A classic product that has become high-tech, the clock radio is inseparable from the bedside table. They come in all shapes and colors. Some even offer additional features such as the weather. Which model to choose and at what price? For a purchase without regret, read our comparative guide of the best clock radios.
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Our selection
"This Sony clock radio is distinguished by its design with mirror effect and the projection of the time on a wall. Very powerful, it can…"
"If this alarm clock with cheap dawn simulator is among the best sellers of the moment, it is thanks to its performance and its many…"
"Thanks to its twilight simulation, this luminous clock radio acclimatizes you to a gentle awakening so that you can start your day calm and rested."
"The Reacher's radio function can store 20 stations. And for heavy sleepers, it repeats the alarm clock up to 7 times! Note the clear and…"
"It is a clock radio that projects the time on the ceiling. Its great advantage? It displays the temperature/humidity in the room. Hold down the…"
This Sony clock radio is distinguished by its design with mirror effect and the projection of the time on a wall. Very powerful, it can follow you everywhere by its compactness and its autonomy.
63,99 £ on ButThe design of the Sony Dual Alarm Clock will not leave you indifferent. Indeed, this small clock radio with a futuristic design has an LED screen with adjustable brightness that offers a clear digital display of the time. It can also project the time on the wall or ceiling according to your preferences. With this radio alarm clock, you will wake up in a good mood because the device will wake up gently to the sound of the radio or nature.
In addition to the classic functions of an alarm clock, it also has a USB connection that allows it to charge your smartphone and its digital tuner can store up to ten frequencies including 5 FM and 5 AM to find your favorite radio stations and access them quickly. Ultra practical, this little technological jewel honors its mission in all circumstances, even in the event of a power cut thanks to its backup battery. Finally, for added convenience, the alarm clock switches to daylight saving time fully automatically. In short, you will love this device.
If this alarm clock with cheap dawn simulator is among the best sellers of the moment, it is thanks to its performance and its many customization options.
23,99 £ on BoulangerThis inexpensive dawn simulator alarm clock promises the sweetest wake-up call ever. 15 to 60 minutes before it's time to get out of bed, the device starts to play a gradually increasing intensity of light to simulate dawn until it's 100% bright. This will acclimate your brain and body to waking up, especially since you can choose from 7 nature sounds to wake up in a good mood.
The opposite phenomenon occurs at night and extends up to 90 minutes to facilitate bedtime. In addition, the device incorporates a mood lamp function and can also be used as a reading lamp or bedside lamp. Finally, you can charge your smartphone through its USB port.
Thanks to its twilight simulation, this luminous clock radio acclimatizes you to a gentle awakening so that you can start your day calm and rested.
119 £ on DartyAs a major player in the world of lighting, Philips is sharing its centuries of experience with us by offering this luminous alarm clock with dawn simulator. The effectiveness of this device has already been clinically proven. Indeed, it seeks to reproduce natural conditions combining sound and light for a gentle awakening.
It is in this sense that this luminous alarm clock simulates the progressive luminosity of the dawn until the well-lit morning. Conversely, at bedtime, the device simulates the sunset to accelerate the production of melatonin and make you fall into the arms of Morpheus quickly. And this is without mentioning other features such as the USB port, the alarm clock function, the reading lamp and night light option, the snooze function, etc.
The Reacher's radio function can store 20 stations. And for heavy sleepers, it repeats the alarm clock up to 7 times! Note the clear and practical 24-hour display.
27,19 £ on AmazonThe Reacher is an ultra compact alarm clock. Equipped with a radio with timer function, it is easy to set. We even wonder what the instructions are for! We appreciate the 24-hour display which is very clear and practical. This model also indicates the room temperature.
The device wakes you up with an alarm, a sound of nature or the sound of the radio set on a given station. For heavy sleepers, the manufacturer has designed this model to repeat the alarm clock up to 7 times! Besides all this, two USB ports are offered to recharge your phone, tablet, ipod, etc.. The device also has an integrated temperature sensor to measure the indoor temperature
It is a clock radio that projects the time on the ceiling. Its great advantage? It displays the temperature/humidity in the room. Hold down the bottom icon for 3 seconds to toggle between Celsius and Fahrenheit.
25,56 £ on AmazonIt is a clock radio with a function that allows it to project the time and direct it on any surface of your choice. This model also has a nice design that will enhance your interior decoration and a very small size. Besides that, the device offers a double alarm function to set two different alarm times, 4 levels of brightness.
