# Best Clock Radio-Podcast — user reviews > 104 indexed App Store user reviews of Best Clock Radio by Mark Linthicum, rated 3.80/5 from 25 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/best-clock-radio-podcast/id858324439/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/best-clock-radio-podcast/id858324439.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 13 · 4★ 4 · 3★ 2 · 2★ 1 · 1★ 5 ## What do users think of Best Clock Radio? Overall sentiment: mixed **Pros** - 🌍 Extensive international radio station selection - 📻 Reliable radio streaming functionality - ⏰ Customizable alarm settings with multiple presets - 🎚️ Easy station preset buttons and controls - 🌡️ Weather display integration - 🔆 Auto-dim feature for nighttime use - 💬 Responsive developer support - 🎵 Large music/audio clip library for alarms - 📱 Works well as bedside clock replacement - 🎛️ Volume and brightness adjustment controls **Cons** - 🐛 Alarm frequently fails to trigger - 🔋 Excessive battery drain - 📻 Radio streams frequently go offline - 🔊 Audio only plays on device, not Bluetooth speakers - 💰 Subscription model for weather and extra features - 🎨 Outdated and confusing user interface - ⚙️ Complex setup process requiring video tutorials - 📵 App doesn't run in background properly - 🔆 Brightness settings don't persist after closing app - 💥 Frequent crashes and freezes - 🔇 Default beeping sound instead of selected station - 📱 Compatibility issues with older iOS versions - 🎯 Difficult to find and select specific stations - ⚡ App hangs on splash screen **Commonly reported bugs** - Alarm doesn't go off when phone is locked or screen is off - App crashes when screen rotates to landscape - Weather feature stops working after iOS updates - Radio station links become outdated and non-functional - Settings reset after app updates - Snooze button unreliable or non-functional - App freezes during station setup - Display elements move off-screen or misaligned - Auto-dim feature activates unexpectedly - Auto-sleep/sleep timer doesn't work - App crashes on splash screen - Wake to music setting won't save properly - Radio station selection reverts to default - Notification appears but alarm sound doesn't play - Battery drain even when app is closed - Interface elements difficult to interact with (sliders) **Most requested features** - Sleep timer to auto-stop radio after set duration - Red/warm color display option to protect night vision - Dark mode for better sleep compatibility - Better station search and sorting functionality - Ability to disable weather banner display - Fade-in/fade-out music feature - Volume control per individual alarm - One-screen alarm setup interface - Torch/flashlight toggle with double-tap - Ability to turn off auto-dim feature - Support link in settings menu - Better Bluetooth speaker integration - Display indicator showing if alarm is set for tomorrow - Improved station search by call letters or name - Larger temperature display on weather widget ## Newest reviews (13 of 104) ### 4/5 — FOX News goes offline. Why? *2023-10-22, version 8.9.1* I listen to FOX NEWS every morning as my wake up channel. Ya, I know it is one sided news just like CNN, NBC, ABC, CBS and NPR. But what are we to do, I just want to wake to a human voice. Any way FOX has been working for months but now the connection just won’t connect. I have had this happen before and it did correct itself. This time however it’s been a few weeks. What’s the deal. Fox is off line again. 10/22/2023. ### 3/5 — Paid for weather *2023-09-23, version 8.9.1* Payed for year but only works on one of my devices ### 4/5 — FOX News goes offline. Why? *2022-07-14, version 8.8.9* I listen to FOX NEWS every morning as my wake up channel. Ya, I know it is one sided news just like CNN, NBC, ABC, CBS and NPR. But what are we to do, I just want to wake to a human voice. Any way FOX has been working for months but now the connection just won’t connect. I have had this happen before and it did correct itself. This time however it’s been a few weeks. What’s the deal. ### 2/5 — Not reliable *2021-09-03* Followed the instructions by turning notifications on and leaving the app open but the alarm only went off 1 of 3 times. When it didn’t ring there was just a notification from the app but alarm did not go off. **Developer response:** Hi Clobean3, Sorry you are having trouble with the app. I assure you it does work properly. In the demo video instructions, it clearly states that Apple restricts what apps can do when they are closed, you need to leave the app running for the alarm to function properly. Contact support for any help. www.BeautifulClockRadio.com ### 4/5 — It is the best alarm clock *2021-05-16* Unfortunately it does freeze up from time to time. Would like to know how to fix it. ### 3/5 — Great when it works, but… *2021-04-02* When everything works, it’s great, but lately about half the time it locks up, or just won’t start, on my SE. A lesser but still annoying issue is that my finger has a hard time snagging the sliders for adjusting brightness and volume. ### 3/5 — BCR Podcast Radio and Alarm *2020-10-25* This seems like a great ap except I have been unable to store my favorite am station. I have tried pasting in the url but it just won’t play the station! 