Hatch Restore 2
$199.99
The best sunrise alarm for adults who want to transform their morning routine. Expensive, but the sleep-wake improvement is genuinely life-changing.
What We Like
- +Sunrise + sunset routines
- +White noise/sleep sounds
- +No phone needed to operate
- +Beautiful design
Room to Improve
- -Requires subscription for full library ($4.99/mo)
- -Pricey for an alarm clock
Our Full Review
I bought the Hatch Restore 2 because I was tired of waking up angry at my phone alarm. What I didn't expect was how much it would improve my entire bedtime routine. The sunset feature dims warm light over 30 minutes while playing rain sounds, and I'm usually asleep before it finishes.
The sunrise simulation is the real star. Over 30 minutes before your alarm time, the light gradually brightens from warm amber to full daylight. By the time the sound alarm triggers, you're already half-awake and it feels natural rather than jarring. My husband, a lifelong heavy sleeper, now wakes up before the sound alarm most mornings.
The device itself is gorgeous -- it looks like a high-end speaker, not a gadget. You can control everything from the touch buttons on top, no phone required (though the app offers way more customization). The library of sounds, meditations, and sleep stories is extensive but requires a $4.99/month subscription for full access.
That subscription is my one real complaint. For a $200 device, locking premium content behind a paywall feels a bit much. The free tier includes basic sounds and sunrise/sunset, which is honestly all you need. But if you want guided meditations or the full sound library, budget for the subscription.
How We Tested
Tested nightly for 3 months by two users. Tracked wake-up time consistency and snooze frequency before and after. Measured light output with a lux meter at various brightness settings. Compared sleep onset time with and without the sunset routine.
Who Is This For?
Adults who struggle with mornings, anyone wanting to reduce phone-in-bed time, people with SAD or seasonal sleep issues. Skip it if you're a light sleeper who's already fine with mornings -- you won't see as dramatic a difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need the subscription?+
No. The free features (sunrise, sunset, basic sounds, alarm) work perfectly. The subscription adds guided meditations, sleep stories, and a larger sound library.
Will the light wake my partner?+
Possibly, but the light is directional and the lowest brightness settings are very subtle. Most partners report it's much less disruptive than a traditional alarm.
How does it compare to the original Hatch Restore?+
Better in every way -- smoother sunrise simulation, better speaker, more intuitive controls, and a sleeker design. Worth the upgrade if you're choosing between them.
Alternatives to Consider
Hatch Restore Mini
The budget-friendly version for my kids' rooms. Simple sunrise alarm, sound machine, and nightlight all in one adorable little device.
Philips Hue White Ambiance Starter Kit
Set your lights to warm amber in the evening and cool bright white in the morning. My circadian rhythm has never been happier.
Verilux HappyLight Touch
SAD lamp season is real, friends. This 10,000 lux light therapy lamp lives on my desk from October to March and makes those gray days bearable.