Best Buy Bluetooth Clock Radio [HOT]
Our expert testing crew researched over 30 of the best clock radios on the market before purchasing 10 top models for side-by-side testing. Our in-depth analysis will give you an extensive look at what each product has to offer. We've made sure to rate each model according to its sound and display qualities, useful features, ease of use, and design aesthetics. Clock radios have come a long way from their simple past, and we are sure to help you find one to suit your bedside needs so you may have a refreshing morning routine.
best buy bluetooth clock radio
The Sony ICF-C1PJ is a stylish, cubical design that takes up little space on your bedside table and looks good at the same time. Its large display has a mirrored finish and white LED digits, and the detailed buttons on top are convenient and easy to use. A projector on the side can swivel 180º with adjustable focus, allowing you to view the time on your wall or ceiling. The Sony is one of the few models we tested that has both AM and FM radio frequencies. Additionally, the clock automatically sets the date and time when plugged in, and you only have to adjust your time zone to get an accurate time reading, making it the easiest-to-use model yet. Two alarms you can set to go off on weekdays, weekends, or both are shown on the LED screen, so you always know you have an alarm ready for what you need.
The Sangean RCR-20 is one of the most comprehensive and intricate clock radios we tested, but it is well worth the effort. Once fully set up, its many notable features are easy and intuitive to use. We like the high-quality speakers, which have bass and treble controls giving out a full, rich sound, whether using the FM radio or your Bluetooth device. But if you prefer an alarm, the beeper on this model is a pleasant alternative since it is not too tinny or robotic. The alarm and radio go on in 1-minute increments for a full hour or until turned off, just in case you like to wake up slowly. Since these testers have had unfortunate incidences with snooze buttons, we always check to make sure that it's not too close to any other controls, and this one is clearly marked and easily accessible. Each alarm includes the option of being set once, daily, on weekdays, or on weekends, with different time setting capabilities for each. Another cool feature is the clearly marked remote control that comes with 2 AA batteries. The soft white display includes everything you need to know in a clear and easily read format.
Although delightfully simple, this clock radio is not the most high-tech model. It has a tinny, low sound quality and no other wake-up alarms besides an awful buzzer or FM radio. There is also no USB port for phone charging and no ability to dim the LED display, which can disturb your sleep. It isn't as stylish as some of the other models we tested. However, for those who value function over form and desire a simple, no-frills alarm clock for a hard-to-beat price, this is undeniably one of the best options on the market.
The I-Box Dawn unit has two features that make it an exceptional product: it doubles as a wireless charging station for your phone and a Bluetooth speaker with decent sound quality. If you have a Qi-enabled phone that supports wireless charging, with a case less than 5mm thick, you can simply place your phone on top of the speaker, and it will start charging automatically. The clock also functions as a Bluetooth speaker and has decent sound quality with 6W stereo speakers and a passive subwoofer, making it more than adequate for bedroom use. Because of its stereo speakers, the radio sound quality is better than most of the devices we tested, which rely on small built-in speakers, which are often tinny sounding.
While this unit has many pros in our book, it does have a few substantial cons. The LED display is blurred significantly by the fabric wrapping that encases the speaker. While the brightness of the digits is easy enough to read midday, it is tough to discern the smaller font for PM and the AL1 and AL2 for the alarms. The clock's setup is not the most intuitive, and you must read the instruction manual carefully to figure out how to use all the features. There is no option for waking up to a Bluetooth-connected device. Lastly, there is no way to set the beeping alarm or radio volume for wake-up, which will gradually increase in volume to an abrasively loud level, something our testers found to be a significant downside. If you don't mind these cons, this model's wireless charging and speaker capabilities are hard to beat.
The iHome Color Changing Bluetooth speaker and clock radio is a unique, color-changing orb that is like a cross between a Magic-8 ball and a lava lamp. This model is a good choice if you are looking for fun decor or want a quirky gift for your kids. It doubles as a Bluetooth speaker and even has a built-in mic to use as a speakerphone or activate Siri or Google Assistant when your phone is connected. You can set the alarm to wake you up with several tone options, an FM radio preset, or music from your Bluetooth-connected phone. The color-changing cabinet has six different settings and can pulse to the beat of your music or gradually brighten in the morning with your alarm.
