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.
10 Best Atomic Alarm Clocks
1. Best With Power Back-up:Sharp Atomic Desktop Clock
The Sharp Color Atomic Clock synchronizes 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. Watch this video for more information about the product. Pros
Easy-to-set dual alarm Power back-up available No assembly required Variable backlight
Cons
It might be difficult to see the screen from certain angles
2. Best Sturdy Design:Sangean RCR 22 Atomic Clock
Sangean takes pride in being a leading manufacturer 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 video helps you know more about the product. Pros
Sturdy design No power backup needed Snooze options available Dual alarms available Suitable for power naps
Cons
Setting up process can be overwhelming for some
3. Best With Bold Display:AcuRite Atomic Clock
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 out this video to know more about this product. Pros
1-year warranty available Daylight Saving Time available Bold display Great desk accessory
Cons
Only 4 time zones are available
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 for updating its time automatically by adjusting itself to the respective time zones. Since it receives WWVB (RCC) signals, 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
Cons
Display unavailable in dark rooms
5. Best Lightweight:QUIGO Digital Alarm Clock
The Quigo Digital Wall Clock is compact and can be mounted on a table or mounted on 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. It has also undergone multiple rounds of manual inspection to ensure that you can view the accurate time! Pros
Dual alarms available Lightweight Available in multiple languages Simple design
Cons
May require frequent battery replacement
6. Best With Snooze Option:La Crosse 617 249V2 Atomic Curve LED Alarm
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 clock resonates with the WWVB radiofrequency, and since this clock has curved edges, you can easily read the time on this clock from multiple angles. It has a 4-stage ascending alarm option to ensure that you rise and shine whenever you desire. The clock supports 2 alarms that can be set accordingly, along with the option to regulate the sound of your alarms. 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
Cons
May be a choking hazard as it contains small parts
7. Best Self-Adjusting:Marathon Store Atomic Desk Clock
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. This clock can track humidity levels and is an apt choice for an office setting. What if we told you that temperature and humidity can affect your productivity? 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
Cons
Might be overwhelming to set up
8. Best With Backlight:BALDR Atomic Alarm Clock
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
Cons
Removable battery option not available
9. Best Precision:Doveet Digital Wall Clock
This atomic clock receives signals from the WWVB broadcast signal of the National Institute (NIST) of Fort Collins, Colorado, USA. It has an LCD of 4.5 inches, making it very easy to read the time on the clock from a distance. The clock comes with a sensor that can be used to attract signals for the clock, and it can measure the weather and humidity with utmost precision. The sensor runs on 2 AA batteries, and the clock runs on 4 AA batteries and is long-lasting, thanks to the Doveet chip that is programmed to ensure that. If you are looking for a long-lasting atomic clock that can serve as an efficient weather buddy, try this clock, and we’re sure it won’t disappoint. Pros
Suitable for the elderly Larger than mainstream clocks Suitable for homes and offices Does not require any power cord to function
Cons
Multiple batteries required to operate
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 details like temperature and calendar 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
Cons
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.
