The Braun BC21 Digital Wireless Charging Alarm Clock reinterprets the slim, angled form of Braun’s 1976 DN40 digital alarm clock for a modern bedside table. It adds a concealed 10W Qi charging pad behind the display, automatic brightness adjustment, a crescendo alarm and touch snooze.
It is not a literal reissue of the vintage DN40. It is a contemporary plastic clock derived from that design, intended to replace a separate alarm clock and wireless charging stand with one compact object.
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What the Braun BC21 is
Braun sells the BC21 in two variants: BC21B in black and BC21G in gray. Its main functions are deliberately straightforward:
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- A standalone digital alarm clock
- A Qi-compatible wireless charging pad
- A VA LCD with automatic and manual brightness control
- 12-hour and 24-hour time formats
- A crescendo beep alarm
- Touch-sensitive snooze with a five-minute interval
There is no stated app, sleep tracking, voice assistant, network connection or smart-home integration. The BC21’s appeal is physical simplicity: it provides a conventional alarm independently of a phone while giving that phone somewhere to charge overnight.
#1 Best Overall
- All-in-One Modern Nightstand Companion: Transform your bedroom with the stylish clock featuring wireless charging, Bluetooth speaker, Fm radio, nightlight.
- Bluetooth Connectivity for Seamless Streaming: Experience exceptional audio with 10W stereo Bluetooth speaker, designed to deliver powerful, crystal-clear sound.
- Convenient for powering Devices: Say goodbye to tangled cords with 10W Qi certified fast wireless charging and USB charging port for your device, keeping your nightstand organized.
- FM Radio for Diverse Entertainment: Stay connected to your favorite local stations with the built-in FM radio. Also set a sleep timer to keep you company with the radio as you fall sleep.
- Dimmable Display for Comfortable Viewing: Customize your sleep environment with a dimmable digital display that adjusts from 0-100% brightness.
A modern interpretation of the Braun DN40
Braun identifies the BC21’s silhouette as being derived from the DN40, an early Braun digital alarm clock designed by Dieter Rams and Dietrich Lubs in 1976. The visual connection is clearest in the slim, angled display and restrained control layout.
That distinction matters. The BC21 is not an unchanged vintage DN40 brought back into production. It is better understood as a reinterpretation of the DN40’s form for a bedside setup that includes wireless charging. Contemporary charging hardware and revised controls sit inside a modern product.
Historical descriptions call the DN40 one of Braun’s early digital alarm clocks and emphasize how modern it looked for its period. They do not establish that it was the first digital alarm clock, so claims that it was “the first” should be avoided. The BC21 was reported as a new product in March 2021, rather than a 2026 launch.
How the hidden wireless charger works
The charging pad is located behind the LCD display. A phone rests against the rear charging surface, so the front of the clock remains visually uncluttered. Braun says the silicone surface provides grip and helps prevent overheating; that is the manufacturer’s description, not an independent thermal test.
Rank #2
- 10W Fast Wireless Charger: this wireless charing alarm clock support fast charging and charges universal cellphones with wireless charging in high efficiency way without overheating, which is really handy and space saving while keeps your bedside nightstand neat and clean.
- Wood Alarm Clock with Large Numbers: the 1.8 inches big digits on the 6.5 inches electric clock are easy to see without glasses. Two steps setting makes the wood clock very easy to setup, no reset hassle for daylight saving time with manual DST.
- 5 Level Adjustable Bightness with OFF Display: the dimmable alarm clock has 5 level brightness dimmer with OFF mode so you can dim display brightness per your need, no glaring light for bedside use.
- Extra USB Charging Port: the wireless charger clock also comes with an extra USB ports to charge other electronic devices which is a great handy addtion for bedroom, livign room, office
- 5 Level Volume Control with Battery Backup Alarm: the alarm volume is adjustable to hig or low level so it can serve as a loud alarm clock for heavy sleepers adults and won't blast you awake. Backup battery function will trigger the alarm during power cut, no worry about oversleep. Alarm lasts for 2 minutes and just tap the snooze button on the top for extra 9 mins sleep.
