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Top rated
- best buy
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Getting up in the morning can be a struggle, especially if you’re waking up to the sound of a shrill alarm. Investing in a good digital alarm clock – one that wakes you gently with a soft crescendo – will help you start the day on the right note.
We've picked out some of the very best digital radio alarm clocks, with a range of designs to suit your preferences. Some are made specifically to be brilliant bedside companions, and others are general-use radios that scored highly for their suitability as DAB radio alarm clocks. And we've also highlighted poor-quality Don't Buy radios so you know what you need to avoid.
Only logged in Which? members can view our recommendations in the table below. If you're not yet a member, you can get instant access by joining Which?.
Full Access first month £5, then £10.99 per month, cancel at any time
Full Access first month £5, then £10.99 per month, cancel at any time
Full Access first month £5, then £10.99 per month, cancel at any time
Full Access first month £5, then £10.99 per month, cancel at any time
Full Access first month £5, then £10.99 per month, cancel at any time
Full Access first month £5, then £10.99 per month, cancel at any time
Pricing and recommendations correct as of July 2024.
Not found the product for you? Browse all of our radio reviews.
Not all radio alarm clocks are equal, and even dedicated ones supposedly designed purely for bedside use can perform their task poorly.
These are some of the worst radios from our testing that were seemingly suitable for alarm clock use.
We've seen digital radio alarm clocks with impossibly small snooze buttons, tiny hard-to-read screens and ones with such low volume you might not wake up at all.
Be sure to avoid these duds if you see them on the high street or online.
Full Access first month £5, then £10.99 per month, cancel at any time
Full Access first month £5, then £10.99 per month, cancel at any time
Full Access first month £5, then £10.99 per month, cancel at any time
See our guide to the best DAB radios for some better alternatives.
A good digital alarm clock can cost anything from £50 up to £250. If you like using your alarm clock radio’s snooze button to grab a few more minutes’ sleep, it’s really important to consider its size and how easy it is to reach. Ideally it should be placed somewhere prominent like on a bedside table, so you don’t struggle to find it when you’re drowsy.
Don’t forget to also look at the size of the other buttons and dials, and how they’re labelled. Some radios may look sleek, but you’ll quickly get frustrated if they're style over substance.
And if you like falling asleep to the radio as well as waking up to it, look for a radio alarm clock with a sleep timer that turns the radio off after a set period of time.
We've picked out some popular choices from the digital radio alarm clocks we've tested. Compare prices and availability from retailers below