The Best Cuckoo Clocks

The Best Cuckoo Clocks

We've all seen the classic cuckoo, right? The hour strikes, and a cute little bird flies out singing cuckoo over and over again. They tend to be beautifully and ornately carved with lots of small details that invite the eye. Each one is its own work of art, which is what makes them so unique. They're also great for helping kids tell time — even if they can't read the clock, they can count the cuckoos. If you want one in your home, take a look at this list of the best cuckoo clocks available.

Mark Feldstein Singing Cardinal Garden Cottage

High-quality

This lovely cuckoo clock is well-made and affordable.
Best Overall

Find on Amazon

If the sight of stone walls and fluttering butterflies brings you peace, then the Mark Feldstein Singing Cardinal Garden Cottage may be the cuckoo clock you’re looking for. The charming stone facade and brightly colored flowers make an excellent backdrop for the adorable wildlife. We also really love the pretty singing cardinal that pops out every hour, on the hour. It’s made of acrylic, which adds to this clock’s durability as a whole, so you don’t need to worry about it breaking easily if your kids bump into it.

Pros:

  • The pendulum is removable, so you can hang it or set it on a flat surface
  • There is a light sensor to keep it quiet at night
  • It’s very affordable

Cons:

  • Batteries aren’t included
  • Sometimes the doors get stuck

Kintrot Traditional Chalet Black Forest Cuckoo Clock

Beautifully detailed

This gorgeous clock has been lovingly handcrafted to perfection.
Most Ornate

Find on Amazon

If you’re looking for a statement piece, the Kintrot Traditional Chalet Black Forest Cuckoo Clock is the one for you. The ornately detailed chalet design includes specially designed, individually painted figures include an older man, a boy, a girl, and a sweet little dog. Meanwhile, the house itself is handcrafted and lovingly made with every detail you could imagine — there are even trees carved into the back and front to complete the scene.

Pros:

  • This clock is easy to get up and running
  • Realistic details like the well and stack of logs make it look like an antique
  • The cuckoo bird is adorable and makes a beautiful sound

Cons:

  • Batteries aren’t included
  • It’s loud, and the volume isn’t adjustable

Kookoo Tiny Modern Cuckoo Clock

Family-friendly

Kids love this simple little cuckoo clock with its colorful birds.
Most Modern

Find on Amazon

Are you looking for a cute clock for your modern family? Look no further than the Kookoo Tiny Modern Cuckoo Clock. Its simple white design and matte gray hands make it look more contemporary than most options out there. As a bonus, there are four different cuckoo birds included so that you can switch them out based on your mood. We also appreciate that you can choose between hanging it or setting it on a flat surface because it makes it easy to find the best spot.

Pros:

  • Everything is adjustable, including volume
  • The bird can be reset if it ever cuckoos at the wrong time
  • A minimalist design and cute little birds help this clock fit in beautifully with modern decor

Cons:

  • It’s not as durable as some traditional wooden clocks
  • The batteries need to be changed often

Isdd Animated Black Forest House Cuckoo Clock

Fantastically fun

Get excited by this large cuckoo clock and its many moving parts.
Most Animated

Find on Amazon

For a premium experience, it’s hard to beat the Isdd Animated Black Forest House Cuckoo Clock. This genuine German clock has all of the hand-carved details you want, along with a few you didn’t know you needed, such as a handcrafted train that runs around the tracks and dancing figures that all come to life as the cuckoo strikes the hour. It’s an especially great choice for families with kids — the fanciful design, ornate details, and classic cuckoo sound combine to capture the imagination and create an heirloom in the making.

Pros:

  • This clock is made in the Black Forest of Germany
  • It is so unique and ornate that no two are the same
  • Setting it up is simple

Cons:

  • This clock is pricey
  • Adjusting the volume is difficult

Frequently Asked Questions

Where did cuckoo clocks originate?

Cuckoo clocks originally came from the Bavarian area in Germany. They were made with weights and wooden gears at first, and from there, they evolved. Today, authentic cuckoo clocks still come from the Black Forest region in Germany, but you can also find more affordable options that come from other places.

Do you need to wind up a cuckoo clock?

There are two types of cuckoo clocks: mechanical and battery-powered. Mechanical cuckoo clocks use weights that slowly lower throughout the day and need to be pulled back up once every twenty-four hours. Battery-powered clocks don’t need to be wound up, and you usually just need to remember to change out their batteries occasionally.