6 Best Smart Alarm Clock For Early Morning Wake Ups
A smart alarm clock can be defined as an alarm clock that contains any 'smart' feature', by which it can be controlled remotely, ie. without physically pressing buttons and can be connected to the internet.
The advantages are manifold. First, you can connect it to other devices in your smart home, thereby allowing you to control them via your clock! Second, you can make it so that two or more things happen simultaneously. For example, when your alarm goes off in the morning, your coffee maker and thermostat instantly kick into gear so that, by the time you've got downstairs, you have a warm house and fresh cup of coffee at the ready.
Another feature of smart alarm clocks is that they can be connected in to a smart assistant, such as Google assistant or Amazon Alexa, thus allowing you to talk to your smart alarm clock, asking it information and getting it to do various tasks for you. Your smart alarm clock is therefore as useful as an Amazon Echo or Google Next, but has the added benefit of looking and behaving like a regular, old-school, bedside alarm clock, rather than a more functional speaker hub.
Other great features include a wake up light alarm which actively mimics the sunrise, meaning that it gradually gets more intense over a period of time, waking you up gradually rather than jolting you awake with a shock. Vibrating alarm functions are another option; ideal for the hard of hearing or for those who don't want their partner to be woken up, along with them.
There is great flexibility in what a smart alarm clock can do for you, though, so you can still opt for the short, sharp traditional auditory wake-up call. You can also opt for stylish designs like the 'dot with clock' design or smart display that allows you to have a display panel which constantly alters, displaying different works of art.
The reviews below will present you with a range of features and options which comes with smart alarm clocks, these days; everything from a built in camera to usb charging, wireless charging, radio pre-sets, smart device compatibility, digital clock optionality, and a plethora of different sounding alarms. Once you have read through these reviews, you will undoubtedly have a much clearer idea of what will suit you.
The Best Smart Alarm Clock
1. Echo Dot 2nd Generation Smart Speaker with Alexa
HIGHLIGHTS:
A voice-controlled speaker
Uses Alexa – music, devices, alarms etc.
Access to platforms and stations (Amazon Music, Apple Music etc.)
Hands-free calls
Controls connected devices (lights, thermostats etc.)
Connect to speakers via audio cable or Bluetooth
50,000+ skills, including Jeopardy!, Lyft, Audible
Continually adding new features
Hears you across a noisy room – 7 far-field microphones
1.
Echo Dot 2nd Generation Smart Speaker with Alexa – Best Choice
This Echo Dot 2nd Generation Smart Speaker presents you with a wonderfully relaxing way to get up in the morning, with its alarm function that uses hands-free voice control to access a huge range of musical styles and artists from which to choose. If you can’t be bothered to do any thinking first thing in the morning, then Alexa can choose for you! It is also possible to use Pandora, SiriusXM, iHeartRadio, Tunelin, or Apple Music. You can also avoid fumbling around in the dark by using the Echo Dot to turn on the light for you. It is also compatible with a whole range of other smart home devices, including switches, thermostats, fans, lights, from manufacturers such as ecobee, Lutron, Wink, Honeywell, Insteon, Nest, Sony, WeMo, SmartThings,TP-Link and Philips Hue.
There is also an integrated speaker; you can connect through Bluetooth or an audio cable to magnify the sound quite significantly. Alexa can hear you from the other side of the room, with 7 far-field microphones which can pick out your voice even amidst a range of other noises or while music is going on. As well as more than 50,000 skills, there are classics like Jeopardy! peer sharing with Lyft, Audible, Dominos and so much more. There are constant upgrades and developments, because this is not a closed device but one that is constantly being molded in terms of internet innovation.
Learn more about Echo Dot 2nd Generation Smart Speaker with Alexa
2. Magnasonic Projection Alarm Clock
HIGHLIGHTS:
Large, crystal clear 3.6″ blue LCD display – dimmable
180-degree swivel projection – walls and ceiling
Automatically adjusts to Daylight Savings Time
Pre-programmable daily dual alarm option
Compatible with iPhone, iPad, Android, or MP3
In-built AM/FM radio with digital tuning
Advanced SelfSet technology – correct time/date
Restores settings after power loss (built-in Lithium battery)
This wonderfully chic and sharp looking Magnasonic Projection Alarm Clock has plenty of advanced features in its lockers, such as the automatic connection to the exact date and time, the ability to project its display its screen on to a wall or ceiling, and the fact that, in the event of a power outage, all your alarm settings are automatically saved. It includes a generously sized LCD that is dimmable, a temperature gauge and capacity to have two alarms, as soon as being completely compatible with your MP3 player, tablet, and smartphone, so that you can have everything organized just the way you like it, from the comfort of your own bed.
