Many smart alarm clocks can do so much more than tell you the time and wake you up in the morning. Now, home hubs like Google Nest and the Amazon Echo line of devices not only serve as your daily alarm clock and timekeeper, but can also help you plan out your day, and control other smart devices throughout your home. These devices are redefining the term “alarm clock.”
But smart alarm clocks aren’t just about advanced tech features. These devices also help you fall asleep and wake up more naturally. Many implement smart lighting and sounds to create an environment prime for sleep, and use that same smart lighting to naturally work with your circadian rhythm to wake you up naturally. These smart alarm clocks help promote the quality of your sleep, which is equally as important as the amount of sleep you get.
Alarm clocks have come a long way since the days of the red numbered, AM/FM radio, screeching buzzers we grew up with. And looking at your phone right before bed and in the morning isn’t great for your sleep cycles. It’s time to get better sleep and wake up more naturally.
Here are our recommendations for the best smart alarm clocks for sale in 2021.
1. Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen)
BEST OVERALL
With a big display and better speakers than the previous generation, the Google Nest Hub is a smart alarm clock powerhouse. When it’s not waking you up in the morning, you can use it as a digital photo frame for all of the pictures you have stored in Google Photos, or you can stream videos on the big and bright display. It also has sleep tracking sensors that track how well you sleep at night without you having to wear any uncomfortable sensors. Sure, it’s a smart alarm clock, but really, it’s so much more.
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2. Echo Show 5
RUNNER UP
The Echo Show 5 is so much more than a bedside smart alarm clock. You can make video calls right from the Show 5 thanks to a built-in camera and microphone. But when you want your privacy, you can cover the camera (and disable it) and shut the microphone off. Because it has a screen for a display, you can stream content before bed and even get a live feed from Amazon-enabled cameras. Of course, you also have access to Alexa to help you control other Alexa smart devices throughout your home.
3. Lenovo Smart Clock
DOUBLES AS BABY MONITOR
The Lenovo Smart Clock has plenty of features to help you sleep and wake up peacefully as well as manage your smart devices. The smart alarm clock display will automatically dim as the night goes on and start to get brighter (about 30 minutes) before your alarm goes off. A USB port allows you to charge your phone or smartwatch while you sleep. Integration with Google Assistant and Nest provides voice control to connected smart devices as well as a live video feed to Nest cameras making it a great bedside baby monitor as well.
4. Hatch Restore – Sound Machine Smart Light
BETTER SLEEP
The Hatch Restore smart alarm clock helps you create a personalized environment to help you go to sleep and wake up more naturally. You can use the app to create mood lighting as well as have the smart alarm clock play soothing sounds to get you ready to sleep. You can do the same to help you naturally wake up. If you don’t have your phone handy, there are easily accessible touch controls on the top of the alarm clock to adjust the brightness, volume and other alarm clock settings.
5. Amazon Echo Dot with Clock
ON SALE NOW
The latest generation of the Echo Dot with Clock now sports a spherical look that looks better on a nightstand. When you set an alarm, a little dot appears on the display letting you know that you have an alarm set. Aside from its new look and alarm reminder, it’s basically the same as older generations of the Echo Dot, but that’s not a bad thing. You can ditch your phone and take calls straight from the Echo Dot as well as control others Alexa-connected devices.
6. Anker Wakey Alarm Clock
BLUETOOTH SPEAKER
The Anker smart alarm clock looks more like a portable speaker — it can definitely play music — but unlike a portable speaker, it needs to remain plugged in. Beyond the ability to play music, setting your Qi-compatible phone on top of the alarm clock will wirelessly charge your phone. When your phone is all charged up, you can use Anker’s companion app to set and adjust your alarms.
7. Philips SmartSleep Wake-Up Light Therapy Alarm
NATURAL SLEEP LIGHTING
If you are more concerned about falling asleep and waking up more naturally, consider the Philips SmartSleep. This sunrise alarm clock will start to dim as the sun is setting and naturally get brighter as the sun rises, which works better with your circadian rhythm than being jolted awake by a buzzer. But if you need a few extra z’s it has a tap to snooze feature that lets you snag a little more sleep before you start your day.
8. Mesqool Projection Alarm
PROJECTS TIME ONTO WALL
Nobody likes to roll over and reach for their phone or alarm clock to see what time it is in the morning. The Projection Alarm clock displays the time on the ceiling above you or the wall in front of you (wherever is most convenient for you) so you don’t have to roll around in bed. The alarm volume is adjustable for light and heavy sleepers. And while you sleep, a USB port on the back of the camera will charge your phone during the night.
9. American Lifetime Day Clock
BEST FOR SENIORS
This alarm clock is for those aging loved ones in your life that need a little more assistance. The huge display is bright and clear, and not only displays the time, but also the day, month and year. It comes in five different color options and has five alarm options to choose from. Not only is this great for seniors, but also can be useful in the office as well.