The Winners of Our Best Alarm Clocks Tests

Oct 30, 2024

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Out of 21 alarm clocks, these were our favorite from at-home tests.

In This Article

Better Homes & Gardens / Phoebe Sklansky

The key to more sound, restful sleep may not be your bedtime routine but how you start your day. And if you’re still using your phone as an alarm clock, it’s time to ban it from the bedroom. Upgrading to an alarm clock can help you cut down screen time, unwind at night and wake up in the morning when it’s right for your body.

How you wake up can set the tone for your whole day. According to Shalini Paruthi, MD, a member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and co-director of the Sleep Medicine and Research Center at St. Luke’s Hospital in St. Louis, you should choose a sound, music or light that’s pleasing to wake up to and alerts the senses. “Exploring different alarm clocks for ease of waking and also how alert they are after waking will help a person choose an alarm clock that works for them consistently and reliably,” she says.

We carefully selected the best alarm clocks for every sleep need, taking into consideration budget, power, features, and design. We spent two weeks testing each clock, noting the ease of use and reliability in real-life dilemmas like stumbling for the snooze button in the dark and waking up several times at night for a newborn baby.

For more information on how we tested alarm clocks, check out our testing process below.

Why You Should Get It: You can save three different alarms for various wake-up times throughout the week.

Keep in Mind: We didn’t find the humidity and temperature displays particularly helpful, and they can’t be removed from view.

The Jall Digital Alarm Clock made our list for the best digital alarm clock because it has the ability to program and save up to three different alarm times—and that came in clutch during testing when our week included both working from home and commuting to work as well as days off.

Setting and resetting an alarm clock is usually a pain, but with this clock, we set our desired wake-up times and chose one of three programmed alarm modes the night before. While it doesn’t have fancy settings like customizable alarms or calming wind-down sounds like dedicated white noise machines do, it effectively served its purpose of waking us up on time and not being an eyesore on our bedside table.

While this basic alarm clock doesn’t feature smart connectivity or bonus phone charging, the digital screen clearly displays the time and shows a bell icon indicating that the alarm is indeed activated. We think this pick is a good choice for those looking for a fairly basic alarm clock that also looks nice.

Product Details: Power Source: Electric | Display Type: Digital | Shape: Triangular

Better Homes & Gardens / Phoebe Sklansky

Why You Should Get It: The jumbo LED numbers are super-easy to read.

Keep in Mind: The alarm sound gets louder and faster until you hit “Snooze”.

For less than $20, we were shocked this alarm clock comes with so many features—including one that some of the most expensive, teched-out alarm clocks on this list don’t have: blackout functionality. This digital screen has a dimmer that goes all the way down to 0%, making it perfect if you’re sensitive to light because these LED numbers are super bright. (And if you don’t like white light, there are five other color variations you can buy.)

The two-inch numbers are also huge and fill up the entire screen, making this a great choice for those with vision challenges. Another handy feature: The back of the clock is outfitted with two USB ports—one for plugging the alarm clock into the wall and a bonus port for charging a smart watch, e-reader, and more. We especially liked the compact size of this clock as it could easily be packed in a suitcase or overnight bag.

During testing, we felt the simplicity of this clock was really the main attraction. Sure, at this price, you won’t get all the bells and whistles, but we were very satisfied with the DreamSky’s reliable performance and basic (in a good way!) appearance. Keep in mind that you can only set one alarm at a time, so it doesn't work well for couples with different sleep schedules. There is also only one alarm sound option, and it increases in volume and intensity until the Snooze button is pressed.

Product Details: Power Source: Electric | Display Type: Digital | Shape: Rectangle

Why You Should Get It: The alarm includes both sunrise and sunset programs for a complete sleep routine.

Keep in Mind: Only one device at a time can be paired to the clock.

This isn’t just an alarm clock—it’s a complete overhaul for your bedtime routine and sleep hygiene with sound machine settings, ambient sunset lighting to lull you to sleep, gradual sunrise lighting to gently wake you up, and personalized customizations for synchronized alarm sounds, lights, and times. And despite the plethora of options, the clock design is uncluttered and perfect for the minimalist thanks to the easy-to-use Hatch app. Though, we noticed that only one phone app can be paired with a Hatch device, making it annoying for couples to share control of the alarm settings.