The capacious 3.6” blue display permits you not only to see the temperature, date and time at a glance, but allows you to set it from low to high, so as not to be to bright when going to sleep; it even has an auto dimmer function that will turn the screen to black, if you wish. In terms projection, you can twist the panel around 180 degrees, projecting it on the wall or ceiling, as you wish. The dual alarm functionality allows you to set it for two different sleepers, who might have different schedules; of course the alarms can be disabled, eg. when on vacation or at the weekend.
You can connect your smart alarm clock to your Android device, iPad, or iPhone via the 3.5mm AUX audio input; alternatively, you can take advantage of the in-built digital FM/AM radio that has a 20 station preset memory. Meanwhile, it alters to Daylight Savings Times intuitively, and has a durable battery backup supply (Lithium) which ensures that all your settings will be restored in the event of a power outage.
Learn more about Magnasonic Projection Alarm Clock
3. Philips SmartSleep Wake-Up Light Colored Sunrise and Sunset Simulation
HIGHLIGHTS:
Clinically proven
5 different natural wake-up sounds
Sunset and sunrise lighting feature
SMART feature
Dimmable display
Energetic wake-up
Improved morning mood
Bedside lamp – 10 brightness settings.
90 Day No Hassle Money Back Guarantee
3.
Philips SmartSleep Wake-Up Light Colored Sunrise and Sunset Simulation – Premium Pick
This excellent model enables you to make your waking-up experience as bespoke and pleasant as possible. It does this through an innovative simulation of an actual sunset and sunrise. The point of this is to wake you up in a less abrasive, shocking way than a traditional alarm-clock, utilizing the benefits of both sound and light. In fact, you can use it to get you to sleep as well as to wake up. It boasts access to FM radio, 5 natural wake-up sounds, an auto dimmable display, and a tap snooze function.
This innovative technology has been furthered using Philips’ 30 plus years of experience in this field, having conducted numerous tests of a clinical nature in Sleep & Respironics and secured the recommendation of pharmacists and physicians. So confident is Philips that they will even give you all your money back, no questions asked, if you are not completely satisfied within ninety days. This Philips SmartSleep Wake-Up Light can also be used as a regular bedside lamp; however, it is an impressive ten brightness settings, as opposed to the one you would get with a normal bedside lamp!
Learn more about Philips SmartSleep Wake-Up Light
4. Homtime Multi-Function Alarm Clock
HIGHLIGHTS:
4 levels of LCD dimming
3.2 inch LCD large font display
4 brightness levels; easily adjusted
Safe & Fast charging
Dual front panel USB charging
3.1A total power(1 x 2.1A ,1 x 1.0A).
Built-in surge protection
Snooze option and gradual wake alarm
Indoor thermostat – displayed f.y.i.
4.
Homtime Multi-Function Alarm Clock – Best Value
Of the many benefits of this multi-function alarm clock, its large screen LCD screen is not the least; together with VN technology, you gain sharper, clearer viewing and clarity, whether it is night or day. There is a 25°Tilt design and its font display is big; just what you need for those bleary-eyed early mornings. It incorporates an indoor thermostat and the Homtime C1 alarm actually shows the room temperature, for your information; useful to know what you’re facing, each and every time you wake up.
A common complaint from early risers is the glare and brightness of electric lights; therefore, this Homtime Multi-Function Alarm Clock includes four levels of brightness, allowing you to adjust it to your particular needs, both before you want to go to sleep and first thing next morning. Its dual-port USB charger allows you charge your mobile phone, too, thus giving you one less thing to worry about when you’re struggling to get energized for the day to come. It has an overall power output of 3.1A(1 x 2.1A ,1 x 1.0A), and also boasts a built-in surge protection capacity so as to prevent overcharging, overheating, surges and a consistent output of power for your device.
