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Best travel alarm clock 2018 – [Buyer’s Guide]
Last Updated June 1, 2023Hey, I’m Roger Barnett. After 51 hours of research including speaking with consultants and experts, and plenty of parents and 16 hours spent testing 10 travel alarm clock, I believe that I found the best travel alarm clock of 2018.
In fact, it was the first time I had been in this situation and what I thought was going to be a very quick and easy task turned out to be a good many weeks of research. What I would like you to remember as you browse my website is that I don’t work in the industry so the reviews I have are based on good old fashioned honesty.
Best travel alarm clock of 2018
So, what exactly would anyone want to know about travel alarm clock? I know most of us don’t really care much about the history and the origin, all we want to know is which of them is the best. Of course, I will spare you the history and go straight on to the best travel alarm clock. I have taken the initiative to educate you on the top three best travel alarm clock that you can buy this year. Based on customer reviews and my own experience with the cowboy method I’ve found the best 3 travel alarm clock on the market. You must have heard that the best travel alarm clock should allow you to save money, right? Sure, but that’s not the only reason you should consider getting one.
Test Results and Ratings
Rank | №1 | №2 | №3 |
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Total | 4.8 | 4.5 | 4.3 |
Ease of use |
4 points
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4 points
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4 points
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Size |
5 points
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4 points
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4 points
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Performance |
5 points
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5 points
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5 points
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Price |
5 points
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5 points
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4 points
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Awards | ![]() |
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How to save up to 86%? Here is little trick.
You must visit the page of sales. Here is the link. If you don’t care about which brand is better, then you can choose the travel alarm clock by the price and buy from the one who will offer the greatest discount.
№1 – MARATHON CL030023BK Travel Alarm Clock with Calendar & Temperature – Battery Included
Total: |
4.8
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Why did this travel alarm clock win the first place?
I am very happy with the purchase. It is definitely worth its money. The product is top-notch! The rear part fits perfectly! It is mounted really tight and reliable. The product is very strong. Its material is stable and doesn’t crack. I don’t know anything about other models from this brand, but I am fully satisfied with this product.

4
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5
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5
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5
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№2 – Ultra Small
Total: |
4.5
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Why did this travel alarm clock come in second place?
I really liked it. It is amazing in every aspect. It did even exceed my expectations for a bit, considering the affordable price. The design quality is top notch and the color is nice. I like this product. For such a low price, I didn’t even hope it to be any better. It’s decently made. Seems that the material is good. It has a very beautiful color but I don’t really like the texture.

4
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4
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5
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5
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№3 – MARATHON CL030036BK Atomic Travel Alarm Clock with Auto Night Light Feature
Total: |
4.3
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Why did this travel alarm clock take third place?
This price is appropriate since the product is very well built. I hope that the good reputation of the manufacturer will guarantee a long-term work. It doesn’t squeaks nor bents. Looks great in my apartment. I liked the design. We’ve been using it for 2 months and it still looks like brand new.

4
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4
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5
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4
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travel alarm clock Buyer’s Guide
The Insider Pick
Let’s face it: The ring, blare, buzz, or chirp of your alarm clock is probably never going to be your favorite sound. But then again, the angry rumble of your boss, when you show up late for work after oversleeping, is even worse. So make mornings a little easier by choosing an alarm clock that makes your return to reality if not a pleasure, then at least not a pain.
You might be wondering, “Why bother with an alarm clock when I have a phone?” A fair question and many people do wake up to their cell phone’s prompting. The problem with this, however, is it makes it far more difficult to put some space between your technology and your sleep, and those are two areas of your life best kept separate.
By the time that phone hits the nightstand, you’ve lost precious sleep time, you’ve tricked your brain into thinking it’s wake-up time instead of dream time, because the glow of the blue light emitted by your phone reduces your body’s release of melatonin, the hormone that regulates your sleep cycle. Instead of relaxing, you’ve stimulated your mind. All of that adds up to poor quality sleep followed by a groggy, foggy, “I don’t know why I’m so tired,” kind of morning.
