A search for alarm clock on Amazon returns a paltry seven pages of models to choose from, many only minutely different from the next (and most so ugly that the thought of sleeping near them is enough to induce mild insomnia). After a phone-free week of testing, we recommend seven clocks (including analog, digital, and smart versions) for a more peaceful bedroom. If youre sensitive to light, you should note that even at the dimmest of this clocks three settings, the LED display was distracting. A USB port in the back works great for overnight charging, but the listed option to plug in your phone so you can listen to music didnt really work for us (with an iPhone).
Our most affordable pick, the RCA has an easy-to-read display and a very loud alarm to wake even the deepest sleepers. And the clocks lightweight plastic construction made it easy to knock over. The FM radio is a plus, but considering that the clock is our second-most-expensive pick, the silver-dollar-sized rear-facing speaker is tinny and disappointing. *At the time of publishing, the price was $40. It provides a kinder, gentler wake-up than any other alarm we recommend, and its the only clock we tested that can help lull you to sleep at night.
And if you arent a fan of any of those options, you can hook it up to your phone and use it as a Bluetooth speaker so you can fall asleep to your favorite podcast. If youre picky about colors, youll like that this DreamSky model offers seven color variations, with different finishes and display hues to choose from. TheDreamSky Compact Digital Alarm Clock isnt quite as full-featured as the Jall Wooden Clock, but it checks all the boxes of a great alarm clock, and those in need of an alarm clock without any extra bells or whistles will be more than happy.
The second tone isnt sudden or surprising, but its faster-paced and louder than the first alarm. This model is very affordable, and yet compared with the cheap feel of the DreamSky and Capello alarm clocks, the Oct17 seems upscale. We also recommend the Echo Dot in our guide to Alexa speakers, one of which comes in a version with an LED clock display. On top of one of the best wake-up experiences we tested, the Loftie can help you fall asleep too. It comes with a radio that you can listen to or use as your alarm, an aux cord and a projector that displays the time on your ceiling. Setting the Rikis alarm to a specific hour is fairly simple to do, but setting it to an exact minute is more of an estimate, due to the clocks dial face. This clock was too audible to be a peaceful bedside companion, producing a tick-tock sound so loud that it bothered us even when we were in the next room. Its simple to set, easy to read in the dark and has an alarm that is loud but wont scare you awake. If a normal alarm clock just doesnt do it for you and any beep is too harsh, then asunrise alarm clockmight be the thing you need. Best for: Anyone who doesnt want to spend a lot of money, prefers a huge digital display, and is just looking for the basics to be done right. We liked the smaller and more affordable of the two because its options are true to its nameEssentialwith time, weather, and day easily viewed at a glance across its 4.5-inch auto-brightness-adjusting LED display. This was one of the least sleep-disruptive digital alarm clocks we tested. Its bulbous display slowly brightens to mimic the morning sun and then plays gentle noises, such as chirping birds, to ease you awake. It made us appreciate the similarly priced Lenovo Smart Clock Essentials tasteful simplicity that much more. Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Best for: Those who desire a large digital display, want to charge devices overnight via USB, and dont mind a plug-in model. The Loftie is also designed to help owners relax and fall asleep. But its clear, and it automatically sets the time once connected to a Wi-Fi network. If youre looking for a solid alarm clock and dont need the extra features of the Jall, theDreamSky Compact Digital Alarm Clockcould be the one for you. This is not unique to the RCA, though; setting the alarm on the Alessi Optic 02 B presented a similarly frustrating, careful, dont miss it experience. The Loftie isnt smart like other smart alarm clocks, in that you wont be served the news or the weather with the aid of a voice assistant. And even though we live in New York City and we hear cars drive by our apartment pretty regularly, we couldnt stand the sound of a ticking clock. Setting the time and alarm took us less than a minute when we first plugged it in, which was refreshingly short compared to other clocks. Wed still recommend it if you want a battery-operated alarm clock thats easy to throw in your luggage. 
But because of their angled pitch, theyre small and hard to discern. Why its great: If youre looking for an alarm clock that does a lot on the cheap, the DreamSky Compact Digital Alarm Clock is both an alarm clock and a USB charging station. First and foremost, the Jall is a solid alarm clock that will comfortably wake you up.
Best for: Design enthusiasts, or anyone looking to ditch their smartphone for an uncomplicated, completely silent, easy-to-use classic alarm clock. Its one and only shortcoming was legibility: The clocks printed numerals were small and hard to read at a glance. The batteries protect only time and alarm settings, in case of a power outage; for a full display, you have to plug in the clock or keep it connected via USB cable. Its easy to tell what time it is with the DreamSky, even if its the middle of the night and youre as blind as a bat. 2022 Wirecutter, Inc., A New York Times Company. Best for: Anyone looking for a compact digital alarm clock that offers time, day, and weather info at a glance, and those who prefer using voice controls over physical buttons. Discovery Company. We used each clock for a few days and nights. The only drawback to using Hatch as a white noise machine is that while you can get access to a small portion of Hatchs library of soundscapes and meditations for free, if you want full access youll have to pay for a subscription that costs $99 per year. If youre tired of waking up with the jolt of a conventional alarm, you might try a wake-up light. Best for: Those who believe in the minimalist ethos of less, but better, and people who enjoy falling asleep or waking up to ambient music and nature sounds. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.
