Developing a healthy sleeping routine is more difficult than ever because of the many technological distractions we have today—such as our cell phone.
That’s because the blue light emitted by cellphones suppresses the sleep hormone melatonin. This prevents you from falling asleep and affects your body’s internal clock.
Unfortunately, alarm clocks today are integrated into our phones—which can be very distracting before bed.
To reduce screen time before bed and develop a healthy sleep schedule, you might need to undergo a small technological downgrade by getting a traditional alarm clock.
There’s a wide range of alarm clocks to choose from today, each with its own set of unique features such as:
- Built-in wake-up light
- Alarm radio
- Shaking/vibration
- Alexa/Google Assistant Compatibility
Here are some of our top picks.
Amazon Echo Spot: Best Smart Clock
The Amazon Echo Spot is a 3.8 inch clock powered by Alexa. This means it can be used as a home assistant, too. It can read news and weather reports, play music, and control other smart components such as lights and security cameras.
Setting the alarm is as easy as saying, “Alexa, wake me up at 6 a.m. tomorrow.”
You can also set your favorite song or radio station as the alarm tone.
Additionally, the clock comes with a 2.5 inch LCD touch display. The screen allows you to customize the clock face to either a digital or analog display, and even displays song lyrics from music services.
It also allows video calling and messaging.
The Echo Spot also has several privacy controls. For instance, you can turn the microphones and camera off when you sleep.
If you enjoy the convenience of smart assistants, the Amazon Echo Spot is a suitable choice for you.
Philips Wake-Up Light HF3520: Best Sunrise Alarm Clock
A sunrise alarm clock is a clock designed to simulate dawn using artificial light. Like the sun, the clock gradually increases light intensity over a set period.
The Philips Wake Up Light clock is one of the best-selling sunrise clocks for a number of reasons. First, it combines both light and audio to provide the most natural dawn or sunset experience.
For audio, it has four tones to mimic the natural sounds of nature. This includes:
- Ocean sound
- Birds chirping
- Rainforest
- Spa
There is also an option to wake up to an FM radio station.
Additionally, you can snooze the alarm by simply tapping anywhere on the light.
Keep in mind that the clock is somewhat large and takes quite a bit of space on the nightstand. But since it can also be used as a bedside lamp, it’s an effective use of space.
The Phillips Alarm Clock is powered by electricity but is fitted with an eight-hour backup battery.
If you struggle with loud wailing alarms in the morning, the Philips Wake Up Light is great for you.
Sonic Bomb Extra Loud Digital Alarm Clock: Best Loud Clock
For heavy sleepers, hearing the alarm in the morning isn’t guaranteed. That’s where the Sonic Bomb comes in. It’s a digital alarm clock designed to wake you up from the deepest sleep.
The Sonic Bomb clock allows the user to customize the alarm tone and volume. At maximum volume, it’s as loud as a chainsaw peaking at 113 decibels.
It also has a shaking/vibration feature with 12 Volts. These features are combined with red flashing lights to increase the alarm’s effectiveness.
For power, the clock uses 220 V adapters but also comes with a backup battery. Additionally, the LED display is large and easy to read from afar.
It also has brightness settings to control the brightness of the display when sleeping.
The Sonic Bomb alarm clock is easy to use with well-labelled turn knobs and buttons. It has a dedicated snooze button and a test function that allows you to run a test alarm before setting the actual alarm.
Other than heavy sleepers, this clock is also suitable for the partially deaf and the elderly.
RCA RCD30: Best Budget
The RCA RCD30 is an alarm clock radio known for its affordable price and loud beeping. It has a 1.4 inch display with large red digits, visible from up to 20 feet away.
It’s also small and doesn’t take up much space on the nightstand, only measuring 4 inches in length and 6 inches in width.
Furthermore, the RCD30 alarm clock has a large snooze button located across the top for easy accessibility.
At the back, the clock has three switches. One switch activates or deactivates the alarm while the second sets the alarm time. The third and final switch is used to dim or brighten the front LED display.
The RCA is powered by electricity but also has a 9 Volt backup battery.
Lemnos Riki Wooden Analog Clock: Best Analog Alarm Clock
When it comes to design appeal, the Lemnos Wooden Clock is quite handsome. It’s round, with a well-polished wooden exterior and a bright white classic clock face.
In size, it measures 5.1 inches in diameter and length, and 2.8 inches in thickness. The clock weighs in at about 100 grams.
The Riki is also one of the simplest clocks available in design and functionality. First, the numbers are easy to read, and the clock is silent with no ticking noise.
It also has a large night light button on the top that lights up the face when it’s dark. The light is just bright enough and is quite gentle on sleepy eyes.
At the back, there are three controls:
- On/Off alarm switch
- Two knobs to set time and alarm
Moreover, the Lemnos Riki is considered a light alarm clock—meaning it’s great for light sleepers. The alarm sound isn’t very loud, but it should be enough to wake you up.
It’s powered by one AA battery so you don’t risk lots of tangled cables.
This is a great alarm clock for people who want to get rid of all distractions before bed.
Summary Table for the Top Alarm Clocks
| Clock Model | Top features | Current price |
| Amazon Echo Spot | Alexa home assistant Has a camera for video chats | Check price |
| Philips Wake-Up Light | Clock radio Doubles as a reading lamp 10 brightness settings | Check price |
| Sonic Bomb Dual Alarm | Loud 113 decibel alarm 12 Volt Bed shaker One year warranty | Check price |
| RCA RCD30 | Loud beeping alarm Bright display Large snooze button | Check price |
| Lemnos Riki Analog Clock | Classy design Ideal brightness free of glare Powered by an AA battery | Check price |
How to Choose the Best Alarm Clock
When choosing an alarm clock, consider these factors.
Display
The display is the screen that shows the time. Always pick an alarm clock with large, easy to read numbers. Additionally, go for a display with adaptive brightness so it can dim to help you sleep.
Snooze Button
The snooze button resets the alarm for a short time—usually nine minutes—so you can continue sleeping. When choosing an alarm clock, go for an alarm clock with a large, easy to reach snooze button for those mornings where you need a few minutes of extra sleep.
Alarm Volume
An alarm clock should be loud enough to pull you out of your dreams but not so loud that it wakes the neighbors. Choose an alarm clock with volume settings to adjust the volume of your alarm.
USB Charging Port
Instead of using long AC power cords, go for an alarm clock with a USB charging port. It’s more convenient and ensures the clock is always charged.
Smart Features
If you have a home assistant such as an Alexa speaker, consider getting a smart alarm as well. They can connect to Wi-Fi and perform functions such as turning on the lights in the morning.
Alarm Clocks and Sleep Cycles
Apart from waking you up in the morning, an alarm clock can help you create and adhere to a healthy sleep schedule without the distractions that come with a cell phone. Just find the right clock depending on your needs and follow sleep experts’ advice.
