Sleep experts advise that it is best to wake up naturally. However, alarm clocks have become an essential component of our day-to-day lives. While the traditional alarm clock may seem outdated, we continue to set alarms to wake us up every day. With the inventions in alarm clock technology, we have shifted to modern alarm clocks with added features.
But, using the phone's digital alarm clock may tempt you to continue using your phone while in bed. This will negatively impact your sleep quality. Therefore, when choosing the best bedroom clock, ensure it has dimmable displays, soothing sounds, and is not loud. It will not interfere with your sleep.
We carried out research and, in the process, tried out several alarm clocks. The Sonic Bomb Dual Extra Loud Alarm Clock with Bed Shaker took the first place because it ensures you get out of bed. The clock is extremely loud and has a bed shaker. Our second option is the DreamSky Compact Digital Alarm Clock because it is simple and affordable. You can also use it while travelling.
Phillips Wake-Up Light HF3520 took third place as the best sunrise alarm clock. It slowly brightens your room while playing nature sounds and soothes you to wakefulness. We added two more clocks to our list to bring you the 5 best bedroom clocks.
Here Are the 5 Best Alarm Clocks
Currently, we are spoilt for choice when it comes to selecting the best alarm clocks. We can choose an analog alarm clock, sunrise alarm clock, alarm clock for light and heavy sleepers, and finally, digital or smart alarm clock. This article will help you choose the right alarm clock.
Rank | Product Image | Brand Name | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
1 |
| ||
2 |
| ||
3 |
| ||
4 |
| ||
5 |
|
1. Sonic Bomb Dual Extra Loud Alarm Clock with Bed Shaker
- 𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗿𝗮 𝗟𝗼𝘂𝗱 𝗔𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗺...
- 𝗔𝗱𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗔𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗺...
- 𝗩𝗶𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁: Waking up...
- 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿...
- 𝗦𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰 𝗔𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘁: Sonic Alert is an...
I admit that it took me a while to agree to test an alarm clock designed for heavy sleepers. I was genuinely surprised to find out that there are alarm clocks designed for people who sleep like a rock. The test terrified me because I am a light sleeper.
If you are used to sleeping through multiple alarms, the Sonic Bomb Dual Extra Loud Alarm Clock with Bed Shaker should be your everyday alarm clock. The buzzing from the alarm sound starts low and progresses to be really loud. I found the alarm tones unpleasant. If these are not enough to wake a person, the bed shaker should.
The bed shaker is a vibration puck that is placed under the pillow. It vibrates with so much intensity and speed, making it impossible to continue sleeping. It is connected to the clock by a wire which you have to set well so that it does not tangle while sleeping. I was standing looking at the action of the alarm clock since I had woken up just before the alarm went off. It is a super loud alarm clock.
Another feature of this alarm clock is the night light that emits red strobes, which are quite bright but not dramatic. Also, I found out that you can set how long the alarm goes on without having to snooze it. The alarm clock has a backup battery that ensures that it continues to beep in case there is a power outage. This feature is like the one found in wind-up alarm clocks. Besides serving its purpose, I discovered that setting the time and alarm is quite complex compared to other clocks.
Pros:
Cons:
2. DreamSky Compact Digital Alarm Clock
- Large Display Electric Alarm Clock with Smart Dimmer: Corded plug...
- Adjustable Alarm Sound: Single alarm setting with 9 minutes...
- USB Charging Port: Convenient USB port allows you to charge your...
- Easy Operation Clock: Intuitive setting button, experience zero...
- Outlet Powered with Memorized Battery Backup : Plug in to power...
If you are looking for an affordable and simple alarm clock, then the DreamSky Compact Digital Alarm Clock is the best option. It has a modest design that is available in various colors. I liked that the digital display is easy to read, and it can be dimmed fully so that it is not a bother when sleeping. What is more, the clock is small enough, making it among the best travel alarm clocks. This makes it convenient.
Image Source: cnn.com
Another interesting feature I tried out almost immediately was the USB port at the back. I connected it to my phone, and it started to charge. Additionally, I found the clock easy to operate. It offers one alarm sound that starts softly and gets louder progressively until it is turned off. The snooze button is easy to find on the alarm clock, and it extends the alarm for ten minutes.
Pros:
Cons:
3. Phillips Wake-Up Light HF3520
- PERSONALIZATION: Simulated sunset and sunrise and choice of 5...
- SMART FEATURES: FM radio, tap snooze and automatic dimmable...
- MOOD AND ENERGY: proven to give you an easy and energetic wake-up...
- Can be used as a bedside reading lamp with 10 brightness...
- SMART FEATURES: FM radio, tap snooze and automatic dimmable...
The Phillips Wake-Up Light HF3520 is the best sunrise alarm clock on the market today. The reviews on this light alarm clock were amazing, and I just had to try it. The alarm clock slowly brightens the room to mimic the sunrise and then goes ahead to play nature sounds such as chirping birds’ noises, calming piano, and ocean waves. These sounds increased in volume as I woke up.
The alarm clock tricked me into believing it was a sunrise because of the beautiful light. Nonetheless, I liked that it helped me get out of bed easily. Additionally, the alarm clock offers five options for natural sounds.
Image Source: usa.phillips.com
The Phillips Wake-Up Light HF3520 also has a radio and wake-up features. I got to program the clock to different experiences for each day. The radio, for me, served as an entertainment feature. Moreover, the clock’s light can be used as a lamp when reading or winding down for the day.
