Alarm clocks and smartphone alarms each have distinct advantages, and which one is better will depend on your needs and preferences. Many experts believe it is best to keep devices like smartphones away from the sleep space since they could light up or prove distracting, so alarm clocks are a logical solution. Alarm clocks frequently have additional features sleepers may benefit from, like time projection, vibration, or sunrise simulation. That said, smartphone alarms are usually easy to set, which may be important if your wake time varies from day to day. Additionally, you don't have to worry about a power outage resetting your clock and erasing your alarm settings. As long as your phone is charged, the alarm should work during a power outage.