In order to set both the clock’s time and the alarm, you simply adjust the rotary dial, so no more pressing a button and hanging on for what feels like a very long time. This device takes just a few seconds and you’re done. The snooze function allows you precious extra minutes of sleep, while the volume control gently goes from an inoffensive lower volume all the way to a stronger volume, until you’re up and ready. It retains power effectively, saving settings during power-cuts and uses 3AAA back-up batteries in order not to be dependent on your house’s electricity supply.
Learn more about Homtime Multi-Function Alarm Clock
5. BEDDI Alarm Clock
HIGHLIGHTS:
User-friendly app-controlled alarm clock
Auto time sync
White noise generator
Sunrise simulating wake-up light
2 USB charging point (2.1A + 1A)
Two high quality Bluetooth speakers
Spotify integration
Three customizable buttons – compatible with other SMART devices
BEDDI presents you with a fantastic alarm clock that has a soothing white noise function (when your tablet and phone are charging), which will help you drift off to sleep, leaving you refreshed the next morning, when the device will wake you up with a wake-up light that mimics an early morning sunrise, while the noise can be your favorite classical music or whatever. BEDDI is able to communicate with other smart devices you may have, allowing you potentially to brew some coffee, turn on downstairs light etc. It has 4 pre-set alarm sounds, if you’d like, and the volume can easily be tweaked, as well as the duration of your snooze.
BEDDI boasts two premium speakers which can make the sound experience more atmospheric and energizing. It connects perfectly with Spotify, thus allowing you to set up a personalised playlist so you don’t get bored. Google Music and Apple Music are all instantly able to be accessed. One click is all it takes to adjust your Philips Hue light, alter your room temperature with Nest or kickstart your Homekit Scene. It incorporates a 1A port and 2.1A port, allowing you to charge up your wearable, smartphone, tablet, or any other compatible device.
Learn more about BEDDI Alarm Clock
6. Emerson CKS1800 SmartSet Alarm Clock
HIGHLIGHTS:
Digital Tuning AM/FM Radio
Easy to Program
Easy-to-Read, green LED Clock Display
Patented SmartSet Automatic Time Setting
Automatically aligns itself with the correct settings
Displays month/date – touch of a button
Button cell battery (included)
AM/FM Radio
Emerson’s CKS1800 alarm clock is award-winning and patented SmartSet technology. It makes that clunky, digital display panel redundant, because it automatically attunes itself to the relevant time, day, date, month and year. Its generously sized, attractive 0.9″ green LED display is easy to read, especially first thing in the morning, while its dimmer control means you won’t be blinded by its glare. The all-important alarm can be set so that it only comes on on weekdays, weekends, or whatever; it is able to wake you up with its distinctive buzzer, or with your favorite FM or AM radio station (2o memorized settings, for your convenience). It automatically adjusts itself to daylight savings and leap years, and restores itself to the precise time, date etc. after a power outage
Learn more about Emerson CKS1800 SmartSet Alarm Clock
Features to Consider With Smart Alarm Clocks
Alarm Type
Alarm clocks are nothing new, but a smart clock or rather smart alarm clock is not just able to sit there on your bedside table but to be able to connect with a range of smartphone apps, so that your whole house can become more connected. Imagine just saying the word 'Coffee' into your speaker and, hey presto, coffee starts to be made in the kitchen. Or imagine no longer having to fiddle around setting alarms but just saying 'Wake me up at 5:30', or even setting different alarm times on different days, in advance, simply by speaking them in.
The ability of your smart alarm clock to connect to WiFi is a distinct advantage; it can even turn your humble clock into a kind of home hub, in which you can control your home's thermostat, activating a range of functions throughout your whole home (the bits which are 'smart', anyway), simply through your voice! There is also the gradually brightening morning mode, which is so much more natural and less abrasive than simply being jolted awake in an unpleasant, nerve-jangling way.
Design
Your furniture is carefully chosen, not just on the basis of functionality but also of personality and aesthetic appeal. No less is this true with regard to your smart alarm clock. There is a wide of colors and designs available; everything from a more distinguished, old-fashioned affair to a sleek, futuristic-looking item. Some actually incorporate a tablet-like screen, in which can be displayed works of art or beautiful images. In this way, it becomes so much more than a traditional alarm clock.
