The 10 Best Travel Alarm Clocks [2023]

It can be easy to fall out of your routine when you’re away from home. However, whether you’re traveling for fun or for business, making sure you wake up in a timely fashion is essential.

Packing a travel alarm clock on your trips can help ensure you always know what time it is. That way, you can stay on schedule without worrying about a dead phone battery or incorrectly synced time.

Things To Consider with Travel Alarm Clocks

A travel alarm clock should be easy to use and guarantee that you’ll be able to wake up at your desired time. However, there are some different factors you should consider if you plan to purchase a travel alarm clock.

Volume and Alarm

The type of alarm a clock has is the first thing you should consider before you purchase one.

A heavy sleeper will want an alarm clock with loud or adjustable volume. A light sleeper, instead, should ensure their clock doesn’t emit a ticking sound that could disturb their rest.

Some alarm clocks have different sound settings regarding the type of alarm you can choose. For example, if a loud beeping might startle you, you’ll likely want to look for an option that uses a different noise.

Size and Weight

The size and weight of an alarm clock can affect how easy it is to travel with. If you tend to pack light or try to reduce the weight in your bag or backpack, you’ll want to find a compact clock that won’t take up much room.

However, lighter and smaller clocks often have fewer features which is another thing to consider. Larger clocks may have a screen that’s easier to see, but they’ll add extra weight or may take up more room in your luggage.

Material

The material a clock is made out of might also be something you should consider before you purchase one. Many travel clocks are made out of plastic, however, the thickness and feel can differ between them.

If you have tactile issues, you might also want to look at clock options to suit your specific needs. For example, a rubberized clock might be easier to grip.

Bottom Line: You should also look at the difference in materials between any buttons and the rest of the clock if that might affect how you use it.

Power Source

The power source an alarm clock needs to work is another important thing you should consider, particularly depending on the type of travel you usually do.

Most travel alarm clocks are battery-powered. This is a universal option for all types of travel, however, it does mean you have to purchase new batteries.

Alarm clocks that are rechargeable are another viable option, as are clocks that use electricity. These options, however, might not work for international travel or if access to a suitable power source isn’t guaranteed (for example, camping trips).

Durability

While an alarm clock that stays in one place typically doesn’t have to withstand much wear and tear, the same can’t be said for travel clocks.

You’ll want to make sure your travel clock is made in a way that it won’t crack or chip easily. If you plan to take your clock camping, you might also want to look at water-resistant and dust-resistant options.

You’ll want to make sure your travel clock can withstand being banged around in transit without risking short circuits or malfunctions when you use it.

The 10 Best Travel Alarm Clocks

Travel alarm clocks aren’t all made the same, and it can be hard to decide which one will best fit the type of traveler you are.

To help you figure out what you should look for, we’ve compiled this list of the best travel alarm clocks on the market, including the pros and cons you should consider.

1. A Simple Alarm Clock To Get the Job Done

Travelwey Digital Travel Alarm Clock

If what you’re looking for in a travel alarm clock is simplicity, the Travelwey is for you. This clock was designed for people who never use the other features that more advanced models offer.

Though the clock comes with a user manual, it’s intuitive to use, so even if you lose the instructions, you shouldn’t have trouble setting the alarm.

Thanks to its small size and how lightweight it is, the clock can fit in most backpacks, carry-on bags, or checked luggage, so it’s suitable for any travel.

It also only needs 2 AAA batteries, so it’s also extremely low-maintenance. Due to its simple screen display, the batteries don’t have to be changed often.

What We Like:

• It’s easy to use

What We Don’t Like:

• The alarm volume isn’t adjustable

2. Gives You All the Info You Need

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MARATHON Travel Alarm Clock

If you’re someone who wants to make sure they’re prepared for the day from the moment they wake up, this Marathon model is a great travel clock for you.

This clock not only gives you the time but also displays the metric and imperial temperature, ensuring you know how to dress for the day.

The clock also comes with a calendar setting that shows the date, month, and day of the week, so you can keep on top of your schedule. This is particularly useful for people who travel a lot and can get confused or disoriented when they move between different time zones.

What We Like:

• It can display temperatures in both Celsius and Fahrenheit

What We Don’t Like:

• The small screen can be cluttered with information

3. A Clock That Fits Anywhere

KWANWA Alarm Clock

The KWANWA alarm clock is perfect for people who want an option that can fit anywhere. Unlike a lot of travel clocks, this model doesn’t look particularly different from a standard digital alarm you’d find on anyone’s side table.

The numbers are displayed with red LED lights, which aren’t too harsh on the eyes in dim lighting. However, you can also adjust the brightness to suit your personal preferences, so even people with light sensitivities won’t suffer any eye strain.

The clock is easy to figure out and fairly intuitive, allowing you to choose the snooze setting and whether you prefer a 12- or 24-hour clock display.

What We Like:

• It can be used at home or while traveling

What We Don’t Like:

• It can be difficult to hang if that’s preferred

4. An Analog Clock for Light Sleepers

Marathon CL030053BL Classic Silent Sweep Alarm Clock

Analog clocks are preferred by some, but they can make rest difficult for light sleepers. The Marathon Classic doesn’t have that problem.