Any sunrise alarm clock will feature light as part of the alarm system, but the Hatch goes further with ambient lighting, a reading light, and subtle sunset lighting that helps you unwind at night, too. During our at-home tests, we loved seeing the gentle orange glow and hearing soft rain sounds while reading before bed. We preferred the gradual sunrise-mimicking brightening to traditional beeping as it was a much more pleasant wake-up experience; we felt more awake and less groggy. In fact, by the end of our test period, we didn’t even need the snooze button.

If you’re looking for an alarm clock that does a lot more than just jolt you awake in the morning, the Hatch Restore is it. Between the sound machine feature, gradual wake-up setting, and bedtime reminder light, this device is well-worth the splurge.

Product Details: Power Source: Electric | Display Type: Digital | Shape: Round

Better Homes & Gardens / Hannah Freedman

Why You Should Get It: Gradual light settings and calming soundscapes made for pleasant bedtime and waking experiences.

Keep in Mind: You can only set one alarm.

While we love the Hatch, the price tag is steep. However, we found the Winshine Touch Wake Up Night Light to be just as effective in the morning and had a perfect score for value of features for the price. At about the size of an Amazon Echo, this lantern-shaped sunrise alarm clock will mimic the gradual light increase of the sun 30 minutes before a set alarm goes off. This feature can be especially helpful if you use blackout shades or curtains in your bedroom. We found that on several mornings the light feature actually gently woke us up before the alarm ever went off, but we enjoyed hearing peaceful nature sounds, too, soon after waking.

While the Winshine doesn’t have a vast content library or sound machine capabilities like the Hatch, it does have a straightforward sunset lighting program and a reading light with a warm yellow glow and three dimmable settings, perfect for creating a soothing bedtime routine. It also features six different color modes which could be used as a soft nightlight for kids.

We were disappointed at the limited alarm settings, though, as you can only set one alarm at a time, making it a better buy for single sleepers or couples who get up at the same time in the morning. We also didn’t like that the clock doesn’t completely fade to black. During testing, we turned the clock towards the wall to reduce the glare. However, the brightness may not be an issue for everyone, especially if you use a sleep mask or are used to sleeping with a nightlight.

Product Details: Power Source: Electric | Display Type: Digital | Shape: Round

Why You Should Get It: The clock face lights are completely dimmable.

Keep in Mind: Alarm options are lacking, and the phone charging function isn’t fast.

The Mosito Digital Wooden Alarm Clock is like having secret tech on your nightstand because unlike other digital alarm clocks in this list, the Mosito is wooden. The digital clock screen is dimmable to 0%, making it a chic, modern piece of decor when not in use. This is also perfect for minimalists because the bonus charging station doesn’t require an extra cord on your nightstand. Simply set your phone on top of the wooden block for easy, wireless charging. Though we noticed that the charge is not as powerful or fast as a traditional corded phone charger.

What did impress us is how fast and easy it is to set up this clock. The instructions are simple and well laid out and it took us less than two minutes to set up time, alarm, and volume. There are options to turn the alarm on or off and on Monday through Friday, but there are no other customizations beyond that. The buttons are located on the back for a streamlined, minimal look on your nightstand. However, it does make snoozing or adjusting alarm settings difficult to reach for in the dark as the buttons are small and not illuminated.

Product Details: Power Source: Electric | Display Type: Digital | Shape: Rectangle

Better Homes & Gardens / Stacy Horton

Why You Should Get It: If aesthetics and gentle alarm sounds are top priority for you, then this stylish pick won’t let you down.

Keep in Mind: The soft wake-up sounds may not be enough for heavy sleepers.

This smart alarm clock has it all. There’s white noise, but there’s also nature and wellness settings such as the sound of a lavender field or breathwork for kids. Or if you’d rather listen to your favorite playlist, there’s a Bluetooth enabled speaker built-in. Everything is controlled by the Loftie app or three easy-to-use buttons on the alarm clock. We especially liked that the snooze button was super easy to find and hit in the morning, maybe even a little too easy. (Wink-wink!)

Additionally, we loved the modern design, especially the lit-from-within look of the light which can double as a nightlight for kids or a soft reading light before bed. We also really liked that our alarm time was displayed on the screen so we could be sure that we set the right time before falling asleep. But what really sets Loftie apart from other digital alarm clocks is the two-phase, two-sound alarm system. First, the wake-up alarm sounds. And then nine minutes later, the get-up alarm sounds. It’s perfect for chronic snoozers or if you hate waking up in a panic as this two-step system makes getting up a more intentional process.

