iPod Clock Radios

Inexpensive iPod docks doubling as alarm clocks

iPod clock radios are popular because they're usually inexpensive, have a small footprint and offer additional features -- like an AM/FM radio, alarm and time display -- that bookshelf and portable iPod speakers usually lack. Don't expect stellar sound quality, though.

The iHome iP9 (*Est. $75) garners the best reviews in this category. The iP9 comes in black, white or blue, and it is compatible with the iPhone and all docking iPods. Reviewers like the many features, including a remote with iPod menu navigation, AM/FM radio, dual alarms and programmable snooze settings. The iHome iP9 is highly recommended by Jeremy Horwitz at iHome, and he thinks it's one of the best iPhone-compatible alarm clocks he's seen at this price range. Jake Gaecke at AppleTell.com is also impressed with the functionality, and he calls the iP9 an "excellent product." While the sound quality is acceptable for a clock radio, Gaecke notes that bass is lacking because there's no subwoofer. iProng magazine also gives it a five-star rating, saying the iHome iP9 is the best iPod clock radio under $100.

Bill Palmer at iProng magazine thinks the Altec Lansing Moondance Glow (*Est. $120) has better sound quality than the iHome iP9, which it should, because the Moondance Glow is more expensive. The Moondance Glow works with iPods only, but it includes dual alarms, an FM radio and mood lighting. Dan Moren at Macworld says the speaker provides "good sound for its size," although he's disappointed in the touch-sensitive buttons, which are awkward to use. In addition, Moren had a defect in his first test unit that required it to be sent back for a replacement, which may be an indication of potential reliability issues. Tim Gideon at PCMag.com has his own frustrations with the Altec Lansing Moondance Glow, but he thinks it's a decent choice for an iPod clock radio, though he prefers the now hard-to-find Logitech Pure-Fi Dream (*Est. $140). The Moondance Glow does get generally positive user reviews at Amazon.com, where most owners agree that it has fine sound for a clock radio. We did see several reports that the clock takes a while to set up.

Jeremy Horwitz at iLounge.com favors the Boston Acoustics Horizon Duo-i (*Est. $140), a one-piece docking iPod clock radio. The Duo-i features a large dimmable screen and dual alarms. It comes highly recommended from iLounge.com, where Horwitz says the Duo-i is attractive and well designed. Reviews say the Duo-i is not lacking in sound quality, featuring full-range 3.5-inch speakers that produce "room-filling" sound, according to the editors at CNET. Owners at Amazon.com are also pleased with the sound quality, but we saw a few reports that the Horizon Duo-I won't charge the second-generation iPod Touch. Both CNET and iLounge.com editors note that the size of the Duo-i is somewhat large, especially if you plan to put it on your nightstand. It's also not iPhone shielded.