While many people may think that alarm clocks have become extinct due to cell phones, those who love to travel know that a travel alarm clock adds an extra sense of security to vacations. When out of the country phones often have issues, and you can’t always trust the clocks in your hotel room, if there even is one. When you have your own travel alarm clock with you, you can rest easy knowing you won’t miss your flight to Thailand, or be late for your tour of London.
To help you find the best options for your next trip, we’ve rounded up some of the best travel alarm clocks. From smart travel alarm clocks to analog options and even atomic clocks, these travel alarms clocks will go everywhere you go.
Quick Answer: Best Travel Alarm Clocks
Below is a list of the best alarms clocks for travel:
- Marathon CL030023 Digital Travel Alarm Clock
- Peakeep Ultra Small Travel Alarm Clock
- Travelwey Digital Travel Alarm Clock
- Marathon CL030036BK Atomic Travel Alarm Clock
- iLuv Smartshaker 2 Smart Travel Alarm Clock
- DreamSky Decent Alarm Clock Radio
- Marathon CL030065BL-WH2 Mini Travel Alarm Clock
- KWANWA Small Digital Alarm Clock for Travel
- FAMICOZY Mini Size Alarm Clock
- Alarpro Digital Travel Alarm Clock
What to Look for in a Good Travel Alarm Clock
There’s a lot to consider here, so be sure you think about the following things before committing to buying a certain clock.
1. Type of Clock
Whether you want an analog or a digital clock is personal preference. Most people prefer digital clocks because they’re easier to read, but others like the look of analog clocks. Analog clocks are typically less expensive, but some make a ticking noise which may keep some people up at night. If you’re going to go for a digital clock, be sure you know whether it displays in a 12 or 24-hour time format, or if you can switch between both.
2. Type of Alarm
Are you a heavy or light sleeper? The most important thing to consider is whether or not the alarm will actually wake you up. Be sure you know what the alarm sound is. It could be a ringing or buzzing sound, or it could be a radio or nature sound. Some even have a vibration associated with the alarm. You may have a choice of several options, just be sure there’s at least one option that will get you up and at ‘em to tackle the day.
3. Features
Some alarm clocks only tell the time and have an alarm. Others display the time, and also the date. Some will even let you know the interior temperature. There are several features available on certain alarm clocks. The cost, the weight, and the number of features are likely going to be related, so it’s best to buy a clock with only the features you need.
Here are some of the main features you should consider before getting your new travel alarm clock:
- Radio: Sometimes you may want to wake up to the radio instead of a ringing alarm. Having a radio alarm clock can also be convenient if something is going on in the area you’re visiting and you want to listen to the news.
- Smart Alarm Clock: Smart alarm clocks tend to be controlled from your smartphone. They allow you to do things like choose your snooze length and even pick the specific song you want to wake up to. If you can’t guarantee you’ll be able to charge your phone where you’re traveling, then a smart alarm clock probably isn’t the best choice for you.
- Atomic Alarm Clock: Atomic alarm clocks are the most accurate clocks because of the scientific way they keep time. These clocks will automatically update to your time zone. Especially if you travel internationally frequently, or you change time zones often, an atomic alarm clock might be the way to go.
- Backlight: Having an alarm with a backlight is convenient if you want to add a little more brightness to the room without having the turn on the light. Some backlights only help you see the time better, but others are bright enough to act as a reading light so you can catch up on your favorite travel book before bed.
4. Durability / Design
All of your travel gear should be able to stand the test of time, and the abuse that unfortunately may come from airport baggage agents. You want your alarm clock to be light, but you don’t want it to be cheaply made.
The design of the clock will determine how easy it is to travel with. Some clocks are super small and can easily fit in your laptop bag. A larger clock isn’t necessarily bad, but if you prefer a large clock then consider getting one that’s foldable so it won’t be a problem when trying to put it in your luggage.
