Why wake up to an alarm when you can wake up to the radio, or your favourite music. Clock radios let you wake up in style, but if you aren’t sure which one is right for you then keep reading. We’ll list the best products currently on the market in Australia, break down their pros and cons, and then explain some of the important features to look out for.
1. Echo Show 5 Clock Radio by Amazon (Top Pick)
The Echo Show 5 is more than an alarm clock radio, it is a digital display that connects to Amazon Alexa and provides all the functionality you could want.
It can stream from the internet, make video and voice calls to compatible echo devices, it syncs with a smart video doorbell so you can see who is pressing your doorbell, and, believe it or not, it is a clock and a radio too.
The price might scare some, and if you just want something to wake you up in the morning, this might be a bit overwhelming.
But if you want a voice-controlled clock that you can order to wake you up at 6:00 am and order you a pizza from time to time, then this is the one to go for.
What We Like:
- Great display
- Lots of features
- Alexa integration
What We Don’t Like:
- Expensive
2. Sony Clock Radio
Here is a solid clock radio from Sony. It does everything you need from a clock radio; it has a buzzer and radio alarm features, snooze button, digital radio station presets, and battery backup.
This is a good unit with great sound for its size. The buzzer volume is not too high though, so if you need something louder you would have to use the radio to wake you up.
The unit is easy to use with just a few simple buttons, and the speaker is good quality with no rattling or distortion at high volume.
Overall, it’s a very reliable unit that does just what it says.
What We Like:
- Good sound quality
- Simple, elegant design
- Backlit LCD display
- Backup battery
What We Don’t Like:
- Buzzer can be a little low
3. iTOMA Projection Alarm Clock with Digital FM Radio
This one is a projection clock radio from iToma. The first thing you notice about it is the big display. If seeing the time projected on the wall isn’t enough, the big LED display is easy to read from anywhere in the room. The display is dimmable too, so you don’t need to worry about being kept awake.
When powering it up the first time, it can sense the correct time zone and sets itself, so using it couldn’t be easier. It has two separate alarms, which is very convenient, and a USB charging port for your phone.
The sound quality is good, but the radio only has FM, so no golden oldies. Overall, it’s a very good alarm clock, especially if you like a big display.
What We Like:
- Big display
- Projection feature
- Sets itself to the correct time
What We Don’t Like:
- No AM radio
4. Philips Alarm Clock with Bluetooth
Here’s a handy clock radio from Philips that has Bluetooth, so you can play music from your phone. It also has a USB port and an audio-in plug so you have several choices for your music source.
It has an FM radio with digital tuning and presets, but no AM, unfortunately.
The volume is good and there are two independent alarms, so this is a very convenient unit. The display is large enough to read clearly from across the room, but not so large that it’s distracting. Overall, this is a very reliable unit.
What We Like:
- Bluetooth
- USB port
- Dual alarm clock
What We Don’t Like:
- No Am radio
5. LBELL Radio Alarm Clock with Wake-Up Light
This clock radio from LBELL is a large light that is meant to simulate sunrise. It lights up and plays your choice of nature sounds instead of a traditional alarm.
It’s an interesting concept that is fast gaining popularity, and if you have grown to hate the sound of your alarm, then this is one you should try.
It also has a sleep aid feature where the light gradually dims and music slowly fades as you fall asleep. The light can display eight different colours and it is quite gentle. The sound quality of the radio is good but it is FM only.
Overall, this is a very nice clock radio with a novelty effect.
What We Like:
- Pleasant to wake up to
- Soothing light
What We Don’t Like:
- No AM radio
Radio Clock Buyers Guide
Alarm
The most important feature of your clock radio is the alarm. It may seem obvious, but choose an alarm that is going to wake you up, and that you are comfortable using. If it is too loud, it will annoy the neighbours. If it is too horrible, you won’t use it. If it isn’t loud enough, there’s no point.
If you can, try to test out a few different alarms and see what they sound like. If the alarm doesn’t work for you, the other features of the clock radio aren’t going to mean much.
Display
The display needs to large enough, and clear enough, that you can read it while bleary-eyed and half asleep during the night. But it can’t be so bright that it keeps you awake.
Digital and LED displays are usually the best, as long as they are reasonably dim. If you can, get a display that is dimmable so you can adjust the brightness to your liking.
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Audio
The sound quality is an important factor if you plan on listening to the radio a lot. Some cheaper clock radios have very tinny sound, so make sure to test it first.
If you plan on listening to a lot of music you might consider a clock radio with an in-built CD player or smartphone integration. These types will generally have better sound quality as well.
Some clock radios allow you to make voice calls, either by integrating with your phone or using Skype. If you plan to use one this way, make sure that the microphone is good and your voice can be heard clearly by the receiver.
Style
Although it doesn’t affect the performance, the look and style of your clock radio are important too. You are going to be looking at it every morning, so choose a clock radio that looks good to you and compliments your bedroom.
