The best sunrise alarm clocks of 2025 – wake up refreshed with these top picks
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Waking up early can be a challenge, especially during the colder, darker months when mornings feel endless and harsh. That is exactly why sunrise alarm clocks are becoming more popular. These smart devices simulate the rising sun, gradually filling your room with light to help you wake up in a more natural and refreshing way.
To help you navigate the market, I teamed up with the Cybernews research team to investigate the sunrise alarm clocks. I carefully analyzed user feedback, scientific literature, and product specifications to understand what truly matters.
This guide covers the top-performing sunrise alarm clocks in 2025. My goal is simple – to help you choose a clock that fits your lifestyle and makes every morning feel a little brighter.
Best sunrise alarm clocks – shortlist
- Philips SmartSleep – best pick for natural wake-up experience
- Loftie Clock – best for gentle waking up
- Lumie Bodyclock Luxe 700FM – best premium wake-up light with soundscapes
- Hatch Restore 3 – top choice for customizable sunrise alarms
- Philips HF3505/01 – best budget sunrise simulation clocks
- Dreamegg Sunrise 1 – best for 29 soothing sounds for sleep routines
- Philips HF3510 – the best sunrise simulation with natural sounds
- ecozy – best for voice control and personalization
The best sunrise alarm clock compared
Before diving into individual product reviews, it’s helpful to compare sunrise alarm clocks side by side. In this table, I provide an overview of each product’s features, helping you see the differences in light options, sound choices, smart integrations, etc.
Product name | Light features | Interface | Sound options | Smart features | Best for |
Philips SmartSleep | 20 brightness levels; 5 color settings | Touch + buttons | 5 natural sounds | FM radio, tap snooze, bedside lamp, and automatic dimmable display | Natural wake-up experience |
Loftie Clock | Three lighting modes, dimmable | Buttons + display | 100+ sounds, including white noise, nature sounds, and guided meditations | App control, Wi-Fi connectivity, Bluetooth | Gentle waking up |
Lumie Bodyclock Luxe 700FM | Low-blue, warm white, auto dim | Buttons + display | 20+ soundscapes | Bluetooth speakers, FM | Premium sound and light experience |
Hatch Restore 3 | Customizable sunrise color/duration | App + touch strip | Wide library including white noise | App control, Wi-Fi | Best customizable alarm and content |
Philips HF3505/01 | Basic warm light, sunrise simulation | Push Button | 2 Natural Sounds | Radio | Budget sunrise simulation |
Dreamegg Sunrise 1 | RGB + warm white, dimmable | Touch + buttons | 29 Soothing Sounds | App control, sleep routines | Sleep routines and sound variety |
Philips HF3510 | Gradual sunrise, warm white | Touch Screen | 3 calming wake-up sounds | FM radio and a tap-to-snooze alarm clock | Improving morning alertness |
ecozy | 7 color ambient light, sunrise simulation | App + buttons | 26 soothing sounds | Bluetooth | Best budget smart clock |
8 Best sunrise alarm clocks – our detailed list
To rank the top sunrise alarm clock in 2025, I carefully evaluated each sunrise alarm clock and went through dozens of user evaluations. Here are the results of my research if you're curious about which models truly stand out and why.
1. Philips SmartSleep – best for simulating a natural wake-up experience
- Price: Mid-range
- Light features: 20 brightness levels, 5 color settings
- Interface: Touch
- Sound options: 5 natural sounds
- Smart features: FM radio, tap snooze, bedside lamp, and automatic dimmable display
- Best for: Natural wake-up experience
Philips SmartSleep stands out for its sunrise simulation, which gradually wakes you with increasing light over 20 to 40 minutes. The warm, color-shifting light feels natural and may adjust wake-sleep patterns over time. Users frequently mention how much better their mornings feel with it compared to standard alarms.
I ranked this product the highest because of the well-rounded balance between price and features. It also comes from a reputable company with years of experience in the industry, giving it extra points.
2. Loftie Clock – best for waking you up in a gentle way
Price: | Mid-range |
Light features: | Three lighting modes, dimmable |
Interface: | Buttons + display |
Sound options: | 100+ sounds, including white noise, nature sounds, and guided meditations |
Smart features: | App control, Wi-Fi connectivity, Bluetooth |
Best for: | Gentle waking up |
As soon as I heard about the Loftie Clock and its 100+ free-to-use sounds, I knew I had to explore it further. More precisely, this alarm clock includes more than 100 sleep sounds, including white noise, nature sounds, and guided meditations.
