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In This Review: Top 7 Picks | Buying Guide | How To Get the Best Results | FAQ | Methodology
Sunrise alarm clocks can make waking up easier by gently introducing artificial light and sounds into a bedroom, mimicking a natural sunrise to work with the body’s circadian rhythm. Most sunrise alarms range in price between $20 and $250 depending on the additional features included.
We reviewed dozens of models to select the best sunrise alarm clocks. The Philips SmartSleep Wake-up Light is our top choice because of its multifunctional features and wide range of settings. Our team also identified six other sunrise alarm clocks that impressed us with special features and performance.
Best Sunrise Alarm Clocks: Our Top 7 Picks
- Best Overall: Philips SmartSleep Wake-up Light
- Best Sound Machine: Hatch Restore 2 Sunrise Alarm Clock
- Best Shareable: JALL Wake Up Light Sunrise Alarm Clock
- Best All-in-One: WiiM Wake-up Light Sunrise Alarm Clock
- Best Sleep Tracker: Philips SmartSleep Connected Sleep and Wake-Up Light
- Best Reading Lamp: Lumie Bodyclock Rise 100 Alarm Clock
- Best for Kids: Amazon Echo Glow Multicolor Smart Lamp
Compare Top Sunrise Alarm Clocks
| Product | Smart Compatibility | Wake-up Sounds | Brightness Settings | Nightlight/Reading Lamp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philips SmartSleep Wake-up Light | No | 5 | 20 | Yes |
| Hatch Restore 2 Sunrise Alarm Clock | Hatch+ App | 21 | 1–100% | Yes |
| JALL Wake Up Light Sunrise Alarm Clock | No | 7 | 20 | Yes |
| WiiM Wake-up Light Sunrise Alarm Clock | Alexa | Unlimited | N/A | Yes |
| Philips SmartSleep Connected Sleep and Wake-Up Light | Philips SleepMapper | 8 | 25 | Yes |
| Lumie Bodyclock Rise 100 Alarm Clock | No | N/A | N/A | Yes |
| Amazon Echo Glow Multicolor Smart Lamp | Alexa | N/A | 1–100% | Yes |
| Product | Smart Compatibility | Wake-up Sounds | Brightness Settings | Nightlight/Reading Lamp |
Terms To Know for Sunrise Alarm Clocks
- Smart Compatibility: This feature allows the alarm clock to connect with other smart devices or apps, enhancing user experience through voice control or app integration. Smart compatibility provides convenience and customization, making the product a versatile part of a smart home ecosystem.
- Number of Wake-up Sounds: The variety of wakeup sounds means users can choose from multiple sounds for their alarm, catering to personal preferences for a more pleasant waking experience. It’s important as it adds to the personalization of the alarm and can make waking up a more pleasant experience.
- Number of Brightness Settings: With adjustable brightness settings, users can customize the light intensity of the alarm clock to their comfort level. Some clocks have pre-set brightness levels, while others can be customized from 1% to 100% brightness.
Best Overall
Courtesy AmazonPhilips SmartSleep Wake-up Light
- $108.95
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: Someone struggling with falling asleep and waking up who wants an attractive clock without worrying about smart features.
What Are People Saying About the Philips SmartSleep Wake-up Light?
Our research revealed that customers like how enjoyable this sunrise alarm is to wake up to in the morning, saying that the warm light was pleasant and especially helpful during dark winter months. Complaints about this device revolve around the interface being complicated to use.
“I tend to get sick of my alarm sounds usually, but I really enjoy the bell chimes and the gentle way the light wakes me up. It’s also easy to snooze (no button, just tap the top of the clock) which might be a pro or con depending on your outlook.” — Sarah Nuse via Amazon
“Other reviewers are right — the light quality is pretty good, but the controls are poorly designed. Buttons are on the outer ring (which you cannot see without standing up and moving your head around the clock). There are some touch controls on the front, which are not any easier to use because of the confusing icons…” — David G via Amazon
Best Sound Machine
Courtesy Best BuyHatch Restore 2 Sunrise Alarm Clock
- $200
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: Someone who needs to drown out external noises at night to fall asleep.
