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Best Sunrise Alarm Clock (2025): No More Hitting the Snooze Button

Sleepopolis may earn a commission on sales through our affiliate links in this article. This commission allows us to run our testing lab and continue to bring our readers the most comprehensive information on sleep and related products. See our disclosures.

If you’re like me, there’s nothing worse than the jarring sound of my morning alarm. While I’d much prefer to wake up naturally every morning, this isn’t always possible. Enter – the sunrise alarm clock. Using light instead of (or in addition to) sound to wake you up, these alarm clocks mimic natural sunlight, which helps regulate the body’s natural sleep-wake cycles, called the circadian rhythm.

According to Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Sleepopolis Medical Advisor Dr. Shelby Harris, using an alarm clock with a sunrise simulation helps you fall asleep faster and wake up quicker in the morning. She said, “Sunrise alarm clocks are especially beneficial during the winter when the sun rises later, and can help improve symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), insomnia, jet-lag, and other sleep issues.”

If you’re in the market for a sunrise alarm clock, you may feel overwhelmed by all the options online. Fear not — I’ve rounded up the six best options based on our product testing team’s experiences with them. We evaluated the sunrise feature, any extras, and how easy they were to use. We also consulted our Chief Medical Advisor, Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP. FCCP, FAASM, who provides us with expert tips and recommendations for common sleep issues.

Our Top Pick:

The Hatch Restore 3 lands at the top of my list, earning a perfect 5-star rating from our tester for its lighting features, alarm function, and overall wow factor. Additionally, this product is recommended by Sleepopolis Medical Advisor and licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Shelby Harris for its adjustable features that allow you to customize your wake-up experience.

Best Sunrise Alarm Clock

Disclaimer: Please note that the content in this article is meant for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice or serve as a substitute for seeing a medical professional regarding any sleep problems you may have. Please see your doctor regarding any urgent medical issues.

What I Looked For in the Best Sunrise Alarm Clock

Our expert product testers and certified sleep science coaches assessed these sunrise alarm clocks, waking up with them for several mornings, and evaluating the various features these clocks offer. 

We assessed our experience using our review methodology, focusing on the following key factors:

  • Sunrise Feature: As we evaluated sunrise alarm clocks, we naturally focused on the sunrise lighting features, noting whether the gradual increase in light actually helped us wake up. We also paid close attention to any customizable features, such as color variations, adjustable brightness, or timed settings.
  • Alarm Function: Some sunrise alarm clocks still have a noise element. Our testers evaluated the alarm’s effectiveness, its customization options, and its ability to be soothing or stimulating.
  • Wow Factor: Many of the clocks we tested had extra features that went above and beyond our expectations. We assessed how extras such as a built-in sound machine or Bluetooth function enhanced our overall experience. 
  • Ease of Use: Although some sunrise alarm clocks are more advanced than others, they should all be easy to set and use. We evaluated how quickly we could begin using it after unboxing and how intuitive the operations were.

Best Sunrise Alarm Clock Video Review

For a quick glance at the best sunrise alarm clocks, check out our video review. Keep in mind, we’ve recently updated this article, so the video may not reflect our current top picks.

Hatch Restore 3Best Overall Sunrise Alarm Clock

Hatch Restore Alarm Clock

Hatch Restore Alarm Clock

The Hatch Restore uses light and sound for gentle bedtime and wake-up routines. It is controlled via an app and has the option to subscribe to additional wellness content.

Read Full Review

The Hatch Restore 3 isn’t just an alarm clock, but a fully customizable circadian-rhythm coach. Sleepopolis medical advisor Dr. Shelby Harris says, “The Hatch Restore is one of the most customizable sunrise clocks and includes sleep sounds, adjustable brightness levels, and an app that allows you to personalize your sleep and wake times.” 

Our tester was impressed with the variety of features, rating the alarm, sunrise feature, and wow factor 5 stars each. Therefore, the Hatch Restore 3 lands at the top of my list as the best overall sunrise alarm clock.

The Hatch Restore
The Hatch Restore

Unlike a traditional alarm clock, the Hatch has a fabric “face”. The fabric acts as a thin curtain, allowing light to seep through gradually. Our tester, Melanie Kassel, rated the build and display 5 stars, saying, “One of my absolute favorite things about it is that you can hide the digital time display for total darkness at night.” The time is displayed at the base of the clock and appears and reappears just by tapping it. 

