We researched and tested the top sunrise alarm clocks on the market, comparing each one based on factors including light and audio settings, design, and ease of setup. Our best overall pick is the Philips SmartSleep Wake-Up Light, which performed well in our at-home testing. This sunrise alarm clock scored high marks for its easy-to-use, sleek design, and for offering both sunrise and sunset lighting modes. Here are the best sunrise alarm clocks for a brighter morning. This sunrise alarm clock isn’t just about making your mornings better—it has features focused on sleep, too. It also includes a sunset mode that gradually descends through the light’s 20 brightness levels. One potential drawback that our tester noted was the alarm clock’s lack of a sleep timer for its nature-inspired white noises. With this model, the five included audio options can only be played continuously or used for the alarm function. There’s no Bluetooth or Wi-Fi functionality either, but an auxiliary cable port on the back of the device allows you to connect your phone and play music through the clock’s speaker. While you can’t adjust the color of the light radiating from the circular face of this clock, it gives off a “soothing warm, almost orange, hue” according to our tester. There’s no app to control or modify this sunrise alarm clock, but the buttons around the top edge of the clock are simple and easy to use, with the exception of the snooze button, which our tester found harder to activate. Overall, this sunrise alarm clock is effective and performs well, without posing a major learning curve. Price at time of publish: $80 This sunrise alarm clock starts to gently rouse you with gradually increasing light for a period of 30 minutes before your scheduled alarm time. It’s worth noting that you can’t shorten or extend this sunrise period. When the “sunrise” is complete, the audible alarm chimes to ensure that you’re fully awake. The alarm can be set to one of 15 nature sounds, or you can use the built-in FM radio. This sunrise alarm clock also features a sunset mode, which gently dims the room during your evening routine. There’s no Bluetooth or Wi-Fi functionality on this sunrise alarm clock, so don’t expect to use an app to control its features or functions. Still, it offers simple operation at a budget-friendly price. Price at time of publish: $10 As the top-tier sunrise alarm clock in the Philips family, the HF3670 has the most powerful light intensity at 315 lux. There are 25 variable brightness settings to choose from, along with five color hues. An adjustable sunrise cycle gradually increases the light to wake you from sleep before an audible alarm finishes the task. The default is a 30-minute wake-up routine, but you can adjust the timing to suit your preferences on the device itself. Heavy sleepers will find peace of mind in knowing that this sunrise alarm clock features a PowerWake alarm function, which uses flashing light and increased sound levels to ensure that you don’t oversleep. This sunrise alarm clock will help you drift off to sleep more easily, too. It has a dusk simulation mode, along with a light-guided breathing routine to help you relax and rest more soundly. The futuristic design of this SmartSleep Wake-Up Light includes a touchscreen display that appears when your hand hovers in front of the clock. At the same time, we read reports that the touchscreen functionality can make it challenging to correctly turn off the alarm when you’re just waking. While a USB charger is available to power up your phone, this clock can’t wirelessly stream music through its speaker. It does have an FM tuner and auxiliary port to connect a device, though. Overall, the biggest appeal of this high-end device is the advanced controls available through the app, along with the sleep data it collects. Price at time of publish: $170 To live up to its name, this sunrise alarm clock aims to wake you more naturally with a gradually brightening light that mimics the sun. Within the app, you can decide what color “sunrise” you prefer, while also adjusting settings for brightness, duration, and audio. A dimmable digital clock display tells you the time at a glance but won’t disrupt your sleeping environment. Within the app, you have the option to set evening routines for activities such as reading or relaxing. While the app is free, a paid subscription unlocks additional content. Considering that the device itself isn’t the most budget-friendly, some users feel the pinch of being asked to spend more on a yearly subscription for additional white noise options and sleep content. Still, both the device and app are easy to use, making it a smart choice overall. Price at time of publish: $130
The Chirp gradually wakes you with increasing light for 20 minutes before your scheduled alarm. In keeping with the beautiful, nature-inspired aesthetic of this sunrise alarm clock, you can create a combination of nature and environment noises from a library of 15 different sound options using the DAQIchirp app. There is no sunset mode on this alarm clock, but it does offer a sleep mode that plays ambient audio for 30 or 60 minutes, with the option to have the light on as well. After the sleep mode ends, the Chirp will turn off, but without gradual light dimming like you’ll find with a true sunset mode. To keep your sleeping environment free from technology interference, the Chirp is controlled by audio transmission rather than Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Price at time of publish: $200 The time-to-rise feature of the Hatch Rest is one of the most popular reasons to buy this sunrise alarm clock for kids. Within