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Eton FRX3+ vs Eton Sidekick

The Eton FRX3+ and Eton Sidekick share a 2600 mAh battery and NOAA alerts. The Eton Sidekick adds SAME county alerts and Bluetooth at about seven ounces more.

Updated October 2, 2026

Crank & solarEton FRX3+Eton (American Red Cross)

Eton FRX3+

8.7/10

Crank and solar weather alert radio with a 2600 mAh battery and a glow-in-the-dark locator.

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Full specs, pros and cons
Our pick
Crank & solarEton SidekickEton

Eton Sidekick

7.9/10

Crank radio with S.A.M.E. county alerts for up to 25 locations and Bluetooth streaming.

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Full specs, pros and cons

The short answer

The Eton Sidekick fits most buyers. SAME alerts for up to 25 locations cut false alarms from distant counties and Bluetooth turns the radio into a speaker. The Eton FRX3+ is lighter and has an alarm clock. Both battery figures match so the choice comes down to alerts against weight.

Choose the Eton FRX3+ if

  • you want the lighter radio at about 15 ounces
  • you want an alarm clock and a glow-in-the-dark locator
  • you only need basic weather alerts

Choose the Eton Sidekick if

  • you want alerts only for your own county through SAME
  • you want Bluetooth streaming and a large ambient light
  • you can live with about 22 ounces on the shelf

Specs side by side

Eton FRX3+Eton Sidekick
Shortlist score8.77.9
BandsAM/FM/NOAA (7 NOAA/Environment Canada weather bands)AM/FM/NOAA
NOAA alertsounds an alarm for a warningYesYes
Power sourcesHand turbine (crank), solar panel, USB, rechargeable Li-ionHand crank, solar panel, USB, rechargeable battery
Battery2,600 mAh2,600 mAh
Charges a phoneYesYes
Weight14.9 oz (422 g)22 oz (624 g)
SOS alarmRed LED flashing beaconRed emergency beacon light
Size5.8 x 6.9 x 2.6 in (W x H x D)7.1 x 5.8 x 2.3 in (PopSci)
SAME county coding-Yes
Bluetooth-Yes
Reading lamp-Large dimmable ambient light

Eton FRX3+

Pros

  • All 7 NOAA weather bands come with an alert function.
  • A glow-in-the-dark locator and red flashing beacon make it easy to find in the dark.
  • Alarm clock, headphone jack and aux input add everyday use beyond emergencies.

Cons

  • Current availability could not be confirmed and the maker's own product page no longer loads.
  • Specs come from a retailer copy of the maker's list rather than from the maker directly.

Eton Sidekick

Pros

  • S.A.M.E. technology delivers county-specific NOAA alerts for up to 25 locations.
  • Bluetooth streaming and aux input double it as a home speaker.
  • A large dimmable ambient light sits alongside the LED flashlights and red beacon.

Cons

  • Sources disagree on the battery size and the dimensions.
  • Availability is unconfirmed and the maker's product page currently returns an error.

Frequently asked questions

Which one works as a Bluetooth speaker?

The Eton Sidekick lists Bluetooth streaming and an aux input. The Eton FRX3+ has an aux input and a headphone jack but no Bluetooth is listed. Both carry a 2600 mAh battery and a USB output for a phone. The Eton Sidekick rates its output at 5 volts and 2.1 amps.

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