What Smart Clocks/Devices Do You Like & Recommend?

hullohullo on 06/01/2021 - 02:31

Looking to get a smart clock/device for myself, with the alarm feature being super important! I'm a heavy sleeper and a phone alarm doesn't cut it. I think most of these smart clocks/devices have a sunrise function on them now as well. I've got a bit of a shortlist but would love to know if I should consider another device or be aware of some other pros/cons.

Note: I am new to smart devices in the home and I've never used Siri/Alexa/Bixby/etc. as a point of reference.

Lenovo Smart Clock ($69)
Pros: Minimalistic, includes USB port for phone charging, not distracting
Cons: Have heard its not as loud as the Nest Hub

Amazon Echo Show 5 ($99)
Pros: Compact, more multi-purpose
Cons: Not keen on the camera, sunrise feature only works before 9am

Nest Hub ($129)
Pros: Multi-purpose, morning routine, considered better than the Echo Show 5?
Cons: $$$, doesn't replace a speaker

Electrical & Electronics Smart Clock

Comments

  • AustriaBargain on 06/01/2021 - 03:13
    +3

    Try the default iPhone alarm sound. If you have an android, download it. I've never heard anyone ever complain that the iPhone alarm was not loud enough for them.

    • SF3 on 06/01/2021 - 11:05

      Agree with this - the alarm volume can set to the loudest setting and picking the most annoying alert tone (not a lullaby :D).

      As a alarm clock - I reckon keep it simple - it should just work… smarting it up, overcomplicates it…

    • hullohullo on 06/01/2021 - 17:16

      Oh, I really wish that would work with me! Maybe I've become desensitised to it? I've tried switching up phones and different alarm sounds, all at obviously full volume, but I am a brick when I'm out :(

      • SF3 on 06/01/2021 - 18:07

        I think you need one of these Shock Clock Wake Up Trainer - Wearable Smart Alarm Clock

        Control Intensity- Zap, beep, and vibration are adjustable in 10% increments up to 100%.

        • hullohullo on 08/01/2021 - 15:00

          If only the reviews! Definitely something that I'd love to own if they get the tech right (even if it is pricey…)

  • websterp on 06/01/2021 - 07:23

    Any alarm could be loud enough when set at the right volume.

    • hullohullo on 06/01/2021 - 17:19

      I've tried using phone alarms at their loudest setting and haven't had much luck, hence the search for something new but I don't want to get a smart alarm/phone if it turns out to be a dud.

  • avidd on 06/01/2021 - 08:10
    +1

    Lenovo smart clock is great, especially if you can get it on sale. Good size and has all the functions you'd want from a small bedside smart clock. You can set the alarm to music using spotify etc as well. I use it to control my smart light/tell me the weather too.

    • hullohullo on 06/01/2021 - 17:25

      I'm a bit bummed I miss out on the Lenovo Smart Clock Starter Pack that was on sale at JB for $88 but I think $69 seems to be a fair deal (I hope!) I like the alarm to music setting (my UE Boom never really got that quite right!) and the weather reminders. Thank you for responding!

      • avidd on 07/01/2021 - 08:03
        +1

        Main thing for me was that I didn’t want a huge screen on my bedside table. Literally a dimmable face clock with music and voice control.

        Seriously if I want to FaceTime/videos I’ll use my phone or iPad!

        Setting up a Spotify alarm is easily done using a voice command (that you can choose to repeat etc) but I had to google to find out how. If you end up buying it and have trouble I can help.

        • hullohullo on 08/01/2021 - 15:04

          Yeah, I can't imagine using a video function (I don't even do video calls on my phone!) Thanks for your offer by the way, really appreciate it! Hopefully it won't be too hard but I guess we'll find out…

  • coxjon on 06/01/2021 - 08:29
    +2

    What do you mean by Nest Hub doesn't replace a speaker?

    • hullohullo on 06/01/2021 - 17:27

      I skimmed a few reviews that mentioned the Nest Hub had 'okay' speakers but they weren't great quality and better for background music/other devices were better. Not that it's too much of an issue as I already have a UE Boom.

