Buying guide for Best Bluetooth alarm clocks
Whether you're looking to upgrade your old alarm clock or simply need a reliable alternative to your smartphone's alarm, a Bluetooth alarm clock is an option well worth considering. Fantastic multitaskers, most Bluetooth alarm clocks offer a host of convenient features. While the idea of an integrated alarm clock and Bluetooth speaker is appealing in itself, many Bluetooth alarm clocks also boast USB charging ports, SD card slots, nightlights, FM radio stations, and, of course, Bluetooth audio streaming. Some models even allow you to take calls while your device is connected.
With hundreds of Bluetooth-enabled alarm clocks available, you'll be spoiled for choice. However, finding the perfect model amid a sea of options can be a daunting task. Luckily, we’re here to help! Here at BestReviews, our job is to simplify the buying process.
Key considerations
Bluetooth alarm clock benefits
Using a Bluetooth alarm clock can help you get a better night’s sleep. Sure, setting or checking your smartphone’s alarm is easy enough, but resisting the urge to check your emails and social media accounts while you’re at it can be tough. Aside from eating into valuable sleep time, the blue light emitted by smartphone screens and other devices has been shown to interfere with the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin, making harder to drift off even after you’ve put your phone down for the night.
A Bluetooth alarm clock is more versatile than other alarm clocks. While any functioning alarm clock can save you from falling into the dreaded blue-light trap and rouse you when it’s time to get up, Bluetooth alarm clocks are infinitely more versatile. In addition to buzzers, preset tones, and FM radio stations, Bluetooth alarm clocks also give you the option of waking up to your favorite song or any other audio file stored on your smart device. What’s more, one can be used as a Bluetooth speaker so you can listen to music stored on your device any time you like.
A Bluetooth alarm clock will wake you up even if your smartphone doesn’t. In the event that your smartphone battery dies or fails to pair with your alarm clock for whatever reason, most Bluetooth alarm clocks will pick up the slack by automatically reverting to a default alarm setting, ensuring you never miss your wake-up call.
Bluetooth alarm clocks provide multifunctional convenience. Anyone can appreciate the versatility of a multifunctional gadget, and when it comes to convenient features, Bluetooth alarm clocks don't disappoint. Depending on the model, a Bluetooth alarm clock can charge your smart devices, tune into your favorite FM radio station, act as a nightlight, stream your favorite tracks, allow you to answer voice calls, and, of course, wake you up in the morning.
Speaker quality
If your top priority is finding a dependable alarm clock and Bluetooth connectivity is simply a convenient bonus, speaker quality might not be much of a concern. However, if you're drawn to a Bluetooth alarm clock primarily because of its music-streaming ability, good speakers are a must. Because just about every Bluetooth alarm clock is promoted as having excellent sound quality, relying on manufacturer claims alone might not quite give you the clarity you need. Short of actually testing a particular model yourself, we find that the best way to get an idea of the quality of the sound is by referring to online user reviews.
Volume settings
Multiple volume settings are not only important for getting the most out of your listening leisure but can also be absolutely vital to the alarm function itself. While light sleepers often prefer wo wake up gently, some people require nothing short of an auditory assault to get their attention. Keep in mind that speaker quality also plays a role in just how loud your alarm will be on the highest setting. If you’re a deep sleeper, it might be worth paying a little extra for a model with larger speakers and quality audio even if you only intend to use it as an alarm.
Alarm settings
Most Bluetooth alarms come with a variety of alarm settings. If you and your partner get up at different times, dual alarm settings will leave no room for bleary-eyed human error, ensuring that both you and your significant other get up on time. Some models allow you to set different alarm times for weekdays and weekends – an important feature for anyone who has regular weekend commitments. However, a handful of alarm clocks only offer a single setting, which needs to be adjusted manually according to your schedule. For the greatest convenience and reliability, we recommend choosing a Bluetooth alarm clock with multiple alarm settings.
Dimmable display
A bright, clear LED display is a great plus when it comes to checking the time at a glance. But come nightfall, that same vibrant display can be a hindrance to a good night’s rest. Luckily, Most Bluetooth alarm clock displays can be dimmed to varying degrees. If you’re the type who can’t resist continuously checking the time, or you require complete darkness to get to sleep, consider a model that allows the display to be dimmed completely.
Size
Between reading lamps, books, magazines, and devices, most of us have limited space on our nightstands. Even if you like to keep every surface clear and uncluttered, nightstand real estate is a concern almost anyone can relate to. Before you buy a Bluetooth alarm clock, consider your available space and weigh this against the dimensions of your chosen model. Giving some thought to the shape of a particular model can also be helpful, especially if space is already limited. While some alarm clocks may have a larger footprint, straight lines (square or rectangular) can be easier to work around than spherical or round designs.