Plus, the Loftie alarm clock is a two-stage one, which means it starts with a gentle chime for a pleasant waking up, which is followed by a louder tone. You can even adjust the volume, brightness, and sounds directly on the clock. But if you’re like me, and you prefer silence when sleeping, you can activate the Blackout Mode to keep the screen and light off while keeping the alarm active.
3. Lumie Bodyclock Luxe 700FM – best premium wake-up light with soundscapes
- Price: Premium
- Light features: Low-blue, warm white, auto dim
- Interface: Buttons + display
- Sound options: 20+ soundscapes
- Smart features: Bluetooth speakers, FM
- Best for: Premium sound and light experience
The Lumie Bodyclock Luxe 700FM is a premium sunrise alarm clock for users who value wellness and aesthetics. It features 20+ wake-up and sleep soundscapes, a low-blue light display to reduce nighttime stimulation, and Bluetooth speakers for wireless audio streaming.
The built-in FM radio is a nostalgic bonus, and the setup is intuitive even for first-time buyers. I place it in the number-two position as the ultimate model for both night and morning and developing consistent sleeping habits.
4. Hatch Restore 3 – best for customizable sunrise alarms, phone-free sleep content, and intuitive controls
- Price: Mid-range
- Light features: Customizable sunrise color/duration
- Interface: App + touch strip
- Sound options: Wide library including white noise
- Smart features: App control, Wi-Fi, no phone needed at night
- Best for: Best customizable alarm and content
The Hatch Restore 3 is my top pick for users looking to improve their sleep without relying on phones. It blends a sleek sunrise alarm with curated, phone-free audio content for winding down.
The new tactile buttons are a standout improvement, making nighttime use seamless. During the research, I found its natural light transitions are very effective for waking up and gently falling asleep.
5. Philips HF3505/01 – best budget sunrise simulation clocks
- Price: Affordable
- Light features: Basic warm light, sunrise simulation
- Interface: Push button
- Sound options: 2 natural sounds
- Smart features: Radio
- Best for: Budget sunrise simulation
The Philips HF3505/01 is ideal for those who want to try a sunrise clock without spending much. I discovered that the light gently brightens over 30 minutes, which helps ease you out of sleep more naturally than a harsh phone alarm.
Based on user reviews, the two nature sounds and built-in FM radio offer a decent variety, and the minimalist look fits most bedrooms.
6. Dreamegg Sunrise 1 – best for 29 soothing sounds for sleep routines
- Price:
- Light features:
- Interface:
- Sound options:
- Smart features:
- Best for:
During my research, the Dreamegg Sunrise 1 stood out for people who want better sleep routines without needing app connectivity. It's incredibly versatile – with 29 sounds and a smooth, dimmable nightlight, it lets you tailor both sleep and wake-up experiences to your taste.
The preset modes are intuitive: parents especially appreciate how it doubles as a sound machine for kids.
7. Philips HF3510 – best for natural sunrise simulation and gentle wake-ups
- Price: Affordable
- Light features: Gradual sunrise, warm white
- Interface: Touch screen
- Sound options: 3 calming wake-up sounds
- Smart features: FM radio and a tap-to-snooze alarm clock
- Best for: Improving morning alertness
The Philips HF3510 simulates a smooth sunrise that gradually fills the room with a soft amber light, creating a calm wake-up experience.
People love how it gently transitions from dim to bright, especially those sensitive to loud alarms. The natural sound options and touch interface make it feel intuitive.
8. ecozy Sunrise Alarm Clock – best for voice control and personalization
- Price:
- Light features:
- Interface:
- Sound options:
- Smart features:
- Best for:
The ecozy alarm clock stood out during my review for its broad feature set, especially at its affordable price.
Its seven colorful lights create a cozy ambiance, and the included FM radio and nature sounds give you plenty of options to start your day gently. From what I found, users love how the setup is super simple.
How did we select the best sunrise alarm clocks
I reviewed dozens of sunrise alarm clocks to find models that offer an effective wake-up experience. I based my evaluation on a set of essential factors:
- Light quality and gradual brightening (30%). I focused on how smoothly each clock simulates a real sunrise, with soft transitions and adjustable light colors.
- Sound options (20%). Clocks with a wide variety of gentle sounds or nature-inspired audio scored higher in my research.
- Design and usability (20%). I considered how easy the clock is to use, the readability of the display, and whether the design fits different bedroom styles.
- Features (15%). Extra functions like Bluetooth, FM radio, and app or voice control are important for modern users.
- User feedback (10%). Verified customer reviews helped me identify long-term performance and satisfaction.
- Value for money (5%). I compared pricing with overall quality to find models that justify their cost.