Although the Electrohome Projection Alarm Clock is our top pick, for various reasons laid out in the slides below, you should also consider the Sonic Alert Sonic Bomb Alarm Clock, the Philips Wake-Up Light, the Marathon Analog Desk Alarm Clock, and the OK to Wake! children’s alarm clock.
Electrohome
Big, bright display. We looked at clocks in all shapes and sizes. However, almost all of them had displays that were visible from at least 20 feet away in daylight and at night. The exceptions were the three analog clocks we reviewed, which are small and require you to push a button to illuminate.
Dimmable display. Although having a bright display is nice, without the option to dim it light sleepers may be kept awake at night.
Easy snooze button. Sometimes you need a few extra minutes. If you’re fumbling to find the snooze button, you may as well find your toothbrush and start the day.
Battery backup. If your home is prone to power outages, you’ll want a clock that will be ready in case of an emergency.
Radio. Some people prefer to wake up to music, weather, news, or whatever else is playing on the radio. This feature was available on about half of the clocks we reviewed, but it adds to the price.
Multiple alarms. Whether you have two people sharing a clock or prefer a different wake-up time for the weekends, there are several clocks that allow for two separate alarm times.
Multiple sounds. Some clocks beep, others buzz, and some provide soothing sounds for that wake-up call.
USB ports. Whether you use your smartphone as a backup plan or not, there are a few clocks that offer the option to charge gadgets by your bedside.
Bluetooth. Many alarm clocks now have Bluetooth, but not in this price range. Only one of the models we reviewed included wireless music streaming.
We tested a total of 1alarm clocks. Three of those were analog clocks, which were the only models that didn’t offer AC power; they’re completely battery-operated. Six of the 1models tested also included radios.
We tested each clock in a first-floor home office and a second-floor bedroom. This helped when testing reception on the clock radios, because it gave us data from different locations. We used them during the day and at night to test out brightness levels and if they were easy to work with in the dark. We also monitored each clock for accuracy, the duration of the snooze, and if the snooze would continue after one hour.
We think the RCA RCD30 is the best alarm clock for most people. It is the textbook definition of an alarm clock in features and style with an easy-to-use button layout, a bright display, and an alarm that should wake up even heavy sleepers. It’s also the least expensive model that we tested.
Of the models we tested, the RCD30 packed the largest display size in the smallest design, so it won’t take up much room on your nightstand. The illuminated display measures approximately 3.7by 1.inches, which was visible in daylight and at night from at least 20 feet away. The large display size is a boon for people who wear glasses because you don’t need to fumble with your glasses to check the time. If a big display keeps you up at night, know that the RCD30 does have two brightness settings.
The easy operation has a lot to do with the unit’s no-frills design. It has a large snooze button across the top, so you can usually hit it without much fumbling. That snooze also doubles as an hour/minute button for setting the time and alarm. On the back, there are three switches: one for setting the time/alarm, one for turning the alarm on/off, and one for dimming the front display.
The RCD30 is a basic unit, but it has all you really need in an alarm clock, including backup via a 9-volt battery so you won’t lose your settings if the power goes out at a.m. Just know that like most of the alarm clocks we tested, when using that battery the front of the RCD30 will not display the time, but the alarm will trigger in backup mode, which can’t be said of the Mesqool Projection Clock, the Sangean RCR-5, the Sonic Alert SBB500SS, and the Sony ICF-C1.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
A few of the alarm clocks we reviewed have up and down buttons for setting the clock and alarm time. The RCA RCD30 is not one of them. The minute and hour buttons go in only one direction, so if you get distracted while setting the time and go too far, you’ll need to cycle through again. This is not unique to the RCD30, though.
Also, out of all of the digital alarm clocks we reviewed, this one had the fewest perks. There’s no radio, projection, or separate alarm sounds. In fact, the clock has one alarm at one volume. If it’s too loud (or not loud enough), there are no other options. However, it’s a reliable, basic alarm clock and priced accordingly.