I Hate Alarm Clocks. Able to wake you gently with lights that gradually brighten to mimic the dawn, the Philips Wake-Up Light HF3520 is a great sunrise alarm clock and one of the best all-around alarm clocks we tested, with intuitive programming, a wide range of alarm tones and a radio. When we tested the alarm for the first time on a table, we were shocked to see how violent the buzzing bed shaker actually was. However, if you want a device that eases you into your mornings with a gradual alarm and can also help you get to sleep, the Loftie is the perfect clock for you. And with its built-in Google Assistant, it can be operated completely hands-free. We live in an apartment lucky enough to get some morning light, so even though it probably didnt impact us as much as someone who has blackout curtains, the light still eased us into the morning, and the pleasant natural noises were a gentle alarm that was a much better experience than the other clocks we tested. If a big display keeps you up at night, know that the RCD30 does offer a dimmer setting. Its got a radio, which is a nice feature, and the design is simple, but the display was hard to see in the dark. Amazon has folded features from the Echo Spot into its smart displays, like the Echo Show 8 and the cheaper Echo Show 5 (which you can read more about in our guide to smart displays). Its got a 5-foot cord that should reach most outlets comfortably, and comes with a CR2032 battery that backs up your settings (although the small plastic latch that opens the battery door snapped off when we pulled too hard, so be careful when you need to switch the battery). Ive also written several guides here at Wirecutter, including on bedside lamps, floor lamps, bed frames, and patio furniture.
Whether it has hands or a digital display, a clock should be legible at a glance. (After first using the Loftie, I wrote down that I felt like I had arisen to a morning directed by Terrence Malick, all contemplative mood and relaxing stillness.) Theres the option to set different alarms scheduled for different days of the week, as well as a multitude of alarms you could set as reminders throughout the dayto get up occasionally, exercise, or walk the dog, among other everyday tasks. The bed shaker isnt wireless (its attached with a thin wire), so youll have to place it so it doesnt get tangled if you toss and turn in your sleep. The snooze button isnt really a button but rather a sensor on the top of the clock that will allow you another nine minutes of zzzs until it beeps again. We researched and found top-rated alarm clocks and selected a wide-ranging pool that included 18 digital, analog and sunrise alarm clocks. ThisTravelwey alarm clockreminded us of a classic childhood alarm clock, with the bright red numbers and huge snooze button at the top. An alarm clock may seem outdated, with your smartphones endless number of tones and apps to wake you up. This large-screened alarm clock is similar to our runner-up, the DreamSky Compact Digital Alarm Clock. His work can be found at Design Milk, Dwell, Domino, Apartment Therapy, and Airbnb. The Loftie, our luxury pick, is a better alarm clock overall, thanks to its amazing wake-up experience, and while it also has plenty of meditations and soundscapes to fall asleep to, these programs fall short of the Hatchs automatic wind-down routine that pairs different modes of lighting with sounds to help you get ready for bed. While its brightness is adjustable, the numbers are a bit too small to easily see if youre nearsighted and dont have your glasses on. One problem we have with all alarm clocks is that no matter how calming the tone may be on the first morning, after about a week it becomes annoying and you end up getting out of bed grumpy anyway. The two other buttons are for setting the alarm, accessing brightness and volume settings, setting the duration of the sleep timer, and choosing alarm tones. Its got a large library of meditations, soundscapes, white noises and even bedtime stories and sound baths to choose from, with regular updates adding even more content. TheRCA alarm clockhad one of the harshest alarm tones we tested. But when switched on, the time appears in a gentle white light behind the wood. Plus, at $25 (or less), the Jall Wooden Alarm Clock is equipped with incredibly useful features, such as the ability to set multiple alarms, humidity and temperature readings and a feature that puts the display to sleep and automatically wakes it back up if it senses movement or sound. Lexon Flip On/Off Alarm Clock: (Of note: This clock has now been replaced by the Lexon Flip Plus; the size hasnt changed, however.) The clocks wood-grain finish has a great feel, and its cool now you see me, now you dont LED display shines from beneath its veneer. Why its great: The Loftie can fool you into thinking youre waking up of your own accord every morning, rather than being forcibly annoyed out of bed. Its functionality, simplicity and design really shined. The scroll wheel was especially useful, allowing you to speed through the numbers for hours and minutes instead of repeatedly pressing a button. There are two USB ports in the backone to charge most mobile devices with 5 V output and the other to power the clock via USB (or you can plug directly into the wall). The DreamSky was easy and intuitive to set and adjust, with clearly labeled buttons for time and alarm and two physical dials for volume control and display brightness. However, on the last drop of our durability test, the clock unfortunately broke. The sun is rising, the birds are chirping, and I am well rested.
Even the next-dimmest night-light (on the Marathon Analog Desk Alarm Clock with Auto-Night Light) seemed much too bright after wed acclimated to the Rikis tranquil illumination. Were keeping an eye on the OneClock, a supposedly built-to-last-a-lifetime analog alarm clock that was crowdfunded on Indiegogo. A couple of caveats: The user interface layout is clunky compared to the other clocks we tested, so setting the time and the alarm is more difficult than wed like. If you want a more soothing and gradual wake-up experience than the standard beep of an alarm clock, thePhilips Wake-Up Light HF3520is the alarm clock for you. And the strobes arent unreasonably bright not enough to wake you on their own, though bright enough to act as an added incentive. However, the Restores light is smaller, which gave a less immersive feeling than the Philips Wake-Up. Plus, you can use the light as a standard lamp while youre winding down or reading during the evening. The face and light itself is about 9 inches in diameter, and the base is quite big at about 4.5 inches, so youll have to clear out a bit of space to put it next to your bed. To see if we felt a difference and to find out how sunrise clocks compared to more traditional options, we tested five of them, including three ofPhilips famed Wake-Up Lights. We favored models that had pleasant tones (or the option to change them). (Its also the only clock we found thats virtually impossible to tip over.) This large screen easily made it one of the most readable clocks, tied only with theMagnasonic Projection Alarm Clock, which can project the time onto your ceiling. For a whole month, we set alarms, let them ring and snoozed (maybe a bit too often) to find the best of the best. A Warner Bros. Were not going to lie: We were terrified of theSonic Bomb