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The simplest upgrade to a bedside table is also the most overlooked: a clock with a USB port built in. You plug your phone cable into the clock, the clock plugs into the wall, and one fewer adapter takes up an outlet. If you are looking for the best alarm clocks with USB ports, the practical questions are how many ports you get, how the clock shows the time, and whether it keeps working when the power blinks.
This guide is for people who charge by cable and have no interest in a wireless pad, plus anyone who wants a straightforward alarm with a useful extra. We compare five models from Emerson, La Crosse and Sangean. For each one we describe what the maker lists, who it fits, and what it leaves out. Charging speed, safety and cable advice always come from the manufacturer’s instructions, so use the listing as your reference.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Main point | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emerson ER100401 | A no-fuss phone-charging clock | Dual alarm radio with a USB phone port | Check on Amazon |
| Emerson ER100202 | Mixed cable and cable-free charging | USB port plus Qi pad and Bluetooth | Check on Amazon |
| La Crosse 617-1485B | Colorful display and temperature | Multi-color LED clock with a USB port | Check on Amazon |
| La Crosse 617-249 | A curved LED look | Curved-face LED clock with USB charging | Check on Amazon |
| Sangean RCR-20 | Radio fans who also charge by cable | Digital tuner, Bluetooth and a USB charger | Check on Amazon |
How These Options Were Chosen
We used maker pages, retailer listings and published specifications. We have not used any of these clocks ourselves, and we do not report real-world charging times. To qualify, a clock had to have a USB port on the unit, an established brand, a clear model code, and a normal alarm function. We then looked for variety in display style, radio features and extras, so that the five picks cover different bedside habits. Amperage figures differ across listings, and the maker’s page is the final word on what a port can supply.
The Best Alarm Clocks With USB Ports
Emerson SmartSet Dual Alarm Clock Radio with USB Charging Port ER100401
The ER100401 is the model that most people picture when they imagine a clock radio with a phone port. The maker lists a dual alarm, an AM and FM radio, and a USB port described at 2.1A and 5V for phone charging. It sits on the nightstand, shows the time in numbers you can read from bed, and keeps the cable clutter in one spot.
Two alarms make it practical for couples or for different weekday and weekend schedules. The radio gives you a wake-up that does not depend on a phone. For a first bedroom clock, or a replacement for one that died, the layout is familiar and the controls are not hard to learn.
The limits are those of a basic design. There is no wireless pad and no streaming, so music has to come from the radio or from your phone speaker. Look at the listing for the display dimmer and the battery backup details. Skip it if you want Bluetooth, since the ER100202 handles that role in the same family.
Emerson SmartSet Dual Alarm Clock Radio with Bluetooth Wireless Charging and USB Charger ER100202
If one charging method does not cover your household, the ER100202 offers two. A retail listing shows a built-in USB port at 2.1A, plus a Qi pad and Bluetooth. The cable port serves older phones, tablets or a second device, while the pad is there for a handset that supports wireless charging.
This is a useful fit where family members own different phones. One person uses the pad, another uses the cable, and the clock stays the same. It is also a handy fallback: when a phone case blocks the pad, the USB port is still available.
The downside is bulk. With radio, Bluetooth and a pad, the housing is bigger than the ER100401, and its extra functions add menu steps. If you only ever charge by cable, you may be paying for features you will not touch. Skip it if you want the simplest possible clock with a port.
La Crosse Technology Color LED Alarm Clock with USB Charging Port 617-1485B
La Crosse takes a more modern look with the 617-1485B. Retailers list a multi-color LED display, a temperature reading, snooze and a USB charging port, and the maker also describes an automatic time-setting feature that is covered in our atomic clock guide. The color of the numbers can be changed, so you can match a room or choose a shade that is easier on your eyes.
It is well suited to someone who values a clear display. The digits are large, and the layout puts the time first, with the temperature as an extra. For a person who keeps a phone plugged in all night, the clock doubles as a charging station with a neat footprint.
It has no radio and no speaker, so it is strictly a clock with a port. The display glows, so if you sleep with the room fully dark, look at the dimmer options on the page. Skip it if you need a radio alarm or Bluetooth audio.
La Crosse Technology Atomic Curve LED Alarm Clock with USB Charging Port 617-249
The 617-249 is a close relative of the clock above, with a curved front and an LED readout. A retailer lists it as an Atomic Curve LED alarm clock with a USB charging port, which places it in the same family as the 617-1485B but with a different shape. The curved face is the main style difference.
Choose it for the look of the front panel and the straightforward operation. A curved design can make the numbers easier to see from the side, which helps if the clock sits on a low table and you look at it from an angle. As with its sibling, the USB port keeps a phone close to the bed.
