10 Best Atomic Alarm Clocks In 2023

Right from waking up in the morning to going to bed at night, time plays a pivotal role in our day-to-day lives. And, what better way to keep track of it than with an atomic alarm clock? An atomic alarm clock works by picking up a radio frequency and can tell the precise time because of high-frequency atomic oscillations. These clocks can also adjust themselves automatically to time zones. We live in an era dominated by atomic alarm clocks, and since there are multiple options to choose from, how will you pick the best atomic alarm clock?

We’ve got you covered. We have a review of the 10 best atomic alarm clocks to help you identify the best ones available.

In This Article

10 Best Atomic Alarm Clocks

1.Best With Power Back-up:Sharp Atomic Desktop Clock

3.8

The Sharp Color atomic clock with precise time synchronization syncs with the WWVB radio broadcast by the US Government’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and is accurate to one second. Known to receive regular updates from the WWVB through its in-built receiver,this clock is known for its accuracy. It can adorn your walls, be it at home or the office. Its elegant design and display of colors make it attractive, and a glance is enough to know the time and calendar. In this clock, you can also customize the display brightness to your liking. Watchthis videofor more information about the product.

Pros

  • Easy-to-set dual alarm
  • Power back-up available
  • No assembly required
  • Variable backlight

缺点

  • It might be difficult to see the screen from certain angles
Price at the time of publication: $26.99

2.Best Sturdy Design:Sangean RCR 22 Atomic Clock

3.9

Sangean以成为一个领先的制造r of radios and their related equipment for more than 35 years. This atomic clock by Sangean looks like a vintage device, and it has an LCD screen that displays the time and is easy to read. It has a 3.5 mm AUX cable socket for plugging in your favorite music from your devices. Connected to the atomic clock in Boulder, Colorado,it is also loaded with 7 FM and 7 AM stations so that you can listen to your favorite radio stations. Apart from the adjustable nap timer, this clock also has 2 alarm timers and a human wake system buzzer.This videohelps you know more about the product.

Pros

  • Long-lasting
  • No power backup needed
  • Snooze options available
  • Dual alarms available
  • Suitable for power naps

缺点

  • Setting up process can be overwhelming for some

protip_icon Did you know?
As per the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, atomicalarm clocksare one of the most accurate timekeepers in the entire world since they are purely based on the principles of physics (2).

Price at the time of publication: $60.41

3.Best With Bold Display:AcuRite Atomic Clock

4.2

The AcuRite Atomic Alarm Clock is known for its split-second accuracy, thanks to the clock synchronizing to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Radio Station, WWVB. The clock runs on 3 AA batteries, and since this is an atomic clock, you don’t have to set a set time manually. But don’t worry about waking up on time because the atomic clock has an alarm that can be programmable. It also has a 3 by 5 inch LCD, and you can view the time and calendar on the screen and the indoor temperature. Check outthis videoto know more about this product.

Pros

  • 1-year warranty available
  • Daylight Saving Time available
  • Bold display
  • Great desk accessory

缺点

  • Only 4 time zones are available
Price at the time of publication: $20.84

4.Best Simple Design:UMEXUS Atomic Digital Clock

The UMEXUS Atomic Digital Clock is known for displaying its time according to the WWVB (RCC) signals. It is also known as the best alarm clock with auto time adjustment by updating its time automatically according to the respective time zones. Since it receives signals from WWVB (RCC) broadcast, the time displayed on the clock is accurate. Apart from time,the clock also displays indoor and outdoor temperatures in both fahrenheit and celsius. This clock is suitable for hanging on a wall or setting it up as a tabletop clock in your office or living room and the clock and sensor run on 2 AA batteries each with a wide display screen.

Pros

  • 24-hour clock available
  • Easy to install
  • Available in multiple languages
  • Suitable for elders
  • Simple design

缺点

  • Display unavailable in dark rooms

protip_icon Trivia
The modern-day term “clock” has its roots in cloke (French), clocca (Medieval Latin), and clocc (Irish), with all the words meaning the same thing—a bell.

5.Best Lightweight:QUIGO Digital Alarm Clock

The Quigo Digital Wall Clock is compact and can be mounted on a table or a wall. It can record indoor temperature by effectively sensing the same and displaying both in celsius and fahrenheit. This clock comes equipped with 8 languages, and it runs on 2 AAA batteries while fitting perfectly in a bedroom, living room, or office room.Since this clock does not require a power cord to power it up, you can set this clock conveniently anywhere. This accurate alarm clock has also undergone multiple rounds of manual inspection to ensure convenient and hassle-free time reading!

