If you’re a dedicated carp angler, you know that carp angling involves the best brolley system, a lot of patience, and missing a fish isn’t an option, as you might only get two bites a day.
This scenario is why the bite alarm was invented so that you never miss an opportunity to catch a fish you’ve waited so patiently for.
Best Bite Alarms On A Budget
The best bite alarms work by making sure that missing a fish will be a thing of the past but finding the best ones isn’t so easy.
Join me as we take a look at some of the top alarms on the market so you can find exactly what you need.
The Best Bite Alarms From The Review
Top Pick
Elikliv Fishing Bite Alarms Set
Excellent value for the price with top quality digital circuitry, these alarms are durable, waterproof, and long-lasting.
Elikliv Fishing Bite Alarms Set
The best bit alarms overall are the Elikliv Fishing Bite Alarms Set. These alarms are durable, reliable, easy to work, and have long battery life.
Everything is adjustable including volume, tone, and how sensitive they are.
You can pick up the subtlest of bites or set the alarms to only notify you when a strong take happens, and with the loud adjustable volume, you’ll always hear them.
Best Bite Alarms On A Budget
Latest Hi-Tech Fishing Bite Alarm Set
A roller wheel type alarm with adapt technology to help lessen false positives.
Latest Hi-Tech Fishing Bite Alarm Set
If you’re in that market, the best budget bite alarms for you are the Lapesh Hi-Tech Fishing Alarms.
These are no-frills alarms that clip to your rod and let you know when you get a take by flashing an LED and making a noise.
You don’t need any extra equipment like stands but you do lose out on adjustability features by spending less.
Best Wireless Bite Alarms
Hirisi Tackle Wireless Carp Fishing Bite Alarm Set
The bite alarm and receiver are waterproof, durable and one of the best carp alarm setups you can have.
Hirisi Tackle Wireless Carp Fishing Bite Alarm Set
The best wireless alarms come in the Hirisi Tackle Wireless Carp Fishing Bite Alarms Set.
These alarms are waterproof, durable, and fully adjustable when it comes to tone, volume, and even sensitivity adjustments, so you can always find your preferred settings.
Each alarm is color-coded, indicates bite strength with LED lights, and connects to the receiver that has a great range of 150 meters.
You can be far away from your multiple rods and still know you’ve got a take and need to run back to them.
The receiver will let you know which alarm is going off, and you can also adjust the volume from it.
Our Top Bite Alarms
Top Pick
Elikliv Fishing Bite Alarms Set
Excellent value for the price, these alarms are durable, waterproof, and long-lasting.
Elikliv Fishing Bite Alarms Set
The Elikliv Fishing Bite set of alarms is excellent value for the price as you get three bite alarms and three swingers that come neatly in a molded protective wallet.
These budget carp bite alarms are durable, waterproof, and long-lasting.
They can handle heavy rain without any problems and will survive the harshest weather, as long as they aren’t fully submerged.
Features
Each of the fishing alarms runs on a 9v battery and has almost all the features you need to never miss a bite indication.
You have full autonomy over sensitivity, volume, and tone control so you can set your alarms to the exact settings you need.
The tone is very loud when at maximum and you can adjust how sensitive the alarms are to detect movement of even the subtlest bites when carp fishing.
Settings
Adjusting the settings is easy using the buttons on the front of the alarms, and it will take you no time to find the right setting you need.
Outside of the tone, this alarm set also comes with LEDs that indicate a take which is ideal when you’re night fishing.
LED
There is a red and green LED that helps you distinguish drop-back bites, a warning LED that flashes in 4 colors when you’re getting a bite and an automatic night light that comes on so you can always see your alarms.
The only things missing from these carp bite alarms are snag ears, so your rods could fall out of your rod pod on a big bite, and a low battery warning, so always carry spares in your tackle box.
Specs
- Battery Type: 1 x 9v
- Battery Life: NA
- Carry Case: Yes
- NightLight: Yes
- Waterproof: Rainproof
- Snag Ear: No
Pros
- Great value for money
- Adjustable tone, sensitivity, and volume
- Durable and survive fine in the rain
- Automatic night light for convenience
- Red and green LED for drop back
- LED lights for bite warnings
- Sensitive to the subtlest bites
- Come neatly in a protective case
Cons
- Rods can fall off easily
- No low battery light
Hirisi Tackle Carp Fishing Bite Alarm and Swinger Set
These alarms are water-resistant, survive in heavy rain, and are excellent at bite indication.
