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The Best Alarm Clock

Last updated on August 15, 2022

We looked at the top 17 Alarm Clocks and dug through the reviews from 60 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Alarm Clocks.

Best Alarm Clock

Our Review Process

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Waking up is never easy, especially if you don’t get to do it on your own. Alarm clocks have been used for more than a century for pulling people out of a deep slumber, evolving in sophistication along the way. Many people today use a smartphone to wake up, but there are still benefits to an alarm clock. It frees you from the burden of having your smartphone next to you as you sleep, for one, while also giving you a wider range of options as to how you’ll be awoken.

If it’s been a while since you’ve gone alarm clock shopping, you may be surprised to hear about the many options now available. You can still get the standard digital alarm clock that lets you choose between disruptive beeps and other noises versus waking up to a local radio station. But there are also alarm clocks that sync to your phone, letting you wake up to music from your playlist.

There’s another option that you may have missed along the way. One alarm clock actually model uses light therapy techniques to wake you up gently and naturally. It simulates the natural light from the sunrise, working with your body’s circadian rhythms to gently nudge you awake. Even some digital clocks use changing colors as a wake-up technique to combine this new approach with traditional alarm clock design.

One thing to consider is the ease of use of your alarm clock. You’ll likely want a digital readout that you can decipher when you roll over in the middle of the night, but you also don’t want it to be so bright that it lights up your entire room. If you’ve ever struggled to set the time or change your wake-up alarm time, you likely know the importance of ease of use. It’s important to consider that feature when you’re shopping, especially if you wake up at different times every day.

Our Picks For The Top Alarm Clocks

View All Recommendations
Product Overview
Our Take
Pros
Cons
 Top Pick

JALL Corded Electric LED Alarm Clock

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JALL

Corded Electric LED Alarm Clock

This kid alarm clock is designed to simulate an actual sunrise. Beginning 30 minutes before the alarm is set to go off, the clock begins gradually increasing in brightness. If light isn't enough to wake your child, the unit also comes with seven different sounds that will go off once the clock reaches the programmed wake-up time.

Overall Take

USB Charging PortThis kid alarm clock comes with plenty of extras, including dual alarms, a snooze function and a USB charging port.

 Runner Up

PPLEE Phone Charging Dual Alarm Clock

PPLEE

Phone Charging Dual Alarm Clock

You'll love the oversized digital screen on this alarm clock. In addition to being easy to read, this model is also a cinch to program. You'll have the option of setting two alarms and choosing between four different volume levels. There's also a USB charging port, so you can charge your phone while you snooze.

Overall Take

Large ScreenYou can get this alarm clock with either white or blue digits.

 We Also Like

Poeroa Auto Dimmable Reflective Alarm Clock

Poeroa

Auto Dimmable Reflective Alarm Clock

If you're searching for an alarm clock with style, this model is an excellent choice. It features a mirror finish and a frame in a choice of five shiny finishes. The LED display is nice and big, making it a cinch to read the time in both light and dark conditions.

Overall Take

Mirror SurfaceThis alarm clock offers three brightness settings, a snooze mode and two USB charging ports.

 Also Great

RCA Electric Digital Alarm Clock

RCA

Electric Digital Alarm Clock

This simple, easy-to-use alarm clock is also an economical choice. You can customize the brightness to keep your room dark while you sleep. You'll also get convenient buttons, including a wide snooze button that will be a big help during those groggy early waking moments.

Overall Take

Most Economical ClockTraditional is the best word to describe this alarm clock.

Pros
" The least expensive alarm clock we reviewed is also the easiest to operate, with minimal controls, a big, bright display, and reliable alarm features."
Cons
"This LED-based digital alarm clock from RCA isn't quite as retro as the analog model above"
Don't just take for granted what one reviewer says. Along with our own experts, DWYM analyzes the top expert reviews of the leading products and generates a score you can actually trust.
24

Products Considered

We identified the majority of the alarm clocks available to purchase.
17

Products Analyzed

We then selected the leading and most popular products for our team to review.

View All Product Rankings

60

Expert Reviews Included

In addition to our expert reviews, we also incorporate feedback and analysis of some of the most respected sources including: Business Insider, Tuck, Top Ten Review Pro, Gadget Viper, New York Times Wirecutter.

165,408

User Opinions Analyzed

We also incorporate user reviews from the leading retailers including

Our experts reviewed the top 17 Alarm Clocks and also dug through the reviews from 60 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Alarm Clocks.

DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.

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The Best Bang For Your Buck

RCA Electric Digital Alarm Clock

Our Expert Score

10.0
5 expert reviews

User Summarized Score

7.8
5,034 user reviews

Our Take

This simple, easy-to-use alarm clock is also an economical choice. You can customize the brightness to keep your room dark while you sleep. You'll also get convenient buttons, including a wide snooze button that will be a big help during those groggy early waking moments.

