If you need help decompressing at night, the Philips HF 3670s upgraded wind-down feature provides a benefit that our main picks sunset doesnt. Pressing the Zenergy button calls up your routine to help you sleep. For three days, I programmed 10 minutes of ocean waves before bedand I always fell asleep before it stopped. This is accompanied by your choice of four natural relaxing sounds (or FM radio) that fade away with the sunset. 
Philips SmartSleep Connected ($179.95):This was our top pick for the best sunrise alarm clock overall, but it is now out of stock. Finally, keep in mind that a sunrise alarm clock might not be a good idea if you sleep with a partner on a different schedule. If youre not ready to spring for either of our main picks, we recommend the hOmelabs Sunrise Alarm Clock. In early 2019, Casper introduced a non-clock wake-up light called the Glow Light, so we tried it and compared it with the Philips Hue Go. For this guide, I interviewed two sleep researchers and three light scientists about the usefulness of sunrise simulators for everyday wakefulness, and I consulted with several colleagues as well as my husband, all of whom have been using wake-up alarm clocks for more than a year. However, you can only set two alarms, and the snooze only lasts up to nine minutes. Any new product you bring into your sleep routine should be backed by research. Finally, consider your personal needs; if you're uncomfortable operating smartphone-enabled technology, you may prefer a sunrise alarm clock with manual functions right on the machine. Darker rooms foster more restorative sleep. Catch up on Select's in-depth coverage of personal finance, tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date. by Christina Williams and Wirecutter Staff. 
On the plus side, you can use the clock as a reading light and program it to dim as you wind down and go to bed. It has a 4.3-star average rating from over 100 Amazon reviews. After an assignment forced her to sleep eight hours a day for a month, she realized that she is, in fact, a smarter, nicer person when she isnt sleep-deprived. I liked the way it made my room look as I was getting ready for bed; at times, the effect was even enough to entice me to shut down my laptop. We operate independently from our advertising team. There are countless features, including a bedside reading light, guided meditations, sleep stories, wind-down profiles, and sleep routines, all of which are fully customizable. Pros: Lots of customizable options, pairs with Bluetooth to play music from your phone, won't take up too much space on your nightstand, Cons: The light intensity might be too low for some, most functions cannot be controlled through a smartphone, only two alarms. This white-noise night light made me a better mom, Hatch Restore Sound Machine and Smart Light, Philips SmartSleep Connected Sleep and Wake-Up Light, Philips SmartSleep Sleep and Wake-Up Light, Lumie Bodyclock Shine 300 Wake-up Light Alarm Clock, West Elm's Tencel sheets: A hot sleeper's recommendation, How this sunlight lamp brightened up my winter. If Caspers simple tactile approach appeals to you, and you have a flexible budget, the Glow Light may be worth trying (it has a 30-night free trial). The sound quality is good for such a small device. Here are tools to encourage good sleep hygiene, from keeping well hydrated to limiting Internet time in the evening. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. If you're a heavy sleeper, you might need a sunrise alarm clock that has bright lights to effectively wake you up in the morning. Lumie also has other Bodyclock models available: The Bodyclock Rise 100 loses its radio function and alarm while the Bodyclock Glow 150 includes waking sounds and allows for more flexible waking duration. The display automatically dims as the room gets darker, great for cocooning yourself in total darkness. 
Our pick isnt as bright as the SmartSleep, howeverits maximum intensity is 300 lux as opposed to 315 lux (a measure of light intensity as picked up by your retina). As with all Philips models, the LED in the HF3520 cant be replaced when it goes out, so youll have to replace the entire clock (unless the LED fizzles before the two-year warranty is up). The Hatch Restore has the most light options and sleep sounds of any model we tried, and they're all fully controlled through its multifunctional Hatch Sleep app. Check out these highly rated sunrise clocks from Philips, hOmeLabs and more. Read our full iHome Zenergy Dream Mini review. Unlike the Philips Hue Go, which looks like a bowl and begs to be held with two hands, the Glow Light is shaped to grab and go, which made it so useful in my household. SKIP AHEAD Highly rated sunrise clocks | How sunrise clocks promote better sleep, Sunrise clocks are a quieter alternative to audio alarm clocks, using light that mimics the natural sunrise to wake us up rather than a blaring sound. Performance: I used each wake-up lamp for a minimum of three consecutive days and nights to get used to the routine and noted whether or not they woke me up on time and with the features (sound and light color) I chose. In January 2019, Casper introduced the Glow Light, a lighting device that doesnt quite fit into any categorythe company simply calls the 3-by-5-inch cylinder a magical light for better sleep. We found it fun and easy to use, but overpriced. We favored clocks with a variety of sounds to choose from.