Dual Extra-Loud Alarm Clock. The RCD30 also comes with the option for backup via a 9-volt battery, so you wont lose your settings if the power goes out at 2 a.m. As with most of the alarm clocks we tested, when the RCD30 is using only battery power, it will not display the time, but the alarm will still go off. It includes a variety of background-noise generators (white, brown, pink, and so forth), meditation/breathwork soundscapes, and even a podcast called Snoozecast. Its got a polished feel to it, and its wooden design gives it a look unlike any other clocks we tested. Materials: beechwood, ABS resin, glassFinishes/colors: natural, brown, white, grayDimensions: 4.3 by 4.5 by 2.2 inchesPower: one AA battery. Thissmaller sunrise clock from Philipswas nice, but its bigger counterparts really outdid this $49.99 option. The Hatch Restore is a great sunrise alarm clock that gives a gentle and gradual wake-up much like our favorite sunrise alarm, the Philips Wake-Up Light. We tested each model in our bedrooms, with the alarm set half an hour earlier than our usual wake-up time, to ensure the clocks alarm tone was responsible for breaking our usual sleep cycle as well as to allow us to use each clocks snooze function while still groggy. While $149 is a lot to pay for an alarm clock, the Loftie is well worth the money, thanks to its simple design, easy-to-navigate interface, soundscapes that lull you to sleep and a gradual two-tone alarm. The RCA does not. Whether its the night-light, the snooze button, or the sound of the alarm tones, every detail feels like its been refined to reinforce a state of calm. *At the time of publishing, the price was $120. This budget digital alarm clock does so much for so little. Capello Round Time Table Clock: The Capello is a small and lightweight plug-in alarm clock with an easy-to-read LED display and a stylish gray-fabric front. Whether it's finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we'll help you get it right (the first time). But it also comes in three other finishes (black, brown and white), all of which have a clean, almostJapandi look. Im a writer at Design Milk, and since 2006 Ive been writing about home design for a multitude of design-focused outlets, including Apartment Therapy, Lonny, Metropolis, and Design Sponge. Content is created by CNN Underscoreds team of editors who work independently from the CNN newsroom. It has a tone that isnt so loud that it makes you jump out of bed, but it also isnt so quiet that youll sleep right through it. The large display size is a boon for people who wear glasses because theres no need to fumble for them in order to check the time. The snooze button can function as a light, which is a nice feature other digital clocks didnt have, but setting the time and alarm was a slow and unforgiving experience. They arent too bright at night and will dependably wake you up in the morning. Plus, since the SmartSleep is a smart alarm clock, you can control it from an app without any fussing with buttons. It has a large snooze button across the top, so you can usually hit it without much trouble. The Rikis prominent face has half-inch-tall numerals and large hour and minute arms, so its easy to readeven in dim light and from a distance. You should know that this alarm clock is not fully battery-operatedtwo backup AAA batteries are responsible only for keeping time and alarm settings, in case of a power outage. If youre simply looking for a clock to replace your phone, then youll be more than happy with the Jall or the DreamSky. Peakeeps small clockscored the highest out of the analog clocks, which scored lower in general due to their lack of visibility in the dark and other features. The DreamSky scored extremely well in nearly all of our tests, including durability, appearance and wake-up experience, but what made it one of the top contenders was its big and bright display. TheJall Wooden Digital Alarm Clockhas everything you need and more in an alarm clock. The introduction of another bright color screen in the bedroom isnt a great idea, though, and the few other extras the Smart Clock addsa selection of user-customizable faces and more alarm options than in the Essentialdo not really justify its price. We dont expect people to be dropping their alarm clocks that often, but accidents do happen, and if you pay so much for something, you want it to last. Most everything this alarm clock can do is hidden, accessed using its built-in Google Assistant voice controls or with the Google Home app. Flaws but not dealbreakers: The clocks physical buttons make a satisfying click when pressed. So, if youre ready for an upgraded alarm clock but dont want a sunrise clock, Loftie is the one for you. So lets get into why this Philips Wake-Up Light really is so great. MoMA Alume Cube Clock: We liked the Alume for its compact, 2.75-inch minimalist silver-cube design. We opened each alarm clock and set the time and alarm, playing with all the settings and testing out any and all extra features. Why its great: A top pick in our guide to sunrise alarm clocks, the Philips SmartSleep Wake-Up Light HF3520 is still our favorite sunrise alarm clock for anyone who hates being woken abruptly. Besides the price, the biggest downside of the Loftie for us is its display. To turn the alarm fully off, press any button twice. The tap-to-snooze feature can be finicky. Lets be honest: Dont you rely on your phone for enough already? The developers recently added Bluetooth speaker functionality and are promising Spotify connectivity and additional sounds as features that are coming soon. Well update this guide whenand ifthese features appear. If you use your phone in the bedroom at night, its probably messing with your sleep, even if you mute and dim it. The beeps of the alarm arent too harsh, and the alarm-setting process wasnt terrible, so if you want a sunrise clock but dont want to spend a ton of money, this could be a great buy. If youre just looking for a basic and affordable AM/FM radio clock: Consider the Sangean RCR-5, a back-to-basics dual-alarm clock radio that costs less than $50. In addition to its snooze button, the straightforward Riki has just three controls: an on/off switch for the alarm and two dial knobs to set the time and the alarm. However, the Loftie has tons of options for both its initial wake-up sound and its secondary get-up sound, with regular updates that add even more tones. If youre willing to spend $149 on an alarm clock (or $99 on a refurbished one), the Loftie should be your first pick. Gregory Han is a design, travel, and lifestyle writer, and the co-author of Creative Spaces: People, Homes, and Studios to Inspire. One aspect of the Philips Wake-Up Light that knocked it down a few points, though, is its sheer size. It should fit on any surface with plenty of room to spare, displaying the time, date, and temperature with a snap of the fingers or a tap on its top. The Sangean scores solidly online with owners, but we found the clocks cheap, glossy plastic finish and overly conspicuous logo distracting and reminiscent of models found on drugstore electronics shelves. On the back, there are three switches: one for setting the time and alarm, one for dimming the front display, and one for turning the alarm on and off. Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. Plus, the additional features especially the bed shaker should awaken those who havent been able to find an alarm clock that does the job. The Lenovo is an affordable smart alarm clock that wont take up much space. The snooze button isnt a real buttontouches or light taps wont register. With the most intense, abrasive sound of any alarm we tested, a strobe light and a vibrating puck that you place under your pillow, the Sonic Bomb can awaken even the heaviest sleepers. The SmartSleep Connected Light was a fantastic alarm clock and almost took the crown. Even though this clock is still available on Amazon and at various other retailers, the Lemnos site currently lists the Riki as archived, so were investigating whether it may have been discontinued permanently. Marathon Analog Desk Alarm Clock with Auto-Night Light: The Marathon has many great features. 2022 Cable News Network. Any sound can be programmed to be activated or turned off with the press of a button, and this made the Loftie easy to use when the heavy blanket of unconsciousness began to take over at night. No doubt, the Italian space-age design is eye-catching, but having this clock near the bed made the passing of time a torturous, second-by-second affair. The Jall clock has a panel on the backside that houses all the controls, including three small buttons, four switches and a scrolling wheel. Although it looks perfectly round, the clock actually has a subtle indentation on its base that keeps it from rolling awayand from moving when brushed or bumped. We can imagine one of its colors matching with nearly any interior decor. An alarm clock can be a healthy upgrade to a distraction-free bedroom, despite its feeling like a technological downgrade. The wake-up experience is just as good as our winner for the best sunrise alarm clock and this light comes with more features, such as a customizable snooze, more alarms you can set, relaxation exercises and more. But I Love Waking Up With Smart Bulbs. Materials: plasticFinishes/colors: black case available with green, orange, red, white, or blue digits; white case available with white or blue digitsDimensions: 5.8 by 2.9 by 2.7 inchesPower: plug adapter. We put it outside the bedroom in the first place because the second hand ticked. The alarm is also adjustable, with five different volume settings, so you can fine-tune the beeps to ensure you roll out of bed every time. Materials: polycarbonate and cloth coverFinishes/colors: grayDimensions: 2.51 by 3.26 by 4.51 inchesPower: Plug-in. That wake-up call continues until you shut off the alarm or hit snooze (which provides an extra nine minutes of slumber every time you press it, for well over an hour). But using your phone as your alarm can tempt you to use it before you tuck in, and that canlead to lower-quality sleep. The numbers on the clock itself were fuzzy and hard to read, and while its equipped with natural sounds to wake up to, the audio quality is so bad that it sounds like its coming through a tin can. The Homelabs Sunrise Alarm Clockreally couldnt compare with the options from Philips. Whenever you set or change your alarm, you have the option to set two other alarms as well, so you can have three different alarms active at once. First and foremost, the wake-up experience was second to none. However, the Loftie alarm doesnt have any sort of sunrise light, so while the auditory alarm is great, if you want to mimic the sunrise you should opt for the Philips Wake-Up. The setup was also extremely easy, thanks to the small screen at the bottom of the light that has little touch sensors so you can quickly navigate through the menu and change the time and alarm settings. But there are still some great options available today, and here are the features we looked for in an ideal alarm clock: In 2018, after reading through customer reviews on Amazon and other retailersand focusing particularly on the qualities listed abovewe called in the 10 most promising alarm clocks. Why its great: The Oct17s triangular-shaped wood body looks much nicer than one might expect from a budget clock. The plastic case and buttons feel every bit like what youd expect from a $20 device. The only alarm clock among our picks with a design-award pedigree, the sedate beechwood Riki was designed by Japanese modernist Riki Watanabe, whose work was known for being simple yet functional. The minute and hour buttons go in only one direction, so if you get distracted while setting the time and go too far, youll need to cycle through again. But at a $300 retail price, its definitely not cheap. It's simple to set, read and use, and can wake you dependably with multiple alarms. The only sound the Riki makes comes from its alarm, which is loud enough to wake you without being annoying. Flaws but not dealbreakers: The Loftie was $165 when we first tested it, but the price has dropped to $150. Its also the least expensive model we tested, making it an easy choice when you need something cheap and dependable, like for a guest room or a vacation rental. There wasnt much good from this clock that could outweigh the ticking and the alarm, so if you want an analog clock, wed recommend theJallor the smallerPeakeep. Flaws but not dealbreakers: The Riki isnt cheap, and its gone up a bit in price since we first tested it. We also liked the clocks all-black exterior (it comes in a white and black option, too), which is free of distracting lights or branding. Best for: Anyone who hates being jolted awake each morning with a wailing alarm, and those who prefer easing into consciousness with increasing luminosity. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. But when you need to know the time again, a clap of the hands or a tap on the front face will reawaken the clock for 10 seconds. But the output is fairly dim, even at the brightest setting, so its best used as an ambient light to help you find your way in the dark. And its the only display we found that you can set to turn off completely after 10 seconds. Even though it scored higher and offers more benefits than the cheaper Philips light, the fact that it broke, not to mention its lofty $199.95 price, make us believe thePhilips Wake-Up Light HF3520is the smarter and better investment. Instead of jolting awake, youre slowly brought out of slumber, which gives your body time to adjust and actually wake up. The alarm emits a loud, constant beep that can be heard from at least 20 feet away. Thisalarm clock from Sonyscored decently well, but none of its features stood out above the pack. You can toggle the dimmable display between showing temperature or the date as well as a Sound Control mode, which turns off the display and automatically turns it back on when movement or sound is detected. *At the time of publishing, the price was $30. Weve looked over this guide and still stand by our picks. But if you have the extra money and want to buy a sunrise clock that helps you not only wake up easily but go to sleep faster and help your entire sleep experience, thePhilips SmartSleep Connected Wake-Up Lightis an amazing device to have in your home. To be transparent, the title for best sunrise alarm clock was extremely close between the Philips Wake-Up Light HF3520 and its more expensive sibling, thePhilips SmartSleep Connected Sleep and Wake-Up Light. We scoured picks throughout our site to find 50 of the most useful things under $50, all of them Wirecutter-tested and Wirecutter-approved. And theyll look nice on your nightstand to boot.
