A bad alarm clock radio does two things: it wakes you with a jolt, and it sounds like a tin can. A good one wakes you with music or a station you actually like, sounds full enough that you’ll use it in the day too, and gets out of the way the rest of the time. Here’s how to pick one, and which models on our site do the job well.
In This Guide
Quick picks
- Best looking, with dual alarms: the VQ Monty. Real wood finish, DAB and DAB+, Bluetooth, and two alarms so you can set a different time for weekends.
- Best if you want real hi-fi sound at the bedside: the Pioneer X-HM26 micro system. It has a built-in clock and timer that wakes you to a station preset or your music, and it will play CDs and USB too.
- Not sure yet? Read on. The features below matter more than the brand.
#1 VQ Monty DAB radio
The Monty is a compact DAB and DAB+ radio in a genuine wood case, which is where much of its warm, rounded sound comes from. It also plays over Bluetooth and from USB or an aux cable, so it works as your bedside speaker as well as an alarm. The dual alarm lets you set a weekday and a weekend wake up time, so Sunday isn’t ruined. It looks good enough to leave on show, and it sits happily on a bedside table or kitchen shelf.
Best for: anyone who wants a good looking radio with proper alarm features.
Pros
- Real wood finish looks great
- Warm, clear sound for its size
- Dual alarms
- DAB, DAB+ and Bluetooth
Cons
- Small touch controls can be fiddly
#2 Pioneer X-HM26 micro system
This isn’t a traditional clock radio, but it beats most of them on sound. The X-HM26 has a built-in timer and clock that can wake you to a favourite DAB preset or your own music, plus Bluetooth, CD and USB playback. It’s compact enough for a bedroom and the remote is well laid out, which is handy when you’re half asleep. There’s no gentle wake-up volume ramp, so set the alarm volume with care.
Best for: people who want good sound, CDs and streaming in the bedroom as well as a wake-up alarm. Our micro hi-fi guide has the full review.
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What makes an alarm clock radio sound good?
- Speaker size and cabinet. A larger driver in a solid, heavier cabinet always sounds fuller than a thin plastic case. A wooden cabinet reduces buzzing and adds warmth.
- Stereo or mono. Two speakers add width, but on a small bedside unit a single good speaker often beats two tiny ones.
- DAB, DAB+ or FM. DAB gives clear, hiss-free reception and far more stations than FM. A radio that also has FM covers you where DAB signal is weak. See our personal DAB radio guide for more.
- Tone control. A basic bass and treble adjustment lets you tame boomy bass on a bedside table or lift speech clarity.
- Low volume quality. Late at night you’ll listen quietly, so a radio that still sounds clear at a whisper is a real plus.
Alarm features that make mornings easier
- Dual alarms for different weekday and weekend wake up times, or for two people.
- Snooze with a big, easy to hit button.
- Gentle wake where the volume rises gradually, rather than blasting you awake.
- Wake to radio, buzzer or your own music, so you’re not stuck with a beep you hate.
- Sleep timer that turns the radio off after a set time, so you can drift off to it.
- Battery backup that keeps the clock and alarm going through a power cut, so the morning doesn’t get away from you.
- Dimmable display. A bright, unchangeable display keeps light sleepers awake. Look for a dimmer or auto-dim.
- USB charging port so your phone can charge overnight from the same socket.
Where to put an alarm clock radio
Put it a little way from your head, on a stable surface, with the speaker facing you. If it sits right against a wall, bass gets boomy, so leave a few centimetres of space. Keep it away from the phone charger, router and other electronics to avoid buzzing and interference, particularly on FM. If you use it to wake to a DAB station, position it near a window if reception is patchy, and extend the aerial fully.
Other ways to wake up to music
- Smart speaker: voice control, alarms and radio through Wi-Fi. Handy, though sound quality depends on the model.
- Your phone and a Bluetooth speaker: works, but a phone alarm depends on the phone being charged and not on silent.
- A sunrise alarm clock: wakes you with light rather than sound, which some people find much gentler in the dark winter months. Many also include a radio.
- A retro DAB radio: our retro DAB radio guide covers stylish options that look good by the bed.
Alarm clock radio FAQ
Are alarm clock radios still worth buying?
Yes. They’re reliable, simple, and don’t rely on your phone. A dedicated radio also keeps your phone out of the bedroom, which many people find helps them sleep.
Do I need DAB in an alarm clock radio?
It’s not essential, but it’s worth it. DAB gives clearer sound, easier tuning and a bigger choice of stations. FM is still widely available and works fine if you already know your stations.
Can an alarm clock radio wake me to my own music?
Some can, if they support USB or Bluetooth. Bluetooth wake-up can be unreliable on some models because your phone needs to reconnect, so check reviews or use USB or the radio itself for the alarm source.
Why does my alarm radio buzz?
Buzzing is usually interference from a nearby phone, charger or Wi-Fi router. Move the radio, or move the source of the interference, and it should stop.
