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Out of 21 alarm clocks, these were our favorite from at-home tests.
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
And if youre still using your phone as an alarm clock, its time to ban itfrom the bedroom.
How you wake up can set the tone for your whole day.
For more information on how we tested alarm clocks, check outour testing processbelow.
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Keep in Mind:The alarm sound gets louder and faster until you hit Snooze.
During testing, we felt the simplicity of this clock was really the main attraction.
Keep in Mind:you’re free to only set one alarm.
With the Jall Digital Alarm Clock you can program and save up to three different alarm times.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
While we love the Hatch, the price tag is steep.
This feature can be especially helpful if you useblackout shadesor curtains in your bedroom.
It also features six different color modes which could be used as a soft nightlight for kids.
Credit: Amazon
We also didnt like that the clock doesnt completely fade to black.
During testing, we turned the clock towards the wall to reduce the glare.
Keep in Mind:Alarm options are lacking, and the phone charging function isnt fast.
Credit: Amazon
This is also perfect for minimalists because the bonus charging station doesnt 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.
Credit: Amazon
What did impress us is how fast and easy it is to set up this clock.
The buttons are located on the back for a streamlined, minimal look on your nightstand.
Keep in Mind:The soft wake-up sounds may not be enough for heavy sleepers.
The screen on the Mosito Alarm Clock is dimmable to 0%, making it a chic, modern piece of decor.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
This smart alarm clock has it all.
Or if youd rather listen to your favorite playlist, theres a Bluetooth enabled speaker built-in.
Everything is controlled by the Loftie app or three easy-to-use buttons on the alarm clock.
Credit: Amazon
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.
The Loftie Clock is controlled via the Loftie app or three easy-to-use buttons on the clock.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
However, the soft and gentle alarm may not be abrupt enough to wake up really deep sleepers.
Keep in Mind:The USB phone charger isnt that fast.
This is the alarm clock for you.
Credit: Amazon
Just find any button and tap once for snooze and twice for off.
But what impressed us the most is the array of color configs.
We even kept on a soft glowing pink light at night to help us wind down before bed.
Any button on the iHome Dual Alarm Clock can snooze your alarm, making it easy to use.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Keep in Mind:The clock face lights are not completely dimmable for a total blackout.
If youre a heavy sleeper, gentle lights and sweet sounds just dont cut it.
Even without the alarm, the clocks accompanying vibrating disc woke us up every time.
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Although theres only one alarm sound and one vibration setting to choose from, we found both very useful.
The vibrating puck cord is long enough that we could place it in bed between two sleepers.
Its also right smack dab in the middle of the clock so its easier to find in the dark.
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Jennifer May
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 volumea pretty standard beeping noise.
While the display backlight is adjustable, we found it to be too dim for middle-of-the-night time checks.
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.
Furthermore, alarm clocks with shakers were tested on vibration as well as audio alarms.
Most alarm clocks are still corded and powered by a wall plug, but battery-powered options exist.
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.
If youre sensitive to light at night, an analog alarm clock is a sure bet to reduce brightness.
However, its not the easiest to check the time in the middle of the night.
This style is the best choice when followingfeng shui design principlesfor a more calming bedroom.
These smooth designs follow the energy rule against no sharp edges.
Your Questions, Answered
Do sunrise alarm clocks work?
It sounds like a gimmick but the simulated sunrise wake-ups have been shown tohelp minimize sleep disturbancesfrom time changes.
Similarly, the alarms sound or theclutter in your bedroomcan have a negative impact on waking and sleeping.
Credit: Walmart
What alarm clock is the best?
Choosing an alarm clock is a very personal experience, says Paruthi.
And shopping for thisessential nightstand itemcomes down to your sensesand in most cases what sounds good to you.
The Gingko Edge Light Alarm Clock is compact, so it’s ideal for those with limited nightstand space.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
These studies suggest that adults may be more likely to awaken to loud alarms more readily than children.
What alarm clock is the loudest?
Sound is measured in decibels or dB.
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
According to Paruthi, the average loud alarm clock is around 60 dB.
However, there are tons of alarm clocks which tout extra-loud tweaks from 75 to over 100 dB.
The loudest alarm clock we tested is the Super Loud Alarm Clock with Bed Shaker at 110 dB.
Who We Are
Deanne Revelis an award-winning journalist and host based in Seattle.
She also spoke toDr.
Shalini Paruthi, a board-certified expert in sleep medicine and internal medicine.
What Is BHG Recommends?
Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed ourBHG Recommends seal of approval.
In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.
