Nearly everybody starts off their day with an alarm. An alarm clock is useful when you need to be somewhere at a specific time, whether that be school, work, an appointment, whatever it may be. Being late never makes anyone look good.

You don’t want to leave a bad impression on others. When your internal clock fails you, an alarm clock is your only solution. While these digital devices may seem like simple electronics that don’t get a lot of attention, compared to other electronics, they actually are one of the most commonly relied-upon electronics on the market, especially for those who are consistently late or cannot wake up on their own.

There are many alarm clocks to choose from, all depending on what kind of sleeper you are; in other words, whether you are a heavy or light sleeper. Therefore, some alarm clocks will work better than others. There are many factors to consider when choosing the best alarm clock.

The Philips Wake-Up Light Alarm Clock is made for those who want to wake up naturally. Simulating a rising sun, this alarm clock uses a light therapy lamp to create a sunrise effect that will wake users up in a non-frantic manner, like many sound-based alarm clocks.

The clock’s wake-up lights are clinically proven to help you wake up feeling refreshed and revitalized. The Philips Wake-Up Light Alarm Clock also replicates a setting sun, and it can be used to peacefully fall asleep at the end of the day.

In addition to the light therapy, the Philips Wake-Up Light Alarm Clock also replicates morning sunrise and sunset sounds, such as chirping birds. There are five sound options total, as well as FM radio access. For those who want to steal just a few extra minutes of sleep, the Philips Wake-Up Light Alarm Clock also comes with a snooze button.

The Philips Wake-Up Light Alarm Clock remembers the set time and any set alarms for up to eight hours after a power outage, so you needn’t worry about missing your alarm in the morning. The sunrise simulation begins 30 minutes before your set alarm time, giving you plenty of time to wake up naturally and calmly.

With ten brightness settings, this alarm clock is great for personalizing to fit your lifestyle. It comes with a 90-day, no-hassle money-back guarantee, so you never have to worry about getting stuck with a dud. The Philips Wake-Up Light Alarm Clock’s sleek, modern design makes it a welcome addition to any room.

Key Features
  • Alarm mimics natural sunrise
  • 5 wakeup sounds and FM radio access
  • Backs up time and alarm settings in case of power outage
Specifications
  • Display Type: LED
  • Power Source: Power cable
  • Dimensions: 7.83 x 5.75 x 7.56 inches
  • Warranty: 90 days
  • Brand: Philips
Pros
  • Snooze button
  • 10 brightness settings
  • Replacement bulbs aren't needed
Cons
  • Difficult to navigate buttons
  • Light begins turning on prior to set alarm

The Anjank Small Alarm Clock Radio is a popular pick because it has two USB charging ports that can be used for cell phones, tablets, or any other 5v electronics. This added feature means that you don’t have to worry about your alarm clock taking up your outlet space, as it provides additional resources for charging devices.

This is ideal for those who have limited outlet space or those who are looking to minimize the number of wires on their bedside table. The Anjank Small Alarm Clock Radio can also run off of AAA batteries, making it useful during power outages or while traveling.

In addition to its USB charging ports, the Anjank Small Alarm Clock Radio has an FM radio with an adjustable volume. The radiofrequency ranges from 87.5 to 108MHz, allowing you a wide allotment of stations.

Along with the FM radio, this clock comes with six ascending nature sounds to help ease you into your wake-up, including the sound of water and birds. More traditional buzzer and beeping sounds are also available on the Anjank Small Alarm Clock Radio.

A dimmable display allows you to set the proper screen dimness for your own comfortability, offering five different levels of adjustment. The 3.2 inch LCD screen is small enough that the Anjank Small Alarm Clock Radio can easily be traveled with, while also large enough that the display is clear and easy to read. The clock’s soft blue time display is gentle on the eyes and calming.

The Anjank Small Alarm Clock Radio offers a 45-day money-back warranty and a full 18-month quality-assurance warranty, ensuring the quality of your product and access to helpful customer service if any of the technology goes faulty.

