The 7 Best Sunrise Alarm Clocks for a Gentle Start to Your Morning
Wake up naturally even if you are up before the sun.
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Even if you are a self-proclaimed morning person, it's unlikely that you love waking up to the sound of a blaring alarm. Whether you wake up easily or sleep like the dead, a sunrise alarm clock is a gentle, peaceful way to start your day, and can help you feel your most refreshed after a good night's sleep. Unlike traditional alarms, which jar you awake, these use gradually increasing light to gently rouse you from your slumber.
If you don't think light alone will cut it, many sunrise alarm clocks also have an array of natural sounds, like birds chirping or ocean waves, that can both lull you to sleep at night and wake you in the morning. While many sunrise alarm clocks have similar functionality, we've narrowed down our favorite features to help you choose the one that's right for you.
How to Choose a Sunrise Alarm Clock
While most sunrise alarm clocks work in a similar manner, there are a few key features that differ between models. While they will all be able to dim and get brighter, some will have multiple color options, while others will only have the option of yellow and/or white light. While this isn't integral to its main function, having other color options can be great for setting a relaxing mood before bed.
Many sunrise alarm clocks can wake you with typical alarm sounds, but others feature nature sounds, white noise, or even guided meditations. Finally, there are models that can be controlled through an app or voice control, so if you are looking for ease of use, you will probably want to opt for one of those.
How We Choose
To find the best options among the many sunrise alarm clocks on the market, we researched the most popular models available. We looked at expert-tested reviews from trusted sources like Wirecutter and CNET. We then took into account price, light controls, light colors, alarm sounds, and additional features. Finally, we consulted more than 75,000 reviews, written by people who’ve bought these models, on sites like Amazon to settle on these eight.
Philips Norelco SmartSleep Wake-up Light
Pros
- Very natural light
- Multiple wake-up sounds
Cons
- Expensive
- No multicolor options
Key Specs
- Light Color: White
- Sounds: 5, plus FM radio
- Number of Alarms: 2
This may be one of the most expensive clocks on the list, but it's also one of the best. The color grading is super natural, which makes it feel as if the sun is actually rising—even during daylight saving time.
There are five natural wake-up sounds as well as FM radio, an automatic dimmable display, and a tap-enabled snooze button. The light is super customizable and can even be bright enough to function as a reading light at night.
Pros
- Lots of color options
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Design may not go with every aesthetic
Key Specs
- Lights: White and multicolor
- Sounds: 7, plus AM/FM radio
- Number of Alarms: 1
If you're looking for more of a fun vibe, this clock is definitely capable of setting the mood. It does have a naturally colored option for your every day wake-up, but it also has a total of eight different light colors that are great for use during the day. It also has relaxing sounds like birds, lullabies, and ocean waves, as well as FM radio for deep sleepers.
JALL Wake Up Light Sunrise Alarm Clock
Pros
- Multiple sound options
- 20 brightness settings
Cons
- Basic design
Key Specs
- Lights: White and multicolor
- Sounds: 7
- Number of Alarms: 2
If you don't want to spend $100 on the Philips clock, this one is pretty similar but costs $60 less. It has seven different color options as well as seven relaxing sounds.
There are also both sunrise and sunset options to start and end your day, and it can be manually adjusted to the brightness you desire, including functioning as a reading light. You can also use it to set up to two alarms, and it has 20 levels of adjustable brightness.
Pros
- Great light and sound library
- Easy app controls
Cons
- Expensive
Key Specs
- Lights: White and multicolor
- Sounds: Library of sounds, stories, and meditations through app
- Number of Alarms: As many as you like
The Hatch Restore is one of the best sunrise alarm clocks on the market. Not only does it have tons of color and light options, it has an expansive sound library, wind down meditations, and even bedtime stories.
Everything from alarms to sounds to light settings can be controlled within the app, and you can set a personalized sunrise color to wake you up every morning. This model also has a soft, gentle light which is great for creating a relaxing environment morning or night.
winshine Touch Wake Up Night Light With Sunrise Simulation Alarm Clock
Pros
- Lots of light and color options
- Easy to use
Cons
- Large footprint
Key Specs
- Lights: White and multicolor
- Sounds: 7
- Number of Alarms: 1
If you want as much light as possible, this clock may be a great fit. Not only is it bigger than the other options, but it provides 360 degrees of light in five different colors or a color-changing option.
It also can be set to start illuminating your room 10, 30, or 60 minutes before the actual alarm goes off. The touch controls on top are easy to use, and the plastic is child-safe, making it a great choice for kids' rooms.
Pros
- Easy for kids to use
- Lots of color and dual color options
Cons
- Not super bright
Key Specs
- Lights: White and multicolor
- Sounds: 17
- Number of Alarms: 2
This clock was specifically designed to be easy for kids to use. It displays a sun in the morning when it's time to wake up, and a moon at night when it's time to sleep; you even set it to display a green light when it's time for your kiddo to get out of bed.
There are 10 different light color choices and 17 different sounds to put them to sleep, all of which can be set to stay on for 5 to 120 minutes. You can also set any combination of lights and alarms to wake up in the morning.
Pros
- Simple, stylish design
- Lots of colors
Cons
- Must be paired with an Echo device
Key Specs
- Lights: White and multicolor
- Sounds: Multiple music and alarm choices
- Number of Alarms: Multiple
While this device is advertised as being for kids, we wouldn't blame you if you wanted it for yourself. It has a super sleek design that works well in any style of room, and since it is an Amazon device, it can be voice-controlled with a compatible Echo device.
Although it is not marketed as an alarm clock, it can function as one when paired with an Alexa-enabled device, and can be set to slowly get brighter or sound an alarm.
Before joining Runner's World, Gabrielle Hondorp spent 6 years in running retail (she has tested top gear from shoes, to watches, to rain jackets which has expanded her expertise—and her closets); she specializes in health and wellness, and is an expert on running gear from head-to-toe. Gabi began her journalism career as a Digital Editorial Fellow for Runner’s World and Bicycling Magazine, and has since advanced to a Runner's World Editor specializing in commerce. She has a double degree in English and Media and Communication from Muhlenberg College where she also ran cross country and track.
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