Wouldn't it be nice to wake with the sun every morning?
Good sleep hygiene includes keeping a consistent sleep and wake schedule, even on weekends. But if we're being honest, alarm clocks seem so — to quote Fergie — "2000 and late." To modernize your rise routine, you might want to ditch the obnoxious blare or buzzing from your old alarm clock and switch to the best sunrise alarm clock for a more pleasant morning.
Shelby Harris, a licensed clinical psychologist and the director of sleep health at Sleepopolis, tells us that "sunrise alarm clocks can help you wake up more naturally by slowly brightening like a real sunrise. This gradual light helps your body wake up more smoothly, making you feel less groggy and more refreshed in the morning."
Once the light from the alarm clock reaches your eyelids, your body responds just as nature intended — signaling your brain that it's time to wake up and start the day. Explaining the science behind sunrise alarm clocks, Harris says, "The exposure to light helps lower melatonin, the sleep hormone, and raise cortisol, the hormone that helps you wake up, making it easier to get out of bed.”
And if you need an alarm clock for heavy sleepers, these can help. Board-certified sleep psychologist and Mattress Firm sleep adviser Jade Wu adds, "Sunrise alarm clocks can help ease the transition to waking by simulating a gradual increase in light, which helps signal to your circadian system that it's time to start the day. This is especially useful during daylight saving time or for those who struggle with early wake-ups, because the body's internal clocks often aren't ready to be alert and active when standard alarm clocks go off abruptly.”
As a certified sleep science coach, I was particularly interested in using my expertise (and that of Harris and Wu) to test some of the most popular sunrise alarm clocks in search of the best options. After researching more than a dozen products, I selected 10 to put to the test and made my determinations based on aesthetics, ease of setup, sound quality, functionality and overall effectiveness. Here, you'll find out which one won as the best sunrise alarm clock, along with which other options I liked.
Update, May 21, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability. Our No. 1 pick for best sunrise alarm clock remains unchanged.
Looking for more ways to improve your sleep hygiene? Check our list of the best sleep trackers and the best sleep aids you can take without a prescription. Or, take care of unwanted background noise in your sleeping space with a pair of the best earplugs or the best headphones for sleeping, or the best white noise machines if you like falling asleep to nature sounds. For those who need their sleeping space to be pitch dark, check out our lists of the best blackout curtains and shades and the best sleep masks.
Number of brightness levels: 20 | Additional features: Sunset feature, blue light control, Bluetooth connectivity
Hitting our list as the best sunrise alarm clock overall is the Lumie Bodyclock Luxe 700FM. Incidentally, if we were giving accolades for the best design, this clock would also win in that category. It has a premium build quality compared to other iterations of Lumie Bodyclocks. The weighted base (which looks like linen) and frosted glass would look lovely on any nightstand. That said, this sunrise alarm clock has a large footprint and uses an antenna to get reception, meaning it eats up a lot of space on your bedside table.
The setup for this clock was relatively easy, as it's reasonably intuitive. Once it's plugged in, you can easily cycle through setting up your language preference, time and alarm settings.
Like most sunrise alarm clocks, the color starts as an orange-reddish hue and gradually fades to a brighter white as your alarm time approaches. You can choose between 20 brightness settings, but note that level 16 is heinously bright. Other alarm details include an adjustable "sunrise" duration of 15-90 minutes and a snooze function that buys you an extra 9 minutes by tapping the top of the glass or any of the preset keys. As far as alarm sounds go, you can wake to any of the 20+ preprogrammed sleep sounds, FM radio (quite the throwback there) or you can connect the clock to your smartphone and tap into your playlist.
Like a few other entries on our list, the Lumie Bodyclock Luxe 700FM can also be used as a bedside light. Putting on my sleep-science-coach hat, it seems that Lumie really did their homework here, as users can switch to a low-blue light setting. Blue light exposure in the evening — whether from our devices or ambient light — can interfere with the body's production of melatonin, the hormone that signals it's time to sleep. This disruption can leave us feeling more alert than we should be at bedtime, which can ultimately mess with our sleep.