Braun specifies a 10W Qi wireless charger. That does not guarantee that every phone will receive 10W. Actual charging speed depends on the phone’s Qi receiver, the power adapter, alignment and the case being used. The BC21 is best treated as an overnight or bedside charger rather than a guarantee of the fastest wireless charging available from a particular phone.
Charging setup
- Connect the clock to its supplied AC adapter.
- Place a Qi-compatible phone or accessory in the center of the charging pad behind the display.
- Look for the charging icon on the LCD.
- Re-center the device if charging does not start.
- Remove metal objects and test without a thick or magnetic case if charging remains unreliable.
The manual specifically warns that some cases can interfere with charging and that metal cases or foreign objects should not be placed between the device and the pad. A device also needs Qi hardware; a phone without wireless charging will not work unless it uses a compatible receiver or case.
The pad can charge compatible smartphones and smaller Qi accessories such as earbuds. It is a single-device bedside charger, not a multi-device charging station. The phone shown in product imagery is illustrative and is not included.
Display, alarm and snooze functions
The BC21 uses a VA LCD. Braun describes both automatic brightness adjustment and manual brightness control. Japanese product information specifies four automatic brightness levels, while the exact regional controls may vary. The intention is practical: the display should remain readable in daylight without being unnecessarily bright at night.
Rank #3
- All-in-One Modern Nightstand Companion: Transform your bedroom with the stylish clock featuring wireless charging, Bluetooth speaker, Fm radio, nightlight.
- Bluetooth Connectivity for Seamless Streaming: Experience exceptional audio with 10W stereo Bluetooth speaker, designed to deliver powerful, crystal-clear sound.
- Convenient for powering Devices: Say goodbye to tangled cords with 10W Qi certified fast wireless charging and USB charging port for your device, keeping your nightstand organized.
- FM Radio for Diverse Entertainment: Stay connected to your favorite local stations with the built-in FM radio. Also set a sleep timer to keep you company with the radio as you fall sleep.
- Dimmable Display for Comfortable Viewing: Customize your sleep environment with a dimmable digital display that adjusts from 0-100% brightness.
Brightness is still a matter of personal preference. The available specifications do not justify promising that the display will be completely dark or comfortable for every bedroom.
The alarm is a crescendo beep alarm, meaning it becomes louder if it is not switched off. The top of the clock provides a touch-sensitive snooze area. Touching it temporarily stops the alarm, which resumes after five minutes.
To end the alarm cycle completely, press the alarm on/off control. Repeatedly touching snooze does not permanently disable the alarm.
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Power, backup battery and size
The BC21 must remain connected to mains power for normal operation and wireless charging. It includes a CR2032 backup battery that preserves clock settings during a power interruption, but the battery does not make the clock portable and does not power the wireless charger.
Rank #4
- Wireless Charger: Wake up recharged with the iHome Wireless PowerBoost, a charging station and alarm clock combo that will complement any home or office décor. Use the built-in wireless charging pad to power up any compatible device, including iPhone and Android smartphones.
- Digital Alarm Clock: Wake to Bluetooth audio or tone. Automatically sync the clock time to phone time via Bluetooth. Adjust the display brightness using the built-in dimmer function, too.
- Bluetooth Speaker: Wirelessly stream your favorite audio content from up to 100 feet away. Enjoy music, podcasts, audiobooks, and more during your morning or evening routine.
- USB-C Charger: Charge two devices at the same time! In addition to the wireless charger, a USB-C charging port is located on the back of the unit, so you can charge tablets, smartwatches, and other devices while you sleep.
- Perfect Gift: The iHome iBTW112 makes a great gift for any occasion. Visit the iHome brand store to explore more cool alarm clocks for bedrooms.
If the time is not retained after disconnecting and reconnecting the adapter, the manual says the button-cell battery may need replacing. The manual also specifies an operating environment of 0°C to 40°C.