First, I got into bed and read my book using the coral nighttime light for 30 minutes while listening to the "sea wind" sound. Once you live with the Glow Light, you might discover other uses. What's great about the Hatch is that users can fully personalize every part of their sleep schedule according to their preferences; you can add up to 10 steps to your wind-down routine. The typical treatment for SAD is bright-light therapy, which requires a medical-grade device that shines 20 to 50 times brighter light than what these alarms provide. You can check the app to find out whether you need to make any changes appropriate for sleep. The Philips SmartSleep Connected Sleep and Wake-Up Light (essentially the Bluetooth-connected version of the SmartSleep HF 3650, previously called the Somneo HF3650, our former upgrade pick) has many of the same features as our main pick, including a natural, red-tinted sunrise and sunset light. The white light it uses for dawn and dusk feels less soothing than the red light of the Philips offerings. as well as other partner offers and accept our, Suzy is fascinated by sleep science so she decided to immerse herself in sleep research. I've presented some of my research at Eastern Psychological Association and have tested products for SleepScore Labs. We welcome your feedback. Hatch also says you can connect to the device via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Falling asleep to this lamp was very relaxing; the sunset simulation therapy works just as well as the Philips SmartSleep Connected. The light therapy implemented in these wake-up lamps helps regulate cortisol and melatonin production, two important hormones that are essential in controlling sleep/wake cycles. I've used the Philips SmartSleep Connected for months and love waking up to "summer birds" and an "island red" sunrise with warm red and orange lights distributed nicely throughout the bedroom. Using our experts' guidance, we found these highly rated sunrise clocks and sleep lights from notable brands like Hatch, Casper and Philips with different brightness levels and additional features. If you awake confused and panicked at the sound of your alarm clock beeping in the dark, you may find mornings more pleasant with a wake-up light. This clock by hOmeLabs, a Select reader favorite brand when it comes to dehumidifiers, features sunrise and sunset simulation through brightening and dimming the room over 30 minutes, according to the company. Sunrise clocks simulate the rising and setting sun to help you learn better sleeping habits. The Hatch Restore sunrise alarm clock connects via Bluetooth to your phone, and using the app (available for iOS and Android), you can set your personalized bedtime routine and more than 18 alarms. Sunrise alarm clocks have "wind-down" features that encourage a healthy production of melatonin at night by mimicking a gradual sunset, while the "wake-up" cycles encourage the production of cortisol in the morning by simulating a natural and gradual sunrise that prepares you for wakefulness. So when you program a simulated sunset, youre allowing your body to feel sleepy as it naturally shouldin turn, you get to bed earlier, you get more sleep, and ultimately you get up more easily when the simulated dawn kicks in.
Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. It has a good range of alarm sounds, a second alarm, power backup, and a sleek design. This Bluetooth-connected model has many of the same features as our main pick, but with some nice-to-have extras like a USB charging port, soothing sunrise lighting, and multiple alarms. More helpful are the solutions the clock offers, like its calming wind-down sounds that mask the racket I endure from my heating unit. Just for fun, you can also adjust it to glow in one of six different Gatorade-like colors in the darkbut only the white light works as an alarm light. The simple introduction of bright light itself may be helpful to vanquish jet lag, but theres something about the gradual reveal of light that makes these clocks more appealing to folks who arent morning people, who despise the jolt of a conventional alarm, or who need help rolling out of bed during darker fall and winter mornings. Power-backup capabilities: Its a shame to miss an important event (a job interview, a flight to a wedding) because the power blows out. Flip it to turn it off (or on again). I woke up at the same time every morning with each alarm clock to keep my experiences consistent and noted how I felt and how much sleep inertia I experienced. The glossy orb design is arguably as attractive as that of the more expensive Philips models, and its definitely an upgrade from the plasticky designs of the lower-end choices. This sunrise alarms light simulation isnt as soothing or radiant as that of more expensive wake-up lights, but its alarm sounds, dimming capabilities, and radio make it better than some models that cost twice as much. Winter also advises waking up gently because sudden awakenings can cause sudden blood pressure surges, possibly leading to heart issues. I prefer this Philips model's smooth, spherical shape and smaller size over the Philips SmartSleep Connected, although I wish it connected to the app for more customization. You can use a smart bulb with a regular lamp and control it with an app or smart speaker such as an Amazon Echo or Google Nest. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. "Whether it's a gradual sound or light alarm, wake-up lamps can help better prepare the body to wake up more gently, with less startle," Dimitriu said. Durability: In order to test how durable and resistant each alarm clock was, I knocked every one off my nightstand and checked to see if any parts came loose or broke. The Casper app will let you schedule when the light turns on in the morning to help you wake up, according to the company. We havent found one yet that wed recommend (especially since the free versions often come with too many ads). (We found similar flaws in the other under-$50 wake-up lights we tried.)
