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Best Alarm Clocks With Radio In 2023 – Top 10 Rated Reviews

Do you remember when clock radios were a new thing? It was the greatest idea to be able to wake up to your favorite radio station and not an annoying ringing bell or buzzing sound.

Today, the basics of the clock radio are still there, but they now incorporate new technologies. These have made the alarm clocks more useful, fun, and gimmicky for kids, and some are even based on medical concepts.

Best Alarm Clocks With Radio In 2023 – Top 10 Rated Reviews

Therefore, we decided to review the newest alarm clocks, discuss their technology, and find out which of these best alarm clocks with radios is the perfect one to wake you up in the morning…

Top 10 Best Alarm Clocks With Radio In 2023 Review


1 Sangean RCR-20 FM-RDS (RBDS) Phone Charging Digital Tuning Clock Radio – Best Alarm Clock with Radio for Bass

You will need some extra space on the nightstand for the Sangean RCR-20 clock radio. It is bigger than most for a reason, and that reason is sound. Fitted with a specially designed ported bass tube and adjustable controls for bass and treble, the RCR-20 delivers a big sound.

The Sangean is more than just a simple clock radio with a lot of sound, as it comes with several superb features and functions.

Music choices…

This clock radio has FM-RDS and AM band digital tuning, which you are able to preset ten on the radio (5/5) and 18 (9/9) for each using the remote. The LCD is high-contrast with adjustable backlighting and displays real time using FM ids-ct.

The RCR-20 can connect with outside devices using Bluetooth 4.1 with NFC technology, or you can use the aux input to connect your phone via cable. There is also a headphone jack and USB charging port for your phone.

Plenty of useful features…

The clock radio can be tuned using the auto search and step tuning to dial in your favorite stations quickly. A station can be set to be used as an alarm, or you can choose the buzzer alarm that has HWS (humane wake system). Other functions of the RCR-20 are dual alarm settings, a sleep timer for when you want to fall asleep to music, and of course, the always-needed snooze button.

Specifications:

Dimensions: 13.8 x 13.1 x 4.9 inches

Backup battery: Yes

Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.1, USB charge only, Aux in/out

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Sangean RCR-20 FM-RDS (RBDS) Phone Charging Digital Tuning Clock Radio

Our rating:4.1 out of 5 stars (4.1 / 5)

Pros

  • Great sound.
  • Sound preference controls.

Cons

  • Volume levels drop in Bluetooth mode.
  • Needs a lot of space.

2 Emerson SmartSet Alarm Clock Radio and Bluetooth Speaker – Best Compact Alarm Clock with Radio

Don’t be deceived by the small, sleek design of the Emerson SmartSet clock radio. Though it only offers digital FM band stations and looks simple, this clock radio is full of surprises and is very useful.

Built with a Bluetooth speaker, the clock radio easily connects to devices using Bluetooth 4.1 technology. It provides a much better sound than what you would expect from a radio of this size. But the speaker isn’t what really makes the Emerson SmartSet shine; it is all of the automatic and other settings available.

Automatic everything…

The SmartSet alarm clock radio has a patented automatic time setting system that makes your life easy. No more worrying about power outages, daylight savings time, or leap years as the clock has a backup cell battery and is set to automatically adjust to the correct time, date, and year. All you need to do when you first unbox it and plug it in is set the time zone that you live in.

That isn’t the only thing! You can program the alarm to buzz or play a radio station for your workweek schedule and a separate time for your weekend schedule. Or simply just program it for different times for each day of the week. The battery keeps your alarm settings safe as well.

It just offers more…

The Emerson SmartSet comes equipped with an easy to read LCD with adjustable backlighting. There are 20 presets so that you can get to your favorite stations quickly, and in the back is a convenient USB 2.1A charging port for your phone or tablet.

Specifications:

Dimensions: 6.2 x 3.5 x 2.1 inches

Backup battery: Yes

Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.1, USB charge only

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Emerson SmartSet Alarm Clock Radio and Bluetooth Speaker

Our rating:4.4 out of 5 stars (4.4 / 5)

Pros

  • Automatic time/date adjustments.
  • Programmable alarms.
  • Size.

Cons

  • None.