What is the sunrise alarm clock, and how does it work?
A sunrise alarm clock is a device designed to help you wake up more naturally by mimicking the gradual light of a rising sun. Instead of jolting you awake with a loud sound, it slowly increases light intensity over a set period – usually 30 to 60 minutes – before your chosen wake-up time. This light helps signal your body that it is time to wake up.
Different models come with unique features. Some allow you to adjust brightness levels or choose from a range of light colors, like warm amber or soft pink. Many sunrise alarm clocks also include audio options, such as birdsong, ocean waves, or FM radio, to complement the light and complete the waking experience.
Do sunrise alarm clocks help with SAD?
Sunrise alarm clocks may be a helpful tool for people experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), especially during the darker winter months. These devices mimic the gradual rise of natural sunlight, which can support the body’s circadian rhythm – our internal clock influencing sleep and mood.
Since many people with SAD also struggle due to a lack of morning light, the light from these alarms may suppress melatonin secretion, making it easier to wake up and leading to better mood throughout the day. While not replacing clinical light therapy, sunrise alarm clocks may be a considerable option to try in some cases.
Based on my research, sunrise alarms are increasingly recommended as an accessible, non-invasive way to help deal with some of the symptoms of seasonal mood shifts.
What are the benefits of waking up with the sun?
Waking up with the sun can impact how you feel and function throughout the day. Here are the key benefits:
- Improved mood. Some studies found that bright light exposure improved mood in individuals with SAD.
- Better sleep quality. Natural light exposure helps regulate the circadian rhythm, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up on time.
- Gentler wake-ups. An exposure to light may reduce sleep inertia, helping you feel less groggy.
- Improved energy levels. A simulated sunrise signals the body to become more alert, promoting a smoother start to the day.
- Natural routine building. Consistent exposure to light encourages more regular sleep and wake cycles.
These benefits are especially valuable in modern life, where artificial lighting often disrupts our natural sleep patterns.
How to choose the best sunrise alarm clock?
Choosing the best sunrise alarm clock comes down to understanding what features matter most for your routine. After in-depth research, here are the key things to consider:
- Brightness range. Look for models with adjustable brightness that can mimic natural daylight. This ensures a gradual, gentle wake-up experience suited to your sensitivity.
- Sound options. A good sunrise clock should include a mix of natural sounds, soft tones, or even music to complement the light for a smoother wake-up.
- Sunset feature. Some clocks offer a dimming light function that helps you unwind in the evening, creating a relaxing environment for sleep.
- Smart features. App support, voice assistant integration, and automation can make your experience more seamless and personalized.
- Ease of use. Choose a device with a simple, user-friendly interface. If it is something you will use daily, setup and control should feel effortless.
- Design. Make sure the clock fits well into your space. From minimal to modern, design matters if you want it to blend into your bedroom.
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Final word on the best sunrise alarm clock
Sunrise alarm clocks offer a great way to help wake up more naturally, supporting better sleep quality and improved mood throughout the day. After carefully reviewing user feedback, scientific literature, and product features, I highlighted top models suited for different needs.
Whether you want advanced smart features or just a simple, reliable wake-up experience, there is something for everyone. A standout choice is the Philips SmartSleep, with clinically proven sunrise simulation, 20 brightness levels, and soothing natural sounds.
- Price: Mid-range
- Light features: 20 brightness levels, 5 color settings
- Interface: Touch
- Sound options: 5 natural sounds
- Smart features: FM radio, tap snooze, bedside lamp, and automatic dimmable display
- Best for: Natural wake-up experience
The best sunrise alarm clock is ultimately the one that fits your lifestyle – and helps you start each day feeling more refreshed.
FAQ
Do sunrise alarm clocks actually work?
Yes, they may be effective. Sunrise alarm clocks gradually increase light to mimic a natural sunrise, which may help regulate your circadian rhythm and make waking up easier.
Can sunrise alarm clocks replace light therapy lamps?
No, not entirely. While they offer gentle morning light, most sunrise alarms don’t meet the brightness levels required for light therapy in professional medical settings.
Are there sunrise alarm clocks for kids or teens?
Yes, many models are suitable for younger users. They often feature fun sounds, gentle lighting, and simple interfaces. According to reviews, kids respond well to the gradual light, and it can help establish healthy sleep routines without harsh wake-up sounds.
Are sunrise alarm clocks effective for heavy sleepers?
Yes, but with the right model. Devices with customizable brightness and additional sound features tend to work better. The Philips SmartSleep, for example, combines sunrise simulation with natural sounds, which can support waking even for deeper sleepers.