9 of the best travel alarm clocks
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Writer’s note: The following listicle was originally published on July 13, 2020 at the now-defunct website Ram Research. I’m a bit disappointed that my own travel alarm clock — the InLife Wake Up Alarm Clock — is no longer being sold. I have had it for years and love this clock. Three other clocks that were on the original list are no longer available, so they have been removed since I did not see similar options. The listicle has been lightly edited for technical details and statistics. (If you’re interested in reading more top 10-, 15- and 20 lists for your home upgrades, click here.)
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Buying a traditional alarm clock to travel with may seem dated, considering alarm clocks are already built into smartphones. As of 2023, 6.8 billion people worldwide owned a smartphone, almost 70% of the world's population.
However, even with its popularity, there’s always that tricky situation on flights when reception is nonexistent, smartphones must be turned to airplane mode and smartphone users forget to turn their phones back on when the plane lands. Having the best travel alarm clock in your carry-on bag already programmed and ready to alert you as needed makes planning easier.
Who wants to travel across town to oversleep before a big meeting? And busy smartphone users who want to get some sleep may want to take advantage of portable alarm clocks too. It’s extremely difficult to get a good night’s rest if your phone is constantly blaring notification alerts.
This is one of the reasons smartphones have silent timers on them. Instead of reprogramming the silent timer each time you travel, investing in portable alarm clocks eliminates the extra step.
1. Marathon
One common concern for a business traveler maybe “What happens when I travel to another time zone?” Just as you can oversleep after forgetting to turn a smartphone back on, there’s always the chance that you can forget to reset a travel alarm clock to the new time zone. However, not with the Marathon Atomic alarm clock.
Key Features
Large, highly legible display
Button-activated amber backlight
Snooze button
Self setting/adjusting using radio frequencies broadcast from NIST’s Colorado Atomic Clock (only functions in North America)
This atomic clock (12 x 3.7) is battery-operated and programmed to report indoor temperature, humidity, and a heat and comfort index.
Cons
Several users complained about the clock resetting itself or an inaccurate time
While some users may find keeping Double A batteries around to be a nuisance, no users are complaining about having to constantly change the batteries. And unlike charging stations, atomic clock users won’t have to worry about the clock dying out of nowhere.
2. AcuRite
You may be traveling somewhere and reach over for your phone to see what time it is. The problem? Your phone’s battery has died because you forgot to charge it before you went to sleep. Now you have to wait for your phone to charge to see what time it is (unless you wear a watch and already reset the time for the location you’re in). Travel clocks eliminate both of these conundrums.
Key Features
Time and alarm settings are saved even after power outages or unplugging
Auto-adjusts for Daylight Saving Time
Oversized snooze button
In addition to a loud alarm notification to make sure you wake up in a timely manner, there are also several time zone settings, including AKST, AST, CST, EST, HST, MST, and PST.
Cons
Limited one-year warranty so must travel pretty quickly to get used to it
The AcuRite has an easy-to-read LED clock display, with adjustable brightness, which is pretty straightforward. Just set, sleep and remember to charge your phone this time!
3. Mesqool
This pocket-sized travel alarm clock (3.35 x 3.35 x 1.06) is powered by a high-capacity rechargeable battery, which should provide up to six months of uninterrupted use on a single charge.
Key Features
Three adjustable vibration levels — Low, Medium, High
Cordless
Preferred alarm tone, ranging from 56db to 105db
For families who have to be awake at different times, there’s also an option to set two alarms for two different schedules on weekends and weekdays.
Cons
When programming, make sure “lock” mode and “daylight saving time” are selected
The battery indicator light will let users know when the charge is low and when to plug the Type-C charger in.
4. DreamSky
Yet another reason to purchase a travel alarm clock is if you travel with someone who needs to get up at a different time. If you’re concerned that your travel buddy won’t hear or acknowledge his/her smartphone and you don’t know the pin to turn it off, maybe use the travel alarm clock for your buddy. Fortunately, this travel alarm clock has a dual USB port that can be used as a charging station for both.
Key Features
4.3-inch large LCD screen display
Easy-to-read blue digits for time and content
The adjustable one-button dimmer can be set to 0%-100%
With this clock, you won’t have to worry about looking around for a clock to compare it to. Once plugged in, the clock will auto-set itself. The cell button battery can act as a backup battery to confirm the date, time and alarm setting in the event of a power outage.
This travel alarm clock also automatically adjusts to Daylight Saving Time. If you’re a snoozer, the alarm will give you an eight-minute break before the ascending sound revs up again.
Cons
One user complained that three separate clocks all make a chirping sound
Use the travel alarm clock for its intended alarm purposes, as well as an option to charge your mp3 players, cell phones, tablets and more. The cell button battery will be included as backup battery, which will store the time, date and alarm setting during main power outages.
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5. Peakeep
If you want to make sure your travel partner is awake on time without being a disturbance, this travel alarm clock may be the way to go. The clock features a night light with three dimmers (Low, High, Off). It’s also convenient for parents, who want to check on their napping children.