This upgrade isnt for someone who is simply looking for a sunrise alarm clock to go to bed and wake up to. Casper sells the Glow Light singly or in pairs. The price range for smart color-adjustable bulbs lies between $35 and $50; white ones are typically under $20. Once detected at dawn, light of sufficient intensity helps to suppress your levels of melatonin. When she's not testing sleep products or reading about sleep, she likes to spend time with her family on the east end of Long Island, New York, where she is probably taking a nap at Montauk Beach or enjoying a drink by the bay. *At the time of publishing, the price was $20. However, with a light thats dimmer than any of the others in this guide, the iHome isnt a very good wake-up clock. We favored clocks that let you adjust the brightness of the numbers. There are nighttime shades, warm oranges, and soft relaxing pastels, which I loved while listening to meditations. The large snooze button is strategically placed in front so I didn't have to struggle to find it each morning. Unobtrusive time display: Given that the best sleep happens in a dark room, its not helpful if the clocks numbers are flashing in your face. Best portable sunrise alarm clock: Casper Glow Light, $116.10 from CasperThe Casper Glow Light is uniquely designed as a wireless, portable night light and uses intuitive gestures and a streamlined design to create a beautiful and simple experience. A simulated-sunset and guided-breathing light are among the light-mode options, but because each puzzlingly includes a distracting blue and purple, we didnt necessarily find them relaxing or sleep inducing. Instead of soothing rain, ocean waves, or chirping birds, the Soluna offers only one alarm option: a tinny-sounding melody that evokes a wind-up music box. But it comes with features you typically find in high-end clocks, and that makes this model the best budget choice.
While the sunrise alarm clocks available commercially generally wont equip an extremely bright light, experts told us the lights in sunrise clocks can still help. The Philips Wake-Up Light HF3520 offers the best features at the most reasonable price. These 100 useful things were the most-purchased Wirecutter picks in January 2022. This sunrise clock from Philips equips a light with 315-Lux brightness and can adjust between five different colors, according to the company. Special features: I tested any additional and unique features of each sunrise alarm clock, such as speakers, Bluetooth integration, guided meditations, and accompanying mobile apps. But look around the major retailers, including Amazon, and chances are good that youll find it discounted to around $100 or less. The device tracks your sleep habits and lets you know if your bedroom is too hot, humid, bright, or loud for optimal sleep. However, as Philipss product development team wrote to us, the clocks are tested to last for seven years with regular use. One Wirecutter colleague has used hers for six years, and its still working. However, the device focuses solely on effective light therapy, and, unlike other models we tested, there are no sound options. It works. Khosla previously recommended this sunrise clock in our guide to alarm clocks. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider This clock is missing certain bells and whistles of the premium modela phone charger, an aux cable and port to play music from your phone over the alarms speaker, a midnight light, and extra soundsbut we didnt miss them enough to be willing to pay $60 to $100 extra for them.