HITO Atomic Bedside Desk Travel Alarm Clock
While travelling, it is really hard to keep up with the local timing for each new city. This alarm clock can update time and date automatically with daylight time saving. The time can be changed between 1and 2hours. It also shows the alarm status, current day and temperature. The backlight can be turned on for the whole night and it turns off automatically when the room light brightens the room. Also you can turn the backlight only for seconds, without turning it on for all the time.
KRASR LCD Mini Folding Alarm Clock
Folding designed alarm clock with a bright display. Like other clocks, it has 1or 2hours display options and also indoor temperature display in fahrenheit or celsius. Along with time, it can also show the date and day of the week. The backlight and alarm snooze buttons are on the back side of the clock.The package also contains a leather protective case. Available in two different colors : Black and Silver or White and silver.
You will also get one leather case with this package.
Simple folding alarm clock with only switch. It shows only the time on its half inch LCD screen. The alarm settings is also displayed on this screen. The alarm can be snoozed and also it has a on demand backlight which is good for night display.The same snooze button can be used for the back light as well.It requires only one small button sized battery to operate and that can be replaceable.
Travelwey Digital Travel Alarm Clock
Thin,small and lightweight travel alarm clock by Travelwey with a foldable design. The folding lid acts as a stand for keeping it on a flat surface. The display is large and clear, also it has a on-demand blue light which is great for night display. The light turns on for seconds. Light and alarm control button is on the top and the other controls are at the back of the clock. It has one travel mode switch, turning it on will disable all the buttons. So, no need to remove the batteries while travelling to avoid the buttons being pushed accidently.
Little bit heavy
The Ambient weather RC-8300 Atomic travel clock is very compact and lightweight. The screen displays time, alarm time, time zone, month, date, day of week, indoor temperature and radio controlled clock reception strength.It features an automatic backlight display which is activated in low light surrounding. The time can be changed between 1and 2hour format. Also it supports four time zones : Pacific, Mountain, Central, Eastern and four different languages : English, French, German, Spanish and Italian. The alarm can be set to ring progressively. The time is automatically set via radio signal ( supports only in continental USA).
Only a fool could have designed this!
Digital Travel Alarm Clocks
Remember that travel alarm clocks with less features will generally be easier to use.
Travel Alarm Clock Features To Look Out For
You’ll have no shortage of options in finding a travel alarm clock. Our best advice is to decide on the features you need before going exploring. Good luck on your search to find the best travel alarm clock to accompany you while jet-setting. We hope you find the right one.
Short battery life
The Sony ICFCis another cool alarm clock that is on the lower end of the pricing range. It has a cool, simple, compact design that will seamlessly fit in with the decor of your bedroom.
RCA Digital Alarm Clock
The RCA Digital Alarm Clock is by far the most basic, and therefore most reasonably priced, of all of the alarm clocks that we are taking a look at. If you are that person that just needs that bare-bones alarm clock to get you out of bed in the morning without all of the bells and whistles, this is going to be a great alarm clock for you.
Added Features
That’s pretty much it, right? Not quite. Alarm clocks are becoming stocked with some wild and fun features that make them not only a lot more enjoyable to use but also a lot more calming and less disruptive when it concerns getting you out of bed in the morning.
Here are just a few examples of what companies are doing with alarm clocks today.
Isn’t that wild? There is an abundance of options out there that helps you to get better sleep and make waking up more pleasant.
What do you Need to Get out of Bed in the Morning
This might be the most important question that you can ask yourself when shopping for the perfect alarm clock: what do you want and what do you need to get you out of bed in the morning? What will help you set your wake and sleep schedule the best, and what will make waking up easiest and most enjoyable for you in the morning.
Because all of us are different.
For some of us, all we need is your basic LED display alarm clock, a single alarm, and a backup power source in case the power goes out in your house. If you tend to be more of a night owl and every morning it is a struggle to get out of bed, you may want or need some additional features to make waking up in the morning easier and more enjoyable.
At the end of the day, it all comes down to your needs and your personal preference. We have taken a look at some of the best alarm clocks so that you can check out the options that are available, and make the right choice for your schedule and needs.
