Use the best sunrise alarm clocks for a more refreshing start to the day

The best sunrise alarm clocks offer a more natural alternative to a terrifyingly loud phone alarm. A gentle awakening can set you up for a good day, and a sunrise alarm clock does just this by mimicking the rising sun to bring you to consciousness in a relaxed manner.

But with such a range of sunrise clocks available, you may need guidance on where to start. To help make the process easier, we've compiled our favorite wake-up lights, including those that can be used as a bedside light, to help your bedroom feel more relaxed. 

A good sunrise alarm clock can set you back between $50/ £30 to $150/ £100, depending on the features you're looking for. A more sophisticated model is likely to be a little pricier, but some of the budget models still offer a top-quality experience that is a bit more wallet-friendly. 

Whether you're looking for integrated voice control or soothing white noise, we've found the sunrise alarm clock for you. Read on to find your new bedtime companion and wake up more naturally. 

The best sunrise alarm clocks you can buy right now

When it comes to sunrise alarm clocks, it’s fair to say Lumie know a thing or two. The company has been developing light therapy products for 30 years, and this domed design doesn’t disappoint. 

While it takes a few minutes to set up, it’s very easy to personalize. You can adjust the duration of your sunrise and sunset from 15 to 90 minutes, and the light intensity is easily altered from a bright light to a soft glow. 

Alarms can be pre-set for the week ahead and there are 14 natural sounds, a standard beep and also an FM radio. Fancy nodding off or waking up to birdsong, or even the gentle bleating of goats? No problem! 

Yes it’s an investment, but the Philips SmartSleep Wake-Up Light has been shown to work. Independent studies concluded that it not only wakes you up more naturally (with 25 brightness intensities, it floods your room with bright yellow light) but also more energized.

Wake up to nature sounds, ambient music or FM radio and at night, use the light-guided wind down function to ease you into sleep. Simply follow one of seven rhythms of light intensity with your breathing, to help you relax. Alternatively, drift off to also the simulated sunset, accompanied by natural sounds. 

It's easily personalized, either on the device itself or via the SleepMapper app. There is a slightly cheaper model without this option, but the smart features allow you to analyze your bedroom environment and sleep patterns, helping you towards your best night's sleep.

There’s a handy USB charging point too, and the nifty midnight function comes in handy in the dead of night; tap the device twice and it emits a soft orange light to save you stumbling around in the dark. 

The hOmeLabs Sunrise Alarm clock offers an LED clock face available in a variety of different colors. It has a sleek, modern look perfect for a minimalist bedroom, and comes with an easy-to-hit snooze button that will pause the alarm and turn off the light and sound for five minutes.

When the alarm is switched off, you can also use this clock as a bedside lamp or nightlight. The touchscreen clock face offers 12-hour and 24-hour views and lets you switch on the FM radio anytime you fancy. 

Users like the LED color options, value for money, and the wake-up light's sturdiness. The grippy-based stand stops it from being knocked off a bedside table, and a backup battery means you don't lose your chosen settings in a power cut. 

Reviewers are less pleased with the quality of the speakers and the fact the clock turns on at about 50% brightness instead of warming up slowly from dark. One user even referred to the light as 'unnatural,' which can be jarring for a light sleeper as it doesn't quite mimic a gentle sunrise.

This slimline design from German brand Beurer doesn’t just look good, it has a relatively small footprint too ⁠— handy when space is at a premium. In addition to the basics you’d expect, like adjustable alarm times, there’s an FM radio with 10 presets, six wake-up melodies, and four sleep melodies.

It also works as a bedside light and mobile-savvy users will appreciate the handy LightUp app. This connects your phone to your light via Bluetooth, giving you access to a host of additional functions.

These include close control over an impressive range of mood lighting, as well as the ability to personalise the brightness and duration of your sunrise. You can stream your own music via Bluetooth, too. 

This budget-friendly wake-up light offers the fun option to beam the time onto your bedroom ceiling ⁠— handy if you like to know how long you’ve got left in bed! The sizeable screen can be personalised with four brightness levels too, so it won’t keep you awake at night.

The clock gradually simulates sunrise over 30 minutes and the alarm itself can be set for weekdays, weekends, or every day. In addition to an FM radio, the Coulax Wake Up Light has 30 built in sounds, and there are 20 adjustable brightness levels.

With mood lighting options that include pink, blue, and yellow, it’ll appeal to youngsters too. Impressive functionality at a budget-friendly price.

How to choose the best sunrise alarm clock for you

Rob Davey, a sleep expert at Snoozel Green, explained to Fit&Well that our bodies respond best when woken up by the light of a rising sun, as sunlight catalyzes our circadian rhythm and lets our brain know it’s time to be alert and operating. 

A wake-up light is the best way to rise to the effect of sunlight every day. But there are some considerations you need to keep in mind when making your decision on the right wake up light for your home. 

Design

No two sunrise alarm clocks appear the same so it is helpful to think what model will best fit into your room. You will find ones with a more classic design, meanwhile others appear more futuristic.

You will also want to consider what available space you have. Many sunrise alarm clocks can act as a regular light, saving you the need to have a bedside lamp as well.

Sounds

“An added benefit of many sunrise clocks is that they include optional natural morning sound effects, such as the chirping of birds or the gentle rustling of the wind in trees,” explains Davey.

If you prefer having some form of noise to wake you up then you can find a wake-up light offering various sounds like the ones listed above but if not, there are simpler sunrise alarm clocks with less options but are just as effective for getting you out of bed.

Additionally, you might just enjoy waking up to the familiar sound of the radio and lucky for you some sunrise alarm clocks are fitted with FM capability. If waking up to your favorite music is high on your must-have list, take a look at the products below and consider a model that has an FM radio. 

Features

There are plenty of additional features you won’t want to miss out on. Many of the wake-up lights feature dimmable red night lights to help you fall asleep. 

Moreover, some designs allow you to stream music via Bluetooth meaning you can play a soothing song or listen to your favourite podcast as your head hits the pillow.

And, if you are a serial snoozer you will be glad to know many of the models include a snooze function.