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Kaito KA500 vs Kaito KA600 Voyager Pro

The Kaito KA500 and Kaito KA600 Voyager Pro share the same power options and 600 mAh Ni-MH pack. The Kaito KA600 Voyager Pro adds digital tuning and longwave in a lighter body.

Updated October 2, 2026

Kaito KA500 by Kaito

Kaito KA500

8.8/10

Shortwave and NOAA alert radio with five power options including AA batteries and AC adapter.

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Full specs, pros and cons
Our pick
Kaito KA600 Voyager Pro by Kaito

Kaito KA600 Voyager Pro

7.6/10

Digital AM/FM/LW/SW radio with 7 NOAA alert channels and a flip-up 180-degree solar panel.

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Full specs, pros and cons

The short answer

The Kaito KA600 Voyager Pro fits most buyers. It keeps the same five power sources and the same battery pack and adds digital tuning and longwave. Kaito also lists it at about a pound against 1.8 pounds for the Kaito KA500. The Kaito KA500 has the test record and the water-resistant housing. Both share a small battery.

Choose the Kaito KA500 if

  • you want the rubberized water-resistant housing
  • you want a radio two test editors have reviewed
  • you only need AM/FM and shortwave with weather alerts

Choose the Kaito KA600 Voyager Pro if

  • you want digital tuning with longwave and shortwave
  • you want the lighter radio at a stated one pound
  • you want a shortwave range listed down to 2.3 MHz

Specs side by side

Kaito KA500Kaito KA600 Voyager Pro
Shortlist score8.87.6
BandsAM/FM/SW1/SW2/NOAA (7 preset weather channels)AM/FM/LW/SW/NOAA (weather channels 1-7)
NOAA alertsounds an alarm for a warningYesYes
Power sourcesAC/DC adapter, hand crank (dynamo), solar panel (180-degree adjustable), USB/PC, built-in Ni-MH pack, 3x AAAC/DC adapter, hand crank, solar panel (flip-up 180-degree), USB/PC, Ni-MH pack, 3x AA
Battery600 mAh600 mAh
Charges a phoneYesYes
Water resistanceRubberized water-resistant housing (no IP rating given)-
Weight28.8 oz (816 g)16 oz (454 g)
Battery type3x Ni-MH 600 mAh, replaceable3x Ni-MH 600 mAh
Reading lamp5-LED reading lamp behind the solar panelYes
SOS alarmSOS beacon (Bob Vila)-
Size8 x 5 x 2.5 in (204 x 128 x 66 mm)9.5 x 5.5 x 2.5 in

Kaito KA500

Pros

  • Five power options include AA batteries and an AC adapter for home use.
  • Two shortwave bands sit next to AM/FM and 7 NOAA weather channels.
  • The housing is rubberized and water resistant and the Ni-MH pack is replaceable.

Cons

  • The 3x 600 mAh Ni-MH pack is small next to the Li-ion packs on this list.
  • The housing carries no IP rating so water resistance is not quantified.

Kaito KA600 Voyager Pro

Pros

  • Longwave and shortwave (2.3 to 23 MHz) widen the choice of stations.
  • AA batteries and an AC adapter back up the solar panel and hand crank.
  • The bundle includes the AC adapter so home charging is covered from day one.

Cons

  • The Ni-MH pack holds 3x 600 mAh which is one of the smaller capacities on this list.
  • Kaito states 1 lb for the weight and that figure should be checked against the box.

Frequently asked questions

Can either radio charge a phone properly?

Both list phone charging but the shared 600 mAh Ni-MH pack is small next to Li-ion rivals. Expect a short top-up rather than a full charge. The hand crank can feed a phone directly in an emergency. Buyers who want a real power bank should look at a Li-ion radio instead.

What does the Kaito KA600 Voyager Pro add over the Kaito KA500?

Digital tuning and a longwave band. The Kaito KA500 has two separate shortwave bands while the Kaito KA600 Voyager Pro tunes shortwave digitally across one range. Weight drops from 1.8 pounds to a stated one pound. Alerts and the seven NOAA weather channels are the same on both.

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