RadioShortlist.com

Midland WR120B vs Reecom R-1650D

The Midland WR120B and Reecom R-1650D are both Public Alert certified SAME radios. The Reecom R-1650D adds AM/FM and deeper alert settings while the Midland WR120B keeps it simple.

Updated October 2, 2026

Midland WR120B by Midland

Midland WR120B

9.8/10

Dedicated NOAA SAME alert radio with a 90 dB siren and jacks for a strobe or bed shaker.

$54.99 at MidlandAmazon.com
Full specs, pros and cons
Our pick
Reecom R-1650D by Reecom

Reecom R-1650D

8.5/10

SAME radio with AM/FM that counts down how long each alert stays in effect.

Amazon.com
Full specs, pros and cons

The short answer

The Reecom R-1650D fits most buyers. It adds AM/FM and stores 25 alerts against ten on the Midland WR120B. Its countdown shows how long each warning remains in force and Reecom rates standby at over 185 hours on four AA batteries. The Midland WR120B is simpler and has more test coverage.

Choose the Midland WR120B if

  • you want a simple alert radio with a trilingual display
  • you want reviews from Bob Vila and GearJunkie behind your choice
  • you want a radio that runs on three AA batteries

Choose the Reecom R-1650D if

  • you want AM/FM with 24 presets
  • you want to see how long each alert stays in force
  • you want to silence the siren for up to 48 event types

Specs side by side

Midland WR120BReecom R-1650D
Shortlist score9.88.5
Price in the maker's US store$54.99sold via retailers
SAME county codingYesYes
Public Alert certifiedYesYes
Alert types90 dB siren (high/medium/low), voice alert, flashing LED / display-onlyvoice alert with EOM detection, siren (max 90 dB, 24 levels), siren mute/display-only, flashing LED for Warning/Watch/Advisory
Battery backup3 x AA (not included)4 x AA alkaline (over 185 h in standby; not included)
External alert jackYesYes
DisplayLCD, trilingual (English/Spanish/French), continuous backlight option, color-coded alert level indicatorsLCD with event message and effective-time countdown, continuous backlight option
BandsNOAA / Environment Canada weather band only (no AM/FM)AM/FM + NOAA weather band
Size-8 x 5.43 x 1.85 in (203 x 138 x 47 mm)

Prices in the makers' own US stores, checked October 2, 2026. Amazon links carry no price.

Midland WR120B

Pros

  • SAME coding for up to 25 counties on a Public Alert certified receiver.
  • The display reads in English, Spanish or French and color codes each alert level.
  • External alert and antenna jacks take a strobe light or bed shaker accessory.

Cons

  • There is no AM or FM band. This one is a dedicated alert receiver rather than a daily radio.
  • The alert memory holds the last 10 messages. Several radios on this list keep more.

Reecom R-1650D

Pros

  • Each alert shows its remaining effective time with an automatic countdown.
  • Voice alerts end on their own thanks to End-Of-Message detection and the siren has 24 volume levels.
  • The maker rates standby at over 185 hours on four AA alkaline batteries.

Cons

  • At 8 inches wide it needs more shelf space than the compact models on this list.

Frequently asked questions

What does the Reecom R-1650D add over the Midland WR120B?

The Reecom R-1650D adds AM/FM with 12 AM and 12 FM presets. It stores 25 alerts against ten and shows how long each alert stays in force. Its siren has 24 volume levels and you can block the siren for up to 48 events. Both store SAME codes for 25 or 26 counties.

See the full weather alert radios shortlist Midland ER210 vs Midland ER310PROMidland ER310PRO vs Kaito Voyager XKaito KA500 vs Midland ER210Eton FRX3+ vs Midland ER210

Some links on this site are affiliate links. If you buy something after clicking one, the store may pay us a commission. The price stays the same for you, and commissions do not decide which emergency radios we recommend.