Read our full review of the Philips SmartSleep Connected. hOmeLabs says the clock comes with eight colored light options, including red, blue, and yellow, and three brightness levels, as well as sounds inspired by nature to wake you up. Its sunrise also starts off with more warmth and brightens gradually to 200 lux (70 more than that of our budget pick, the hOmeLabs Sunrise Alarm Clock) to more effectively fill a room. Likewise, Khosla believes that sunrise clocks are great only if operated appropriately and alongside other healthy sleep behaviors, like eating right, exercising, putting your phone away before bed and trying to stay away from screens altogether long before that moment.
Finally, I fell asleep to an orange light and the sound of rain. The clocks biggest drawback, though, is that the light isnt as robust as that of all the Philips options, which is essential to helping you feel awake. Another important factor is alarm sounds: Most sunrise alarm clocks have several sound options, and some (like the Casper Glow Light) lack this feature completely. Learn more. It might not be ideal for heavy sleepers who need noise to wake up; you'll still need to set a separate, audible alarm. It is customizable with the "fall asleep" and "stay asleep" buttons, which let you choose from sound and light options, including a guided breathing meditation, 13 relaxing sounds, and nine calming light therapy cycles. Inside the retina are light-sensitive cells that detect light changes at dawn and dusk, sensing light even if your eyes are closed. Some clocks have other features like sleep sounds and connected apps, but the light is the critical feature that determines whether the product will be useful to you. You should review the apps privacy policy for more information. Its handy that the display shows the date, too. If you want to experiment with your smart-home devices and lighting, you could try a smart bulb (such as from Philips Hueor LIFX), said Grant Clauser, Wirecutters senior editor covering the smart-home beat. Sign up for Insider Reviews' weekly newsletter for more buying advice and great deals. We set out to find a dependable clock that most people would be happy to display on their nightstand. For the price, it's packed with a lot of features that will help you wake up in a better mood. Unlike with the Philips clocks, both the light and the sound stop (instead of just the sound) when you hit snooze; at least one online reviewer disliked this, though my husband actually preferred it. It has a 4.2-star average rating from over 7,800 Amazon reviews. Two other negatives are the device usually takes a few seconds to connect when you open the app, and it doesn't play music or radio. (However, if you have trouble getting out of bed, a dedicated wake-up alarm clock probably remains best.). It was fun to carry around when I needed a glass of water in the dark. However, at about $50, its usually more than twice the price of the hOmeLabs yet has fewer features. It also offers thoughtful extras such as five alarm tones, a good radio, and a backup alarm; plus, it looks sleeker and feels sturdier than similarly priced and cheaper models. The stunning sunset simulation was my favorite feature: The brightness gradually decreases from beautiful hues of bright yellows to soft reds over the course of five to 60 minutes. Preliminary studies suggest that it can lower the risk of heart attacks (PDF). This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. (Dont worry: It doesnt actually listen in; it just reads decibel changes.) Lumie Bodyclock Active 250: If Lumie's models sold more widely in the US, it would be Philipss competitor. Pros: Creates the best sunrise simulation, very user-friendly and simple, fully manual, Cons: Very limited sound options, doesn't have an app if you're someone who prefers a connected device. La Crosse Technology C80994 Soluna Light Alarm Clock: Philips SmartSleep Sleep and Wake-Up Light HF3650, global lead, behavior change with Philips Respironics and psychologist in the sleep department at National Jewish Health in Denver, assistant professor of neurology at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, How to design human centric lighting -- by scientist who discovered it, associate professor of psychiatry (adjunct) at Yale University and board member at the Center for Environmental Therapeutics, associate professor of psychology at University of Pittsburgh, professor of molecular, cellular, and developmental biology at University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, How the Philips SmartSleep Sunrise Alarm Clock Changed My Life: A Love Story, Wirecutters 100 Most Popular Picks in January 2022. Philips says the connected app, SleepMapper, will let you customize your chosen sunset and sunrise times, and its auto-dimming display and sensors can also keep track of your bedroom environment. Subscribe now for unlimited access. I havent yet tested the accuracy of the sensors readings, but they seemed generally on the markyou just need to walk into my bedroom to know it. Still, we love that the Glow Light is pleasingly intuitiveand it beats deciphering an instruction book and fumbling for buttons in the dark. I had no problem setting the time and alarms with the easy-to-follow instructions. I noted whether or not these extra features were actually helpful and easy to use. Best sunrise alarm clock without an app: Philips SmartSleep Wake-Up Light, $149 from AmazonThe Philips SmartSleep Wake-Up Light has a unique spherical design that creates a beautiful sunrise simulation and features many of the same premium settings as the more expensive Philips SmartSleep Connected.