Key Features
  • FM radio access
  • Six alarm sounds including water, birds, and traditional beeping
  • Two USB charging ports
Specifications
  • Display Type: LCD
  • Power Source: Power cable
  • Dimensions: 3.9 x 3.2 x 2.4 inches
  • Warranty: 18 months
Pros
  • Can also be battery powered
  • Dual USB charging ports
  • 18-month warranty
Cons
  • Clock buttons are small
  • Radio can be difficult to set

On the JALL Digital Alarm Clock, you are able to set up to three individual alarms at one time. That being said, heavy sleepers won’t stand a chance of sleeping-in when they use the JALL Digital Alarm Clock.

Additionally, this alarm clock can be set to a weekday mode which limits the alarm settings to Monday through Friday. This is great for those not wanting to have to reset their alarm settings every week.

The JALL Digital Alarm Clock has three levels of brightness, allowing you to set a softer light level during the night so that the clock won’t bother your eyes with harsh brightness. You can even turn off the LED light screen to help save power while you rest.

The clock is sound-activated, so you merely need to make a small noise or clap your hands to have the LED screen turn back on. Additionally, the JALL Digital Alarm Clock can respond to sound by announcing the set time, so you don’t even need to look at the LED screen to know what time it is.

The JALL Digital Alarm Clock also comes with a pre-set temperature sensor that will monitor the room’s temperature and display it on the LED screen. The temperature mode can be set to either Celsius or Fahrenheit.

The JALL Digital Alarm Clock is powered by a micro USB cable, so there’s no need to be continually replacing batteries. However, if you are traveling and want to bring your JALL Digital Alarm Clock with you, it does take AAA batteries.

Key Features
  • Multiple alarms setting
  • Stylish wooden appearance
  • USB power source
  • Can detect room temperature
Specifications
  • Display Type: LED
  • Power Source: USB charger
  • Dimensions: 7.3 x 4 x 3.6 inches
  • Warranty: N/A
Pros
  • Adjustable brightness level
  • Monitors indoor temperature
  • Possible to set multiple alarms
  • Sound controlled
Cons
  • Can be difficult to set-up
  • Does not come with batteries for travel

The Lielongren Digital Bedside Alarm Clock not only packs an extra loud buzzer but also includes a bed shaker, for those who need the extra push to get up and out of bed in the morning. The vibrating shaker is connected to the main alarm clock by a six-foot cable.

You can customize the alarm by either setting it to vibrate, buzz, or both — so if you’re a heavy sleeper, there’s no excuse for missing your alarm. A snooze button is included to add a little bit more flexibility to your morning wake-up routine.

Additionally, two separate alarms can be set, allowing both you and your partner to wake up at separate times. The alarm can also be set for solely weekdays, so you don’t have to reset your alarms every week as you adjust between weekdays and weekends.

Along with its alarm features, the Lielongren Digital Bedside Alarm Clock also includes dual USB chargers with a maximum output of DC 5V/2A when only one charger is in use. The USB charging ports help clear up wires around the bed stand and allow additional charging resources for those with fewer wall outlets.

The Lielongren Digital Bedside Alarm Clock’s display is large, reaching seven inches. Simple in its design, the screen only displays the time, so there is no confusion or excess script appearing on the screen.

Comparable to the iPhone 8 in size, the display shows large numbers that are clear and easy to see at a distance. Additionally, a dimmer setting allows you to adjust the Lielongren Digital Bedside Alarm Clock’s brightness until it is to your liking.

Easy to use, the Lielongren Digital Bedside Alarm Clock is simple enough for those who only want the basic functions of an alarm clock, while also offering additional features for those who want to play around with more advanced settings.

Key Features
  • Extra-loud alarm and vibrating alarm
  • Dual USB charging ports
  • Snooze button
Specifications
  • Display Type: LED
  • Power Source: Power cable
  • Dimensions: 6.7 x 2.4 x 3.3 inches
  • Warranty: N/A
Pros
  • Multiple alarms option
  • Simple display screen
  • Display dimness control
Cons
  • Difficulty programming
  • Vibrator may be too soft for some heavy sleepers

The Peakeep Twin Bell Alarm Clock is a retro-inspired alarm clock that uses stereoscopic numerals instead of an LED or LCD screen. The analog clock runs on batteries and is designed in a vintage style reminiscent of the 80s.

