Tick Tock: The Best Desk Clocks in 2022

The first thing about the Sharper Image Light Up Electronic Word Clock that jumps out at me is its uniqueness. Instead of using numbers to indicate the time, this product uses words. For example, instead of “2:45,” the clock reads, “It is Fifteen Minutes til Three.”

The 7.75-inch square screen initially looks like a word search until it lights up. The highlighted words change as time changes, giving an impression of constant motion. While this cool desk clock may take an extra moment to read when telling the time, it is still entertaining to use. What the device lacks in features like alarms, it makes up for in conversational inspiration. I set up this clock in my art studio and every client or friend who steps in mentions it. Setup was straightforward. To set the time, press the “+” or “-” buttons until the correct time appears. Read the in-depth review here.

When testing the JALL Wooden Digital Alarm Clock, I used it in my bedroom and my current home office, aka my dining room. Its best fit was in the bedroom, where it blended well with my existing décor, and its temperature and humidity display made it easy to see how comfortable my room was.

The screen was easy to see in the middle of the night, even while I was groggy.  To check the accuracy of the clock’s integrated hygrometer and thermometer, I set my standalone hygrometer near it and compared the two. Generally, the clock was reasonably accurate, varying only slightly from my hygrometer’s precise readings. The JALL features three available alarms, and while I rarely wake up to just one, it was convenient on the mornings when I needed a little extra. Read the in-depth review here.

Our best choice desk clock is the MOSITO Digital Wooden Alarm Clock. At first glance, this product looks like a wooden block, making it blend well with modern, understated décor. Once plugged in, the display turns on, and this product goes from a simple wooden block to a feature-filled digital desk clock. The display itself has a 0 to 100% adjustable dimmer. The time display is front-and-center, with the room temperature indicated on the right-hand side. The temperature displays in Celsius or Fahrenheit. Additional icons on the screen indicate a.m., p.m., and actively set alarms. 

The device features two independent alarms; one is a Monday-Friday alarm, the other can be custom set. Turning the alarms off in the morning requires pressing any button on the back twice, which can be challenging to do in a sleepy haze. The device’s hallmark feature is the built-in Qi wireless charger. If your smartphone has wireless charging capabilities, all you need to do is place it on top of the clock to initiate a recharge.

Some folks prefer the classic clock face instead of digital options. If you love this classic style, you’ll enjoy the JALL Circular Analog Alarm Clock. This budget-friendly clock is best for a bedroom or children’s room. It requires a single AA battery for operation and features one alarm. 

The JALL stands out at night. The night light feature ensures you can still read the clock as you stumble out of bed for a midnight snack or trip to the bathroom. The hands move silently, so there are no annoying ticking noises that keep you up throughout the night.

The DreamSky Digital Alarm Clock has a large display and plenty of features. The screen displays the time front and center; secondary indicators include date, temperature, day of the week, and alarm time, giving the viewer a wealth of information in a single glance. The entire display is adjustable with seven brightness settings. 

The DreamSky’s primary A/C power supply is backed up by three AA batteries so your alarm goes off no matter what.

The DreamSky Compact Digital Alarm Clock makes a great office desk clock with its easy-to-read screen and simple functionality. Those who want to keep their time-telling basic need look no further. This device is excellent for a home office or even a bedroom. The simple all-black style meshes with almost all décor and looks professional. 

While this product may appear simple, it is still loaded with features. A toggle on the back of the device dims the screen for easy viewing. It also offers adjustable volume, an alarm, and a USB port for charging your smartphone or other devices. It is a must-have desk accessory.

As an artist, I’m a huge fan of Salvador Dali. The surrealist has inspired thousands of people and now, the Creatov Decorative Dali Watch Melting Clock is available to the masses. The unique desk clock hangs best on the edge of a desk or shelf to truly showcase its melting effect.

What the Melting Clock lacks in special features, it makes up for in flair. Even though the face is distorted in homage to the legacy painter, telling the time is still simple. Operation requires only a single AA battery. The clock also makes an excellent gift for your favorite Dali fan. For more amazing devices for your home, check out our list of the most unique wall clocks on the market.

The AcuRite 75114M features a massive screen with clear, easy-to-read numbers. The display of this screen has nearly 4-inch-tall numbers, which are simple to read from far away and for those with vision issues. The screen is straightforward and free of clutter, displaying only the time and a.m. or p.m. Six different lighting modes allow the user to adjust the brightness for easy viewing. 

While this is a large digital desk clock, wall mounting is also an option if you need to save precious desk space. My favorite feature of the AcuRite is its cord storage. The device runs on A/C power. Instead of a long, messy cord cluttering the space behind your desk or end table, you can store the excess cord in a storage compartment on the back of the clock. Don’t forget to also browse our selection of the top kid’s alarm clocks that fit perfectly any child’s bedroom.

Minimalist and modern décor has been on the rise for quite some time, and many who have embraced the trend need a minimalist desk clock that easily blends into their current décor. Meet the Driini Modern Mid Century Analog Clock. While you can’t shake its aluminum hands, you can bet this clock is happy to meet you too. 

This product oozes minimalism, elegance, and simplicity. There are no extra features here, only straightforward time-telling with hand-painted dots and dashes instead of numbers. The stone-based polyresin construction makes the clock durable and sturdy. Choose from three colorways; I personally like the black and rose gold. Make sure to also check out our list of the best wall clocks and choose the perfect one for your home.

The USCCE LED Digital Alarm Clock is a small, space-saving desk clock. Measuring just 5.9 inches by 1.65 inches by 3.11 inches, this product has a small footprint but refuses to sacrifice features. 

The built-in alarm has five different noises to choose from that gradually increase in volume for a gentle wake-up. Snoozing the alarm takes the simple press of a button on top of the device. Two dials on the back allow you to adjust both the alarm’s volume and the screen’s brightness for ease of use. A USB port on the back charges devices, saving space on your desktop.