Philips SmartSleep Connected ($179.95):This was our top pick for the best sunrise alarm clock overall, but it is now out of stock. Finally, keep in mind that a sunrise alarm clock might not be a good idea if you sleep with a partner on a different schedule. If youre not ready to spring for either of our main picks, we recommend the hOmelabs Sunrise Alarm Clock. In early 2019, Casper introduced a non-clock wake-up light called the Glow Light, so we tried it and compared it with the Philips Hue Go. For this guide, I interviewed two sleep researchers and three light scientists about the usefulness of sunrise simulators for everyday wakefulness, and I consulted with several colleagues as well as my husband, all of whom have been using wake-up alarm clocks for more than a year. However, you can only set two alarms, and the snooze only lasts up to nine minutes. Any new product you bring into your sleep routine should be backed by research. Finally, consider your personal needs; if you're uncomfortable operating smartphone-enabled technology, you may prefer a sunrise alarm clock with manual functions right on the machine. Darker rooms foster more restorative sleep. Catch up on Select's in-depth coverage of personal finance, tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date. by Christina Williams and Wirecutter Staff. On the plus side, you can use the clock as a reading light and program it to dim as you wind down and go to bed. It has a 4.3-star average rating from over 100 Amazon reviews. After an assignment forced her to sleep eight hours a day for a month, she realized that she is, in fact, a smarter, nicer person when she isnt sleep-deprived. I liked the way it made my room look as I was getting ready for bed; at times, the effect was even enough to entice me to shut down my laptop. We operate independently from our advertising team. There are countless features, including a bedside reading light, guided meditations, sleep stories, wind-down profiles, and sleep routines, all of which are fully customizable. Pros: Lots of customizable options, pairs with Bluetooth to play music from your phone, won't take up too much space on your nightstand, Cons: The light intensity might be too low for some, most functions cannot be controlled through a smartphone, only two alarms. This white-noise night light made me a better mom, Hatch Restore Sound Machine and Smart Light, Philips SmartSleep Connected Sleep and Wake-Up Light, Philips SmartSleep Sleep and Wake-Up Light, Lumie Bodyclock Shine 300 Wake-up Light Alarm Clock, West Elm's Tencel sheets: A hot sleeper's recommendation, How this sunlight lamp brightened up my winter. If Caspers simple tactile approach appeals to you, and you have a flexible budget, the Glow Light may be worth trying (it has a 30-night free trial). The sound quality is good for such a small device. Here are tools to encourage good sleep hygiene, from keeping well hydrated to limiting Internet time in the evening. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. If you're a heavy sleeper, you might need a sunrise alarm clock that has bright lights to effectively wake you up in the morning. Lumie also has other Bodyclock models available: The Bodyclock Rise 100 loses its radio function and alarm while the Bodyclock Glow 150 includes waking sounds and allows for more flexible waking duration. The display automatically dims as the room gets darker, great for cocooning yourself in total darkness. Our pick isnt as bright as the SmartSleep, howeverits maximum intensity is 300 lux as opposed to 315 lux (a measure of light intensity as picked up by your retina). As with all Philips models, the LED in the HF3520 cant be replaced when it goes out, so youll have to replace the entire clock (unless the LED fizzles before the two-year warranty is up). The Hatch Restore has the most light options and sleep sounds of any model we tried, and they're all fully controlled through its multifunctional Hatch Sleep app. Check out these highly rated sunrise clocks from Philips, hOmeLabs and more. Read our full iHome Zenergy Dream Mini review. Unlike the Philips Hue Go, which looks like a bowl and begs to be held with two hands, the Glow Light is shaped to grab and go, which made it so useful in my household. SKIP AHEAD Highly rated sunrise clocks | How sunrise clocks promote better sleep, Sunrise clocks are a quieter alternative to audio alarm clocks, using light that mimics the natural sunrise to wake us up rather than a blaring sound. Performance: I used each wake-up lamp for a minimum of three consecutive days and nights to get used to the routine and noted whether or not they woke me up on time and with the features (sound and light color) I chose. In January 2019, Casper introduced the Glow Light, a lighting device that doesnt quite fit into any categorythe company simply calls the 3-by-5-inch cylinder a magical light for better sleep. We found it fun and easy to use, but overpriced. We favored clocks with a variety of sounds to choose from. First, I got into bed and read my book using the coral nighttime light for 30 minutes while listening to the "sea wind" sound. Once you live with the Glow Light, you might discover other uses. What's great about the Hatch is that users can fully personalize every part of their sleep schedule according to their preferences; you can add up to 10 steps to your wind-down routine. The typical treatment for SAD is bright-light therapy, which requires a medical-grade device that shines 20 to 50 times brighter light than what these