The device earns extra points for its smart feature that automatically adjusts the display brightness based on the room's light level. Many people overlook the impact of bright displays from devices in their rooms, but those lights can also interfere with sleep. And if you're really looking to knock out all of the light in your room, you can turn the display light off — when you want to see the time, just tap the lamp cover.
The sunset program rounds out a nice list of features. Users can set the light on the clock to fade gradually, boosting sleepiness.
While ultimately this is my top pick for sunrise alarm clocks, and I consider it a good deal given its wealth of features, it's also an admittedly pricey purchase. If budget is a concern, you may want to turn to some of our other favorite options.
Number of brightness levels: 1-100% | Additional features: 26 built-in colored noise options, sunrise light color can be changed to eight different options, programmable sleep timer
With user-friendly controls, generous functionality and reasonable pricing, Reacher's entry into the category makes our list as the best value among sunrise alarm clocks.
The first thing we noticed with the Reacher clock is that, unlike some sunrise alarm clocks, you can change the color of the "sunrise." It may be sort of weird for some, but nevertheless, it's an option. Another standout feature of this alarm clock is that the sunrise effect isn't a sterile white light at full brightness. It's more of a warm yellow. Regarding the time frame for "full sunlight," the Reacher clock takes 30 minutes to reach maximum brightness. And if a bright white light isn't your bag here, you can always switch to red, fuchsia, yellow, green or blue. Also jam-packed among its features are a dimmable light and digital display, which can be easily adjusted with the dials on the back of the unit.
Reacher's sunrise alarm clock is also a noise machine preloaded with 26 different sounds. Users can choose from pink noise, brown noise and white noise options as well as fan noises, gentle waves, a lullaby, a music box or heartbeat. I found the lullaby, birds and cricket noises to be the most crisp. The waves and heartbeat sounded a bit muddled.
Like most sunrise alarm clocks, you can pair the sunrise feature with the nature sounds for a pleasant wake-up experience. The bird sounds paired with the sunrise feature were particularly enjoyable.
This sturdy little clock packs a lot of functionality into a relatively small footprint, so it's worth your time (no pun intended). It's easy to set up, operate and fine-tune when needed, just be aware that the "wood grain" is in name only. The wood grain portion is a plastic component, and the color is more orange than a natural wood tone.
Number of brightness levels: 25 | Additional features: Sunset feature, night-light function, integrated breathing exercises
The Philips SmartSleep sunrise alarm clock was by far the fastest and easiest to set up. It's incredibly intuitive. You just plug in the alarm clock and cycle through the settings on the face of the unit. I don't usually handle the electronics in my home, nor do I want to, but I was able to set this clock up within five minutes, and at no point did I feel the need to refer to the manual for assistance. Another thing that makes this clock so user-friendly is that it skips the annoyance of Wi-Fi connectivity and buggy apps.
In terms of performance, this clock functions like most sunrise alarm clocks. As it approaches your alarm time, it phases through red, orange and yellow lights, eventually into a fairly bright, almost white light. Overall, it works well to simulate a natural sunrise or sunset, but users should know that the clock face is quite large, so when you turn up the brightness (there are 25 levels available), it becomes exceptionally bright. In fact, at 25, the brightness is overwhelming; I think most people will prefer levels 16 to 18.
You can also choose from seven alarm sounds, including "forest birds," "Buddha awake," "morning Alps" or my favorite, "Nepal bowls." Snoozing is as easy as tapping the top of the alarm clock, and like most alarm clocks, it lasts nine minutes.
One standout feature of the Philips SmartSleep is what I like to call the "nighttime assist." If you find yourself waking up in the middle of the night, maybe to use the bathroom, you can simply tap the top of the clock to activate the Midnight Light. This gentle, low-intensity orange light provides just enough illumination to navigate your surroundings without fully waking you up.
Like many of the clocks on our list, this one also has a sunset feature — or "unwind" feature — where you can set it to count down or fade out light and sound until your bedtime. You can adjust the time it takes to wind down from 5 to 60 minutes. Plus, you can choose from any of the preprogrammed sounds, the radio, music from your own device or no sound at all.
