Disaster Preppers Choose the Motorola UHF XTS5000 with AES Encryption as the Go-To Portable Radio for Surviving Armageddon

If and when the end of the world comes, my plan is to open a 1994 bottle of Caymus Cabernet and pair it with a French baguette and the finest cheeses I can find in the fleeting moments before everything ends. But for those planning to survive Judgment Day, securing serious communications equipment is a top priority.

Through research and conversations with several survivalists, we discovered that the number one radio chosen by the disaster prep community is the UHF Motorola XTS5000 with 256-bit AES encryption ( part # H18SDF9PW6AN ). According to experts, while many radio models might help in a disaster, the XTS5000 is considered the most reliable, secure, and versatile option.

As a company that typically serves businesses and governments, we weren’t previously in tune with the disaster prep community. However, after doing our homework, we were surprised to find that they’ve developed a remarkably advanced understanding of two-way radio technology.

For years, the prepper community leaned toward low-cost radios from Chinese manufacturers, believing that simply owning a radio was enough. But due to growing cybersecurity concerns, they’ve largely abandoned these options. Their primary worry centers on the software included with these radios, which they believe may contain Chinese malware. There’s also a broader concern that, in the event of a cyberattack from China, these radios—like much of today’s electronics—could be remotely disabled.

That fear pushed many preppers to seek out high-quality, American-made equipment—most notably, Motorola radios. Public safety–grade Motorola radios originally retailed for thousands of dollars, due to their robust features and advanced technology. But in a post-apocalyptic scenario, the latest tech isn’t necessary. So, preppers sought the used-radio market, as a lower cost but quality alternative for former public safety radios.

They chose the XTS5000 because it offers military- and public safety–grade durability. Preppers also valued the U.S.-based software and engineering - and Motorola’s “cyber-safe” software. Many also opt for the AES encryption upgrade—a critical feature in survivalist scenarios, as it prevents unauthorized parties from intercepting communications.

As we saw during 9/11—and more recently, during the California wildfires—cellular networks are vulnerable during disasters and cyberattacks. Radios that depend on cellular data simply can’t be relied on. That’s why survivalists turn to network-free, point-to-point communication devices. In particular, they choose UHF-band XTS5000s for survival operations. While we initially assumed the VHF band might be preferable due to its longer range, survivalists told us that UHF is superior for penetrating buildings—or, more importantly, concrete bunkers.

In the used radio market, the XTS5000 (part # H18SDF9PW6AN) has become one of the most commonly available models, which makes it on the hit list for disaster preppers. While other UHF models will work, the H18SDF9PW6AN was the most produced UHF variant of its time. With thousands retired from public safety departments, this model emerged as a top choice for disaster survival - because it widely more available than other UHF variants of the radio. 

Finally, the XTS5000 was chosen for its long-term maintainability. Even though the model is officially end-of-life, tens of thousands are still in use, and accessories and replacement parts are readily available. Maintaining or finding parts for these radios remains affordable and relatively easy.

That said, owning a two-way radio in any disaster scenario is a smart move. Setting aside the idea of Armageddon, radios can be lifesaving tools for more common emergencies—like helping a lost hiker or coordinating during a tornado. If you're concerned about emergency communications, we recommend joining your local amateur radio community, which has been active in disaster response communications for nearly a century.

If interested in a refurbished UHF Motorola XTS5000 with AES-256 encryption, we offer it here:

Motorola XTS5000 UHF H18SDF9PW6AN UHF R2 Portable Radio

If concerned about protection from EMF attacks or surveillance, check out our Faraday bag:

Haloid OFF THE GRID BAG – Blocks RF and RFID signals from wireless and spy devices.