Every morning, modern sleepers the world over are roused by the unwelcome sound of their smartphone alarm, but the best alarm clocks present an alternative vision for your morning wake up routine: less grating, more considerate, and (if we have any say in it) aesthetically pleasing. For our list of the finest timekeepers out there, we opted for privileged looks and throwback features (FM radio, anyone?) over Bluetooth capability and USB ports, resulting in this assortment of beautifully designed analog and digital alarm clocks that cover the basics—a snooze button, a backlight, and dimmer—without going full 21st century. Your doom-scrolling brain will thank you for the circadian rhythm reset, and your groggy self will appreciate the thoughtful up-and-at-em assist.
Our Top Picks for the Best Alarm Clocks
Best Sound Options
A trailblazer in the sunrise alarm clock space, Hatch’s Restore is a bedside lamp, noise machine, media player (including podcasts and meditations), and most notably: an excuse to leave your iPhone in the other room. “The wind down routines (whether rain sounds or instrumentals) have encouraged me to dedicate more time to the art of falling asleep more efficiently, and not with an episode of The West Wing playing in the background,” says shopping market editor Kate McGregor. “Now, the second the clock cues me to wind down, my phone can be far away.” Deep sleepers will appreciate the gradual wakeup call from a large catalog of alarm sounds, and an alarm volume that reaches decibels capable of reviving a bear from its hibernation.
Best Vintage Style
Arne Jacobsen’s table clock doesn’t just tell time, it also tells visitors that you have exquisite taste. Jacobsen’s original creation was designed for and inspired by one of his architectural projects back in 1939—the home of an electricity company CEO. While it maintains the same bulbous shape and slender base as the OG, this modern iteration is equipped with a snooze function and light sensor, letting you tackle your morning routine like a boss.
Best Flip Clock
This space age design might just make you question your allegiance to analog. A collaboration with Hong Kong-based TWEMCO, one of the last flip clock manufacturers in the world, this Penco timepiece has a compact design that packs a punch with its glossy finish and bold numerics display. Station it by your bedside or at your work desk, but we can’t promise you won’t be transfixed by the oh-so-satisfying fluttering motion as time moves.
Best Midcentury Clock
Unexpected red theory meets midcentury-modern in this petite tabletop clock from Seiko. Curved edges and the dual-colored body exude sleekness, though the vintage-inspired numeric display grounds the design in some retro flair. Since it’s not a bad sight to wake up to, we think it’d even make a great gift for any guy in your life—starting with your Seiko-loving dad and ending with your coworker who’s trying to become an early riser.
Best Wooden Clock
Here’s a wooden alarm clock with staunch minimalist appeal. The wood block base is carved from sustainably-sourced Japanese hinoki cypress, with the natural grain serving as the star of the show. We can’t help but think it’d look very handsome resting on top of a matching nightstand, like this one from the Citizenry that’s also hand-crafted from hinoki wood by Japanese artisans.
Best Sunrise Alarm Clock
This smart alarm clock doesn’t just look good on your bedside table—it also works as a white noise machine for an iPhone-free wind down, and a Loftie+ subscription gets you custom-made bedtime stories, guided visualizations, and meditations. The two-phase alarm mimics your body's natural waking process (heavy sleepers, this is for you), so you can ease into your consciousness, instead of irritably beginning your day with a grating beep. It also makes a handsome night light. And if you’re feeling compelled to listen to your own chants, white noises, meditations, etc. this model also functions as a bluetooth speaker so you can pick and choose how exactly you doze off.
Best All-in-One Option
Is it the sexiest on this list? No. But is it a bluetooth speaker, wireless charger with a USB charging port, a noise machine, and an alarm clock with an LED display for easy 24-hour reference? Yes. While this encourages the opposite of Hatch and Loftie’s anti-phone-in-bed agenda, we can’t all live such an ascetic life.
More AD-Approved Clocks
Ok you caught us, this isn’t technically an alarm clock, but we would be remiss if we didn’t let you know about this incredibly fashionable Dutch clock that recently came across our desks. If chrome isn’t your preference, the ceramic time keeper is available in a range of equally attractive colors like diffused pink and mossy green. Sure to brighten up any room or decorative enclave, we can assure you that passing time never looked so stylish.
Moma is one of our favorite retailers for alarm clocks more concerned with aesthetics than they are with bluetooth connectivity. This one strikes a mid-century chord with its wide face and retro time display, with an atomic dial and silent-sweep movement to maximize quietness. This is a battery powered piece, meaning it can adapt to any nightstand regardless of outlet connectivity, but it also means you’ll need to pick up a AA battery at checkout.
Here’s the number one bestseller in clock radios on Amazon. This DreamSky pick maintains the beloved look of an analog digital Timex, while covertly offering modern accoutrements like a dimmable LED display, a sleep timer, and a USB port. If you’re the sort of person who’s drastically committed to supporting radio, this is just the thing you need to wake up to a blaring FM every day of the week.
German-based Braun (of coffee maker fame) are masters of modernist style. This alarm clock has the basic amenities you’d expect—a backlight, snooze, and a crescendoing alarm—while still maintaining the analog look. Its simplicity, clean lines, and white colorway give a nod to Scandi design, especially the way its sphere is set in its frame is ultra-modern. This pick is also battery operated, which makes it a great choice for those who live without the privilege of bedside outlets.
