The best alarm clock will, first and foremost, perform its main function – to wake you up in the morning. From classic bell alarm clocks to smart alarms that'll wake you up with birdsong or rain sounds, there's so much to choose from. The alarm clocks on our list range from the simplest to the most advanced, daylight-imitating wake up clocks.
Our top pick is the Sonic Bomb alarm clock – a super reliable design that wakes you up with a combination of sound and vibration. Discover more of our favorites below.
Sonic Bomb alarm clock
Will wake anyone up!
This reliable, heavy-duty alarm clock vibrates as well as emitting a sound, to make sure you don't sleep through the alarm.
Pros:
- Very loud
- Vibrates
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Basic design
Heavy sleepers will get a kick out of the Sonic Bomb alarm clock. It has a 113 dB extremely loud sound and probably the strongest bed shaker. The dual alarm clock has volume control and adjustable tone settings to minimize disturbance. You can set both the alarm and the bed shaker interval from one to 59 minutes.
Philips Wake-Up Light alarm clock
Wake up with the gentle light of the rising sun
This clock allows you to wake up more naturally, by gradually increasing the amount of light coming from it.
Pros:
- Combines light with natural wake-up sounds
- Clinically proven to improve sleep routine
- FM radio included
Cons:
- Controls could be improved
The design and operation of the Philips alarm clock are inspired by the natural sunrise and sunset. It combines five natural sounds and a warm light that gradually increases and fully lights up your room in a span of 30 minutes. At night, the alarm mirrors the sunset, so you fall asleep naturally. We just wish it had a better control panel: the buttons are awkwardly located, so it can be a struggle to find the right one for what you're trying to do.
Travelwey digital travel alarm clock
Take this alarm clock with you wherever you go
Sleek and lightweight, this alarm clock is easy to pack into your suitcase.
Pros:
- Streamlined design without distractions
- Very simple to use
- No need to reset after turning off
Cons:
- On-demand light is very bright
With minimalistic controls and lightweight construction, the Travelwey digital alarm clock is easy to use at home or on the move. It has a screen that instantly lights up when you want to know the time at night. The alarm clock has an ON/OFF switch, which disables the screen light without changing the time. We do find that the screen light is far too bright, so bear that in mind if you decide to check the time in the middle of the night.
MARATHON Classic Silent Sweep alarm clock
For those who just want a great clock without too many features
Beautifully designed, this clock won't wake you up by ticking at night.
Pros:
- No-tick technology
- Ambient backlight for nighttime
Cons:
- The light is not adjustable
Designed with a sweeping second-hand quartz movement, the MARATHON alarm clock has an inaudible tick. It provides you with a soft glow with its auto-night light and has a simple alarm function with snooze and on/off buttons. The alarm clock comes with two AA batteries.
American Lifetime day clock
Large numbers and letter – and nothing to distract you
If you can't see very well, or even if you just prefer a simple clock, this is the one.
Pros:
- Large, clear lettering with nothing unnecessary
- Contemporary design
Cons:
- Doesn't look great if hung on a wall
Choose the American Lifetime day clock if you struggle to see most clocks. The elderly or dementia patients need to have a day clock to keep them in tune with their daily routines. They usually fail to keep track of what day it is, and the American Lifetime day clock has a bold and simple display to fix this. It clearly states the date, week, and month and is easy to use. There is an option to hang this clock on the wall, but the cable dangling behind it doesn't look so good.
Sharp twin bell alarm clock
The classic bell alarm clock from your childhood
The perfect alarm clock for teens – or anyone who's a heavy sleeper and needs a good old-fashioned ring.
Pros:
- Loud
- Classic design
Cons:
- Ticks a bit loudly at night
If you are a deep and heavy sleeper, or your biggest battle is waking up, then the Sharp twin bell alarm clock is the right choice for you. It has a loud bell alarm that cannot be ignored and a backlight button that enables it to glow at night. The clock display has luminous dial markings, which make it simple to read.
Our verdict
Why you can trust Real Homes Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
A good night's sleep is essential to energize and refresh you each day, but sometimes you can get carried away. That's where a great alarm clock can assist. If you are a heavy sleeper, you should choose an alarm clock that is loud enough to hear. A dual alarm clock like the Sonic Bomb alarm clock has the potential of waking up the dead! It generates a very loud 113 dB sound and has a separate powerful bed shaker to ensure you wake.
The Philips Wake-Up Light alarm clock is a great choice if you prefer to be woken up without being startled. This alarm clock uses a gentle combination of light and sound, slowly increasing in intensity, to ease you from your restful slumber.
You can enjoy the Travelwey digital travel alarm clock on your next trip with its simple and lightweight design. The display instantly lights up when you check the time. You can even turn it off and still retain the exact hour. This clock can also help you fall asleep with its sleep timer and radio. Additionally, it has adjustable alarm sound and snooze options.
Why trust us?
At Real Homes, we recommend the best products to enhance your life. As expert curators, we handpick products based on quality and usefulness to positively impact your day-to-day, from cart to doorstep. We take our responsibility seriously — testing products, reading reviews, and sourcing knowledgeable outlets to ensure our selections are worthy of your time and money. We deliver detailed product overviews, balancing objective information with subjective opinions, so making the best choice for your home and lifestyle is as easy as possible.