The DreamSky Decent alarm clock radio is another simple, budget pick for those who prefer a no-frills, easy-to-use device. The large, 1-inch LED digit display is easy to read from across the room and is fully dimmable for restful sleep. The DreamSky is intuitive and easy to set up, with large, clear buttons for changing the time, setting the alarm, and turning on the radio. It also has a bonus indoor temperature display that can be viewed in Fahrenheit or Celsius.
Like the budget Philips model, there are only two alarm options: an abrasive buzzer or the FM radio. Our reviewers preferred clock radios with nature sounds or melodic tones for waking up, but this may not be an issue for those who don't mind a sharp buzzer in the morning. The DreamSky allows you to set the max volume you'd like the buzzer or radio to gradually rise to, which is a welcome touch. The speaker is not high quality, but that is to be expected in a simple, inexpensive device. Unlike all the other models tested, the DreamSky does not allow you to save any radio presets, and you must ensure that you have it set to the right station you want to wake up to before you go to sleep. The DreamSky also has a USB port for charging your phone, making it a great budget pick for those who want a few practical, extra features.
Each unit was tested for eight days, including overnight, for real-life application. Our testers assessed the various features of each model, noted how easy they were to use, examined the sound quality of the radio and the alarm sound choices available, and considered the display and design to determine where each model excelled or fell short. Our assessment is sure to include everything you might want to know when choosing a new clock radio to enhance your wake-up routine.
This review comes to you from Miya Tsudome and Ruth Bruckbauer, who both have several years of experience of daily alarm clock use for a pre-dawn wake-up. We researched over 30 of the best models available before choosing 10 of the most promising designs to compare side-by-side and give you honest reviews of each. With experience testing the latest technology that will help make your life easier, Miya and Ruth bring attention to detail, generous use of the snooze button, and a strong belief in easy, painless wake-ups to this comprehensive review.
While most of us think of clock radios as a thing of the past, these devices are a great way to keep your smartphone far away from your bedside, allowing for less screen time and more options for your daily wake-up call. Some of these clock radios allow you to ease into the day with nature sounds or wake up to your favorite radio station. Others even use gradual light to help you wake up naturally, feeling more refreshed. And some are simple in design and function, with a buzzer and snooze button ready to go when you are.
The clock radios from Philips, DreamSky, and USCCE are the simplest, most intuitive clocks we tested. Each has clear time-setting buttons, which you hold down for a few seconds and then adjust the hour or minute using the volume keys or a convenient dial in the case of the USCCE. These steps are standard in most simple alarm clocks, and our reviewers loved that they didn't have to painstakingly go through each manual to figure out which buttons did what.
The Philips, the DreamSky, and the USCCE are easiest to use in part due to their lack of extra features that other clocks have, thus requiring fewer buttons and navigation. The Sony ICF-C1PJ is not only easy to set up, but has features that are easy to use, like designated buttons for setting two different alarms, buttons with descriptive diagrams for each nature sound that double as radio preset buttons, and a large snooze button that adjusts the brightness of the display. The Sony is the easiest-to-use model that also has many features. Our only complaint is that the alarm off button is relatively small and hard to find if leaning over groggily in the morning.
The I-Box Dawn has the best sound quality of all the models tested, with the Sangean RCR-20 a close second. Doubling as a Bluetooth speaker, the I-Box boasts 6W stereo speakers and a passive subwoofer, making the radio or Bluetooth-connected music sound rich with good bass. While they have the best quality speakers, they lack variety in alarm tones. The I-Box Dawn's built-in alarm tone gradually increases to a volume our reviewers considered excessively loud. But both the I-Box and Sangean are certainly the best choices for those who value sound quality and will often use their clock to listen to music or the radio. 041b061a72