While many analog clocks use printed cardboard for their numerals, the Peakeep Twin Bell Alarm Clock is a step above, giving off a sleek and beautiful look. Additionally, because the clock hands and numerals are a white color on a black background, reading the time is no problem, even from across the room.

The twin bell serves as the alarm, waking even the heaviest sleepers. The Peakeep Twin Bell Alarm Clock is a no-frills clock, and you won’t find a snooze button on it.

If you commonly sleep through alarm clocks and wake up late, the Peakeep Twin Bell Alarm Clock is the alarm clock for you. The alarm is so loud that it can even be used by people who have lost their hearing or suffer from mild hearing loss.

The Peakeep Twin Bell Alarm Clock’s hands are silent, so you won’t be bothered by ticking noises throughout the night. There is a unique and special 3D dial set into place on this alarm clock, and the product promises analog quartz accuracy.

Additionally, the Peakeep Twin Bell Alarm Clock has a button for backlight, allowing you to see the time in the middle of the night without having to turn on a room night.

For heavy sleepers who want a simple, easy-to-use, loud alarm, the Peakeep Twin Bell Alarm Clock is an ideal pick. Furthermore, because it is battery-powered, it can be taken anywhere, ensuring that you never wake up late again.

Key Features
  • Vintage, twin bell alarm
  • Button for backlight
  • Loud alarm for heavy sleepers
Specifications
  • Display Type: Stereoscopic numbers
  • Power Source: Battery
  • Dimensions: 4.1 x 2.2 x 6.5 inches
  • Warranty: 1 year
Pros
  • Silent, non-ticking hands
  • Large, clear numerals
  • Simple design
Cons
  • No snooze button
  • Minute hands can get stuck

The Dreamsky Decent Alarm Clock has a soft blue LCD display that is four inches wide, making the time easy to read. The brightness level of this clock is adjustable, and with 12-hour or 24-hour time settings, you can personalize it to your exact preferences.

In addition to telling the time, the Dreamsky Decent Alarm Clock also displays the indoor temperature in either Celsius or Fahrenheit.

The Dreamsky Decent Alarm Clock includes an FM radio with the alarm, along with a buzzer sound, so you can decide what sound is best for your wake-up call. The clock’s volume has a 15-level adjustment feature, so you can set your alarm at a louder volume if you are a heavy sleeper, or lower it if you don’t want to be jolted out of bed in the morning.

The alarm will begin faintly when it first goes off and increase to its loudest within five seconds. An eight-minute snooze button can be used if you need to get a few more minutes of shuteye before getting up for the day. You can also set a timer on radio play in case you’d like to fall asleep while listening to the radio.

One major added bonus of the Dreamsky Decent Alarm Clock is a USB charging port, which allows you to charge your smartphone or any other smart device in a convenient and easy-to-use way. While the Dreamsky Decent Alarm Clock is plugged into the wall for power, there is a battery backup that keeps the time internally in case you need to unplug the clock or in case of a power outage.

Key Features
  • FM radio and alarm
  • 8-minute snooze button
  • Temperature display
  • USB charging port
Specifications
  • Display Type: LCD
  • Power Source: Power cable, 2 USB ports, backup battery
  • Dimensions: 7.4 x 3.9 x 3.5 inches
  • Warranty: N/A
Pros
  • Can charge smart devices through USB charging port
  • 15-level volume adjustment
  • Easy to read
  • 12-hour or 24-hour display
Cons
  • Large variables between brightness settings
  • FM radio can have poor connection

The Vansky Projection Alarm Clock Radio is a digital alarm clock that not only shows the time on its six and a half-inch LED display, but also projects the time with a 180-degree adjustable angle.

The time can either be projected onto your wall or your ceiling, with an optimal projecting distance of six to 10 feet. As for the LED display, the brightness can be adjusted according to your preferred preference.

Along with its projection ability, the Vansky Projection Alarm Clock Radio is also equipped with FM radio that comes with an adjustable antenna to reach a larger range of stations. The clock comes with a sleep timer that can be set to turn off the radio after a determined period of time, so users can peacefully fall asleep listening to their favorite FM stations.