Dimensions vary slightly between regional listings. The English Braun listing gives approximately:
- Height: 63.5 mm
- Width: 140 mm
- Depth: 140 mm
Other regional information lists figures of roughly 140 × 55 × 135 mm. Buyers who need a precise fit should check the specification for their local version rather than treating the regional measurements as identical.
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Price and availability
Prices and stock vary by market. The following signals were observed in 2026 and should not be treated as permanent pricing:
Best Value
- 【𝐒𝐭𝐲𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐖𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐫】You will love the aesthetic of this vintage-looking bedside clock. It’s sleek, clean, modern and looks like a beautiful piece of wood furniture. Taking up about the same space as your iPhone. Its functionality and stylish appearance makes it a perfect gift for your family, lovers or friends.
- 【𝐐𝐮𝐢𝐞𝐭 𝐀𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐦 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐐𝐈 𝐂𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐖𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠】 Unique top non-slip charging design ! ANJANK alarm clock supports 5W/7.5W/10W adaptive charging, which can charge your smart phone quickly and easily. Besides, it also features an USB port to charge other electronic devices, such as a second phone or watch, powerbank or smartwatch. Simplify your nightly routine, eliminating the need for cumbersome charging cables.
- 【𝐅𝐦 𝐑𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐨 & 𝐒𝐥𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐫】 ANJANK wooden radio clock with a frequency range of 87.5-108MHz. It allows you to easily tune and save your favorite channels. With a premium adjustable volume speaker, you can enjoy the clear and pristine sound. Sleep timer function (10-120min) for you to choose.
- 【𝐔𝐩𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝟗 𝐖𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐮𝐩 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐧𝐨𝐨𝐳𝐞】Wake up with 8 alarm sounds（Beep、Lullaby、Rain、Waves、Water sounds、Buzzer、Bird sounds、Kanoon） or your favorite radio station — start your day in a good mood.Choose from 9 sounds, and press SNOOZE for 9 extra minutes of sleep.The alarm starts low and gently builds up, so you’re not jolted awake.
- 【𝐋𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞 𝐁𝐢𝐠 𝐍𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐝𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬】1.2" number digits are not only bright and easily visible but also come with a fantastic dim mode. This dimming feature can ensure you sleep in darkness but also be able to see the time when I wanted to, 💕and even one more which turns off the display altogether, catering to different preferences and lighting needs for you.
| Region | Observed listing | Important qualification |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $50 | Braun’s U.S. collection listed black and gray as “Special buy.” |
| United Kingdom | £40 | The UK product listing showed the black version out of stock in the observed result. |
| Germany | €48 | The German listing showed gray available for selection. |
| Japan | ¥22,000 before tax | A separate launch release listed ¥14,850 including tax for the gray launch variant; regional prices and dates differ. |
The $130 price reported by Gizmodo in March 2021 was a launch-era price, not the current U.S. special-buy listing. “Special buy” pricing may indicate limited or clearance stock, so availability and regional warranty, adapter and shipping terms should be checked before ordering.
Who should buy the BC21?
The BC21 makes the most sense for someone who values Braun’s design language and wants a conventional alarm clock without adding another stand to the bedside table. It is particularly suitable for:
- Design-conscious buyers and Dieter Rams enthusiasts
- People who want an alarm that does not depend on a phone app
- Qi users who prefer one integrated bedside object
- Bedrooms where automatic display brightness is useful
- Buyers considering the product at the current U.S. special-buy price
It is a weaker choice for buyers who need maximum charging speed, magnetic alignment, multiple-device charging, battery operation or smart-home features. A phone-oriented charging stand may be easier to align and may offer faster charging, while a cheap alarm clock plus a separate Qi charger can be less expensive and easier to replace. A smart alarm clock or display adds routines, weather and voice controls, but also introduces software, accounts and greater dependence on connected devices.
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The Braun BC21 is best viewed as a design-led combination product: a modern alarm clock whose form derives from the 1976 Braun DN40, with a concealed 10W Qi charger added for contemporary use. Buy it for the clean Braun design, standalone alarm and integrated bedside setup. Skip it if fast charging, smart features, travel portability or broad long-term availability matter more than visual continuity and simplicity.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