When using the sunrise feature, you can choose from a variety of light colors and gradient presets, allowing you to fully customize your wake-up routine. For example, Melanie was partial to the “Blue Ridge” preset, which starts at a deep blue and gradually transitions to a bright orange. You can also instantly control the light’s intensity with a slider that ranks brightness on a scale from 1 to 100, so she rated the sunrise feature 5 stars.

Melanie thought the Hatch exceeded the basic expectations of a sunrise alarm clock, especially since it doubles as a sound machine. She rated the “wow factor” 5 stars because she was astounded by the variety of noises available. “I prefer to wake up to some light harp or piano music,” she said. “But, if I wanted, I could choose acoustic covers of 90s boy band songs, or even a pep talk from an ‘Obnoxiously Famous Personal Trainer’.”

One of the Hatch’s most notable features is its app, which allows you to change the light color, sequence, and type of alarms.  After the preferences are set, you can put your phone away and use the controls on the Hatch to operate it from there. Melanie found this to be a seamless process, rating the ease of use 4 stars.

Keep in mind that Hatch requires a “Hatch+” monthly subscription of $4.99 to unlock all features, including additional sounds to choose from, lighting options, and bonus content. While you can still access the main alarm and light functions without a subscription, you will need to pay extra for the full experience.

Read our full review for a deep dive into this sunrise alarm clock.

Hatch Restore 3 Sleepopolis Scores

Poor
Average
Excellent

1
2
3
4
5
3
Price
4
Ease of Use
5
Build
5
Display
5
Alarm Function
5
Sunrise Function
5
Wow Factor
4
Customer Service
4
Customer Review

Lumie Bodyclock Glow 150 – Best Sunrise and Sunset Alarm Clock

Lumie Bodyclock Glow 150

Lumie Bodyclock Glow 150

This sunrise alarm clock has great multi-functionality as a functional alarm, light, and sound machine. We rated it highly for extra features and ease-of-use after setup.

Instead of crowding your bedside with both an alarm clock and a lamp, the Lumie Bodyclock Glow 150 allows you to consolidate both into one compact device. In addition to a sunrise alarm clock, the Lumie doubles as a fading sunset light with adjustable brightness. With a 5-star rating for its alarm, sunrise function, and extra features, this alarm clock is a great choice for people looking for a peaceful transition in and out of sleep.

A Lumie Bodyclock Glow 150 on a table next to flowers while glowing white
The Lumie Bodyclock Glow 150

While most people purchase a sunrise alarm clock to help them wake up, the Lumie Bodyclock can also be used to help you fall asleep. You can choose between 20, 30, or 45-minute sunrise or sunset simulations, which gradually brighten in the morning and dim at night. When using the sunset feature, the light will either dim to a very low level, acting as a nightlight for the rest of the night, or turn off completely. 

Our expert tester, Sosha Lewis, was initially skeptical of this product, not fully buying into the concept of simulating a natural wake-up. Since she prefers to wake up with her internal body clock, she’s not a fan of blaring alarms. However, she thinks the Lumie is the only alarm she’s ever tried that mimics a gentle, peaceful sunrise, so she rated this feature 5 stars.

To accompany the sunrise and sunset features, the Lumie offers calming sounds. Whether you want to fall asleep and wake up to white noise, a thunderstorm, or even a purring cat, you’ll be able to personalize the ambiance. When Sosha tried these alarms, she rated them 5 stars for wow factor, saying, “I love that you can customize the sounds to assist in a gentle wake-up so much better than walking up to a jarring siren.” 

Sosha was also impressed with the overall design and aesthetic of the Lumie. While its construction is plastic, she thought it felt durable and was pleasing to the eye. “I thought it was going to be hokey, but it’s not. I’m impressed with the materials and construction, and it makes me feel warm and fuzzy,” she said.

The only issue Sosha encountered was the setup process, which wasn’t very intuitive, so she rated the ease of use 3 stars. We recommend reading the instruction manual thoroughly before setting up the Lumie to ensure smooth operation. Once she dug into the instructions, she was able to complete the setup, but she still couldn’t figure out how to switch it off of military time.