😭 ### 3/5 — Alarm radio selection switches to tiny beeping uncontrollably *2020-04-25, version 7.7.3* It’s a clock radio with a decent display. The alarm is easy enough to set. But, its negatives are: it frequently fails to stream the radio and switches to a backup beeping (Not related to internet connectivity b/c I use both cellular and wireless.) Also, there is a fade-up that is annoying and can’t be turned off. ### 2/5 — Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah! *2020-03-25, version 7.5* Update messed up my settings in the app, I no longer get the weather aspect of the app anymore. I have the latest 📱 ll Pro Max and currently updated ### 2/5 — Quality has gone down *2020-03-08, version 7.3* Like most apps (and reviews you will read) new apps have been created with a lot of thought and after a few tweaks reach an ideal state. Afterwards additional tweaks are made with good intentions or for the sake of change in order to justify employment and quality and functionality go down. This app was best in class and almost perfect. Now as is the case with most apps additional changes have diminished its functionality. To be fair it’s possible it could be due to changes in iOS and iPadOS or where it links to. Weather does not sync. Adding or changing radio stations is no longer possible without closing the app after each change... etc etc. There are now better clock radio apps available so I’d look at the other choices. **Developer response:** You should contact support if you are having problems. Weather does not sync, not sure what you mean by this. Contacting us with a problem is how we make the app better, we have had no other users report these issues so it could be your device, simply use the contact link in the weather panel and we will get back to you the same day. ### 4/5 — Great features, odd interface *2019-12-03, version 7.2* A few years back I found this to be the only app that allowed user-defineable streaming radio URLs. It has all the functionality I need in an alarm clock: multiple alarm sets, day-of-week selections, streaming radio, audio clip alarm sounds and a fairly large snooze button. So long as I follow the instructions, it works great. The minor downside is that the interface is a bit dated and awkward. A user control facelift and multiple clock designs would easily make this a five-star app by my accounting. I purchased the one year of weather info to toss a few bucks to the developer - worth it. ### 3/5 — Kinda cool *2019-10-31, version 7.2* Seems to have a massive selection of radio stations, however the interface is a bit clunky and difficult to navigate. What's more, after spending a good 20 minutes trying to find it, the one radio I actually wanted to listen to (BBC 6Music) doesn't actually play for some reason? Otherwise, decent for what you get in a free app ### 2/5 — Alarm doesnt go off *2019-10-28, version 7.2* Would be nice if the alarm actually did play when the screen is turned off ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 1/5 — Didn’t work properly *2025-01-14, version 8.9.5* I set to a radio stn and it only plays chimes and bird noises, tried a few times ### 1/5 — Real name is “Worst Clock Radio EVER” *2024-06-16, version 8.9.2* Spent quite bit of time loading and setting it up…. Results: 1. Did NOT alarm at set time even though the app was open and on that screen all night. 2. Drained my battery more than 50% even though the phone was on a charger all night! 3. Did NOT dim as per setup. Far too bright for a night stand. Complete waste of time and effort!…. Don’t bother with it ### 1/5 — How to set the alarm clock to make it work *2024-05-13* I Followed all the instructions save and it never Alarms or I can’t hear an Alarm it’s Extremely Frustrating thanks in Advance For your Help **Developer response:** Sorry you are having trouble, it sounds like you did not enable notifications. This is not the support page, you can use the in app support links or go to www.BeautifulClockRadio.com and contact me from there. ### 1/5 — Sad *2023-01-17* Doesn’t work I really liked the sounds it had to choose from too bad **Developer response:** Notifications need to be enabled for the alarm to function, please contact support with any issues and we can get them solved for you. Use the in-app support links or www.BeautifulClockRadio.com ### 1/5 — Lots of problems *2021-08-12* Quit loading. Developer responsive. Reboot & reload helped for awhile. But… screen interface elements move to wrong place or partially off screen when setting up; 1st button assigned radio worked initially, now nothing streams. Other stations ok. Tried more reboots. Now hangs on splash screen and quits in 10 sec. **Developer response:** It sounds like you were on an unsupported device, we should now have all devices working and fully supported. Contact support if you have problems using the in-app links or go to www.BeautifulClockRadio.com . ### 1/5 — Alarm doesn’t work *2020-05-18* Alarm clock doesn’t work **Developer response:** MadGurthie, If you contact support we can help you. We have a support link built into the app, just swipe the weather panel. Something that might help in the meantime, you need to have notifications ON, if notifications are not ON the app has no way to trigger an alarm. ### 1/5 — Rubbish *2020-04-27, version 8.0* Bought the full app it still doesn’t have my radio station. Rubbish. Don’t recommend it at all. ### 1/5 — The worst *2020-04-25, version 7.7.3* This is one of the worst clock I have seen. I can’t get music to play. ### 1/5 — $5.99/yr change! Be careful *2020-04-01, version 7.7* As soon as I started using this app another pop up came up and tried to get $5.99 