The Best Sunrise Alarm Clocks

Not exactly a morning person? If you hate the sound of your buzzing alarm clock in the morning, and the mere thought of waking up from a deep slumber makes you shudder, then there's one life-changing device that you absolutely need: a sunrise alarm clock. As opposed to (horrible) alarm clocks that buzz and blare like foghorns, a sunrise clock silently emits a soft, artificial light that closely mimics the morning sunrise, so you wake up slowly and naturally. Say goodbye to grumpy mornings and hello to the new (well-rested) you when you invest in one of the sunrise alarm clocks on this list.

Heimvision Sunrise Alarm Clock

Glorious Mornings Are In Your Future

Every morning is a good one when you have the Heimvision Alarm Clock on your bedside table.
Best Overall

Find on Amazon

Ready to wake up feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and ready to start the day? The Heimvision Sunrise Alarm Clock artificially stimulates the sunrise, giving your body a gentle wake-up signal. How? The light increases gradually before your pre-set wake-up time until the room is filled with soft, naturally bright light. In an ultra-convenient feature, this alarm clock is Alexa-enabled, so all you have to do is give it a simple voice command to set it before you go to bed. plus, you can take your pick from one of several peaceful nature sounds (like birdsong and ocean waves) if you’d prefer to wake up with soothing noise. All in all, you’ll actually look forward to waking up with this alarm clock at your side.

Pros:

  • Alexa-enabled
  • The light gradually increases before your preset wake-up time
  • You can choose from one of seven different alarm clock sounds
  • Has a snooze function
  • Built-in speaker has excellent sound quality and delivers three soothing nature sounds, to help lull you to sleep
  • Distinctive, modern design

Cons:

  • The sound clips are just a little too short

Home Labs Sunrise Alarm Clock

Start Your Day Off Just Right

The Home Labs Sunrise Alarm Clock offers such a pleasant way to start the day.
Runner Up

Find on Amazon

The Home Labs Sunrise Alarm Clock is a fantastic product for those who have trouble waking up in the mornings. Boasting a sleek, modern design, this clock uses a warm LED light that gradually brightens 30 minutes before your alarm goes off, so that you wake up slowly and feel refreshed and calm as opposed to being jolted awake. It even has a sleep timer that simulates the sunset in case you want to use this clock to fall asleep at night, as well. And, with eight vibrant color options to pick from, this clock adds a chic touch to your nightstand.

Pros:

  • Features a sleep timer with sunset simulation to gently dim the room at night
  • Has nature-inspired sounds, too
  • There are eight colorful light options
  • The LED screen shows either a 12-hour or 24-hour display

Cons:

  • If you’re a particularly heavy sleeper, this might not be the best product

Jall Wake Up Light Alarm Clock

Wake Up, Sleepy Head

Even the heaviest sleepers will have trouble staying asleep with the Jall Wake Up Light by their sides.
Best for Heavy Sleepers

Find on Amazon

If you’re the kind of sleeper who could snooze through an earthquake, then you need the Jall Wake Up Light Alarm Clock. Designed specifically with heavy sleepers in mind, this clock gradually increases from 10-percent brightness to 100-percent just 30 minutes after your wake-up time. It also has a dual-alarm function, too, in case you need to set multiple alarms, and there are seven color-changing lights with colors ranging from indigo to red to green. It’s a heavy-duty clock for heavy-duty sleepers. On top of all that, it also functions as a reading lamp and night light.

Pros:

  • Designed especially for heavy sleepers, unlike most sunrise alarm clocks
  • Has seven nature sounds to pick from
  • Comes with a dual-alarm function
  • Choose from one of seven vibrant colors
  • Has an FM-radio function
  • Doubles as a reading lamp
  • Has a USB port

Cons:

  • Definitely on the pricey end

Te-Rich Sunrise Alarm Clock

More Options Than Most

With the Te-Rich Alarm Clock, you can precisely customize your brightness preferences, getting the exact light you want.
Best Brightness Settings

Find on Amazon

With 20 brightness settings to pick from, you can really customize your lighting experience with the Te-Rich Sunrise Alarm Clock. You’ll wake up peacefully, thanks to the light intensity that gradually increases all the way to 200 lux. This clock is also equipped with plenty of other features to make your mornings go as smoothly as possible: an adjustable time display (pick between 12 hours and 24 hours), an array of nature sounds, and even a USB port for charging all your devices. Get the beauty rest you need and deserve with this clock by your bedside.

Pros:

  • Opt for one of 20 brightness settings
  • Has a 200-lux maximum light intensity
  • Design is elegant and chic and goes with anything
  • You can switch the time display between 12- and 24-hour formats
  • Set the alarm for either nature sounds (there are seven) or the radio
  • Has a 5V/2A USB slot

Cons:

  • We wish it was a tad bit easier to read the buttons

Philips Smart Sleep Alarm

Naturally Therapeutic and Soothing

Reap the (many) health benefits of the Philips Smart Sleep Light.
Best Light Therapy

Find on Amazon

Offering a wide range of settings, the Philips Smart Sleep Alarm does double-duty as both an alarm clock and a light therapy lamp. This clock helps you fall asleep and wake up naturally since it includes both sunrise and sunset brightness settings, along with the brand’s Relax Breathe guide, which is a light-guided wind-down function that’s designed to help you decompress at the end of the day. Use it as a light therapy lamp, too, if you’re not getting enough natural sunlight during the day. All in all, this is a wonderful, naturally effective way to improve your mood and energy levels.

Pros:

  • It’s both a sunrise alarm clock and a light therapy lamp in one
  • Clinically proven to help improve your sleep and boost your energy levels
  • Very intuitive and user-friendly
  • Pick from nature sounds, FM radio, or white noise
  • Comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee

Cons:

  • The price point will definitely be inaccessible for some

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a sunrise alarm clock and a regular alarm clock?

Unlike a traditional alarm clock, a sunrise alarm clock emits artificial light that mimics morning light, so that you wake up more naturally and gradually, as opposed to hearing the sound of a buzzing alarm.

What are the benefits of using a sunrise alarm clock?

Sunrise alarm clocks are on-trend right now for one important reason: they’re more effective and healthier, than regular alarm clocks. Sunrise clocks tap into the body’s natural circadian rhythms, providing a gentler way to transition out of deep REM sleep, which results in a much smoother, easier wake-up. Sunrise alarm clocks are especially beneficial for those who have trouble waking up in the morning.