Our most affordable pick, the RCA has an easy-to-read display and a very loud alarm to wake even the deepest sleepers. And the clocks lightweight plastic construction made it easy to knock over. The FM radio is a plus, but considering that the clock is our second-most-expensive pick, the silver-dollar-sized rear-facing speaker is tinny and disappointing. *At the time of publishing, the price was $40. It provides a kinder, gentler wake-up than any other alarm we recommend, and its the only clock we tested that can help lull you to sleep at night.
And if you arent a fan of any of those options, you can hook it up to your phone and use it as a Bluetooth speaker so you can fall asleep to your favorite podcast. If youre picky about colors, youll like that this DreamSky model offers seven color variations, with different finishes and display hues to choose from. TheDreamSky Compact Digital Alarm Clock isnt quite as full-featured as the Jall Wooden Clock, but it checks all the boxes of a great alarm clock, and those in need of an alarm clock without any extra bells or whistles will be more than happy.
The second tone isnt sudden or surprising, but its faster-paced and louder than the first alarm. This model is very affordable, and yet compared with the cheap feel of the DreamSky and Capello alarm clocks, the Oct17 seems upscale. We also recommend the Echo Dot in our guide to Alexa speakers, one of which comes in a version with an LED clock display. On top of one of the best wake-up experiences we tested, the Loftie can help you fall asleep too. It comes with a radio that you can listen to or use as your alarm, an aux cord and a projector that displays the time on your ceiling. Setting the Rikis alarm to a specific hour is fairly simple to do, but setting it to an exact minute is more of an estimate, due to the clocks dial face. This clock was too audible to be a peaceful bedside companion, producing a tick-tock sound so loud that it bothered us even when we were in the next room. Its simple to set, easy to read in the dark and has an alarm that is loud but wont scare you awake. If a normal alarm clock just doesnt do it for you and any beep is too harsh, then asunrise alarm clockmight be the thing you need. Best for: Anyone who doesnt want to spend a lot of money, prefers a huge digital display, and is just looking for the basics to be done right. We liked the smaller and more affordable of the two because its options are true to its nameEssentialwith time, weather, and day easily viewed at a glance across its 4.5-inch auto-brightness-adjusting LED display. This was one of the least sleep-disruptive digital alarm clocks we tested. Its bulbous display slowly brightens to mimic the morning sun and then plays gentle noises, such as chirping birds, to ease you awake. It made us appreciate the similarly priced Lenovo Smart Clock Essentials tasteful simplicity that much more. Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Best for: Those who desire a large digital display, want to charge devices overnight via USB, and dont mind a plug-in model. The Loftie is also designed to help owners relax and fall asleep. But its clear, and it automatically sets the time once connected to a Wi-Fi network. If youre looking for a solid alarm clock and dont need the extra features of the Jall, theDreamSky Compact Digital Alarm Clockcould be the one for you. This is not unique to the RCA, though; setting the alarm on the Alessi Optic 02 B presented a similarly frustrating, careful, dont miss it experience. The Loftie isnt smart like other smart alarm clocks, in that you wont be served the news or the weather with the aid of a voice assistant. And even though we live in New York City and we hear cars drive by our apartment pretty regularly, we couldnt stand the sound of a ticking clock. Setting the time and alarm took us less than a minute when we first plugged it in, which was refreshingly short compared to other clocks. Wed still recommend it if you want a battery-operated alarm clock thats easy to throw in your luggage. But because of their angled pitch, theyre small and hard to discern. Why its great: If youre looking for an alarm clock that does a lot on the cheap, the DreamSky Compact Digital Alarm Clock is both an alarm clock and a USB charging station. First and foremost, the Jall is a solid alarm clock that will comfortably wake you up. Best for: Design enthusiasts, or anyone looking to ditch their smartphone for an uncomplicated, completely silent, easy-to-use classic alarm clock. Its one and only shortcoming was legibility: The clocks printed numerals were small and hard to read at a glance. The batteries protect only time and alarm settings, in case of a power outage; for a full display, you have to plug in the clock or keep it connected via USB cable. Its easy to tell what time it is with the DreamSky, even if its the middle of the night and youre as blind as a bat. 2022 Wirecutter, Inc., A New York Times Company. Best for: Anyone looking for a compact digital alarm clock that offers time, day, and weather info at a glance, and those who prefer using voice controls over physical buttons. Discovery Company. We used each clock for a few days and nights. The only drawback to using Hatch as a white noise machine is that while you can get access to a small portion of Hatchs library of soundscapes and meditations for free, if you want full access youll have to pay for a subscription that costs $99 per year. If youre tired of waking up with the jolt of a conventional alarm, you might try a wake-up light. Best for: Those who believe in the minimalist ethos of less, but better, and people who enjoy falling asleep or waking up to ambient music and nature sounds. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.
I Hate Alarm Clocks. Able to wake you gently with lights that gradually brighten to mimic the dawn, the Philips Wake-Up Light HF3520 is a great sunrise alarm clock and one of the best all-around alarm clocks we tested, with intuitive programming, a wide range of alarm tones and a radio. When we tested the alarm for the first time on a table, we were shocked to see how violent the buzzing bed shaker actually was. However, if you want a device that eases you into your mornings with a gradual alarm and can also help you get to sleep, the Loftie is the perfect clock for you. And with its built-in Google Assistant, it can be operated completely hands-free. We live in an apartment lucky enough to get some morning light, so even though it probably didnt impact us as much as someone who has blackout curtains, the light still eased us into the morning, and the pleasant natural noises were a gentle alarm that was a much better experience than the other clocks we tested. If a big display keeps you up at night, know that the RCD30 does offer a dimmer setting. Its got a radio, which is a nice feature, and the design is simple, but the display was hard to see in the dark. Amazon has folded features from the Echo Spot into its smart displays, like the Echo Show 8 and the cheaper Echo Show 5 (which you can read more about in our guide to smart displays). Its got a 5-foot cord that should reach most outlets comfortably, and comes with a CR2032 battery that backs up your settings (although the small plastic latch that opens the battery door snapped off when we pulled too hard, so be careful when you need to switch the battery). Ive also written several guides here at Wirecutter, including on bedside lamps, floor lamps, bed frames, and patio furniture.