5. Outlet Powered or Battery Operated
To make things easier, most people choose battery-operated alarm clocks because they won’t have to worry about finding an outlet. But batteries do have to be replaced or recharged. If you’re guaranteed to have an outlet, like if you’re staying in an Airbnb, then there’s nothing wrong with getting a clock that needs to be plugged in. However, if there’s any chance you may find yourself in a hostel dorm or a camping tent for the night, then it’s best to go with a battery-operated clock.
Best Travel Alarm Clock Reviews
Now that you know what to look for, here are the best alarms clocks for travel currently on the market…
Best Digital Travel Alarm Clock
1. Marathon CL030023 Digital Travel Alarm Clock
The Marathon CL030023 Travel Alarm Clock is an impressive clock with a handful of features which make it easy to love. This clock is only 4” x .5” x 2.5” and is foldable, so it’s super easy to pack even if you’re only taking a weekender bag. The loud alarm is sure to wake you up, and there’s even a snooze function if you’re not quite ready to get up yet. Other convenient features include a calendar, a back light, and your choice of a 12 or 24-hour time format. This is also an ideal alarm for anyone needing a travel clock with thermometer. With everything it has to offer, the Marathon CL030023 Travel Alarm Clock is clearly one of the greatest travel alarms available.
Best Analog Travel Alarm Clock
2. Peakeep Ultra Small Travel Alarm Clock
Peakeep has created the smallest travel alarm clock you’ll probably ever find at only 2.25” x 2.25” x 1.25”, which means it easily fits in the palm of your hand or in your jacket pocket. This analog clock has a convenient alarm on/off bar and offers easy access to the snooze and light button. Light sleepers love that the second hand moves, but it doesn’t making a ticking noise. However, the alarm makes its fair share of noise as the four beep alarm increases in volume until it’s turned off, or the snooze button is pressed. The Peakeep Ultra Small Travel Alarm Clock is a favorite among minimalist travelers and backpackers.
Best Folding Travel Alarm Clock
3. Travelwey Digital Travel Alarm Clock
Simplicity is at the forefront of this alarm travel clock. The Travelwey Digital Travel Alarm Clock is an easy to use clock and alarm with a light, nothing more, nothing less. It does have a snooze button and an on/off button so you can conserve the battery when you’re not using it. The internal time is still being kept even when the clock is off, so you won’t need to reset it every time you turn it back on. This alarm clock is very light (.64 ounces) and measures 3.5” x 3.5” x 1.2”, so it’s able to conveniently fit in all bags. For a basic, easy to use alarm clock, the Travelwey Digital Travel Alarm Clock is a great option.
Best Atomic Travel Alarm Clock
4. Marathon CL030036BK Atomic Travel Alarm Clock
The Marathon CL030036BK Atomic Travel Alarm Clock is one of the ultimate options when it comes to travel clocks. This atomic clock always displays the accurate time as it sets the time by using radio frequencies broadcast from NIST’s Colorado Atomic Clock. The time is always accurate, you can switch between six time zones, and choose a 12 or 24-hour time format. This clock even offers five different language options. It has a built-in light sensor that can trigger an automatic backlight, and the backlight can also be operated manually. The clock has an LCD display and includes the date as well as the interior temperature. This extra loud alarm with all these features only measures 2.8” x .5” x 3” and weighs 3.8 ounces. For an alarm clock you can always be confident in, the Marathon CL030036BK Atomic Travel Alarm Clock is the perfect choice.
Best Smart Travel Alarm Clock
5. iLuv Smartshaker 2 Smart Travel Alarm Clock
If you’re tired of being startled awake by a piercing alarm then the iLuv Smartshaker 2 Smart Travel Alarm Clock may be the perfect alarm for you. While most traditional alarms only offer a buzzing or ringing alarm, this alarm clock allows you to be woken up by a vibration. This alarm sits under your pillow and you can choose from three different vibration levels. It’s ideal if you don’t want to wake your partner, you’re in a hostel dorm, or you’re camping and don’t want to startle any animals. If you’d like a sound to accompany the vibration, the alarm includes eight ringtone alarms ranging from birds to a stream. The only thing to keep in mind is that it doesn’t have a clock face, it’s controlled by an app on your phone, so just be sure the alarm is compatible with your phone. If it is, the iLuv Smartshaker 2 Smart Travel Alarm Clock is an impressive alarm you’ll love traveling with.
