Tom's Guide Verdict
The hOmeLabs sunrise alarm clock is one of Amazon's best-selling wake-up lights, and after reviewing it, we think it's an excellent budget sunrise simulation clock that is suitable for both kids and adults. It has a sunrise simulation function to help you rise more easily in the mornings (though the quality of this doesn't quite match up to more premium models) and a variety of color options for when it isn't in wake-up mode, all without breaking the bank or connecting to an app. Plus, it sits neatly on your bedside table.
Pros
- +
Eight color options
- +
Low price
- +
FM Radio
Cons
- -
Sound quality isn't great
- -
Light not as bright as others
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hOmeLabs Sunrise Alarm Clock: Review in brief
Sunrise alarm clocks are a popular sleep trend on social media platforms such as TikTok, and among the models on offer is the hOmeLabs Sunrise Alarm Clock, a great budget-friendly model that has plenty of decent features for the very affordable price.
Type: Sunrise alarm clock
Best for: Kids and those on a budget
Dimensions: 17cm W x 18cm H x 11cm L
Warranty: 1 year
Price: from $22.68/£16.99 at Amazon
Choosing the right sunrise alarm clock for you obviously depends a lot on your specific criteria. But if affordability is at the top of your list, then the hOmeLabs Sunrise Alarm Clock, at just under $23 on Amazon, is far cheaper than many options out there.
However, with a lower price tag than most of the best sunrise alarm clocks we've tested, it does lack some of their top notch functions, like calming sleep audio, realistic sunrise simulation and high sound quality. But even without some of the swankier features, with its various colored light options, a built-in FM radio, nature alarm sounds and a timed light setting, the hOmeLabs does the basics well.
But where does this sunrise alarm clock, which has more than 4,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, stand amongst the competition and can you truly get on board with this trend while opting for a lower price tag? Read on to see...
hOmeLabs Sunrise Alarm Clock: Price
Price is where the hOmeLabs clock really stands out. At $22.68/£16.99 the hOmeLabs clock is more than a hundred dollars/pounds cheaper than some other sunrise alarm clocks on the market, making it a fantastic budget option for anyone curious about using a sunrise alarm clock.
If you're making your first foray into these devices, it makes sense to try an affordable option like the hOmeLabs clock before splashing on a more plush model. And, if you have kids, you can always hand it down to them if you upgrade, or even purchase for them from the outset.
Wake up lights operated via mobile apps, like the pricier Hatch Restore 2, can also require subscription fees to access their full libraries and features, making those simulated sunrises even heavier on the pocket. However, hOmeLabs doesn't have any additional costs beyond the initial price tag.
And, for that very low price, it does offer adequate sunrise functionality, while doubling as an FM Radio and mood light. Plus you'll get free home delivery and a one-year warranty.
Price score: 4.5/5
hOmeLabs Sunrise Alarm Clock: Features
A circular LED light surrounding a central digital display, this sunrise alarm clock model lacks some of the bedside chic of the more expensive models, but it does the job of gently waking you up in place of an irritating smartphone alarm.
While the hOmeLabs Sunrise Alarm Clock doesn’t claim to combat seasonal affective disorder (SAD) as other sunrise lamps do, it is a simple bedside light/alarm clock that dims and brightens to help you sleep and wake up, and it generally does the job pretty effectively.
There is a caveat to that — even on the brightest out of ten setting levels, we didn't always wake up from the light alone during the week we trialled the hOmeLabs clock (but it's worth noting that lighter sleepers may still find this brightness enough to regularly pull them from their slumber). The hOmeLabs light also feels more artificial compared to other premium models, such as the Hatch Restore 2, which simulates sunrise by phasing through different colors.
In this clock's favor, we did feel that the gradual increase in brightness over the course of 30 minutes had some kind of positive effect, as it felt easier to wake up and get out of bed when the alarm sounded.
Despite not offering all the fancy extras, the hOmeLabs clock still has some solid features, including a built-in radio (which can be set as your alarm sound), a night time reading light thanks to its sunset function, and eight colored mood light options (for when it's not in use as a sunrise clock).
For those looking to brighten up their bedroom by switching up the colors on their clock, the array of color options, ranging from turquoise to red and violet is definitely one of the big selling points of the hOmeLabs Sunrise Alarm Clock.