The clock is easy to set up. It contains little touch sensors that help you navigate through the menu, allowing you to change the time and alarm settings. You can customize the brightness, time, sound, and volume when setting the alarm. The Phillips Wake-Up Light is also bulky compared to other alarm clocks we tested. The face is about 9 inches in diameter, while the base is 4.5 inches which takes up a bit of space. I would recommend this alarm clock to anyone who does not like the buzzing from a basic alarm clock.
Pros:
Cons:
4. Lenovo Smart Clock Essential
- 【This is a clock. It’s smart, with Alexa built-in】Set...
- 【More than just time at a glance】Big & bold LED display to...
- 【Nightstand companion】Auto-dim display for a peaceful night....
- 【Privacy first】No camera! Includes a mute switch to...
- 【Yes, it’s also a smart speaker】Stream songs from Amazon...
The Lenovo Smart Clock Essential is an affordable smart alarm clock that does not take up much space. It has a 4.5-inch LED display whose brightness is adjusted automatically. It also has an inbuilt Google Assistant voice control and also a Google Home App. The alarm clock’s features are accessed using these two applications. The Google Assistant voice control responds instantly with the aid of two microphones located at the front and back.
Image Source: lifewire.com
While I was checking it out, I noticed that it had buttons that were only discernible through touch. These buttons are evenly distributed, and they are used to turn on music, adjust the volume, and change the alarm settings. There’s a button that enables the snooze feature that is located at the top. I had to tap it twice for the feature to register.
The voice control feature of the alarm clock came in handy, though. I would recommend this for anyone who wants the basic features of an alarm clock that is also smart. What I love most about this clock is that it offers information on time, day, and weather at a glance.
Pros:
Cons:
5. Loftie Clock
- Wake Up Refreshed: Say goodbye to groggy mornings. Our...
- Transform Your Sleep Routine: Indulge in a personalized bedtime...
- Bedtime for You and Your Phone: Foster a serene bedroom...
- Effortless Setup and Dependable Performance: Setting up your...
- Experience the Loftie Clock difference and unlock the...
The Loftie Clock is not just an alarm clock. It is one of the best alarm clocks that I have tested. Sometimes, you do not even notice that it is there. The clock produced natural sounds such as morning temple bells, chirping birds, and ambient tones before the actual alarm started to chime.
The two-phase and two-alarm sound system is the best feature of this clock. This alarm clock helps you adjust seamlessly while waking up without being startled out of sleep. What is more, it has an in-built white noise machine that offers six different white noise options. The alarm clock also allows you to set multiple alarms. I enjoyed this feature because if you miss the default alarm, you will hear the next one.
Image Source: esquire.com
When setting up the Loftie Clock, I noticed the process was quite tasking since I had to sync it with my phone to allow the Loftie app to set up. Once the process was complete, I personalized the clock. It offers a wide range of alarm tones, sounds, night lights, and volume settings. Everything is controlled using the Loftie app.
However, there are three buttons on the clock that you can use to adjust the alarm volume, night light, and snooze. I like that the snooze button is easy to find. This smart alarm clock has an inbuilt Bluetooth-enabled speaker. I used this feature to listen to music. The built-in night light in the Loftie Clock display can be turned on and off using the snooze button.
Pros:
Cons:
Factors to Consider When Shopping For Your Ideal Alarm Clock
i) Easy to read: Alarm clocks should have legible displays.
ii) Dimmable: Bright light makes it impossible to sleep. Therefore, an ideal alarm clock should have dimmable display lights. They can be dimmed automatically or manually.
iii) Simple to set and operate: Operating an alarm clock should not be complex. The user interface should be friendly enough to allow you to set alarms and navigate through the device easily.
iv) Extra features: Alarm clocks with extra features such as USB ports, internet connectivity, a radio, alarm tone options, multiple alarms, and a backup battery are always a plus.
Frequently Asked Questions about Alarm Clocks
1. What Kind of Alarm Sound is Best to Wake Up to?
The best alarm sounds to wake up to should be relatively quiet and calm. A gentle alarm is preferred because it helps a person to get out of sleep mode into a state of wakefulness in a progressive manner. This is better than loud alarms, which may startle you. Nevertheless, a heavy sleeper will require a super loud alarm clock.
2. Do Alarm Clocks Negatively Impact the Quality of Sleep?
Not entirely. Experts suggest that it is best to fall asleep and wake up naturally. However, they do acknowledge the need for alarm clocks. Therefore, they recommend using alarm clocks with dimmable displays and soothing sounds. They do not interfere with the quality of sleep and maintain the restful state of your bedroom.
3. Which is the Best Color Light for an Alarm Clock?
The red or amber color lights are the best for an alarm clock. These colors are warm and soothing, hence, promote a good night’s sleep. The colors stimulate melatonin which is the hormone that promotes sleep. Thus, they do not affect the circadian rhythm. You can choose an alarm clock that has these color lights to help maintain quality sleep.
4. How Long Does an Alarm Clock Go Off For?
Most alarm clocks go off for a minute and then snooze again. However, with the numerous inventions, the length of time an alarm would go off depends on the alarm clock. Each alarm clock has its own time limits and alarm settings.
