Verdict
Head-to-head · Best Sunrise Alarm Clocks

Hatch Restore 3 vs Philips SmartSleep Wake-Up Light HF3520

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Philips SmartSleep Wake-Up Light HF3520 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.1 vs 4.0). Philips SmartSleep Wake-Up Light HF3520 is best for: light sleepers seeking natural wake-up. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Hatch Restore 3
Ranked #2 in Best Sunrise Alarm Clocks
Hatch Restore 3
1 source$169.99as of Oct 20

Reviewers rate the Hatch Restore 3 at the top for building a bedtime ritual, helped by a well-polished app and a sunrise function that works. They also like the industrial design and the intuitive physical controls. Two catches: the sunrise light isn't as bright as competitors', and the full routine features sit behind a subscription. It's for people who want a smart alarm clock with sleep routines built in, not just a light that comes on in the morning.

Strengths
  • — App-based routine builder is well-designed and easy to use
  • — Sunrise light effect is powerful enough to be effective
  • — Physical controls are responsive and intuitive
Watch-outs
  • — Sunrise light is dim compared to other options
  • — Subscription fee required for full routine features
Philips SmartSleep Wake-Up Light HF3520
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Sunrise Alarm Clocks
Philips SmartSleep Wake-Up Light HF3520
1 source$106.99as of Oct 20

The Philips SmartSleep Wake-Up Light HF3520 simulates a sunrise and a sunset, which helps people wake up naturally and fall asleep more easily. Wirecutter's Phillip Zminda praised the red-tinted light for how closely it mimics natural sunlight, and the sunset function for promoting better sleep. The menu system isn't intuitive and the buttons are small, which is a problem first thing in the morning. Light sleepers who want a gentle wake-up will like it; anyone who prefers simple controls won't.

Strengths
  • — Gradual red-tinted light mimics natural sunrise to reduce grogginess
  • — Includes sunset simulation feature to help users fall asleep
  • — The Philips SmartSleep Wake-Up Light HF3520 offers a soothing simulated sunrise and sunset, helping users wake up naturally and fall asleep easier. Wirecutter's Phillip Zminda praised its red-tinted light for mimicking natural sunlight and its sunset function for promoting better sleep. However, reviewers noted the device's unintuitive menu system and small buttons make it challenging to use, especially in the morning. This alarm clock is ideal for light sleepers seeking a gentle wake-up experience but may not suit those who prefer simple controls.
Watch-outs
  • — Tiny buttons around rim are difficult to navigate when groggy

How they stack up

Hatch Restore 3

The Hatch Restore 3 is built around an app-based routine builder, with full routine features behind a subscription fee. Its sunrise light is dim compared to other options, where the Lumie Bodyclock Shine 300 is the brightest of the Lumie Bodyclock models. Its controls are a knob and two buttons against the Shine 300's 11 buttons, and it costs more than the Philips SmartSleep Wake-Up Light HF3520.

Philips SmartSleep Wake-Up Light HF3520

The Philips SmartSleep Wake-Up Light HF3520 pairs its red-tinted sunrise with a sunset simulation for falling asleep. Its touch screen and tiny rim buttons are awkward, where the Lumie Bodyclock Glow 150 is simple to use with intuitive navigation. Its sunrise runs 20 to 40 minutes against the Glow 150's 20 to 45, and it costs less than the Glow 150 and far less than the Lumie Bodyclock Shine 300.

Specs side-by-side

SpecHatch Restore 3Philips SmartSleep Wake-Up Light HF3520
DisplayClock face with sunrise lightColoured sunrise simulation
BrightnessBrighter overall than version 220
ControlsKnob and two buttons on topTap snooze
Dimensions7.23 x 1.5 x 5.69 inches; 0.11 ounces19.2 x 19.9 x 14.6 cm
Lighting Modes—Red-tinted
Sunrise Duration—20-40 minutes
Alarm Tones—5
Alarm Types—Natural sounds and beeping
Material—Plastic
← See the full ranking of best sunrise alarm clocks