It seems like we parents spend half our time trying to wake our kids up in the morning and the other half trying to get them to fall asleep at night. A good alarm clock can solve half of that problem, but as we’ve learned, it’s hard to find one that’s well-suited to children’s needs.
We’ve done our research, testing many products and listening to feedback from hundreds of parents of slow-rising kids. We focused on alarm clocks that met our desire for functionality, durability, ease of use, and trendy designs.
In this guide, we’ll share our picks for the best kids alarm clocks designed to make mornings more manageable — and even a little fun!
- Educational game
- Integrated OK-to-wake light
- Long-lasting
- Unique alarm clock sounds
- Backup battery
- Acts as bedside lamp
- Gentle light modes
- Excellent sound
- Rechargeable
- Bed-vibrating functions
- Flexible combinations
- Extra-loud alarm
- Adjustable dimmer
- Six optional alarm sounds
- Two USB chargers
- Unique style
- Note-clip hands
- Great for light sleepers
- Adjustable projection
- Simple design
- Ease of use
Product Reviews
Here are our top alarm clock picks for kids:
Teach Me Time! Talking Alarm Clock & Night Light
Best Alarm Clock for Elementary School Kids
This clock scores high marks for its versatility.
Starting out as an OK-to-wake device, the clock then grows with your child, teaching them to tell the time on both digital and analog displays.
Finally, it becomes a fully functional alarm clock with a snooze option.
What We Like
Educational Game
The time-teaching game has five adjustable skill levels, allowing you to make the game more difficult as your child’s abilities develop.
Integrated OK-to-Wake Light
Before your child can tell the time, you can program the clock to indicate when it’s OK for your child to get up in the morning. Your child can learn to stay in bed until their clock turns green.
Long-Lasting
This clock works just as well for a 3-year-old as it does for a 9-year-old. That means you may get many years of use out of this kids alarm clock.
What We Don't Like
Night Light
You can’t turn the night light function off, which may not appeal to those who like to sleep in total darkness.
Product Specs
| Power source | USB cord with 2 AA battery backup |
| Age range | 3+ |
| Digital or Analog | Both |
| Integrated light | Yes |
Our Ratings
Good Night Buddy Kids Alarm Clock
Best Kids Sleep Trainer
Created by Ingrid Prueher, a baby sleep consultant, the Good Night Buddy addresses your child’s sleep environment to help them develop an appropriate sleep routine.
What We Like
Temperature
The clock displays the temperature in figures through red, yellow, and blue lights on the side. This allows you to see at a glance if the room is too hot (red), too cold (blue), or just right (yellow) for optimal sleep.
Naptime Programs
You can program the wake and sleep time of three naps in addition to an overnight sleep time.
White Noise
Three white noise settings provide a gentle background sound without being stimulating.
Winding Down
The sleep buddy yawns when it’s time to wind down for sleep, providing an excellent buffer between playtime and sleep time.
What We Don't Like
Brightness
You can’t adjust the brightness of the lights.
Product Specs
| Power source | Plug-in power with watch battery backup |
| Age range | 2 years + |
| Digital or Analog | Digital |
| Integrated light | Yes |
Our Ratings
Jall Sunrise Alarm Clock
Best Multifunctional Alarm Clock
This digital alarm clock for preschoolers is suitable for light or heavy sleepers. Kids and young-at-heart adults will enjoy its many benefits.
It has an adorable simulation that mimics the sunrise. The alarm clock will initially give a pale yellow light that gradually increases to a bright yellow shade.
What We Like
Unique Alarm Clock Sounds
Use the alarm clock to set up different schedules and create 20 brightness intensities and seven sound combinations. These include bird songs, ocean waves, streams, beeps, win bells, soft, and piano.
Backup Battery
Although this alarm clock is not integrated with Alexa or Google Assistant, it does have a battery backup feature. You can either use the battery or the USB option.
Acts As Bedside Lamp
With just one click, you can use this powerful alarm clock as a night light for your little ones. This is cost-efficient in the long run since it can be used in both AC and battery mode.
What We Don't Like
Not App-Supported
This alarm clock cannot be integrated with Alexa or Google Assistant.
Product Specs
| Power source | A/C power and battery |
| Age range | 5 years + |
| Digital or Analog | Digital |
| Integrated light | Yes |
Our Ratings
Uplayteck Light Kids Alarm Clock
Best Kids Alarm Clock With Bluetooth Speaker
This sophisticated kids alarm clock/light/speaker combo will appeal to both the older kids in your home and some of the smaller kids.
What We Like
Gentle Light Modes
The alarm light turns on at a low setting and gradually brightens to wake you up. You can also program it to gradually dim when you are going to sleep.
Excellent Sound
The high-quality Bluetooth speaker allows you to stream from any device in a 10-meter radius.
Rechargeable
You can plug this device into an outlet or charge it for up to 160 hours of cordless use.
