Head-to-head · Best Sunrise Alarm Clocks

Hatch Restore 3 vs Philips SmartSleep Wake-Up Light HF3520

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Hatch Restore 3 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.4 vs 4.3). The gap is mostly about users who value design and app integration — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Sunrise Alarm Clocks

Hatch Restore 3

4.4

5 sources3 derived$169.99as of Jul 31

Reviewers rate the Hatch Restore 3 at the top for building a bedtime ritual, helped by a well-polished app and a sunrise function that works. They also like the industrial design and the intuitive physical controls. Two catches: the sunrise light isn't as bright as competitors', and the full routine features sit behind a subscription. It's for people who want a smart alarm clock with sleep routines built in, not just a light that comes on in the morning.

Strengths

— App-based routine builder is well-designed and easy to use
— Sunrise light effect is powerful enough to be effective
— Physical controls are responsive and intuitive

Watch-outs

— Sunrise light is dim compared to other options
— Subscription fee required for full routine features

$169.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #2 in Best Sunrise Alarm Clocks

Philips SmartSleep Wake-Up Light HF3520

4.3

5 sources2 derived$99.99as of Jul 31

The Philips SmartSleep Wake-Up Light HF3520 simulates a sunrise and a sunset, which helps people wake up naturally and fall asleep more easily. Wirecutter's Phillip Zminda praised the red-tinted light for how closely it mimics natural sunlight, and the sunset function for promoting better sleep. The menu system isn't intuitive and the buttons are small, which is a problem first thing in the morning. Light sleepers who want a gentle wake-up will like it; anyone who prefers simple controls won't.

Strengths

— Gradual red-tinted light mimics natural sunrise to reduce grogginess
— Includes sunset simulation feature to help users fall asleep
— The Philips SmartSleep Wake-Up Light HF3520 offers a soothing simulated sunrise and sunset, helping users wake up naturally and fall asleep easier. Wirecutter's Phillip Zminda praised its red-tinted light for mimicking natural sunlight and its sunset function for promoting better sleep. However, reviewers noted the device's unintuitive menu system and small buttons make it challenging to use, especially in the morning. This alarm clock is ideal for light sleepers seeking a gentle wake-up experience but may not suit those who prefer simple controls.

Watch-outs

— Awkward touch screen interface with vague symbols
— Tiny buttons around rim are difficult to navigate when groggy

$99.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Hatch Restore 3

The Hatch Restore 3 stands out with its industrial design and app-based routine builder, but unlike the Jall or Lumie models, it lacks built-in sleep aid sounds and FM radio. While it offers a sunrise light effect, it's dimmer than competitors like the Lumie Shine 300 and doesn't match the Philips SmartSleep's sunset simulation feature. Its subscription model also sets it apart from the more straightforward Jall and Lumie devices.

Philips SmartSleep Wake-Up Light HF3520

The Philips SmartSleep offers a unique red-tinted sunrise and sunset simulation that the Hatch Restore 3 and Jall lack, but it's criticized for its confusing interface compared to the user-friendly Lumie Glow 150. Unlike the bright Lumie Shine 300, it doesn't prioritize brightness and lacks the motion sensor features found in the Casper Glow Light. Its complex menu system also makes it less intuitive than the simpler Lumie models.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Hatch Restore 3	Philips SmartSleep Wake-Up Light HF3520
Display	Clock face with sunrise light	Coloured sunrise simulation
Brightness	Brighter overall than version 2	20
Controls	Knob and two buttons on top	Tap snooze
Dimensions	7.23 x 1.5 x 5.69 inches; 0.11 ounces	19.2 x 19.9 x 14.6 cm
Lighting Modes	—	Red-tinted
Sunrise Duration	—	20-40 minutes
Alarm Tones	—	5
Alarm Types	—	Natural sounds and beeping

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