Lumie Bodyclock Glow 150 Sleepopolis Scores

Poor
Average
Excellent

1
2
3
4
5
4
Price
3
Ease of Use
5
Build
4
Display
5
Alarm Function
5
Sunrise Function
5
Wow Factor
5
Customer Service
4
Customer Review

Reacher Sunrise Alarm ClockBest Customizable Sunrise Alarm Clock

Reacher Sunrise Alarm Clock

Reacher Sunrise Alarm Clock

This sunrise alarm clock stands out as one of the most configurable, mainly for the large variety of sounds offered and programmable colored lighting. Aside from being so easy to personalize, this is also one of the most affordable sunrise clocks currently available.

For people with very specific sleep needs, a customizable alarm clock can be an easy way to personalize their sleep experience. I chose the Reacher Sunrise Alarm Clock as the best customizable device because it offers 26 unique sounds, a dimmable night light, and an adjustable color scheme. Additionally, our tester, Dan Caffrey, put the Reacher together in mere minutes, earning 5 stars for ease of use.

A close look at the display of a Reacher Sunrise Alarm Clock at night.
A close look at the display of a Reacher Sunrise Alarm Clock at night.

When Dan received the Reacher Sunrise Alarm Clock, he didn’t even glance at the instructions. Each button is clearly labeled on top of the clock, allowing you to change the sunrise duration, flip through different sounds, and set your alarm time. Although an instruction manual is included in the packaging, he found the setup and operation to be very intuitive.

The Reacher offers eight color variations, which can be adjusted from 0% to 100% brightness. During his evaluation, Dan was impressed by the alarm and sunrise features, which he rated 5 stars. 

“As my first sunrise alarm clock, I was really taken by all the colors and customizable settings,” he said. “To be honest, I don’t need an alarm clock since I have a three-year-old, but I enjoyed the sunrise function here and found it soothing and hypnotic.”

Another feature that stood out to Dan was the 26 unique sleep sounds he could choose if he wanted to drift off to soothing noise. From ocean waves and rainstorms to heartbeats and campfires, people who need auditory assistance to fall asleep can appreciate the wide variety of options available. The noise feature has an auto-off timer that ranges from 5 minutes to 180 minutes, as well as adjustable volume, so he rated the wow factor 5 stars.

At just 11.2 ounces, the Reacher is a remarkably lightweight product, making it easy to transport and store. While Dan said it felt sturdy in his hand without being too bulky, he questioned how durable the parts were inside, given that they were so lightweight. Depending on the color you choose, the clock costs around $50, making it one of the cheapest options in this roundup. 

Reacher Sunrise Alarm Clock Sleepopolis Scores

Poor
Average
Excellent

1
2
3
4
5
3.5
Price
5
Ease of Use
3.5
Build
4
Display
5
Alarm Function
5
Sunrise Function
4.5
Wow Factor
4.5
Customer Service
4.3
Customer Review

WiiM Wake-Up LightBest Smart Sunrise Alarm Clock

WiiM Wake-Up Light

WiiM Wake-Up Light

This sunrise alarm clock is one of the most advanced options available, with built-in integration for services like Spotify and Alexa. This product costs more than some clocks, having a quality exterior and packed with high-tech features.

If you’re a tech-savvy shopper looking for an advanced alarm clock, I recommend the WiiM Wake-Up Light. It’s not just a smart sunrise alarm clock — it actually has a built-in Amazon Alexa. In addition to achieving perfect 5-star scores in alarm and sunrise functions, the WiiM can also be used as a reading light, sound machine, and speaker, making it more of a personal bedside assistant than just a clock. 

The WiiM Wake-Up Light glowing pink
The WiiM Wake-Up Light

The WiiM Wake-Up Light is one of the more luxurious options on this list, having a display screen that mimics fine glass but erupts into numerous colors when the sunrise feature is in use. When expert Dan Caffrey tested this gadget, he said, “There are tons of color options here, and you can really see the nuances of various shades that fade into one another. Looking at the clock is like looking at, well, a sunrise.”

