A sunrise alarm clock gradually brightens before your alarm goes off, so you wake up to light rather than a sudden noise. For anyone who dreads dark winter mornings, it can make getting up feel much less brutal.
Here are the five we'd pick, from all-in-one sleep machines to simple wake-up lights.
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Quick picks
- Best overall: Hatch Restore 3: a sunrise alarm, sound machine and reading light in one.
- Best without an app: Philips SmartSleep Wake-up Light: Philips' proven wake-up light, with no app or subscription.
- Best budget pick: Dreamegg Sunrise 1: a sunrise alarm and sound machine for a fraction of the price.
Sunrise alarm clocks compared
| Clock | Type | Best for | Typical price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hatch Restore 3 | Sunrise alarm and sound machine | A full bedtime and wake-up routine | $150–$170 |
| Philips SmartSleep Wake-up Light | Sunrise alarm | Reliable, set-and-forget mornings | $95–$150 |
| Dreamegg Sunrise 1 | Sunrise alarm and sound machine | Trying a sunrise alarm for less | $40–$60 |
| Philips Wake-up Light HF3505 | Sunrise alarm | A no-frills wake-up light | $80–$130 |
| Loftie Lamp | Sunrise lamp | A lamp that doubles as decor | See Amazon |
Prices are typical ranges and change often. Check Amazon for today's price.
The 5 best sunrise alarm clocks
Best overall
1. Hatch Restore 3
- Sunrise alarm
- 80+ sleep sounds
- Reading light
The Restore 3 is the most complete sunrise alarm on the list. It brightens gradually before your alarm, plays sleep sounds all night, and runs a wind-down routine with a dim reading light at bedtime.
It's controlled through the Hatch Sleep app, and some guided content needs an optional Hatch+ subscription, but the sunrise alarm, light and sounds work without it.
Buy it if
You want one device to replace your phone alarm and sound machine.
Skip it if
You want something you set up once and never touch an app for.
Check price on AmazonUsually $150–$170
Best without an app
2. Philips SmartSleep Wake-up Light
- Colored sunrise simulation
- Sunset mode
- 5 natural sounds and FM radio
Philips has made wake-up lights for years, and the HF3520 is its most popular model. A colored sunrise fades in before your alarm, a sunset mode dims you toward sleep, and you can choose from five natural sounds or FM radio.
Everything is set on the device itself.
Buy it if
You want a proven sunrise alarm without another app.
Skip it if
You also want white noise through the night.
Check price on AmazonUsually $95–$150
Best budget pick
3. Dreamegg Sunrise 1
- Sunrise alarm
- 29 sleep sounds
- No app needed
Dreamegg's Sunrise 1 combines a wake-up light, a sound machine with 29 sounds and a dimmable night light, all set on the device without an app.
It's not as bright or refined as the Philips or Hatch, but it's an affordable way to find out whether waking with light helps you.
Buy it if
You want to try a sunrise alarm without spending much.
Skip it if
Your room gets a lot of daylight. A brighter lamp will cut through better.
Check price on AmazonUsually $40–$60
Best simple Philips
4. Philips Wake-up Light HF3505
- Sunrise simulation
- 2 natural sounds and FM radio
- Tap to snooze
The HF3505 is a simpler, cheaper Philips wake-up light. It has the same gradual sunrise, two wake-up sounds plus FM radio, and tap-to-snooze, but without the colored sunrise or sunset mode.
A good pick if you just want the light to do its job.
Buy it if
You want Philips quality for less.
Skip it if
You'd use a sunset mode to wind down. Get the HF3520.
Check price on AmazonUsually $80–$130
Best-looking
5. Loftie Lamp
- Sunrise alarm
- Custom color modes
- Red light for evenings
The Loftie Lamp is a bedside lamp first and a sunrise alarm second. It brightens gradually in the morning, and in the evening it can switch to a warm red light that's gentler before sleep.
It looks far nicer than most wake-up lights. Check stock and price on Amazon, as availability varies.
Buy it if
You want a sunrise light that looks like a design piece.
Skip it if
You want sleep sounds built in.
Do sunrise alarm clocks work?
Light is one of the strongest signals for your body clock, and gradual morning light can help you wake more naturally. Many people find they feel less groggy, especially in winter. They won't fix short sleep, though, so if you're not getting enough hours, the light will only help so much. Our sleep debt calculator is a quick way to check.
There's a bonus for dream fans, too. Waking gently, without a jolt, makes it easier to hold onto a dream long enough to write it down. Our dream recall calculator covers other habits that help.
Have a dream of your own?
Write what you remember and get a clear reading.
How we picked
Every clock here is sold on Amazon US. We looked for a gradual sunrise that brightens before any sound, a range of prices, and options with and without apps. We chose from product details, brand history and owner feedback rather than lab testing.
FAQ
What is the best sunrise alarm clock?
The Hatch Restore 3 if you want a sound machine as well. The Philips SmartSleep Wake-up Light if you want a reliable sunrise alarm with no app.
Are sunrise alarm clocks worth it?
For people who struggle with dark mornings, many find them worth it. They work best when you're getting enough sleep to begin with.
Can a sunrise alarm wake a heavy sleeper?
Light alone may not. Most sunrise alarms, including the Hatch, Philips and Dreamegg picks here, also play a sound at the end of the sunrise.