Best Sunrise Alarm Clock

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.

Product Details

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.

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.

The Casper Glow Light offers both sunset and sunrise simulations with a cordless design. The light rests on a charging platform, which plugs into a standard outlet. Once charged, the battery lasts for several nights, allowing you to set it up in different locations.

Though the Casper Glow Light doesn’t offer audio features or a clock, our testers enjoyed its simple design. Sleepers can flip the light to turn it on or off and twist it to adjust the brightness. The light gradually dims over a 45-minute period at night. Sleepers also have the option to adjust the dimming duration with the Glow app. In the morning, the light gradually brightens to wake sleepers at their desired time.

The portable design also allows sleepers to use the Casper Glow Light in different rooms. Sleepers can simply shake the light to turn on night light mode. You can also sync multiple Glow Lights together if you want to add more light to a room.

The Casper Glow Light can be used without a smartphone, but the accompanying Glow app offers a full range of customizable features, such as synching lights and programming light settings. Casper offers a 30-night trail with each purchase of the Glow Light.

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.