Philips

What to Look For in a Smart Alarm Clock in 2023

Ever since smartphones rocketed into the mainstream, alarm clocks have largely been considered a relic of the past. After all, why spend time worrying about a clunky, bedside gadget when you have a powerful clock in the palm of your hand? That notion is starting to change, however, as a new wave of products is reinventing what it means to be an alarm clock.

Smart alarm clocks offer everything you’d expect from a bedside clock, along with a bevy of smart home features that make them the perfect nighttime companion.

For one, they typically look a bit more modern (and stylish) than their outdated cousins. They also come in a wide variety of form factors and offer dozens of unique features—and with so many options on the market, it can be hard to find the right one for your home.

When shopping for a smart alarm clock, you’ll first want to figure out your budget. These products range from as little as $30 to well over $100.

You’ll also need to determine what you want from a smart alarm clock. Do you want to eliminate your distracting smartphone from the equation, or do you want luxurious features that can simulate the sunrise in your bedroom? Do you want it to double as a wireless charging station? How many customization options do you need? The more features you want, the more you’ll end up paying.

If you need help narrowing down your options, here are the five best smart alarms available today. Regardless of your budget, there’s bound to be something that can improve your nightly routine.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I reset a smart alarm clock?

Because smart alarm clocks come in all shapes and sizes, there’s no universal way to reset them. Some require you to remove batteries or press tiny reset buttons on the back of the device, while others might require a specific combination of buttons to be pressed. Consult your owner’s manual for more details.

How do I connect a smart alarm clock to Wi-Fi?

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Depending on your product, you may need to use a smartphone app to sync your smart alarm clock to Wi-Fi.

What’s the difference between a smart display and a smart alarm clock?

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Smart alarm clocks typically don’t offer built-in cameras or support streaming services such as Netflix. They’re also tailor-made to function as an alarm, whereas alarm features are often an afterthought on smart displays. However, many smart displays work just fine as alarm clocks—in fact, you’ll find one on this list!

Why should I use a smart alarm clock over an alarm on my phone?

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Smart alarm clocks offer features not found on your phone, such as customizable night lights or sleep routines. Smartphones can be distracting when trying to unwind, and they also emit bright lights that disrupt sleeping patterns.

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Pros

  • Numerous brightness settings
  • Built-in FM radio and ambient sounds
  • Striking design with simple controls

Cons

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