Best Sunrise Alarm Clocks of 2025
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links — at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the content I create here on the blog! You can read my full Disclosure Policy for more details.
Tired of being jolted awake by a blaring alarm? More and more people are swapping out harsh buzzers for the best sunrise alarm clocks.
Instead of shocking your system at 6 a.m., a sunrise alarm clock uses gradually brightening light to mimic a natural sunrise, easing you out of sleep and boosting your energy levels before you even roll out of bed.
In this guide, I’m giving you my top-rated, best sunrise alarm clocks for 2025. And there’s probably one for your budget, lifestyle, and sleep needs! Need a budget-friendly option, or a smart alarm with all the bells and whistles? The best sunrise alarm clock for heavy sleepers? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.
What is a Sunrise Alarm Clock?
A sunrise alarm clock—sometimes called a wake-up light or sunrise simulation clock—gently mimics a natural sunrise by gradually filling your room with warm light. This process tricks your body into thinking the sun is rising, helping your brain reduce melatonin (the sleep hormone) and boost cortisol (the energy hormone) at the right time.
If you’re looking for other ways to keep cortisol levels balanced throughout the day, certain foods can naturally help and there are even simple lifestyle shifts that reduce cortisol belly fat. Yes, please LOL
Why does this matter? Because waking up with light instead of noise feels way more natural. Studies show that people who use sunrise simulation alarm clocks often feel more energized, less groggy, and even improve their overall sleep quality.
Plus, pairing a sunrise clock with bedtime rituals that help you fall asleep faster can make your whole sleep routine much more effective.
TL;DR: the best sunrise alarm clocks are part light therapy, part smart alarm, and 100% designed to make mornings less painful.
Best Overall Sunrise Alarm Clock
The SmartSleep HF3520 is consistently rated as one of the best because it nails the essentials: gradual sunrise simulation, natural wake-up sounds, and a proven track record.
If there’s one sunrise alarm clock that has earned its reputation, it’s the Philips SmartSleep HF3520. This is the clock that comes up again and again in reviews, Reddit threads, and sleep blogs — and for good reason. It’s the OG of wake-up lights, and honestly, it still outshines most of the competition.
Philips gradually fills your room with a warm red glow. Over the next 30 minutes, that glow shifts through orange and finally to a bright, sunny yellow, just like a real sunrise. By the time the alarm sound kicks in (you can pick from gentle birdsong, soft waves, or even Tibetan bowls), you’re already half-awake — in the best way possible.
One of my favorite features? The auto-dimming display. At night, the clock face fades into the background so you’re not stuck with a glowing rectangle in your room. In the morning, it brightens just enough to be visible without being harsh. It feels thoughtfully designed — like Philips actually thought about what it’s like to live with this clock, not just wake up to it.
Of course, it’s not perfect. The HF3520 is a little bulky — definitely not the clock for a tiny nightstand. And while the settings are customizable, the controls can feel clunky at first. It’s not a tap-and-go gadget; you’ll probably need the manual for the first few days. But once you get the hang of it, it’s smooth sailing.
What makes it worth the higher price tag is the clinical backing. Philips actually tested this thing, and most users report waking up feeling more refreshed and less groggy. If you’re serious about improving your mornings, this could be your new bestie.
Bottom line: The Philips SmartSleep HF3520 is the best sunrise alarm clock for anyone who wants a proven, reliable way to wake up naturally. Yes, it’s a little big and yes, it costs more than the knockoffs — but you’ll notice the difference the very first morning.
Best Budget Pick
The JALL Sunrise Alarm Clock is a favorite budget option thanks to its colorful light choices, simple design, and surprisingly effective wake-up routine.
Not ready to drop over $100 on a wake-up light? The JALL Sunrise Alarm Clock is one of the most popular budget-friendly options on Amazon, and proof that you don’t have to spend a fortune to ditch the harsh, soul-crushing BEEP BEEP BEEP that’s been ruining your mornings.
The JALL might not have the same sleek polish as Philips or Hatch, but it delivers where it counts. Instead of blasting you awake, it gradually brightens your room over 30 minutes, easing you into the day. You can choose from seven different light colors — soft yellow, warm white, even pink or blue if you want something a little more fun. While it’s not as natural-looking as higher-end models, it’s surprisingly effective.
