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Image: MomJunction Design Team
Keeping track of your time is crucial when you’re traveling. With a busy schedule, you might lose track of time and miss important appointments. Thus, having an alarm clock is a great way to stick to one’s routine. The best travel alarm clocks are designed for this purpose. They are lightweight, compact, and easy to pack and carry, and you can choose from digital alarm clocks or mechanical ones.
The tried-and-tested travel alarm clocks we have listed in this post have reliable alarm features and are made of robust material that can withstand being packed tightly in a luggage bag. Moreover, we also tell you what you should look for when choosing a travel alarm clock. So, read on and pick the right one.
Top Picks
11 Best Travel Alarm Clocks
1. Best Pocket-Sized: Peakeep Small Travel Alarm Clock
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 6,481 customers on Amazon have opined that this is one of the best products in its category.
This travel alarm clock by Peakeep has a hard plastic shell and a compact pocket-sized design, making it convenient to carry while traveling. The face of the clock is quite minimalistic, and the back of the device houses most of the controls. This portable alarm clock features a pop-up on and off switch, an alarm knob, a time knob, and a snooze light, making it the ideal companion for travelers.
This user-friendly device’s four-stage alarm alert grows progressively louder and faster–it starts at 50-60dB and reaches a maximum of 80-90dB. The alarm beep can be silenced through the pop-up switch or by pressing the snooze button located on the front of the clock. This device is battery-operated and has an illuminated dial coupled with luminous hands for nighttime viewing.
Pros
- No hands-ticking sound
- Smooth edges
- Light-on-demand button
- Available in three different colors
Cons
- Does not support USB
2. Best Foldable: Marathon Travel Alarm Clock
The rectangular digital alarm clock by Marathon has a screen that displays the time, date, and room temperature. The device has a built-in backlight that is easy on the eyes and helps in viewing the time at night. Its tactile control buttons placed on the front and the side are easy to access.
The battery-operated travel clock is equipped with many functions, including the ability to switch between 12 and 24-hour time formats, the ability to set the calendar, and even to switch between Celcius and Farenheit. Moreover, the clock is foldable and has a built-in stand capable of rotating the face of the clock up to a maximum of 180°. Check out this product testing video to learn more.
Pros
- Doubles as a stand for your phone
- Easy to install
- Includes a snooze function
- Large display screen
- Easy-to-understand instructions
Cons
- Some might find the alarm a bit too loud
- Clock may be a tad tiny
"Its swivel design and temperature display are its standout features. It is also easy to set up, and the ability to lock the device to prevent accidental changes is a big perk. The lack of automatic time adjustment was a letdown, but I still consider it a decent find for timekeeping needs."
3. Best Energy-Efficient: Kwanwa Digital Travel Alarm Clock
Kwanwa digital travel alarm clock features an energy-efficient LED that displays the time and room temperature. The red digital numbers are large and visible even in low-light scenarios. Its built-in flip mechanism allows users to alternate between viewing the time and room temperature.
Some other noteworthy features of this battery-operated alarm clock include a quick toggle between Celsius and Fahrenheit, low-battery indicator, auto-dim mode, loud alarm volume, and snooze mode.The entire body is made of quality plastic, and the controls are neatly placed on the top of the device. Watch this review video detailing a tester’s experience for more information about the product.
Pros
- Three brightness level
- Low-battery indicator
- Easy-to-access battery compartment
- Available in two different colors
Cons
- Background and digits are in the same color
- May be dim for daytime use
"This handy little clock has become a constant on my travels. It accurately displays the temperature and time, and although direct sunlight may slightly impact visibility, its screen is still easy to read. It has proven to be a stable, no-frills device for everyday use."
