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You’ve got big plans on your next trip and don’t want to sleep in and miss them. So, we asked TFG readers to share their picks for the best travel alarm clock and this is what they said.
Best Travel Alarm Clock
Written By: Tae Haahrr
Table Of Contents
You’ve got big plans that you don’t want to miss—an excursion, walking tour, sunset boat ride—whatever it is that you’re excited about, you definitely don’t want to sleep through. So, you’ll need a portable clock.
There are a ton of travelers that like to use their smartphone as an alarm clock while they travel but considering the negative implications of using that little blue light emitting device right by your bed, we’d like to offer a few alternative ideas.
There may even be the occasional time you return home so exhausted that you forget to charge your phone before bedtime. Trust us, you don’t want this to keep you from missing your flight. Guilty—it’s happened!
If you’re looking for a travel clock that you can cart along to London, Bangkok, and Sydney, then here are our readers top picks:
Best Digital Travel Alarm Clocks
Travelway Digital Travel Clock
Travelway Digital Travel Alarm Clock
This Travelwey is a no-nonsense device. It tells you the time and wakes you up when you tell it to.
No bells and whistles, this clock can fold into an easy-to-pack size. It’s powered by two AAA batteries and easily switches on and off to save battery life while it’s not in use.
One TFG reader shares that a must-have for her is a “very inexpensive fold-up clock.” She also recommends bringing a few extra batteries for it!
If you’re looking for a travel clock that’s simple and easy to use, then this might be the one for you.
Noise-cancelling headphones can work wonders when it comes to blocking out the noise caused by snoring!
Marathon Battery-Operated Alarm Clock
The Marathon NightOwl is a great choice because of its small size and ability to conveniently fold up into a flat, packable form.
This alarm clock has the ability to switch between six time zones and five different languages. It has an automatic backlight and is battery operated (no international plugs to deal with). Plus, not only does it display time but also the date and temperature.
One TFG reader who uses the Marathon travel alarm clock says, “It’s pretty good and even when I’m not traveling I use it. The screen is nice and dim, so if you wake up in the middle of the night you can see what time it is without being blinded! You do have to set it outside at like two or five so the atomic clock sets, but after that you’re good.”
If you’re looking for something small with some extra bells and whistles, then this travel clock is for you.
Travelon Travel Alarm Clock
Travelon is one of our favorite travel brands, from bags and purses to gadgets, they make some pretty awesome stuff. So, it’s no surprise that they have the Travelon Travel Clock.
If you’re looking for a travel alarm clocks with temperature, Travelon has you covered. Not only does this travel clock tell the time, but it also tracks the date and temperature. It also has a backlight and a fold-down leg to help it stand up.
The Travelon is one of the best battery alarm clock choices and a great grab-and-go pick. Just fold up the stand, pack it in your bag and jump on the plane.
Check out our Travelon anti-theft crossbody bag review here!
Best Analog Travel Alarm Clocks
Peakeep Analog Pocket Alarm Clock
This cute little Peakeep Ultra Small analog alarm clock really can fit in your pocket, making it a superb choice for travel.
It’s easy to see in the middle of the night with the manual backlight button, not difficult to set, and its battery operated (just needs one AA battery). Plus, it’s super compact—only 2 ¼ inches by 2 ¼ inches.
If you’re looking for something small and simple, then this could be the right alarm clock to pack.
PiLife Travel Alarm Clock Wind Up
While these classic-style models are typically used as decorative alarm clocks, this mini vintage clock by PiLife is perfect for travel.
Why is it perfect for traveling, you ask? Because it’s mini—only 3 inches tall! It’s pretty and colorful and there are six colors to choose from. Also, even though this is a wind up device, it has none of that annoying ticking!
If you want a truly old-school experience, this adorable clock might be the perfect travel companion for you!
A travel alarm clock is one of the hostel essentials mentioned in this backpacking checklist!
Best Watch Travel Alarm Clock
LETSCOM Fitness Watch and Alarm
At $30, this LETSCOM Fitness Tracker Watch is the (significantly) less expensive version of those fancy smart watches. And it works great!
The reason why it’s such a cool watch for travel is that instead of the loud, rude wake up from a traditional alarm, this uses soft increasing vibrations to gently wake you up. You can program the alarm from a phone app, but put away your phone at night and wake up without being tempted to add to your screen time.
This watch probably isn’t a great alarm clock option for heavy sleepers, however, if you’re a light to medium sleeper it’s the lovely, non-intrusive way to wake up.
Timex Ironman Classic 30 Mid-Size Watch
Timex Travel Alarm Clock Watch
Using a watch as an alarm while you’re traveling is a smart idea because it’s right there. Travel watches tend to be less obtrusive instead of a loud heartstopping alarm when it’s time to get up.
Fit for travel, the Timex clock watch is waterproof at less than 100 feet below water as long as you aren’t diving. And there are 14 different awesome colors to choose from that will fit your unique style.
Using a Smartphone
When it comes down to it, using your smartphone as an alarm clock isn’t the best idea. The glow of the screen can be a sure-fire way that you don’t get the best sleep, and having it at your bedside could encourage you to use it before bed!