What We Don't Like
Learning Curve
The instructions are not very clear, so it can be tricky to learn how all the functions work
Product Specs
| Power source | A/C power and rechargeable |
| Age range | 8 years + |
| Digital or Analog | Digital |
| Integrated light | Yes |
Our Ratings
Clocky Alarm Clock on Wheels
Best Alarm Clock for Middle Schoolers
Clocky is one of the best kids alarm clock options if you have middle schoolers who struggle to get out of bed in the morning.
Once the alarm goes off, Clocky will come to life, bounce off your bedside table, and roll around the room until you get up and turn it off.
What We Like
One-Time Snooze
Clocky has a one-hit snooze, which means you get ten minutes, and then there’s no turning it off until you get up. You also can turn the ability to hit snooze off entirely.
It Runs And Hides
Once Clocky’s alarm goes off, the wheels activate. Then, it jumps from the table to the floor and starts moving around the room. You have to get out of bed to track it down and turn it off.
Quirky Sound
The alarm on Clocky sounds rather like R2-D2. It makes lots of electronic noise and has no gentle music!
What We Don't Like
Difficult For Everyone Else To Ignore
When we say loud, we mean it. If you have anyone else in your home who does not want to get up at the same time as your child, you might want to choose a different alarm clock.
Some People Have Had Issues with These Breaking
You may want to ensure your nightstand isn’t super high off the ground, as that might be one reason Clocky might break.
Product Specs
| Power source | 4 AAA batteries |
| Age range | 7 years + |
| Digital or Analog | Digital |
| Integrated light | No |
Our Ratings
Sonic Bomb Extra Loud Alarm Clock with Bed Shaker
Best Alarm Clock For Kids With Sensory Issues
Some people need more than just a light beeping sound to wake them.
If your child is one of those people, you could try the Sonic Bomb snooze and bed-shaker vibrating unit, which can wake you up with an extra loud noise and buzz at 113 decibels.
What We Like
Loud Noise
This clock is best suited for heavy sleepers. A lot of feedback was attributed to how efficiently this alarm clock woke them up. Of course, you have complete control over the volume. You don’t want to disturb your neighbors, do you?
Flexible Combinations
You can add a shaker and flashing lights to the noise. You can customize it to use either the shaker, the lights, or the noise. You can even use a combination of all three.
Extra Battery
Some of the disasters encountered by people failing to wake up on their alarm can be attributed to a drained battery, but this is not a concern with this unit. It has a backup battery to provide security and help you wake up on time.
What We Don't Like
Manual Setting
Additional luxury always comes with a price. There are no options to select for days when the alarm is not needed. Therefore, you have to manually turn off the alarm on your rest days and then turn it back on when you need it.
Product Specs
| Power source | Battery-operated or power cord |
| Age range | 8 years + |
| Digital or Analog | Digital |
| Integrated light | Yes |
Our Ratings
USCCE Digital Alarm Clock Radio
Best Kids Alarm Clock With Radio
Say goodbye to annoying and alarming beeps in the morning. With this alarm clock, you can listen to your favorite FM radio station and wake up with good music. That’s a much better start to any kid’s day!
What We Like
Adjustable Dimmer
If the bright lights of an alarm clock disturb your little one’s sleep, or if your child is still scared of the dark, this is a great option. You can dim the numbers at the front from 0% to 100%, providing little to a lot of light.
Six Optional Alarm Sounds
Besides the radio, there are five other alarm sound options. These include the standard beeping sound, piano music, bird sounds, a buzzer, and soft music.
Two USB Chargers
There are two USB chargers at the front, so your child can charge their phone or tablet while they sleep.
What We Don't Like
Clock Doesn’t Keep Time
Many customers had an issue with the clock struggling to keep time. It seemed that the time would jump ahead a minute. For some customers, this was one minute a month; for others, it increased every day.
Clock Face Angle
Another issue is the angle of the clock face. It tilts up so you can only see it if you’re standing above it or at eye level. If you’re lying in bed and looking up at the clock, you won’t be able to see the time.
Product Specs
| Power source | A/C power |
| Age range | Newborn to 10 years |
| Digital or Analog | Digital |
| Integrated light | Yes |
Our Ratings
Betus Non-Ticking Robot Alarm Clock
Best Affordable Kids Alarm Clock
This kids alarm clock is a cute mix of traditional and modern. It has an analog face, a second hand, and no sound.
What We Like
Unique Style
This funky robot is appealing enough for younger children and geeky enough for older kids.
Note Clip Hands
This robot has clips for hands, so it can hold notes or cards. You can leave a few words of love for your child to discover in the morning.
Great For Light Sleepers
The special “no-tick” design means that light sleepers will not be disturbed.
What We Don't Like
Very Basic
This alarm clock does not have any sleep trainer or other advanced features.
Product Specs
| Power source | 2 AAA Batteries |
| Age range | 9 years + |
| Digital or Analog | Analog |
| Integrated light | No |
Our Ratings
Sharp Projection Alarm Clock
Best Projector Kids Alarm Clock
This traditional alarm clock can project the time onto a wall or ceiling.