Best Travel Radio Alarm Clock
6. DreamSky Decent Alarm Clock Radio
The DreamSky Decent Alarm Clock Radio is another one of the best travel clocks and has a handful of features which add a ton of convenience to your travels. This digital clock has a four-inch display with brightness that can be adjusted between 0 – 100%. The time can be viewed in a 12 or 24-hour format and there’s an eight-minute snooze feature. It has an FM radio as well as an indoor temperature display. You can choose to wake up to an ascending buzzer alarm or the radio. This clock even includes a USB charging port so you can keep your phone and tablet charged near the bed. The clock does need to be plugged in, so if you’re traveling internationally be sure you have the proper travel adapter. For a nice clock at a great price, go with the DreamSky Decent Alarm Clock Radio.
Best of the Rest
7. Marathon CL030065BL-WH2 Mini Travel Alarm Clock
This silent analog clock is a favorite among those who like to travel light. The Marathon CL030065BL-WH2 Mini Travel Alarm Clock measures only 2.7” x 2.7” x 1.9” and weighs less than six ounces. If you’ve been looking for the best travel alarm clock with light features, this may be the one for you. In addition to a button for a light, it also has an auto night light which illuminates the dial when in low light. The alarm is turned on and off by a button and the clock includes a snooze function. For a clock that’s easy to use even in the dark, go with the Marathon CL030065BL-WH2 Mini Travel Alarm Clock.
8. KWANWA Small Digital Alarm Clock for Travel
With excellent versatility and portability, the KWANWA Small Digital Alarm Clock for Travel is the first LED clock to be operated only by batteries. With 2 AA batteries the clock can continue working for up to 10 months, and it has a low battery indicator so you know when to change them. You can choose a .9” or 1.2” display so it can be seen from a distance. The clock has three brightness levels, and it even auto dims from 8:00pm to 6:00am. When you flip the clock upside down the temperature will replace the time. The KWANWA Small Digital Alarm Clock for Travel has a lot of conveniences you’ll appreciate while traveling.
9. FAMICOZY Mini Size Alarm Clock
Small enough to fit in your travel pants pocket, the FAMICOZY Mini Size Alarm Clock is almost half the size of a credit card and no problem to travel with. It’s an analog clock that doesn’t tick, but is sure to wake you up when the alarm goes off. The beeping alarm increases in volume to wake you up, and you have the option of turning it off or pressing the snooze for an additional five minutes of sleep. The clock has a convenient nightlight button which illuminates the hour, and the minute hand to help you see the time in the darkness. At only 2.2” x 2.2” x 1.1”, the FAMICOZY Mini Size Alarm Clock is a great little alarm to travel with.
10. Alarpro Digital Travel Alarm Clock
The Alarpro Digital Travel Alarm Clock is an ultra-thin, compact clock you won’t even notice you’re traveling with. It only weighs four ounces, measures 4.6” x 3” x .9”, and includes a protective leather sleeve to prevent it from being scratched while in your luggage. This clock does not have a backlight, but it does have a calendar and temperature display. You can choose between a 12 or 24-hour time format and the snooze gives you an extra five minutes of sleep after the gentle alarm. The Alarpro Digital Travel Alarm Clock makes the perfect travel partner as it’s easy to read and easier to travel with.
The small investment in an alarm clock could be the difference in whether or not you make your next flight. Traveling is super fun and you shouldn’t have to worry about things like waking up on time. When you get any of the best travel alarm clocks you can fall asleep with ease knowing you’ll be woken up at the right time.
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