Hatch Restore 3 review – the ultimate sleep companion or just hype?

Over the years, I’ve learned better than to blindly trust every smart alarm and similar product that appears on the market. Still, sometimes it’s necessary to just strap in for the ride and dive into the unknown, and I’m glad I did that with the Hatch Restore 3.

In all honesty, it first appeared a bit gimmicky to me, especially considering that it incorporates not only nighttime rituals but also morning routines. Who needs to unwind and relax right after getting up, and isn’t it better to jump right into action? Well, it all depends on the kind of person you are, and I’m pleased to say that the Restore 3 has something in store for all of us.

One of its most important features is that it minimizes your phone usage. You’ll naturally have to use the app for some features, but at least it provides a good hour or so of phone-free time as you get ready for bed. A new and improved design compared to the Restore 2 makes it a stylish addition to every nightstand, too.

Most importantly, it soothes you to sleep with white noise, gently wakes you with a smooth alarm, and helps you customize your relaxation rituals. While all that sounds persuasive, the slightly higher price tag is a major deal-breaker for some. So, in this guide, I’ll lay out all the facts to help you decide whether it’s worth the investment.

Quick overview of Hatch Restore 3

Rating:	4.8
Main features:	Custom sleep rituals, white noise reproduction, a morning alarm, and a helpful app with customization features
Price category:	Pricier than average

Key features of Hatch Restore 3

While the relatively high price already sets Hatch Restore 3 apart from similar sleep aid devices, it’s not the only thing that stands out. I’ve grown to like many of its features, and I’ve compared my personal takes with general user feedback to describe each closely:

• Customizable lighting. One of the key features of the Hatch Restore 3 is its customizable lighting that makes it easier to get ready for sleep. You can set up custom routines and adjust the luminosity to your preference, gradually switching from bright light for evening activities to warm shades at bedtime.
• Sound options. The smart alarm also features plenty of sound options. You can play your favorite tunes or go with white noise to ease the sound of silence.
• Alarm settings. Hatch Restore is also a very effective morning alarm with a large speaker. You can switch it off with a button press or slide the side button to snooze it.
• App integration. As soon as you hit the new Big Button that came as an upgrade from Hatch Restore 2, you’ll get your device connected with the mobile app. From there, you can manage your routines, set up cues for unwinding, tune into creative meditations, or listen to bedtime podcasts.
• Sleep routines. Sleeping routines with the Hatch Restore 3 start with your bedtime unwind, followed by the Sleep Phase. You can reach it automatically after the unwinding routine, or simply hit the Big Button again to skip to it immediately.

Hatch Restore 3: design

One of the first things I noticed about the Hatch Restore 3 is its sleek and minimalist design. It’s crafted to fit into any bedroom, making it a perfect addition to your nightstand, where it’s most likely to be used.

Its compact dimensions (7.24" L x 2.43" W x 5.31" H) make it a perfect match for every bedroom decor. Trust me, your friends and family may not even notice it’s a smart alarm at first, as it blends in like another decorative piece. The tiny display on the front is the only hint at its functionality, barely large enough to show the current time.

You can get it in four colors – Putty, Cocoa, Greige, and Rosy. The site lists the last one as a limited version, though. As I’ve already mentioned, it promotes a phone-free design with most controls conveniently placed on the device. For starters, you can use the Big Button to initiate and switch through different phases.

There’s also a tiny slider button on the side, and you can use that one to snooze alarms. Along with the routine-related function, the Big Button can also adjust volume. You can simply rotate the knob left or right, depending on whether you’re trying to decrease or increase the volume. There are also two additional buttons – the one on the smaller side of the block where the knob is placed pauses your routine, while the bigger one helps you cycle through routines.

Hatch Restore 3: content library

Now this is where things get interesting – the content library of the Hatch Restore 3 is truly impressive, offering everything from meditation noises to music and podcasts. However, it comes with a small One HatchPlus subscription price tag.

At first, I thought this monthly subscription fee, on top of the already hefty price of the product itself, would be a major deal-breaker, but quite the contrary. It turns out to be worth every penny. Here’s an overview of what’s included:

• Music. The content library comes equipped with hundreds of melodies, songs, and classical music tunes you can play in the background while getting ready for sleep.
• Podcasts. The library also comes packed with podcasts. For instance, you can pick the It’s Crime for Bed playlist and listen to true crime podcasts before you turn in. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it made me jump on board.
• Meditation noises. You can also play soft background sounds that aren’t just white noise, but also fully-fledged meditation soundscapes to add to your nighttime routine.
• Natural soundscapes. Finally, you can play natural rainforest sounds among dozens of other options to get you to sleep sooner.