HP DreamScreen 10-inch
While this hybrid picture frame and media streaming device serves multiple purposes, one of them is displaying a digital or analogue clock. You can set two different alarms and wake up to music. There are precious few options for changing the clock face (in fact, you only get two) but it’s conceivable that HP will offer new designs for this Wi-Fi enabled device. We’d also like to see a way to automatically play a photo slideshow in the morning and configure an alarm playlist.
JBL On Time iPhone & iPod Alarm Dock
Outstanding audio quality and slim design separate this alarm clock from the rest of the pack. To play music, you’ll need an iPod Touch or iPhone, but you can also use the rear 3.5mm auxiliary port. Remarkably, for a device that’s only 284mm wide with just two 6-watt speakers, the sound quality is crisp and clear thanks to the audio drivers JBL uses to reproduce sound.
Kikkerland Retro
Throwing it back to the mid-century, Kikkerland’s vintage alarm clock is retro in just about every sense of the word. From the bright blue plastic case and numbers, ivory face, and glow in the dark hands this alarm clock has it all. It also features a top shut off button for the clock’s beep alarm, runs off a single AA battery and will certainly bring some vintage flavor to the nightstand.
Newgate Red Bubble
Quite the vintage throwback indeed, the Red Bubble Alarm Clock is sure to please those admirers of yesteryear with its convex case, white paper face, and chunky black hands for some added charm on the nightstand. It’s made with acrylic, is a lightweight piece, and only requires one AA battery to function with ease. Bring a little personality to the home or office.
Newgate Brass Knocker
Old school in appearances, the Newgate Brass Knocker is what most of us envision when we consider alarm clocks. It features a real working hammer-to-bell alarm, a metal case and glass lens, comes with a one-year movement guarantee, and is all wrapped up neatly in an attractive dark chocolate brown finish. Ditch the irritating radio, time to appreciate vintage design and functionality.
Newgate Biscuit
Vintage-inspired and outfitted in Biscuit Box Red, this offering from Newgate is a durable metal clock that works anywhere from the nightstand to the mantel to the wall. Its handsome dial face is protected behind a glass lens and digital beep alarm won’t disturb you in the morning. Oversized? Maybe. A must have? Most definitely.
Seiko Bedside
With such a renowned reputation in the watch world, it would certainly be a shame to not include a Seiko alarm clock in the mix. It boasts a classic yet modern appearance, trimmed in a silver-toned case and its Arabic numeral hour markers remain highly legible thanks to the clocks luminous hands. It’s a straight-forward attractive alarm clock that won’t let you down come morning.
Station Alarm Clock
Originally designed by Arne Jacobsen for Lauritz Knudson in 1941, this rendering of the original still carries with it the easy-to-read numbers and two-tone hands he’s known for. It features an old school bell for the alarm, a snooze option, and a touch sensor LED for viewing at night. It’s also powered by two AA batteries and boasts a precision quartz movement.
Mantel Clocks on Sale!
All major brands of Quality Mantel Clocks are available here at the lowest prices allowed online. All mantel clocks include Free Shipping anywhere within the cont. United States. Our mantel clocks come in a variety of styles and finishes in both chiming and non-chiming varieties: – mechanical movements that need to be wound once per week.
Desk and Table Clocks – when space is at a premium, consider a table clock as these are much smaller.
Accuracy
Most projection alarm clocks offer basic daylight savings time adjustments and can keep the time fairly accurate. There are some products that use atomic clocks which set the time via radio and they are extremely accurate so they should be strongly considered even if they’re a bit more expensive.
Electrohome EAAC60Projection Alarm Clock
Featuring lots of powerful abilities beyond what a basic projection alarm clock usually offers, the Electrohome EAAC60is the top pick on this list considering how affordable it is. It comes with a large 3.6” LCD dimmable display, 180-degree swivel projection, AUX input, and Advanced SelfSet technology to bring you a more enjoyable experience each day.