Quick factPeakeep Small Travel Alarm Clock Best Pocket-Sized | Marathon Travel Alarm Clock Best Foldable | Kwanwa Digital Travel Alarm Clock Best Energy-Efficient | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 0.04 Pounds | 2.4 Ounces | 3.17 ounces |
| Frame Material | Plastic | - | - |
| Material | Plastic | - | Plastic |
| Shape | Square | Rectangular | Rectangular |
| Dimensions | 2.25"W x 2.25"H | 4"W x 2.5"H | 4.7"W x 1.9"H |
| Color | Aquamarine | Silver | Black |
| Number of Batteries | - | 1 AAA batteries required | 2 AA batteries required |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 6,481 | 4,469 | 1,157 |
| Price | $12.99 | $14.95 | $16.59 |
4. Best Easy-To-Use: Westclox Travel Alarm Clock
The Westclox mini alarm clock has a minimalistic design and is easy to use. The device has a rectangular screen that displays the time, and the controls are on the front of the device below the LCD, which makes them quite easy to access. The alarm and time settings are controlled through two toggles that switch on and off.
It has a snooze button that doubles as the light button and brightens up the screen to make for easy viewing at night. The small form factor and foldable stand make it a suitable travel companion if you’re on the lookout for a portable clock option.
Pros
- Long-lasting battery power
- Easy-to-read font size
- Easy operable buttons
- Smooth edges
Cons
- Alarm sound may be slightly loud
- Light might be a bit dim
"Although on the smaller end, it has impressed me with its consistent performance. Its light is dim, but that's a boon for me as I am a light sleeper. It has also held up well to a few tumbles and airport security check-ins."
5. Best User-Friendly: Famicozy Compact Digital Travel Alarm Clock
This simple and well-designed digital clock has a foldable stand that can fold over the screen and protect it from damage. To ensure a user-friendly experience, the essential controls, including time, alarm, hour, and minute settings, are placed on the front of the digital clock.
You can set the alarm volumes through a quick switch toggle located at the side of the device. The alarm bell begins to beep slowly and progressively increases. The snooze backlight function enables a soft backlight that stays on for five seconds. This compact travel alarm is crafted from hard plastic and runs on two AAA batteries.
Pros
- Strong hinge
- Easy to set up
- Hard plastic construction
- Easy-to-read instructions
Cons
- Buttons may be slightly hard to press
- Batteries may drain out quickly
"Its simple yet rugged design was the first thing that appealed to me. Besides, its lid doubles as a cover and stand, which is very convenient when I travel. The backlight only turning on at the press of a button is a minor issue, but the adjustable volume and alarms are a big plus."
6. Best Multifunctional:ORIA Digital Alarm Clock
Lay your hands on this rectangular Oria digital alarm clock loaded with multiple functions. It comes with a six-inch LED mirror display for clear visibility of numbers, and you can enjoy additional sleep for five minutes with the top snooze button. The clock features four levels of brightness adjustment to not disturb your sleep at night.
Loved by users, the screen of this multifunctional alarm clock turns off automatically after every six seconds. However, you can wake up the screen by tapping it or saying hello. Furthermore, the LED display clock comes with an in-built battery that supports USB charging, and the user-friendly buttons of this USB charging clock ensure convenient time setting.
Pros
- Includes 1200mA rechargeable battery
- Adjustable alarm sound
- Multiple wake-up sounds
- Dual alarm settings
Cons
- May be brighter than expected
"Programming this clock had a slight learning curve, but it has been a cute addition to my travel essentials. Its various alarm modes and dimming features also allow me to customize it based on my needs. Plus, its vibrant colors bring a lot of liveliness to my room."
7. Best Ergonomically Designed: Noklead Digital Travel Alarm Clock
The foldable Noklead digital travel alarm clock is ergonomically designed with a wide LCD and simple one-touch operation buttons on the front. It also offers ten seconds of blue backlight display to let you see the time without turning on the lights. The LCD shows the time in a 12-hour or 24-hour format, the alarm time and room temperature in Celsius or Fahrenheit, and the calendar.
It has a nine-minute snooze button, and the alarm clock’s portable size can be carried in a backpack, handbag, and pocket. Moreover, it has a foldable, travel-friendly design and includes a mirror on one side to help fix your makeup during travel.