It can also determine the level of humidity and temperature in the room. In case of power failure, there is a small round battery (CR) supplied with the device to maintain the memory of the time and avoid you to set it every time. Finally, it incorporates a USB connection that allows you to recharge small devices such as a tablet or a smartphone.
Any specific needs?
The best entry-level clock radio
A very interesting clock radio
For fast charging of small devices
Your guide :
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| TOP OF THE TOP | NOT EXPENSIVE | TOP OF THE RANGE | EXCELLENT | Very good | |
In accordance with our commitment, this buying guide does not contain any sponsored products. |
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| OUR SELECTION |
Sony ICF-C1PJ radio alarm clock
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RV-100 Essential Clock Radio
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Dawn simulator PHILIPS HF3531/01
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Reacher clock radio
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Aikove Clock Radio
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This Sony clock radio is distinguished by its design with mirror effect and the projection of the time on a wall. Very powerful, it can follow you everywhere by its compactness and its autonomy.
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If this alarm clock with cheap dawn simulator is among the best sellers of the moment, it is thanks to its performance and its many customization options.
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Thanks to its twilight simulation, this luminous clock radio acclimatizes you to a gentle awakening so that you can start your day calm and rested.
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The Reacher's radio function can store 20 stations. And for heavy sleepers, it repeats the alarm clock up to 7 times! Note the clear and practical 24-hour display.
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It is a clock radio that projects the time on the ceiling. Its great advantage? It displays the temperature/humidity in the room. Hold down the bottom icon for 3 seconds to toggle between Celsius and Fahrenheit.
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Alarm sounds
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Radio or nature sounds, buzzer
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7 nature sounds and a white noise
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7 natural sounds : (bird song, birds in the forest...)
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6 alarm sounds: buzzer, bell, 3 natural sounds, radio
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Dual alarm clock with FM radio
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Light function
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Illuminated projection on roof or wall
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5 different programs for setting the wake-up light
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Dawn and / or dusk simulator with 20 levels of light intensity
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Adjustable brightness 0 to 100%
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4 levels of manual/automatic glare-free screen brightness, suitable for the elderly and people with limited mobility
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Power supply
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Battery and power supply
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Sector
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Sector
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Battery and mains
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Sector (USB) and battery
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With dual alarm function
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[V
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With USB connection to charge smartphone, tablet, etc.
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First and foremost, the main purpose of a clock radio is to tell the time and wake you up. It is therefore important to choose a model that is easy to use. It would be inconceivable to want to change certain settings, such as the time you want to wake up, and you don't know how. You have to keep in mind that simplicity does not always mean less quality. And even if the model offers several features, it is advisable to check beforehand that their use is intuitive and simple.
Contrary to what we thought, there are many models that are at the top in terms of functions and design, but are much less so in terms of sound. Since it's the sound of the alarm that's supposed to wake us up, it's better that it's a better quality sound. Make sure the model is first and foremost an excellent alarm clock.
It's always better to have two power systems. Yes, you can always choose a clock radio powered only by an electrical outlet. Only, no one is safe from a power outage and there will be no other alternative if it happens. To avoid this inconvenience, models that offer two types of power supply are recommended; this can be via an electrical outlet or batteries. Thus, when a power failure occurs, the batteries take over. As far as consumption is concerned, even though these devices generally claim low energy consumption, you should not forget to check whether this is really the case, otherwise you may be faced with a big surprise when you receive the bill. Note that a clock radio has to work all the time and if it consumes a lot of electricity, it's better to pass.
Some
functions are presented as accessories that you can use or not, while others can be indispensable. This is the case of the ringing delay, the automatic tuner sleep mode, the automatic time update, etc. The USB function is a must, if only to allow you to wake up to your favorite music. And of course, if you like innovative features, you can opt for models that offer a dawn simulator and natural sounds; an effective system for a gentle and progressive awakening.
How do you take care of your clock radio so that it will serve you for many years? Like any electronic device, it requires the intervention of a professional in case of failure, but there are still a few things that users should do.
The only maintenance that requires the intervention of users is a regular change of batteries in case this is one of the power modes of your clock radio. As you know, batteries degrade easily and if left in the device for too long, they can damage the system. If your clock radio is running on AC power, make sure that it has a steady supply of power without any sudden drops or spikes in voltage, as this can fry the internal system.