a yr to continue using. I do not like how this was done. Not good. ### 1/5 — Horrible update *2019-03-29, version 6.9.7* This app now takes over your home screen and shows a radio station ready to play. I have found no way to turn this off short of deleting the app! Reloading when I want to use it is horrible because you lose all your preset stations! This is NOT an improvement. Be informed before you purchase. ## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated) ### 5/5 — Best clock radio app *2024-06-01* I’ve been using this app for years. If you love using it as a traditional clock radio to wake up to AM/FM stations, or to listen to AM/FM stations it remains the best. The button design to set stations, settings to set brightness and volume are great. Even provides the local weather all for a reasonable yearly fee. The only problem for which I used to contact Mark is when certain stations change their streaming links. If you are a local CBS news radio junkie this is a regular issue since Audacy purchased these stations. I’ve notified Shoutcast about this but it is not priority for them. For our yearly fee 😀 I would suggest Mark check the following stations quarterly or so and update the app with working links if needed for the following Audacy CBS news stations: WBZ 1030 Boston WCBS 880 New York WINS 1010 New York WBBM 780 Chicago WKNX 1070 Los Angeles Many of the above now simulcast with corresponding concurrent FM stations also. and these additional city news, weather, sports stations that frequently change their links: KTAR talk/news 98.3 Phoenix AZ Arizona Sports 98.7 Phoenix AZ If done for the app then everyone has these working stations rather than just for individual users. Thanks for such a great app! **Developer response:** You should contact support if you are having problems. Weather does not sync, not sure what you mean by this. Contacting us with a problem is how we make the app better, we have had no other users report these issues so it could be your device, simply use the contact link in the weather panel and we will get back to you the same day. ### 5/5 — Works without fail *2023-09-20* My iHome Clock radio died, all the new ones are Bluetooth only. As I’m a news junky, I wake up to the local NPR station App works perfectly, even the free version I did upgrade to add the weather not that I really needed it. But wanted to make sure the author is making some money so he keeps updating the app, which I now depend on. One thing I wish I could figure out. My local NPR station provides a pledge free stream for members. However the url doesn’t work in the app. Not the apps fault, as the url launches a website. Mark if you have any suggestion, I’d love to hear it So pledges I hear. ### 5/5 — Works well and great support *2022-09-12, version 8.8.9* The app is really versatile even though using the features and buttons is not super simple and requires watching the accompanying instruction video. Wanted to add an unlisted ethnic radio (Chinese) outside the USA (in Canada). Emailed support and the station was added promptly! Great app. ### 5/5 — Rely on it every day *2022-08-04, version 8.8.9* I use this great clock radio every day to listen to news and public affairs programs with pre-sets for CBC, BBC, The New York Times podcast and more. I love the big clock display and the ease of use. There have been occasional problems with links to some services but this is a very minor inconvenience and the developer provides quick fixes. Overall this is the most-used app on my iPad. ### 5/5 — 2 Thumbs up! *2021-11-28, version 8.8.8* Quick support to add on radio stations ### 5/5 — Alarm sound doesn’t play over bluetooth *2021-07-23* Compliments on your work, simple enough yet very useful. I am trying to use it in conjunction with my blootooth speakers in order to setup an alarm that can play in my bedroom. Although I can hear the alarm sound on my speakers during a setup, when the alarm is actually triggered it plays only on device itself, athough the bluetooth connection is verified to still be active. Hoping you can fix this bug/ feature soon. Otherwise, a great product. ### 5/5 — Perfect *2020-09-08* I absolutely love this App ! I use it at home and in my car to listen to worldwide radio and podcasts. Great job. ### 5/5 — Best clock radio is the right name! *2020-04-26* This is my favorite app, simple easy to use with great support. Love listening to KFI in the morning and at night, this app makes so easy and give me the weather as well!! Thank you!! ### 5/5 — Love This App *2019-09-23* I’ve used a previous version for at least 3 years. I subscribed to this version to add the weather feature, which I love. This alarm clock is stable and has many great features. I love the auto dim setting so it’s not so bright when on my nightstand. I’ve also contacted support to find out how to access radio stations I couldn’t find and the response time is always within a day and the instructions for finding and adding the desired station are clear and concise. Thanks Mark for a great app! ### 5/5 — Cannot Fault *2019-06-25, version 6.9.9* Was looking for a clock radio app for my iPhone as it sits charging next to me as I sleep, (love waking to the local news before starting the day). Happy to pay the subscription as this app ticks all the boxes for me and when I didn’t have the local station listed Mark quickly responded with the URL to load it on. --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-28.*