Hirisi Tackle Carp Fishing Bite Alarm and Swinger Set
The Hirisi Tackle Carp Fishing Bite Alarms Set comes with 2 carp bite alarms and 2 swingers in a neatly molded protective bag.
This might be the best bite alarm for carp anglers. They’re water-resistant, survive in heavy rain, and are excellent at bite indication.
Settings
With these alarms, you can control the volume, tone, and sensitivity by pressing the buttons on the front of the alarm.
This allows you to find your preferred sensitivity levels for your type of fishing and adjust the tone and volume so it’s unique and not the same as other anglers nearby.
Volume
The speaker on these alarms is loud when at maximum volume, so if you’re hard of hearing or carp fishing on a windy day, you’ll still be able to hear it.
You’ll also find two LEDs on the alarms, one is a warning light for any bites and the other is a night light that you can turn on so you always know where your alarms are, even without a bivvy light.
Sensitivity
Being budget bite alarms, these do come with some glitches.
The LEDs can stop working on occasion, and you might get a false alarm or two that gets your blood rushing.
These budget bite alarm sets don’t come with snag ears either, so your rods could fall off them if it’s gusty or you have a strong bite.
Specs
- Battery Type: 1 x 9 volt
- Battery Life: NA
- Carry Case: Yes
- NightLight: Yes
- Waterproof: Water-resistant
- Snag Ear: No
Pros
- Durable and will survive the rain
- Adjustable volume and tone so you can always hear a take
- Sensitivity is adjustable and can pick up gentle bites
- Loudspeaker so you can hear the alarm on windy days
- Night light and a warning light for night fishing
- Easy to use and affordable
Cons
- Some technical glitches like LED’s not working and false positives
- No snag ear fittings and rods could fall off
Best Wireless Bite Alarms
Hirisi Tackle Wireless Carp Fishing Bite Alarm Set
The bite alarm and receiver are completely waterproof, durable and one of the best carp alarm setups you can have.
Hirisi Tackle Wireless Carp Fishing Bite Alarm Set
The Hirisi Tackle Wireless Carp Fishing Bite Alarm Set takes things in a new direction and features a wireless receiver into the set along with 4 alarms.
The bite alarm and receiver are waterproof, durable and one of the best carp bite alarms you can have.
Settings
You can adjust the tone, volume, and how sensitive each bite alarm is so you can make sure that you hear the alarm and never miss a bite.
You’ll also find a visual indication through a strip of LEDs along the edge of each alarm which indicates the strength of each bite.
Each alarm also has its own color so they are easily distinguishable from each other, and there is also a night light and a low power warning light.
Range
The wireless receiver features a long 150-meter range, so even if you go to the bathroom quickly, you will still know if you’re getting a bite. The receiver is top quality and features a loudspeaker for an audible alarm and a strip of LEDs that are color-coded to match each alarm.
When you get a bite while carp fishing, you’ll hear a tone on the receiver and the color corresponding to the alarm that’s going off will flash, so you know exactly which rod to pick up.
Volume
You have adjustable volume control on the receiver and it’s magnetic so you can put it next to your bivvy light on the steel frame.
This set of alarms also features removable snag ears which are good at stopping your rod from sliding off the alarms in heavy winds.
Battery
The only negative carp anglers using this bite alarm set have mentioned is that the batteries are a bit tricky to remove.
Other than that, these are some of the top carp bite alarms available.
Specs
- Battery Type: 1 x 9v battery
- Carry Case: Yes
- Waterproof: Yes
- Waterproof: Yes
- Snag Ear: Yes
Pros
- Comes with a wireless receiver with a 150-meter range
- Magnet on the receiver so you can attach it to your bivvy
- Fully waterproof and durable
- Simple and easy to work
- Rolling LED band for bite intensity indication
- 8 volume, tone, and sensitivity adjustments
- Removable snag ear bar so your rods stay put
- Durable and long-lasting
Cons
- Tough to pull the batteries out
Best Bite Alarms On A Budget
Lapesh Hi-Tech Fishing Bite Alarm Set
A roller wheel type budget bite alarm with adapt technology to help lessen false positives.
