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Best Sunrise Alarm Clock
Rise and Shine With Our Expert Picks
For many people, a conventional alarm can be a jarring, unenjoyable start to the morning. Sunrise alarm clocks offer a gentler, more natural way to wake up and start your day.
Sunrise alarm clocks gradually brighten and sometimes change color to mimic a sunrise. Some products also include a sunset option, which gradually dims the light at night to help prepare your body for sleep. In addition to lighting options, many sunrise alarm clocks come with additional features like natural sounds, white noise, and meditation exercises.
We’ll discuss the best sunrise alarm clocks on the market today. We’ll also highlight the features of each product so you can determine the right alarm clock for your needs.
The Best Sunrise Alarm Clocks
In-Depth Reviews
Best Overall
Hatch Restore 2
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The dual-purpose Hatch Restore 2 serves as both a sunrise alarm and a sound machine, helping you relax before sleep and wake up feeling refreshed. This device is user-friendly and easy to operate, and you can opt for a monthly subscription to access additional audio content.
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Who it’s best for
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People who dislike traditional alarm clocks
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Those who enjoy listening to ambient noise when falling asleep
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Anyone interested in guided meditation or sleep stories
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Highlights
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Gradual color change mimic natural light patterns during sunrise and sunset
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Audio library includes nearly two dozen soothing sleep sounds
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Three speakers deliver crisp, high-quality playback
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Price
$170
Wake Up Options
Ambient sounds and white noise
Hatch’s Restore was a true game-changer for anyone who’s grown tired of their traditional audio alarm clock. This multipurpose device was engineered to mimic natural light colors during sunset and sunrise, allowing users to relax before sleep and feel refreshed each morning. The newly unveiled Restore 2 builds on the innovative flagship design with more calming features. These include 10 soothing sounds to accompany the sunrise alarm and help you wake up on a high note.
Another update is the addition of two speakers for a total of three, resulting in exceptionally crisp and clear playback. The Restore 2 also builds on the original model’s audio library with 21 new ambient sounds. For even more listening options, you can sign up for the Hatch Sleep Membership. This optional subscription grants you access to a wide array of programs including relaxing music, dreamscapes, and guided meditation. A membership isn’t required to enjoy the Restore 2’s built-in programs, but you’ll need to download Hatch’s free companion app to use the device.
The user-friendly interface consists of large buttons for activating the sunrise and sunset programs, and for turning them on and off. A flat base lets you use the device on any bedside surface. The display is covered in soft natural linen to enhance the visual effect. You can choose from three colors for the back panel.
Although the Restore 2 is more expensive than the average sunrise alarm, including its Restore predecessor, Hatch covers all shipping costs and your order includes a 60-night trial period. The Hatch Sleep Membership also comes with a 7-night trial if you choose the monthly subscription, or a 1-month trial with the annual plan. All purchases are backed by 1-year manufacturer’s warranties.
Best Value
Dekala Sunstone
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The Dekala Sunstone combines a sunrise alarm, sound machine, and phone charger at an accessible price-point. Our testing team recommends this sunrise alarm to value seekers looking for a simple sunrise alarm.
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Who it’s best for
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People who are looking for a simple device
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Those who like to listen to both natural sounds and the radio
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Anyone on a limited budget
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Highlights
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Includes FM radio
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Built-in USB charging port
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Seven natural sounds
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Price
$50
Wake Up Options
FM Radio
The Dekala Sunstone offers common features found in other sunrise alarm clocks for a lower price-point. The clock features a sleek design as well as both sunset and sunrise simulation. In the sleep-aid mode, the light gradually dims over a customizable period of 10 to 120 minutes. Sleepers can also choose between three different relaxing sounds.
In the morning, sleepers can set the light to gradually brighten over a period of 10 to 60 minutes. The Dekala Sunstone also offers a conventional alarm with seven sound options as well as an FM radio. The display includes a digital clock, and both the clock and light can be dimmed for those who prefer their room to be completely dark at night.
