Hatch vs Philips: Which top-rated sunrise alarm clock is best for your morning routine?

If you're looking for a sunrise alarm clock to make the dark winter mornings easier, you've likely come across the Hatch Restore 2 and the Philips SmartSleep Sleep and Wake-Up Light. Both are considered the top options to shop, but they differ in the features they offer and the design and set up. So, which is right for you?

This year's best sunrise alarm clocks offer realistic, warm sunrises to gently wake sleepers and energize them for the day ahead. However, the Hatch Restore 2 and the Philips SmartSleep go one step further. The Hatch connects to your smart phone for easy controls and offers a range of features from guided meditation to dreamscapes, as well as a sunrise. The Philip SmartSleep has a more simple set up and offers one of the best realistic and energizing sunrises we've seen.

We've tested both sunrise alarm clocks, so we'll be comparing them on features, design, set up and price so you can choose the perfect option for you. Read on to be one step closer to easier mornings.

Hatch Restore 2 vs Philips SmartSleep sunrise alarm clock: Price & warranty

• Hatch gives better value for money, but comes with a subscription fee
• Philips is slightly more expensive but comes with an extra year warranty
• The Hatch Restore 2 has been discontinued, but it's still available at third-party retailers

The Hatch Restore 2 now retails for $169.99, dropping from its initial MSRP of $199 when it first launched in July 2023. However, the brand has now discontinued the Restore 2, replacing it with the recently released Hatch Restore 3. This means you'll need to shop at third-party retailers like Amazon and Healf for the Restore 2.

While major sales at Amazon, like Prime Day and Black Friday, usually take at least $25 off the Hatch Restore 2, it's currently sitting at full price. Plus you'll need to budget for a monthly subscription fee at $4.99/month or $49.99/year if you want to access all the features the sunrise alarm clock has on offer. A 1 year warranty and 30 day returns are included.

On the other hand, the Philips SmartSleep is slightly more expensive at $179.95 MSRP, but this is a one off purchase without any subscription fee needed. The Philips is one of the more expensive sunrise alarm clocks on the market and it doesn't have a whole load of features to match its price point.

Although its not currently discounted, we have seen the Philips SmartSleep drop to just under $120 during sale periods. So it's worth looking out for bargains throughout the year if you want better value. The warranty will cover you for two years, which is slightly more generous than the Hatch.

Hatch Restore 2: now $169.99 at Amazon
Even though the Hatch Restore 2 is currently our top-rated sunrise alarm clock of the year, it is not the most expensive, even at full price. You will need to shop at retailers like Amazon where you can pick it up for $169.99 now. We think this is good value considering the extensive audio library of sleep and wake-up sounds on offer. Although you will have to pay a subscription fee, $4.99/month is a small price to pay for easier wake-ups and quality sleep night after night.

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Philips SmartSleep Sleep and Wake-Up Light: now $179.95 at Philips
Although an expensive buy, the easy-to-use Philips SmartSleep has a strong sunrise simulation, giving you a more natural and gentle wake-up call on dark winter mornings. This wake-up light currently sits at MSRP of $179.95 without any discount, making it $10 more expensive than the Hatch. However, when you consider Hatch's subscription fee, they balance out at around the same price.

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Hatch Restore 2 vs Philips SmartSleep sunrise alarm clock: Design & set up

• The Hatch has a sleek design
• The Philips is bigger
• The Hatch must connect to mobile app, while the Philips is operated via buttons on clock

There's a reason the Hatch Restore range is trending on TikTok and Instagram, with it's sleek design. It has a partially fabric exterior and comes in three chic color options including Putty, Slate and Latte.

These are neutral tones that go with most modern bedroom aesthetics, meaning it sits on your bedside table without creating an eyesore. Meanwhile, the Philips SmartSleep is a more futuristic-looking gadget made with white plastic, which doesn't have the same kind of up-market feel.

The Philips SmartSleep has a touch-sensitive panel on front of the clock within the circular light, from where you control the alarm time, sounds and light brightness, or turn on the FM Radio feature. This makes it a good option for anyone shopping a sunrise alarm clock that is simple set up and easy to use.

Alternatively, the Hatch Restore 2 is operated via the Hatch Sleep app, requiring knowledge of Bluetooth and smart phone connectivity. During set up, the app asks questions about your sleep needs and habits so it can suggest sleep sounds and settings that suit your needs. You can also customize your sleep routine here, setting the alarm for different times on different days of the week, which gives a more personal user experience, and makes it a lot easier to become a morning person.

Overall, you can expect a simple and quick set up with the Philips SmartSleep and a slightly more involved process for the Hatch Restore 2. If you're savvy with a smart phone, then this shouldn't be an issue.

Hatch Restore 2 vs Philips SmartSleep sunrise alarm clock: Features

• The Hatch comes with a library of sleep sounds
• The Philips offers the best, brightest sunrise simulation
• The Hatch is better for more tech-savvy users

When it comes to sunrise and sunset simulation, these two alarm clocks come close. They light up 30 minutes before your desired wake up time, beginning with a warm orange color light and gradually getting brighter to gently stir you before the alarm sounds.

This gradual wake up call allows your body to transition more smoothly from sleep to wakefulness without feeling groggy. If we have to call it, after testing the alarm clock for our Philips SmartSleep Sleep and Wake-Up Light review, we believe it has a more authentic sunrise simulation than the Hatch 2, providing brighter light to pull you from sleep. It also has a sunset feature, meaning you can use the light as a bedtime lamp and it will gradually turn off by the time you fall asleep.

There's no getting around the fact the Hatch Restore trumps the Philips SmartSleep in terms of audio functionality, offering a range of sleep sounds including guided meditations, sleep podcasts and dreamscapes. Our lead tester for the Hatch Restore 2 review found the options were effective in boosting her energy in the mornings. However, both alarm clocks offer calming alarm tones like birdsong or crashing waves to replace your jarring iPhone alarm sound.

In short, if a powerful sunrise simulation that will wake you up naturally is what you're looking for, the Philips SmartSleep is the one for you. But if you want plenty of bedtime audio options and smartphone connectivity, the Hatch is the way to go.

Hatch Restore 2 vs Philips SmartSleep sunrise alarm clock: Which should you buy?

Buy the Hatch Restore 2 sunrise alarm clock if...

✅You want to improve your wind-down routine: With sleep mediations and audio bedtime stories, the Hatch makes a great addition to your calming nighttime routine.

✅You want an aesthetic alarm clock: Designed with sleek fabric and neutral colors, the Hatch is a stylish bedroom accessory.

✅You're confident using smart phone apps: Operated via a compatible app, the Hatch requires Bluetooth and smart phone connectivity.

Buy the Philips SmartSleep sunrise alarm clock if...

✅You want phone-free control: Unlike the Hatch, the Philips SmartSleep is operated via straightforward touch-sensitive buttons.

✅Waking up with just light is your priority: We rate the Philips SmartSleep as the best sunrise simulation light as it is great at mimicking daylight.

✅You're after a one-time purchase: Although it is slightly more expensive at purchase, the Philips SmartSleep doesn't come with a subscription fee, whereas the Hatch does.