Most alarm clocks will stop the sound after a period of time if unattended, while most models will have a form of snooze button, where the alarm can be delayed for a period of time.

Analogue alarm clocks will have a separate hand on the face where the alarm will be set. Traditional alarm clocks will have one or two bells which will ring when the desired time is reached, using a spring driven gear to propel the hammer inside the alarm backwards and forwards, giving off the alarm sound. In various models, the encasement of the clock will act as the bell, where as in electric versions, the bell will be rung by an electromagnetic circuit and armature, which turns the circuit on and off repeatedly.

Alarm clocks of the digital variety can make a variety of noises, basic battery powered alarms can make a loud beeping or buzzing noise to awaken you, while some novelty alarms can play sounds, speak or switch on the radio.

A new feature to the market is the progressive alarm clock, which can have different alarms set for different times. Most modern mobile phones have clock functions to make noise at specific times too.

Digital clock radios often use a battery backup to maintain the time in the event of a power outage. Without this feature, digital clocks will reset themselves incorrectly (usually to midnight) when power is restored, causing a failure to trigger the alarm. To solve this issue, some digital clock radios trigger the alarm at e.g. 00:01 after a reset to midnight, so that at least the user is able to correct the clock and alarm time. Some other radio clocks (not to be confused with clocks with AM/FM radios) have a feature which sets the time automatically, using signals from atomic clock-synced time signal radio stations such as WWV, making the clock ready for use right out of the box.

Modern digital alarm clocks typically feature a radio alarm function and/or beeping or buzzing alarm, allowing a sleeper to awaken to music or news radio rather than harsh noise. Most also offer a "snooze button", a large button on the top that stops the alarm and sets it to ring again at a short time later, most commonly nine minutes. Some alarm clocks also have a "sleep" button, which turns the radio on for a set amount of time (usually around one hour). This is useful for people who like to fall asleep with the radio on.

Sleepers can become accustomed to the sound of their alarm clock if it has been used for a period of time, making it less effective. Because progressive alarm clocks have a complex waking procedure, they can deter this adaptation due to the body needing to adapt to more stimuli than just a simple sound alert.

At Go Clock, we have a range of both traditional alarms along with more modern, digital alarm clocks. One of our favourites is the Karlsson Digibell alarm clock. This contemporary classic is at the pinnacle of digital alarm clocks thanks to its sleek design, taking inspiration from the old fashioned, analogue alarm clocks. This clock makes a stunning gift and suits nearly all styles of decor thanks to its neutral, chrome casing.

For those of you who like the more traditional alarm clock, both Roger Lascelles and Nextime have a range of alarm clocks which are ideal. Nextime’s silver Wake Up alarm clock has a design which is linked to the past, using the traditional two bells and hammer to wake you from your sleep! The clock is chrome, ensuring it suits all types of decor, along with its crisp white face and black hands.

If you’re ever travelling, Roger Lascelles traditional travel alarm clocks are ideal. These stunning, high quality pieces come in a variety of colours, including cream, brown and pink and have both Arabic and station faces, ensuring there is something for everyone!