      EDIT for references but note I was probably being a bit nitpicky as so to include more cons other than price:

      It's fine if you want to listen to background music, but it's not particularly loud or crisp. … the sound quality is more on par with Google's smallest smart speaker, the Google Home Mini, which still beat the Nest Hub in our tests.
      https://www.cnet.com/reviews/google-nest-home-hub-with-googl…

      The sound quality isn't as good as the Max or the original Home but the display is an excellent feature for watching quick YouTube videos, reading news snippets and controlling smart home devices
      https://www.pocket-lint.com/smart-home/buyers-guides/google/…

      While it lacks bass, the Smart Clock sounds far better than the Google Home Mini overall with richer tones on music tracks. The Google Nest Hub sounds marginally better, but considering the size of the full-range speaker it’d be fair to expect a more marked difference between the two.
      https://www.androidauthority.com/lenovo-smart-clock-vs-googl…

  • Ryanek on 06/01/2021 - 09:21
    +1

    Amazon Echo 5 often goes for sale for $49. The camera has a physical cover.

    • hullohullo on 06/01/2021 - 17:40

      Wow, thanks for that mention! That's a great bargain for sure! I was definitely being a bit nitpicky in the cons as the other two didn't have cameras, but maybe I'll end up liking that functionality. How do you like it as an alarm?

  • psyren89 on 06/01/2021 - 10:58
    +1

    I'm currently using the Lenovo Smart Clock (not the new Essential) and I'm quite happy with it, but I prefer gentler alarms (don't want to start each day with a heart attack). I just tried it out at 100% with a random music track on YouTube and it would definitely wake you up if it were next to your head (if you don't suffer from any hearing impairment).

    • hullohullo on 06/01/2021 - 17:46

      I'm glad to hear you're quite happy with it! Thanks for trying it out by the way - I do have a slight hearing impairment hence why I was so interested in the sunrise application but I've always been a very deep sleeper. Perhaps I will need to make a trek in stores to check out the sound!

      • miwahni on 06/01/2021 - 22:39
        +1

        The sunrise application isn't that great. Sure the screen gradually lightens but it's not enough to brighten the room. If you don't need the "smart" aspect of it, have a look on Amazon at clock radios that light up like daylight. I have one (mine is sadly no longer manufactured) which is the only thing that gets me out of bed in the winter dark. Still plays radio stations, or nature sounds, or your choice of alarm. (note, I also have an Echo Show 5 as my backup alarm, and light controller etc).

        • hullohullo on 08/01/2021 - 15:05

          Thanks for mentioning that! I was looking at sunrise clocks but the radio functions wasn't as alluring as those with Bluetooth/Spotify function. I think it is pretty clever to have the Echo Show 5 as a back up, maybe I'll need to do both.

  • rupp1e on 06/01/2021 - 14:00
    +1

    I was tossing up between the Lenovo Smart Clock and the Google Nest Hub (which was $78, during the sales), and I ultimately chose the Nest Hub, as it had a bigger screen and it works quite well as a home dashboard, for controlling lights and viewing cams etc. I also read that the speakers were better and they defiantly are in comparison.

    • hullohullo on 06/01/2021 - 17:51

      Oh wow, what a bargain!! Perhaps I'll need to hold off for now until there's a good sale going. I'm glad to hear it works well for you - how do you find the alarm functions if you use them by the way? And yes, most reviews seemed to say that the Nest Hub was better than the Smart Clock when it came to the speakers, but the $129 tag made me wonder if it was worth that much more extra!

      • rupp1e on 06/01/2021 - 18:16
        +1

        Yeah they come on sale quite often and you just touch the screen to turn of the alarm, and you just set it by voice.

        • hullohullo on 06/01/2021 - 18:39

          I was just looking at what was available at the moment but definitely pays to wait for the next one! I've had bad luck with Siri so it's just put me off using voice commands but maybe I'll see if I can test it in store. Thanks again for replying!

  • the Unforgiven on 06/01/2021 - 20:56

    get kids

    • hullohullo on 08/01/2021 - 15:06

      Haha, definitely out of my budget!

  • Seven8Nine on 07/01/2021 - 05:39
    +1

    Nothing personal but if you are over weight, get hearing test done as well. I am no medical expert, but diet and weight seems to add some factor for such scenario you mentioned, a friend went through this so kind of 2nd hand info am passing to you.

    Regarding smart clock, nest hub

    • hullohullo on 08/01/2021 - 15:07

      Thank you for the advice and no offence taken if you were worried about it. I'm probably a little more on the underweight side but I did have a hearing test a while back ago where I learnt I had moderate to severe hearing. Perhaps a diet change might be better - I'll look into it!

      And thanks for the rec, seems like the nest hub is quite popular!

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