Display
In terms of a smart alarm clock, most will have some sort of LED or LCD screen designed into it, which will offer you the possibility of having either a more old-fashioned clock face or an analog quartz design. If you prefer a modern digital look then just be careful to ensure that the brightness level can be adjusted so that your eyes do not unduly suffer. Alternatively, some models come with an automatic setting that responds to the conditions of your room at any point in time. Then there are those that actually project themselves onto an adjacent wall or onto the ceiling so that you're not screwing up your eyes in order to look at a small surface, first thing in the morning.
Features
A smart clock is called a smart clock for a reason. It boasts many useful and innovative features, such as its ability to connect you to google assistant, other smart home devices, Bluetooth speaker, voice commands, USB port, access to third party devices, nature sounds, variety of digital display, and numerous other features which are built into it at birth.
You will quite possibly want to have rigs that will inform you of the latest traffic, weather, e-mail, social media, etc., and an organic, gradually brightening sunrise light and audio function will definitely help your mornings to begin less abruptly. The incorporation of smart TV sticks, smark lighting, and smart speakers certainly makes your smart clock that much more useful and innovative. A Bluetooth speaker even means that your smart clock can 'speak' to your other sound systems, even those in your car, so you won't miss out on the time it takes you to get from the shower to the driver's seat of your car.
Power
The USB port function is very useful in terms of being a halfway house between old-fashioned batteries and state of the art wireless charging. That handy port on the back of your smart clock could help you to take it on your travels and ensure that you are not having to struggle with dying batteries or fiddle around trying to get the right adapter if you're going abroad. USB ports are universal, unlike specific countries' particular plugs. You are also not going to fall victim to a power outage, and are guaranteed power for as long as the USB charging will permit. On the other hand, it can't hurt to have a battery backup capacity, to guard against all external forms of charging. It's worth the extra investment.
Safety
Smart alarm clocks are one of the safer things you're likely to have in your home, as long as you purchase through a reputable, mainstream dealer. Most manufacturers of any standing will include a capacity for you to register your new product on their website, which ensures you retain a manufacturer's warranty and are kept in the loop if there are any recalls or safety concerns. You can return the product if a fault or problem emerges, as long as this falls within the window of time which is stipulated.
There are also websites that will enable you to check any electrical item and see if it has been recalled. One way of doing a personal check is to semi-regularly scrutinize the plug and socket and see if any fizzing or crackling sound is present, or indeed if burn marks are visible. If it seems excessively hot or smells odd, this is also a sign that something is wrong and potentially unsafe. Fuses blowing or circuit-breakers tripping is also a tell-tale sign that something is wrong, and an electrician needs to be consulted asap. Assuming you have a mains connected device, make sure it has residual current device (RCD) protection. This will minimize the risk of fire and potentially hazardous electric shocks from occurring. An RCD plug can be used, if in doubt.
Further tips are to keep your smart alarm clock on an even, solid surface, never have liquids, eg. a night-time drink anywhere near the plug socket, replace a plug if the wiring seems in any way compromised or damaged, and replace a full set of batteries, rather than mixing and matching.
Benefits of Using a High-Tech Alarm
One's sleep pattern is not a constant but a variable thing; our bodies pass through phases each night, as there are various cycles at work, deep in our unconscious condition. First, the prelude to sleep is the state of daydreaming; second, light, superficial sleep; third, deep sleep; fourth, REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, in which the body goes to work in terms of repairing itself in various ways.
The final three of these four stages typically take about 1.5 hours, and just go on and on throughout the night, or day if you work night-shifts. A regular alarm clock will just wake you up at a set time, each morning, regardless of where you are in your nightly three-fold cycle. By contrast, smart alarm clocks have the ability to rouse you just at the right time; at that time in which your sleep cycle is nearing its end. They will detect the sounds you are making, using innovative motion technology; thus, awakening you during a time of light rather than deep sleep; you will, as a consequence, feel more refreshed. Being woken up during REM sleep can leave you feeling fatigued and woozy, making it hard to be as efficient or as sharp as you'd like to be.
Another benefit is smart alarm clocks' use of LED rather than harsh neon lighting. LED lighting actually keeps the production of melatonin at bay, so your quality of sleep should improve, as a result. You do not need to have your phone switched on which is another benefit, because the sound and light pollution therefrom can be an impediment to having a smooth, uninterrupted good night's sleep.
