We tested eight of the best clock radios from Sangean, Emerson, Studebaker, and other manufacturers to find the best model for your needs.
A clock radio combines the convenience of a radio with the functionality of an alarm clock. Its versatility can be incredibly helpful in smaller spaces, and its simplicity allows you to separate the distractions of your phone from your daily wake-up routine.
The Best Clock Radios of 2025
Our team of experts purchased eight popular clock radios and compared them side by side. Our in-depth analysis gives you a comprehensive overview of each product’s features. Each model is rated based on sound and playback quality, useful additional features, ease of use, and overall aesthetic design. Clock radios have come a long way since their humble beginnings, and our goal is to help you find a clock radio that meets your sleep needs and provides you with a refreshing, hassle-free morning routine.
Our testers agreed: The Sangean RCR-20 is the best clock radio. It has a high-quality speaker with many features, a handy remote control and an excellent LED display.
Our favorite option at an affordable price is the small alarm clock “Glow” from Housbay. It is a simple and easy-to-use alarm clock with dimmable lighting that changes colors.
A good start to the day can start with an alarm clock, but that’s not all. From brushing your teeth to brewing coffee with a precision coffee maker, we rely on countless home appliances every day. GearLab has tested many appliances in different categories to help you find the right products for your home and space.
Editor’s Note: Our clock radio review was updated on June 5, 2025 to expand our selection and add new products.
Best Value Clock Radio
Battery Backup: Yes USB Smartphone Charging Port: Yes
PROS: CONS:
Excellent Speaker System Expensive
Large LED Display More Complex Setup
Bluetooth Function Large Dimensions
Weekday and Weekend Alarm Clock
The Sangean RCR-20 is one of the most comprehensive and complex clock radios we’ve ever tested, but it’s definitely worth the effort. Once set up, its many outstanding features are easy and intuitive to use. We love the high-quality speakers with bass and treble controls, which produce a full, rich sound whether you’re using the FM radio or your Bluetooth device. But if you prefer an alarm clock, this model’s beeping sound is a good option, as it doesn’t sound too tinny or robotic.
Both the alarm clock and the radio will ring in minute intervals.
For an hour or until they turn off, if you like to wake up slowly. “I’ve had a lot of annoying incidents with snooze buttons, so I always prefer a clock where the snooze button isn’t near other buttons,” our tester noted. This clock’s snooze button is clearly labeled and easy to reach. Each alarm offers the option to set it for one-time, daily, weekday, or weekend use, with different time settings for each. Another cool feature is the clearly labeled remote control, which comes with two AA batteries. The soft white display shows everything you need to know clearly and legibly.
Bluetooth connectivity: Excellent speakers, and a host of alarms and options make this clock radio one of the most comprehensive we’ve ever tested. However, it’s also one of the most expensive options. It’s worth noting that it’s one of the largest alarm clocks in our range, so those with smaller bedside tables may want to consider a smaller model like the USCCE Digital shown below. However, our testers were consistently impressed with the Sangean’s great sound, and it’s our favorite of the models we tested.
How We Tested
We purchased the most promising models for a comprehensive review at retail price. Each model was tested for eight days, including one night. Our testers evaluated each model’s various features, considered ease of use, examined the radio’s sound quality and available alarm tones, as well as the display and design, to determine where each model excels or falls short. Our review is sure to provide everything you need to know when choosing a new alarm clock for an improved wake-up routine.
Why trust GearLab?
This review was written by Miya Tsudome, Emily Pennington, and Ruth Bruckbauer, all of whom have years of experience using alarm clocks every day—from napping to waking up before sunrise. We selected the most promising designs to compare them side by side and give you honest reviews of each model. With their experience testing the latest technology to make your life easier, Miya, Emily, and Ruth pay close attention to detail, use the snooze button liberally, and believe in simple, painless wake-ups in this comprehensive review.
Analysis and Test Results
Clock radios are a thing of the past for most of us. But these devices are a great way to keep your smartphone out of bed, reduce screen time, and have more options for your daily wake-up call. Some of these clock radios let you start your day with nature sounds or wake up to your favorite station. Others wake you up naturally with soft light, leaving you feeling refreshed. Still others are simple in design and function, with a buzzer and snooze button ready to use at any time.
What’s the best value?
The USCCE is a great buy considering its below-average price. It’s a stylish alternative, completely different from the classic clock radio, which we really appreciate. It’s also small enough to easily become a travel companion. The Housbay Flow Small is another option to consider. It’s incredibly easy to use and even comes with a handy user manual and cheat sheet. Both options performed well in our tests. Some of the more expensive options, like the Sangean RCR-20 and Studebaker SB3500, are made from high-quality materials. However, we don’t doubt their durability and think the higher price is worth it if you don’t plan on replacing your clock radio every few years.
Conclusion
We hope you find the perfect alarm clock for you with our comprehensive review of the latest alarm clocks. These days, many of us are trying to reduce screen time before bed. A clock radio as a replacement for our cell phones can make your bedtime more relaxing and help you wake up to the sounds of nature or your favorite radio station.
If you’re buying a new home or renovating your apartment, remember: We’ve tested everything from fans and portable air conditioners to top-quality toasters and printers to help your day run smoothly.
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