Whether it has hands or a digital display, a clock should be legible at a glance. (After first using the Loftie, I wrote down that I felt like I had arisen to a morning directed by Terrence Malick, all contemplative mood and relaxing stillness.) Theres the option to set different alarms scheduled for different days of the week, as well as a multitude of alarms you could set as reminders throughout the dayto get up occasionally, exercise, or walk the dog, among other everyday tasks. The bed shaker isnt wireless (its attached with a thin wire), so youll have to place it so it doesnt get tangled if you toss and turn in your sleep. The snooze button isnt really a button but rather a sensor on the top of the clock that will allow you another nine minutes of zzzs until it beeps again. We researched and found top-rated alarm clocks and selected a wide-ranging pool that included 18 digital, analog and sunrise alarm clocks. ThisTravelwey alarm clockreminded us of a classic childhood alarm clock, with the bright red numbers and huge snooze button at the top. An alarm clock may seem outdated, with your smartphones endless number of tones and apps to wake you up. This large-screened alarm clock is similar to our runner-up, the DreamSky Compact Digital Alarm Clock. His work can be found at Design Milk, Dwell, Domino, Apartment Therapy, and Airbnb. The Loftie, our luxury pick, is a better alarm clock overall, thanks to its amazing wake-up experience, and while it also has plenty of meditations and soundscapes to fall asleep to, these programs fall short of the Hatchs automatic wind-down routine that pairs different modes of lighting with sounds to help you get ready for bed. While its brightness is adjustable, the numbers are a bit too small to easily see if youre nearsighted and dont have your glasses on. One problem we have with all alarm clocks is that no matter how calming the tone may be on the first morning, after about a week it becomes annoying and you end up getting out of bed grumpy anyway. The two other buttons are for setting the alarm, accessing brightness and volume settings, setting the duration of the sleep timer, and choosing alarm tones. Its got a large library of meditations, soundscapes, white noises and even bedtime stories and sound baths to choose from, with regular updates adding even more content. TheRCA alarm clockhad one of the harshest alarm tones we tested. But when switched on, the time appears in a gentle white light behind the wood. Plus, at $25 (or less), the Jall Wooden Alarm Clock is equipped with incredibly useful features, such as the ability to set multiple alarms, humidity and temperature readings and a feature that puts the display to sleep and automatically wakes it back up if it senses movement or sound. Lexon Flip On/Off Alarm Clock: (Of note: This clock has now been replaced by the Lexon Flip Plus; the size hasnt changed, however.) The clocks wood-grain finish has a great feel, and its cool now you see me, now you dont LED display shines from beneath its veneer. Why its great: The Loftie can fool you into thinking youre waking up of your own accord every morning, rather than being forcibly annoyed out of bed. Its functionality, simplicity and design really shined. The scroll wheel was especially useful, allowing you to speed through the numbers for hours and minutes instead of repeatedly pressing a button. There are two USB ports in the backone to charge most mobile devices with 5 V output and the other to power the clock via USB (or you can plug directly into the wall). The DreamSky was easy and intuitive to set and adjust, with clearly labeled buttons for time and alarm and two physical dials for volume control and display brightness. However, on the last drop of our durability test, the clock unfortunately broke. The sun is rising, the birds are chirping, and I am well rested.
Even the next-dimmest night-light (on the Marathon Analog Desk Alarm Clock with Auto-Night Light) seemed much too bright after wed acclimated to the Rikis tranquil illumination. Were keeping an eye on the OneClock, a supposedly built-to-last-a-lifetime analog alarm clock that was crowdfunded on Indiegogo. A couple of caveats: The user interface layout is clunky compared to the other clocks we tested, so setting the time and the alarm is more difficult than wed like. If you want a more soothing and gradual wake-up experience than the standard beep of an alarm clock, thePhilips Wake-Up Light HF3520is the alarm clock for you. And the strobes arent unreasonably bright not enough to wake you on their own, though bright enough to act as an added incentive. However, the Restores light is smaller, which gave a less immersive feeling than the Philips Wake-Up. Plus, you can use the light as a standard lamp while youre winding down or reading during the evening. The face and light itself is about 9 inches in diameter, and the base is quite big at about 4.5 inches, so youll have to clear out a bit of space to put it next to your bed. To see if we felt a difference and to find out how sunrise clocks compared to more traditional options, we tested five of them, including three ofPhilips famed Wake-Up Lights. We favored models that had pleasant tones (or the option to change them). (Its also the only clock we found thats virtually impossible to tip over.) This large screen easily made it one of the most readable clocks, tied only with theMagnasonic Projection Alarm Clock, which can project the time onto your ceiling. For a whole month, we set alarms, let them ring and snoozed (maybe a bit too often) to find the best of the best. A Warner Bros. Were not going to lie: We were terrified of theSonic Bomb Dual Extra-Loud Alarm Clock. The RCD30 also comes with the option for backup via a 9-volt battery, so you wont lose your settings if the power goes out at 2 a.m. As with most of the alarm clocks we tested, when the RCD30 is using only battery power, it will not display the time, but the alarm will still go off. It includes a variety of background-noise generators (white, brown, pink, and so forth), meditation/breathwork soundscapes, and even a podcast called Snoozecast. Its got a polished feel to it, and its wooden design gives it a look unlike any other clocks we tested. Materials: beechwood, ABS resin, glassFinishes/colors: natural, brown, white, grayDimensions: 4.3 by 4.5 by 2.2 inchesPower: one AA battery. Thissmaller sunrise clock from Philipswas nice, but its bigger counterparts really outdid this $49.99 option. The Hatch Restore is a great sunrise alarm clock that gives a gentle and gradual wake-up much like our favorite sunrise alarm, the Philips Wake-Up Light. We tested each model in our bedrooms, with the alarm set half an hour earlier than our usual wake-up time, to ensure the clocks alarm tone was responsible for breaking our usual sleep cycle