The clock can be charged in a standard outlet or with a USB plug. It also contains a USB port for a phone charger. You can choose from the manual version, which is operated using buttons on the device, or the smart version, which can be operated using an app, voice commands, or buttons. The smart version costs slightly more.
Dekala ships to all 50 states as well as international locations. Shoppers have 30 days to return the Sunstone if they find it doesn’t meet their needs.
Best for Kids
Hatch Rest+
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The Hatch Rest+ 2nd gen combines a time-to-rise light, sound machine, night light, and portable design with sleep training features for young children. Our testing team found the Hatch Rest+ 2nd gen was a good option for those wanting to build healthy sleep habits for their children.
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Who it’s best for
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Babies and young children
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Parents who want to build healthy sleep habits for their kids
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Anyone who wants a portable alarm clock
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Highlights
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Sound machine includes lullabies and bedtime stories
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Backup battery allows sleepers to move the device between rooms
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Customizable color display
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Price
$90
Wake Up Options
White noise, nature sounds, and lullabies
If you have little kids, a sunrise alarm clock can be beneficial for helping them fall and stay asleep. Within the Rest+ 2nd gen’s companion app, sleepers can adjust settings to create healthy sleep routines for their children. For example, you can choose a specific color light and music to signal when it’s time to get ready for bed and a separate light with white noise when it’s time to sleep. You can also set the light to change colors at a specific time in the morning, which can be a helpful way to signal to early risers that it’s okay to get up.
The Rest+ 2nd gen’s sound machine includes white noise to block out sounds that might wake up your little one. With the Hatch Sleep Membership, sleepers can access the full sound library, which has kid-friendly lullabies, meditations, and bedtime stories to help children wind down before sleep. All of these features are WiFi controlled through the Hatch Sleep App.
The Hatch Rest+ 2nd gen sits on a charging station that plugs into a wall, but the alarm clock also comes with an eight-hour backup battery so you can use the device in other locations.
Expert Tested. Sleeper Approved.
Over the past eight years, our Seattle-based Test Lab has performed hands-on tests on more than 4,000 sleep products.
As product experts, we stay up to date on the latest news in sleep science and product trends. We use this knowledge to fuel our data-backed recommendations. Our experience testing, researching, and using various sleep products allows us to develop in-depth and reliable reviews on a range of products.
Alarm clocks are an essential component in many people’s mornings, and they can have a huge impact on how you begin your day. Light exposure also plays an important role in regulating a person’s sleep-wake cycle. Sunrise alarm clocks can be a way to incorporate light exposure to your mornings and help you wake more peacefully.
When it comes to sunrise alarms, we work with data points from multiple sources to put together our recommendations. We have team members take products for a test drive in our Test Lab, we consult with field testers using them at home, and we put in the research to see what real, verified customers are saying about products after they buy. Our goal at the Test Lab is to give you the best recommendations we can for a variety of different needs.
What Is a Sunrise Alarm Clock?
A sunrise alarm clock, also known as a wake-up light, is designed to start your day with light that mimics natural sunlight. A sunrise alarm clock can wake you up by gradually changing color and getting brighter over a period of time, which can feel much less abrupt than a traditional alarm. Some of the best sunrise alarm clocks also have other features to aid sleep, like the ability to play relaxing music, meditations, and white noise.
Sunrise alarm clocks are often preferred by people who want to wake up more peacefully in the morning. Sleepers who dislike loud, sudden noises also prefer these alarm clocks over sound-based alarms.
What to Consider When Buying a Sunrise Alarm
A sunrise alarm clock can help you wake up more gently than you might with a traditional, noise-based alarm clock. If you appreciate waking up gradually or often find yourself groggy after a loud alarm, a sunrise alarm clock could be right for you.
However, there are many different types of sunrise alarm clocks to choose from. These clocks range from basic designs to feature-rich models and are available at a number of different price-points. Knowing what to look for can help identify the one that will best serve your needs.
Special Features
Many sunrise alarm clocks can do much more than just wake you up with light. Wind-down music, calming sounds, and extensive bedroom light settings have become popular features on these clocks. At bedtime, many models allow you to set a timer for the clock to play relaxing sounds while gradually dimming the light to create a smoother transition into sleep.