The Vansky Projection Alarm Clock Radio is also capable of multiple alarms, allowing users to set two separate alarms within twenty-four hours. Sleepers can either rise to the sounds of either FM radio or traditional buzzing noises. A snooze function is also on-hand for those wanting to catch a few more minutes of shuteye before waking for the day.

Users can charge their smartphones on the Vansky Projection Alarm Clock Radio thanks to its USB charging port. Additionally, this clock has a AAA battery backup that will retain the time if there is a power failure.

With a 45-day money-back guarantee, shoppers can feel confident in their purchase of the Vansky Projection Alarm Clock Radio. An 18-month warranty also provides coverage for the clock long after it’s past those initial 45 days.

Key Features
  • Ultra-clear time projection
  • USB charging port
  • Multiple alarm settings
  • Sleep timer
Specifications
  • Display Type: LED
  • Power Source: Power cable
  • Dimensions: 8.9 x 2.3 x 3.7 inches
  • Warranty: 18 months
Pros
  • Battery backup
  • Good warranty terms
  • Large LED display
Cons
  • Can be difficult to set functions
  • Bright display screen

The SVINZ Digital Calendar Alarm Day Clock comes with a high-resolution display that is eight inches wide, making this clock easy to read from across the room.

Ideal for the elderly and those who struggle with small print, the SVINZ Digital Calendar Alarm Day Clock spells out the full day of the week, date, and time of day (ex: morning, afternoon, evening, night, and predawn). With no abbreviations, users won’t be confused by what text is appearing on the LED screen.

The SVINZ Digital Calendar Alarm Day Clock has two color display options, white and yellow. Additionally, multiple alarms can be set on the SVINZ Digital Calendar Alarm Day Clock, so you need not bother with resetting alarms all day long. This can be particularly useful for those who need alarms not only for waking up but also for remembering to take medication and the like.

Additionally, the SVINZ Digital Calendar Alarm Day Clock comes with an auto-dimming option with three levels. If you prefer high brightness, however, the dimming settings can be turned off for your convenience.

The battery backup keeps track of the time internally in case of power outages, and the clock will automatically display the correct time once it is again plugged into a power source.

While the SVINZ Digital Calendar Alarm Day Clock is an excellent option for senior citizens and those with memory loss, it also makes a suitable clock for just about any age group. Large, informative, and easy to read, the SVINZ Digital Calendar Alarm Day Clock really is a multifunctional tool that benefits any room.

Key Features
  • Large, high-resolution display
  • Week, month, and date display
  • Multiple alarms function
  • Auto-dimming option
Specifications
  • Display Type: LED
  • Power Source: Power cable
  • Dimensions: 8.5 x 1.2 x 2.8 inches
  • Warranty: 1 year
Pros
  • No abbreviations
  • Large print
  • Multiple alarms setting
  • Internal backup battery
  • Dimness settings
Cons
  • Alarm can sometimes be defective
  • Can be difficult to set correct time

For heavy sleepers, the Sonic Bomb Extra-Loud Dual Alarm Clock is a turbo-charged alarm that makes use of three senses: sound, sight, and touch. A loud alarm accompanies the vibrating clock and pulsing red lights that sound when in use.

The clock also comes with a 5-level snooze diffuser button that will help get even the heaviest sleeper out of bed in the morning. Furthermore, if you don’t want to wake your partner up in the morning, you can simply use the alarm clock’s vibrating function and place it under your pillow or mattress.

Battery-operated, the Sonic Bomb Extra-Loud Dual Alarm Clock also comes with an extra backup battery compartment so that you never have to worry about it running out of juice in the middle of the night. Additionally, because no power cable is required, the Sonic Bomb Extra-Loud Dual Alarm Clock is easy to put anywhere (including under your pillow) and can be brought along during travel.

The clock has a large LCD screen that displays the time in either 12 or 24 hour time capabilities. Both the volume and tone of the Sonic Bomb Extra-Loud Dual Alarm Clock can be easily adjusted to ensure a proper setup. With a one-year warranty, buyers can rest assured that a faulty clock can be easily returned and exchanged for a new one.

