Guide

Navigating the alarm clock maze

15.10.2019

Translation: Eva Francis

Whether you're woken by a shrill beep, Google Assistant or soft light can have a huge effect on your mood first thing in the morning. We think outside the box, but that's tricky with alarm clocks. So choose yours carefully.

Whether you're a snoozer, an early riser, a smart home optimiser or a design lover, an alarm clock that suits your style can take the edge off one of the most annoying parts of the day. Let's take a look at the possibilities in this impossible situation.

The classics

Previous generations managed to get up on time. They didn't need Bluetooth, the radio or other bells and whistles. They just had a simple alarm clock that showed the time and let out a «brrring!» at a set time. They're inexpensive and have a great timeless look. As there's not much to configure and programme, make sure you consider more than just the design. The alarm clock has to have an «out of the box» solution to your requirements. After all, it matters whether the snooze button is prominent, hard to find or non-existent.

Alarm clocks

Karlsson Minimal

View all classic alarm clocks

Going digital

They're not always quite as attractive, but digital alarm clocks are unbeatably clear. You can even read the time when you're half asleep. But bright numbers can also be frustrating if you can't dim them or switch them off. Not all that flashes is plastic: choose from wood, metal and synthetic materials. I have a Lexon Flip next to my bed and I'm happy with it. It lights up if I tap it, and the alarm stops if I turn it over. It's simple and also available as a radio-controlled model.

Alarm clocks

Lexon Flip+

Alarm clocks

−11%

CHF53.90 was CHF60.90

Gingko flip click

Alarm clocks

CHF39.95

Gingko Cube Click Clock

Alarm clocks

Lexon Flip+

−11%

Alarm clocks

CHF53.90 was CHF60.90

Gingko flip click

Alarm clocks

CHF39.95

Gingko Cube Click Clock

View all digital alarm clocks

Radio-controlled alarm clocks

Most models automatically show the correct time on the display and you have less of an excuse if you ever oversleep. But radio-controlled alarm clocks also have benefits: they generally work seamlessly as long as you don't live in a reinforced concrete bunker. You'll be especially thankful for this after the annual battery change if your model doesn't have a mains plug. Besides this, you can forget function and think about whether your display should be showing more, such as the temperature in your bedroom.

Alarm clocks

CHF18.90

TFA Clocco

View all radio-controlled alarm clocks

Radio alarm clocks

If you're ready for noise as soon as you wake up, a radio alarm clock is for you. As FM reception is unlikely to be available from 2022, a DAB+ model is a minimum recommended requirement. Bonus tip: don't set your alarm to wake you on the hour if you're not keen on the news.

Alarm clocks

−41%

Used

CHF83.40 currently CHF141.– new

Pure Siesta Rise

View all radio alarm clocks

Light alarm clocks

In the dark winter months, a simulated sunrise is a pleasant way to start the day. It doesn't rouse you abruptly from your sleep; it brightens the room bit by bit. Your body begins to produce the alert hormone serotonin and you wake more naturally. Depending on your model, gentle sounds may also play and you're generally awake before it's actually time to wake up. If, like me, you can do without artificial birdsong, you can achieve a similar effect with «smart» bulbs.

Alarm clocks

Used

CHF115.– currently CHF117.19 new

Philips Wake-up Light HF3520

View all light alarm clocks

There are of course also space-saving alarm clocks with an integrated light. To turn off the alarm, just turn the Gingko Edge Light over and it transforms into a warm ambient light source.

Alarm clocks

CHF29.90

Gingko edge light

Sleep phase alarm clocks

These models use sensors to record the best time to wake based on a timeframe set by you. Ideally, you will wake earlier and be better for it than if you had been lazing around in bed until your alarm had gone off. Some models also analyse your sleep behaviour, which you can rack your brains about with the time you gain in the morning.

Sleep therapy

aXbo sleep phase alarm clock

View all sleep phase alarm clocks

Smart home alarm clocks

If you don't like your bedroom to be a tech-free zone and «Hey Google» trips easily off your tongue, a smart home alarm clock could be just the thing for you. You can use it to switch on your espresso machine from your bed, start listening to a podcast, check your share prices and dim the lights. You set the limits: virtually anything is possible. And you can connect your smartphone, which can do the same in principle, via the USB charging port.

Alarm clocks

Lenovo Smart Clock

See all smart home alarm clocks

Some people prefer to be woken by their mobile phones – until they revert to the classic option at the start of this article as part of a digital detox. And so we've come full circle.

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Michael Restin

Senior Editor

Michael.Restin@digitecgalaxus.ch

Simple writer and dad of two who likes to be on the move, wading through everyday family life. Juggling several balls, I'll occasionally drop one. It could be a ball, or a remark. Or both.

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