This clock also has a RelaxBreathe program, which guides you through breathing exercises to help you unwind. You can choose from seven breathing exercises, adjust the duration and choose whichever soundscape you want, if any.
The Philips SmartSleep sunrise alarm clock has a lot to love, but it's one of the more expensive items we tested, and there are a few things that could have made it better. The first is the sheer size of it. Like the Lumie Bodyclock Luxe 700FM, it has a relatively large footprint and a soft wire antenna — it's not as big as the Lumie Bodyclock, but it still takes up a significant amount of space on your nightstand. Also, given its size and shape, if you turn the brightness up, it looks and feels like a spotlight.
Another downside of this sunrise alarm clock is that it doesn't have Bluetooth capability, which is surprising in 2025. At the back of the clock, there's a port for charging your phone and an AUX port for plugging in a device, which seems kind of clunky and outdated.
Number of brightness levels: 0-100% | Additional features: Personalized "rest" and "rise" routines, functions as a nightlight, optional Hatch+ membership for more sleep options and travel-friendly access to sleep sounds
Many of the alarm clocks that made our list do double or triple duty, offering tools to help you fall asleep (like white noise or calming meditations) in addition to offering the sunrise alarm to help you wake up. But for anyone who needs as much (or more) help settling down at night as they do waking up in the morning, the Hatch Restore 2 is a standout ... especially when paired with its subscription-based app.
For starters, the Hatch Restore 2 is a great-looking clock. Thanks to the choice of three neutral hues — slate, putty and latte — I was able to choose one to blend in seamlessly with my bedroom decor. I appreciate the minimalist design and intuitive buttons on the top. This is especially helpful if you're trying to keep your phone out of the bedroom: You can easily select your preset "rest" or "rise" routines — no app or phone required.
As far as those "rest" and "rise" routines go, they're easy to set up and simple to adjust and personalize, as needed, and you can enjoy most features with the free Hatch Sleep app. The Hatch alarm offers white, pink, green and brown noises to choose from to help you fall asleep, as well as hundreds of other options (like light rain), sleep stories or music channels to choose among. The device even lets you set up a "rest reminder" so you know when it's time to start winding down for bed. Once you start your routine each night, the Hatch Restore will follow your selections (including offering a gradual sunset light that fades out or transitions to your selected night-light setting).
The "rise" routine is similar — decide what time you want to wake up and set a routine for the gradual sunrise alarm (which adjusts from orange light to yellow, then white). You can elect to accompany the sunrise with the sounds of your choosing (like chirping birds), or traditional alarm sounds or music.
Most of these features are similar to some of the other products that made our list, but what makes the Hatch stand out as a step above is the additional content that's available on the Hatch+ app. For $4.99 per month, you get additional access to meditation content, sleep tracking and smart home compatibility. You can even access your sleep sounds and routines through the app itself if you happen to be traveling and away from your Restore device. Granted, your phone won't be able to give you the sunrise alarm feature, but you can at least fall asleep and wake up with the other aspects of your preferred routine.
Regarding the sunrise alarm itself, it does the job. Even though I sleep with an eye mask, the light from the clock was bright enough to help me wake up naturally. This one worked gently with my circadian rhythm.
Of course, it's certainly on the higher end pricewise at $170, and the long-term cost goes up if you subscribe to the app, but it packs in a lot of features and may be able to help improve your entire sleep routine, not just your morning alarm.
Number of brightness levels: Between 10-100% | Additional features: Sunset feature, wireless charging capability, Bluetooth connectivity
The first time I saw the Dekala Arches sunrise alarm clock, I thought it had a nostalgic mid-century modern, Mad Men vibe. So, for anyone who likes retro home decor, this might be worth a closer look.
Diving into the specifics of the brand's flagship sunrise alarm clock, the Arches model is a breeze to set up and operate. Like many of the options on our list, it's user-friendly and intuitive.
However, unlike the other alarm clocks, this one has an integrated 15W charging pad. While this feature can help reduce nightstand clutter, it's worth noting that the pad is relatively small. With just a 5 inch x 2 inch area to place your phone, if you have a larger device, you'll need to position it diagonally on the charger. Although the charger doesn't have a magnetic feel, there's a reassuring grip when you set your phone down, giving you peace of mind that it won't slide off and leave you with a drained battery by morning.
