I am on my fourth alarm clock in 3 months.

[smirkymonkey]

This one doesn't work at all. I can't even set the time. It just won't allow me to set the correct time or use minutes! Ugh!

The last one didn't snooze and the one before that went crazy when all the numbers just went berserk like a sign from the Omen or something. The one before that just went dead after a few weeks.

I'm spending anywhere from $16 -$25 on Amazon on these clocks and I'm sending this one back, but I just want something reliable that works. The one I had before all this was an $11 clock that lasted for years, but when I ordered the same one, it worked for about two weeks and then gave out.

Does anyone have any suggestions on a not very expensive alarm clock that actually works? I'm using my phone right now, but prefer to have a clock w/ a large digital display and a loud alarm.

Thanks in advance!

[emmaverybo]

1. I use my phone or iPad. But maybe not enough volume for you. Gosh, Walgreens and Rite Aid used

to carry cheap and effective alarm clocks and watches. No more. My mom’s old old one works
great. Try a thrift shop ha ha.

I am going through charger cables like every three months or so with Amazon. I find their electronics iffy.

[Arkansas Granny]

2. I was going to recommend the GE cube clock radio that I use, but they have been discontinued

and apparently so old that they are listed as "vintage" on etsy. Thinking back, I guess I've had it for 35+ years. They don't make 'em like they used to.

[comradebillyboy]

4. And I'm glad they don't. I had one of those cube things and

it was a royal pain in the ass. My phone is so much better and easier to use.

[comradebillyboy]

3. I use my phone. It's pretty reliable.

[smirkymonkey]

12. I have been using the phone, but sometime I hit

end instead of snooze and then I over sleep. Also, I like being able to look over to see the time in big red digits. The phone will have to work for now until I can find something better.

[comradebillyboy]

19. I understand, I have made every possible mistake,

it was a learning experience.

[LuvLoogie]

5. this looks kinda cool

https://www.amazon.com/iHome-Bluetooth-Changing-Charging-Speakerphone/dp/B00X69BUSI/

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

6. Hmmm. Difficult problem.

I have a kind of radio alarm I bought some years ago that's set to a local community radio station. It goes off a bit before 6am, and I get the last few minutes of BBC news, and then Amy Goodman and Democracy Now. Somewhat to my amazement the radio knows when we go on and off Daylight time. I am very worried about the day it stops working. I have no idea if I will be able to replace this amazing radio.

Of course, if all you want is an alarm to wake you, a phone might be your best bet. Otherwise, do an online search.

Several years ago I needed to find a phone with large buttons for my vision impaired brother. There was simply nothing in any one of the logical stores, but I was able to find what he needed on line. That may be the same case for you.

I do hope you find what you need.

[smirkymonkey]

13. Thanks Poindexter!

See my issues w/ the phone above, although it works in a pinch. I'm still looking for something that works. I had a cheap RCA clock that worked well for years, and now I have just had one lemon after the other. I might have to go w/ a better name brand and spend a little more.

[KY_EnviroGuy]

7. In general, stick with the popular known name brands for electronics such as....

RCA, GE, Panasonic, Sony and Sharp, and you're much less likely to receive a dud and at least can get some support.

Internet consumer electronic sales sites are flooded with hundreds of nameless or abstract unknown brands (*), all invented by little grifter shops in China. Typically, there's poor warranty and no viable support and we can expect short product life.

(*) Some I see on Amazon: BlaCOG, Ddida, Pictek, Rocam, meross, zunong, DreamSky, Travelwey, Mpow, Plumeet, GLOUE, ANJANK, etc. They must invent these names by letting a chicken tap on a phone screen, and these companies very rarely have a web site.

One of my simple protective rules is that if the company does not have a professional-looking product web site and offer support there, I won't buy the product. Also, any company that offers downloads of their product user manuals is usually a sign of a strong, supportive company.

Just my opinion from my hard-earned experience........

[jberryhill]

8. RCA?

Yeah. And make sure it’s genuine RCA by looking for the dog...

[KY_EnviroGuy]

10. Yep, still around but....

now owned by VOXX Intl. for its consumer electronics lines. Apparently the commercial side is now limited to TVs and LED lighting but don't know who owns it.

Clock radios: https://www.rcaaudiovideo.com/clock-radios/

As a teenager in the 60s, on weekends I worked in a radio/TV shop that was a Magnavox dealer but RCA TVs were among the best. Their TV studio video cameras were the gold standard for a long time.

[smirkymonkey]

14. You know what? All the most recent clocks I have purchased are in the second group you have

mentioned. I bought them because they got high ratings, but obviously that means nothing. "DreamSky", "Travelwey" and I forgot what the other one was, but not a well known brand name. I am done with these clunkers.

I think I am going to go w/ an RCA or Sony which I have had in the past and they held up for years, despite my pounding on the snooze button for hours every morning. I think I have learned my lesson!

Thanks KY_EnviroGuy! You always give great advice!

[zanana1]

9. I have an old fashioned wind-up alarm clock.

One time I wound it up the wrong way and I woke up the day before.

[rurallib]

11. That's what I used to use - then I didn't worry about power outages

Just have to make it part of your routine to wind it.

[Laffy Kat]

17. Most electric clocks do come with batteries as well in case of outages.

I use my Droid and my laptop as a backup. Also, my dogs wake me up for their breakfast so I don't have a chance of sleeping in.

[smirkymonkey]

15. Freaky!

[Major Nikon]

16. I have dogs

They wake me up every day at the same time within 15 minutes.

The downsides are no snooze button and changes with daylight savings take longer than they should.

[smirkymonkey]

18. I would love a dog!!

I have finally moved into an apartment building that allows them, but I work all day and don't have the money to be able to afford a dog walker or day care, otherwise I would get one in a second! My siblings all have dogs and they come in and wake me up in the morning by licking my face. It is the best way in the world to wake up!

[Boxerfan]

20. Go old school-windup.

They are typically very reliable and the ticking sound is soothing-to some.

Less than $20.00 delivered on e-bay . Look for a early 60's version-the last of a era and make sure they have tested it. There will be many to choose from but Westclox is a good American brand.

E-bay has a good return policy for the buyers if you get a dud.