10 Best Smart Alarm Clocks of 2022
These hands-free alarms are just what your bedroom needs.
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You don't typically need much from your alarm clock as long it goes off when you need it to. But with technology improving everyday, additional features of a smart alarm clock — like various music streaming capabilities and a smart assistant — can make your everyday tasks a lot easier.
Good Housekeeping Institute Chief Technologist Rachel Rothman regularly tests alarm clocks and smart devices in the Media and Tech Lab, including smart alarm clocks. We look at ease of use in terms of setting time, setting alarms, coordinating alarms to go off to certain songs, snoozing, turning off alarms, visibility and playing music. Our Lab experts also evaluate performance, including the effectiveness of the alarm, usefulness of extra features, the accuracy of alarm, sound quality and durability.
How to find the best smart alarm clock for you
When shopping for a smart alarm clock, our Rothman recommends considering the following:
- Smart assistant capabilities: "If you're going with one with a built-in smart assistant, make sure it's compatible with other devices you have," she says. For instance, an Amazon Echo Dot would work best if you also had an Amazon TV or other Alexa-compatible devices.
- Bluetooth features: Most (but not all) smart alarm clocks have bluetooth enabled so you can stream your own songs and music. Otherwise, some clocks include a USB port, SD card or aux port to sync music.
- Wellness content: Some clocks provide a reading light, guided meditations or sunrise wake-up to gently prompt you awake.
See below for the best smart alarm clocks of 2021, according to our Lab experts' rigorous testing and based on vetted user reviews and ratings. You'll be pleased to find some that work in-app, set alarms remotely and even feature battery backup after a blackout.
Pros
- Compatible with other smart devices
- Hands-free operation
- Can also be operated from your phone via the Alexa app
Cons
- No screen display
A speaker, assistant and alarm clock in one, the Echo Dot is a great choice for helping you with everyday tasks while taking up minimal space. You can ask Alexa to wake you up to music, set recurring reminders or have her tell you the weather and daily news. Note that while this model can display the time and weather, it doesn't have an actual screen display. If that's a dealbreaker for you, you can try the Echo Show 5.
Pros
- USB output lets you charge one mobile device
- Large, easy-to-read display
With the multiple features this smart alarm clock packs, you're sure to get the most bang for your buck. When you first plug it in, the clock automatically sets itself to the correct time and date, and same goes after any power interruption. A USB port lets you charge your phone, and the large cyan display is easy to read from afar. You can program your alarms to go off daily, every weekday or just weekends.
Pros
- Doubles as a bluetooth speaker
- Can also be used as a white noise machine
Cons
- Reviewers say setup is a little challenging
Since it's also a bluetooth speaker, you can stream music wirelessly, with an aux cord, SD card or via the included antenna for FM radio. It features multiple light options that coordinate with the beats of the music you're playing, perfect for setting a lively ambience for a get together. And if you have trouble falling asleep, the alarm clock speaker can also be used as a white noise machine, featuring white noise, rain, seashore or light music.
Pros
- Includes backup battery
- Comes with app that lets you set alarms remotely
- Added wellness content
Cons
- Setup can be tricky and WiFi required
- Speaker quality is not on par with competing models
The unique two-phase alarm feature first prompts you gently from your sleep, then a second louder sound gets you out of bed. You can customize your alarm tone and volume and adjust the brightness level of the screen display as you please. What makes this clock stand out from most is its wellness content, featuring guided meditation, sound baths and breath work. You can even use the device as a night light (thanks to its warm glow) or a white noise machine.
Pros
- Glows softly to wake you naturally
- Also works as a reading lamp
Not only were our Lab experts impressed with this alarm clock, but it also has a cult-following with over 10,000 reviews on Amazon. Instead of waking you up with a loud buzzer sound, this sunrise clock uses a special simulated sunrise setting with the choice of various nature sounds to gently wake you up. You can even use the alarm clock as a reading lamp, radio or even a morning mood booster, thanks to its warm glow and adjustable brightness settings.
RELATED: The 12 Best Light Therapy Lamps to Naturally Boost Your Mood
Pros
- Feature-rich
- Can be paired with phone app for remote control
- Sleek design
Cons
- Glitchy in testing
- Subscription requires to access meditation library
Our Lab experts love that this pick is rich with features, like a sunrise simulation, wellness content and colored lights. It features a more aesthetic and inviting design, with a semi-circle shape and large light display. You can set the mood with the library of soothing sounds, meditation and white noise, but note that you need the in-app subscription for access. This clock also requires Wifi and bluetooth to operate.
Pros
- Large display screen, yet portable design
- Nest compatibility
It has its own speaker, but if you have other Nest speakers in the house, you can broadcast messages throughout your home and alert family members to gather or even chat from room to room. You can tell Google Assistant to stream music, pause and play YouTube videos or tell you the latest sports updates. The Sunrise Alarm wakes you up gently with calming sounds.
Pros
- Cordless charging capability
- Lets you set up to 15 alarms
Though our Lab experts haven't tested this specific model yet, we've seen that in general, the brand performs well in terms of charging and ranking high in consumer reviews. You can charge most iOS and Android devices via the built-in wireless charger, and play music at the same time using bluetooth or an aux cable. This model lets you set up to an impressive 15 individual alarms.
Pros
- Compatible with various smart devices
- Large, easy-to-read display
Another solid brand in the tech space, Lenovo has a lot of things going with this smart alarm clock. Its big display screen is angled so you can see the time from across the room. It's integrated with Google Assistant, so you can ask questions, set reminders and allows you to control smart home devices, using just your voice. You can also use the smart alarm clock as a speaker, night light or microphone.
Pros
- Perfect for bedrooms
- Easy setup
- Comes with backup battery
Whether you have poorer vision or simply like having the time in sight throughout the night, a projector alarm clock is a great option for you. This clock projects time and weather in a soft red color onto your wall or ceiling, which you can flip at a 180° angle. You can set two separate alarms with the dual alarm feature and charge your phone via the USB port.
Shanon is a writer and editor who specializes in best-of product roundups and deals. She has over six years of experience, including almost three years as a Good Housekeeping product and reviews editor, covering the best sales and products across home, appliances, health, beauty, parenting and more.
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