alarms provide. You can check the app to find out whether you need to make any changes appropriate for sleep. The Philips SmartSleep Connected Sleep and Wake-Up Light (essentially the Bluetooth-connected version of the SmartSleep HF 3650, previously called the Somneo HF3650, our former upgrade pick) has many of the same features as our main pick, including a natural, red-tinted sunrise and sunset light. The white light it uses for dawn and dusk feels less soothing than the red light of the Philips offerings. as well as other partner offers and accept our, Suzy is fascinated by sleep science so she decided to immerse herself in sleep research. I've presented some of my research at Eastern Psychological Association and have tested products for SleepScore Labs. We welcome your feedback. Hatch also says you can connect to the device via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Falling asleep to this lamp was very relaxing; the sunset simulation therapy works just as well as the Philips SmartSleep Connected. The light therapy implemented in these wake-up lamps helps regulate cortisol and melatonin production, two important hormones that are essential in controlling sleep/wake cycles. I've used the Philips SmartSleep Connected for months and love waking up to "summer birds" and an "island red" sunrise with warm red and orange lights distributed nicely throughout the bedroom. Using our experts' guidance, we found these highly rated sunrise clocks and sleep lights from notable brands like Hatch, Casper and Philips with different brightness levels and additional features. If you awake confused and panicked at the sound of your alarm clock beeping in the dark, you may find mornings more pleasant with a wake-up light. This clock by hOmeLabs, a Select reader favorite brand when it comes to dehumidifiers, features sunrise and sunset simulation through brightening and dimming the room over 30 minutes, according to the company. Sunrise clocks simulate the rising and setting sun to help you learn better sleeping habits. The Hatch Restore sunrise alarm clock connects via Bluetooth to your phone, and using the app (available for iOS and Android), you can set your personalized bedtime routine and more than 18 alarms. Sunrise alarm clocks have "wind-down" features that encourage a healthy production of melatonin at night by mimicking a gradual sunset, while the "wake-up" cycles encourage the production of cortisol in the morning by simulating a natural and gradual sunrise that prepares you for wakefulness. So when you program a simulated sunset, youre allowing your body to feel sleepy as it naturally shouldin turn, you get to bed earlier, you get more sleep, and ultimately you get up more easily when the simulated dawn kicks in.
Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. It has a good range of alarm sounds, a second alarm, power backup, and a sleek design. This Bluetooth-connected model has many of the same features as our main pick, but with some nice-to-have extras like a USB charging port, soothing sunrise lighting, and multiple alarms. More helpful are the solutions the clock offers, like its calming wind-down sounds that mask the racket I endure from my heating unit. Just for fun, you can also adjust it to glow in one of six different Gatorade-like colors in the darkbut only the white light works as an alarm light. The simple introduction of bright light itself may be helpful to vanquish jet lag, but theres something about the gradual reveal of light that makes these clocks more appealing to folks who arent morning people, who despise the jolt of a conventional alarm, or who need help rolling out of bed during darker fall and winter mornings. Power-backup capabilities: Its a shame to miss an important event (a job interview, a flight to a wedding) because the power blows out. Flip it to turn it off (or on again). I woke up at the same time every morning with each alarm clock to keep my experiences consistent and noted how I felt and how much sleep inertia I experienced. The glossy orb design is arguably as attractive as that of the more expensive Philips models, and its definitely an upgrade from the plasticky designs of the lower-end choices. This sunrise alarms light simulation isnt as soothing or radiant as that of more expensive wake-up lights, but its alarm sounds, dimming capabilities, and radio make it better than some models that cost twice as much. Winter also advises waking up gently because sudden awakenings can cause sudden blood pressure surges, possibly leading to heart issues. I prefer this Philips model's smooth, spherical shape and smaller size over the Philips SmartSleep Connected, although I wish it connected to the app for more customization. You can use a smart bulb with a regular lamp and control it with an app or smart speaker such as an Amazon Echo or Google Nest. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. "Whether it's a gradual sound or light alarm, wake-up lamps can help better prepare the body to wake up more gently, with less startle," Dimitriu said. Durability: In order to test how durable and resistant each alarm clock was, I knocked every one off my nightstand and checked to see if any parts came loose or broke. The Casper app will let you schedule when the light turns on in the morning to help you wake up, according to the company. We havent found one yet that wed recommend (especially since the free versions often come with too many ads). (We found similar flaws in the other under-$50 wake-up lights we tried.)