When it comes to reliability, the Sonic Bomb Extra-Loud Dual Alarm Clock gets the job done, ensuring an alarm-based awakening that cannot be slept through no matter how heavy a sleeper you may be.

Key Features
  • Audio and vibrating alarm
  • Adjustable volume
  • Bright red display
  • Red flashing alert lights
  • 5-level snooze button
Specifications
  • Display Type: LED
  • Power Source: Battery powered
  • Dimensions: 7 x 7 x 6 inches
  • Warranty: 1 year
Pros
  • Extra loud alarm & vibration
  • Battery operated
  • Back-up battery can be used
Cons
  • Vibrator and volume can be intense
  • Difficult to set-up
  • Buttons can be finicky

The Travelway Digital Alarm Clock is a no-frills alarm clock, made for those who want a clock that is simple to use and not cluttered with unnecessary buttons or information. Ideal for traveling, the Travelway Digital Alarm Clock weighs a mere .64 ounces and can be folded over for portability.

The Travelway Digital Alarm Clock forgoes functions including date, temperature, stopwatch, and timer based on customer feedback. Easy to operate, this alarm clock’s buttons are on the device’s front side and there are only five of them (clock, alarm, hour, minute, and an alarm on/off button).

The Travelway Digital Alarm Clock has an on-demand, five-second light that makes it easy to read the time no matter where you are. Additionally, a snooze button allows users a few extra minutes of sleep when needed.

Additionally, the clock maintains the set time and any set alarms internally even after it has been shut off, so you needn’t worry about losing the time when you’re out camping or without any other digital devices. By turning the device off, the display also turns off, as well as the on-demand light option, helping to save battery power while you’re on the go.

The clear display is easy to read and gentle on the eyes, while the alarm is plenty loud enough to hear without being overly obnoxious. Heavy sleepers won’t sleep through the Travelway Digital Alarm Clock’s alarm, and light sleepers won’t wake up frightened by too intense of an alarm.

For those who want a simple, easy-to-use alarm clock that is portable and great for traveling, the Travelway Digital Alarm Clock is an excellent choice.

Key Features
  • 5 second on-demand light
  • Alarm and snooze options
  • Internal time kept even when turned off
Specifications
  • Display Type: LCD
  • Power Source: Battery
  • Dimensions: 3.5 x 3.5 x 1.2 inches
  • Warranty: N/A
Pros
  • No-frills alarm clock
  • 5 second light
  • Easily portable
  • Snooze button
Cons
  • No special features
  • Clock resets if squeezed too tightly

Nearly everybody begins their day with an alarm, especially if they have somewhere specific to be at a specific time. Whether it’s work, school, or breakfast with a friend, being late never looks good.

When your internal clock fails you, alarm clocks are the only solution for making sure that you’re up and at ‘em when you need to be. While alarm clocks may seem like simple electronics that don’t get much of the spotlight, they actually are one of the most commonly relied-upon electronics for people everywhere on a daily basis.

Alarm clocks come in a huge variety and depending on how heavy a sleeper you are, you may need to choose which alarm clock will work for you more carefully than others will have to.

Volume, Light, and Vibration

Volume is just one factor when it comes to waking a heavy sleeper. Vibrations and light can also be major aids in waking people up in the morning.

Additionally, if you have a certain wake-up routine that you like to follow (including listening to the radio or snoozing for an extra ten minutes), you’ll want to be sure that you purchase an alarm clock that can make your morning as pleasant as you want it to be. For some of us, there’s no better way to wake up than soothing nature sounds and a five-minute snooze button.

Variety of Features

In the selection of best alarm clocks below, you’ll find all sorts of different features. From vibrating clocks to clocks that replicate the sunrise, there is most certainly an alarm clock here for everybody — you only need to determine which one is best for you.

When it comes to choosing an alarm clock, make sure you don’t sell yourself short. These days, you can find alarm clocks that include USB charging ports.

You can also find alarm clocks that display the day, date, and temperature. And, of course, don’t forget about alarm clocks that allow for multiple alarms to be set, making one clock usable for both you and your partner.