While the sunrise is a key feature of the WiiM, Dan was in awe of the various bells and whistles. In addition to a colored sunrise wake-up, the device can light up to act as a bedside lamp. Additionally, it has built-in speakers, so it’s also a sound machine. He rated the wow factor 4.5 stars and said, “The options are endless. There are built-in white noise and nature options, but you can wake up to pretty much anything — your favorite playlist or even your favorite podcast – because you can connect it to Spotify or other streaming services.”

To control the speakers and other functions, you can use the on-device buttons, the WiiM Light app, or Alexa voice activation. When the Alexa feature is set up, you can ask it to set alarms, control the lighting, automate daily routines, check your calendar, and more. This is unique among the sunrise alarm clocks our team has tested, making it the most tricked-out product on this list.

While Alexa adds an advanced technological element, it also introduces a level of complexity to the product. To use the clock, you must first connect it to Alexa and then download the app. Dan said, “Once everything was set up, it worked great, and I appreciated the voice function. But it took a little while to get there.” Since you can’t just plug it in and use it as a stand-alone clock, he rated the ease of use 3 stars.

WiiM Wake-Up Light Sleepopolis Scores

Poor
Average
Excellent

1
2
3
4
5
3
Price
3
Ease of Use
5
Build
4.5
Display
5
Alarm Function
5
Sunrise Function
4.5
Wow Factor
3.5
Customer Service
3.5
Customer Review

Jall Wake-Up LightBest Budget Sunrise Alarm Clock

Jall Sunrise Alarm Clock

Jall Sunrise Alarm Clock

Affordable wake‑up light alarm clock with sunrise simulation, customizable light and sound options, dual alarms, FM radio, and enhanced wake-up experience.

Sunrise alarm clocks can vary in price, ranging from inexpensive to luxury, based on their materials, features, and brand. While some devices come with countless features, some shoppers simply want a good value product, a sunrise alarm clock that works as it should without breaking the bank. If this sounds like you, I recommend the Jall Wake-Up Light. Although it’s the cheapest option on this roundup, it didn’t skimp on performance and still earned 5 stars for its alarm and sunrise functions.

A recently unboxed Jall Sunrise Alarm Clock. The various parts are laid out on a table.
A Jall Sunrise Alarm Clock fresh out of its box.

The Jall is currently listed for $45 at full retail, but it’s often on sale for around $30. When our expert tester, Kenny Timper, assessed this budget buy, he said, “It doesn’t come with any crazy apps, but it functions as it should, and that’s what counts.” 

Kenny also noted that the 25 available alarm sounds were able to get quite loud and should wake up even the heaviest of sleepers. “There’s a lot of pleasant, natural sounds you can wake up to. I liked the wind chimes and bird sounds the most.” There’s also the option to listen to FM radio or connect your phone to the Bluetooth speakers.

Although it’s a cheaper sunrise alarm clock, there’s still a variety of lighting modes to choose from — 15 to be exact. There’s your typical sunrise colors, but you can also choose options like a striking red or vibrant green. These lights are also adjustable, allowing you to brighten or dim them according to the time of day.

As a cheaper product, the Jall’s materials aren’t the most durable. Made from lightweight plastic, Kenny thought it felt cheaply made, which tarnishes some of the potential wow factor. The controls are a bit clunky, and the alarm wouldn’t hold up if you threw it against the wall, but it’s still a great choice for budget-conscious shoppers. 

Jall Wake-Up Light Sleepopolis Scores

Poor
Average
Excellent

1
2
3
4
5
4
Price
4
Ease of Use
3
Build
5
Display
5
Alarm Function
5
Sunrise Function
4
Wow Factor
5
Customer Service
4.3
Customer Review

Philips SmartSleep Wake-Up LightBest Modern Sunrise Alarm Clock

PHILIPS SmartSleep Wake-Up Light

PHILIPS SmartSleep Wake-Up Light

This offering from PHILIPS features twenty different brightness settings that imitate a sunrise, as well as a dimming light for nighttime.

Sleepopolis Score
4.40 / 5
Read Full Review

Sunrise alarm clocks come in various shapes and sizes, offering distinct visual aesthetics. For a sleek and modern design that complements the overall bedroom design, I recommend the Philips Smartsleep Wake-Up Light. With a design that resembles a real sun looming over the horizon, this clock features 20 brightness settings and can also serve as a bedside table lamp. During testing, the Philips SmartSleep earned 4.5 stars for its durable construction and 4 stars for its display.