What other experts liked

The least expensive alarm clock we reviewed is also the easiest to operate, with minimal controls, a big, bright display, and reliable alarm features.
- New York Times Wirecutter
With a battery backup, a full-width snooze button, and adjustable brightness, this classic LED alarm clock has earned its four-star Amazon review average.
- PC Magazine
February 20, 2018 | Full review
It not only gives clear times but also gives you enough information on the day, month, year and the temperatures of your home. Multi-faceted, it’s quite versatile and can be used on various surfaces as well.
- 5 Product Reviews
November 29, 2018 | Full review
This basic clock has a large full-width snooze button that is easy to reach, even when you’re tired. The clock allows you to control the brightness so that the color doesn’t disrupt your sleep. This clock is compact but has an easy to read the screen.
- The Consumer Guide
February 19, 2019 | Full review
This is one of the simplest alarms you’ll find – and one of the cheapest. The large red numerals are exceptionally easy to read and can be set to a high or low brightness level.
- Indenpendent
May 29, 2018 | Full review

What other experts didn't like

The minute and hour buttons go in only one direction, so if you get distracted while setting the time and go too far, you’ll need to cycle through again.
- New York Times Wirecutter
This LED-based digital alarm clock from RCA isn't quite as retro as the analog model above
- PC Magazine
February 20, 2018 | Full review
The clock only shows the time in a 12-hour format, which some may not like. There’s only one alarm and the only sophistication is a nine-minute snooze button.
- Indenpendent
May 29, 2018 | Full review

What to Look For

  • For visually challenged consumers, there are alarm clock models that not only have a display that is easy to read, but they also give you details you can use after waking up, including the day of the week and whether it’s morning, afternoon, night or evening. If you want to use the alarm clock for reminders, certain models even offers an alert that reminds you when it’s time to take your medicine. The information on the screens of these models are also clear from every angle.
  • If you’re looking for something simple and straightforward, consider a model where the numbers are prominent enough for you to make them out even in your sleepiest state.
  • Brightness preferences can vary dramatically from one person to the next. Some models have a high/low brightness control that lets you find exactly the level of light you want your clock to put out. Other models also have that feature, but the minimum brightness still may put out too much light for some.
  • There’s an alarm clock for every budget.
  • Simple designs also mean easier operation. Look for a clock that has easy-to-use buttons and a full-width snooze button for those mornings when you just can’t get going. The only downside to this type of alarm is that the minute and hour buttons go in only one direction, so you’ll often find you have to run the full cycle to get to the desired time.
  • Although it may seem complicated, setting most alarm clocks is surprisingly easy. You simply choose the wake-up time, and if included, select from one of five wake-up sounds. Some models also allow you to customize the light to the intensity that works best for you. If your model has a simulated sunrise, for example, thirty minutes before your scheduled wake-up time, the simulated sunrise would begin, reaching full intensity at the end of that time period.
  • Morning isn’t the only time your alarm clock will help you. Use models with a light as a bedside lamp to read at bedtime each night. As it gets closer to your preferred bedtime, you can dim the light slowly to gradually ease you into a peaceful night’s sleep.
  • Some clocks have a unique round design with seven different light-emitting colors that you can change at the touch of a button. In a dimly lit room, the chosen color can set a mood.
  • If you want to be able to wake up to FM radio, you’ll want a model with a strong FM reception.
  • If you want to wake up to your own music, look for a model with Bluetooth connectivity. This will allow you to stream music from your smartphone.
  • If the power dies overnight, what will happen to your alarm the following morning? With a battery backup, you’ll be covered no matter what.

Alarm Clock Rankings

1. JALL Corded Electric LED Alarm Clock

Overall Score: 9.7
Reviews Included: 1

2. PPLEE Phone Charging Dual Alarm Clock

Overall Score: 9.5
Reviews Included: 1

3. Poeroa Auto Dimmable Reflective Alarm Clock

Overall Score: 9.4
Reviews Included: 1

4. Marathon Non-Ticking Analog Alarm Clock

Overall Score: 9.3
Reviews Included: 1

5. RCA Electric Digital Alarm Clock

Overall Score: 9.2
Reviews Included: 9

6. ROCAM Dual Charging ABS Alarm Clock

Overall Score: 9.1
Reviews Included: 1

7. USCCE Customizable Easy Snooze Alarm Clock

Overall Score: 9.1
Reviews Included: 1

8. hOmeLabs Sunrise Simulation Alarm Clock

Overall Score: 9.1
Reviews Included: 1

9. iHome AC Adapter Tabletop Alarm Clock

Overall Score: 9.1
Reviews Included: 11

10. American Lifetime Premium Alarm Clock

Overall Score: 9.0
Reviews Included: 1

11. American Lifetime Multifunctional Digital Alarm Clock

Overall Score: 9.0
Reviews Included: 7

12. Philips Sunrise Personalized Alarm Clock

Overall Score: 8.8
Reviews Included: 11

13. Sonic Extra-Loud Alarm Clock

Overall Score: 8.4
Reviews Included: 2

14. Sonic Alert Student Vibrating Alarm Clock

Overall Score: 8.1
Reviews Included: 15

15. Travelwey Home LED Digital Alarm Clock

Overall Score: 8.0
Reviews Included: 7

16. Electrohome Programmable Projection Alarm Clock

Overall Score: 7.8
Reviews Included: 14

17. Sony Dimmable Radio Alarm Clock

Overall Score: 7.6
Reviews Included: 8

More to Explore

The need to wake up at a designated time predates alarm clocks. In ancient Greek and ancient Egypt, sundials and obelisks were used to tell time, but that didn’t help with the need to rise and shine. In ancient China, timers in the form of candle clocks were used for the purpose. A candle clock combined wax and nails, with the nails hitting a metal plate once the wax melted beyond a certain point. The noise served to wake up nearby sleepers. In 725, an engineer in China came up with something known as the “water clock,” which used a water wheel and gears to set off gongs at specific times.

More to explore