as well as to allow us to use each clocks snooze function while still groggy. While $149 is a lot to pay for an alarm clock, the Loftie is well worth the money, thanks to its simple design, easy-to-navigate interface, soundscapes that lull you to sleep and a gradual two-tone alarm. The RCA does not. Whether its the night-light, the snooze button, or the sound of the alarm tones, every detail feels like its been refined to reinforce a state of calm. *At the time of publishing, the price was $120. This budget digital alarm clock does so much for so little. Capello Round Time Table Clock: The Capello is a small and lightweight plug-in alarm clock with an easy-to-read LED display and a stylish gray-fabric front. Whether it's finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we'll help you get it right (the first time). But it also comes in three other finishes (black, brown and white), all of which have a clean, almostJapandi look. Im a writer at Design Milk, and since 2006 Ive been writing about home design for a multitude of design-focused outlets, including Apartment Therapy, Lonny, Metropolis, and Design Sponge. Content is created by CNN Underscoreds team of editors who work independently from the CNN newsroom. It has a tone that isnt so loud that it makes you jump out of bed, but it also isnt so quiet that youll sleep right through it. The large display size is a boon for people who wear glasses because theres no need to fumble for them in order to check the time. The snooze button can function as a light, which is a nice feature other digital clocks didnt have, but setting the time and alarm was a slow and unforgiving experience. They arent too bright at night and will dependably wake you up in the morning. Plus, since the SmartSleep is a smart alarm clock, you can control it from an app without any fussing with buttons. It has a large snooze button across the top, so you can usually hit it without much trouble. The Rikis prominent face has half-inch-tall numerals and large hour and minute arms, so its easy to readeven in dim light and from a distance. You should know that this alarm clock is not fully battery-operatedtwo backup AAA batteries are responsible only for keeping time and alarm settings, in case of a power outage. If youre simply looking for a clock to replace your phone, then youll be more than happy with the Jall or the DreamSky. Peakeeps small clockscored the highest out of the analog clocks, which scored lower in general due to their lack of visibility in the dark and other features. The DreamSky scored extremely well in nearly all of our tests, including durability, appearance and wake-up experience, but what made it one of the top contenders was its big and bright display. TheJall Wooden Digital Alarm Clockhas everything you need and more in an alarm clock. The introduction of another bright color screen in the bedroom isnt a great idea, though, and the few other extras the Smart Clock addsa selection of user-customizable faces and more alarm options than in the Essentialdo not really justify its price. We dont expect people to be dropping their alarm clocks that often, but accidents do happen, and if you pay so much for something, you want it to last. Most everything this alarm clock can do is hidden, accessed using its built-in Google Assistant voice controls or with the Google Home app. Flaws but not dealbreakers: The clocks physical buttons make a satisfying click when pressed. So, if youre ready for an upgraded alarm clock but dont want a sunrise clock, Loftie is the one for you. So lets get into why this Philips Wake-Up Light really is so great. MoMA Alume Cube Clock: We liked the Alume for its compact, 2.75-inch minimalist silver-cube design. We opened each alarm clock and set the time and alarm, playing with all the settings and testing out any and all extra features. Why its great: A top pick in our guide to sunrise alarm clocks, the Philips SmartSleep Wake-Up Light HF3520 is still our favorite sunrise alarm clock for anyone who hates being woken abruptly. Besides the price, the biggest downside of the Loftie for us is its display. To turn the alarm fully off, press any button twice. The tap-to-snooze feature can be finicky. Lets be honest: Dont you rely on your phone for enough already? The developers recently added Bluetooth speaker functionality and are promising Spotify connectivity and additional sounds as features that are coming soon. Well update this guide whenand ifthese features appear. If you use your phone in the bedroom at night, its probably messing with your sleep, even if you mute and dim it. The beeps of the alarm arent too harsh, and the alarm-setting process wasnt terrible, so if you want a sunrise clock but dont want to spend a ton of money, this could be a great buy. If youre just looking for a basic and affordable AM/FM radio clock: Consider the Sangean RCR-5, a back-to-basics dual-alarm clock radio that costs less than $50. In addition to its snooze button, the straightforward Riki has just three controls: an on/off switch for the alarm and two dial knobs to set the time and the alarm. However, the Loftie has tons of options for both its initial wake-up sound and its secondary get-up sound, with regular updates that add even more tones. If youre willing to spend $149 on an alarm clock (or $99 on a refurbished one), the Loftie should be your first pick. Gregory Han is a design, travel, and lifestyle writer, and the co-author of Creative Spaces: People, Homes, and Studios to Inspire. One aspect of the Philips Wake-Up Light that knocked it down a few points, though, is its sheer size. It should fit on any surface with plenty of room to spare, displaying the time, date, and temperature with a snap of the fingers or a tap on its top. The Sangean scores solidly online with owners, but we found the clocks cheap, glossy plastic finish and overly conspicuous logo distracting and reminiscent of models found on drugstore electronics shelves. On the back, there are three switches: one for setting the time and alarm, one for dimming the front display, and one for turning the alarm on and off. Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. Plus, the additional features especially the bed shaker should awaken those who havent been able to find an alarm clock that does the job. The Lenovo is an affordable smart alarm clock that wont take up much space. The snooze button isnt a real buttontouches or light taps wont register. With the most intense, abrasive sound of any alarm we tested, a strobe light and a vibrating puck that you place under your pillow, the Sonic Bomb can awaken even the heaviest sleepers. The SmartSleep Connected Light was a fantastic alarm clock and almost took the crown. Even though this clock is still available on Amazon and at various other retailers, the Lemnos site currently lists the Riki as archived, so were investigating whether it may have been discontinued permanently. Marathon Analog Desk Alarm Clock with Auto-Night Light: The Marathon has many great features. 