If you own a smartphone, you probably already use Bluetooth in one form or another, whether it’s pairing your phone with headphones, a sleep tracker or another device. A Bluetooth alarm clock, among other things, allows you to listen to your favorite playlist in bed without having to sleep next to your smartphone, which research now shows can be harmful to your health (source).
In this post, we’ll explain what makes Bluetooth alarm clocks unique, what features to look for when choosing one, and share our picks for the best Bluetooth alarm clock selling today.
What is a Bluetooth Alarm Clock?
Instead of waking to a buzzer or ringtone, a Bluetooth alarm clock allows you to wake (and fall asleep) to music or soothing sounds. It does this by connecting to other Bluetooth-enabled devices you may own like an iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Windows device and so on.
Most Bluetooth alarm clocks also include other types of alarms like the familiar buzzer, radio, preset tones, and music stored on a microSD card. You have the option to wake up to any of these sounds, but when you wish to wake to music from your device, you simply have to set the alarm clock to wake to Bluetooth.
The Bluetooth clock and device sync by setting both to Bluetooth mode. Once the clock “discovers” the device, the alarm clock acts like a speaker, allowing you to toggle through the playlist on your device to select songs you want to listen to. When it’s time to wake up, the alarm clock plays the next song in your playlist.
By the same token, you can also answer calls through the speakers of your Bluetooth alarm clock when it’s connected to a smartphone.
Why Use a Bluetooth Alarm Clock?
The most obvious advantage of choosing a Bluetooth alarm clock over another type of alarm clock is that it doesn’t require wires to connect your device to the clock. Not only does this wireless feature help create a more clutter-free night table, it also allows you to control your alarm clock without having to sit or lie next to it (the typical Bluetooth range is around 20-35 feet).
This signal range also allows you to charge your smartphone in another room while still being able to play sleep apps and music through the alarm clock or even answer calls. Since smartphones are known to emit more radiation than Bluetooth signals, it’s a safer way to sleep overall.
Some Bluetooth alarm clocks may not have great connectivity, which can cause the Bluetooth connection to drop often. But you can usually avert this problem by opting for one with 4.2 or higher Bluetooth technology (source).
How to Choose a Bluetooth Alarm Clock
Some Bluetooth alarm clocks have all the bells and whistles, while others offer you the basics and let you wake and sleep to music. Here are some features to consider to help choose the one that’s best for you:
- Sound quality – The device should have good tenor and bass with minimal distortion.
- Speaker placement – Speakers located on the side or front tend to give better volume control than those in back.
- Radio and presets – Some Bluetooth alarm clocks offer AM/FM radio along with presets that allow you to quickly choose your favorite stations.
- Aux port – This feature lets you plug in your headphones and devices to the clock without using Bluetooth.
- USB ports – This feature allows you to charge your devices by your bedside. Note: USB ports are used for charging only. Connecting is done through Bluetooth or the aux port.
- Battery life – Internal batteries for Bluetooth alarm clocks are usually intended only as a backup for power failures. But some allow you to listen to music for hours by battery.
- Size of display – If seeing in the dark (or light) is difficult, choose a larger LED display.
- Dimmer – This feature allows you to dim the display so it’s low at night but bright enough during the day.
- Number of alarms – Some devices include two alarm settings, one for you and one for your partner, set to go off at different times. Others come with just one.
Reviews of the Best Bluetooth Alarm Clocks
iHome iBT29BC Bluetooth Color Changing Dual Alarm Clock
- Wake and sleep to mobile devices via Bluetooth. Wirelessly stream music from iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, Android, Windows, and other Bluetooth-enabled devices.
- Speakerphone features include a built-in microphone, digital voice echo cancellation, and answer and end controls. USB port to charge iOS and other smart enabled mobile devices (charging cable not included)
- Alarm Can Be Set To Bluetooth Audio, FM Radio Or Built-in Tone. Wake and sleep to Bluetooth audio, FM radio, or built-in tone. FM radio with 6 station presets. Reson8 speaker chamber technology for superior sound. Dual alarms for separate wake times.
This alarm clock reminds us of a mood ring from back in the day as both the cabinet and display can be changed to six different colors – or none at all – depending on the mood you want to set.
The sound quality is excellent. But while it puts out a rich, full sound, we wish the speakers were located in front instead of back. The speakerphone also sounds very clear when answering calls through the clock’s voice echo cancellation feature.
We love that the iHome works with Melody Music Assistant, which lets you access your music by voice control. This feature enables you to change the music from across the room or other side of the bed.
We also like the fact that it has two independent alarms and an FM radio with six presets.
The iHome uses a 1 Amp port, so an iPad will charge slower than when using a 2.1 Amp port, but it still gets the job done. The USB port on the back conveniently keeps devices charged and the aux-in jack can also come in handy. The device uses 4.2 Bluetooth technology, so staying connected isn’t a problem.
WHAT WE LIKED
- Attractive design
- Great sound quality
- Changes colors
- Uses 4.2 Bluetooth technology
WHAT COULD BE IMPROVED
- Speaker located in back
- Hard to reach buttons
- Bluetooth signal can take a while to connect (up to 30 seconds)
OPROUT Ravio Mini 10W Bluetooth Speaker
The sleek, rectangular design of the Ravio combined with crystal clear sound quality makes this device particularly popular. We especially like that it includes two side speakers to direct sound out, each with 5-watt speakers for a total of 10 watts, which is higher than most clocks of this size.
Our favorite feature just might be the battery life. The internal battery stays powered for up to 10 hours when playing music. Even nicer is the battery level display on the face of the clock. It shows the percentage of battery life so you know when to plug it in and recharge. The Ravio will also automatically turn the music off if the battery gets below 20 percent to prevent it from dying altogether. The battery life lasts up to a week when not playing music, making it ideal for travel.
