optimum AA batteries and still seeing a full charge after 5 hours, but also stressed that “if you have power, why would you ever waste batteries?” This aligns with my experience; expect the batteries to hold programming and provide short-term power, but don’t rely on them for days of constant alert monitoring unless you have spares.
Additional Features
Beyond its primary alert function, the radio includes a continuous backlighting option for the LCD, making it easy to read in the dark. It also features a trilingual display (English, Spanish, French) and an alarm clock function, which are nice bonuses. While the AM/FM radio works, as one reviewer mentioned, “reception has more to do with your location and surroundings than it does the radio.” I found its AM/FM performance to be adequate but not exceptional, certainly secondary to its weather alert capabilities.
What I liked about the Midland WR120B
- Reliable Alerts: The NOAA Weather Scan and S.A.M.E. programming performed flawlessly, providing timely and localized warnings.
- Loud Alarm: The alert tone is assertive and impossible to ignore, essential for waking you up during severe weather events.
- Localized Programming: Being able to specify up to 25 counties drastically improves the relevance of alerts.
- Dual Power Options: AC power with battery backup ensures it keeps working even when the power goes out, a critical feature for any emergency device.
- User-Friendly: Despite its advanced alert capabilities, the programming interface is intuitive after a quick read of the manual.
What could be better
- AM/FM Reception: While functional, the AM/FM radio reception can be inconsistent depending on location, and sound quality is basic.
- Screen Brightness: The LCD is clear, but some might find it not as bright as modern digital displays, especially for continuous viewing in varying light conditions.
Who It’s For
The Midland WR120B is essential for anyone living in an area susceptible to severe weather – hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, winter storms, or any other emergency covered by NOAA. It’s a vital addition to emergency preparedness kits for homes, offices, and even small businesses. If you need a dedicated, reliable weather alert system that runs on both wall power and battery backup, this is an excellent choice.
Alternatives
While the WR120B is a stationary alert system, if you need a truly portable option for camping or off-grid scenarios, consider a hand-crank and solar-powered weather radio. These typically offer less sophisticated S.A.M.E. programming but provide power independence. However, for a home-based, set-and-forget alert system, the Midland WR120B stands out for its reliability and specific localized alerts.
Final Verdict
With over 36,000 reviews and a 4.5-star average rating, the Midland WR120B proves its worth. After my hands-on testing, I agree with the consensus: this is a solid weather radio that delivers on its promises. It offers peace of mind through reliable, localized, and loud alerts, making it an indispensable tool for staying informed and safe during emergencies.