This clock works with an app, connects to Wi-Fi and has Bluetooth connectivity, all of which are easy to set up. Plus, it works with Alexa and Google Assistant.
One thing that niggles me about this sunrise alarm clock is that the controls are underneath the unit, so if you want to change the time, change the color or set an alarm, you have to tip the unit to access the buttons on the bottom. For that reason, it's important to use the app, which also allows you to make these adjustment without touching the alarm. Once you've downloaded and connected the app, it shows you things like the time, temperature, humidity level and UV index. You can also set up your alarms and adjust the lights for color and brightness. If you prefer not to have to work with your phone or an app, you can always control the clock using the buttons on the unit.
When it comes to sound options, this alarm clock delivers with a solid basic speaker — just keep in mind it's not a high-end sound system. You can customize your wake-up experience by choosing between seven different alarm sounds, including birds, sea, valley, babbling brook, piano, light music, an alarm beep or wind chimes. Plus, with Bluetooth connectivity, you have the flexibility to stream your own music for a personalized start to your day.
A few other features this alarm clock offers include white noise settings to help prevent ambient noises from keeping you awake and a breath setting to help you calm your breathing patterns as you go to bed.
Unlike the other alarms, the sunrise setting doesn't provide "levels" for you to choose between. Rather, it offers light adjustments from 10% to 100%, and you can elect where to start and max out. The light turns on an hour before your alarm time, and like the other options, gradually increases in brightness.
Number of brightness levels: Up to 100% (100 lumens) | Additional features: Rainbow timers
The Amazon Echo Glow is marketed as a sunrise alarm clock, but ultimately, it's more like a fun programmable light that's especially helpful for kids or individuals who aren't looking for all the extra bells and whistles. As such, it hits our list as the best "no frills" sunrise alarm clock.
Now, first things first: This is an Amazon product, so it's designed to work exclusively with other Amazon devices. And when we say exclusively, we mean it. The Echo Glow doesn't have a microphone, so while you can control it through the Alexa app, you can only make requests or commands if you have other Echo devices in your home (like the Echo Spot or Echo Hub) to route those requests through Alexa.
The Glow itself is small, measuring just under 4 inches around — a big benefit considering the real estate requirements of some of the other alarm clocks on this list. It has a USB power cord and an Action button. To get things up and running, using the Echo Glow is as easy as plugging in the power cord, pressing the Action button to turn it on and then using the Alexa mobile app to discover it.
In terms of lighting, the Glow is touch-sensitive, so with a tap, you can cycle through 16 colors and lighting modes. Additionally, you can set up wake-up light alarms and "rainbow" timers. The latter makes this fun for kids — it cycles through a rainbow of colors, ending on bright white as a countdown to help motivate kids to complete tasks like picking up their toys, getting ready for bed or brushing their teeth.
Like the other clocks on our list, the wake-up timer means the Glow light gradually increases brightness until it reaches 100%. It's worth noting that the Glow only puts out about 100 lumens, which is relatively dim, so it may be worth pairing it with an audible alarm (on your phone or through another device) if you're not particularly light sensitive.
Number of brightness levels: Not indicated, although there are three brightness levels for the desk lamp feature | Additional features: Built-in charging pad for phones or devices, 10 built-in white noise options
I initially wanted to try this clock because of its sleek design. I thought it had a Scandinavian, hygge quality to it — simple but warm and inviting. It's a clock I don't mind having on my nightstand.
Using the Vivilumens as a clock and light is easy enough — tap the top right side to turn it on, and keep tapping to choose from three brightness levels.
Setting the sunrise feature was a bit more tricky, but "figureoutable." To save you the headache, here's the catch: The sunrise feature is only built in to alarm 2. Like most sunrise alarms, this one starts dim and gradually gets brighter, although there are no details on brightness levels. In testing, I found that the light starts out sterile and doesn't get much warmer or more yellow as it brightens. It does the trick but isn't as impactful as some other options. You can elect whether to combine the sunrise feature with an audible alarm too.