Pros
- Power saving mode
- Weekend mode
- Includes two button batteries
- Large 3.2-inch digital LCD display
- Decent alarm sound
Cons
- Buttons are a bit small and flat
- Display may flicker sometimes
"I've found this travel clock to strike a nice balance—it's compact, straightforward to set up, and easy to read. Its built-in mirror is excellent for quick makeup touch-ups, and the temperature reading ensures I am dressed appropriately for the weather. Overall, it's been a practical buy."
Trivia8. Best Backlight: Casio Illuminator Travel Alarm Clock
The tried-and-tested Casio illuminator alarm clock is touted for offering portability and ease of operation. The battery-operated clock is well-designed and features a compact rectangular LCD screen that displays the time in a large font, making it easy to view at all times. The display is equipped with a backlight for clear and strain-free viewing at night. This easy-to-set alarm clock includes a snooze button and a 12/24-hour time format selector.
Pros
- Easy-to-handle and functional buttons
- Convenient to read
- Hidden adjustment keys
- Includes a battery
Cons
- Sound may be a bit low
"Simple and elegant, this alarm clock is easy to read and set. It comes with controls that help prevent accidental setting changes, and it's small enough to fit in my pocket. Even though the buttons could be more visible, it serves its purpose well."
9. Best Easy-To-Read: Braun Digital Travel Alarm Clock
This palm-held digital alarm clock is suitable to be carried in the pocket or travel bag. The clock is primarily designed as a basic alarm clock that includes all main functionalities. The time and alarm settings are displayed in large fonts on the screen, which makes the display easy to view and read. The back of the device houses the main controls, including an on and off alarm switch, volume control, and toggle selector for quick swapping between the 12- and 24-hour format.
Neatly built into the top of the clock is the snooze button that doubles as a backlight button. When pressed, the screen lights up for ten seconds, and the alarm gets delayed for a five-minute snooze. The clock works with a single AAA battery and has a crescendo beep alarm.
Pros
- Crescendo beep alarm
- LCD display
- Easy-to-access battery compartment
- Elegant design
Cons
- Alarm may be faint
- May be smaller than you expect
"I came across this one while searching for a compact and stylish clock. The backlight is a cool blue, which doesn't disrupt my sleep, though having better visibility during the day would be nice. Nevertheless, its build quality is decent, and the gentle alarm wakes me without a startle."
10. Best Sleek: Bedee Travel Alarm Clock
The compact and sleek design makes this alarm clock one of the best travel alarm clocks. This foldable clock allows the built-in stand to protect the screen when placed in a travel bag, and the user-friendly controls placed on the reverse side of the device make it easy to use. The controls allow users to toggle between Celcius and Fahrenheit, set alarms, timers, and dates, and switch between time formats.
The face of the clock displays the necessary information, such as the time, day, month, date, and room temperature. This elegant travel alarm clock is powered by a battery and has an additional feature of eight different alarm ringtones.
Pros
- Ultra-thin design
- Includes battery
- Large font size
- Easy-to-operate buttons
Cons
- No backlight display
- Alarm may not be loud enough
"Setting up this clock is easy, and the large, clear display allows me to read the time from a distance. The stand doubling as a cover is a boon for keeping it dust-free. It's a bit noisy but features like different alarm tones, timer, and snooze have made it my favorite."
Point to consider11. Best Convenient: Travelwey Digital Alarm Clock
The simplicity of operation coupled with a clear display makes this alarm clock by Travelwey a worthy addition to our list of the best travel alarm clocks. The tried-and-tested clock is equipped with time, alarm, snooze, day, date settings, and an on and off switch. Tactile button controls are located on the front to make it convenient for users to access these settings. The battery-operated foldable clock comes at an affordable price and is a convenient choice for traveling or when you need a quick reminder for appointments.
Pros
- No frills design
- Five-seconds on-demand display light
- Easy to disable the light button option
- Easy to use
- Compact and lightweight travel clock
Cons
- Sound may be a bit louder than expected
"The box-style design is very durable and looks very cute on my desk. The foldable feature also makes it easy to carry. The alarm, though pleasant, is loud enough to wake me up without being disruptive. Moreover, the on-demand light feature keeps the batteries from draining quickly."
