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Best Clock Radios

Updated July 2022
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
iHome iBT29BC Bluetooth Color Changing Dual Alarm Clock
iHome
iBT29BC Bluetooth Color Changing Dual Alarm Clock
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Futuristic Charm
Bottom Line

This charming, futuristic alarm clock boasts a cheerful color-changing sphere along with a radio and Bluetooth speaker.

Pros

Boasts color-changing translucent housing with LED lighting. Allows light-based and color-set wakeup mode. Speaker can connect to Bluetooth sources or via an aux cable. Supports speakerphone mode with paired smartphone. Includes FM tuner and USB charging port.

Cons

Lacks AM tuner. Changes from weekday to weekend alarms only manually.

Best Bang for the Buck
Magnasonic Projection Alarm Clock with AM and FM Radio
Magnasonic
Projection Alarm Clock with AM and FM Radio
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Most Comprehensive
Bottom Line

This clock radio is a challenge to program but includes so many features for the price that it's worth the effort.

Pros

Multiple options include dual alarm, sleep timer, and indoor temperature reading. Good radio reception, even in rural areas. A 3.5-millimeter audio jack. Time projection onto walls or ceiling is convenient.

Cons

Digital menus are difficult to navigate. Programming radio stations is problematic for some. Digital display is somewhat bright

Emerson Radio Smartset Alarm Clock
Emerson
Radio Smartset Alarm Clock
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Feature-packed
Bottom Line

Great mid-range alarm clock with a lot of extra features such as wireless charging, radio, and night light.

Pros

Reasonably priced clock with Bluetooth speaker, a display that’s approximately 1 1/2 inches, and more. Multiple settings for alarms and connects easily to phones.

Cons

Although most of the features were appreciated, there were some user complaints about wireless charging.

Sony ICFC1PJ Alarm Clock Radio
Sony
ICFC1PJ Alarm Clock Radio
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Trusted Brand
Bottom Line

Sleek clock radio with all the bells and whistles to expect from Sony, including time projection.

Pros

Swivel projector displays digital time on wall or ceiling. Offers AM and FM tuning. Built-in nature sounds. Bright LED display can be dimmed for darker rooms. Automatic daylight savings time and USB charging.

Cons

Doesn't have Bluetooth or aux external audio capability.

Housbay Glow Small Alarm Clock Radio
Housbay
Glow Small Alarm Clock Radio
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Nighttime Friendly
Bottom Line

This clock radio's lighting features emphasize its capabilities as a nightlight.

Pros

Controls and display can be dimmed for restful darkness. Glowing border nightlight is discreet. FM radio can be alarm-controlled. Includes sleep timer and USB port for device charging. AAA battery backup.

Cons

Doesn't include AM tuner. Can't be used as a wireless or wired speaker.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

33
Models
Considered
95
Consumers
Consulted
20
Hours
Researched
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Buying guide for best clock radios

Using your smartphone alarm to wake up might seem convenient, but sleeping with your phone within arm’s reach isn’t the best idea. Nighttime screen use isn’t the best way to relax before getting some shut-eye. A clock radio can help you wake up in the morning without all the distracting features of a smartphone, and clock radios give you the option of waking to the sound of your favorite radio station rather than a buzzer or bell.

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If you want to save space on your bedside table, opt for a clock radio that doubles as a light.

Who needs a clock radio?

If you’re thinking about buying a new clock radio for your boudoir, first think about your sleep habits.

  • If you’re a very heavy sleeper, sound quality – and volume – may be more important to you than other features.

  • If you work odd shifts or have to get up early in the winter when it’s still dark out, a sunrise simulator may help with morning grogginess.

  • If you have difficulty sleeping, you might need a clock radio with features that help you drift off peacefully.

  • If you sleep like a rock and constantly ignore your alarm, a more persistent clock radio may be right for you.
     

When deciding on a clock radio, consider its ease of use. You won’t get any use out of a feature-heavy unit if it’s too hard to program. Make sure setting the alarm is simple enough that you don’t run into problems that leave you racing to work. Programming your favorite radio stations should also be easy. Buttons should be responsive, easy to press, and intuitive.

Out of everything in your life, your clock radio should be the least of your worries. Set it and forget it!

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Did you know?
Most clock radios have at least five radio station presets. Some allow you to add up to 20 of your favorite radio stations, so it’s easy to select one as your alarm.
STAFF
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Clock radio features to consider

A clock radio is a relatively simple device, but there are still loads of features to think about before you buy.

Size and style

The size and style of the clock radio you choose depends on the dimensions of your bedside table and the décor in your bedroom. While it’s always nice when a bedside accessory matches the general ambiance, try not to prioritize form over function with this essential bedroom piece.

"A dual-alarm setting is useful for two people who need to wake up at different times."
STAFF
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Alarm sound

Without an alarm function, a clock radio is just a clock with a built-in AM/FM radio. Unless you have an innate ability to wake up on command, the alarm is the essential feature of a clock radio.

