Although there are some days where it sounds nice to spend the day in bed, that’s obviously not feasible for people who have work, school, and family obligations. For most of us, alarm clocks are typically bedroom staples for getting going after a long night of sleep. It’s probably not surprising, then, that there are high-tech versions to rouse you from slumber each morning. In this smart alarm clock guide, we look at six of them.
(Editor’s Note: This article was revised on 30 September 2019 to reflect changes in product availability.)
[1] REMI Clock, Baby Monitor, and Sleep Tracker
Availability: Shipping.
If you’re a parent or know someone who is, you’re probably well aware of how crucial it is to get a child into a sleep routine that’s suitable for both the little one and everyone else in the home. REMI is a smart clock for kids from birth to age 10, and it offers features that grow with them through the years.
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UrbanHello REMI Clock, Baby Monitor, and Sleep Tracker
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This clock’s features include a baby monitor and walkie-talkie, plus the gadget has a friendly face that acts as a night light and changes depending on whether it’s time to sleep or get up. The clock can play lullabies to help youngsters sleep, and the accompanying app has a sleep tracker feature.
Although the official site for the product is for the French market, it has content in English. It’s available from the manufacturer or through Amazon (see links above).
[2] Amazon Echo Show 5
Availability: Shipping.
The latest Amazon smart display, the Echo Show 5, is a versatile smart speaker with a bright display—ideal for waking you from a deep slumber. Plus, its small size 5-in. screen size makes for a shoe-in on your crowded night stand.
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As a full-fledged Echo speaker, it understands the universe of Alexa commands, so setting or checking on an alarm just takes a handful of words.
[3] Beddi Glow SE
Availability: Shipping.
Some people understandably don’t like to wake up to the jarring sound of a loud buzzer first thing in the morning. If that sounds like you, the Beddi Glow SE could be a good fit. It has a light built into the bottom that mimics sunlight, gradually getting brighter to urge you awake. Moreover, there’s a speaker that integrates with services like Apple Music and Spotify. You can even press a dedicated button to access a favorite playlist.
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Use the corresponding app to activate colored lights to set the mood or control the light. It’s also possible to wake up to an alarm, instead of relying solely on the illuminating functionality. The clock also has 2 built-in USB ports, so it can simultaneously charge a smartphone and a tablet while you sleep.
The alarm clock is available on Amazon (see links above) or direct from the manufacturer, Witti Design.
[4] Circa
Availability: Still not shipping.
The Circa is another standalone clock that doesn’t require pairing with a smartphone. It uses a sensor under the mattress to wake you up at just the right moment. Plus, this clock emits less light than other options, so you’ll likely find it less distracting as you drift off to dreams. If you’re feeling a bit anxious, use the integrated white noise and breathing machine to unwind.
As cool as it it, this gadget is still in a prototype stage on Indiegogo. The creators provide regular updates, but this isn’t a clock to buy if you want to start using it right away. It begins at approximately $216 and up from Indiegogo.
[5] Kello
Availability: Still not shipping.
Everyone wakes up in different ways. Some people bound out of bed, eager to get the day started, while others grumpily hit the snooze button and tell themselves they’ll stay in bed for five more minutes. Kello is a smart alarm clock with that diversity in mind. It offers dozens of programs that allow you to select your preferred way to wake up.
Furthermore, you can check out special sleep training programs that help you learn to fall asleep faster, wake up earlier and even recover from jet lag.
Although there’s a Kello app, the alarm clock works if your phone isn’t nearby. That’s good news if you often stay up later than you should to play games or chat with friends.
It will be available direct from the manufacturer, Kello Labs, but is currently showing as sold out.
A Smart Alarm Clock Could Help You Have Better Mornings
If you don’t sleep well, finding enough energy to get through the day is a challenging task, and you’ll typically feel sluggish in the morning. Since many of these alarms have sleep-inducing or wake-promoting features that go beyond your typical alarm clock, they could help you feel well-rested and wake up ready to face any challenges the day has in store.
