Midland WR400 vs Sangean CL-100
The Midland WR400 and Sangean CL-100 are Public Alert tabletop radios with AM/FM and 25 SAME codes. The Sangean CL-100 stores twice the alerts while the Midland WR400 adds USB phone charging.
Updated October 2, 2026
Midland WR400
Tabletop SAME alert radio with AM/FM and a USB output to charge a phone during an outage.
Full specs, pros and consSangean CL-100
Public Alert certified AM/FM clock radio that stores the last 20 SAME alert messages.
Full specs, pros and consThe short answer
The Midland WR400 fits most buyers. The Sangean CL-100 no longer appears on Sangean's site and retail stock is mixed. The Midland WR400 carries two test reviews plus a USB charging port. The Sangean CL-100 remains the richer radio on paper with 20 alert memories and more presets.
Choose the Midland WR400 if
- you want a USB port to charge a phone
- you want a published alert count of over 80
- you want test reviews from TechGearLab and Wirecutter behind your choice
Choose the Sangean CL-100 if
- you want 20 alerts in memory instead of ten
- you want ten AM/FM presets and an aux input
- you want a graphic display with dimmer and contrast control
Specs side by side
Prices in the makers' own US stores, checked October 2, 2026. Amazon links carry no price.
Midland WR400
Pros
- Public Alert certified with SAME coding for up to 25 counties.
- The 85 dB siren has three volume settings and can be swapped for voice or display-only alerts.
- A USB output charges a phone during an outage while the radio runs on four AA batteries.
Cons
- Midland does not publish the radio's own size or weight. Only the gift box figures are known.
- Newer units may come with a USB-C port instead of the older USB output. Check which version you receive.
Sangean CL-100
Pros
- Stores the last 20 alert messages so you can read what you missed.
- Graphic display with dimmer and contrast control shows scrolling SAME text.
- External alert jack for a strobe, bed shaker or siren accessory.
Cons
- Sangean no longer lists the CL-100 on its own site and a retailer snippet calls it discontinued. Stock varies by store.
- Preset memory is modest at five AM and five FM stations. Some radios on this list hold far more.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Sangean CL-100 discontinued?
It no longer appears on Sangean's website and one retailer snippet says Sangean discontinued it. Other retailers still take orders or show stock. Treat any listing as worth a check before you pay. The Midland WR400 is listed in the Midland store which ships to the 48 contiguous states and Alaska.
What does the Sangean CL-100 do that the Midland WR400 does not?
It stores the last 20 alert messages against ten on the Midland WR400. It has ten radio presets against four and adds an aux input and a sleep timer. Its graphic display has dimmer and contrast controls. The Midland WR400 counters with a USB charging output and a published alert count of over 80.
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