Midland WR120B Weather Radio Review: Loud but Reliable
The most surprising finding in user reports about the Midland WR120B NOAA Emergency Weather Alert Radio is how often people call it “loud enough to wake the dead” — a trait that’s both celebrated and criticized. Across hundreds of reviews, the WR120B earns a solid 9/10 for delivering fast, location-specific alerts with dependable S.A.M.E. technology, though some users warn of tricky programming steps and mixed reception quality in certain areas.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — Excellent for users in areas with strong NOAA coverage who want customizable county-based alerts; less ideal for those in fringe signal zones without an external antenna.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Highly customizable county and alert type settings | Reception issues reported in some regions |
| Loud and clear siren ensures alerts are noticed | Siren volume can be startling |
| Easy to set up for most users | Programming can be confusing for new owners |
| Reliable during power outages with battery backup | Battery life varies; some report short duration |
| Compact and durable design | Speaker quality could be improved |
| Supports English, Spanish, and French | LCD visibility poor at certain angles |
| Affordable price point | Limited non-weather alert customization |
Claims vs Reality
Midland markets the WR120B as “the most trusted and popular weather radio on the market” with S.A.M.E. localized programming, 25 programmable locations, and a loud 90 dB siren. On paper, it receives over 80 weather and emergency alerts and is Public Alert certified.
Digging deeper into user reports, the S.A.M.E. feature does exactly what’s promised — for most. A Reddit user explained: “You can choose 1 or more specific counties to alert on, you can enable/disable every alert type except tornado warning, which is always active.” This aligns with Midland’s FAQ that tornado and hurricane warnings are locked in by default.
The siren’s loudness is another claim that matches reality. Best Buy reviewers repeatedly note its ability to wake them instantly during emergencies, with one saying: “It let us know there is a possible tornado in our area. It’s a great item to have to be safe.” However, others find it “startles me in a major way in daylight hours” and wish for alternative tones.
Reception, while officially supported by 7 NOAA channels, is a mixed bag. Trustpilot feedback shows 79% praise strong signal reception, but 21% are dissatisfied, even in areas with otherwise strong radio signals.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
The WR120B’s alert customization is widely celebrated. For rural homeowners, the ability to filter alerts by county means fewer false alarms. A verified buyer on Amazon noted: “You can program this radio to your specific county so it’s not going off non stop.” This is particularly valuable for those near state borders or in multi-county service areas.
Its loud siren earns praise from emergency-conscious families. One Best Buy customer described it as “a very useful radio that will wake the dead when it goes off,” emphasizing its role in waking heavy sleepers during tornado season.
Ease of programming, while not universal, is a strong point for many. Trustpilot shows 87% found the interface easy to use, with comments like: “I found it easy to program the weather radio by entering only the counties I wanted to be alerted on.” This resonates with those who prioritize straightforward setup over complex multi-function devices.
Battery backup reliability also wins approval when functioning well. Several users report maintaining settings after battery changes, thanks to internal memory. For households prone to outages, this consistency adds peace of mind.
Common Complaints
Reception problems are the most consistent frustration. A Trustpilot reviewer wrote: “I am dissatisfied with the product’s ability to receive a strong signal. It is unacceptable for living in a town where radio signals are strong.” In fringe reception areas, users recommend pairing it with an external antenna, but this adds cost.
Programming complexity surfaces in Reddit discussions, where some find the menu system unintuitive, especially when disabling optional alerts. The locked tornado warning alert is a point of minor annoyance for those wanting complete control.
Battery life variance is another issue. While 80% of Trustpilot reviewers enjoy long-lasting backup, others find batteries “died within a day,” questioning its reliability during extended outages.
Speaker quality receives lukewarm feedback. One Best Buy reviewer said: “Sound is a bit like an old AM radio… if I had one improvement to suggest, it would be a better speaker.”
Divisive Features
The siren’s intensity splits opinion. For safety advocates, it’s a lifesaver; for light sleepers, it’s a jarring intrusion. Similarly, the compact size is praised for portability but criticized for LCD readability — some users must hold it at an angle to see clearly.
While Midland touts trilingual alerts, few reviews mention using non-English settings, suggesting this is more niche than mainstream.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot data shows 84% praise for rugged design, with stories of units lasting years and surviving power outages. A Best Buy customer shared: “This is the second one I’ve purchased. The first lasted many years before giving out.”
However, there are occasional reports of early failure. One Trustpilot reviewer noted: “I purchased a second radio in May that stopped working perfectly out of the box and now only shows static on all stations.”
The brand’s transparency on locked alerts (tornado/hurricane) and troubleshooting guides adds confidence, as does widespread acknowledgment that Midland radios are recommended by the Department of Homeland Security.
Alternatives
In Reddit discussions, the Sangean CL-100 is mentioned as an alternative, offering similar county-specific filtering. However, one user admitted difficulty setting its clock, hinting at its own quirks.
Compared to Midland’s own WR400, the WR120B lacks AM/FM radio but costs significantly less. For users prioritizing alert functionality over entertainment features, the WR120B is the leaner choice.
Price & Value
Current eBay listings show prices from $19.99 to $33.75, undercutting Amazon’s $34.88 retail. This suggests strong resale potential, especially for working units in good condition.
Community buying tips include ordering directly from Midland to avoid third-party mishaps, as one Best Buy reviewer regretted going through a marketplace seller.
FAQ
Q: Can I disable tornado alerts on the WR120B?
A: No. Tornado and hurricane warnings are locked in by default due to NOAA regulations. Optional alerts can be disabled via the menu.
Q: How many counties can I program into the WR120B?
A: Up to 25. This is useful for monitoring surrounding areas without being flooded with irrelevant alerts.
Q: Does the WR120B work during power outages?
A: Yes, with 3 AA alkaline batteries for backup. Battery life varies; some report several days, others only a day.
Q: Is reception good without an external antenna?
A: In strong coverage areas, yes. In fringe zones, users recommend adding an external antenna for reliability.
Q: Does it have AM/FM radio?
A: No. The WR120B focuses solely on NOAA weather alerts and emergency notifications.
Final Verdict
Buy if you’re in a strong NOAA coverage area, want precise county-based alerts, and value a loud, unmistakable siren for emergencies. Avoid if you require AM/FM entertainment features or live in a spotty reception zone without plans for an external antenna. Pro tip from the community: program only your county to cut down on unnecessary alerts and keep your nights quiet — until it truly matters.