While it may seem like a small detail, the bottom of this clock includes rubber stops, which help keep the device still while changing the settings or hitting the snooze. It comes with five pre-set alarms and plays the first song on your microSD card as the alarm when inserted.
The Ravio also comes with an aux port and FM radio with 10 presets. The 4.2 Bluetooth connection is reliable, allowing you to connect to a device that’s in the next room.
WHAT WE LIKED
- Stylish design
- Great sound quality and volume
- Long battery life
- Uses 4.2 Bluetooth technology
WHAT COULD BE IMPROVED
- Several functions per button can be hard to remember
- No USB port
Homtime C1-PRO Music Alarm Clock with Bluetooth Speaker
One of the most helpful features of the Homtime C1-Pro to those with failing eyesight is its large display, which is over 3 inches. It comes with three dimmable settings to create a low, nightlight setting at night. The display is angled and easy to read from above, but gets harder to read at eye level. This can be inconvenient for checking the time during the night as you may have to lift your head to read it.
It’s very easy to change the alarm, time, and volume settings of this device by using the large spin knob located on top of the clock, which also happens to act as the snooze button.
While the sound quality is good enough, the speakers of the iHome iBT29BC are located in back like the iHome iBT29BC or any clock radio, which isn’t ideal. It doesn’t have FM radio but comes with an aux port and microSD slot. When set to card mode, the alarm randomly chooses one of the stored songs to wake you.
Since it uses 2.1 Bluetooth technology, the connection isn’t as reliable as some of the other clocks on this list. This may be problematic for dropped music or calls.
WHAT WE LIKED
- Compact size with large display
- Easy to change settings
- Includes indoor temperature
WHAT COULD BE IMPROVED
- Angled display harder to read at eye level
- Lowest brightness setting may still be too bright
- Uses 2.1 Bluetooth technology
Orionstar Aid Sleep Wireless Alarm Clock Radio Bluetooth Stereo Speaker
Like the Ravio in appearance, the sleek look of the Orionstar fits in well with modern decor. The sound quality is good with little or no distortion from the two side speakers. It comes with several pre-recorded sleep tracks that pause for three seconds at the end of the loop, which can be more distracting than relaxing.
The 4.2 Bluetooth technology, however, is a plus, as are the MicroSD card slot, USB charger, and FM radio for additional music. We like the portability of this alarm clock too. Its battery holds up to six hours of charge while playing music, which isn’t as much at the OPROUT Ravio (10 hours), but still pretty good.
Another plus is the sleep timer. You can play your music and set it to shut off after 30, 45, or 60 minutes so it doesn’t play all night.
WHAT WE LIKED
- Stylish design
- Decent sound quality
- Includes indoor temperature
- Uses 4.2 Bluetooth technology
WHAT COULD BE IMPROVED
- Short loop for sleep tracks
ROCAM Bluetooth Digital Alarm Clock
- ✔ Multi-function Digital Day Clock : The 11.5 inch Extra Large LED display clearly shows the time, period of the day, full day of the week, month and date in large letters that is easy to read without cofusing abbreviation. Whats more, it will monitor and display the indoor temperature accurately in ℉/℃, perfect calendar clock for all the range including kids, elderly, seniors, visually impaired, dementia patients and hearing impaired.
- ✔ 3 Alarm Clock with Big Snooze Button and Dimmer: Easily setting 3 alarms with this Digital Alarm Clock separately. You could set an alarm on Weekend only, Weekdays only or Everyday and turn them OFF for 24 hours or permanently. The Snooze Button on the top enable you to sleep for few more minutes before you have to get up. The manual brightness control function got 5 levels so you could adjust to your personal comfort one and protect your eyes.
Despite its small size, the ROCAM has many useful features. First, it includes a sleep timer that can be set at multiple intervals, including 5, 10, 15, 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes. The escalating alarm is also a peaceful way to wake up. Whether opting to play music or alarm sounds, it starts out softly and gradually gets louder instead of blasting you awake.
We especially appreciate the nightlight effect of this clock. Its top features two lights that turn seven colors. You can choose your favorite, let it cycle through, or turn it off. This can help set the mood you want in your room and provide comfort for children as well.
One drawback to bring to your attention is that the controls are located in front of the clock instead of on top. Normally, this wouldn’t be an issue but because the clock is lightweight, it’s easy to tip over. Thus, you may have to pick the clock up to change the settings, which can become a nuisance after awhile.
Moreover, the snooze is also in front, making it hard to get those few extra minutes of sleep without having to pick up the clock first. Each button also has multiple functions, which can cause frustration when accidentally skipping past the function you’re looking for.
The ROCAM comes with 4.1 Bluetooth technology, just a step down from the 4.2, and you can also play music on the FM radio, which has a whopping 20 preset channels. An external 3.9-foot antenna improves the reception.
WHAT WE LIKED
- Attractive design
- Decent sound quality
- Changes colors
- Uses 4.1 Bluetooth technology
WHAT COULD BE IMPROVED
- Controls located in front, including snooze
- Light weight may require you to pick the device up to change settings
- Several functions per button can be hard to remember
Conclusion
Hands down, the clear winner of this roundup for the best Bluetooth alarm clock is the iHome iBT29BC Bluetooth Color Changing Dual Alarm Clock. Apart from the speakers being in the back and a couple other minor shortcomings, everything else is commendable.
The changing colors look good, the sound quality is great, and having the ability to give voice commands to change the music is super convenient. We think you’ll also like the convenience of the aux and USB ports. Lastly, this clock gets high marks for its Bluetooth quality, making it easy to connect and stay connected with your smartphone.
Now Over to You!
What are your thoughts about our choices for the best Bluetooth alarm clocks? Do you have any questions that we haven’t addressed? Leave your comments below!
