Best Smart Alarm Clocks for 2024

When it comes to the Echo Dot 5th Gen, a few things come up regularly in our research. It's generally praised for its compact size and better sound, but there are a few areas where people feel it could be better. Here are some common gripes: **1. Sound Quality Issues:** Even though it’s better than older versions, some folks think the Echo Dot 5th Gen’s sound still isn't great compared to bigger speakers. They say the bass can be weak, and the overall sound doesn’t match high-end speakers. **2. Limited Smart Home Compatibility:** It’s supposed to work with lots of smart home devices, but sometimes it has trouble. Some people find it a hassle to connect with certain brands or notice the connection cuts out now and then. **3. Privacy Concerns:** Privacy is a frequent worry with smart devices. Some are uneasy about the always-listening feature, with concerns over potential data breaches or unwanted eavesdropping. **4. Voice Recognition:** A few folks mentioned that the Echo Dot can have trouble with voice recognition, especially in noisy places or if you're speaking quietly. This can make interacting with [Alexa](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dalexa%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) a bit frustrating. **5. WiFi Connection Issues:** There are some reports of it having spotty WiFi, which can mess with streaming music or using voice commands. **6. Limited Functionality as a Speakerphone:** Another point of contention is its performance as a speakerphone. People have noted that the call quality isn’t great and the mic sometimes doesn’t pick up their voice well. Keep in mind, these complaints aren't the norm for everyone. Many people actually love the Echo Dot 5th Gen for their smart home. But if these issues sound like deal-breakers, it might be worth checking out other models or doing a bit more research to see if it’s the right fit for you.

Yep, you can use the Echo Dot 5th Gen as an [Eero](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Deero%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) mesh network extender. [Amazon](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2F%3Ftag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) has included this feature, so it’s pretty simple to boost your Wi-Fi with it. Here's how to get it set up and some cool things it can do. First, make sure you have both the [Eero](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Deero%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) and [Alexa](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dalexa%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) apps installed, and that you're signed in with the same Amazon account. If your Echo Dot isn't already paired with Alexa, follow the prompts in the Alexa app to set it up. Then, do this: 1. **Open the Eero App**: Open the Eero app on your phone or tablet. 2. **Navigate to Settings**: Tap on the 'Settings' tab at the bottom-right. 3. **Select ‘Add a Device’**: In Network settings, tap 'Add a Device' to start the process of adding your Echo Dot as an extender. 4. **Enable the Echo Dot as an Extender**: Pick your Echo Dot from the list of devices. Follow the prompts to pair it with your Eero network. Make sure the Echo Dot is within a good range to extend the Wi-Fi. 5. **Complete the Setup**: After following these steps, your Echo Dot 5th Gen should now be part of your Eero mesh network, extending your Wi-Fi coverage. ### Benefits **Better Wi-Fi Coverage**: Using the Echo Dot as an extender can really help with Wi-Fi coverage, especially in bigger homes or places with dead zones where the signal is weak. **Smooth Integration**: Since both Echo and [Eero](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Deero%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) are Amazon products, they work really well together. You’ll get automatic updates and new features which make the whole system better over time, according to our research. **Easy Management**: The [Alexa](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dalexa%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) and [Eero](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Deero%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) apps are user-friendly, making it easy to manage your smart home devices and Wi-Fi network in one place. The apps provide detailed instructions and troubleshooting tips if something goes wrong. **Smart Home Compatibility**: While boosting your Wi-Fi, your Echo Dot still keeps all its smart home features. You can use [Alexa](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dalexa%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) to control other smart devices, make announcements, or play music throughout the extended coverage area. If you hit any snags, make sure your Echo Dot and [Eero](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Deero%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) firmware are up to date. That usually fixes common issues and improves performance. Follow these steps and enjoy better Wi-Fi coverage with your Echo Dot 5th Gen!

Yep, the Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen, 2022 release) does have tap controls. You can tap the top to snooze alarms, pause music, and stop timers. It's pretty handy if you don't feel like using voice commands all the time. From what we've found, the tap controls are really responsive, so you shouldn't have to tap multiple times to get it to work. The manufacturer even highlights the tap-to-snooze feature as a key point, which is great if you use it as an alarm clock. One more thing: the microphone in this model is a lot better. It's more sensitive, so it can pick up your commands even from across the room or when there's some background noise. So whether you're tapping or talking, the Echo Dot should respond smoothly. And if you're worried about privacy, there's a microphone-off button that turns off the mic completely when you don't want [Alexa](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dalexa%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) listening. The manufacturer has made sure you can control when the device is listening to you. In short, the tap controls along with the better mic and privacy options make the Echo Dot (5th Gen) pretty easy and flexible to use.

Yeah, the **Philips SmartSleep Wake-Up Light** (model HF3520/60) is generally pretty easy to get the hang of. It's designed to gradually wake you up with a simulated sunrise instead of a blaring alarm, which can be a game-changer if you hate being jolted awake. Our research shows that a lot of people say it makes waking up more pleasant, especially if you've struggled with regular alarms. Setting it up is pretty straightforward. You can customize how long the light takes to brighten—anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes before your alarm time. This makes waking up feel more natural, similar to how the sunrise would wake you. According to our data, folks tend to feel more refreshed and in a better mood when using this feature. On top of the sunrise simulation, it offers five different natural sounds like chirping birds and ocean waves, or you can just use the [FM radio](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dfm%2Bradio%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20). There's also a tap snooze function for those mornings when you need a bit more time. Some users found these features really added to their wake-up experience. That said, a few people mentioned that figuring out the button layout and setting alarms can take a little getting used to. And while many like the sound options, some feel the audio quality isn’t as great as they'd hoped. Overall, the **Philips SmartSleep Wake-Up Light** is a solid choice if you want a gentler way to wake up. Just be prepared for a bit of a learning curve as you get used to its features.

Yeah, you can totally use the [Philips SmartSleep Wake-Up Light (HF3520/60)](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB07QK1XH5D%3Ftag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) as a bedside lamp. It's mostly known for its sunrise simulation, which gradually gets brighter over 20 to 40 minutes, helping you wake up more naturally. A lot of folks say it leaves them feeling less groggy compared to regular alarm clocks. But it’s not just for waking up. At night, it has a sunset feature that slowly dims to help you wind down. So, it works great as a bedside lamp that fits right into your daily routine. You can also pick from five different natural sounds for your alarm, like birds or waves, and there’s an FM radio option if you prefer waking up to your favorite station. According to our research, these sound options really add a nice personal touch. A couple of things to keep in mind: some users mentioned the unit is a bit bulkier and the button layout can be tricky to figure out in the dark. Plus, for the best results, you kinda need to be facing the light when you wake up. Some also wish the light had a warmer tone to better mimic natural sunlight. All in all, the [Philips SmartSleep Wake-Up Light](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB07QK1XH5D%3Ftag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) is well-liked for making waking up and going to bed nicer, especially during those gloomy winter months. It’s a gentle alarm clock and a useful bedside lamp in one.

The **Philips SmartSleep Wake-Up Light HF3520/60** comes with a 2-year warranty. This means Philips will take care of any issues due to manufacturing defects within two years of your purchase. Repairs or replacements are typically how they handle it. Our research shows this is pretty standard for Philips wake-up lights, so they seem to stand by their products. It's a good idea to keep your receipt and warranty info just in case. If durability is a worry for you, this warranty should give you some peace of mind.