3 iHome iBT29BC Bluetooth Color Changing Alarm Clock FM Radio – Best Alarm Clock with Radio for Teenagers

The iHome iBT29BC is a perfect FM radio alarm clock for the teenager in your family. Full of novelty and fun, it is a multi-functional device that is suited to their needs and personality.

Fancy a light show?

Roundish in shape with a translucent shell, there are six colors you can choose for the radio. You can even program it to constantly switch the colors and adjust the brightness. The colors can also be set to operate with the alarm, going from dim to bright as a solid color or alternating between them.

The iHome offers a lot more than just the novelty of changing colors; it actually has some great features and functionality.

Why a teenager would love this…

The iBT29BC uses Bluetooth to connect to and stream music from other sources. Connect your tablet or your phone and be able to use the controls at the top of the radio to change the music selection or answer a call.

The iHome is equipped with high-fidelity Reson8 speakers and a built-in microphone in the sound chamber. It uses digital voice echo noise cancellation to make sure that the hands-free phone conversations are crystal clear.

There is a dual alarm that can be set to play selected music from a connected device, your favorite radio station, or your choice of tone sounds. As mentioned, you can also program the radio to change colors when the alarm activates.

Connections…

The iHome uses the newest version of Bluetooth, which makes it easier to connect a device and stream faster. You can also charge your connected device using the USB charge port. This way, you will never have to worry about the battery life of your device.

There is also an app. Melody Music Assistant can be used to give you more hands-free control when listening to music from connected devices.

Specifications:

Dimensions: 6.03 by 6.03 by 5.28 inches

Backup battery: require one CR2 battery

Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB charge, Aux

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iHome iBT29BC Bluetooth Color Changing Alarm Clock FM Radio

Our rating:4.5 out of 5 stars (4.5 / 5)

Pros

  • Variety of looks.
  • Speakerphone.

Cons

  • Melody Music Assistant app.

4 Sony Projector Dual Alarm Clock – Best Projector Alarm Clock with Radio

Next, in our Best Alarm Clocks with Radio review, don’t be fooled by the standard black box look of this radio alarm clock. The Sony Projector is a big clock with a small footprint that fits nicely anywhere you need it. Move it into the kitchen and turn on the projector so that you can easily see the time on the wall while you are baking and doing other things.

Moving the clock radio from room to room is no problem, as the battery will store the information and automatically reset the time when plugged back in. The Sony clock radio also comes with a variety of other functions and is very simple to set.

Project the time…

The projector is rotatable up to 180 degrees and has an adjustable focus. It can hold any angle going forward, top, and back, which gives you great control to set the projected time exactly where you want it. The projector is manually operated, but it will turn itself off after 16 hours.

Setting the time and alarms is incredibly easy because the function buttons go forward and backward. You can set the alarms to wake you up using a radio channel or any of the pre-installed nature sounds. Beyond setting the two separate alarms, you can set the snooze button timer. You can set it in five minute increments up to 60 minutes.

The basic offerings…

The Sony has an easy to read large backlit LCD with adjustable brightness, so you can set it to a level that is appropriate for the room. There is also a sleep function that will play the radio or nature sounds for a certain period of time, allowing you to fall asleep gently. Along the side of the alarm clock is a USB charging port so that you can charge your tablet or phone overnight.

Specifications:

Dimensions: 6.9 by 6.2 by 5.5 inches

Backup battery: Yes

Connectivity: USB charger port

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Sony Projector Dual Alarm Clock

Our rating:4.2 out of 5 stars (4.2 / 5)

Pros

  • Rotatable projector and focus dial.
  • Extendable snooze function.
  • Ten radio station presets.

Cons

  • Too many buttons.

5 Wake Up Light Sunrise Alarm Clock and Bedside Night Light with Sunrise/Sunset Simulation – Best Natural Wake Alarm Clock with Radio

Designed to help you wake up or go to sleep naturally using sound and light, the Wake-up Light Sunrise alarm clock radio is a programmable disc-shaped LED morning and night light. The simulated sunrise will help you wake up feeling refreshed in the morning, and the nightlight slowly fades to help you gently go to sleep.