Key Features
Bold, large time display digits with 12-/24-hour options
Battery-operated alarm clock (AAA)
Fahrenheit and Celsius temperature
Press the top button or a side button to illuminate the clock for 10 seconds so you know if you can roll over and go back to sleep, or start your day.
Cons
Fast beep noise that continues for 90 seconds
The Peakeep clock is best for someone who has a handle on their “Snooze” options. Because the gradual crescendo will only sound for 1.5 minutes and turn itself off, this gives you eight minutes to nap. For some, that may be a wee bit too risky to get up when needed. Serial snoozers may want to set their clocks a little earlier than usual to allow for these eight-minute breaks.
6. Kogonee
If you and your significant other, roommate or friend sleeping over need to wake up at two different times, this sleek, wooden travel alarm clock will do the trick. And it has a smart alarm system to make the waking-up process even easier.
Key Features
0%-100% full-range dimmable
Weekday mode-only option
Adjustable volume from 60dB - 90dB
The large screen clearly shows the date, day of the week, time (12-hour/24-hour mode switching), two alarms (Alarm 1 and Alarm 2 display icons), and the temperature (Fahrenheit or Celsius, which are switchable).
Cons
One user complained that the clock cannot adjust for leap years
If it’s not to your liking, the seller offers a 90-day, money-back guarantee and a one-year free replacement service.
7. iLuv TimeShaker
Ask 10 people what their preferred alarm clock features are, and you may get 10 different answers. This is why travel alarm clocks often have so many more options than a traditional alarm clock. In this case, there’s a normal, strong and super earthquake shaking. Play around with volume and vibration options to see how successful this alarm clock can be at waking you up without waking up your partner.
Key Features
Five-dimmer level display
Six-foot wire shaker
Three different vibration levels
In addition to a built-in USB port, adjustable alarm tone, this travel alarm clock also has a “Snooze” button, Daylight Saving Time option and a 12/24 hour display. When the alarm goes off, you also have the option of seeing three ultrasonic alert lights flashing. This may be pretty handy for heavy sleepers, seniors or the hearing impaired, who need a little extra help to know when their alarms are going off.
Cons
Multiple users complained about the vibrator and time not working after a few months
While the strong-wired bed shaker is supposed to only wake up one person, light sleepers may say differently. However, this shaker option certainly beats the travel alarm clock’s louder option — 90 decibels (its maximum) is as loud as a subway train.
8. AcuRite
If you need to know the time or temperature in a flash, this projection alarm clock has you covered. Look up and your answer will be right there — indoor or outdoor — in either red or amber print.
Key Features
Automatically updates for Daylight Saving Time
Alarm program options for weekdays and weekend use
USB port charger
With a display that can either be in English or French, this alarm clock has the day of the week, calendar month and date, and even the moon phase (ex. waning gibbous, full moon, 1st and 3rd quarter, etc.). Wireless, easy to install and works in temperatures as low as -40 degrees below zero, this alarm clock also can give you a read on the surrounding areas.
Cons
No automatic rotation on wall projector to show time or indoor/outdoor temperature (choose one)
In addition to the beaming time and temperature, and handy clock for various days, there’s also an AC adapter with a backup battery in case of a power outage. With a one-year limited warranty, you’ll have time to decide if this alarm clock is compatible for your travel and sleeping habits.
9. MOSITO
If you’re still trying to get into meditation, this is the travel alarm clock (12- or 24-hour clock format) for you. Who needs that loud beeping noise when you can choose eight built-in nature sounds (Cricket, Waves, Bird, Thunder, Seagulls, Piano, Cheerful, or Soft) instead?
Key Features
FM radio station
Everyday, weekday and weekend alarm
20 shades of sun “brightness”
Some people need a little extra help getting out of bed. It could be sound or it could be light. In the case of this alarm clock, the Sunrise Simulation Alarm Clock’s warm, white light display will gradually brighten to full “sunrise.” Additionally, the soft eye protection light effect can be used as a night light, bedside lamp, reading light or ambient light. Press the knob on the clock to turn the light on and off, and use it as a night light.
Cons
Just as I have no problems with my InLife Wake Up Alarm Clock, and this clock is fairly similar in appearance and features, I have only seen 4- and 5-star ratings (so far)
If you’re not into yellow, there are six other pure color and six mixed color options to make the “sunrise” your own. If you want to know what’s going on for the day before you get out of bed, press and hold the radio button for two seconds, which will automatically scan channels.
Bottom Line
Whether your goal is to get the right kind of vibration, a sound just loud enough to wake you without terrifying you, or you’re looking for extra perks such as temperature and calendar months, these clocks above have options for all. What’s great about travel alarm clocks is that there are so many to choose from because, just like sleeping preferences, everyone is different. When shopping for the clock that works for you, keep your top priorities in mind.
If you’re a warm-weather-to-cold-weather traveler, knowing the temperature may be a far bigger priority when choosing a clock. If smartphones just don’t do the trick and you need something more powerful, take advantage of travel alarm clocks with higher sound voltages. And if you need a clock that can help you in a jam (ex. flashlights, dead smartphone battery), don’t overlook these extra portable features while shopping around.
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