Outlet vs. battery
When shopping for a Bluetooth alarm clock, you'll encounter two basic types: those that plug into an outlet and models that run on batteries. Although both get the job done, you might find that one works better for your needs than the other. Let’s take a look.
Outlet: Hands down the most popular option for use as an everyday alarm clock, plug-and-play models are right at home on any nightstand. An outlet-powered Bluetooth alarm clock is ideal if you only intend to use it in one room or simply don't want to ponder the consequences of forgetting to charge a battery-powered model.
Battery: If portability is important to you, then a rechargeable battery-powered model might be a better fit. This is a great option if you enjoy using your alarm clock's Bluetooth speaker around the house or even on the go. Many boast impressive battery life and often come with battery-saving features. However, not all rechargeable alarm clocks are created equal, so don't forget to check exactly how long the battery lasts on a full charge before you hit the road or turn in for the night.
Bluetooth alarm clock features
Most Bluetooth alarm clocks are packed with handy features. While these can differ somewhat from model to model, even the most basic generally offer at least a few of the multifunctional features listed here.
Bluetooth-enabled speakers
Unlike traditional analog or digital radio alarm clocks, Bluetooth alarm clocks can be paired with just about any smart device for audio streaming.
Multiple alarm options
Thanks to Bluetooth connectivity, your alarm options are just about endless. If you can download it to your device, you can use it as your alarm tone. In addition to this, Bluetooth alarm clocks also offer traditional preset alarm options, like beeps, buzzers, and FM radio stations.
Sleep timers
If you enjoy falling asleep to music, a Bluetooth alarm clock with a sleep timer will play your chosen tracks for a set period of time while you drift off to slumberland.
Charging port
Most Bluetooth alarm clocks have at least one USB charging port, allowing you to keep your device fully charged even while playing music. Some models offer two charging ports, ideal for couples or if you need to charge more than one device at a time.
SD card slots
Some models come with SD card slots so you can listen to saved audio files even without your phone.
AUX line-in
An auxiliary cable port can come in handy for playing music from devices without a Bluetooth connection.
LED lights
LED lights are an appealing feature that adults, teens, and kids can all enjoy. An alarm clock that has LED lights with adjustable brightness can be used as a reading lamp or in a child's bedroom as a multifunctional nightlight. Some even have various color options for a touch of fun.
Built-in mic
Models with a speakerphone feature automatically pause your music to allow you to answer incoming calls directly through your Bluetooth alarm clock.
Did you know?
Some Bluetooth alarm clocks come with a surge protector to safeguard both your alarm clock and any connected devices from unpredictable power surges.
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Bluetooth alarm clock prices
On average, you can expect to pay around $15 to $100 for a Bluetooth alarm clock.
Inexpensive
Keep in mind that while many cheaper models that cost between $15 and $25 might still offer appealing features, you’ll very likely be faced with a choice between sound quality and price. Also, at the lowest end of the price spectrum, the possibility of technical failures and decreased durability become more likely – a gamble no one who needs a reliable alarm clock should risk.
Mid-range
While a decent Bluetooth alarm clock by no means has to cost an arm and a leg, for your own peace of mind we strongly recommend considering a mid-range model priced between $25 and $45.
Expensive
If sound quality is of the utmost importance, shelling out a little extra for a top-notch alarm clock in the price bracket of $45 to $100 and more might be worth the cost.
FAQ
Q. Will the Bluetooth speaker work if my smart device is in another room?
A. The distance at which your Bluetooth alarm speaker can pick up your device’s signal depends largely on the connectivity range of the transmitter (your smart device). The average Bluetooth connectivity range on most standard Bluetooth-enabled devices is around 33 feet, although some high-end models can reach significantly farther. However, regardless of range, physical obstructions like walls can interfere with the Bluetooth signal or even cut it entirely. For optimal connectivity, we recommend keeping your device and Bluetooth alarm clock in the same room.
Q. Can I control my Bluetooth alarm clock with my smartphone?
A. While you can choose which tracks you’d like to stream through your device, most Bluetooth alarm clock settings, including time, alarm type, snooze, and display dimming, need to be adjusted using the buttons on the clock.
Q. Will I need to reconnect my Bluetooth device each time I use it?
A. In most cases, following the initial pairing, the Bluetooth feature on your alarm clock will disconnect when your device is out of range and automatically reconnect when it picks up your smartphone's signal. However, a handful of models might need to be manually reconnected when you’d like to use the Bluetooth feature.