What Are People Saying About the Hatch Restore 2 Sunrise Alarm Clock?
People love this sunrise machine for its aesthetically appealing look, easy controls, and smooth performance. But between the price and the subscription requirement, some reviewers felt that this clock was asking too much.
“Just got the Hatch Restore 2 and it’s awesome! It’s not only aesthetic looking, but super easy to set up. It’s an alarm, sleep aid, and night light all in one! The sounds and lights are super relaxing – honestly perfect for unwinding before bed, especially if you have sleep anxiety. The sunrise alarm wakes me up gently, which is way better than my old annoying alarm. It’s been a huge help, especially on mornings when I need to get up early to walk our two dogs. Adjusting settings with the app is a breeze, and finding the right vibe for sleep and wake-up is easy. Totally worth it for better sleep and less stressful mornings! I’ve honestly been telling all my friends about this! 10/10 would get it again!” — hanh do via Amazon
“Pros: it looks like nice decor, the sunrise colors are pretty, the sound is nice. Cons: The price is crazy high, a lot of features like the light dimming simulating a sunset and several sleep sounds are only available with the paid subscription, the app is unnecessarily complicated, wish it had a feature that would allow you to tap the light on at night for middle of the night bathroom trips, and even on its dimmest setting, the backlit clock is too bright.” — Amber B. via Amazon
Best Shareable Alarm
Courtesy AmazonJALL Wake Up Light Sunrise Alarm Clock
- $38.99
- $52.98
- 26% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: Couples with separate wake-up times or someone who wants to try a sunrise alarm at a lower price point.
What Are People Saying About the JALL Wake Up Light Sunrise Alarm Clock?
Reviewers love the soothing qualities and many customization options of this alarm, including the ability to set the clock to different colors for mood lighting. A handful felt overwhelmed by the interface.
“Bought this in 2020 and it’s still going strong. I’ve pretty much kept the same settings for all that time — 30 minute ‘sunrise time’ and at the alarm time the birds start chirping. The gradual sunrise slowly stirs me out of sleep to the point that I’m pretty much awake by the time the birds start. The birds gradually get louder too, so it’s another gentle way to get you going. So much more pleasant than a traditional alarm. I really like this device. It’s portable enough to travel with, and your settings are saved after unplugging and plugging back in.” — Avery Hicks via Amazon
“The product can be difficult to use with an unnecessary amount of buttons that [are] not always easily readable. You will consistently have to [have] the manual near you to check how to update the light colors, brightness, time, and sounds. The light itself is ‘bright’ but does not have the ‘sunshine’ feeling that is heavily advertised…” — Danilo via Amazon
Best All-In-One
Courtesy AmazonWiiM Wake-up Light Sunrise Alarm Clock
- $129
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: Someone who wants hands-free control and has other Alexa-enabled devices at home.
What Are People Saying About the WiiM Wake-up Light Sunrise Alarm Clock?
Overall, people love the ease of use of this sunrise clock. It also earns points for its multitude of color options and ability to connect to numerous apps for sounds and music streaming. The clunkiness of some of the features causes some users to be dissatisfied after paying a premium for this clock.
“I really liked this product. Setting it up was relatively easy and simple, and using it had been great. I use it every night to play calming music, and I feel like it’s helped me fall asleep quicker. The different color options for the light are all very pretty, and it makes my room look much nicer. Overall, a great product!” — Fan Wu via Amazon
“The good: the phone app is pretty intuitive and easy to use. And the clock does all the things it’s supposed to. The bad: when using the sunset feature before bed the dimming is choppy. It seems to go in stages rather than smoothly from light to dark. And if you have sound as part of your bedtime routine, it does not fade out, but rather just stops…” — Iva via Amazon
Best Sleep Tracker
Courtesy AmazonPhilips SmartSleep Connected Sleep and Wake-Up Light
- $
- $317.41
- % off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: Someone who wants to track sleep behaviors.
What Are People Saying About the Philips SmartSleep Connected Sleep and Wake-Up Light?