the app, parents can choose a wake-up time, along with a combination of colors and sounds, to signal to little ones that it’s time to start the day. A time-to-sleep mode is also available for a soft signal that it’s time to wind down. Night light and sound machine options can also set the right mood for your baby or child’s sleep environment. A paid Hatch Sleep membership is available, which provides access to expert-curated music, bedtime stories, and more audio sounds. However, the membership is not necessary to take advantage of the most popular features of this children’s sunrise alarm clock. Price at time of publish: $70 The ambient noise selections range from soothing environmental sounds to white noise tones. It’s been favorably compared to dedicated white noise machines, but it also gives you the capability to wake up to gradually increasing light over a fixed 20-minute period. You can use the sunrise alarm clock feature alone or in conjunction with a separate audio alarm feature. Take note that not all of the white noise audio options are available for use as an alarm, which may frustrate some users. This ovular sunrise alarm clock has a stable base that is unlikely to roll away or tip over when you reach over to push the snooze button. Price at time of publish: $60
When it comes to your wind-down routine, this light has features that make it a handy companion. Read or relax with a warm 2700K light from the Glow, greatly reducing exposure to blue light that might interfere with sleep patterns. You can also set a nighttime routine that gradually dims the light until it fades to dark, giving you an easy transition to drift off to sleep. While the light functions are largely controlled with touch gestures, you’ll use the Casper app to set a wake-up routine on the Glow. When morning arrives, the light gradually intensifies until reaching full brightness over a period of 30 minutes. You can’t modify this wake-up cycle, but you can specify how long the light stays on after reaching maximum brightness. The Glow offers fewer clock functions than other options and lacks audio capabilities altogether, but its other innovative features make it an excellent choice. Price at time of publish: $116 The adjustable brightness levels of this sunrise alarm clock have made it a popular pick for kids or heavy sleepers. You also can set an audio alarm to ensure you wake from a deep sleep. However, it should be noted that the JALL Wake Up Light only has seven built-in nature sounds, which is more limited than what many other sunrise alarm clocks offer. Still, this option let you customize your morning routine while costing significantly less than some of the other popular sunrise alarm clocks on the market. All in all, it’s a good value if you want an affordable version that isn’t bare-bones. Price at time of publish: $40 You should also consider whether you prefer for your sunrise alarm clock to have an adjustable color hue, a common but not universal lighting option. This is a great feature if you prefer warm lighting for a more relaxing bedroom. Models equipped with adjustable color hue also often allow you to choose from pre-set LED color options for ambient light or to use as a reading or night light.
Sounds
While a gradually brightening light is a calm, soothing way to wake up, some people rely on audible cues that it’s time to start the day. Most sunrise alarm clocks include a library of sounds to choose from for an audio alarm, though the exact number will depend on the individual model. Since creating a gentle sleep environment is usually a top priority for buyers of a sunrise alarm clock, many of these products also offer a white noise mode that lets you play sound collections as you drift off to sleep.
Extra Features
The function of your sunrise alarm clock can be enhanced with extra features, like a companion app, white noise options, or a “sunset” wind-down routine. App control of the sunrise alarm clock is an especially popular feature, since you can more easily set and customize alarm settings. The ability to use the clock as a reading lamp or to set the scene for your evening routine is also possible on many models, especially those that let you adjust color hues or brightness levels. One additional feature that you may want to consider is a USB charging port for your phone. That can be especially helpful in bedrooms with limited outlets. If you’re looking for a way to play music with your alarm clock’s speakers, opt for one with Bluetooth capability for streaming music from your phone, or one with a built-in FM radio that doesn’t require with other devices.
Power Source
Like any alarm clock, a sunrise alarm clock requires a power source for reliable operation. Most versions plug into a standard electrical outlet. If you’re concerned about power outages, consider a model with a backup battery so you never miss your wake-up call.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Erica Puisis, a freelance writer with expertise in researching and testing the latest in home products and appliances. To find the best options for sunrise alarm clocks, she researched the most popular models based on light and audio settings, as well as additional features like companion apps, Bluetooth connectivity, and charging capabilities. In addition, she factored in real-world testing insights gathered by The Spruce team. Erica also interviewed Natalie Dautovich, Ph.D., and environmental fellow at National Sleep Foundation and assistant professor at Virginia Commonwealth University. Dautovich provided context around the science behind sunrise alarm clocks and how they may benefit your morning routine.