Additional features on some clocks include guided breathing and meditation programs that are synchronized with specific light levels. Some sunrise alarm clocks also connect to music streaming services or have a built-in radio, making them functional outside bedtime hours.
You can choose between electric and battery-operated clocks. Electric clocks typically run on USB or AC power and some have extra USB ports so that you can connect a cable and charge your mobile phone. Battery-operated clocks often use electricity as their primary power source but can draw on battery power as a backup. Clocks with battery backups can ensure your alarm remains set even if there is an unexpected power outage.
Budget
Sunrise alarm clocks are available at many price-points, but most cost anywhere from $50 to $200. Alarm clocks on the lower end of the price range usually have basic functionality with few added features. These might be best for a child’s bedroom or for anyone whose only real need is wake-up lighting.
Sunrise alarms on the higher end of the spectrum tend to have multiple color and sound options as well as compatibility with smart devices. Sleepers who want extra features to enhance their bedtime and wake-up routines might find these clocks to be a better investment.
Style
As sunrise alarm clocks have become more popular, manufacturers have created new designs to help customers choose one that fits their style. Many are rounded and have a low profile, but others have unique shapes or look like regular lamps.
Shoppers can also choose between various clock displays. Some sunrise alarm clocks have small, minimal displays to prevent sleep distractions. Others have large, bold displays that can be better for people who sleep with their alarm clocks further away from their beds.
Smart Clocks
Some sunrise alarm clocks are compatible with other technologies, like smart speakers, mobile apps, and voice assistants.
Connecting a smart sunrise alarm clock to Amazon Alexa or a mobile app can simplify the process of setting an alarm and checking that it’s ready for the next day. Integration with smart speakers can be helpful for clocks that play music to help you fall asleep or wake up, allowing the sound to work with an existing audio setup.
Smart clocks are generally priced higher than other sunrise alarm clocks, so if you won’t benefit from these features, a more simplistic clock may be a better match for you.
Dive Deeper — Product Guides By Category
For more information on other types of sleep technology, check out the guides listed below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sunrise alarm clocks work well for some sleepers. They emit calming light similar to a natural sunrise for a gradual wake-up over several minutes. This may help mimic rising naturally with morning light, which can make waking up feel more refreshing and support healthier sleep timing.
Light sleepers might benefit from a sunrise alarm clock more than sleepers who need noise to bring them out of slumber. Sunrise alarm clocks may also be especially helpful for people with hearing loss.
Sunrise alarm clocks can be a good alternative to louder, more abrupt alarms if you prefer to wake up more peacefully. Sunrise alarm clocks may also help support your body’s circadian rhythm, which helps regulate when you feel alert and when you feel drowsy.
Overall, though, limited evidence is available to determine whether a sunrise alarm clock improves sleep or overall health, so your own personal preferences may determine whether a sunrise alarm is better for you than a traditional alarm clock.
Sunrise alarm clocks typically cost between $50 and $200. However, some very basic alarms cost as low as $30, and feature-rich alarms can cost $250 or more. The price you can expect to pay will depend largely on whether you want extra features like the ability to connect to smart devices or play music and guided meditations.
Sunrise alarm clocks typically emit yellow and orange hues to simulate the bright, energizing colors of sunlight to wake you up. However, some sunrise clocks give you additional color options, like red, blue, white, and purple. While certain wavelengths of light can be cues for alertness, you may need to experiment with a sunrise alarm clock to find a light pattern that works best for you to start the day.
For certain people, light alone may not be enough to wake up, and very heavy sleepers may need an added jolt to be awakened. Some sunrise alarm clocks also have the ability to provide a noise-based alarm, so people who are worried about their ability to wake up should look for a sunrise alarm clock with a sound-based backup alarm.
Still have questions?
Our product experts have extensive experience testing just about every sleep product on the market.
Send an email to [email protected] with your questions and we’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
Jeremy is a sleep product tester with a passion for methodology and data collection.