One stand-out feature is the built-in charging pad for devices. I still have an iPhone 12 Pro Max, which is pretty big, but it works with this charging pad. Just a word to the wise: You might want to make sure your phone is actually charging before falling asleep because if it's not set quite right, you may catch your z's without charging your phone.
This sunrise alarm clock also includes a white noise feature with built-in timers. Users can choose from the usual suspects like birdsongs and rain to pleasant surprises like Tibetan bowls and a music box (my personal favorite). Even better, this feature has a countdown timer that you can set for 30-, 60- and 90-minute increments, after which it turns off automatically.
Beyond its "pretty face," this sunrise alarm clock also features a dimmable digital time display and a snooze bar.
When shopping for a sunrise alarm clock, Harris recommends finding one with light that closely mimics natural sunlight. Look for options to adjust brightness and sound to your preference. A sunset feature is also a great addition to help you unwind before bed. Here's what else to consider.
Light intensity and color: Sunrise alarm clocks are designed to gradually transition from dark to light, mimicking a natural sunrise rather than the sudden jolt of flipping on a light switch. Some models come with a fixed brightness level, while others allow you to adjust the light intensity to match your comfort. "[Look] for a clock that offers adjustable brightness and a gradual light ramp-up over at least 15–30 minutes, to mimic a sunrise and trigger wakefulness effectively," says Wu.
When choosing a sunrise alarm clock, consider whether you prefer to customize the light settings or if you'd rather keep it simple with preset options.
Sunrise and sunset simulation: While the main selling point of the clocks on our list is sunrise simulation, many clocks, like the Lumie Bodyclock Luxe 700FM and the Philips SmartSleep, also come with a sunset simulation to help you relax and unwind before bed. This feature gradually fades the ambient light in your sleep space, which may help promote melatonin production and make you feel sleepy.
Many clocks also allow you to add relaxing music or sleep sounds to your wind-down routines, and some, like the Phillips SmartSleep, offer breathing exercises to promote relaxation.
Sound options: Though the main attraction of sunrise alarm clocks is the gradual light display, most models also come equipped with standard alarm clock features like FM radio and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to wake up to your favorite playlists, podcasts or sleep stories. Some even include a preprogrammed sound library with unique options — so if you've ever wanted to wake up to the sound of bleating goats, you're in luck (we're looking at you, Lumie Bodyclock Luxe 700FM).
Wu says that nature sounds or gentle tones may serve as a final wake-up cue, which can complement the light and reduce the shock of a standard alarm. "Being able to tailor the timing and intensity to your needs is key for consistency," she says.
Snooze function: Research suggests that hitting the snooze button repeatedly can prolong morning grogginess, also known as sleep inertia, by constantly interrupting your body's natural wake-up process. We understand you may not be able to resist the allure of a few extra minutes of sleep, so if you're a habitual snoozer, look for a sunrise alarm clock with a built-in snooze function. The good news is that many models include this feature, allowing you to easily tap the unit for an additional nine minutes of rest.
Display brightness: Good sleep hygiene suggests your sleep space should be cool, quiet and dark. While many people focus on eliminating overhead lights and drawing the blinds, it's crucial not to overlook the brightness of your devices, including your sunrise alarm clock.
The brightness of your clock's display can disrupt your sleep, so choosing a clock with adjustable brightness settings is wise. Even better, consider a model like the Lumie Bodyclock Luxe 700FM, which automatically adjusts its display brightness to match the ambient light in your room.
Size and design: Many sunrise alarm clocks have a large footprint. Some even have old-school antennas that require more airspace to access FM radio. Keep size in mind when compiling your shortlist, especially if you've been using your smartphone for your morning alarm needs — the size of some of these alarm clocks may shock you when it comes to how much nightstand real estate they require.
It should also go without saying that design matters too. Given how much space these devices require, you want to select one that looks as good as it functions. It shouldn't be an eyesore!
Price and relative value for your needs: One thing is abundantly clear — sunrise alarm clocks are not cheap. Most of the units we tested were north of $100. So, if you're shopping for one, definitely set your budget in advance.