This travel clock was designed to be as unobtrusive as possible. There’s no constant ticking sound as time goes by, so you don’t have to worry about any noise from your clock until it’s time for the alarm to go off.

This model also takes care of the analog problem of telling time in the dark. It has a built-in auto-glow that will allow you to easily read the time, even in the middle of the night.

The clock is also compact and fashionably vintage-looking, making it a fun decor piece you can take with you.

What We Like:

• Whisper quiet

What We Don’t Like:

• Less budget-friendly

5. A Stress-free Autoset Option

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SHARP Digital Alarm with AccuSet

Sharp’s AccuSet alarm is perfect for people who don’t want to constantly worry if they set their clock right.

Traveling can be stressful if it involves changing time zones. If your electronics don’t automatically adjust, it can be a hassle figuring out what time to set your clock to. Having an alarm clock that automatically sets itself to the correct time can be a huge convenience.

This alarm has the added bonus of being equipped with 2 power sources. It can run electrically, which is great if you’re traveling within an area that uses the same power outlets. However, it can also run on battery power, making it perfect for international travel.

What We Like:

• It adjusts automatically to the timezone

What We Don’t Like:

• Display can glitch

6. Sleek and Stylish Travel Clock

Betus Digital Travel Alarm Clock

If a lack of style is a potential deal-breaker for you, then you don’t have to worry about the Betus travel clock.

It might be a compact alarm that has a stand that doubles as a travel cover, but it’s still been designed to be sleek and fashionable. It’s smooth and comes in silver or black, so it will fit any decor seamlessly.

Despite its size, the clock also has a surprisingly large display for the time, date, and temperature. With a quick glance, you can find out most things you need to know about your day. It comes with a battery already installed, so you can start using it right away.

What We Like:

• It has a 1-year warranty

What We Don’t Like:

• Runs on less-common batteries

7. Perfect Option for Night Owls

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MARATHON Atomic Travel Alarm Clock

Marathon’s Atomic alarm clock model is made with night owls in mind. Its display automatically switches to a “night mode” setting during the night hours, so it won’t cause eye strain. However, if you prefer to decide when the light turns on or off, you can also set it manually.

The clock is also designed to automatically adjust if it’s within a 6-timezone span in North America.

Though European times would have to be manually set, you can adjust the clock’s language to 4 other options other than English, so it’s still a perfect choice for users around the world. The ideal travel perk of this clock, however, is that it weighs less than half a pound.

What We Like:

• Atomic setting

What We Don’t Like:

• Not as sturdy as other options

8. A Compact and Budget-friendly Clock

MARATHON Foldable Compact Travel Alarm Clock

A lot of travel clocks can be costly, and sometimes you just want something that gives you the information you need at a budget-friendly price.

Marathon’s foldable clock is a sturdy option that should last years. It’s easy to use with clearly labeled buttons and switches that are intuitive to follow.

The clock is less than 3 by 8 inches in size, making it small and portable. However, the display is still large enough to clearly see the time.

Though the clock is battery-powered, it doesn’t take much power to use — many people have claimed they’ve gone years before the battery needs to be changed. When the batteries do have to be changed, only 2 AAAs are needed.

What We Like:

• It’s simple to operate

What We Don’t Like:

• Light is only button-operated

9. Durable and User-friendly Option

SHARP Digital Alarm Clock

The Sharp digital alarm is a good option for you if you want an alarm clock that should stand up to a little rough-housing.

Unlike many options on the market, this model has a rubberized finish which helps protect it from cracking or breaking if knocked over or bumped around in a suitcase.

The rubber feel also makes the alarm easy to grip and use, making it a good choice for people who have mobility issues or who worry about accidentally dropping it.

The alarm is also a “crescendo” sound that gradually gets louder, which should protect against you being startled upon waking up, making for a more pleasant experience.

What We Like:

• Easy to feel for the buttons in the dark

What We Don’t Like:

• Blue light can be irritating

10. An Alarm Clock That Won’t Startle You

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Braun Classic Analog Alarm Clock

If you hate the loud racket that comes with most alarm clocks, this Braun model might be the right choice for you.

Rather than a startling alarm, it wakes you up with a beeping sound that gets more frequent as more time passes without a reaction.

Though it’s an analog clock, you don’t have to worry about being kept awake or annoyed by ticking sounds. It’s been specifically designed to be quiet enough not to bother you or anyone else nearby.

When in low-lighting, you can also set the clock to have a back-lit glow, so you’ll always be able to tell the time.

What We Like:

• Perfect for any occasion and location

What We Don’t Like:

• Only has a 5-minute snooze interval

Final Thoughts

A travel alarm clock should help ensure you wake up at your desired time while on a trip. However, the specific characteristics that make your perfect alarm clock will vary depending on your needs.

You may want an alarm clock that also tells you the current temperature, or you might need a sturdy clock you can throw in your bag without worry.

Hopefully, our list has helped you narrow down your choices, so you can pick the right clock for your travels.