However, the soft and gentle alarm may not be abrupt enough to wake up really deep sleepers. While ease of setup was a bit lofty for the Loftie Clock as we had to download multiple apps and run several updates, it was ultimately worth it.

Product Details: Power Source: Electric | Display Type: Digital | Shape: Rectangle

Better Homes & Gardens / Donna Freydkin

Why You Should Get It: Customize your alarm with your favorite color or wake up to your favorite song via Bluetooth streaming.

Keep in Mind: The USB phone charger isn’t that fast.

Hate instruction manuals? This is the alarm clock for you. We were able to quickly set up and program this clock without a single glance at the instructions thanks to the intuitive buttons and simple design. One of our favorite features is that any button on the clock will snooze your alarm which meant we didn’t have to fumble around in the dark for the right button. Just find any button and tap once for snooze and twice for off.

This is a very straightforward alarm clock with only two different alarm sounds to choose from, however, with Bluetooth connectivity, you can play your favorite music or wake up to the latest news or podcast. But what impressed us the most is the array of color settings. You can wake up to six different colors, a sky-inspired gradient, or even color-changing lights that pulse to the beat of your selected music. We even kept on a soft glowing pink light at night to help us wind down before bed.

While the offerings are simple, we actually really appreciated the simple features and the additional charging port for our devices.

Product Details: Power Source: Electric | Display Type: Digital | Shape: Round

Better Homes & Gardens / Tammy Gardini

Why You Should Get It: If the sound of an alarm alone isn’t enough to get you up in the morning, then this bed shaker-alarm combo definitely will.

Keep in Mind: The clock face lights are not completely dimmable for a total blackout.

If you’re a heavy sleeper, gentle lights and sweet sounds just don’t cut it. If you need an alarm with one job—to be loud—the Super Loud Alarm Clock with Bed Shaker does just that. Even without the alarm, the clock’s accompanying vibrating disc woke us up every time. Although there’s only one alarm sound and one vibration setting to choose from, we found both very useful. One tester even noted that she has trouble waking up and staying awake, but found the vibration under her head very effective at waking her up quickly.

The vibrating puck cord is long enough that we could place it in bed between two sleepers. The buttons are fairly intuitive, and the snooze button is specifically designed to be much larger than the other buttons so we had no trouble locating it. It’s also right smack dab in the middle of the clock so it’s easier to find in the dark.

We especially appreciated the large, clear, easy-to-read display that we were able to see even without glasses or contacts. While we weren't bothered by the very dim, soft glow from the clock, it’s worth noting that the display doesn’t completely shut off.

Product Details: Power Source: Electric | Display Type: Digital | Shape: Rectangle

Why You Should Get It: With an intuitive design and easy-to-use snooze function, this small alarm clock was a helpful addition to our nightstand.

Keep in Mind: The clock display is too dim to read easily in the middle of the night.

Need a no-frills, basic alarm clock? The Gingko Edge Light Alarm Clock has one sound and one volume—a pretty standard beeping noise. However, at just 4 inches tall, this clock works well for those who have limited bedroom storage or a small nightstand. Despite its compact design and basic settings, it does have a great night light on the flip side that we liked using in the morning and right before bed.

We also really liked how easy it was to silence the alarm by simply shaking the clock or turning it over—no fumbling around for the right button. This nifty feature makes it a great alarm clock for a guest room or a kid’s room, and at such a small size, you could travel with it, too.

While the display backlight is adjustable, we found it to be too dim for middle-of-the-night time checks. There aren’t many customization options for sound or snoozing, but we enjoyed using the alarm clock to help us break our phone habit.

Product Details: Power Source: Battery | Display Type: Digital | Shape: Round

Better Homes & Gardens / Kate Donovan

For easy-to-use features and a clear digital display, the Jall Digital Alarm Clock checks all the boxes. But for a two-in-one alarm clock and sound machine, the Hatch Restore is a great option for sensitive sleepers looking to improve their overall bedtime routine.

To find the best alarm clocks, we evaluated 21 different alarm clocks using a predetermined methodology. We assessed each alarm clock based on five factors: ease of setup, audio, performance, design, and value. We first plugged in the alarm clocks or added batteries if necessary. Then set the time on the clock, checking it against our smartphones to ensure its accuracy. We then used the alarm clocks every day for two weeks. We evaluated the performance further by checking alarm clock back-up batteries with the power off and ranking the convenience and ease of clock buttons in the dark.