Pros

  • Dual alarms available
  • Lightweight
  • Available in multiple languages
  • Simple design

缺点

  • May require frequent battery replacement

6.Best With Snooze Option:La Crosse 617 249V2 Atomic Curve LED Alarm

3.8
La Crosse 617 249V2 Atomic Curve LED Alarm Image:La Crosse Technology

This atomic clock is more than just a device that displays time, as you can also use it to charge your smartphone! Yes, you read it right; this one with a 1 A USB charging port can charge your phone while you indulge in your uninterrupted sleep. This radio-controlled alarm clock resonates with the WWVB frequency, and since this clock has curved edges, you can easily read the time on this clock from multiple angles. It has a four-stage ascending alarm option to ensure that you rise and shine whenever you desire. The clock supports two alarms that can be set accordingly, along with the option to regulate the alarm’s sound. If you are looking for an aesthetically pleasing atomic clock for your home or office, this is a must-buy!

Pros

  • Daylight Savings Time available
  • Snooze options available
  • Power backup battery included
  • 1-year limited warranty available

缺点

  • May be a choking hazard as it contains small parts
protip_icon Quick fact
Depending on the model, La Crosse clocks can display these Standard Time zones—Eastern, Central, Alaskan, Mountain, Pacific, Hawaiian, and Atlantic.
Price at the time of publication: $24.68

7.Best Self-Adjusting:Marathon Store Atomic Desk Clock

4
Marathon Store Atomic Desk Clock Image:Marathon

This atomic clock gets its frequencies from the NIST’s Colorado Atomic Clock.Along with time, it displays the date, indoor temperature, humidity levels, and heat index. It also has an amber-colored LED backlight. It runs on 2 AA batteries and is a tabletop clock that displays its time in a digital format. Although the clock displays a lot of details, the time has the largest display. This clock comes as a relief for all sleep lovers because it is equipped with a snooze option and a progressive alarm option. What if we told you that temperature and humidity can affect your productivity? It is a self-adjusting and self-setting alarm clock that can also track humidity levels. Hence, this clock will be apt for an office setting.

Pros

  • 2-year warranty available
  • Multiple language options are available
  • Daylight Saving Time available
  • Self-setting and self-adjusting

缺点

  • Might be overwhelming to set up
Price at the time of publication: $29.95

8.Best With Backlight:BALDR Atomic Alarm Clock

3.9

The BALDR Atomic Alarm Clock draws its frequencies from the WWVB radio frequency, Fort Collins, Colorado. Apart from using it as a device to tell the time, you can use this atomic clock as a decorative item too. While many atomic clocks offer displays in only one color, this atomic clock has a display filled with multiple colors. It has the option of mounting it on a wall or placing it on a table. Apart from displaying the time, it also displays details like a calendar, indoor humidity, and indoor temperature levels. If this was not all, it also displays the different phases of the moon. The atomic clock is powered by an AC/DC adaptor and If you are looking for a visually appealing clock that you can add to your space, this is for you!

Pros

  • Easy to set up
  • Adjustable backlight
  • Backup battery available
  • Snooze option available
  • 12/24 hour clock available

缺点

  • Removable battery option not available
Price at the time of publication: $34.95

9.Best With Moon Phase Indicator:La Crosse Technology 617-1485B Atomic Clock

3.9
La Crosse Technology 617-1485B Atomic Clock Image:Lacrosse

Measuring 5.56 x 3.33 inches, the La Crosse Technology atomic clock is suitable for table and desktop use. It boasts a large, bright, multi-colored LED display and has a continuously illuminated backlight that can be adjusted per your preference. This automatic time-setting alarm clock is not affected by daylight-saving time resets. Additionally, the alarm clock can display details about weather, temperature, and humidity readings and even track their trends. Featuring a moon-shaped icon, it displays the varying phases of moon.