This clock radio is quite advanced in the sense that it’s capable of setting the time and date automatically and if the power goes out, it will save all your important alarm settings. The clock comes preconfigured with the correct time and all that remains for you to do is to specify your particular time zone and it will maintain accurate time even after a power failure.
A large 3.6” blue display lets you view the time and date as well as the temperature more clearly. If you decide that it’s too bright for you, there are three dimmer options to set the brightness according to your personal preference. The auto dimmer feature can also disable the screen completely if it bothers you at night.
When it comes to projection, this little clock does a good job always showing the time in full view no matter if you choose to project on the ceiling or on a wall. You can tilt a full 180 degrees and the adjustable focus is there to ensure that you will always have a crystal clear projection.
A dual alarm feature is integrated and you can set two separate wake times in case you and your partner need to. The alarms can automatically be disabled on weekends so you can set the right alarm schedule once and then you won’t have to deal with it again. An AUX audio input together with the digital AM/FM radio, offer a bit of entertainment and there’s even the option to wake up to your preferred radio station.
The face of the clock can be quite bright even on the lowest dim setting but it shouldn’t be a problem as the main focus is the projection which is very reliable. If you want a highly performant projection alarm clock that has pretty much all the features you’d need to bring some extra convenience in your life, the Electrohome EAAC60is clearly the answer. Overall, this product is recommended considering how relatively inexpensive it is.
Product Highlights
Modern clocks have become commonplace but if you are tired of looking at ordinary screens and want something more exciting, a projection alarm clock is the way to go. This Mesqool projection clock seems like a good solution if you want to project the time on any wall and see it clearly. Packed with lots of features and with a stylish design, this device is sure to be a big hit.
By repeatedly pressing the projection button you can make the time appear vividly on your wall and see it without issues. Even if you put the alarm clock in another angle you can enjoy a solid reverse projection. Mesqool integrated a dimmer feature for the smooth 1.8-inch display which can be a bit too bright at night. A dedicated button takes care of the problem.
When you just can’t be bothered to look for your charger or if you’re out of charging spots, this unit allows you to connect your smart device and charge it with its incorporated USB port. It’s suitable for Android devices but iOS users will need the appropriate cable switch.
There’s a dual alarm function for your convenience and it can be set to wake you up using a radio station. The buttons for controlling the radio and all the other features of the device are intuitively placed on the top and can be easily accessed even when you’re feeling extra sleepy.
Looking back over the rich features from the arsenal of this Mesqool projection alarm clock, you can be sure that this is a solid device for the money. It’s a breeze to set up, the digits are large and visible, and the projection is adjustable. Topping it off with such a fair price, this projection clock is really a no-brainer.
Electrohome EAAC475
Another interesting model from Electrohome is the EAAC475, a projection clock that comes equipped with powerful abilities and extra features like the high-speed USB charging port for smartphones and the battery backup. It delivers a decent projection experience, a pleasure to look at on any wall or ceiling. The digital AM/FM radio, SelfSet, and the programmable dual alarm complete the attractive package of this clock.
Fast USB charging is provided in this unit and this could be a very convenient option to have. If you leave a USB cable plugged into the clock’s USB port you can turn the alarm clock into a powerful nightstand USB charger for lots of compatible devices.
If you worry about a power failure that could disrupt your morning routine, the WakeUp technology has been specially developed by Electrohome to fix this problem. When the power outage happens, the built-in battery backup activates itself automatically so that the alarm will still sound according to the correct settings and the right time and date are maintained.
This projection clock comes with a 180-degree swivel and delivers a pleasant viewing as you just need to open your eyes to check the time in the morning. Always knowing the time without making unneeded compromises to your comfort zone feels pretty nice.
Another useful feature is the SelfSet technology that makes the set-up process a breeze. Just plug in the device and the preconfigured date and time will instantly appear on the large LED display that has four dimming options. If your partner has a different schedule and needs to wake up early you can use the intuitively designed dual alarms and adjust the settings to fit both of your routines more conveniently.