Although it's obvious, remember that dust is the number one enemy of electronic equipment. When cleaning your home, brush the corners of your clock radio, taking care to remove as much dirt as possible.
With the plethora of clock radios on offer, it's easy to get lost in determining the reliability of the models. Discover the different types of clock radios to know their respective features and make a more informed choice.
It is undoubtedly the first model of clock radio and works thanks to quartz crystals integrated in the mechanism that follow the time as it advances. Analog clock radios are equipped with a screen where the time is displayed in a traditional or digital way. In other words, you either have the dial with numbers and hands or you have a digital time display.
The main advantage of the analog quartz alarm clock is its excellent reliability. This is the reason for its growing success. However, it is deplored that some models, especially the old ones, work only with batteries and require a new setting in case they fail.
Unlike
the analog quartz clock radio, the model with a digital clock works with power sources or batteries. No need to change the batteries regularly! In addition, this type of clock radio is equipped with a luminous screen for a better reading of the time. Generally, this screen is of LCD or LED type, and of course, the display is always digital.
In simple terms, the reputation of the clock radio with digital clock lies in the ease of handling and ease of reading the time. However, in the event of a power failure, the device requires a new setting to resume its course. Fortunately, today's technological advances have allowed manufacturers to introduce battery backups to keep the clock radio running even in the event of a power outage.
Behind
this intimidating name, the atomic clock radio is the new darling of manufacturers. If the first type of clock uses quartz to operate, the atomic clock model relies on cesium, hydrogen or rubidium. The clock radio with cesium remains the most common given its cost.
If the brands bet a lot on this type of clock radio, it is thanks to the accuracy of the time offered. Indeed, it relies on a more advanced frequency system to determine the time. In addition, the clock radio with atomic clock usually incorporates a battery that allows it to keep in memory the settings and resume normal operation after a power failure. Thus, it is not necessary to make a new setting after a power failure.
The clock radio and the clock watch share the same main purpose: to wake you up with a sound that will wake you up from your sleep! But they do it in different ways, so which one is better?
Whether it's a rooster call or a classic alarm, this is the type of sound that will get you out of bed with an alarm clock. Generally speaking, both the sound and the volume are pre-set and you have to set the alarm time manually every day before going to bed.
An alarm watch usually takes the form of a traditional clock which, in addition to the 3 hands indicating the hour, minute and second, has a fourth hand that will indicate the time at which the alarm mechanism will start.
Reliability and efficiency are the main advantages of the alarm watch. Indeed, it starts on a sudden and loud sound to announce the time to leave the bed. However, this surprise effect does not please everyone, especially those who like to emerge gently. On the other hand, the alarm clock has one major drawback: it does not distinguish between day and night. If you set the hand at 6 o'clock, the alarm clock will start ringing at 6 o'clock in the morning and at 6 o'clock in the evening.
The clock radio is a more elaborate alternative to the alarm clock. Although it is based on the same principle as the alarm clock by emitting a sound, it uses a progressive system to condition the body to wake up. And with some models, this sound is accompanied by a progressive lighting to imitate the dawn until obtaining a brightness at 100%.
Unlike the alarm clock, the clock radio offers other types of sound, such as birdsong, the sound of the waves, the trickling of the river, the wind blowing on the trees, etc. You can also opt for background music, musical instrument sounds or even a radio broadcast by tuning the clock radio to your favorite station.
Of course, a good clock radio has other features, such as a bedside lamp or mood lamp, USB inputs for charging phones, intuitive operation so that the alarm clock only goes off once a day. However, if the clock radio is not equipped with a memory system that allows it to resume its normal course after a power failure, you will have to start the settings from the beginning.
Nothing beats the reliability and efficiency of a traditional alarm clock that wakes you up at the right time with a sound you're sure to hear. However, a gentle wake-up call is the key to a good start to the day. The clock radio allows you to wake up gently until you are fully awake.
Why choose a clock radio instead of a classic alarm and a small radio? Practical, functional and pleasant to look at, the clock radio satisfies your expectations and even accompanies your day and your bedtime.
A clock radio, as its name suggests, is intended to wake up. That is its main mission. However, unlike a conventional alarm clock, it does not only make the sound of an alarm. It offers other sounds to wake you up gently. In this concept, manufacturers compete with ideas to offer innovative and original models.
