Sunrise alarm clocks offer a gentler start to the day than a phone or traditional alarm, and they may be especially helpful during darker winter mornings. According to Dr. Hana Patel, resident sleep expert at Time4Sleep, “waking up to light is typically better for alertness than waking up to a sudden, loud sound.” She explains that gradual light modulates cortisol and avoids the acute stress response sometimes caused by sudden alarms, while also helping to clear sleep inertia and prepare the body for active energy.
Why light and sound together work best
Rosie Scott, osteopath and founder of Erin Health, says it is better to wake up to both light and sound. “Light to begin the process and a low sound as a backstop. Light alone is unreliable, while a sudden noise on its own is a startle response, which is a poor way to start any day,” she notes, particularly for those prone to migraines or grogginess.
The tester swapped her phone alarm for each sunrise alarm clock for at least a week, comparing how she woke with the devices versus her usual phone alarm and a week with no alarm at all. She focused on ease of setup and use, features, value for money, light and sound settings, bedside table space, and how easy each was to charge or power.
Top picks from the testing
The Dreamegg Sunrise 1 Sound Machine was the best overall. It features a dinky linen finish, nature sounds, mood lighting, and adjustable sunlight settings. The tester praised its simple buttons, nine colour settings, 29 sleep-aid sounds, and lack of an app, though it has no sunset timer. It costs £45 at Amazon.co.uk.
For a budget option, the Groov-e Light Curve Wake-Up Light Alarm Clock with FM Radio offers 10 brightness levels, seven coloured LED options, alarm tones, and FM radio for around £35. The tester noted it feels plasticky, requires a USB plug (not included), and takes some trial and error to operate.
The Lumie Bodyclock Luxe 750DAB impressed as the most multi-functional choice, with DAB radio, Bluetooth, USB connectivity, and a 15–90 minute sunrise/sunset duration. It costs £205 at Healf.com, but the tester found the many buttons initially fiddly.
The Philips HF3531/01 SmartSleep Wake-up Light (£169 at Boots.com) mimics a natural sunrise with 20 light intensities and a fading sunset timer. The tester liked the spa-like sounds and Midnight Light function but noted there is no coloured mood lighting and the radio occasionally sounded muffled.
The Hatch Restore 3 (£205 at Healf.com) stood out for its Unwind Routines and 190 colours, but access to premium features requires a Hatch+ subscription at £4.99 a month or £49.99 a year. The tester also flagged that units sold through Healf come with a US power cord and adapter.
Other notable models
The Beurer Wake Up and Charge Alarm Clock (£69 at Argos.co.uk) combines a wireless phone charger and reading light with adjustable mood lighting. The tester found the display numbers too bright, covering them with fabric, and wished it had a radio.
The Blueair Mini Restful Sunrise Clock Air Purifier (£169 at Amazon.co.uk) removes dust and allergens while functioning as a sunrise alarm with 11 soundscapes. The tester noted the time is displayed on top rather than the side, making it hard to read during the night, and the app is required for full settings.
Ultimately, the Dreamegg Sunrise 1 Sound Machine was the tester’s top pick for its simple, effective design and wide range of light and sound settings, with other options available to suit different needs and budgets.