How To Choose The Right Travel Alarm Clock?
Consider these factors to ensure you choose the right travel alarm clock.
- Type of clock: One of the most important considerations when purchasing a travel alarm clock is whether it has a digital or analog dial. While this usually boils down to personal preference, there are a few things to bear in mind. Digital clocks are usually favored since they are easier to read. They are also devoid of the ticking sound that usually is a characteristic feature of analog clocks. If you decide on purchasing a digital clock, you should invest in one that allows you to switch between the 12 and 24-hour formats.
- Type of alarm: While you might think this to be unimportant, it turns out to be one of the main determining factors. The alarm sound could be anything from a light buzz to a loud ringtone. This entirely depends on how heavy a sleeper you are. If you’re a heavy sleeper, you should buy a travel alarm clock with a loud ringtone as it increases your chances of waking up on time. If you can’t decide how loud you need your alarm bell to be, you should purchase an alarm clock with a wide selection of ringtones.
- Compactness and portability: The size and portability of a travel alarm clock matter more than you know. A clock that is sleek, slender, lightweight, and portable is essential while traveling. It is recommended to purchase an alarm clock with a built-in stand that allows the clock to fold in. Having a pocket-sized alarm clock will help you when traveling.
- Features: This will depend on your purpose. If the alarm clock is needed only for the alarm ringtone, one with basic functionality will serve the purpose. Most travel alarm clocks have other features baked in such as backlight, snooze mode, LED that displays time, date, and room temperature. Some more advanced features include numerous ringtones, touch-sensitive buttons, the ability to set more than 1 alarm, etc. However, do bear in mind that the more feature-packed the alarm clock, the more expensive it will be.
- Power: When it comes to power, there are only 2 sources of power for alarm clocks. You can get either outlet-powered alarm clocks or battery-operated ones. When considering a travel alarm clock, it is much more beneficial to purchase one with batteries. For convenience, you may even want one that has rechargeable batteries.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are travel alarm clocks worth it?
For someone who travels frequently and often has a busy schedule, it is worth having a travel alarm clock. It helps you stay on schedule without draining your phone battery.
2. What makes a good travel clock?
A good travel clock should be compact, lightweight, and easy to carry. It should also be easy to set up, have a good battery life, and offer functionality and durability.
3. Should I use a travel alarm clock?
You should use a travel alarm if you like to stay punctual even when traveling.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Wedetso Chirhah is a trusted product writer and reviewer who covers electronics and gadgets that make your life easy. Here, he has gone through various user reviews and product features to list some of the best travel alarm clocks you can consider buying for a seamless traveling experience. The durable travel clocks listed here are lightweight, compact, and portable and come with several features such as backlight, snooze mode, and LED screen.
The Bottom Line
Travel alarm clocks are an essential part of every traveler’s toolkit as they allow you to keep your schedule on track while changing the time zones, dates, and other details according to your needs, goals, and location. The best travel alarm clocks can be set up almost anywhere, whether you are relaxing in a hotel room or camping through the hills, and are simple to operate and convenient for everyday use. They will fit well in your luggage and look great on your nightstand while waking you up at the desired time. Our top choices include the Peakeep Small Travel Alarm Clock which stands out for its compact size and user-friendly features, and the Marathon Travel Alarm Clock for its foldable design and range of functions. The Kwanwa Digital Travel Alarm Clock is also an excellent energy-efficient option.
Infographic: What Are The Advantages Of Using A Travel Alarm Clock?
A travel alarm clock is a portable device designed to help travelers stay punctual while on the go. Features such as multiple time zone settings ensure reliable timekeeping during your journeys. Check out the infographic below to explore the benefits of carrying a travel alarm clock on your next trip.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Waking up is the hardest thing I do all day: Sleep inertia and sleep drunkenness
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5337178/
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