Lapesh Hi-Tech Fishing Bite Alarm Set
The Lapesh Hi-Tech Bite Alarm Set is a bit different from your normal bite alarm sets as they use a roller wheel alarm and don’t require a stand and simply clip onto your rod instead.
This does make them more portable but you’ll have to hold your rod all day or use a stand anyway.
Setup
Once clipped to your line, you simply thread your line through the roller wheel of the alarm, and if you have a take it’ll flash an LED and make a noise.
The alarms beep with subtle bites and have a constant tone when a fish takes the line and has a good go at it.
Adaptive Feature
One cool feature about these alarms is that each alarm comes with intelligent sensing to reduce how many false positives you experience by ignoring line movement made by things like the wind.
Overall, like some other alarms, they are quite sensitive and certainly loud enough. These bite alarms are missing some useful key features though.
Features
There is no volume, sensitivity, or tone settings feature, so if anyone else around the lake is using the same alarms, it might get a bit confusing and frustrating.
The alarms don’t feature night lights either, so you better have a bivvy light ready, and there is no information about waterproofing, making me think they won’t last that long either.
Specs
- Battery Type: 3 x LR44 button batteries
- Carry Case: No
- NightLight: Yes
- Waterproof: NA
- Snag Ears: No
Pros
- No need for a stand as it clips to your rod
- Loud and sensitive so you never miss a take
- Easy to use roller wheel and affordable
- Reduces any false alarms with intelligent sensing
- Two tones for bites and hookups
- LED light and sound for bites
Cons
- No night light for seeing your rods in the dark
- Can’t adjust the tone, volume, or sensitivity
- Not as durable as others
Mounchain Wireless Fishing Bite Alarm Set
These quality bite alarms have wireless receivers with a 130-meter range.
Mounchain Wireless Fishing Bite Alarm Set
Another set of three alarms that are going in a new direction is the Mounchain Wireless Bite Alarm Set.
These quality bite alarms also come with a wireless receiver with a long-range of 130 meters, so you always know when you’re getting a bite.
Features
The set comes with three bite alarms, each color-coded with LEDs so you can differentiate between them.
Each alarm features volume, tone, and sensitivity control, plus a low battery warning and nightlight.
This means you can adjust all the alarm features to suit how you’re fishing, ensure you have a different tone from the guy next to you, and make it loud enough to hear over the surroundings.
LED
The wireless receiver also comes with LEDs for take and low battery warnings, plus you can control the tone and volume on it too.
There is also a vibration alarm feature so you can put it in your pocket and still know when you’re getting a bite.
Water Resistance
Every part of the set, from the alarms to the receiver are water-resistant for use in the rain.
They all run on 9v batteries plus they are simple and easy to use but don’t include any snag ears so your rods could take tumble off the rod rest.
These alarms do have some issues with their LEDs when it comes to quality control. Sometimes they flash for no reason, or not at all.
These cases are rare but they do happen.
Specs
- Battery Type: 1 x 9V
- Carry Case: Yes
- NightLight: Yes
- Waterproof: Water-resistant
- Snag Ears: No
Pros
- Water-resistant for use in the rain
- Adjustable sensitivity, tone, and volume
- Picks up subtle bites if you want it to
- Low battery LED so you know where you’re at
- Handy carry case for the kit
- 130-meter range wireless receiver so you never miss a take
- Color-coordinated bite alarms for easy management
- Simple, affordable, and easy to work
- 3 LED’s show bite intensity
Cons
- No snag ear set included and your rod could fall off easily
- Some issues with quality control around the LEDs
What is a fishing bite alarm?
How bite alarms work is they’re a device that you thread your fishing line through once you’ve cast your bait out that will sound an alarm when a fish eats so you never miss a take.
Why should you buy a bite alarm?
When going carp fishing, especially for big carp, anglers often have to wait a good amount of time before a fish eats their bait.
It can take hours for a fish to take the bait and the alarms are there to ensure you never miss an opportunity and can relax while you sit on your best fishing chair and wait. With a pair of polarized fishing sunglasses, you can even look good while waiting it.
With a top-quality alarm anglers are able to sit back and enjoy the peaceful surroundings knowing that when a fish comes, they’ll be alerted.
Many alarms even come with wireless receivers, so you don’t have to worry about losing that 50 lb carp you’ve been waiting for just because you had to go to the bathroom for example.
Things to consider when buying the best bite alarms
How many do you need?