Sound-wise, you get a mix of nature sounds (birds, ocean, streams) plus the option to wake up to your favorite FM radio station. It’s not fancy, but it gets the job done — and for under $50, that’s impressive!
Where the JALL really shines (pun intended) is its versatility. It doubles as a bedside lamp and nightlight, so it’s perfect if you want something multifunctional in a small space. Plus, the controls are straightforward.
Of course, being budget-friendly comes with trade-offs. The build quality isn’t premium — it’s light, plasticky, and doesn’t feel as durable as pricier sunrise alarm clocks. The brightness also doesn’t quite reach the natural intensity of Philips or Lumie, so if you’re a really heavy sleeper, it might not be enough. But for most people, it’s more than adequate.
Bottom line: The JALL Sunrise Alarm Clock is the best sunrise alarm clock for anyone who wants to try out the sunrise simulation lifestyle without making a big financial commitment. It’s affordable, effective, and surprisingly charming.
Best Smart Sunrise Alarm Clock
The Hatch Restore goes beyond a wake-up light, offering customizable sunrise routines, calming sleep sounds, and app-powered features that make mornings and nights feel intentional.
If the Philips HF3520 is the tried-and-true classic, the Hatch Restore is the cool, modern upgrade — the one you’ll proudly keep on your nightstand because it looks like something out of a minimalist design magazine.
At first glance, the Hatch doesn’t even look like an alarm clock. Its soft fabric front and curved, pebble-like shape blend right into any bedroom aesthetic. But beneath that pretty design is a powerhouse of features that make it more than just a sunrise alarm.
The light simulation is gorgeous — warm and natural, shifting gradually from a soft glow to a bright, room-filling light. But where the Hatch really pulls ahead is its companion app. You can fully customize your sleep and wake routines from your phone, choosing not just the light intensity but also pairing it with soothing sounds like ocean waves, meditations, or calming music.
There’s also a sunset feature that’s brilliant for winding down. Instead of doomscrolling on your phone before bed, you can set the Hatch to slowly dim like a fading sunset while playing relaxing sounds — a much healthier way to signal to your brain that it’s time to sleep.
For an even cozier wind-down, try sipping on a warm moon milk blend or a magnesium and tart cherry drink.
Now, the trade-off: while the Hatch is packed with features, some of the best content (like meditation sessions and expanded soundscapes) sits behind a subscription paywall. If you’re okay with sticking to the basics, it’s still fantastic — but if you want the full experience, you’ll need to budget for the ongoing fee.
That said, the Hatch Restore has a cult following for a reason. It doesn’t just wake you up — it helps you create a holistic sleep routine that feels intentional, calm, and, dare I say… a little luxurious.
Bottom line: The Hatch Restore is the best sunrise alarm clock for anyone who wants a stylish, smart, and wellness-focused experience. It’s like having a sleep therapist built into your nightstand.
Best Design-Forward Sunrise Lamp
The Loftie Lamp blends form and function, with a gentle glow that rises from base to top, customizable colors, and a sleek, minimalist design that doubles as décor.
Instead of blasting light straight into your face, the Loftie does something a little magical: the glow starts at the base and slowly climbs upward, mimicking the way the sun actually rises. The effect is subtle, almost like watching dawn spill over the horizon — except it’s happening on your nightstand. Within about nine minutes, your room shifts from cozy darkness to a soft, golden morning.
At night, it works in reverse. Set it to sunset mode, and the light gently fades while casting a warm red glow that signals to your brain it’s time to wind down. The red light actually supports melatonin production, which makes it easier to fall asleep naturally.
The Loftie Lamp also plays nicely with tech. You can control it from the app, customize brightness and colors, or sync it with voice assistants like Alexa. Want to create a “Golden Hour” vibe in your room? A couple taps and you’ve got it. Prefer a muted glow for reading before bed? Easy.
Of course, style comes at a price. At nearly $300, the Loftie is definitely on the premium side — and unlike some competitors, it doesn’t have built-in soundscapes or meditation features (though Loftie does sell a matching alarm clock you can pair it with). But what you do get is one of the most beautiful, thoughtfully designed sunrise lamps on the market.
Bottom line: The Loftie Lamp is the best sunrise alarm clock alternative for anyone who wants their mornings (and their bedroom) to feel intentional, calming, and visually stunning.