The clock is in the lower third of the disc, and you are able to adjust the brightness of the display all the way down to be invisible and use the radio as a mood light source. The Sunrise clock radio has all of the functions that you would expect, plus a few more.

A really cool alarm!

The LED has twenty levels of brightness that you are able to select and seven colors to choose from, making it fun to set the mood of the room. There are dual alarms, which can each have their separate settings of a pre-programmed sound or the radio. You can even have a separate setting for the snooze alarm.

When the clock is working as an alarm, the color slowly changes from red to yellow while the brightness increases from 10 -100%. The alarm sound can also be programmed to go low to high or any other variance that you choose. The sleep function works the same way as the alarm in reverse, and the brightness fades to zero. Another difference is that for the sleep mode, you can choose your color of preference.

Massive memory for radio stations…

All of the controls are set around the upper edge of the clock radio and are grouped to their function, making it very easy to operate. The Sunrise clock radio allows you to save up to 60 of your favorite FM channels, and you can charge your tablet or phone using the USB charging port on the back.

Specifications:

Dimensions: 7.17 by 7.17 by 3.5 inches

Backup battery: Yes

Connectivity: USB charger port

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Wake Up Light Sunrise Alarm Clock and Bedside Night Light with Sunrise/Sunset Simulation

Our rating:4.5 out of 5 stars (4.5 / 5)

Pros

  • Programmable alarms.
  • A natural way to be woken up and go to sleep.
  • Numerous lighting choices.
  • User friendly.

Cons

  • None.

6 Heimvision Sunrise Alarm Clock with Alexa and Sunset Simulation – Best Alarm Clock with Radio for SAD

Based on the idea of a SAD (Simulated Artificial Daylight) Box medical device, the HeimVision Sunrise alarm clock radio wakes you up by simulating the sunrise. Dark mornings will no longer keep you feeling groggy or making it hard to start your day.

It also has a sleep function that dims as time progresses, allowing you to fall asleep naturally. With both the alarm and sleep functions, you can select one of seven sounds of nature or your favorite FM radio station. The sound can be programmed to raise and lower in unison with the light.

Hands-free…

The HeimVision clock radio has four alarms that can have separate settings for each. You can use the buttons on the clock or make it easier by using the SmartLift app. The app separates each function of the radio into its own section, so it is very easy to follow; you simply give a few taps to create your settings. This works for all aspects of the clock, from setting time, alarms and choosing colors and sounds.

You can also have hands-free control using Alexa. Set the HeimVision up through your router to connect with Alexa, and you are ready to start giving voice commands.

Mobility…

The HeimVision has a backup battery that secures the time and alarms during a power outage and will reset them when the power returns. So, you can feel secure moving it to your favorite reading spot and use it to set the mood using light and sound.

Specifications:

Dimensions: 6.5 x 6.5 x 2.76 inches

Backup battery: Yes

Connectivity: WiFi, Alexa

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Heimvision Sunrise Alarm Clock with Alexa and Sunset Simulation

Our rating:4.4 out of 5 stars (4.4 / 5)

Pros

  • Alexa Echo voice control.
  • A great natural way to go to sleep and be woken up.
  • SmartLift phone app. control.

Cons

  • SmartLift app connectivity permissions.
  • Max brightness can hurt your eyes.

7 Sangean RCR-5 Digital AM/FM Alarm Clock Radio – Best Retro Alarm Clock with Radio

Next in our reviews of the Best Alarm Clocks with Radio and designed with a retro 70’s look, the Sangean RCR-5 is a basic alarm clock radio with a few modern functions. Sangean is known to provide great sound, and it does not fail to do so with this model. The AM/FM band radio is digitally tuned, so it is easy to lock in the station even if it is a weaker signal.

The RCR-5 has ten memory presets, five FM and five AM, allowing you to get to your favorite radio stations at the push of a button. Other than quality sound and tuning, let’s see what else is offered.

The settings…

The display is a softer amber-colored backlit LCD with adjustable brightness, so glare will not disturb your sleep. Also, it is slightly angled to make it easier to see from a higher point of view.

There are dual alarms that you can set for weekdays, weekends, and daily times. The alarms use HWS to gradually increase the volume of your favorite radio station or alarm tone over a set time. The Sangean RCR-5 also has adjustable snooze, sleep, and naptime functions.