Pros

  • Easy-access buttons
  • Battery- and USB-powered
  • USB cable included
  • Includes AC adaptor
  • Features a low battery indicator

缺点

  • May have sync issues with certain time zones
  • Batteries are not included
Price at the time of publication: $35.09

10.Best With Large Display:Ken-Tech/Sonnet Industries Model T-4652

The Sonnet atomic clock receives signals from the National Time Observatory in Boulder, Colorado, making it an accurate clock. This clock can automatically adjust itself to any time zone in the USA. The clock has a large display of 1.5 inches and has a bright illumination that runs on 2 AA batteries. Despite a simple design, the clock can display dates, calendar, and temperatures while being easy to use. Thanks to the backlight option, you can now view the time even in the dark.

Pros

  • Sets time automatically
  • Does not require a cord to function
  • Easy to use
  • Alarm facility available

缺点

  • Might have syncing issues with time zones

Now that you have had a look at our review of the 10 best atomic alarm clocks, you might be wondering which atomic clock you must buy. Here are a few points that you can consider so that you can make the right decision.

How To Choose The Right Atomic Alarm Clock?

  • Time zones

Some atomic clocks are programmed to work only in specific time zones. There are 6 time zones in the USA, and when you plan to buy an atomic clock, we recommend you purchase one that works in multiple time zones for your convenience. You can usually know the time zones it works on by looking at the packaging. However, keep in mind that atomic clocks work on radio signals, and there could be some locations where they might struggle to get the signal. If you live in such a place, using an atomic alarm clock can be difficult.

  • Display

If you are planning to buy an atomic clock, you have to ensure that you can read the time in a hassle-free way. Atomic clocks have a backlight for viewing the time in the dark. However, if the backlight is too bright, it can be a distraction when you are at work or about to go to bed at night. If the backlight is not available, you cannot read the time at night. Choose an atomic clock that has a backlight whose brightness can be adjusted.

  • Additional features

Atomic clocks can display additional details like weather, humidity, and calendar. However, you have to understand that although many details are displayed, time is usually given more preference. The display must not look congested but rather aesthetically appealing and easy to read.

  • Power source

Atomic clocks run on broadly 2 types of power sources — electricity and battery. Battery-operated atomic clocks require the replacement of the batteries when their efficiency reduces. However, they are easily portable and can be placed anywhere. For the clocks that run using a power cord, you have to keep them where they can be connected to a plug point, but they will hardly face any power shortage issues. We recommend atomic clocks that can run on electricity and have power backup in batteries in case of a power shortage.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is an atomic clock better than a quartz clock?

原子钟提供捡起一ra的好处dio frequency to tell you the precise time, thus making them superior to quartz clocks(1).

2. How long do atomic clocks last?

An atomic clock is highly accurate and would take around 30 billion years to lose a second. They can last for one to five years depending on how you care for them.

3. How can I boost my atomic clock signal?

Atomic clocks receive and send signals through their antennas; therefore, you can improve their signal by adjusting their antennas.

4. Do atomic clocks adjust for daylight saving time?

Yes, some atomic clocks can adjust for DST (Daylight Saving Time).

5. Should I set an atomic clock manually?

Yes, you can set an atomic clock manually if it doesn’t receive the signals properly.

The Bottom Line

Atomic alarm clocks are designed to keep up with our need for better speed and accuracy and work with radio frequencies that tell time precisely. TheSharp Atomic Desktop Clockfrom our list may be the best choice in places with frequent power outrages, and theSangean RC 22 Atomic Clockmay be an ideal choice for those who love to listen to music before sleep or nap time. Further, you may also opt for an atomic alarm clock that is programmed to work in your time zone, has a clear display, runs on an accessible power source, and offers additional features, such as the option to measure weather, humidity, and other details. The options listed here are easy to set up and super convenient for everyday use. Besides, some clocks have self-adjusting settings and snooze options.

信息图:购买顾ide For Atomic Alarm Clocks

Choosing the right atomic alarm clock might be challenging with various options available. So, we have prepared an infographic with the necessary information to help you pick. Check it out!

Tips For Choosing An Atomic Alarm Clock

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Get high-quality PDF version by clicking below.

Download Infographic in PDF version Download Infographic
Download Infographic in PDF version


References:

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in oureditorial policy.
  1. New type of atomic clock keeps time even more precisely
    https://news.mit.edu/2020/atomic-clock-time-precise-1216
  2. New type of atomic clock keeps time even more precisely
    https://news.mit.edu/2020/atomic-clock-time-precise-1216
Was this article helpful?
The following two tabs change content below.