Best Projection Clock with Temperature

Best Color Display Clock: SMARTRO SC91 Projection Alarm Clock for Bedrooms with Weather Station

Ever wake up in the middle of the night and wonder what time it is? And the outside temperature?

Projection alarm clocks are wonderful for that simple reason: by projecting the time and temperature on a ceiling or wall, you can get the answer with a glance.

And as a weather enthusiast, I can certify that they are definitely addictive: watch the temperature plummet when a cold front comes through overnight. Or just know the temperature outside before your morning run. 

Here’s what the display looks like on one of the projection clocks with temperature that we tested:

Can’t you just know that from looking at your smartphone? Well, yes—but the temperature on your phone may be taken at an airport that’s miles away. And that can be off by 5 or 10 degrees from what it really is at your house!

So let’s talk the best projection clocks with temperature displays. 

Before we get to the winners, one quick caveat: all these clocks come with an outside temperature sensor that wirelessly sends the current temperature back to the base unit. One common complaint: the temperature reading is inaccurate.

We think a big reason for this is WHERE the sensor is placed. The best advice: put the sensor in a shaded (north-facing) area about four feet above the ground. And, if you can, don’t mount it on your home—heat from a building can bias the reading. Also smart: consider using lithium batteries for the sensor unit—they last longer in extreme temperatures. 

For the best color display projection clock with temperature, we’ll give the crown to Smartpro’s Model SC91. Excellent display, accurate temperature sensor and easy to use. Also helpful: you can add up to two additional sensors, to monitor a greenhouse or other outbuilding. 

Here’s more:

What We Liked

• Easy to read display with color!

• Adjustable backlit dimmer.

• Sensors measure both temperature and humidity outside AND inside.

• 12 hour forecast icons.

• Can use up to 3 outdoor sensors.

• Mold risk and alerts.

• Dual alarm with snooze.

What Needs Work

• No radio function. To be fair, none of the projection alarm clocks with temperatures we researched have a radio function.

Best Clock With USB Charger: SMARTRO SC31B Digital Projection Alarm Clock with Weather Station

If you’d prefer a projection clock with temperature that also is a USB charger, we recommend Smartpro’s SC31B model. The trade-off? This clock has a monochrome display, eschewing the fancy color icons of their SC91 model (recommended above). 

Here’s more:

What We Liked

• Can change the clock face to one of 8 color options.

• Easy-to-read projection.

• Brightness level is adjustable.

• Accurate temperature sensor.

• 12 hour forecast icons.

• Battery backup.

• USB charging port.

What Needs Work

• No humidity sensor.

• Can’t focus the projection image.

• Takes a bit of effort for initial set-up.

Best Auto-Setting Clock: DR.PREPARE Projection Alarm clock

This feature-packed projection clock with temperature sensor is impressive. We liked the atomic clock (also called WWVB), which syncs the time with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) clock. 

Also nice: the colorful backlit LCD screen that displays both inside and outside temperature AND humidity. Here’s more:

What We Liked

• Easy to read, clear projection of time and temperature.

• Adjustable brightness.

• Tracks maximum and minimum temperatures.

• Weather forecast icons.

• Splash resistant sensor that can be wall mounted.

• 2 alarm settings.

What Needs Work

• Alarm could be louder.

Best Budget-Friendly Clock: La Crosse Technology 616-146 Color Projection Alarm Clock with Outdoor temperature & Charging USB port

This clock automatically sets the time based on “atomic time”—which is nice, so you don’t have to adjust the clock when the time changes. Here’s more:

What We Liked

• Easy to use.

• Automatically adjusts for daylight savings time.

• Time zone setting.

• Clear easy-to-read display with time, outdoor and indoor temp.

• Backlight LED for night visibility.

• Atomic clock = automatically syncs to correct time.

What Needs Work

• Doesn’t display time and temperature at same time. Instead it alternates between the two, every few seconds.

Why Trust Us

We’ve been rating and reviewing products for the home and families since 1994. We do hands-on testing—we buy the products with our own money and evaluate with an eye toward quality, ease of use and affordability.

Here’s another key point: we don’t take money from the brands we review. No free samples, no sponsors, no “partnerships.” Our work is 100% reader-supported!