An added bonus…

Not to be so basic, the Sangean alarm clock radio makes even more use of its quality sound by offering an Aux-in port. Use any 3.5mm Aux cable to connect an outside music source to play through the radio.

Specifications:

Dimensions: 12.6 by 7.6 by 3.5 inches

Backup battery: No

Connectivity: 3.5mm Aux-in

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Sangean RCR-5 Digital AM/FM Alarm Clock Radio

Our rating:4 out of 5 stars (4 / 5)

Pros

  • Great sound.
  • Digital tuning.

Cons

  • No battery backup.
  • Setup is complicated.

8 HomeLabs Sunrise Alarm Clock with 6 Color Switch, FM Radio, and Sunset Simulation

Set with a large centralized time display, the hOmeLabs Sunrise digital alarm clock radio will gently wake you in the morning. The surrounding LED light will gradually start to brighten over 30 minutes prior to the sound alarm.

The LED lighting has a choice of eight colors and brightness settings that you can use outside of the alarm. Use the lighting and choose one of the programmed natural sounds or your favorite radio station to set a mood while your in any room.

Other amenities…

In addition to the sunlight alarm, the hOmeLabs clock radio offers a sunset sleep timer so you can lull yourself to sleep. Choose which color and sound you want, and the LED will slowly dim over the programmed amount of time.

The clock face is a wide touchscreen LCD and can be set to display military (24hr) or 12 hour time. There is also a three-level brightness setting that can be adjusted to suit the room or time of day. The time and alarm settings are saved by a battery in case of a blackout and will reset automatically when power is returned.

Included on the clock radio is a USB charging port so that you can recharge your devices while you rest.

A word of note…

If you want to sleep for an extra five minutes, you simply need to hit the snooze button. But with the hOmeLabs sunrise clock radio, you need to be sure that you only hit the snooze button. Touching any other button will simply turn off the alarm and dismiss the snooze function, so be careful.

Specifications:

Dimensions: 7.4 x 7 x 4.1 inches

Backup battery: Yes (but not included)

Connectivity: USB charging port

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HomeLabs Sunrise Alarm Clock with 6 Color Switch, FM Radio, and Sunset Simulation

Our rating:4.2 out of 5 stars (4.2 / 5)

Pros

  • Multiple colors.
  • Sunset Simulation.

Cons

  • The light and sound alarm don’t sync.
  • Touchy alarm.

9 Sony ICFC1PJ Alarm Clock Radio – Best Sony Alarm Clock with Radio

Project the time on your ceiling or wall; the Sony ICFC1PJ alarm clock radio has a built-in projector to help you see the time. You can rotate the projector 180 degrees and adjust the focus to fit it to exactly where you want. The focus is clear and sharp, so you won’t be struggling to read the time.

Equipped with a backup battery, the Sony can be moved around the home without the worry of having to reset anything on the clock. Out of the box, all you have to do is plug it in and select your time zone. The clock will automatically set the correct time for your area and will adjust for daylight savings time and everything else.

Important functions…

Sony offers more than just a projector. There are dual alarms that use HWS to gently wake you to your choice of a tone, five sounds of nature, or your favorite radio station. Set the alarms to suit your lifestyle, and they will be stored in memory until you make a change. Also included are a snooze and programmable sleep function.

The radio is a digital tuner, so you can fine-tune and lock in your favorite FM or AM stations. Save five of each to the ten presets, and you simply have to press a button to listen to them.

The display…

The alarm clock has a large backlit LCD with brightness control. The time is large and can be displayed as standard or military time (24hr). As an added bonus, there is a USB charging port on the side for all of your tablet and phone device.

Specifications:

Dimensions: 7 by 5.6 by 6.2 inches

Backup battery: Yes

Connectivity: USB charging port

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Sony ICFC1PJ Alarm Clock Radio

Our rating:4 out of 5 stars (4 / 5)

Pros

  • Auto sets time.
  • Dual alarms.
  • HWS alarm.

Cons

  • Too many indistinguishable buttons.