The Philips SmartSleep Wake Up Clock Lit Up
The Philips SmartSleep Wake Up Clock

When our Sleepopolis expert tester, Livvi DiCicco, tried the Philips SmartSleep, she thought it was visually pleasing and solidly built. The first time she used it was after she had moved into a new apartment, and it functioned as both her morning alarm clock and nightstand lamp. If you’re someone who doesn’t like too much clutter, you can appreciate the dual functionality of this product.

When Livvi tested the Phillips, she thought it made a great choice for night shift workers looking to alter their body clock to an unusual wake-up time. “It’s got a nice warm glow, and I think that if you’re sensitive to light, it will definitely wake you up and mimic the sun. She rated the sunrise function 4 stars because of its adjustable brightness, which can range from dim to more intense.

This sunrise alarm clock is also a good choice for people who don’t want to sleep in complete darkness. Since it acts as a stand-alone light, it can be used as a nightlight in both adult and kids’ bedrooms. Livvi also noted that the actual time displayed on the clock casts a faint glow on the lowest setting, which can appeal to those wanting a dimmer light.

Livvi thinks the bright light is enough to wake you from your slumber, but she wasn’t impressed by the alarm’s sound quality. The options are a bit limited – just five wake-up sounds that consist of a few standard beeps, a bird song, or FM radio. However, deep sleepers who typically sleep through their alarm may need an option with louder, more abrupt sounds available.

Philips SmartSleep Wake-Up Light Sleepopolis Scores

Poor
Average
Excellent

1
2
3
4
5
2
Price
3.5
Ease of Use
4.5
Build
4
Display
3
Alarm Function
4
Sunrise Function
3.5
Wow Factor
4.5
Customer Service
4
Customer Review

Other Alarm Clocks I Considered

If you’re now realizing that a sunrise alarm clock isn’t for you, don’t worry. Below, I’ll leave you with two bonus alarm clocks that also make great choices. You can also check out our Best Alarm Clock roundup for more.

Loftie Smart Alarm Clock

The Loftie Alarm Clock is small, yet it packs a powerful punch. As a smart clock, it can be controlled through an app to play different alarm tones and soundscapes. Although it doesn’t have a sunrise feature, it does have bottom lighting and still earned 4 stars or higher for its build, user-friendliness, and functionality. You can also sign up for the Loftie Rest subscription, which includes sleep coaching, bedtime stories, wind-down routines, and more.

Sharp AccuSet Jumbo Mirror Display Alarm Clock

The Sharp AccuSet Jumbo Mirror Display Alarm Clock is a classic digital alarm clock featuring a simple and sleek design. While it doesn’t have many extra features, it does have a USB port on the back, which allows you to charge your other devices easily. Additionally, this alarm clock is surprisingly loud, making it an excellent choice for heavy sleepers who often sleep through most alarms.

How We Picked and Tested These Sunrise Alarm Clocks

Each of our testers evaluated these sunrise alarm clocks in their own homes, setting out to answer the question: What is the best sunrise alarm clock? Below, I’ll break down the main factors we looked for during the testing process.

Sunrise Feature

Sunrise alarm clocks are designed to make waking up — and falling asleep — as smooth and natural an experience as can be by regulating the body’s circadian rhythm. Dr. Dasgupta says, “Sunrise alarm clocks act like a gentle sunrise in your room before you wake up. They’re effective for certain people because they help you wake up more naturally and hopefully feel less groggy. They work best when you stick to a regular sleep schedule and create a comfortable sleep space. So, they’re like a friendly nudge from the sun to help you start your day on the right foot!”

The Lumie Bodyclock Glow 150 glowing orange
The Lumie Bodyclock Glow 150 glowing orange as it emulates the sun beginning to rise

We evaluated the sunrise functions using a 5-star rating scale, which I’ll outline below.

  • 1 Star: The clock lights up unpredictably and is either too bright or too dim. 
  • 2 Stars: The clock lights up when it’s supposed to, but is either too bright or too dim.
  • 3 Stars: The clock lights up gradually and, though it’s clearly not an actual sunrise, you appreciate the effort.
  • 4 Stars: The clock lights up gradually and mimics the effect of an actual sunrise or sunset on your circadian rhythm.
  • 5 Stars: The clock lights up gradually and has a lot of customizability: different colors, different speeds, different settings for sunrise/sunset. It’s a mood lamp as well as a sunrise alarm.

