The Best 8 Alarm Clock Apps of 2021

Forget the outdated alarm clocks of yesteryear. Now, you can choose from a smorgasbord of hi-tech alarm clock apps for your Android and iOS smartphone. With clocks featuring challenges to get you out of bed, sophisticated sleep cycle tracking, and soothing Tibetan bowl sounds — here's a rundown of the best alarm clocks apps for 2021.

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Best All-Around Alarm Clock App: Alarm Clock for Me - Wake Up!

What We Like

Alarm will work even if the app isn't running
Vibrate, fade-in, and snooze alarm options

What We Don't Like

Ads on free version

Looking for a clock that's both flexible and free? Then look no further than Alarm Clock for Me. Compatible with both Android and iOS, this popular app is packed with features. For starters, it offers a choice of alarm sounds, white noise for sleeping, a sleep timer, and unlimited alarms. Highly customizable, you can choose from different themes, change the clock settings, and add a weather forecast. You can also select different ways to turn off the alarm, including shaking your phone or doing a math problem.

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iOS

Android

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Best Alarm Clock App for Android: Sleep as Android

Screenshots of the Sleep as Android app.

What We Like

Supports Pebble, Wear, Galaxy Gear, Garmin, and Mi Band
Gentle nature sound alarms (birds, whales, etc.)

What We Don't Like

Ads on free version

Sleep as Android is highly-rated two-in-one “sleep cycle and smart alarm” app for Android users. Not only is it a versatile alarm clock, the app “studies” and analyzes your sleep patterns using a sonar contact-less ultrasonic sleep tracking system. The app tracks your sleep duration, deficits, deep sleep percentage, and irregularities such as snoring. The app works with Google Fit and Samsung Health and is compatible with Spotify and Play Music for radio and music alarms. Unlike other apps, Sleep as Android gives you greater insight into your sleep cycle, so you can get a better night's rest.

Download For:

Android

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Best Alarm Clock App for iOS: Alarm Clock HD

What We Like

Works with Apple Watch (full watchOS 2 support)
Sleep timer with music to help you fall asleep

What We Don't Like

Ads on free version

This multi-functional app is more than just an alarm clock. With Alarm Clock HD, you can set unlimited alarms, select your favorite iTunes music as your alarm, fall asleep to a sleep timer, check the weather, and follow the latest Tweets and news (paid version). The default interface is an attractive neon-green that can be changed to any color, and you can display information such as the date, battery level, the weather, and more. It's a versatile, highly-customizable alarm clock that also doubles as a flashlight when you shake it.

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iOS

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Best Alarm Clock App for Heavy Sleepers: Alarmy

What We Like

Extra loud ringtones for heavy sleepers
Different "missions" depending on your needs (e.g., shake, math problems, photos, barcode scanning)

What We Don't Like

Ads on free version

If you have a hard time rolling out of bed in the morning, Alarmy can help you rise and shine. This top-rated clock app for Android and iOS has the distinction of being the “World's Most Annoying Alarm App.” What makes Alarmy different (and so annoying) is that you're required to perform different tasks before you can shut the alarm off. For example, you can choose to turn off the alarm by shaking it, solving a math problem, or by snapping a photo of a registered location in your home. While it's not an alarm for everyone, it can be helpful for folks who hit the snooze button longer than they should.

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iOS

Android

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Best for App Tracking Sleep Patterns: Sleep Cycle

What We Like

Customizable wake-up window (zero to 90 minutes)
Detailed sleep statistics and daily sleep graphs

What We Don't Like

A lot pricier than other alarm clock apps

Would you like to understand your sleep cycles better? Sleep cycle is an intelligent, beautifully designed app that wakes you up gently, and provides a detailed analysis of your nocturnal habits. Sleep Cycle's patented sound technology (aka accelerometer) gathers your sleep statistics and creates daily sleep graphs. This enables you to keep a history of your sleep data over time. With this information, you can adjust your sleep habits and achieve your sleep goals.

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iOS

Android

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Best Gentle Alarm Clock App: Progressive Alarm Clock

Screenshots of the Progressive Alarm Clock

What We Like

Reduced battery consumption features
"Sure wake" with optional loud backup sound

What We Don't Like

Not currently available on Android

Are you a light sleeper or a highly sensitive type? Then you may love Progressive Alarm Clock. As the name suggests, the Progressive Alarm Clock app will progressively lull you into waking consciousness by slowly increasing the sound of Tibetan singing bowls. With Progressive Alarm Clock, you can choose from six different sized bowls, each producing varying levels of bass, treble, and overtones. The app also doubles a meditation timer, making it the ideal companion for both sleep and overall wellness.

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iOS

Android

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Best Alarm Clock App for Travel: World Clock

What We Like

Works with iCloud sync
Home screen widgets for displaying multiple time zones

What We Don't Like

Some may find the interface to be busy

World Clock by timeanddate.com is an attractive and highly informative app designed with travelers in mind. As you move about the globe, World Clock automatically detects your current time and calculates Daylight Savings Time and GMT offsets for you. With World Clock, you'll always know what time it is, no matter where you happen to be.

Download For:

iOS

Android

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Best Free Alarm Clock App: Timely

What We Like

Cloud integration to backup and synchronize
Optimized for tablets too

What We Don't Like

Intermittent glitches reported

Calling all Google fans: This hugely popular Android alarm clock owned by Google boasts a lot of functionality and fun. For starters, it uses Google sync to synchronize all of your devices with the same settings and alarms. It features a sleek, attractive interface that lets you choose from gorgeous pre-set color schemes or pick your own. Timely offers a plethora of hand-crafted, high-quality, sounds to choose from and their innovative "Smart Rise" feature will gently rouse you from sleep 30 minutes before you need to wake up. For heavy sleepers, Timely also features optional challenges to get you out of bed more quickly.