10 DreamSky Auto Set Digital Alarm Clock – Best Versatile Alarm Clock

A wall of information, the DreamSky digital alarm clock is a 6.6-inch large screen displaying the current time, day, date, room temperature, and alarm time. Each is set within its own window, making it very easy to read.

It is a basic clock that is built to be easy on the eyes and offers you a couple of choices. You can set the brightness levels to what suits you best; it goes from dim to very bright. Your other choice is how you want to see the current and alarm times. Choose between the standard 12-hour or military 24-hour display settings.

How it works…

The DreamSky comes ready to go out of the box. It is shipped with a button cell battery that makes setting the time as easy as putting in your time zone. The clock will adjust automatically and even allow for Daylight Saving Time. However, you will have to supply three AA batteries to power the backup system.

A great feature of the backup system is that it will ensure that the alarm goes off at its scheduled time, even during a blackout. Of course, the correct time and date will be restored when power is returned.

Charge as you go…

There are two USB ports on the DreamSky, one is for powering the clock, and the other is capable of charging your phone or other electronic devices.

The alarm is HWS and ascends in volume over time, not startling you awake. If you feel you need that extra little bit of sleep, simply hit the snooze button and get eight more minutes.

Specifications:

Dimensions: 7.6 by 4.6 by 2.5 inches

Backup battery: Yes

Connectivity: USB charge port

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DreamSky Auto Set Digital Alarm Clock

Our rating:4.6 out of 5 stars (4.6 / 5)

Pros

  • Large display.
  • Multi-tiered brightness and dim function.
  • Display information.

Cons

  • No radio.

Best Alarm Clocks with Radio Buyers Guide

An alarm clock with radio isn’t anything new and should be a fairly easy buy. However, the clock radios of today are loaded with a variety of alarms and other features that need some careful consideration.

Let’s start by looking at alarm options…

hOmeLabs Sunrise Alarm Clock

Of course, we all know the infamous loud buzzer or having our favorite radio station blaring out to wake us up. If that is what gets you going in the morning, great; there are still plenty to be found.

For people who do not want to be startled awake, many alarm clock radios use HWS (Humane Wake up System). The HWS alarm starts at a low volume and gradually builds up over a set amount of time so that you wake up gently and without stress.

Wake up sunshine…

Another very popular alarm is based on a treatment from the medical field. The sunrise system is an alarm that simulates the sun rising in the morning. Starting from a deep red and rising in brightness as it turns to yellow/white. This helps you wake up naturally and feeling fresh.

A variant of this is the sunrise system combined with HWS sounds of nature.

Another feature concerning the alarms is the number of alarms on the system and how you can program them. Most alarm clock radios offer between one and four alarms and a variety of choices for programming.

Tuning and channels…

One feature that is needed and is most likely in all clock radios today is digital tuning. This can quickly scan the spectrum and be fine-tuned to lock onto a channel for best reception.

Presets for your favorite music, news, and talk radio channels are essential for getting to what you like quickly and easily. Look for a number that is suitable for your personal needs.

Backup Batteries…

Having a backup battery system is a life-saver with the clock radios of today. Some of them will only reset the time after a power outage, while others will make sure a set alarm will still work during a power outage. They not only save the correct time but save your alarm settings, as well. But note, just because they save your alarm settings, it doesn’t mean they will trigger a set alarm.

Those are some of the more important factors to look for in an alarm clock radio. There are many more options such a snooze and sleep functions, along with other novelties that may also be of interest.

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So, What Are The Best Alarm Clocks With Radio?

There is a good variety of clock radios in our review. Many of them have some very interesting and fun novelties, while some are very basic, and others are built around sound quality. The choice isn’t as easy as one would like, but our choice for the best alarm clock with a radio is the…

Wake-up Light Sunrise Alarm Clock Radio

We chose it mostly for its alarm and sleep functions. The novelty of choosing one of many colors, and adjusting the brightness to use as a mood light as you read or ramble about the room seems fun. But mostly, we chose it because it is a well-rounded alarm clock radio that has a number of very useful features.

Night night, sleep tight…

About Paul S. Brunet

Known as the "Tech Lover", Paul is an expert of current and trending technology. Here at TinyGrab, he makes "tech" easy to understand for the average person.

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