Smart speakers are a dime a dozen these days, and we’re not complaining. From Google to Amazon (and let’s not forget the many third-party offerings), you can use a smart speaker to control and automate your smart home devices, listen to music, make phone calls, and so much more. But aside from asking Google Assistant or Alexa what time it is, not many of these devices have integrated LED clocks.
Enter the field of clock-bearing smart speakers. There aren’t many, but they’re all engineered to deliver extensive voice control while offering you the time and, sometimes, additional information via an LED or LCD screen on the front. You’ll find some that are meant mostly for accepting voice commands, some that excel in playing music, and others with various novel features like built-in phone charging and customizable smart lighting. And aside from one or two specialty options, they’re relatively easy to operate while offering a wide range of helpful features.
Top smart speakers for your bedside clock
Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen, 2023)
Does it all
The Echo Show 8 may be more expensive than previous generations, but it comes with a host of welcome improvements. Aside from the new design, one of its best features is spatial audio, which produces loud, room-filling sound. Then there’s the Show 8’s adaptive feature that changes its display based on how near or far you are from the device, and the faster response time for voice commands. Overall, the Echo Show 8 is a solid upgrade and a great addition to any smart home.
- Incredible, room-filling sound
- Large display perfect for calendars, reminders, shopping lists, and more
- Small enough to fit most side tables and nightstands
- Expensive when not on sale
The Echo Show 8 is the catch-all speaker on our list. Its 8-inch HD touchscreen is larger than the Google Nest Hub 2 and gives you easy access to all things Amazon, like your store cart, Prime Video, and Audible. And you get a clock, a calendar, and a hub for grocery lists, reminders, and even photos.
You’ll also enjoy access to Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and other streaming apps. The 8-inch display makes it perfect for counters and kitchen tables, or even your bedside. Though, if it’s too big, you can always go with the Echo Show 5.
As our review notes, the sound quality is impressive as well. It won’t reach Bose-level volumes, but the Show 8’s room-filling spatial audio proves it’s a worthy upgrade to the previous generation. There’s simply more depth and detail, which goes a long way, whether you’re streaming music from Amazon Music, Apple Music, or Spotify.
Amazon Echo Show 8 (2023) review: More than just a pretty screen
Spatial audio and a repositioned camera make for a solid update
It goes without saying, but we’ll say it anyway — the Show 8 shines as a smart home hub. It works smoothly with Zigbee, Matter, and Thread, so it will be a breeze to manage things like smart lights, security cameras, and video doorbells. Speaking of video, the Show 8’s 13MP auto-framing camera is excellent for video chats. You can move around the room, and the camera will follow, adjusting along the way.
We think the Echo Show 8 proves it’s worth the $150 price tag, though Amazon tends to keep it on sale more often than not. Either way, it’s a good investment.
Bose Home Speaker 500
Great sound in a small package
The Bose Home Speaker 500 provides surprisingly great sound quality for such a small speaker, with opposite-facing drivers that reflect sound and add depth to your music. The high-quality microphone array picks up voice commands from a distance and lets you make clear hands-free calls. It supports Bluetooth and AirPlay 2 over Wi-Fi, and while it doesn’t come cheap, the premium audio experience may be worth the price.
- Impressive sound quality
- Consistent voice recognition
- Compatible with Apple Airplay 2
- Pricier than most other speakers in its class
When it comes to pure sound quality, nothing tops the Bose Home Speaker 500. The two drivers inside face opposite directions, with one intended to point at a wall so the sound reflects and adds depth to the music. It gets surprisingly loud and has a better bass response than you’d expect from something its size. The microphone array picks up voice commands from a decent distance away and lets you make hands-free phone calls with significantly better audio than other speakers.
It works great whether you’re connected via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi and even supports Airplay 2 for those invested in the Apple ecosystem. While expensive, it’s hard to find any competition for this powerful smart speaker.
Amazon Echo Dot with Clock (5th Gen)
Well-rounded and packed with features
The Amazon Echo Dot with Clock (5th gen) packs in a lot of perks, including a display to show the time, tap recognition to pause and play music, and a built-in temperature sensor for smart home routines. It can also double as a Wi-Fi extender for an Eero mesh network.
- Enhanced sound quality
- Clock screen offers extended media information
- Very cost-effective
- Doesn’t get very loud
The 5th-generation Amazon Echo Dot with Clock represents another significant upgrade to the Echo Dot lineup, though you wouldn’t know by looking at it. Indeed, it looks exactly the same as the previous model, except for a slightly altered color. The last Echo Dot sounded better than its size would have you believe, and this new model has a once again redesigned speaker driver that ensures it sounds even better than before.
There’s also an upgraded set of microphones for more precise voice control, as well as a temperature sensor for dynamic smart home control events, like turning fans on or off when it gets too hot or cold. In addition, the accelerometer inside allows for tap interactions on the touch buttons, which enables access to a variety of controls, including instantly snoozing an alarm.
Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) with Clock review: A delightful time
The fifth-gen Dot with Clock’s new display is worth an upgrade
You’ll find this last upgrade especially useful if you’re heavily entrenched in Amazon’s hardware ecosystem. Inside each new Echo Dot is an Eero Wi-Fi extender, which basically guarantees to eliminate wireless dead zones in the rooms near the smart speaker. All in all, this affordable package is a powerful improvement on the last generation, which is why it’s earned our Editor’s Choice badge.
Ecozy Sunrise Alarm Clock
Ease into the morning
The Ecozy Sunrise Alarm Clock features sunrise simulation to gently wake you up, along with seven ambient colors and ten sounds for relaxation. Users can adjust settings through the EcozyHome app or use Alexa and Google Assistant for voice commands. Overall, this clock offers a straightforward, customizable wake-up experience at an approachable price.
- Design blends in well with any decor or furniture
- Both app and analog control
- Generous features for the price
- No AM radio
Of the three “sunrise” alarm clocks on our list, the Ecozy is the most affordable. And remember — a budget buy doesn’t necessarily mean cheap. This alarm clock features sunrise simulation as well as seven ambient colors to soothe you to sleep. There are also several natural sounds like waves, crickets, and chimes.
Aesthetically, the Ecozy’s rounded, unassuming design is perfect for dressers and nightstands. Whether your furniture is modern, bohemian, or something in between, this alarm clock blends right in. So, while it’s not much to look at, we think that’s the point. Though it sure does look nice when the sun goes down.
Our favorite feature is the EcozyHome app, which lets you control everything from light brightness to alarm settings. It’s also compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, so voice control is an option, too. However, there are button controls if you prefer a more analog approach.
Google Nest Hub 2nd Generation
Take control with Google Assistant
The Google Nest Hub is our favorite smart speaker with an integrated clock, and it just so happens to be an amazing smart display, too. Use it to control and automate your web-connected devices, including smart lights, locks, and cameras.
- Works as a sleep monitor
- Controls smart home with Google Assistant
- Pairs nicely with other Nest devices
- A little pricey
- No support for Alexa or Siri
The Google Nest Hub is far more than the average smart speaker with a built-in clock; it’s a full-fledged Google Assistant-powered smart display. Available in Chalk, Mist, and Charcoal colors, the Nest Hub is a terrific smart home command center, allowing you to control your smart lights, cameras, thermostat, and other web-connected devices using simple Google Assistant voice commands. If you happen to own a Nest Audio speaker or two, you can also use the Nest Hub as an intercom to broadcast messages to the rest of the family.
The Nest Hub is also a fantastic sleep-monitoring device. Through an intuitive feature called Sleep Sensing, the smart display can track when you hit the hay and how well you’ve slept. Can’t sleep in the middle of the night? You can also use the Nest Hub to access all kinds of entertainment apps, so you’ll be able to watch Netflix or YouTube until you start nodding off.
Hatch Restore 2
Enjoy soothing sounds
The Hatch Restore 2 redefines bedtime with its focus on enhancing your sleep and wake-up routine. The Restore 2 is more a clock than a smart speaker, focusing on features like white noise, nature sounds, and a variety of alarm settings. We especially like its dimmable clock feature, which minimizes sleep disruptions and provides just enough light to see without waking you fully. Available in neutral colors like Putty, Latte, and Slate, it should blend into any bedroom decor.
- Calming soundscapes promote relaxation and better sleep
- Sunrise alarm clock feature for a gentler wake-up
- Dimmable clock adjusts to room darkness to reduce sleep disruption
- Limited functionality compared to traditional smart speakers
The Hatch Restore 2 is the odd one on our list as it’s not your typical speaker. Yes, there is a speaker, and yes, it does have a clock. But the Restore 2 isn’t made for Spotify or getting through your Audible books before bed. This smart clock has one goal—to enhance your bedtime and morning routine.
We sometimes struggle to get Zen when bedtime rolls around, so we like that the Restore 2 offers a generous variety of soothing soundscapes designed to mask unwanted noise or silence. There’s gentle music, white noise, brown noise, and nature sound, all promoting relaxation.
Does anyone enjoy the shrill sound of their alarm or the jarring buzz of their phone dancing off their dresser in the morning? We doubt it. What sets the Restore 2 apart is its sunrise alarm clock feature. It goes for a more gentle approach, waking you up with a simulated sunrise, which is a heck of a more peaceful start to your day compared to traditional alarm clocks.
The dimmable clock is another great perk. Should you wake up in the middle of the night, you can check the time without dealing with a blinding glow. The clock adjusts the light to match your room’s darkness.