Reviewers generally think that this sunrise clock is worth every penny because of the way it provides such a gentle, natural wakeup experience. A few felt that access to features is too reliant on the app.
“I tried a different brand, but setting the wake time was just awful to set and limited. I have set three different wake times reoccurring on different weekdays. The light is gentle and slow. Perfect for a more natural wake-up.” — Kansas Shopper via Amazon
“Better than expected. The setup could be improved, and it would be great to have more control over the lamp without having to open the app on the phone. But overall, the effect is noticeable. It is easier to wake up and with more energy. Even my cats are fans now.” — Client d’Amazon via Amazon
Best Reading Lamp
Courtesy AmazonLumie Bodyclock Rise 100 Alarm Clock
- $99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: The person who likes to cozy up with a book before bedtime.
What Are People Saying About the Lumie Bodyclock Rise 100 Alarm Clock?
Reviewers are generally pleased with the performance and features of this clock. While people were happy with it, many had a sense that it was slightly overpriced for what it offers.
“Love this clock! After lots of research, I decided on the Lumie as a more budget-friendly option than the big brand. We’re very happy to discover we didn’t need any of the bells and whistles (do you really need another app subscription just to wake up feeling normal?). The first few weeks during the spring (darker mornings) was an adjustment because the red light coming on would wake us up 30 mins before the full-brightness “alarm.” We’ve since gotten used to it. I can’t remember the last time I woke up feeling constantly refreshed and not groggy or disoriented. […]” — Samantha M. via Amazon
“I had a BioBrite clock and was looking for a new one that was easier to program. After a lot of looking, this clock seemed to fit the bill even though it was much more expensive than the Philips et al are. It is indeed easier to program, useful when we change the time in the spring and the fall. BUT when the wake up cycle is finished, it turns off the alarm. In other words, if you want it to wake you up the next day you must remember to press the alarm button. […]. Also, the first color of the clock’s sunrise is red. And that cannot be changed. Finally, it seems that you can’t replace the lights in this, which means that if they go out, you have to buy a new clock. I wish I had known all of this before purchase.” — coquine via Amazon
Best for Kids
Courtesy AmazonAmazon Echo Glow Multicolor Smart Lamp
- $
- $29.99
- % off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: Parents who need help with training kids to wake up independently.
What Are People Saying About the Amazon Echo Glow Multicolor Smart Lamp?
Overall, parents who have purchased this for their kids love the dimmable options and color-based cues. They also find it very easy to use. However, several parents complained about the sensitivity of the device, stating that movements in the house can trigger the light to increase brightness in the middle of the night.
“Got this for my son’s room, loved how customizable it is. I was able to set it to a warmer color temperature (Amber) as not to disrupt his natural circadian rhythm. It also dims to 1% brightness, so you can make sure it isn’t so bright that it keeps him awake. I found setting it at 8% brightness was the sweet spot for his room. I also like that it can be used as an indicator light as he gets older, like having it turn green when it’s ok for him to leave his room in the morning as not to disrupt his still-sleeping parents. Very versatile and easy to connect to an existing Amazon Alexa system. I did have issues sharing functionality with my wife, so currently I’m the only one who can make changes to it. Will need to dedicate some time to troubleshooting that issue.” — Michael Benvenuto via Amazon
“We have this set up in our son’s room as a night light. The slightest movement of anything around it or near it, the slightest vibration changes the color and turns the brightness all the way up. Got to the point where we had to turn off the touch capabilities because it kept waking him up in the middle of the night.” — Bsiren via Amazon
What To Know Before Buying a Sunrise Alarm Clock
There’s a good chance that sleep quality is important to you if you’re looking for the best sunrise alarm clocks. This rundown of what to know before you choose one will help you focus on the right features.
What sounds should you look for in a sunrise alarm clock?
Customers have two ways to approach sounds on sunrise alarm clocks. If you sleep in a noisy environment where outside traffic or sounds from your walls make falling asleep difficult, prioritize an alarm clock that doubles as a white noise machine. White noise can help to block out sounds that can disrupt sleep.
