Sunrise alarm clocks use gradually increasing light to create a gentler wake-up than a sudden, loud alarm. In a 2026 roundup, a reviewer who starts work at 5 a.m. compared six models, testing each on weekday mornings and allowing herself to wake naturally on weekends. She says she did not need the backup iPhone alarm set 20 minutes later while using any of them.
The reviewer assessed how natural the light looked and how long it took to brighten, alongside alarm sounds, sleep-support features and ease of setting the clock. Her top pick overall is the Dreamie, which combines a full-color gradual sunrise from a flicker-free 120-LED system with alarms and a growing library of podcasts, sleep sounds and ambient audio. Its features can be controlled on the device, and it does not require a phone or subscription. A sleep-insights feature using contactless sensors is described as coming soon.
For a more basic option, the REACHER Sound Machine Sunrise alarm clock is the budget pick. It offers eight alarm sounds, 26 sleep-aid sounds and a gradual orange-light sunrise, with no app required. The reviewer describes it as straightforward and reliable, and notes that it includes a memory function.
The Hatch Sleep Clock combines an alarm, sound machine and contactless sleep tracking based on movement and breathing patterns. It includes 30 days of Hatch+ access, whose library has more than 2,500 audio options, including meditations and audiobooks. After the trial, Hatch+ costs $5.99 a month or $59.99 a year. Basic features, some free sleep audio and sleep tracking remain available without the subscription.
Philips’ SmartSleep Wake-up Light simulates both sunrise and sunset, gradually brightening over 30 minutes from soft red to yellow. It offers five natural alarm sounds, a snooze function activated by touching the device, and the option to set two alarms. It also works as a bedside lamp and FM radio, though the reviewer notes that it takes up space on a nightstand.
The Loftie Lamp pairs a bedside lamp with a wake-up light that gradually brightens or dims. Its colors and modes are controlled through the Loftie app. For a combined light-and-sound routine, the reviewer recommends pairing it with the Loftie Clock, which offers nature sounds, noise options and meditation audio, as well as a two-stage alarm that starts gently before becoming louder.
The Rise Centered Original Sunrise Alarm Clock is the most design-focused choice in the roundup. It is made from hand-carved Himalayan salt and comes in pink, which gives off a softer amber glow, or white for more direct light. It needs no app, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. The light begins 30 minutes before the alarm, followed by bird and river sounds if the user has not turned it off.
Sources: Apartment Therapy.