This upgrade isnt for someone who is simply looking for a sunrise alarm clock to go to bed and wake up to. Casper sells the Glow Light singly or in pairs. The price range for smart color-adjustable bulbs lies between $35 and $50; white ones are typically under $20. Once detected at dawn, light of sufficient intensity helps to suppress your levels of melatonin. When she's not testing sleep products or reading about sleep, she likes to spend time with her family on the east end of Long Island, New York, where she is probably taking a nap at Montauk Beach or enjoying a drink by the bay. *At the time of publishing, the price was $20. However, with a light thats dimmer than any of the others in this guide, the iHome isnt a very good wake-up clock. We favored clocks that let you adjust the brightness of the numbers. There are nighttime shades, warm oranges, and soft relaxing pastels, which I loved while listening to meditations. The large snooze button is strategically placed in front so I didn't have to struggle to find it each morning. Unobtrusive time display: Given that the best sleep happens in a dark room, its not helpful if the clocks numbers are flashing in your face. Best portable sunrise alarm clock: Casper Glow Light, $116.10 from CasperThe Casper Glow Light is uniquely designed as a wireless, portable night light and uses intuitive gestures and a streamlined design to create a beautiful and simple experience. A simulated-sunset and guided-breathing light are among the light-mode options, but because each puzzlingly includes a distracting blue and purple, we didnt necessarily find them relaxing or sleep inducing. Instead of soothing rain, ocean waves, or chirping birds, the Soluna offers only one alarm option: a tinny-sounding melody that evokes a wind-up music box. But it comes with features you typically find in high-end clocks, and that makes this model the best budget choice.
While the sunrise alarm clocks available commercially generally wont equip an extremely bright light, experts told us the lights in sunrise clocks can still help. The Philips Wake-Up Light HF3520 offers the best features at the most reasonable price. These 100 useful things were the most-purchased Wirecutter picks in January 2022. This sunrise clock from Philips equips a light with 315-Lux brightness and can adjust between five different colors, according to the company. Special features: I tested any additional and unique features of each sunrise alarm clock, such as speakers, Bluetooth integration, guided meditations, and accompanying mobile apps. But look around the major retailers, including Amazon, and chances are good that youll find it discounted to around $100 or less. The device tracks your sleep habits and lets you know if your bedroom is too hot, humid, bright, or loud for optimal sleep. However, as Philipss product development team wrote to us, the clocks are tested to last for seven years with regular use. One Wirecutter colleague has used hers for six years, and its still working. However, the device focuses solely on effective light therapy, and, unlike other models we tested, there are no sound options. It works. Khosla previously recommended this sunrise clock in our guide to alarm clocks. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider This clock is missing certain bells and whistles of the premium modela phone charger, an aux cable and port to play music from your phone over the alarms speaker, a midnight light, and extra soundsbut we didnt miss them enough to be willing to pay $60 to $100 extra for them.