We also tested digital light brightness and how easy it is to read in the dark as well as how light settings can affect sleep. Furthermore, alarm clocks with shakers were tested on vibration as well as audio alarms. After two weeks, we ranked the alarm clocks in each of the five categories and a total, average score was calculated for each clock.

The most important feature to consider when shopping for an alarm clock is the power source. Most alarm clocks are still corded and powered by a wall plug, but battery-powered options exist. Rechargeable lithium battery alarm clocks are becoming more popular, too, as people want cord-free nightstands without buying batteries. However, the best foolproof alarm clock is one that can be plugged in as well as operated on a battery (in the event of travel or power outages). When shopping for wall-plug alarm clocks check to see if it also comes with a back-up battery. This secondary source is a lifesaver should the power go out in the middle of the night.

Like with any clock, the display comes in two options: digital or analog. If you’re sensitive to light at night, an analog alarm clock is a sure bet to reduce brightness. However, it’s not the easiest to check the time in the middle of the night. A digital display is easy to read and many digital alarm clocks now feature light settings or a dim function to decrease or completely turn off screen lights while you’re sleeping.

If you love the shape of an old-fashioned alarm clock with a round watch face and two bells on top, you can definitely still find that, however, more modern, smart alarm clocks are typically slim, rectangular, and have a low-profile silhouette. Most sunrise alarm clocks riff off the sun in shape, often designed as semi-circles, globes, or rounded lanterns. This style is the best choice when following feng shui design principles for a more calming bedroom. These smooth designs follow the energy rule against no sharp edges.

Better Homes & Gardens / Kate Donovan

We gave the Jall Wake Up Light Sunrise Alarm Clock nearly perfect marks in performance and ease of set-up, however, it fell short in design and value compared to other sunrise alarm clocks. It stands much taller than other sunrise alarm clocks and that extra height makes it incredibly easy to knock the clock off the nightstand when trying to hit the snooze button.

We were impressed with how easy it is to set-up this robot alarm clock from Clocky. The setup buttons contrast the black body so it’s very easy to identify, and the idea of getting out of bed to chase this little guy around is definitely a new take on alarm clocks. However, Clocky fell flat in customization options as there’s only one sound, one volume, and you can only set one alarm at a time.

While we think this MOMA alarm clock is the perfect decor piece for a Midcentury modern fan, at nearly $300 it’s more form than function. The alarm setup is cumbersome via a QR code, and the clock’s manual dials aren’t the easiest to maneuver either.

It sounds like a gimmick but the simulated sunrise wake-ups have been shown to help minimize sleep disturbances from time changes. Similarly, the alarm’s sound or the clutter in your bedroom can have a negative impact on waking and sleeping. “At this time,” says Paruthi, “there is some evidence that dawn simulating alarm clocks may improve subjective quality of sleep as well as subjective alertness upon full awakening.”

“Choosing an alarm clock is a very personal experience,” says Paruthi. And shopping for this essential nightstand item comes down to your senses—and in most cases what sounds good to you. “In terms of sounds,” she says, “there have been small studies evaluating noise, voices, and music. These studies suggest that adults may be more likely to awaken to loud alarms more readily than children.”

And while that blaring submarine sound on your phone will wake you up in a hurry, a clock that can play a curated music playlist will wake you with less stress. “Music that a person finds positive or more melodic is more likely to awaken them and they have better response times than other music,” says Paruthi.

Sound is measured in decibels or dB. According to Paruthi, the average loud alarm clock is around 60 dB. However, there are tons of alarm clocks which tout extra-loud settings from 75 to over 100 dB. The loudest alarm clock we tested is the Super Loud Alarm Clock with Bed Shaker at 110 dB. For context, the CDC states that noise above 70 dB over a prolonged period of time, and a “loud noise above 120 dB can cause immediate harm to your ears.”

Deanne Revel is an award-winning journalist and host based in Seattle. She covers home and design shopping, including the best deals and dupes, and did significant research on the best alarm clocks for this story. She also spoke to Shalini Paruthi, MD, a board-certified expert in sleep medicine and internal medicine.

Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they're worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn't an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.