Again, there are no audio features, and the plain face means fewer ways to customize. It is a good option for a bedroom or an office desk but not for someone who wants radio, Bluetooth or a color-changing display. Skip it if you prefer the temperature readout and color options of the 617-1485B.
Sangean RCR-20 Digital AM FM RDS Bluetooth Clock Radio with USB Charger
The RCR-20 comes from a company that builds radios, and it brings that background to the bedroom. Retail pages mention an AM and FM digital tuner with RDS, Bluetooth, a USB charger and a battery backup. The tuner and the cabinet are the reasons to consider it.
Think of it as a table radio that also charges a phone. A person who opens the day with the news, wants a decent sound and charges a phone by cable will find the combination convenient. Because it has a dedicated USB charger, you do not need a separate adapter on the nightstand.
Because it is a larger piece, it asks for more space and more time with the manual than the La Crosse units. It also costs more than the simpler clocks on this list, so make sure you will actually use the radio. Skip it if you want a compact clock or if radio does not interest you.
Best Alarm Clocks USB for a Shared Bedroom
The Emerson ER100401 has two alarms, a radio and one port, which covers most shared-room needs. Each person can set a time and one phone can charge. If both of you need to charge, add a second plug for the other device.
Best LED Alarm Clocks With USB Chargers
For a bold LED face, the two La Crosse clocks are the pair to compare. The 617-1485B has color options and a temperature reading, while the 617-249 has a curved look. Neither plays audio, which suits those who just want the time.
Best Alarm Clocks With Phone Charger and Radio
The Sangean RCR-20 is the radio-first choice, and the Emerson models are the practical alternatives. Pick Sangean if you value the tuner, Emerson if you want a simpler layout.
Best for Travelers’ Guest Rooms
A guest room benefits from a clock that visitors can use without learning anything. The ER100401 fits, because the port is obvious and the alarm buttons are labeled. Leave a spare cable beside it for visitors who forgot theirs.
How to Choose
Count your devices first. A single port charges one device at a time, and a clock cannot charge a laptop. If two people need to charge overnight, look for a clock with two ports or add a small power strip, using the maker’s instructions for any plug-in accessories.
Next, think about the display. LED clocks are bright and easy to read, but a bright face may keep some people awake, so check for dimmer settings. A colored display lets you choose a shade that feels calmer, while a curved face may be easier to read from the side.
Consider the alarm. Dual alarms help in shared rooms, and a radio adds a non-phone way to wake up. If you want streaming audio, Bluetooth is available on the Emerson ER100202 and the Sangean RCR-20. The La Crosse pair keep it simple.
Think about backup power. A battery backup helps the clock keep its settings through a short outage. Not every model has it, so confirm on the listing. Without backup, you might need to reset the time after an interruption.
Finally, check the footprint and cord. A large clock radio may crowd a small table. Measure the space, and see where the plug will land. A common error is buying the cabinet first and the length of cable second.
Installation, Safety and Legal Notes
Use the adapter and cable that came with the clock, and follow the maker’s instructions for the maximum output of the port. Do not use damaged cables, and keep the clock away from moisture. If you want to add outlets next to the bed, ask a licensed electrician rather than running extension cords under rugs. Some rented rooms limit what you can plug in, so check any house rules if you live in shared accommodation.
Care and Troubleshooting
| Problem | What to try |
|---|---|
| Phone charges slowly | Use the cable the phone maker supplies and check the port output on the listing |
| Display resets | Replace the backup battery if the model has one |
| Radio is noisy | Move the clock away from routers and chargers |
| Port does not work | Reseat the cable and test with another cable |
Dust the vents gently and wipe the case with a dry cloth. Unplug the clock before cleaning around the ports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a clock charge a tablet?
Some can, though charging may be slow. Compare the listed output with what your tablet maker asks for.
Does the USB port work when the clock is off?
That depends on the model. Check the manual for the way the port is powered.
Is a USB clock better than a power strip with a charger?
A clock with a port saves a socket, but a strip is more flexible if you have many devices.
Will the cable fit with a thick phone case?
Most cables fit, but some cases have narrow openings. Test it before bedtime.
Do any of these show the temperature?
The La Crosse 617-1485B lists a temperature display. Check the other pages.
Can I turn the display off?
Many have a dimmer. A full off setting is less common, so check the listing.
Bottom Line
For a basic phone-charging clock, the Emerson ER100401 is the easy choice. The ER100202 offers more charging methods, the two La Crosse models offer clear LED faces, and the Sangean RCR-20 suits radio fans. Count your devices, check the power rating on the listing, and follow the maker’s instructions.