The clock also helps kids fall asleep with its eight soothing nature sleep sounds. There’s nothing better than falling asleep to the sounds of a crackling campfire, gentle rain or distant thunder, ocean waves, a bubbling stream, the rainforest, a simple fan, or radio white noise.
You can set two alarms if your child needs an extra wake-up call in the morning or if they take a regular nap and you need them to wake up at a certain time.
What We Like
Adjustable Projection
The projection arm lets you project the time onto the walls or ceiling, so you don’t have to wake yourself further by changing your position to see the time.
Simple Design
The classic, unobtrusive design won’t be a distraction for kids or invite them to play with the clock while they should be resting.
Ease Of Use
This clock is easy for a child to set and use. There aren’t many buttons to figure out on this unit.
What We Don't Like
Not A “Kiddie” Clock
The basic, adult design won’t appeal to younger kids. But it will last them into adulthood because it will never be too babyish for them.
Product Specs
| Power source | A/C power and 2 AAA batteries backup |
| Age range | 7 years + |
| Digital or Analog | Digital |
| Integrated light | Yes |
Our Ratings
Witti Beddi Charge Alarm Clock
Best Alarm Clock For Teens
This is a sleek and sophisticated clock for the teen years and beyond.
It has three integrated USB charging ports, which your tech-loving teen should like. You can adjust the intensity of the mood light and the clock numbers to the level of your preference.
The alarm sound can be set to gradually increase, so you don’t need to awaken to a blast of noise if you’re a light sleeper. It also includes a battery compartment. If the power goes out, your clock will keep running, so you won’t miss your morning alarm.
What We Like
Wake With Light
It has a gentle light alarm option to wake you with your color choice of mood light. You can adjust the level of brightness to your preference.
Integrated Charger
The clock has three USB charging ports so your teen can hook up their cell and wake to a fully-charged phone.
Sound Asleep
It also has white noise and gentle sounds for falling asleep and waking.
What We Don't Like
Could Encourage Cell Use
Having a phone plugged into the alarm clock can make it too easy to stay up.
Product Specs
| Power source | A/C power, 1 CR2 battery |
| Age range | 9 years + |
| Digital or Analog | Digital |
| Integrated light | Yes |
Our Ratings
| Product | Best | Power source | Age range | Digital or Analog | Integrated light |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teach Me Time! Talking Night Light | Elementary School Kids | USB cord with 2 AA battery backup | 3+ | Both | Yes |
| Good Night Buddy | Sleep Trainer | Plug-in power with watch battery backup | 2 years + | Digital | Yes |
| Jall Sunrise Alarm Clock | Multifunctional | A/C power & battery | 5 years + | Digital | Yes |
| Uplayteck Alarm | Bluetooth Speaker | A/C power & rechargeable | 8 years + | Digital | Yes |
| Clocky Alarm | Middle Schoolers | 4 AAA batteries | 7 years + | Digital | No |
| Sonic Bomb Alarm Clock with Bed Shaker | Sensory Issues | Battery operated or power cable | 8 years + | Digital | Yes |
| USCCE Digital Alarm | Radio | A/C power | 0 to 10 years | Digital | Yes |
| Betus Non-Ticking Robot | Affordable | 2 AAA Batteries | 9 years + | Analog | No |
| Sharp Projection | Projector | A/C power & 2 AAA batteries backup | 7 years + | Digital | Yes |
| Witti Beddi Charge | Teens | A/C power, 1 CR2 battery | 9 years + | Digital | Yes |
Are Alarm Clocks Good For Kids?
There are several reasons alarm clocks can be good for kids:
- Some provide a comforting light or sound when they’re falling asleep, helping children who are scared of the dark (1).
- They allow children to take on some responsibility for themselves.
- Some teach kids about the appropriate times to sleep and wake.
- Alarm clocks can help kids learn to tell the time.
At What Age Should A Child Start Using An Alarm Clock?
It depends.
At 2 or 3 years of age, your child may understand the idea of a sleep trainer with a particular signal for sleeping and getting up. But just because they understand, don’t expect them to take notice!
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking the best alarm clock for your kid will fix all their sleep issues. Some issues are deeper and can take time to resolve. But an alarm clock is an excellent first step in the process.
If your child shows interest in having a child-friendly clock in their room and you are OK with them having it, then they are old enough for a clock.
Factors to Keep in Mind
Age range
Choose an appropriate alarm clock for your child’s age and developmental stage.
Features
Do you need a clock that gently wakes your child in the morning, or do you have a child who needs a brass band marching through their room before they wake up? Or if you have an extra-early riser, perhaps you need a sleep trainer to let them know when it’s OK to get out of bed. Figure out what you want from the alarm clock before you start shopping for one.
Price
Stick to a budget. If your child is fickle and likely to change their mind about their choice, avoid spending too much. Alternatively, if you’d give anything for an extra hour in bed in the morning, a high-end sleep trainer might be worth the extra money.