Alarm Function

While not all sunrise alarm clocks have an auditory feature, many serve as both a traditional alarm clock and a wake-up light. We awarded the highest ratings to loud alarms that gently woke us up, rather than abruptly jerking us from our slumber. Below, I’ll outline how we tested this function.

Looking down on the control buttons for a Reacher Sunrise Alarm Clock
Looking down on the control buttons for a Reacher Sunrise Alarm Clock.
  • 1 Star: The alarm sound is grating, too loud/too soft, and unchangeable. It either doesn’t wake you up at all or wakes you up so brutally that you fear for your heart health. 
  • 2 Stars: The alarm sound is effective but unpalatable in some ways. You don’t like it.
  • 3 Stars: The alarm sound is effective and mundane. Your standard series of beeps or rings, or a transition to the radio. 
  • 4 Stars: The alarm sound is effective, customizable, and maybe even a little innovative. 
  • 5 Stars: The alarm sound is effective, extremely customizable, and actively soothing or stimulating in a way that makes waking up pleasurable. 

Wow Factor

Many of the sunrise alarm clocks on this roundup are way more than just a clock. No two devices are the same, so we created a category to acknowledge any standout features. Whether it’s smart technology, guided meditation courses, modern designs, or Bluetooth speakers, we rated the sunrise alarm’s sheer “X factor”.

Logos of apps and services that integrate with the WiiM Wake-Up Light
Logos of apps and services that integrate with the WiiM Wake-Up Light

Ease of Use

Although sunrise alarms may be a bit more complicated than a standard alarm clock or your typical iPhone alarm, they shouldn’t be difficult to set up and use. Each of our testers unboxed and set up these devices, noting how intuitive the process was and how clear the directions and labels were. 

Our product tester holds an instruction card for the Reacher Sunrise Alarm Clock
Our product tester holds an instruction card for the Reacher Sunrise Alarm Clock

What to Consider in a Sunrise Alarm Clock

In addition to the above factors, there are a few other factors to consider before you make your final decision.

Price

While most of the sunrise alarm clocks available won’t cost you an arm and a leg, some of the top-of-the-line options can venture well over a $100 price point. We score price using the following 5-star scale.

  • 1 Star: The performance and quality of the clock are dismal, and there’s no way to justify the price.
  • 2 Stars: The clock functions fine, but is definitely overpriced for what you’re getting.
  • 3 Stars: The price is reasonable, and the clock does what it’s supposed to do. Nothing too impressive, but you have no complaints.
  • 4 Stars: The clock has some notable features and its performance is great. You think the price was very fair.
  • 5 Stars: The clock performs as advertised or better, and you can’t believe it doesn’t cost more for what you’re getting.

Build

Build refers to the overall construction, design, and materials of a sunrise alarm clock. The overall build of each device helps determine its durability. Ideally, the alarm clock should be high-quality and unlikely to break if you simply drop it.

FAQs

Are sunrise alarm clocks good for heavy sleepers?

If you sleep very deeply, you may not want to solely depend on the light features of your sunrise alarm clock. Many also have a sound feature to accompany the light, so we recommend choosing one with loud speakers and adjustable volume.

Does a sunrise alarm clock really work?

It depends from person to person, but many people find them helpful. If you are particularly sensitive to light in the morning, a sunrise alarm clock could be all it takes to wake you up in the morning. If you are a deeper sleeper, you may want to combine the sunrise effect with a gentle alarm sound at your wake up time.

Is a sunrise alarm clock worth it?

There are multiple benefits to waking up with a sunrise alarm clock. According to Dr. Harris, “Sunrise alarm clocks are designed to mimic the natural sunlight, which is one of the most important factors when it comes to regulating and maintaining your circadian rhythm.

Your body uses light as an indicator for when you should be awake and when you should fall asleep. Sunrise alarm clocks can help those who wake up feeling groggy in the morning, have trouble falling asleep, or anyone who wants to regulate their sleeping schedule.”