A nice clock with plenty of options, the Electrohome EAAC47will enhance your nights with a beautiful projection that won’t light up the room despite its brightness. The alarms are quite fancy too and even if it’s a little difficult to set up initially you can get the hang of it fairly quickly. All in all, this device has great potential and is recommended to anyone in the market for a high-quality projection alarm clock.
OnLyee Digital LED Dimmable Projection Alarm Clock
If you’re not willing to make a big investment into a projection alarm clock and just want an affordable product, this one from OnLyee seems like a very good choice. It comes with adjustable projection angle and allows you to control the focus. The large display can have its brightness turned down if you prefer and the manufacturer included an AM/FM radio tuner with 20 channels preset memory, a smartphone charging port, and a battery backup.
Convenience is key for this unit as it provides a solid projection on any ceiling or wall with a 180-degree swivel. A focus ring is used to make some adjustments when the clarity is not optimal. The display is not of the highest quality and only comes with three levels for adjusting the brightness.
If you enjoy listening to the radio, there are some good news for you as this device integrates an AM/FM built-in digital tuner with an automatic scanner. It can save up to AM stations and FM stations in its memory. The traditional buzzer that most of these alarm clocks offer can be annoying for some so OnLyee includes a handy feature to be woken up to your favorite radio station. You can also take advantage of the convenient snooze function if you feel like sleeping just a few extra minutes.
This model includes USB charging which is a bit surprising to find at this price point and it’s a welcomed feature for those times when you forgot your charger. You will require batteries for back-up that ensures the settings are safe even during power outages. Dysfunctional power lines will never again affect your morning routine.
Taking into account the easy setup, the reasonably clear projection, and all the other features that are more or less useful, the OnLyee is a decent option if you want a low-budget projection alarm clock. It may have some reliability issues but all in all, it can surprise you with the performance of the projection providing a better experience when you need to check the time in the morning.
Oregon Scientific RM313PNFA
If keeping the time as accurate as possible is an essential aspect for you, maybe the Oregon Scientific RM313PNFA would be the perfect solution if you want to get a new projection clock. Besides the ability to maintain atomic time which is considered extremely accurate, it can also monitor the indoor temperature and comes with two powering options, a battery mode or a continuous projection mode by hooking the device to a power outlet.
This is a great device as it comes with many useful features for everyone who wants more than just a simple projection clock. It monitors indoor temperature and provides the best accuracy thanks to the atomic clock. It has automatic self-correction for daylight saving time to make sure you’re never behind.
When the clock is under battery power it can project with a single touch of a button just for an interval of a few seconds and it can conserve some energy this way. If continuous projection sounds better to you, you’ll have to hook up the AC power supply that’s included by the manufacturer. The projection can be seen relatively easy but the room has to be very dark otherwise the visibility will suffer.
The clock has a flip feature for the projector which strangely is not noted in the instructions but it can be accessed by pushing either the plus or minus buttons. It may not be very useful but it’s nice to have this option for certain situations.
Oregon Scientific designed a solid product that can satisfy many users who want to look at their ceiling at night to check the time without lighting up the whole room. The device looks very stylish and seems well-built and there’s hardly any flaw about it, maybe the alarm sound is a little strange but that depends on personal preference. It is a very capable projection alarm clock, all things considered.
How to save up to 86%? Here is little trick.
You must visit the page of sales. Here is the link. If you don’t care about which brand is better, then you can choose the travel alarm clock by the price and buy from the one who will offer the greatest discount.
Final Word
First of all thanks for reading my article to the end! I hope you find my reviews listed here useful and that it allows you to make a proper comparison of what is best to fit your needs and budget. Don’t be afraid to try more than one product if your first pick doesn’t do the trick.
Most important, have fun and choose your travel alarm clock wisely! Good luck!
So, TOP3 of travel alarm clock
- №1 — MARATHON CL030023BK Travel Alarm Clock with Calendar & Temperature – Battery Included
- №2 — Ultra Small
- №3 — MARATHON CL030036BK Atomic Travel Alarm Clock with Auto Night Light Feature

Questions? Leave a comment below!
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