Display Screens

Also worth noting is the alarm clock’s display screen. For some shoppers, it may be important that the clock’s digits can be read from across a room. For others, a more discreet option may be ideal.

If you’re looking for a no-frills, easy-to-travel-with alarm clock, you’ll find some of those in the roundup below too. Choosing between battery-powered clocks and power cable clocks can also be a critical decision.

If you’re more excited by retro-inspired clocks, there’s even a twin bell alarm included in this roundup as well.

Warranties

Another important factor to note when shopping around for alarm clocks is warranties. Alarm clocks are electronics, and just like all electronics, there’s always the chance that they’ll break or become defective after a lot of use.

Many alarm clocks come with warranties, which can help make your purchase stress-free and leave you feeling confident that you can trust your product and its maker.

Choosing an alarm clock may not feel like a major decision, but if you take a moment to really think about how much use you get out of alarms, your opinion might change. Find the alarm clock that best suits your lifestyle and morning routine from these best alarm clocks.

Resources— Digital Trends, Good Housekeeping

FAQ

Q: Do I need an alarm clock with a warranty?

It depends on your personal preferences as well as your budget. Certain manufacturers which specialize in alarm clocks with basic functions i.e., those which can be set to announce the arrival of a set hour and which come with nothing else, may not provide them. Especially since they tend to cost less.

However, manufacturers which produce alarm clocks of the ultra-modern variety, i.e., those which will lull you to sleep with soothing music and awaken you with bird song; take the ambient temperature and even monitor your sleeping patterns, tend to provide warranties since such products may come with a considerable price tag attached to them.

Q: Is it possible to find an alarm which will wake me up with soothing sounds or a buzz?

Yes it most certainly is. Gone are the days when we lived at the mercy of the harsh, incessant beeping which heralded an end to a comfy snooze and a frantic rush to endure the early morning commute.

Nowadays, it’s possible to enjoy a much more sedate awakening, thanks to alarm clocks which will go off in the morning with sounds inspired by nature.

And if you’re not too fond of having your sleep interrupted by any sounds whatsoever, you will also have the option of alarm clocks which simulate the glow of sunrise to wake you up as well as products which will actually buzz your bed, gently awakening you, as well.

Q: What other additional useful features can I expect an alarm clock to come with?

These days, it’s possible to find an alarm clock for every occasion. There are those which are compact, light, battery-powered, and which also come with FM radio, and the ability to detect temperature and tell the date and time, making them an excellent travel companion.

There are also products which come with multiple alarm options making it possible for you to plan your day or week as needed, as well as additional backup options so that your settings are maintained in the event of a power outage.

It’s even possible to find alarm clocks which provide you with a selection of natural melodies for a more sedate awakening as well as others which will snooze your radio once you’ve fallen asleep.

Q: I am a super heavy sleeper. Is it possible for me to find the one alarm clock even I won’t be able to ignore?

There has never been a better time to find the household item which is just right for you, thanks to the innovativeness of manufacturers the world over. And that includes alarm clocks too.

It is possible to find products in this category which have been specially designed to be extra loud making ignoring them virtually impossible.

Some of them come without the delightfully indulgent snooze button, meaning that they will continue to ring with an old fashioned but efficient insistence ensuring you’ll get up at the time you’ve set.

And you don’t have to rely on just sound either since there are actually products that use a combination of light, sound, and buzzing to ensure you’re able to wake up exactly when you need to.

Q: I know alarm clocks are meant to wake you up, but what about one which will both lull you to sleep and wake you up too?

Certain manufacturers currently provide alarm clocks which come with a few helpful features to enable you to drift off into a warm, comfy snooze.

These include FM radio which can be set to your favorite channel with soothing music. And you won’t need to worry about it playing once you’ve fallen asleep since there are alarm clocks that also come with timers which can be set to turn off any sounds after you’ve fallen asleep.

Other alarm clocks provide you with the option of enjoying your favorite radio channels or playing music downloaded onto your mobile phone ensuring you can exercise even greater choice over the sort of music you’d prefer to listen to as you fall asleep.

And just as importantly, these alarm clocks will perform their primary responsibility—ensuring you wake up exactly when you want or need to—so you can greet the day feeling thoroughly refreshed.

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