Talking clocks

Talking clocks tell the time audibly. The pre-recorded or digital voice is intended to be, clear and easy-to-understand, for most people. They can be incredibly helpful if you're living with sight loss, as they provide a reliable and accessible way to support you to keep track of time, stay on schedule and manage daily tasks.

What is a talking clock?

There are many models of talking clocks available, with a range of features and designs to suit different needs. Some talking clocks have large buttons or displays that can make it easier for some people to press and read, while others have tactile markings to help you locate different functions.

Most talking clocks can be programmed to announce the time at specific intervals, and some offer additional features like alarms, reminders, and temperature readings.

The more technically advanced talking clocks, such as Lenovo Smart Clock can be linked to smartphones or devices, allowing you to set reminders and alarms on the go.

Whether you're looking for a simple talking clock or a more advanced model with lots of features, there's sure to be a talking clock that meets your needs.

How much do talking clocks cost?

Talking clocks range in price starting from around £10 to £50 and more, depending on the features you require.

What is the best talking clock out there?

When selecting a talking clock, a few key factors should be considered. First and foremost, think about where you want to put the clock and how you plan to use it, for example, the proximity of your mains sockets. Ideally, you'll want a clock with a clear and easy-to-understand voice with the option to have regular or ad hoc time announcements.

A clock with an enlarged analogue or digital display is also helpful if you have some sight, but if you’re relying on audio time telling, you might be looking for tactile markings to help you to navigate the clock's features.

The clock's size and portability are also considerations, as well as additional features like alarms, reminders, or temperature readings.

Ultimately, by taking the time to think about which features are important to you, a talking clock can be a helpful and effective tool that enhances your daily life.

This subtle wedge-like shape alarm clock with Google Assistant does more than just tell you the time and wake you up, it can also help you organise your new day. At night, you can use it to check the locks, thermostat, or other smart devices you've connected, and even play music as you fall asleep.
Voice: Can be changed as you prefer
Features: Sunrise alarm helps you wake more gently, USB socket on back to charge phone
Sound: 3-watt speaker
Display: 4-inch IPS touchscreen
Size: 7.98 x 11.39 x 7.92 cm
Power: Mains (no built-in battery and must always be connected to power source)
This yellow and grey wedge-shaped alarm clock, speaks the time, and for most is in a clear female voice. The digital display shows the time in the centre, the temperature in the top right corner, and the date in the bottom right corner.
The time and date are announced when the large silver button is pressed. This also illuminates the digital display with an orange backlight for approximately five seconds.
Voice: English female voice
Features: optional hourly chime from 9am-6pm
Button: large button to announce the time and illuminate the display
Alarm: snooze alarm with melody or beep chime
Display: backlit digital display
Volume: adjustable
Size: 11.2 × 10.5 × 6cm
Power: two AA batteries (not included)
The Lifemax talking alarm clock is an analogue clock with a smaller digital display. Just press the large button on the top to hear the time. Its small size and simple silver design make this a good choice for those looking for an easy-to-use talking clock without too many features.
Voice: English male voice
Features: option for hourly time announcement
Button: large button to announce the time
Alarm: three alarm sounds with a snooze function
Display: analogue and smaller digital display
Size: 11 × 11 × 6cm
Power: two AA batteries
The MedCenter Talking Alarm Clock is an excellent option for those needing regular medication reminders during the day. A friendly female voice alerts you up to four times daily and also announces the time and date. The clock has a large, easy-to-read digital display, and its small size makes it travel-friendly.
Voice: US female voice
Features: medication reminders up to four times a day, hourly time announcement option
Buttons: four brightly coloured buttons on the top of the clock
Alarm: alarm with a customisable message and snooze function
Display: LCD digital display with backlight, 12 or 24-hour time display
Volume: adjustable
Size: 12.5 × 4.5 × 7cm
Power: two AA batteries (not supplied)
This simple radio-controlled Talking Button Clock is a compact, portable clock that is great for travel. There is no time display, but one button press gives the time in an English male voice, and a second press gives you the date. It comes with a simple-to-use alarm function with the option of setting eight alarms daily – ideal for medication reminders.
Voice: English male voice
Features: easy to set, radio controlled to update time and date
Button: one large button to announce the time; press again for the date
Alarm: option to set eight alarms with a snooze function
Display: no display
Volume: adjustable
Size: 9 × 9 × 3cm
Power: three AAA batteries
The RNIB Communiclock is a compact talking clock with a large black button on top of a white case, which is pressed once for the time, or held down to hear the date (day, month, and year). It offers five alarm sound options and is radio-controlled, updating automatically when the clocks change.
Voice: English male
Features: hourly time announcement option, radio controlled to update time and date
Display: no
Volume: adjustable
Buttons: tactile – white and black
Alarm: snooze alarm with five sounds
Size: 10.3 × 12.8 × 9cm
Power: four AA batteries (not supplied) or use with the mains adaptor, available to purchase separately (CC53AC)
For those who prefer an analogue display, the RNIB Talking Analogue Clock is a simple and classic design. The clock has a white face and black hands with glow-in-the-dark illumination. It announces the time and date at the touch of a button.
Voice: English male voice
Features: hourly time announcement option
Button: large button to announce the time
Alarm: snooze alarm with five sounds
Display: LED analogue display. Radio-controlled to update time and date automatically
Volume: adjustable
Size: 12.5 × 6 × 11cm Power: two AA batteries
The RNIB Talking Cube Clock is a simple cube-shaped alarm clock with a clear male voice that announces the time hourly or at the touch of a button. There is no time display, and all mode settings are spoken. Its small size means it doesn't take up valuable space on your bedside table and makes it great for travelling.
Voice: English male voice
Features: hourly time announcement option, non-slip feet, settings keypad cover
Display: no
Volume: adjustable.
Case: grey.
Buttons: tactile, yellow.
Alarm: five sounds
Size: 7.1 × 7 × 7.6cm (2.8 × 2.76 × 3 inches).
Power: Requires four AA batteries (supplied)
The Talking Calendar Alarm Clock is simple to use, with four tactile function buttons and no time display. The two diamond-shaped buttons adjust the settings, and once set, you can place a keypad cover over the top. This exposes the two square time and date announce buttons to prevent accidental setting changes. The time and date are reported in a natural English male voice, and the time automatically adjusts when the clocks change.
Voice: English male voice
Features: keypad cover, radio controlled to update time and date
Buttons: four tactile, black buttons
Alarm: 11 alarm sounds and snooze function
Display: LCD digital display with backlight, 12 or 24-hour time display
Volume: adjustable
Size: 14.4 × 8.1 × 3.4 cm• Power: one standard 9v PP3 Alkaline battery or mains powered (cable sold separately)

Technically reviewed by: Subject Matter Experts on 02/11/2023

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What is a talking clock?