If you fall asleep in a quiet environment, you may be looking for the ambient or soothing sounds that help to lull you into a relaxed state. Nature sounds that include waves, trickling water, and whales can all be good for soothing you into slumber. For morning sounds that help to get the brain alert, look for chirping birds or music that gradually increases in volume and pace.
Are sunrise alarm clocks smart compatible?
It depends; some sunrise alarm clocks today are smart compatible, and they will typically cost more. Some smart clocks allow you to manage your sleep schedule. Others will sync up with Alexa, branded apps, or other platforms to let you select from a library of music and sounds. If you would like to stay “unplugged” as part of your sleep routine, there are models available that do not require any app connection to access their features.
How big is a typical sunrise alarm clock?
Sunrise alarm clocks are designed to rest on a nightstand without being disruptive. Typical dimensions will be about 10 inches high by 10 inches wide, with a depth between 4 inches and 7 inches. If you’re looking for a sunrise alarm clock for travel, disc-shaped clocks with thin profiles can be neatly packed away flat.
What lighting features do sunrise alarm clocks have?
Sunrise alarm clocks have gradual LED lighting features that are designed to mimic the light exposure of a natural sunrise. Most models also have a “sunset” feature that slowly decreases light exposure. Aside from the sunrise/sunset feature, many models also have modes with dozens of color options that can be used for reading lamps, night lights, and ambient lights.
How To Get the Best Results From Your New Sunrise Alarm Clock
While a sunrise alarm clock can be an incredible tool for improving morning alertness, people who buy these clocks shouldn’t expect them to work like magic. In order to get the best results, integrate a sunrise alarm clock as part of an overall plan for better sleep hygiene. Here are some tips for getting the most from your new purchase.
Set Your Sunrise Alarm for the Same Time Each Day
By waking up at the same time each day, we reinforce the circadian rhythm. Waking up at the same time each day also helps our bodies to maintain the same bedtimes at night. This consistency is the secret to alertness and energy for many people. Avoid the temptation to skip your sunrise alarm clock on the weekends to help maintain your schedule.
Don’t Look at Other Screens While Your Sunset Feature Is Working
After setting your alarm for the night, avoid the temptation to watch television or scroll on your phone. Exposure to blue light on digital devices tricks the brain into thinking it’s still daytime. The gradually decreasing soft light on your new sunset alarm clock has the opposite effect because it lets your body count down to full darkness.
Make Sure Your Bedroom Is a Restful Place
Besides unplugging from electronics before bedtime, you should make sure that your sleeping environment is relaxing and restful.
- Consider installing a smart thermostat to automatically adjust the temperature in your home to make it easier to fall asleep and wake up.
- Improve the airflow and add white noise with a ceiling fan.
- Use blackout curtains to block out distracting streetlights and lights from buildings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sunrise Alarm Clocks
How long before the alarm turns on does a sunrise alarm clock start emitting light?
Most sunrise alarms begin emitting light at a gradual pace 30 minutes before the alarm turns on. Many brands allow you to shorten the buildup to 10, 15 or 20 minutes.
Does using a sunrise alarm clock improve sleep quality?
Research confirms that that morning light that is known as the “dawn signal” is essential for healthy circadian rhythms. Researchers say that exposure to morning light has an alerting effect.
Can you snooze a sunrise alarm clock?
This feature varies by brand and model. Many brands that are focused on supporting sleep health do not provide a snooze option. However, it is possible to snooze some sunrise alarms.
Are sunrise alarm clocks good for heavy sleepers?
While there is no guarantee that any type of alarm clock can improve wakeup experiences for heavy sleepers, the sunrise effect and gentle alarm of a sunrise alarm clock do help many people who struggle with early mornings to wake up more easily.
Our Methodology
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIY-ers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content. Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products in the home space, including power tools, outdoor equipment, major appliances, kitchen gadgets, electronics, and more that focus on product quality and helpfulness to our readers.
To provide our readers with the best recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of sunrise alarm clocks with a significant number of verified buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we compared each model’s feature set to create a final short list, selecting the best-in-class options for various buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.
Questions or Comments?
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