Also, ensure the unit provides the functionality you need in relation to price. For example, we chose the Lumie Bodyclock Luxe 700FM as the best overall — it's expensive but overall offers exceptional functionality and programming options. However, it doesn't come equipped with Bluetooth connectivity. That could be a deal-breaker for some people, ultimately devaluing the device. If Bluetooth is a requirement for you, you'd be better off spending less and choosing a product that meets your needs.
As a certified sleep science coach, I spend my days writing about all things sleep. While I relied on my experience and professional expertise for this review, I sought additional expert input from Shelby Harris, a clinical psychologist specializing in behavioral sleep medicine and the director of Sleep Health at Sleepopolis.
With the expert's advice and my personal and professional experience in hand, I did some research to find the buzziest sunrise alarm clocks. After receiving the products for testing, I worked with one clock each night. Ultimately, I considered aesthetics, ease of setup, sound quality, functionality and effectiveness for my review. The results are reflected in this roundup.
Sunrise alarm clocks work by gradually increasing light intensity, which helps reduce the production of melatonin, the hormone that makes you sleepy, while boosting cortisol, which promotes alertness. This natural wake-up process can make getting out of bed smoother and leave you feeling less groggy and more refreshed in the morning. That said, if you're a particularly deep sleeper, you may still need an audible alarm to make sure you wake up. Many of the products we tested offer both features.
According to Wu, "Sunrise alarm clocks are particularly beneficial for people who identify as night owls or have trouble waking up early, especially during the darker months or around [daylight saving time] changes." She says, "For those who frequently snooze alarms or feel groggy upon waking, these clocks can help gently shift your circadian rhythm to better match your schedule."
Everyone is different, so there are no hard and fast rules for how long it'll take to see a difference when using a sunrise alarm clock. We'll add here that nothing happens overnight when it comes to making changes to any element of your sleep health. Ultimately, it may take a few days before you see a difference in the quality of your morning routine.
Research on sunrise alarm clocks is limited, but evidence shows better nighttime sleep quality after exposure to electric light in the mornings.
Both light and sound have been used as waking mechanisms for millennia, and each has its own merits. The choice between the two often comes down to personal preference. Harris notes, "Sunrise alarm clocks are great for people who don't like being jolted awake by loud alarms. They're also helpful if you have trouble waking up in the dark, live in a place with little sunlight (i.e., Alaska in the winter), or have sleep issues like difficulty waking up early."
Wiim Wake-up Light: Out of all the clocks I tested, this was the slimmest and sleekest-looking out of the bunch. Unfortunately, its good looks couldn't save it; the Wiim app was too buggy. The clock randomly disconnects from the WiFi, which wipes out the alarms you've set, making it unable to follow through on the most basic of its functions.
Lumie Bodyclock Glow 150: This clock did everything it was supposed to do, and it was easy to use, but it didn't have the quality feel and premium look of its cousin, the Lumie Bodyclock Luxe 700FM. That said, if you're looking for a more affordable alternative to the Luxe 700FM, the Glow 150 is a good option.
Casper Glow Light: Being able to use gestures to manage the alarm seemed like a neat feature when I decided to test this sunrise alarm — shake it to turn it on, turn it to dim or brighten the light and flip it over to turn it off — but I found them to be a little too temperamental. It took too much force to shake the light on, and at one point, the light turned on and immediately turned off. Additionally, you're forced into the alarm's app to set an alarm. For Apple users, this may be easy enough (though it's worth noting that the app has only 3.8 stars). Android users may have to look elsewhere, because the Android app appears to be defunct, and it doesn't look like Casper has any plans to resurrect it.
Momcozy Sunrise Sound Machine: Previously listed as our "best budget" pick at $50, new testing that included the Vivilumens 6 in 1 Sunrise Alarm ($50) and the Reacher Wood Grain Sunrise Alarm ($33) ultimately ousted this pick, although we still think it offers good functionality at a reasonable price. However, our two new entries to the mix are priced similarly (or less) and work every bit as well, if not better.
Shelby Harris, PhD, director of sleep health at Sleepopolis
Jade Wu, PhD, board-certified sleep psychologist and sleep adviser for Mattress Firm
Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