That said, some of us are most comfortable using our phone as an alarm clock while we travel. It’s reliable, timely, and has the proper sound to rouse some of us heavier sleepers. If that sounds like you, TFG readers have a few tips to share about how to make the most out of your smartphone alarm clock.
MoKo Smartphone Stand
For those of you that would prefer to use your smartphone as your alarm clock while you travel, one TFG reader suggests using the MoKo Phone/Tablet Stand to rest your phone on at night.
This stand is really multi-purpose, useable for your tablet if you want to catch a flick or read a book during your downtime. Sometimes the most comfortable way to do that is propped up next to you with a stand!
iHandy Alarm Clock Pro App
The iHandy Alarm Clock Pro App essentially turns your Apple device into a full-screen alarm clock. One TFG reader uses this in combination with a long power cord and the smartphone stand because it’s “less to keep track of.”
There are a number of customizable features such as picking your own theme, choosing music on your phone to wake up to, fall asleep listening to your favorite music, podcast or audiobook, and it even has a flashlight function.
Keep reading to find out the smartphone camera accessories that will help you take a pic like a pro!
Travel Alarm Clock Product Comparison Chart
| BRAND | MODEL | FEATURES | REVIEWS | RATING | PRICE |
|---|---|---|
| Best Digital Travel Alarm Clocks | ||
|
Travelway Digital Travel Alarm Clock |
This clock can fold into an easy-to-pack size. It’s powered by two AAA batteries and easily switches on and off to save battery life while it’s not in use. | Check Price |
|
Marathon NightOwl Travel Alarm Clock
|
“It's pretty good and even when I'm not traveling I use it. The screen is nice and dim, so if you wake up in the middle of the night you can see what time it is without being blinded! You do have to set it outside at like two or five so the atomic clock sets, but after that you're good.” | Check Price |
|
Travelon Travel Alarm Clock |
The Travelon is one of the best battery alarm clock choices and a great grab-and-go pick. Just fold up the stand, pack it in your bag and jump on the plane. | Check Price |
| Best Analog Travel Alarm Clocks | ||
|
Peakeep Ultra Small
|
This cute little Peakeep Ultra Small analog alarm clock really can fit in your pocket, making it a superb choice for travel. | Check Price |
|
PiLife Vintage Alarm Clock |
It’s pretty and colorful, there are six colors to choose from. Also, even though this is a travel alarm clock wind up device, it has none of that annoying ticking! | Check Price |
| Best Watch Travel Alarm Clock | ||
|
LETSCOM Fitness Tracker Watch
|
At $30, this LETSCOM Fitness Tracker Watch is the (significantly) less expensive version of those fancy smart watches. And it works great! | Check Price |
|
Timex Ironman Classic 30 Mid-Size Watch
|
Timex travel alarm clock watch is waterproof so long at less than 100 feet below water and aren’t diving. | Check Price |
| Using a Smartphone | ||
|
MoKo Phone / Tablet Stand
|
This stand is really multi-purpose, useable for your tablet if you want to catch a flick or read a book during your downtime. | Check Price |
|
iHandy Alarm Clock Pro App |
The iHandy Alarm Clock Pro App essentially turns your Apple device into a full-screen alarm clock. | Check Price |
What’s the best travel alarm clock to use?
The best travel alarm clock really depends on your personal preferences, especially if you’re a heavy sleeper.
If you’re looking for an alarm clock for travel, you’ll want one that’s small, light, battery operated, and packable. But mostly, you’ll want one that works best for you.
And if you’re a heavy sleeper that has trouble waking up, try an alarm clock that gets louder the longer it rings.
Are there any benefits to using a smartphone?
You’ve probably read an article somewhere on the internet about it, but smartphones do not make good alarm clocks.
The blue light they emit clutters your brain. Instead of winding down and getting ready for sleep, if you’re sitting in your bed tapping on your phone then your brain is actually waking up and scrambling.
This brain confusion can result in having a poor sleep by making you sleepless or interrupting your sleep more often.
Oh, and this blue light also comes from your tablet, laptop and desktop screen. The general rule of thumb is to stay off your electronic devices for 20 minutes prior to heading to bed. So consider a small alarm clocks battery operated device and sleep better!
Using a Travel Adapter
Charging your device in other countries can be a challenge if you don’t have the correct wall plug, but the Compass Rose Travel Adapter was made exactly for that.
This bright and memorable adapter is red, so you won’t forget it. In addition, if you’re sharing your room with other travelers, you may be limited to charging space.
Always travel with an adapter like this one, which allows you to charge up to three devices at once.
Watch the video above or read this post to learn about the differences between travel adapters, converters, and voltage!
What is your favorite travel alarm clock? Share your thoughts below!
For more ideas on travel gadgets, please read:
- What are the Best Noise Canceling Headphones for Tavel?
- Best Portable Power Bank Chargers for Travel
- Stop Tangled Electronic Cables with these Travel Cord Organizer Options
- Best Travel Kettle Will Help You Start Your Day Right
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