While you can certainly choose to wake up to the radio station of your choice, some models feature preset sounds (often derived from nature) that you can choose as your morning alarm. Other models have auxiliary input or Bluetooth connectivity so you can select alarm sounds from your phone.

Don’t want to wake up to the sound of a blaring siren? Some clock radios gradually increase the volume of the chosen alarm sound until it wakes you and you turn it off.

"A blaring alarm can leave you feeling cranky. It’s likely due to the fact that it woke you at the wrong time in your sleep cycle."
STAFF
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Sunrise simulators

Sunrise simulators help you wake up naturally by gradually increasing the light in your room before the alarm sounds. A gradual waking process helps to decrease morning grogginess. This type of clock radio may also simulate sunset to help users fall asleep more naturally. Units of this type are great for shift workers or those who have trouble waking early on dark winter mornings.

Alarm customization

Many folks work nine to five, but not everyone needs to wake up at the same time each day. That’s especially true for weekends. Some clock radios allow users to set different alarms for different days of the week. Other clock radios provide a choice of distinct alarms for weekdays and weekends.

"Some clock radios have vibration pods that can be tucked under your pillow for a gentle waking experience."
STAFF
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Snooze function

While most clock radios are outfitted with a snooze button, think carefully about your snooze expectations. It’s easy to hit a large snooze button multiple times and then realize you no longer have time to shower.

Frequent snoozers might opt for models with a snooze button that’s harder to reach to discourage you from overdoing it. More disciplined risers may want a model that allows them to customize the length of the snooze interval.

Be careful to avoid snooze buttons that are positioned too close to other alarm functions. You could accidentally turn off your alarm.

"It’s okay to hit snooze if you need a little more shut-eye! Make sure your clock’s snooze button is responsive, so you can get a restful five minutes."
STAFF
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Sleep timer

Do you like to listen to the radio before bed? Many clock radios have a sleep timer function so that you can listen to your favorite radio station (or nature sounds) as you doze off. The radio will shut off automatically after a preset amount of time.

Sound quality

Most clock radios have relatively standard speakers. For more control over the sound, look for a clock radio with equalizer settings.

"If you often sleep through your alarm, look for a clock radio with an alarm that sounds for a long time. If it doesn’t wake you up, it might annoy someone else enough to get you out of bed!"
STAFF
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Display light

Light is bad news for sleep quality, but keeping your bedroom dark enough for optimal sleep can be challenging. Room-darkening window coverings can be pricey, and light pollution is rampant. Smartphones blink in the night, and forgetful spouses innocently leave lights on. However, you do have control over the clock radio you choose.

Look for models with display lights that won’t disrupt your sleep. The lights on some models dim when not in use or have a control to adjust the brightness.

Even if you think you’re unbothered by the light emanating from a clock radio, know that any kind of light that filters into your sleeping space can disrupt sleep and have an effect on your sleep quality.

"Orange light is gentler and less likely to interfere with sleep than blue light. Avoid clock radios with bright blue displays because these may affect sleep quality."
STAFF
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Backup power

Most clock radios require an outlet for power, but some have batteries for backup power. If the power goes out, you won’t miss that important meeting in the morning. Stay away from battery-only units. There is no fail-safe if the battery runs out in the middle of the night.

Extra features

Some high-tech clock radios incorporate additional features like room temperature readings and weather updates for the day ahead. Other units double as charging docks for smartphones. Some models even run away from you, so you’re forced to get out of bed to shut them off!

Clock radio prices

Under $50

At this price, clock radios will have functions such as a radio tuner, a number of presets so you can program your favorite radio stations, and a snooze button. Some models at this price point also have sleep timers and USB charging ports.

$50 to $75

Pay a little more and get yourself a clock radio that doubles as a charging dock for your smartphone. Models at this price often allow users to set multiple alarms, and many feature Bluetooth connectivity.

$75 and Up

Better sound quality will cost you more, and so will a sunrise simulator. In this price range, you’re looking at models with multiple charging ports for several devices; larger, better-quality speakers; and light therapy functions.

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Choose a clock radio with a solid base. Accidentally knocking it off your nightstand might break or reset it.

FAQ

Q. I’m a very heavy sleeper. Are there any features I should look for in a clock radio that will help me wake up on time?

A. Some clock radios feature dual alarms. You can set two alarms at a preset interval to help you get out of bed. Make sure your selected model is loud enough to wake you, too.

Q. Loud, buzzing alarm clocks leave me feeling groggy. Is there another option?

A. If you prefer to wake up more naturally, look for a clock radio that gradually gets louder so that you’re gently nudged out of sleep instead of jarred awake. Sunrise simulators are also helpful for sleepers who want to wake gradually and naturally.