We really like this clock, it's small and doesn't make a ticking or low humming sound. Yes, it is very bright in the dark, but to combat this I cut the top flaps off the box that it came in and cut out a small section for the power cord, and we place this over the clock at night… Not a very glamorous look, but you don't see it because your sleeping, and just reach out and lift the box if you need to check the time in the night. ( we don't use the clock for the alarm).