If you want to wake up to the sounds of nature, some clock radios offer bird songs, the sound of waves crashing on the shore... For even more originality, other models offer a light alarm clock. This is the case of the devices that have a dawn simulator, as mentioned above. Their concept is to diffuse a progressive light that imitates that of daybreak.
And if you simply prefer to wake up to your favorite radio station, those with digital FM tuner with presets are for you. For those of you who are deep sleepers... you need an alarm that gets you out of bed right away.
Apart from the alarm clock, you can enjoy features that make your life easier. Some models play your favourite music and automatically turn off at the time you set. Other models can also serve as a charging station for your mobile devices, especially those with a USB port. Even more, there are projector clock radios that offer wall or ceiling projection.
These devices give the time, which is usually displayed on the screen or projected. Most clock radio display screens are backlit or dimmable, giving you the option of choosing the brightness that suits you. You can also choose the display colour for some models, including red, green and blue.
For projection, the display is deported on the wall or ceiling, which allows you to read the time anywhere from your bed. In any case, before buying any model, don't forget to check that there is an automatic change for summer and winter time.
The clock radio offers many advantages, if only to decorate your bedside table, to serve as a nightlight for your child, to teach him the time or to avoid being late for work.
In our opinion, the best brands of clock radios in 2022 are :
This brand has been making its name in the world of clock radios for a few years now. Offering a range of inexpensive, yet functional and efficient clock radios, PICTEK is one of the most reliable brands of the moment.
Although GRDE is one of the new brands offering high-tech equipment, the brand is exploding in clock radio sales. The brand is appreciated for its ability to offer high-end products at prices accessible to the general public.
Founded in 2013, MPOW aims to become a brand that combines technology and art. It specializes in sound-emitting equipment such as clock radios, headphones and earphones. It's no wonder the brand is a hit with its clock radios, which incorporate the latest technological advances while remaining in a reasonable price range.
Sony's reputation in the world of technology is no longer to be proven. In fact, Sony clock radios seduce with the right balance of design, performance, reliability and robustness.
It's a name that inspires respect in the world of audio-visual, home appliances and electronic equipment. Professionalism, experience, know-how, these points are easily read through the Philips clock radios models.
The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).
However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.
We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.
Find the right place for your clock radio
Your clock radio should never be placed on top of another electrical appliance. It should also be kept away from direct sunlight, open flames and other sources of heat. Also, make sure the power cord is easily accessible so that you can unplug the clock radio quickly in case of a problem.
Unplug your clock radio during a storm
For the safety of both the unit and yourself, it is important to disconnect the clock radio from the power supply during lightning storms. If your clock radio is damaged in any way, whether it is a problem with the power cable or liquid has been spilled on the unit, it should be taken to a certified technician immediately. This will ensure that you get a reliable and efficient repair.
Entrust all your repairs to a certified technician
When you want to unplug your clock radio, never pull on the power cord. Doing so could cause the cable to deteriorate and become unusable. Instead, pull on the plug of the socket, taking care to hold the plug with your other free hand.
Handle the power cord with care
It is essential to check that the power supply voltage corresponds to the voltage indicated on the back or bottom of your clock radio. If not, your device may be seriously damaged. If it is a battery-operated model, replace the batteries if they are dead.
Make sure that the supply voltage is suitable
The various options of the clock radio vary according to the preferences of each user. If you just need a good alarm clock for the morning, a basic model will do just fine. Otherwise, you'll find devices with features such as USB port, volume control or brightness, settings that will allow you to optimize your alarm clocks every morning.
An elderly person needs a clock radio with good brightness and an easily readable display screen. If you can't find a model specifically designed for an elderly person, find one that can be easily adjusted to conform to their needs. Refer to consumer comparisons and reviews to find the ideal clock radio.
The delay of a few minutes observed on a clock radio may be due to a malfunction of the device, a phenomenon that is very rarely found on a mid-range and high-end model. However, some quality devices also present these delays which can be explained by a too low level of electricity coming from the supplier or simply by too worn batteries.
The setting of the clock radio varies according to the brand. Rely on the manual and the instructions of the latter to set up your device and make it work the way you want. Moreover, there is nothing very nasty or complicated about this type of device. Even if there are no specific instructions, you should be able to use it quickly and without too much difficulty.
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