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Get a Gogroove Bluetooth speaker alarm clock for $39.99

This phone-friendly nightstand accessory features NFC, USB, a remote and more. It normally sells for $55. Plus: free Starbucks!

Rick Broida Senior Editor
Rick Broida is the author of numerous books and thousands of reviews, features and blog posts. He writes CNET's popular Cheapskate blog and co-hosts Protocol 1: A Travelers Podcast (about the TV show Travelers). He lives in Michigan, where he previously owned two escape rooms (chronicled in the ebook "I Was a Middle-Aged Zombie").
Rick Broida
3 min read

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Gogroove

Bluetooth speakers are a dime a dozen these days, but few of them are suited for nightstand duty. By which I mean, few of them are also clocks.

For a limited time, and while supplies last, 2nd Street Electronics (via Amazon) has the Gogroove BlueSync RST Alarm Clock for $39.99 shipped. That's after applying coupon code GOGROOVE at checkout. Regular price: $54.99.

Here's what's cool about the BlueSync RST: It's a Bluetooth speaker, one that can be paired to your phone via NFC (assuming your phone supports that, of course). It's also a clock radio, one with an FM tuner and dual alarms.

It also comes with a remote for across-the-room volume control, FM tuning and more. In other words, it's a pretty full-featured alarm clock.

It's also a surprisingly good speaker, especially given its size. Nothing gets me moving in the morning like They Might Be Giants' "Istanbul," and it comes through clear and robust even at maximum volume.

Here's what's not cool about the BlueSync RST: the 10 flat control buttons "arranged" across the top. They're sufficiently confusing that Gogroove stuck a cheat sheet to the bottom of the clock. Even worse, the elongated snooze button isn't raised, and it shares space with the brightness-adjustment button. Couple dumb, dumb design decisions, there.

Also, don't lose the remote, otherwise you'll lose the capability to switch between Bluetooth and FM radio modes. Update: My bad. There is indeed a button on the clock proper that can toggle modes.

These gripes aside, I like the BlueSync RST a lot. The 1A USB port gives me a place to charge my phone at night without the need for a separate wall charger, and the stand gives me a place to, well, stand it. This feels pricey at $54.99, but reasonable at $39.99. Your thoughts?

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