The 8 Best Alarm Clocks to Get You Up in the Morning
From gentle sunrise glows to rock concert-level alarms, there’s an option for every type of sleeper.
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With more dark hours than light right now, it can be difficult to get out of bed in the morning—especially if you didn't get a good night's sleep. While an alarm clock may not make waking up early a more appealing prospect, the right alarm clock can make waking up easier and help you get out the door on time, every time.
Alarm clock technology has evolved by leaps and bounds in recent years and there's now an alarm clock for practically every type of sleeper, whether you want to be awakened by a gradual sunrise-esque light and the sound of chirping birds or you need a military-style trumpeter to rouse you from your slumber.
We've gathered some of the best alarm clocks out there to fit your sleep style, budget, and aesthetic, making it easy to find the one that's right for you.
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The 8 Best Alarm Clocks of 2023
What to Consider
When looking for an alarm clock, the most important thing to consider is how deep of a sleeper you are. If you wake up easily and you're just looking for a clock that will get you up on time, you can prioritize looks and functionality, like the ability to charge your phone.
However, if you're a heavy sleeper, you may need to invest in something a bit more boisterous. Look for alarms with super loud sounds, lights, or even one that runs away from you, forcing you to get up. Some alarm clocks, like the Echo Show and the Hatch, are multipurpose machines that just so happen to have alarm functionality. These are great if you are also looking for mood lighting and wind-down routines before bed. While these are two of the more expensive options on our list, you get a lot more out of them than a typical clock, so if you are looking for those extra features, it may be worth it to spend the extra cash.
Sunrise alarm clocks are a great pick if you find yourself snoozing over and over again. These clocks gradually pull you out of sleep with light and sound, so you're (hopefully) more ready to wake up by the time that alarm goes off. Some even do the opposite when you're falling asleep, too.
How We Selected
To find the best options among the many alarm clocks out there, we researched some of the most popular models available. We then looked at expert reviews from trusted sources like Wirecutter and CNET to determine which ones performed the best, and chose models that range from giving you a gentle wake-up to ones that will get even the deepest sleepers out of bed. We also researched reviews from customers to see how people reacted to the products in real life. Ultimately, we chose these eight as the best alarm clocks of 2023.
Pros
- Stylish design
- Loud alarm
Cons
- Can only set one alarm
This alarm clock harkens back to the past with its vintage-inspired design and simple functionality. The alarm can only be set for one time, but it is loud and will last for 30 minutes.
Unlike many analog clocks, this one won't make annoying ticking sounds with the second hand, and there is a button that shines a light so you can see the time even when it's still dark.
Key Specs
| Number of Alarms | 1 |
| Power Source | AA batteries |
Pros
- Stylish design
- Charges your phone
Cons
- Pricey
- Limited features
This wooden-style clock is sleek, modern, and has a bonus of being a wireless charger as well. It comes in four different wood tones and has adjustable brightness levels. It also displays the temperature and humidity so you can be well-prepared when you dress for the day.
You can use this clock to set up to three alarms, and you can even program it on a Monday-through-Friday schedule to allow for more relaxing weekends.
Key Specs
| Number of Alarms | 3 |
| Power Source | Wall plug |
Pros
- Lots of sound options
- Sleek, stylish look
Cons
- Expensive
Don't be fooled by the sleek, minimalist design—this smart alarm clock has a lot of fun features to offer. It is designed to wake you up gently and gradually with the use of ambient sounds, eventually leading to a more alarm-like chime that signals you to get up. It also allows you to set multiple alarms as reminders throughout the day and has a collection of sound baths, guided breathwork, meditations, stories, and white noise.
Key Specs
| Number of Alarms | Unlimited |
| Power Source | Wall plug |
Pros
- Sleek design
- Easy-to-read numbers
Cons
- Only one alarm
This alarm clock is sleek, simple, and affordable. The large numbers are easy to read, and they come in five different light colors. It has a USB port to charge your phone, and has easy-to use tactile buttons. This is also great for glasses-wearers as even those with coke-bottle lenses will be able to read this in the middle of the night.
Key Specs
| Number of Alarms | 1 |
| Power Source | Wall plug, back up batteries |
Pros
- Can stream music and videos
- Lots of alarm settings
- Connects to other smart home devices
Cons
- Large footprint
- Somewhat pricey
The Echo Show is not exclusively an alarm clock, but that is one of its many features. You can easily set alarms and timers, make video calls, check your calendar, and read the news on this popular device.
Since it is also a virtual assistant, you can set it to gradually turn on smart lights and wake you up with your favorite playlist. There are also multiple settings for the alarms, including one that slowly increases volume and brightness to ease you out of sleep.
Key Specs
| Number of Alarms | No limit |
| Power Source | Wall plug |
Pros
- Forces you to get up
- Lots of color choices
Cons
- Few alarms
- Not the cutest design
Are you a notorious snooze-hitter? This clock will force you to rise out of bed to get it to turn off. It jumps off nightstands up to three feet high and begins rolling and flipping around until you chase it down and turn off the ear-splitting alarm. If you manage to catch it and still want to go back to bed, you can only hit the snooze button once.
Key Specs
| Number of Alarms | 1 |
| Power Source | Wall plug |
Pros
- Lots of features and light options
- Soothing sounds for bedtime and morning alarms
Cons
- Very pricey
Not only will this alarm clock help you wake up in the morning, but it can also help put you to sleep. The lights are super customizable, getting as bright as a reading light, and helping you relax with a dim blue for a night light.
You can personalize your morning routine with sunrise reminiscent lighting, and pick from tons of different sounds for your alarm. This is also great for nighttime, as it has wind-down settings as well as soundscapes, meditations, and even bedtime stories.
Key Specs
| Number of Alarms | 3 |
| Power Source | Wall Plug |
Pros
- Affordable
- Has clap-enabled controls
Cons
- May not wake up heavy sleepers
This clock may look modern and expensive, but it's surprisingly affordable. It displays the time, temperature, and humidity, and has sound controls, so you can clap to turn it on. Plus, the unique triangular shape makes it tip-proof.
There are seven adjustable levels of brightness, and it comes in four different color options: black, brown, white, and bamboo (pictured here). However, it does only have one alarm setting, so it's best for someone who wakes up without too much difficulty.
Key Specs
| Number of Alarms | 1 |
| Power Source | Wall plug and 4 AAA backup batteries |
Before joining Runner's World, Gabrielle Hondorp spent 6 years in running retail (she has tested top gear from shoes, to watches, to rain jackets which has expanded her expertise—and her closets); she specializes in health and wellness, and is an expert on running gear from head-to-toe. Gabi began her journalism career as a Digital Editorial Fellow for Runner’s World and Bicycling Magazine, and has since advanced to a Runner's World Editor specializing in commerce. She has a double degree in English and Media and Communication from Muhlenberg College where she also ran cross country and track.
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