2022 Cable News Network. Any sound can be programmed to be activated or turned off with the press of a button, and this made the Loftie easy to use when the heavy blanket of unconsciousness began to take over at night. No doubt, the Italian space-age design is eye-catching, but having this clock near the bed made the passing of time a torturous, second-by-second affair. The Jall clock has a panel on the backside that houses all the controls, including three small buttons, four switches and a scrolling wheel. Although it looks perfectly round, the clock actually has a subtle indentation on its base that keeps it from rolling awayand from moving when brushed or bumped. We can imagine one of its colors matching with nearly any interior decor. An alarm clock can be a healthy upgrade to a distraction-free bedroom, despite its feeling like a technological downgrade. The wake-up experience is just as good as our winner for the best sunrise alarm clock and this light comes with more features, such as a customizable snooze, more alarms you can set, relaxation exercises and more. But I Love Waking Up With Smart Bulbs. Materials: plasticFinishes/colors: black case available with green, orange, red, white, or blue digits; white case available with white or blue digitsDimensions: 5.8 by 2.9 by 2.7 inchesPower: plug adapter. We put it outside the bedroom in the first place because the second hand ticked. The alarm is also adjustable, with five different volume settings, so you can fine-tune the beeps to ensure you roll out of bed every time. Materials: polycarbonate and cloth coverFinishes/colors: grayDimensions: 2.51 by 3.26 by 4.51 inchesPower: Plug-in. That wake-up call continues until you shut off the alarm or hit snooze (which provides an extra nine minutes of slumber every time you press it, for well over an hour). But using your phone as your alarm can tempt you to use it before you tuck in, and that canlead to lower-quality sleep. The numbers on the clock itself were fuzzy and hard to read, and while its equipped with natural sounds to wake up to, the audio quality is so bad that it sounds like its coming through a tin can. The Homelabs Sunrise Alarm Clockreally couldnt compare with the options from Philips. Whenever you set or change your alarm, you have the option to set two other alarms as well, so you can have three different alarms active at once. First and foremost, the wake-up experience was second to none. However, the Loftie alarm doesnt have any sort of sunrise light, so while the auditory alarm is great, if you want to mimic the sunrise you should opt for the Philips Wake-Up. The setup was also extremely easy, thanks to the small screen at the bottom of the light that has little touch sensors so you can quickly navigate through the menu and change the time and alarm settings. But there are still some great options available today, and here are the features we looked for in an ideal alarm clock: In 2018, after reading through customer reviews on Amazon and other retailersand focusing particularly on the qualities listed abovewe called in the 10 most promising alarm clocks. Why its great: The Oct17s triangular-shaped wood body looks much nicer than one might expect from a budget clock. The plastic case and buttons feel every bit like what youd expect from a $20 device. The only alarm clock among our picks with a design-award pedigree, the sedate beechwood Riki was designed by Japanese modernist Riki Watanabe, whose work was known for being simple yet functional. The minute and hour buttons go in only one direction, so if you get distracted while setting the time and go too far, youll need to cycle through again. But at a $300 retail price, its definitely not cheap. It's simple to set, read and use, and can wake you dependably with multiple alarms. The only sound the Riki makes comes from its alarm, which is loud enough to wake you without being annoying. Flaws but not dealbreakers: The Loftie was $165 when we first tested it, but the price has dropped to $150. Its also the least expensive model we tested, making it an easy choice when you need something cheap and dependable, like for a guest room or a vacation rental. There wasnt much good from this clock that could outweigh the ticking and the alarm, so if you want an analog clock, wed recommend theJallor the smallerPeakeep. Flaws but not dealbreakers: The Riki isnt cheap, and its gone up a bit in price since we first tested it. We also liked the clocks all-black exterior (it comes in a white and black option, too), which is free of distracting lights or branding. Best for: Anyone who hates being jolted awake each morning with a wailing alarm, and those who prefer easing into consciousness with increasing luminosity. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. But when you need to know the time again, a clap of the hands or a tap on the front face will reawaken the clock for 10 seconds. But the output is fairly dim, even at the brightest setting, so its best used as an ambient light to help you find your way in the dark. And its the only display we found that you can set to turn off completely after 10 seconds. Even though it scored higher and offers more benefits than the cheaper Philips light, the fact that it broke, not to mention its lofty $199.95 price, make us believe thePhilips Wake-Up Light HF3520is the smarter and better investment. Instead of jolting awake, youre slowly brought out of slumber, which gives your body time to adjust and actually wake up. The alarm emits a loud, constant beep that can be heard from at least 20 feet away. Thisalarm clock from Sonyscored decently well, but none of its features stood out above the pack. You can toggle the dimmable display between showing temperature or the date as well as a Sound Control mode, which turns off the display and automatically turns it back on when movement or sound is detected. *At the time of publishing, the price was $30. Weve looked over this guide and still stand by our picks. But if you have the extra money and want to buy a sunrise clock that helps you not only wake up easily but go to sleep faster and help your entire sleep experience, thePhilips SmartSleep Connected Wake-Up Lightis an amazing device to have in your home. To be transparent, the title for best sunrise alarm clock was extremely close between the Philips Wake-Up Light HF3520 and its more expensive sibling, thePhilips SmartSleep Connected Sleep and Wake-Up Light. We scoured picks throughout our site to find 50 of the most useful things under $50, all of them Wirecutter-tested and Wirecutter-approved. And theyll look nice on your nightstand to boot.