We also love the earthy color options—Putty, Latte, and Slate. These neutral colors should blend seamlessly into any bedroom. Its compact size also ensures the Restore 2 will fit on most nightstands. The interface is as simplistic as its design; you control everything with a single button. You can use the app on your phone as well. But it’s nice to know that if you want to adjust the settings in the middle of the night, you won’t have to fumble through a complex app when you’re half-asleep.
Philips SmartSleep Connected Sleep and Wake-Up Light
Create and automate your perfect sunrise or sunset
The Philips SmartSleep is an excellent investment for those of us who need our bedrooms to look and feel as comfortable as can be before we’re able to fall asleep (and wake up).
- Monitors temperature, light, humidity, and noise levels
- Customizable sunset and sunrise lighting
- Built-in noise machine and FM radio
- Expensive
- No built-in voice assistant
The Philips SmartSleep is the kind of bedside table companion everyone should go to sleep and wake up with. Yes, it has a front-facing clock, but that’s just scratching the surface. The SmartSleep also has an awesome app that lets you customize exactly what hue and brightness the sunrise and sunset lighting is set to, giving you picture-perfect transitions from wakefulness to slumber that your circadian brain will thank you for.
We love the inclusion of the Ambitrack sensor, which monitors temperature, noise, light, and humidity levels, giving you a better idea of how cozy your sleep space is and how you could improve it. The SmartSleep also includes several noise machine presets, an FM radio, and a port for charging your phone or tablet.
Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen)
Best-in-class Alexa integration plus a gorgeous 5.5-inch screen
Amazon’s Echo Show 5 may be the runt of the company’s smart display lineup, but it’s still a fully capable voice assistant and a near-perfect Alexa-enabled alarm clock. You get top-notch integration with the Amazon Alexa ecosystem, plus a wealth of multimedia options that go well beyond just showing you the time.
- Flawless Alexa integration
- Responsive microphones and apps
- High-quality screen with multimedia support
- Zero support for Google Services
A pared-down version of Amazon’s full-size smart displays, the Echo Show 5 is every bit as capable as its larger relatives when it comes to voice control. Its small footprint makes it the perfect Alexa-enabled alarm clock, sporting the same impressive integration of Alexa and the third-party apps and products that other Amazon smart devices are known for. The 5.5-inch screen gives you plenty of multimedia options, including a smart picture frame and the ability to stream movies and TV shows from popular services.
Amazon Echo Show 5 review: Compact and competent
This bargain-priced smart display is a great way to get started with Alexa
While the speaker is small, it’s surprisingly loud and perfect for alarm clock purposes and making casual video calls. If you’re concerned about privacy, rest assured because the Echo Show 5 has a physical camera shutter, and there’s a tactile button for turning the mic on and off.
Why get a smart speaker with a clock?
Not everything needs the smart home treatment (we’re looking at you, Samsung Smart Fridge). Clocks, though, are an easy choice for adding voice control and wireless connectivity. When you can roll out of bed in the morning and get early news reports and the full day’s weather forecast just by chirping at Alexa, it’s easy to see where the convenience lies. A smart speaker with a clock also makes it much easier to set alarms on the fly and, sometimes, check out what song the speaker is playing.
The best smart speaker with a clock for you
A smart speaker with a clock isn’t an impossible ask, but if you’ve done any web searches for these kinds of devices, you’ll know the third-party offerings number in the hundreds. This is why it’s important to pay extra mind to the hardware that’s built to tackle the basics, on top of giving you plenty of extra value for each dollar you spend. It also doesn’t hurt to invest in a big brand name, which is why we’re giving top honors to the Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen, 2023). Strictly speaking, it’s not a smart clock, but we’d argue that’s why we love it so much. The Echo Show 8 does it all, from telling time to keeping you on task with its comprehensive calendar and reminder settings. Also, it’s a solid speaker with excellent sound quality, not to mention its beautiful display.
However, if getting the best sound quality is more important, it’s hard to go wrong with the Bose Home Speaker 500. Since it comes from Bose, it’s not surprising that this one sounds better with nearly any genre of music you throw at it than any other smart speaker in its class, but you’re also paying a premium to get it.
We also understand that not everyone can afford the high prices that some of these smart speakers with clocks sell for. This is why we made sure to include the Amazon Echo Dot with Clock (5th Gen) as our best value pick. You’ll get an awesome LED display on the front of the globe-style speaker and can interact with it using Alexa. Use the voice assistant to ask questions, get recipe help, play music, and control all the smart home devices.
Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen, 2023)
The Echo Show 8 may be more expensive than previous generations, but it comes with a host of welcome improvements. Aside from the new design, one of its best features is spatial audio, which produces loud, room-filling sound. Then there’s the Show 8’s adaptive feature that changes its display based on how near or far you are from the device, and the faster response time for voice commands. Overall, the Echo Show 8 is a solid upgrade and a great addition to any smart home.