In terms of its design, the hOmeLabs light is supported by a metal base and the circular shape LED light brightens up to a warm yellowy-white to mimic the effect of the sun rising. Although the basic design doesn't come close to the likes of the Philips SmartSleep Wake-up Light, at 18cm tall it sits subtly enough on your bedside table. Turned off, this device is white and black, and as such is neutral enough to fit in with most bedroom styles.
Features score: 3.5/5
hOmeLabs Sunrise Alarm Clock: Ease of use
The hOmeLabs alarm clock comes with a clear, detailed instruction manual and is operated via simple touch sensitive icons on the clock front, as well as seven buttons on the clock top, including a snooze button. Unlike other sunrise alarm clocks, you don't have to connect to WiFi or any mobile apps, making it a great option for the less tech-savvy.
Although adults will find there is plenty to like about this affordable alarm clock (particularly if budget is a big factor), we think it's especially suited to kids. The simple design makes it easy for younger ones to operate and the bright choice of multicolor lights is definitely a feature likely to appeal to kids. For parents worried about the LED digital display keeping little ones awake, it can also be turned off to ensure a sleep free of visual stimulation.
You can adjust the brightness level, alarm sound and time through the icons on the face of the hOmeLabs clock, and there's also a snooze button on top for those who prefer to delay their wake-up time come morning.
One design feature to factor in, however, is that the clock front buttons are small and could be difficult to use if you have mobility issues in your hands. But, if that's not something you would find challenging, or, if you're intending to use the clock for a child with smaller fingers, there should be no problems.
Ease of use score: 3.5/5
hOmeLabs Sunrise Alarm Clock: Performance
We tested the hOmeLabs Sunrise Alarm Clock across all key areas of performance, including ease of use, performance and functionality. After trialling if for one week, this is how we rated it.
Set-up
The HomeLabs Sunrise Alarm Clock set up takes four easy steps. After connecting the clock to your power source using a USB-port plug, you then set the current time, the alarm time and the alarm tone using the touch sensitive buttons, which are on the clock front.
Sunrise simulation
The hOmeLabs Sunrise Alarm Clock lights up between 10 and 30 minutes (depending on the time setting you choose) before the programmed alarm time. During this time, the light increases in yellowy-white hues to maximum brightness before the alarm sounds.
Alarms
When it comes to the alarm sound you want rousing you from your slumber, the hOmeLabs clock has seven to choose from, including sounds from nature and an FM radio. It is worth noting that the nature sounds, which include ocean waves and birds and ocean waves, are more basic than those on more premium models, we felt that they are still an improvement if you've had enough of the jarring sounds featured on most phone alarms. And, there's a snooze button to delay the alarm.
Sunset simulation
As well as being designed to help you wake easily, the hOmeLabs clock has a gradually dimming sunset feature to help you ease into sleep at night. To turn this setting on, simply touch the half moon and 'zzz' button and the light will gradually dim over the course of 15 minutes until it turns off altogether (you can also double press this button so it turns off over 30 minutes, or triple press for 60 minutes).
Sleep sounds
Unlike other sunrise alarm clocks with libraries of sleep and wake up sounds, the hOmeLabs Sunrise Alarm Clock's night time mode is pretty basic and doesn't offer any meditative sleep sounds to go along with the dimming light. That said, for a budget price, you can't expect it to have it all!
Should you buy the hOmeLabs Sunrise Alarm Clock?
Buy the hOmeLabs Sunrise Alarm Clock if...
✅You're shopping for the kids: With different coloured light options at a budget price, this is a great alarm clock to help get the kids up for school.
✅You're shopping on a budget: The hOmeLabs is one of the best budget sunrise alarm clocks you can buy right now, with good functionality at a fraction of the cost of more premium options.
✅You're not tech-savvy: Operated via touch-screen icons and standard buttons, there's no need to connect the hOmeLabs to WiFi or a mobile app.
Don't buy the hOmeLabs Sunrise Alarm Clock if...
❌You want soothing alarm sounds: The alarm sounds on this budget model are (as you might expect) basic and somewhat tinny.
❌You struggle with mobility in your hands: The control buttons on the clock front and top are quite small and fiddly. It would be hard to operate the buttons if you lack mobility in your hands and fingers.
❌You're looking for a light to help SAD: Unlike some other wake-up lights, the hOmeLabs clock does not aim to treat symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder.
