Best Travel Alarm Clocks in the UK

Braun BNC008BK is just an alarm clock. It doesn't have a bunch of sophisticated settings nor does it come equipped with a variety of different functions. Nevertheless, one could easily make an argument that this is the best travel alarm clock here. To make that kind of argument, you have to understand the things that make a good alarm clock. It really isn't functionality in a quantity sense, it is functionality that's about quality first and foremost. It is longevity, timelessness, and simplicity.

These are the core principles and the design philosophy behind this model. All it has is a snooze function for people who just can't wake up on the first try. It shows time and gives you the ability to set an alarm. That's about it. The matte housing looks sleek and elegant but not too much, this is still just an alarm clock, after all. The backlighting only activates when you press the button on top of the case. It is soft enough for eyes unadjusted to light but effective enough to allow the user to make sense of the time.

Though the clock itself is really small, featuring just 58 x 58 x 20.3 millimetres in overall dimensions, the screen-to-body ratio here is excellent, so the values are easily identifiable even from a solid distance.

In other words, Braun BNC008BK is a travel alarm clock with a design that mirrors functionality. The settings are simple and straightforward. The model's technical excellence and the overall quality combine, forming a sleek aesthetic and a particularly practical product.

Though it might seem like Seiko 224965955 (what a lovely name) puts functionality ahead of every other aspect, that's not exactly the case. Sure, as far as the technical part of the equation is concerned, this is an excellent alarm clock, no doubt about it. But that's not the only thing it has going for it. For one, it comes supplied with a travel case, so you'll be able to keep it safe and sound on the road.

Though a little bloated, some would call the digital display stylish and even practical. And while it is not the smallest option on the list, the model is readily portable and its semi-folding design will allow you to easily find enough space for it in your suitcase.

Now, going back to that functionality we alluded to earlier, the best parts are a calendar and thermometer. Thanks to these functions, you won't have to rely on your smartphone to keep yourself organised on the road and will be able to tell the temperature outside without an Internet connection. There's the usual snooze function for people who like to sleep in. And, finally, the beep alarm that's loud enough to wake up the heaviest sleepers.

To sum it all up, Seiko 224965955 delivers across the board. Its plastic body is a lot sturdier than it looks. This travel alarm clock will not cause any inconveniences on the road. You'll be able to bring it with you anywhere you go for years to come.

Though advertised as a travel alarm clock, HITO c8374 will prove just as excellent and useful at home and on the road. One of the most interesting things about it is the power source options. That's right, options, plural.

Most travel models run solely on batteries and you won't be able to use anything other than one or two AA/AAA batteries even if you wanted to. This alarm clock runs on an AAA battery. But, with its built-in solar panel, HITO c8374 also gives you an alternative to the usual alkaline battery. It is a particularly great option to have on the road since you won't always be able to replenish your battery supplies there but you will need an alarm clock to wake up in the morning anyway.

Though it isn't like an alarm in the morning is this device's only function. Far from it, really. On top of the alarm function, the model incorporates a radio-controlled automatic time and date update, so you won't have to advance the clock yourself before and after Daylight Saving Time (summer time). In addition to that, this alarm clock includes thermometer and humidity sensors. Lastly, under the time digits, the clock's display shows the date and day of the week.

To put it differently, HITO c8374 is easily the most advanced travel alarm clock on this list. Thanks to its rich functionality, you'll seldom have to defer to your smartphone and use up international roaming data. Again, the model will prove just as convenient and helpful at home and on the road.

What we like most about Plumeet EMIT-8013-BL is, without a doubt, its classic aesthetic. There's just something about that traditional dial-with-hands design that feels refreshing in the modern digital world dominated by ones and zeros. Its analogue display with black numerals and hands on a white dial just feels right compared to its digital counterparts.

Though it isn't like the model's all old school either. No, it makes use of a lot of modern ideas and design philosophies and it does so rather well. Sure, the quartz mechanism may seem traditional but it is devoid of the usual ticking sound that plagued older clocks.

In the functionality department, the model does not disappoint either. The snooze button delays the alarm for 5 minutes every time until you switch it off. Its Ascending Alarm function initiates the alarm with but a soft beep, then gradually increases the volume, again, until you switch it off. The nightlight function is great for kids and people who aren't able to sleep in complete darkness. Plus, it can be used as a flashlight for bedtime reading.

The only thing we aren't exactly psyched about here is the dials. Hidden behind the display, they're a bit inconvenient and awkward to access.

Other than that, by taking a page from the old design book and combining it with modern-day ideas and practices, the people behind Plumeet EMIT-8013-BL have been able to create an excellent travel alarm clock, both from the aesthetics and practicality standpoints. Plus, it is practically silent.

This entry here gives you the most value for your money. For 10 quid, you receive a feature-rich, practical, and handy alarm clock equally suitable for the road and home use.

It isn't flawless but, for the most part, the only complaint we have is the instruction manual. While the latter is a little uninformative and difficult to follow, we don't really have any gripes with the alarm clock itself. In fact, in more ways than one, this is a better clock than just about any other option in this price range.

Its biggest selling point is probably the ability to set two separate alarms. While it is nothing we haven't seen before in smartphones, you'll be hard-pressed to find this feature in a budget travel alarm clock. You can use the first alarm to help you wake up in the morning and the second as a reminder.

On top of its dual alarm functionality, the model includes a thermometer and a gravity sensor. While the former is straightforward and hardly requires any explanation, the aforementioned sensor is a slightly rarer animal. Simply put, what this sensor does is give you the ability to flip the alarm clock and allow the screen to buckle to the desktop. After that, it stops ringing. You put the clock back on and the ringing continues, a really nice option to have at your disposal.

In conclusion, what we have here is a good travel alarm clock for people who find it difficult waking up in the morning, doesn't matter the environment and the setting. That being said, the device is just as suitable for organised individuals who like to stick to a schedule and make the most of every day.