Hatch Restore 3: bedtime routine

As you might have expected, the main feature of the Hatch Restore 3 is its bedtime routine. Although it’s not a medical device with cutting-edge functionality, it truly hits the spot of preparing you for sleep. While there are no sleep tracking capabilities, it does a great job of helping you to get into your best sleeping routine.

You can set up a custom routine and get into a repetitive cycle night in and night out. Or, you can randomize and skip recorded cycles if everyday routines aren’t your thing. There are two main phases within the Hatch Restore 3 – the Unwind Stage and the Sleep Phase.

The unwinding routine starts with a single tap of the Big Button. You can even set it up to start hours before bedtime, depending on your preference. Think of it as a sign that you’re done with work for the day, and it’s time to loosen up. During this time, you can create a perfect mix of tunes, music, podcasts, and anything in between.

The library also includes pre-recorded routines. So, if you’ve had a stressful day, there’s an Easing Your Anxiety routine with warm sounds.

The sleep phase starts on the second tap of the button, or once the unwinding phase ends. You can also customize this one, using the white noise option or sounds of nature. I especially liked how you can set up your light frequency to transition gradually from vibrant to more comforting and warmer shades.

Hatch Restore 3: pricing and subscriptions

Hatch Restore is pricier than other sleep-aid devices, like Dream On Sleep Aid. All the routines are included in this subscription, together with full access to the content library. Still, you can get some functionalities for free, such as the white noise feature during sleep and the sunrise feature for waking up.

Thankfully, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee on the routines, so you can have them tested for about a month and then ultimately decide if it’s worth your buck.

How to set up your Hatch Restore 3: step-by-step guide

If you decide to order your Hatch Restore 3, I’ll give you all the steps needed to set it up. Here’s how it goes from the moment you receive your package:

• Unbox the device. Setting up your Restore 3 is pretty simple, and you start by unboxing the package. You’ll find your smart alarm and a power cable in the box.
• Plug in your Hatch Restore 3. To get your device running, simply connect the power cable and plug it in. As I mentioned in the features overview, you’ll need to leave it plugged in at all times.
• Download the app. Download your official Hatch Sleep app from your device’s native store. It’s available on both the Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store, and you can even use the free version for sunrise and white noise features if you don’t feel like upgrading to the paid one.
• Pair it with your device. Up next, you’ll need to pair your device with the app. Simply open the app, register, and follow the instructions to get it up and running.
• Explore and personalize. Hatch also includes a helpful controls guide in the app, so you can use it to learn about the Big Button, the side buttons, and routine pausing options.
• Start using the Restore 3. From there, you’ll be ready to start using your new sleep aid device and customize your bedtime/morning routines to suit your preference.

Restore 2 vs. Restore 3

If you’re curious if the Restore 3 is worth the upgrade from the previous gen model, I’ve got you covered. For starters, the Hatch 3 features a brightness increase, which can be a crucial factor in your routines as there’s a wider lighting and dimming spectrum.

The device's design has changed slightly, but the most significant difference is in the button layout. The Restore 2 had two main buttons at the top – the Rest and Rise buttons. Pressing the first one initiates your routine, and pressing it again skips to the next phase. To entirely shut it down, you can just press and hold the button.

The Rise button does the same, only for the morning routine. Volume settings used to be near the clock display, and tapping on the left side used to turn it down, while tapping on the opposite side cranked it up. Now, the whole thing is controlled by a single knob which rotates for volume adjustment.

The Restore 3 also enables you to save up to three routines and cycle through them with the push of the bigger of the two additional buttons I mentioned. Now that’s a significant upgrade from the Restore 2, along with content library updates, which is now more comprehensive. The pricing is currently pretty much the same, so the Restore 3 seems to be a far better option.

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Final word on Hatch Restore 3

Ultimately, I’d say that the Hatch Restore 3 is worth a try, especially if you’re looking for a sleeping aid device with advanced functions. Perhaps the biggest advantage is that it helps you escape your doom-scrolling bedtime routine and replace it with something more meaningful.

Thanks to the Restore 3, you can get your body and mind into a sleeping routine that comes off as much more natural. Customizable unwinding and sleep routines help you fade into sleep, and a functional alarm clock with adjustable noises and increasing lighting helps you wake up more naturally.

Of course, it’s not perfect, especially considering the hefty price tag and the monthly subscription, which is necessary if you want to use it to its fullest. Even with all that in mind, I’d say it’s a sleeping tool worth considering.

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