Read our full review of the Philips SmartSleep Connected. hOmeLabs says the clock comes with eight colored light options, including red, blue, and yellow, and three brightness levels, as well as sounds inspired by nature to wake you up. Its sunrise also starts off with more warmth and brightens gradually to 200 lux (70 more than that of our budget pick, the hOmeLabs Sunrise Alarm Clock) to more effectively fill a room. Likewise, Khosla believes that sunrise clocks are great only if operated appropriately and alongside other healthy sleep behaviors, like eating right, exercising, putting your phone away before bed and trying to stay away from screens altogether long before that moment. Finally, I fell asleep to an orange light and the sound of rain. The clocks biggest drawback, though, is that the light isnt as robust as that of all the Philips options, which is essential to helping you feel awake. Another important factor is alarm sounds: Most sunrise alarm clocks have several sound options, and some (like the Casper Glow Light) lack this feature completely. Learn more. It might not be ideal for heavy sleepers who need noise to wake up; you'll still need to set a separate, audible alarm. It is customizable with the "fall asleep" and "stay asleep" buttons, which let you choose from sound and light options, including a guided breathing meditation, 13 relaxing sounds, and nine calming light therapy cycles. Inside the retina are light-sensitive cells that detect light changes at dawn and dusk, sensing light even if your eyes are closed. Some clocks have other features like sleep sounds and connected apps, but the light is the critical feature that determines whether the product will be useful to you. You should review the apps privacy policy for more information. Its handy that the display shows the date, too. If you want to experiment with your smart-home devices and lighting, you could try a smart bulb (such as from Philips Hueor LIFX), said Grant Clauser, Wirecutters senior editor covering the smart-home beat. Sign up for Insider Reviews' weekly newsletter for more buying advice and great deals. We set out to find a dependable clock that most people would be happy to display on their nightstand. For the price, it's packed with a lot of features that will help you wake up in a better mood. Unlike with the Philips clocks, both the light and the sound stop (instead of just the sound) when you hit snooze; at least one online reviewer disliked this, though my husband actually preferred it. It has a 4.2-star average rating from over 7,800 Amazon reviews. Two other negatives are the device usually takes a few seconds to connect when you open the app, and it doesn't play music or radio. (However, if you have trouble getting out of bed, a dedicated wake-up alarm clock probably remains best.). It was fun to carry around when I needed a glass of water in the dark. However, at about $50, its usually more than twice the price of the hOmeLabs yet has fewer features. It also offers thoughtful extras such as five alarm tones, a good radio, and a backup alarm; plus, it looks sleeker and feels sturdier than similarly priced and cheaper models. The stunning sunset simulation was my favorite feature: The brightness gradually decreases from beautiful hues of bright yellows to soft reds over the course of five to 60 minutes. Preliminary studies suggest that it can lower the risk of heart attacks (PDF). This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. (Dont worry: It doesnt actually listen in; it just reads decibel changes.) Lumie Bodyclock Active 250: If Lumie's models sold more widely in the US, it would be Philipss competitor. Pros: Creates the best sunrise simulation, very user-friendly and simple, fully manual, Cons: Very limited sound options, doesn't have an app if you're someone who prefers a connected device. La Crosse Technology C80994 Soluna Light Alarm Clock: Philips SmartSleep Sleep and Wake-Up Light HF3650, global lead, behavior change with Philips Respironics and psychologist in the sleep department at National Jewish Health in Denver, assistant professor of neurology at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, How to design human centric lighting -- by scientist who discovered it, associate professor of psychiatry (adjunct) at Yale University and board member at the Center for Environmental Therapeutics, associate professor of psychology at University of Pittsburgh, professor of molecular, cellular, and developmental biology at University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, How the Philips SmartSleep Sunrise Alarm Clock Changed My Life: A Love Story, Wirecutters 100 Most Popular Picks in January 2022. Philips says the connected app, SleepMapper, will let you customize your chosen sunset and sunrise times, and its auto-dimming display and sensors can also keep track of your bedroom environment. Subscribe now for unlimited access. I havent yet tested the accuracy of the sensors readings, but they seemed generally on the markyou just need to walk into my bedroom to know it. Still, we love that the Glow Light is pleasingly intuitiveand it beats deciphering an instruction book and fumbling for buttons in the dark. I had no problem setting the time and alarms with the easy-to-follow instructions. I noted whether or not these extra features were actually helpful and easy to use. Best sunrise alarm clock without an app: Philips SmartSleep Wake-Up Light, $149 from AmazonThe Philips SmartSleep Wake-Up Light has a unique spherical design that creates a beautiful sunrise simulation and features many of the same premium settings as the more expensive Philips SmartSleep Connected.