Bite alarms usually come in a set, and how many you need comes down to how you fish. Some anglers fish between 2 and 4 rods, and will need an alarm for each. You can also gauge your need by the size of your tackle bag.
NOTE
In my opinion, it’s best to have one for each rod you’re fishing with plus a spare so you always have a back up.
Durability & Waterproofing
One thing no one wants is to buy budget carp bite alarms that can’t survive in the rain and doesn’t last many years.
The best way to pick an alarm that’ll last for many years to come is by checking if it’s waterproof or at least water-resistant.
You’ll want your bite alarm to withstand the same conditions that, for example, your surf combos will.
This is a sign of good quality and it also means you can fish in all weather conditions.
Battery
Most alarms run on batteries but unfortunately, it’s not your regular AAA batteries, they usually require a 9v rectangular battery which is a little more expensive.
Check what batteries the alarms you’re looking at require and make sure they’re easily available nearby as you’ll want to carry spares when you’re fishing.
Do you want a wireless bite alarm?
Wireless bite alarms are a bit more expensive than non-wireless versions but the extra price is worth the value for money in my eyes.
If you own wireless or portable fish finders, you’ll know that paying a premium on not being tied down to your gear is worth it.
Wireless alarms come with a receiver with a range of between 100 and 150m. Some higher end ones come with a wireless bivvy light as well.
When you get a take, the receiver will let you know as long as you’re in range.
Move Freely
One of the best things about this is that it takes away the need to stay close enough to your rods to hear the alarm, and allows you some freedom to move around the area a bit.
You could move under the shade where you can read your fly fishing books if you’re into that.
You can also control things like the volume from the receiver, so you can leave your rods alone until you have a fish on, not disturbing them or the fish.
What features should a good alarm have?
Adjustability
One of the key features an alarm can have is the adjustability of the alarm tone, volume, and how sensitive it is.
This allows you to ensure you can hear the alarm, make sure it has a different tone to other rods in the area (yours or other anglers), and you can align how sensitive it is with your angling tactics and the species you’re after, as they all take differently.
NOTE
Adjustable alarms are usually in a higher price range, but this feature is worth every penny, and you’ll catch more fish because of it.
LEDs
The best bite alarm will have a range of LEDs as bite indicators, low battery alerts, and have a light for when it’s dark so you can see where your rods are. Some even come with a bivvy light
They are a good feature to have as they will not only help you find your rods in the dark but can indicate how strong a take you’re getting, and let you know when to change your battery.
Snag Ears
One of the most useful features to have in my eyes is snag ears. These sit above the alarm like two antennas to stop your rods from falling off them.
One thing you don’t want when you get a take is for your rod to fall and tangle up in the alarm, and snag ears to ensure this doesn’t happen.
Sound The Alarm
Best Bite Alarms On A Budget
Thanks for reading my article about the best bite alarms, I hope you enjoyed it. If you’re looking for something more for a novice, consider looking at some of the best fishing poles for beginners.
When angling for species like carp that can make you wait all day for a take, a bite alarm is key to never missing an opportunity.
If you have quite managed to decide which of the above bite alarm sets is right for you, here are the ones I’d choose and for different reasons.
Top Pick
The Elikliv Bite Alarm Sets are the perfect middle ground.
They’re great when it comes to usability, have good waterproofing, and are durable, plus they have a good feature set so you never miss a take.
Everything is adjustable from tone to volume, and the high-quality alarms will last for years to come.
Best Bite Alarms On A Budget
If you’re looking to spend as little as possible, the Lapesh Hi-tech alarms the best budget bite alarms available that still gives great value for money.
It’s a great budget alarm that’ll give you a solid indication when you get a fish to eat, and there is no need for a stand as they clip to your rod.
Best Wireless Bite Alarms
The Hirisi Wireless set is your best bite alarm set option if you’re looking for some new high-quality alarms with a wireless receiver.
Each alarm comes with its own colored LEDs, all the settings are adjustable from tone to volume, and with the receiver, you’ll be notified of a take as long as you’re within a 150-meter range of the alarms.
With these features, you’ll never miss a fish again.
Happy Fishing
Thanks again for reading my bite alarm reviews, I hope you found it useful and have picked a great set of alarms that suit you perfectly.
Please share the article around with your fishing mates, and check out some of our others too, we cover everything you might need for your next angling trip like a cooler or a headlamp for fishing. Tight lines!
